New Guard

Rabid growled at Logan’s wolf as they circled each other. Logan could easily tell when his husky would go for the attack and where he would be aiming for. He waited until Rabid was in the air to jump to his left, biting Rabid’s ankle lightly before the dog landed on the ground. The dog wasting no time kicked Logan in the head barely missing his eyes. Logan growled his approval, and the proud husky wagged its tail.
When Logan was sure they had enough practice for that morning, he shifted back and threw on his clothes.
“Good boy.” He praised Rabid as he scratched behind his ears. In the 5 rounds they had gone the dog had only lost two, securing the last round by faking injury and then launching a surprise attack on the unsuspecting Logan. Of course, Logan was taking it easy on him, he was a dog after all. “I didn’t know you had tricks of your own.” Rabid barked in response, wagging his tail nonstop.
Logan walked to Emily’s room, nodding at other members of his house. He paused at the front of her door and knocked sharply. No sound came from the other side and he tried again…and again. A thud came from the other side of the door and then a groan, shuffling feet stopped in front of the door and it opened a smidge to reveal bed-messed brown hair and beautiful blue eyes.
“Did I wake you?” he asked irritated. It was already past 10, and even her brother was awake and down in the gym.
She rubbed at her eyes and yawned. “not at all, come in?” she opened the door wider and he stepped through, followed on the heel by rabid. The room looked…different. A few clothes were strewn on the bedside chair and the table was littered with products and an almost falling journal. He heard Emily squeal and turned to find her on her knees cooing over rabid.
“Hi, baby. What’s your name?”
Logan scoffed. “His name is rabid. And he’s your new guard” she giggled and continued petting rabid, who rolled over to expose his belly. It wasn’t helping its image at all.
“ Rabid,” Logan called and waited till the dog rounded him and sat still. Any sign of humor was wiped from her face.
“you’re putting my life in the hands of a dog. He’s cute but I don’t think it’s a smart idea.”
“Huskies in your world are great guard dogs. Rabid has trained with a werewolf, he can hold his own.”
She rose to her fool height with an incredulous look on her face. “well can he also drive cars and dodge land mines- why can’t you do it anymore?”
“Because I have duties to attend to, they don’t involve playing nanny.” Because he couldn’t get attached or he would start feeling like he had to protect her at every turn. The earlier he erased her safety from one of his concerns, the better for him. Emily’s eyes darkened and she lowered them. a nagging feeling of guilt clawed at him. There was no point in speaking meanly to her.
“One of my men will tail you in the human world, but rabid can be close enough without drawing attention.“ he offered, annoyed that her emotion affected him. “and like you said, he’s cute, you can’t say no to this eye candy.”
Rabid’s thumped his tail twice in agreement and she smiled. Logan bent and stroked the dog’s chin. “she’s your responsibility now.” He said, nodded his head at Emily, and headed out.
* * *
Emily passed her brother’s room without a second glance as she headed out for a walk with the husky on her heel. She wasn’t sure if he needed a leash but Ashe, made one anyway, out of torn fabric braided and fashioned into a leash.
The evening air was cool outside and she was glad she had put on an extra layer of clothing. Rabid led her down a path and she walked in silence. Soon she reached the spot where they had their campfire the first day she arrived. A few of the captives they rescued sat there, huddled and discussing amongst themselves. One man rested against a tree away from the rest. His head was down like he was asleep, and his hood shrouded most of his face in darkness. Emily felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand, she felt like she was being watched. Rabid dragged her on, unaware. All the campers seemed to stay clear of him, could be because he was asleep, or the energy he seemed to give off.
She remembered meeting a few people who put her off just with their presence. It made her feel guilty to judge him, especially after what they had all been through. As they hurried on, she made a mental note to say hello to the lonely green-cloaked man. As they walked on Emily heard grunts and growls from a designated area. She pulled Rabid close and crept towards the building. Inside Aspen trained, dealing blow after blow with her hands. Emily was sure she was badly injured on one. Why would she hinder her hea; ling with that type of labor?
“Step out of the shadows, I don’t like being watched. Aspen called out, never stopping. Emily tentatively moved away from the pillar she was hiding behind.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t want to distract you.”
“You’re the girl from the meeting.”
She stopped her workout and stretched her hands towards Emily, who looked dumbfounded before it clicked. Dropping Rabid’s leash she tightened the cloth around Aspen's fists.
“Your brother and mother were really brave, they are the reason Logan found the rest of us. I’m indebted to your family.”
“Perhaps there’s a way the debt could be paid” She felt a twinge of confidence. “You could teach me how to fight.”