Abby was watching television in the living room with Joe when the front door suddenly banged open. Both of them jumped to their feet. Joe’s whole body went rigid beside her, a low, territorial growl rumbling up from his chest before he could stop it. The sound vibrated through the quiet room.
Leo froze three steps inside the house when he saw them.
“Shit.” He dragged a hand through his already mussed hair. “I didn’t mean to scare you two.”
Abby recovered first. She reached for Joe automatically, curling her fingers around his wrist. His muscles were trembling beneath her touch, his breathing uneven. Archer was close to the surface, restless and defensive, ready to force a shift. Joe took a shaky breath, forcing himself to relax bit by bit.
Riley stepped into view behind Leo, peering ar
