Chapter 27: Chapter 28

Dustin picked up his wineglass, took a long drink, and set it back down. He looked at Christina, Helena and finally at Victor. He let his gaze travel over the formerly giggling women, the men; he even caught two sets of eyes staring in unmasked vigilance from behind the patio glass, both tails straight, ears high and muscles tight. “Wow,” Dustin said finally. “What a dick.”

Victor started laughing first, and it only took seconds before the rest followed suit. Dustin grinned, trying to force the tension out of his shoulders. It would have worked to, had Dustin not looked back at the dogs. Because the dogs had no intentions of letting a brief phrase amuse them back into merriment. On the contrary, the dogs looked ready to hunt bear with their teeth. Dogs that had welcomed Dustin without an iota of hesitation, that played with both infant and full-grown male with the same care and respect, that had never shown an ounce of aggression, now stood in perfect, eager, defense mode.

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