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Silence.

“Are you alone, or is Viking McShoulders in there?”

49

Leo easedKat down from the counter, reluctant to break the contact even though they were officially no longer alone.

Right on cue, Gage filled the doorway blocking out the hall light.

His casual expression hardened as his gaze landed on Leo’s hand, resting possessively on Kat’s hip and his amiable smile tightened at the edges. Leo recognized the look. He’d worn it himself when sizing up potential threats.

But he didn’t loosen his grip on Kat. Instead, he pulled her a fraction closer, a claiming gesture he couldn’t have stopped even if he’d tried. This was Kat, in her space, and he belonged here with her. He wasn’t backing down from her brother’s territorial assessment.

“Afternoon, Viking,” Gage said, his tone deceptively light. “Making yourself at home, I see.”

The nickname grated, but Leo kept his voice neutral. “Gage.”

Tension radiated through his frame as he waited to see which way this would go.

“Be nice to each other,” Kat said, her command steely beneath the request. “Both of you.”

Gage’s grin flashed wide and innocent. “I’m always nice, Kit-Kat.”

The childhood nickname softened something in Kat’s posture. Family dynamics. Protective older brother who genuinely cared but had questionable methods.

Before Leo could decide whether to establish dominance or wait it out, a second figure pushed past Gage into the kitchen. Brock, carrying a newspaper, his weathered face breaking into a grin as he took in the domestic scene.

“Well, well,” Brock announced cheerfully, “look at this cozy little setup. I approve.”

Kat stepped forward to hug Brock who beamed briefly in her arms.

“Hang on,” he said, rummaging in his satchel. “Brought you something.”

From a padded cloth bundle, he revealed a tiny Royal Doulton figurine—a girl in a powder-blue bonnet holding a basket of flowers.

“This one’s called Spring Awakening,” Brock said, half-gruff, half-proud. “Rare find. Thought she might keep an eye on you while you’re off… finding yourself or whatever it is you’re doing.”

Kat blinked, caught somewhere between laughter and emotion. “You’re giving me one of your figurines?”

“I’m loaning her,” he corrected quickly. “Don’t get ideas.”

She cupped the delicate piece in her hands. “Thank you, Brock. She’s perfect.”

“Well, yes…” He rocked on his heels, pink spots high on his cheeks.

Brock. Speechless. Leo never thought he’d see the day.

“And who’s this little beauty?” Brock had spotted Oslo, who was now grooming with the focused attention of a professional.

Oslo bumped his head against Brock’s hand. “That’s it,” Brock crooned, his voice taking on a gentleness that remindedLeo why he trusted this man with his life. “You’re a proper little warrior, aren’t you? Been through the wars, but still fighting.”

The words hit close to home. Like Oslo, Leo had been through his own wars. But unlike the cat, he’d spent years believing he didn’t deserve the sanctuary Kat offered.

That was changing.

“Careful, Brock. Jeff might get jealous if he hears about this.” Gage settled against the doorframe, still watching Leo with calculating eyes.

“Ah. My Jeff’s not a jealous type.” Brock winked. He straightened and slapped a folded newspaper on the kitchen table. “You seen this?”