That’s when Maya knew. Not because of a grand gesture. Because the dog—the one who had never trusted anyone but her—chose him too.

Zeus tilted his head. Then he licked Sam’s hand.

Maya told him. The fighting ring bust. The fear period. The way Zeus still had nightmares and woke up needing to press his whole body against hers until his heartbeat slowed. The way people crossed the street when they walked together.

Sam nodded. Then he turned to Zeus. “You protect her from the outside,” he said. “I’ll protect her from the inside.”