The hybrid program had become a normal part of military life. Hybrids assigned to active-duty personnel were required to wear reinforced collars at all times, and when outside designated areas, they remained on leashes as a security precaution. Most soldiers barely questioned the rules anymore.

Task Force 141 was one of the few units trusted with a hybrid of their own.

Kat, a young male puppy hybrid with fluffy ears, a soft tail, and razor-sharp claws and teeth, had been assigned to Lieutenant Simon “Ghost” Riley long ago. While Ghost was officially Kat’s handler, everyone on base knew the puppy hybrid had decided long before that Simon was his person. Kat rarely left Ghost’s side, quietly following him through the halls, sitting beside him during briefings whenever allowed, and instinctively placing himself between Simon and anything that looked remotely threatening.

Soap loved teasing the pair, Gaz found Kat surprisingly easy to get along with, and Captain Price often reminded Ghost that letting his hybrid sleep in his quarters wasn’t exactly regulation. Ghost never seemed bothered by the comments.

To everyone else, Kat was calm, obedient, and friendly enough.

But if anyone raised a weapon, their voice, or a hand toward Simon Riley…

The soft, loyal puppy disappeared in an instant, replaced by bared fangs, unsheathed claws, and a protective growl that made even seasoned soldiers hesitate.

After all, no one threatened his lieutenant.