36

If Chandler was a hunter, pulling back on his bow, then Elena was the deer about to bolt into the safety of the trees.

Before she could move a single muscle to do exactly that, "Do what?" he asked with a frown.

Elena grinned because she clearly thought he was an idiot, Chandler thought. "Mark your territory," she replied, "Or whatever the fuck it's called when you men do things like this. It's not necessary, besides, he's your dad,"

He tucked his hands into his pants pockets. Maybe it would make him appear non-threatening or some bullshit. "I know that… Which is why I don't want you getting close to him…. Before he finds a way to…. I don't know… Turn you against me, I guess,"

She blinked rapidly, "That's not possible," she answered slowly.

Under the lights of the hallway, her hair gleamed. Her cheeks were pink, and she needed to touch up her lipstick, but damn if he didn't want to mess it up just a little bit more.

"What'd you two talk about, love?"

Vaguely, Elena gestured to the