This snippet was supposed to go before my fic titled "No Longer Alone." It isn't necessary to read this first, nor is it necessary to read the fic after reading this, though I humbly beg you to do so, Please!

Overprotective

Nathan sat up suddenly, a look of surprised wonder on his face. "Did Ezra just growl?"

Vin Tanner chuckled at the EMT's question, while keeping his own gaze on the Southerner. "Yup, I do believe he did."

"Chris'd better watch out." Buck chimed in. "Pretty soon Ez'll be better at it 'n he is."

The man they were jeering turned and scowled at his fellow agents.

"Yep, Chris's job is definitely up for contention." The ladies man crowed with delight.

"What was that Wilmington?" Team Seven's boss inquired rhetorically as he breezed through the open door, all the while throwing concerned looks over his shoulder in the direction he had just come from.

"Was that Rivers with Molly?" Larabee finally asked, setting some folders on the nearest desk.

Another growl was heard from the Southerner, causing the blond to lift an eyebrow in surprise. "I'll take that as a yes and move on to the question of 'why'?"

"I have not an inkling of an idea as to what the girl is thinking. Surely she can see he is much too old for her, not to mention she deserves bettah."

"No, I mean, why are you so upset? Rivers is a good kid." Chris cocked a smile watching the scowl on his undercover agents face. " 'Sides, She's old enough to make up her own mind."

"I doubt that very much Mr. Larabee. The girl is barely 16. Not even legal."

"Ezra, she LOOKS barely 16 but that doesn't mean she is. For all we know she could be 20."

"Or she could be 12." Ezra slumped into his chair and crossed his arms in frustration. "Thanks for giving me something else to worry about!"

"I'm betting she's older then she looks, Ez." Nathan added his two cents worth.

"She definitely acts more mature then she looks." JD spoke up, and then his expressive brown eyes glazed as if in thought. "That is, when she isn't busy acting like a kid."

Buck smacked the youngest agent up the back side of the head, and frowned. That wasn't going to ease the Southerner's mind at all. Glancing towards the man in concern, his frown grew deeper. This situation was really bothering the poor man.

Brown eyes darting around the room, they finally lit upon someone who might help. "Josiah, what do you think about this? How old would you guess she is based upon her psychological profile?"

The large man shook his head and smiled. He sure loved these men for their entertainment.