Page 509 of Once Upon a Fable

Fang’s cold, wet nose nudged my bare foot as Kas pulled away. Glancing down at the stinky, dirty dog, he tensed. “Eh, we’ve never had the conversation on where we both stand with pets and kids. You know I can’t physically give you kids—not after what they did to me—but I can’t deny that...caring for others brings out the best in me. It lets me see just how fucking lucky I am by helping those who need it. And I—”

“I understand, Kas.”

“But I haven’t asked—”

“I get it.”

“I want to keep—”

“I know.”

“You do?” He frowned. “And you’re okay with it?”

“I think it was meant to be.”

“How so?”

I glanced at the dog who sat on his haunches and caught my stare. I swore it saw into my soul and knew it was safe now. That he’d survived horrendous things in order to find his proper place in this world.

He needed Kas and Kas needed him.

Both of them would be their support animal.

Leaning on each other as they healed.

“That dog is yours, Kas.”

He didn’t need to tell me that.

He didn’t need to beg on the dog’s behalf.

It was a done deal.

I’d seen it the moment they’d stepped from the trees together.

Untangling myself from Kas’s arms, I dropped to my haunches and reached for the gray and white shaggy thing. “Welcome to our family, Fang.”

“No, wait—” Kas squatted in front of me, his hand clamping around the dog’s muzzle.

The dog whimpered but didn’t try to free itself. It just watched Kas with utmost trust and obedience.

I froze. “Is he still...dangerous?”

“Not sure.” Kas narrowed his eyes at the dog. “Are you?” For the strangest few moments, I swore man and canine communicated. Suddenly, Kas removed his hand from the dog’s muzzle and nodded. “Go ahead.”

The dog whined and immediately walked into me. His head bumpedmy knees, and his tongue licked my hand. His tail wagged hesitantly, warily, his head remaining low with submission, but his gentleness obvious.

I sucked in a breath, wincing at the wound around his neck. “I hope whoever tied him up got their ass handed to them by karma.”

“Let’s just say, whoever it was better hope Fang doesn’t recognize them one day when we’re walking down the street because I won’t be responsible for what I’ll do.”

I threw a look at Kas, utterly breathless.

For the first time—apart from his certainty of marrying me—he spoke about the future. He mentioned leaving my house, exploring the world, doing something as normal and soul-warming as walking his pet down the road.

My heart burst with overwhelming joy.

If Fang wasn’t covered in filth, I would’ve grabbed him close and kissed his scruff. I felt indebted to a dog. So thankful that Kas had something to dote upon, to feel protective of, never realizing it washimwho needed the companionship. Something to touch when his triggers snapped. Something to cling to and spill his secrets when his nightmares woke him in the dark.