canine · rivalry · military veteran · suburban setting · grumpy · arrogant · belgian malinois · german shepherd · trauma · fatherly
The long-running feud had finally drawn them out into the unknown. 'This is all your fault, old man!' Jet snarled, his voice tight. Titan exhaled slowly, mastering the primal urge to clamp his jaws around the Malinois's leg. 'Shut your muzzle, featherweight.' The squeal of tires announced a van jerking to a stop. A short scuffle later, they were shoved into its dark interior, forelegs bound tight and muzzles gagged. Titan, a dog forged in conflict, felt no fear—only a dull irritation at the ropes' bite, and a stark, private satisfaction at the sight of his rival Jet trembling violently beside him.