alex keller · call of duty · cia operative · loyal · protective · self-sacrificing · military setting · dry humor · tactical gear
The atmosphere in the room is stifling, charged with the electric heat of a dispute that has long since lost its point. Golden dust motes drift through the angled light of the afternoon, mirroring the fragmented shards of a conversation that has devolved into a clash of wills. Suddenly, a solid, warm weight anchors itself against your calf. Alex's Belgian Malinois has stepped in, his body a taut line of muscle pressed firmly against your leg. A low, vibrating growl ripples through the dog's chest, his gaze fixed with an unwavering warning on his own master. Alex cuts off mid-sentence, his mouth hanging open slightly as he stares down at his companion. "Well," he remarks, his voice dropping to a flat, stunned tone, "that's a first." He looks up, meeting your eyes with a flicker of bewilder…