Skyla’s POV

After kissing Xavier’s cheek and meeting SGT Aaron on his way to the Impala; we share a brief hug and exchange the usual pleasantries before getting straight to business.

“Diablo.” he sighs.

I wince at his tone “Still causing trouble?”

“Yes!” Recovering from his exasperation quickly “Honestly, I don’t know how you do it. This one dog has bested all of our law enforcement, military, and professional security handlers. The devil’s got to go.”

“That’s why he is mine,” I laugh “And that’s why I’m here. I can’t thank you enough for all this, I get that I’m far from your normal placement situation.”

Aaron nods, offering a small and professional smile “I’ll go get him.”

Waiting in the parking lot; it’s been a few weeks since my last visit. Diablo was breed by one of Combat K9’s partners but deemed “unplaceable” after being returned by four potential foster homes/handlers at about four-months-old. None of the law enforcement or military personnel could bond with him; one of the more severe incidents even required stitches.

It was around that time, six months ago, that Officer Thomas brought me by; he thought adopting a retired police or military dog would help me feel safer. During the tour of the facility we walked past a kennel whose occupant seemed out of place. I stopped for a better look and was warned not to stick my hand inside because the young puppy had already taken a bite out of most of their staff and trainers.

About six months ago...

SGT Aaron explains “We call that little psychotic ball of fur Diablo; he’s been raising hell around here and we’re running out of options for the little guy.”

“May I?” I ask, reaching to undo the latch on the kennel.

“I mean,” rubbing the back of his neck, Aaron states “you signed the liability waivers...”

Rolling my eyes at his comment before turning the little hellion loose. Diablo takes after the sergeant’s pants and shoes right away; growling, snarling, trying to rip them to shreds. I kneel on the ground near the puppy and pat my legs “Aww, you are a fiery little bastard, aren’t you?”

Diablo snaps his head in my direction and runs straight at me, pouncing towards my face when Aaron and Thomas begin to intervene. “Well, I’ll be damned.” Aaron says, patting Thomas on the shoulder.

“What?” I question, while being smothered by puppy kisses.

“I guess the devil was just waiting on you.” The sergeant replies before telling me about all the trouble the little dog has caused and explaining how Diablo got his name. I can’t help but laugh. How can such a young dog be so much trouble? I know better though. Working with dogs on a daily basis; I understand, as well as anyone, that sometimes… a dog just needs the right person. Guess this troublemaker is choosing me.

Getting back on my feet, the little terror relaxing and falling asleep in my arms. It feels good to take care of someone who needs me again. Maybe we can help each other. As if reading my thoughts, Aaron speaks up. “How about we make a deal? If you promise to pick him up when his training is complete, visit every two weeks and help with his training… I’ll waive all of his fees.”

Stunned, I look down at the beast in my arms. I don’t want to let him down but I’m confused, “I can’t possibly… why? Why would you do that for me?”

“Officer Thomas told us your story…” he says with a sad smile. “It would seem you need him as much as he needs you. This deal would save his life, and quite honestly you’re probably his last chance.”

Snuggling the pup in my arms, I take a long look at him. I can’t leave you now. I need you… some one to take care of, something that gets me up in the morning. A new reason to keep living.

“Okay! He’s mine… now what?” excited to start this new adventure.

Present day…

Six months of training, visits, and growth have turned my little ball of teeth into 110lbs of lean, mean, solid muscle. Diablo is an all black German Shepherd and at just over ten-months-old he will continue to add some healthy weight as he gets older. When he stands on his back legs his head reaches higher than I am tall, and I love my big goofy idiot!

Aaron makes it to the door, struggling to pull Diablo on his leash “Goddamnit you devil, come on! Look who’s here!”

As soon as I’m in sight Diablo takes off, yanking the leash free of Aaron’s grasp and crossing the parking lot in seconds. His greeting has been the same since that first day… doesn’t matter if I’ve been gone one hour or one week, he’ll jump all over me and try to smother my face to sloppy dog kisses. I drop to my knees so he doesn’t knock me over and wrap my arms around his neck as he crashes into me.

“I’ll have someone load his things into the car, where do you want them.” Aaron says as he walks over.

“In the trunk is fine, can we use the yard for a minute? I have an introduction I need to make.”

Aaron looks past me at the Plymouth, eyeing Xavier for a minute and then nodding, he takes Diablo’s leash and drags him toward the yard. Shaking my head at the sight, you’d never know think someone like me could control that beast with just a look or hand gesture.

Leaning on the driver’s side open window to get Xavier’s attention away from his phone. “Ready to meet the devil?”

“I was… until I saw him” he laughs, “honestly I think I’d rather share you with that Aaron guy.”

“Come on!” I laugh, “there are some rules though. Stand behind me but DON’T touch me, and DON’T touch Diablo. Let me lead, and just remember to breathe.”

“No pressure, then?”

“I’m serious Xavier, if this doesn’t work… Diablo can’t come home today, and you won’t be able to come over again anytime soon, if ever.”

He nods, hesitating just a moment before getting out of the car. “Can I get kiss first? You know, since it could be my last?”

Stretching up on my toes to reach his lips, his arms wrap around me instinctively. His lips feel so good against mine, I could stand here all day. But we can’t. Stepping back and taking his hand, I lead him into the huge police agility yard where Diablo currently has some poor soul in a bite suit pinned to the ground on the side furtherest from us.

“Okay stand right here, don’t move. You can look him but don’t say anything yet. Ready?” I whisper. My back against his chest; Xavier nods, eyes solely focused on Diablo’s assault.

Taking a deep breath I yell out “Diablo! Front and center!” On command he snaps his head my way and starts running, he's like semi-truck hauling ass across the football field sized yard. I watch his eyes cut to Xavier behind me before he skids to a stop and sits in front of me; his nose just a breath away from my navel.

“Now Diablo, this is Xavier. I understand you don’t want to share my attention… either, but he’s been very good to me, so I need you to play nice.” Taking Xavier’s left wrist in my hand I turn it palm up and guide his hand toward Diablo. I can feel his muscles flex beneath my touch; he’s fighting so hard to stay relaxed.

“Breathe” I whisper. Diablo lets out a low growl, not even bothering to sniff Xavier. I use my thumb to press little circles into his palm; trying my best to keep him calm, if he yanks his hand back now Diablo will lunge to grab him.

“Now that’s enough of that Diablo, we’re here to make friends. I’m pretty sure we can trust him.” Diablo looks me in the eye before placing his chin in Xavier’s hand with a huff. Such a brat. I take Xavier’s right hand now and put it on top of Diablo’s head; he closes his eyes and relaxes his ears in submission… waiting for one last sigh out Diablo. There it is.

Intertwining my fingers with Xavier’s and wrapping his arms around me. I feel him relax against my back. “That’s it, we’re done.”

“Seriously?” His breath tickling my ear, goosebumps erupt down my neck and arms.

Releasing Diablo from his defense position to go play as Aaron walks over. Of course that means he’s gone after the bite suit again, I wonder if there’s a football around here…

After introducing himself to Xavier, Aaron asks him “It’s pretty weird isn’t it? The bond they share, she talks to him like he’s a person… and he seems to understand every word.”

Xavier shrugs still holding me tightly “I don’t know, I was too horrified by the thought of loosing a few fingers I didn’t really notice.”

Xavier squeezes me tighter “You ready? I’m starving.”

I turn around in his arms to face him, his kisses my forehead after I nod my answer. We thank SGT Aaron for everything, and he thanks me for taking the devil home. Waking to the car together; Aaron hands Xavier a business card telling him to call if he needs help with either of us. Rolling my eyes as I give him a parting hug and say our goodbyes.

Noticing Diablo’s no where in sight, Xavier turns to look around “Where’d he run off to? Should you get the leash?”

“I don’t know, probably eating some old lady’s cat.”

The shock on his face makes me giggle, I cup my hands around my mouth and command “Diablo! Load up! Let’s go home.”

Like magic, my giant black dog appears at the edge of the yard; scaling the eight-foot fence with ease before sprinting the length of the building and across the parking lot. He’s only stopped once he has sprawled himself across the big leather bench seat in the back.

“Okay then” Xavier says “let’s get you both back home.”

The drive back is much more upbeat. I tell Xavier about meeting Diablo and Aaron, and how he chose me to be his person. Listening to music and talking about nothing of importance, it’s like bringing Diablo home this time has taken the giant weight off my chest. This feels right, this feels normal.

Xavier’s POV

Hanging out at home before my shift at The Wolf Den starts, trying and failing miserably at helping Eloise with her homework. Been two weeks since I've seen Skyla.

“So, am I going to get to meet this one or what?” She asks without looking up.

“Meet who?”

“Whoever is distracting you right now?” She snarks back, waving her pencil across the table of school work. “I don’t need help with this, I’m in advanced classes and you barely graduated.”

“Wow, that’s low, El. You know damn well why I almost didn’t graduate.” I snarl. 

It has been just the two of us for so long, mom died about twelve years ago. Stage four ovarian cancer. Eloise had just turned five, I was seventeen and about to start my junior year of high school.

Dad was around more back then, but still a drunken asshole. Losing mom sent him spiraling.

“You never answered me,” Eloise points out, “do I get to meet this one or is she just another ‘she’s nobody’?”

“I don’t know yet, El.”

“Fine, but don’t be surprised if I call her myself. You and the new girl are all anyone talks about.” She says so matter-of-factly. Ugh, teenagers and housewives… I’m not sure which is worse.

Shaking my head as I stand from the table to grab a beer from the fridge, making a mental note to get more groceries tomorrow morning when I get off work. Neither of us really cooks; cereal, frozen dinners and pizza rolls being the majority of our diet. 

“Alright, I promise to ask if we can get dinner sometime, but she has Diablo now.”

“Who’s Diablo?” Eloise interrupts. “From the club? Her pimp or something? Are you in love with a prostitute?”

“What? No! Diablo's a dog, a big fucking scary dog. She doesn’t go anywhere without him.” Pinching the bridge of my nose in annoyance, she’s clearly been listening to all the gossip. “And she’s not a prostitute, geez, El seriously?”

Seemingly satisfied with my answers, for now, Eloise resumes her work. I frown trying to think of the best way to drop a bomb like Eloise on Skyla.

“Xavier…” She speaks up again. “XAVIER!” She yells when I don’t reply right away.

“What?”  I reply, annoyed.

She points to the silhouette moving across the front window which can only mean one thing. “Dad’s home.”

“Fuck.” I mutter..

Randall “Ripper” Mathis, Enforcer of the Hounds of Hell motorcycle club. “Ellie,” he says while letting the door slam “baby girl, bring me a beer.”

“How long you staying?” I ask, not bothering to move from my seat.

“It’s my house, I’ll stay as long as I fucking want to.” Ripper replies, kicking his feet up on the coffee table.

“Been six months, haven’t even called your own daughter to check-in.” I glare at my sorry excuse for a father.

Unceremoniously tossing my finished beer into the recycling bin, I’m trying my best to keep my own temper in check.

“The deed might be in your name, “ I state with a deadly calm tone “ but I put Eloise through school. I keep the lights and water on. I put food on the table and bought that beer in your fucking hand.”

“Well, you got shit taste so watch your fucking mouth.”

“I am not one of you stupid prospects, Ripper.” Jumping from my seat to tower over him. “You don’t fucking scare me!”

Just as quickly as I spit the words out does he jump to his feet and slug me with that mean right hook, my lip splitting. Before I can retaliate Eloise runs between us.

“Xavier, don’t.” She pleads, her nervous expression extinguishing my rage. “Daddy, what’s going on? Why are you here?”

“There’s a job, your brother’s gonna help.” He says, like I’ve got no choice in the matter.

“Like hell, I am. I'm out. Why can’t your guys handle this shit?”

“I need Gauge.”

If he’s come to me for this and not the current members this must be high risk, I’m disposable. Something happens to me and Eloise is on her own or worse Ripper takes her back to the club. She’d be like a shiny new plaything. The thought alone threatens to make me puke.

“Been too long, our deal was one big job a year… and you’ve gotten out of the last two.” Ripper knows he’s got me backed into a corner.

“What’s it pay?” Eloise asks.

“No!” I protest immediately.

“Ten,” Ripper negotiates “Two day drive, raiding a grower not paying dues.”

“I can’t just leave for a week. I have an actual job, Eloise would be here all alone.”

Eloise, being slightly more level headed, pushes me into the kitchen to talk. “Ten grand? We could really use that money, Xavier. We could fix the a/c in the car and get caught up on the power bill. We can buy the cap and gown so I can walk at graduation.” She reasons.

“I hate it when you’re right.” I grumble, “You’re not staying here alone, you can't miss a week of school.”

Rubbing my hand down my face as I try to come up with a way to make this all work out. If we take the car she can’t drive to school. Maybe she can stay at a friend’s all week?

As if reading my mind she elbows me in the ribs. “Hey, maybe I can crash at you girlfriend’s place.” Eloise laughs, only teasing.

“Girlfriend? Ha!” Ripper mocks. “Ain’t nobody gonna claim this fucker.”

Claim. Like fucking baggage. This asshole is the reason I don’t do relationships.

Fuck it, I’ll do this one last job. Then I’m done, for good! As soon as Eloise graduates we are getting the hell out of here and never looking back.

“When do we leave?” I finally ask, unknowingly sealing my fate. “I need to make some calls and find somewhere for Eloise to stay.”

“First thing tomorrow.” Ripper says with an unnerving smile.

“Tomorrow?” Eloise and I bark in unison.

“Couldn’t give you too much time to think about it. I’ll be at the bar, be ready to go by morning.”