Page 9 of Stone Cold Savage

Diesel let out a warning growl.

“Diesel.” Rip scolded, calming the dog, accepting the handshake. “Sorry, he’s working right now, and though I have a profile on everyone that’s supposed to be here, Sheriff, he doesn’t.”

“Understood.” Kenzie nodded.

Rip looked to the rest of the family, standing near, and offered a quick nod acknowledging them.

“A profile on everyone? You knew, Kenz?” Devyn looked to Coy, “What the hell?”

“Sorry. I was just briefing everyone on his arrival, but you were out here with the kids. I didn’t expect him to emerge from the damn forest like some kind of savage outlaw looking for trouble. What gives, man?”

Rip stood taller, stretching his back, finally able to catch his breath, “I just finished a perimeter check and got the lay of the land, is all. I placed a few new cams in blind spots, too, while I was out there. Met a few of Ran’s agents…”

“Am I invisible?” Devyn asked.

“Not even a little bit, ma’am,” Rip said with a piercing stare.

Diesel laid down and put his head on Devyn’s feet.

“He doesn’t seem to think so either,” Rip added. “Just tell him to leave it if he bothers you, and he’ll go away.”

Devyn reached down to pet his head.

“Don’t…” Rip tried to stop her, “I was going to say not to pet him yet. He still thinks he’s working, but I guess he’s already picked his person.”

“His person? Wouldn’t that be you?” Devyn took to her knee to scratch his ears, and Diesel licked her through his muzzle. “Can we get this thing off him? He looks like a serial killer being moved to a supermax prison.”

“Yes. I’m his person, but like I said, he’s a working dog. He’s trained to protect just like a human operative would. He’s choosing you. And no, we can’t take that off of him. It’s how he knows he’s on duty. The gear comes off, and he’s just a regular dog. Just the muzzle comes off, and he thinks he’s supposed to take someone down, and you don’t want to meet his bite.”

She rested her forehead against his and rubbed his ears, “Aww. You gave me quite the scare, but you’re forgiven.”

“Thank you. I assumed you knew who I was and took your reaction as a sign that you were being threatened in some way.”

“Not you.” Devyn glared at Rip before turning her attention back to Diesel. “I forgive him. He didn’t know. You, on the other hand, should never assume anything. Who trained you?”

Devyn looked between Coy and Dillon, who shrugged.

“He came to us that way.” Coy chuckled.

“Not funny, brother,” Devyn warned, taking to her feet.

“I forgive you for shooting me… in my back,” Rip said, full of snark.

“Okay. Whatever makes you feel better. I’m fine with my decision.” Devyn admitted. “You’re lucky you had that vest on under there.”

“Are you kidding me? While I was protecting you, you stole my gun and shot me.”

“You picked me up and ran two acres with me under your arm. That can be classified as kidnapping, and you’re lucky I’m not pressing charges.” Devyn warned. “You do realize you were protecting me from… you, right?”

“Pressing charges? You’re lucky I don’t press charges for attempted murder.” Rip fired back. “And theft for stealing my gun… and it looks like my dog is next.”

“It would never stand.” Devyn rolled her eyes. Texas is a stand-your-ground state, and I felt threatened. I had every right to protect myself with any weapon of my choosing, and I can’t help it if your dog agrees with me.”

“With a stolen gun?” Rip snorted.

“Can you prove I stole it? I’d just argue it was readily available, and I used it.”

“She really is a lawyer.” Rip sneered, surprised by Devyn's sharp words, but couldn't help but engage in the banter as they exchanged pointed jabs back and forth. “Look, it isn’t my fault that you…”

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