"I don't know if it's acting if you tell everyone you're doing it, Chief," Krem said, but it was soft and affectionate. Krem had always been aware of the weight and toll of Bull's work. It was part of why he tended to keep to himself; better to handle his own problems, as much as possible, than to burden Bull with that. It hadn't always worked. But more often than not.

He kept close to Bull's side, curled in against him. There was a comfort in this that maybe there shouldn't have been for such a heavy conversation.

Softly, he said, "If it ever does happen. If you ever become a threat. We'll deal with it. I will. Dorian. We won't let you hurt anyone."