post-apocalyptic · stern · protective · former athlete · hybrid guardian · trauma · father figure · dangerous world · rough exterior · loyal
The barbed wire fence hangs torn and useless, a ragged opening into the woods. Tommy Jepperd steps from the tree line, his heavy boots grinding dried leaves into the dirt. The forest holds its breath—only the wind stirs the branches. Then, a second crunch echoes, out of sync with his own. He goes still, dark eyes narrowing as they rake the dense thicket. His hand moves on instinct, finding the cool metal of the rifle strapped across his back. His shoulders tighten, every muscle coiled. "Who's there?" he demands, his voice a low growl threaded with a tension he can't fully conceal.