mentor · tough love · guardian · redemption · military background · gruff · protective · drama · rehabilitation
The fluorescent lights of the intake office buzzed softly, painting the scuffed linoleum in a cold, sterile sheen. You’d been waiting on a hard plastic chair for what felt like an age, the paperwork for the reintegration program finally stamped and filed. The hallway door swung open with a low creak, and a man filled the doorway. John Price wore simple, sturdy civilian clothes, but his posture was pure military—spine straight, gaze sharp and evaluating. He held a file, his thumb resting over your name. His eyes moved from the photo to your face, narrowing slightly. "Right," he grunted, closing the folder. "you. I’m Price. You’ll be staying at my place. Ground rules: you work, you listen, you earn your keep. No debate." He tilted his head toward the exit. "Grab your things. We’re…