Page 39 of Vetted for Vengeance

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She shifts as I sit beside her, pressing her head harder against my knee. Her belly moves under my hand, a ripple passing beneath her skin.

Her breathing is heavier now. I count it automatically.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

Twelve puppies inside that tired body.

“You’re going to be okay,” I whisper.

I’m not sure if I’m reassuring her or myself.

It’s bittersweet.

I’ve been looking after these dogs for so long. I’m sorry to see them go.

Happy they’ll have better lives.

Sad I won’t be there to see it.

But I won’t be empty when they’re gone.

I have more than a job. I have a purpose. I have people who respected me. Help me. Will guide me through my training.

And I have Rhys.

That might be the most dangerous part.

Someone who sees me as a pet, not a witness.

This is my life now.

Not a kennel block that smelled of bleach and fear. Not brothers shouting orders while dogs cried in cages.

A real practice.

Real people.

People who ask for my opinion.

People who trust me.

And Rhys.

A man who scares me in ways I can’t explain.

A man who watches me like I’m a puzzle he intends to solve.

Someone who tolerates my presence, and smiles while doing it.

If he thinks he owes me this life because he took my old one… I’m not going to complain.

Not about this life.

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