Chapter 8

CHAPTER EIGHT

The unsettling encounter in the woods left us both on edge, though. As we re-entered the house, Rosario turned to me, his expression serious yet gentle. “I don't think it's safe for you to be alone tonight. How about I stay and keep an eye on things?”

I hesitated. I've been alone for so long. But the thought of someone outside my house made the decision easy. “I'd appreciate that, Rosario. But what about Comet?”

“I'll go get him,” he replied without missing a beat. “I'll be back in no time.”

Rosario left to get Comet. I locked up, calmed the dogs, and waited. Rosario soon returned with Comet; the sight of them together brought me relief. Introducing him to my pack, however, was another situation.

“Alright, everyone, play nice,” I said, taking a deep breath. “Meet Comet.”

The initial greeting was tense. Milo sniffed cautiously, Luna barked a few times, and Buster stood protectively by my side. But Comet, ever the charming mutt, wagged his tail happily, showing no signs of fear.

“Easy, boy,” Rosario murmured to Comet, giving him a reassuring pat.

After a few minutes of tentative sniffing and wagging tails, the tension began to ease. Milo and Luna seemed to accept Comet quickly, while Buster watched carefully before finally giving a slow, approving wag of his tail.

“Looks like we've got a new member of the pack,” Rosario said with a smile, giving Comet a gentle pat.

“I think so. Welcome to the family, Comet.”

As the night grew later, Rosario set up camp on the couch, his presence comforting and tempting all at once. Buster, who hadn't left the back door, seemed to be standing guard, his protective instincts on high alert.

“Are you sure you're comfortable out here?” I asked Rosario, handing him a fleece blanket.

“I've slept in worse places, believe me. Get some rest, Sanova. I've got this.”

“Thank you, Rosario. For everything.”

Laying in bed, the night was still, except for the occasional rustle of leaves outside and the soft breathing of the dogs. But as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't shake the feeling that something—or someone—was still out there, lurking in the shadows.