Jules hums in agreement around a mouthful of barbecue.
One of the guards near the entrance mutters something in Russian under his breath that makes Luka laugh.
The entire scene feels strangely normal. Like everyone somehow slipped into place around each other without noticing when it happened.
Volunteers continue cleaning up around us while the shelter slowly empties. A few remaining families finish paperwork near the front desk while the younger volunteers carry folded tables toward the storage room out back.
Dusk deepens across the parking lot. The temporary extra security Alexei had in place is still stationed around the property, though fewer now. Viktor near the front entrance. Two guards outside. Another near the back kennel gates. Enough to stay secure without making the shelter look occupied by a small militia.
“You survived your first shelter fundraiser,” I tell Alexei.
He looks around slowly at the destruction surrounding us. “Tentatively.”
I grin widely.
Then Mr. Pickles barks loudly enough to startle everybody when Jake wanders too close to his kennel, carrying an entire hamburger bun he stole from somewhere.
“Sweet heaven,” I mutter.
Jules points immediately from across the intake counter. “Your little felon is back at it again.”
“I don’t even know where he keeps findin’ bread.”
Jules watches Jake trot proudly through the lobby, a bun hanging from his mouth. “Honestly? At this point, I assume he’s running organized crime outta the groomin’ room.”
Alexei watches me chase Jake through the lobby with what looks suspiciously like amusement in his eyes.
“Don’t encourage him,” I warn while finally prying the bun away.
“Seems intelligent,” Alexei says.
“He ate crayons last month.”
“Colorful intelligence.”
I laugh despite myself again, and the sound seems to soften the space between us. Whatever this thing is between Alexei and me doesn’t feel wild every second anymore. Tonight it sits quieter beneath the surface, wrapped into small touches, lingering looks, and the way my whole body notices the second he steps close to me now.
The last volunteers begin leaving around eight o’clock.
Jules grabs his bag and a bottle of water. “If I don’t go home immediately, I’m gonna fall asleep standin’ upright.”
“I’m gonna stay and finish cleanin’ up.”
“Honey, if you keep goin’, your spine’s gonna divorce you.”
Fair point.
He hugs me tightly before heading toward the front doors. “Lock up soon, alright?”
“No promises.”
Then he pauses beside Alexei. “You break her heart and I’ll let Jake chew on your expensive shoes.”
Alexei nods once, like Jules made a perfectly reasonable statement. “Understood.”
“Good.” Jules leaves looking entirely satisfied with himself.
I shake my head. “You know he enjoys threatenin’ you.”
