Trey and Elijah moved along the tree line under the bright, mid-morning sun, Aspen trotting just ahead, ears perked and nose constantly sweeping the air. The warmth of the day made the patrol feel easier, but every movement was careful, and the guards along the perimeter were more alert than usual.
“Easy, boy,” Trey murmured as Aspen paused to sniff a cluster of bushes. The wolfdog’s tail flicked once, then he resumed, moving from one guard to the next with precise attention.
Elijah glanced down at Aspen as he stopped in front of a young guard stationed near the edge of the property. “He’s picky today, huh?”
Aspen pressed his nose against the guard’s uniform, tail stiffening slightly. The guard gave a friendly wave, and Aspen barked softly, circling him once before moving on. “Good,” El
