The front door creaked open and in walked Gaz, boots heavy with mud and a mischievous smile playing at his lips. Behind him, Price followed, less smirking, more serious—but there was a flicker of softness in his eyes. You raised a brow, sitting awkwardly on the couch with your hand resting on your growing belly.

“What are you two scheming?” you asked.

Then you heard it—light tapping claws on the wood floor, followed by a quiet whine. Your breath hitched as a sleek, rust-and-black blur stepped out from behind Gaz’s legs. A Doberman pup, barely big enough to fill a boot, looked up at you with intelligent brown eyes and a cautious wag of his tail.

“He’s for you,” Price said, crossing his arms. “Well, for both of you.”

Gaz dropped to one knee beside the pup. “Name’s Atlas. He’s already halfway trained. Smart lad, picks up quick. Won’t leave your side.”

You stared, touched and overwhelmed. Hormones hit you like a freight train. “You got me a guard dog?”

Gaz chuckled, rubbing the pup’s ears. “We can’t always be here, love. Not while there’s still work to do. But he can. He will.”

Price stepped forward, kneeling beside you. “He’ll bark before anyone even gets near the house. Loyal to the bone. He’s got your six, same as we do.”

Atlas padded forward carefully and placed a paw on your knee, tail wagging now with more confidence. You stroked his silky head, feeling a surge of unexpected safety.

“You two are ridiculous,” you whispered, blinking back tears.

Price smirked. “And you’re stuck with us.”

“Damn right,” Gaz added, leaning in to kiss your cheek. “Now let’s get this little protector settled. He’s on duty starting now.”

Atlas sat at your feet like he already knew—this was his mission now.

Atlas curled up at your feet, already guarding like it was instinct. You leaned back, hand on your belly, heart full. “He’s perfect.”

Gaz grinned. “Told you he’d be a good fit.”

Price nodded once. “Family protects family.”

And now, you had one more protector.