Page 96 of Into the Woods

The guy on the other side of the door was huge, like every other guy in the room, with a full beard, tanned skin, and a full sleeve of black and gray tattoos on his left arm. He looked utterly relaxed in khaki cargo pants and a tight black shirt that showed off an impressive amount of muscle. But it was the furry companion at his feet that made me smile.

“Trick,” Rook greeted, extending an arm. They did that patented guy half-hug, half-back slap thing, then Rook turned to the gorgeous dog sitting patiently at his friend’s side. He crouched down. “Hey, Wanda.”

Wanda looked up at Trick with soulful brown eyes, waiting for Trick to give her a nod before getting up and butting her head against Rook’s chest. Her thick brown-and-black tail wagged furiously.

Bishop stood up, extending a hand. “Good to see you again, man.”

“You too.” Trick glanced at us, smiling. “Hey, Court.”

Court nodded. “Trick. Glad you’re here.”

Trick’s gaze landed on me and lit up. “I don’t think we’ve met.”

“I’m Bex,” I said, leaning over to extend my hand as far as I could while Court looped a possessive arm around my waist and pulled me back to his side.

“My girlfriend,” Court added, eyeing where Trick and I had clasped hands to shake like normal humans.

I gaped up at him. We were throwing around labels now?

Trick didn’t seem phased. “Dude, congrats.” He looked at me. “Good luck, sweetie. If he fucks up, let me know. I’ll kick his ass for ya.”

Court scoffed. “Yeah right. Last time I checked, I kicked your ass.”

“I’d also downed half a bottle of tequila,” Trick retorted. “Sober me would end you. Tell him, Rook.”

Rook stood up. He eyed his friend and then his brother before shrugging. “Honestly, you’re pretty well matched. Trick’s faster, but Court plays dirty.”

Trick looked a little bummed by that. He looked down at the dog nudging his hand as she sat patiently. “You know I’d kick his sorry ass, don’t you, girl?” He scratched behind her ears.

“So this is the infamous Wanda?” Bishop started to reach over to pet her.

Wanda spun faster than my eyes could track. Her ears flattened to her head, her lips pulling back in a snarl as she let out a growl.

Bishop froze, eyes wide. “Uh…”

Trick settled a hand on her head. “Down, girl.”

Instantly the dog relaxed, her tongue lolling out. She gave a small thump of her tail as she looked at Bishop almost like she was apologizing.

“I’m good,” Bishop muttered, stepping backward and sitting back down.

Trick chuckled, the sound low and warm. “She’s a working dog, bro. You can’t just approach her like a damn Labrador the first time you meet her.” He looked at Court and grinned. “She could kick your ass.”

“I’m inclined to agree,” Court replied with a smile.

“She’s beautiful,” I remarked. “She’s a German shepherd?”

“Belgian Malinois,” Trick corrected, rubbing her black muzzle. She leaned against his side.

“She’s yours?” I asked.

“Technically she belongs to the Navy,” he answered with a rueful smile. “But yeah, she’s mine.”

“Trick found Wanda when we were on a mission in Europe,” Rook jumped in. “She was this half-starved little thing that he had a soft spot for. He spent three weeks sneaking her rations and shit.”

“Yeah, that was the best decision I ever made,” Trick said. “She saved all our asses.”

“She did?” I glanced at the dog, who looked utterly content beside Trick.

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