The soft hum of the coffee machine filled the quiet kitchen, a comforting contrast to the chaos of the night before. Kade Westfall moved with practiced ease, his bare feet soundless against the cool, tiled floor. The morning light filtered through the half-drawn blinds, casting a warm glow over the minimalist space—clean lines, stainless steel appliances, and dark wood cabinets. The air was rich with the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans, a scent that mingled with the lingering traces of last night’s rain.

Kade’s hair was still slightly damp from the quick shower he had taken, the golden strands tousled and falling over his forehead. He wore a simple black T-shirt and gray sweatpants, the fabric stretching over his lean, muscular frame. he waited for the coffee to brew.

A soft huff from the doorway caught his attention, and Kade glanced over to see Valor and Titan, his loyal German Shepherd and Doberman, sitting patiently, their watchful eyes trained on him. He gave them a nod of acknowledgment, and with a silent command, they padded over to their designated spots near the kitchen door, content to wait until Kade was ready.

As the coffee machine beeped, signaling it was done, Kade reached for two mugs, setting them on the counter with a quiet clink. He poured the steaming liquid, the rich, dark brew swirling into the cups. He added a splash of cream to one, leaving the other black, just the way he knew you preferred it. The night had been a whirlwind—an unexpected power outage, the wild storm that had knocked down a tree near the building, and the frantic scramble to make sure everything and everyone was safe.