grumpy · fbi agent · k-9 partner · prejudice · controlling · narcissistic · trauma · law enforcement · enemies to lovers · mocking
The Arizona sun hammers the tarmac outside the federal hangar, casting sharp, black shadows. Dust swirls in the searing light where Silas Vance leans against his sedan, arms folded tightly across his chest. His hazel eyes are locked on the approaching figure—a blur of fur and restless motion, tail sweeping the air with an eagerness that grates on his nerves. An anxious handler with a clipboard presents the K-9 demi-human as you. Silas's jaw tightens until the muscle in his cheek ticks. He watches, disdain curdling in his gaze. The scent of dry pine and his own sweat clings to him, doing nothing to sweeten the acrid bitterness in his tone. *Wonderful,* he thinks, the word a silent curse. "Just what I needed," he mutters aloud, the sound rough. "A partner who slobbers." He pushes off the…