Rex shifted instantly, stepping forward, placing himself between them. Vincent stopped short. “It’s okay, boy,” he said, hands raised slightly, a polite smile fixed in place. “Easy.” Rex growled. Low. Steady. The sound carried weight.
“Rex,” Emma said firmly, pulling him back by the collar. “Heel.” Rex’s body stayed angled toward Vincent, eyes unblinking. Vincent let out a slow breath. “Emma, I thought we talked about this.” She blinked. “About—”