Redhawk Caldera not used to seeing this much of my own blood anymore

While Elwood was quietly rational, his son was the complete opposite. Eljay's voice lifted in tone and pitch as he pled his case, begging Elwood to let the girl stay. All the while, the injured puppy mumbled incoherently.

The Alpha male might have stood his ground had Eljay not mentioned Lucy's name. His heart melted instantly; even after all this time, the pain of Lucy's disappearance was still fresh. Eljay made a convincing argument and Elwood felt himself waffling.

"Fine," he finally agreed after what seemed like a long silence. "I'll help you carry her -- maybe we can find Raven back at the shelter," he said, already shifting closer to Eljay in order to take some of the girl's weight.