Post by Amber on Feb 2, 2014 14:44:41 GMT -5
I searched the mass of dogs for the familiar pelt of Dakota. There. I spotted her shouldering her way through the crowd. When she reached the small clearing in the middle of the crowd where I was, she did something that shocked the other dogs, including myself. She tucked her tail in between her legs, lowered her belly to the ground and army crawled towards me. This is what the lowest ranking dogs do when they approach the dogs of the most importance. She looked up at me, showing the whites of her eyes.
“Rain. I-I can’t tell you how grateful I am. He didn’t start becoming power hungry until after the pups were born. He started torturing the pack along with the pups. Nipping them until they obeyed or submitted. Oh, how will we ever repay you?”
“Well,” I mused. “The leader of the thieves, also known as my dad, I would like to engage him in battle, and to do that, we need to find them. Lend me a few dogs.”
“Ok.” She nodded as she stood up and turned to face the mass. “I need my toughest fighters. Jaylah, Samson, Fang, Henderson, Hangman, and Jake. Rain is in charge of the group.”
The six dogs stepped out of the crowd and bowed their heads as she called their names.
“Yes Dakota.” They said in unison.
I searched the mass for my dogs. They were all in a clump together.
“Streak, Pepper.” I called to the Labrador and Jack Russell. “Stay behind and take Rain Pup back to the HQ.”
“Yes Rain!” They called back.
Rain Pup walked up to me and pressed her tiny nose to my forearm.
“Be careful, Mum.” She squeaked.
“I will. Don’t worry.” I whispered and liked the top of her head.
“Go bite those bad guy’s butts!”
“I will.”
“I love you.”
“Love you too.”
I looked at Dakota, who was crying. After resting her snout on my forearm for a little longer in silence, Rain Pup then moved to Dakota and placed her tiny paw on her former mother’s.
“Thank you for taking care of me up until this point. Rain and I will come visit. I promise.” She squeaked.
Dakota was still sobbing, harder this time.
“You’re welcome, Rain. Take care, my little blessing.”
Streak walked forward and nudged the grey pup gently on the rump with his snout.
“Time to go.”
He bent down, gathered her scruff gently in his jaws, picked her up, and walked out of the gate with Pepper following. I flicked my tail and jerked my head.
“Dogs, lets go. We have a mission. Flash and Laser, join.”
The ten of us walked off.
“Jaylah, do you know where this gang hangs out?” I asked the mangy Doberman.
“Sure do.”
“Take the lead.”
She nodded her thanks as she passed me to go to the front of the small group. We wondered along dark alleyways and empty streets until we reached a fenced in Junkyard where two mean looking Hounds stood guard. I nudged Jaylah.
“I’ll take things from here.”
I shot Flash and Dakota’s dogs a ‘don’t you start any fights unless I tell you’ look. They nodded. I padded up to the guards. At the sight of me, they raised their hackles and snarled.
“What do you want?” One of them asked.
“Better be good.” Added the other.
“Oh great and mighty guards.” I charmed. “We would like nothing but to join you’re lovely gang that we have heard nothing but good words about.”
I swept my tail over the group of dogs behind me. My flattery had worked. They looked us over.
“You all seem useful.” Said the black and tan one.
The other jabbed the one that spoke in the ribs with a paw.
“But what about Ferdinand. What will he think?” Fretted the brown one.
“He won’t mind.”
“Ok. If we get into trouble, I’ll blame you.”
“Fine.”
They parted to allow us through.
“Oh, I’m Jatt.” Said the brown hound.
“And I’m called Jutt.” Said the black and tan hound.
“Welcome to Gilda del Ladri. The group of thieves.” Said Jatt.
I nodded then walked in with the other dogs following. I smiled as sweetly as I could when I saw my dad walk towards us.
“Welcome.”
He moved forward until he was inches away from me.
“You look familiar. Like a girl I once kne-”
He stopped and smiled.
“You’re my daughter! Welcome home, honey! The gang welcomes you and your group with open arms!”
“Thanks dad.”
“Come. Oh, I forgot to ask. What did she name you?”
“Winslow.”
“What a lovely name for a lovely daughter. Where is the other two?”
“Dead.” I lied. “They died before their eyes opened.”
“Oh. Well, You’re the only one.”
His voice was covered with happiness, which made me sick. Even though Skye and Thunder were perfectly alive, it made me sick that he wouldn’t care about them. My voice was laced with a false happiness. I realized that I said my ‘pet’ name.
“You can call me Rain if you want to, dad.”
He nodded.
“That’s a lovely name as well. Since you’re my daughter, you will be put second in command, because I’m already first.”
“Thank you, dad.”
“You’ve always been my favorite pup. The others were weak and pathetic while you were the strongest and the most bold.”
I was flattered. But hey, this was actually true, although I wouldn’t dare say this to Skye and Thunder’s faces. Not at all. My father jumped on top of an old bed.
“My followers.” He barked. “Today is very special for all of us. My daughter and her pack have joined us and wish to learn out ways!”
The dogs below barked and howled their approval. Ferdinand nudged me forward.
“This is my daughter, Winslow. She will lead you alongside me.”
I scanned the dogs below for my group. There they were, in the back. Flash nodded in encouragement.
“Dogs!” I bellowed. “I am proud to lead alongside my father. I shall rule with an Iron Paw!”
They barked and howled with approval. I lifted my head and howled to the moon. The other dogs, and my father joined. After that, I faced him.
“Where will I be staying?”
He jerked his head in the direction of a run down car. I walked over and hopped into the backseat (the door was stripped away by my dad and a few others, but all of the other three doors remained closed and intact). I circled around a few times before settling down and finally falling asleep. I heard my mom’s voice in my ear as I drifted off. “Don’t become too attached to him.” It warned. “Remember you’re plan. Stick to the plan.” I woke up feeling tip top. What was happening to me? I was becoming attached to my dad! I hopped out of the car. This was my first month with my dad and his gang. My dad walked up to me with a smile on his face.
“Honey, I have some great news! One of the dogs, a Pit Bull named Bullet has taken an interest in you. You are to go meet him stat!”
“What?” I said half shocked and half amazed.
“I know! Isn’t it great! We’ll have heirs to the throne in no time!”
I pretended to be thrilled. I already have a mate, and that was Flash. I already have pups! I didn’t want another litter, especially with another dog!
“Oh, look! Here he comes now!” My dad said.
A very hansom rust colored Pit Bull strode in our direction. I gawked at him. Muscles rippled with each massive stride he took. He smiled warmly when he saw me.
“Hello gorgeous, Winslow.” He said to me.
“Er, hey Bullet.” I said stupidly.
He licked my cheek and I froze, unsure what to do, so I licked him back.
“Wanna go for an evening stroll tonight?”
“Sure.”
Some little voice inside my head told me to ditch Flash for this guy. I made a compromise. Don’t let Flash see me with him. My dad nudged my shoulder. I felt like an outlaw. I was backstabbing Flash and I didn’t feel bad about it! Great Star Pack, I was becoming my dad! That night after I ate a rather scrawny mouse, Bullet walked over to me.
“Ready to go?” He rumbled.
“Yeah.” I replied.
We walked out of the gate and down a few alleys until we reached an old house. We walked in. I don’t remember much after that. I just remember feeling bad about whatever it was that happened. The next day, Flash approached me.
“Where were you last night?”
He noticed I was gone. I’ll be rat food when or if he realizes why.
“Hunting.” I lied.
“At night?”
“Yeah, don’t you know night time is the best time for hunting?”
“No.”
“Now you do, honey.”
“Thanks for teaching me, dear.”
He was laughing.
“Hey, here comes your dad.”
I looked over and saw him. I walked over to him.
“Who was that Rottweiler you were talking to?”
“Oh, just a friend.”
“You’re not cheating on Bullet, are you?”
“Oh no, dad. I love Bullet and only Bullet.”
"I’m glad to hear that.”
That was a big fat lie. I never agreed to be that vain dog’s sweetheart! Yes he was attractive, but my heart belongs to Flash. We had both sworn to never love anyone but each other. I watched my stomach swell during the past months with dread. These pups were a big mistake. They were the result between an arranged ‘marriage’ created by my dad. A few nights later, I felt a deep pain in my stomach. I cursed the pups to soon be born. I went off in search of a quiet place and was successful. I had found a torn pillow, which I had dragged to a nearby box. I shoved the pillow inside, went in the box, circled, and then lay on my side. It seemed like I had been in that box for hours. My whole body hurt. Soon, there were two little tan bundles next to me. I licked each of them until I heard the life confirming squeaks. Both pups were male. Okay, I had how many pups now? Three with Flash, one that Dakota gave me, now these little accidents. That totaled up to… six! I couldn’t just leave them here to die; they had a life to live. I decided to name them after Birds of Prey. Falcon and Talon. I heard Bullet’s voice outside. How did he find me?
“Go away!” I growled.
“But dear, don’t they want to meet their father?”
“No! Leave!”
He shoved his face in the box and I just about bit it off.
“LEAVE! NOW!”
“But Winslow…”
“Now!”
“Ok, ok. I’m going.”
He slinked off. I had what a dog would call newborn pup syndrome. I had the same thing with Flash. It’s where the mother doesn’t let the father near the pups for a few weeks. As the pups nursed, I thought of a plan to ditch Bullet and the gang. I laughed silently when I thought about sinking my teeth into his flesh. I would take my pups back into camp at night, tell Flash I was forced to have these pups, which I was, leave them with him, sneak into where my dad slept, and kill him silently in his sleep. That night, I stalked into camp, both pups in my mouth, asleep.
“Flash.” I hissed. “It’s me. We need to talk.”
When he came out of the TV box where he was residing and saw me with the two brown bundles, he staggered back like he was just shot.
“Rain… H-how could you?”
“Look, I didn’t want these pups. My dad forced me to become some Pit Bull’s sweetheart. Believe me, I didn’t want to. This is the result.”
“Who. Is. The. Dog.”
“Bullet.”
Flash started gouging out deep ruts in the dirt.
“That vain womanizer?”
“Yep.”
“I’ll kill that flea ridden mutt before he sees the sunrise.”
“Go for it. I have no use for him.”
He smirked and went over to a sleeping Bullet. Growling, he lept at the dog.
“FYI, THAT BEAGLE WAS, AND STILL IS MY GIRL! YOU’RE DEAD!” He roared.
“Wha-” Bullet said sleepily.
The last thing I saw was his eyes widen in shock. I heard a gurgling sound, then nothing. Flash walked over to me. His teeth stained scarlet.
“Too easy. He put up no fight. Left his body for the Rats and Crows.”
“I gotta do what I came here to do.” I told him.
“Good luck.”
I stalked over to where my dad was sleeping. I whispered in his ear. My words laced with a deadly hate.
“Bullet’s dead and the pups are here. His death was no accident. My rightful mate killed him. I am leaving and taking the pups with me. But I’m killing you and your pack first. THIS IS FOR YOU, MUM!”
I heard rustling outside. Oh great, I woke everyone up. So much for a silent death and departure.
“MY DOGS ATTACK!” I commanded.
“WHOHOO!” I heard Jaylah scream with joy. “COME AT ME, FOOLS!”
“Bring it!” Barked Samson.
“Come on, fight, you little pussy cats!” Taunted Hangman.
“Snap snap goes your neck in my jaws!” Sang Fang gleefully.
“Fight me if you dare!” Woofed Henderson.
“Bring it ON!” Yelled Jake.
“You’re a D-E-A-D. What’s that spell? DEAD!” Howled Flash.
My dad was sitting up now, fully alert and hackles raised.
“You lied to me, Winslow.” He growled through clenched teeth.
“Familiar isn’t it?” I hissed.
“No.”
“Oh, let’s see, you left my mum when she told you she was having pups, you mangy, ungrateful, lame excuse for a father.”
“Don’t you dare disrespect your father, young lady!”
“I just did, and you’re not my father.”
He lept at me and I twisted out of the way. His jaws closed on thin air. He stared at me before launching himself at my neck. He met his target and I growled as his teeth pierced my flesh. The yellow lab smiled and flipped me over placing his front paws on my shoulders, pinning me.
“You will be sorry for disrespecting me.” He hissed.
“No, I won’t. You’ll be sorry for leaving mum.” I hissed back.
My hind paws scrabbled at his soft underside as I pushed him off. Before he had a chance to regain his balance, I ran right for him and head butted him squarely in the ribs and he hit the earth with a thud, sending clouds of dust into the night sky. I let him get up and he went straight for my face. At the last second, I sidestepped out of the way and he crashed into a pile of only Starpack knew what. His head poked out of the heap and he clawed his way out and he stood there proudly with his ears pinned back and tail up, showing dominance. The full moon cast an eerie white light over his body, illuminating the bite makes and scratches. All around us, dogs barked fiercely and moans and whimpers could be heard from the injured and dying. Jaylah had her paws full with another Doberman twice her size; Hangman had just dispatched a Bulldog, Fang was swatting at an Akita, Jake was nipping at the heels of a Dalmatian, Samson had just sent a Husky running, and Flash was pummeling a Great Dane with his strong forepaws.
“I will not be taken down by a female such as you. Submit now and I’ll spare your life. This is your last chance.”
“I’ll never grant your request.”
“Suit yourself then.”
He lunged and I casually swatted him to the side. I saw the outline of my mum by my side, helping me mangle his body. Her body was youthful and strong. Her face defined, her muscles rippling with power. That’s how I remembered her from when I was a pup back at the farm instead of the old, skinny, frail version.
“Keep going. You’re doing great. I’ll go for the neck.” She whispered to me.
I grunted as he clamped his jaws on my back left leg, Snarling, I turned around and started batting his head and face with my forepaws. He was just about to lunge again when my mum stood in front of Ferdinand. He stopped in shock.
“Belle? But how-”
“Don’t try flattering me. I won’t fall for that again!” She growled. “I’m going to take out 17 years of rage and sadness on you.”
“You’re going to kill me?”
“Yes, you tail chaser, I’m going to kill you.”
He swiped at her as she slowly approached him, but to no avail as his blows just went right through her. A fiendish smile found its way on her face. It was frightening to see that crazed look on someone you love. Laughing, she lunged at him and bit his throat. I joined her, and together, we rid the world of his presence. She nodded and released his unmoving body. I did the same. I felt no shame in killing him. He left my mom and forced me to be with a male who I didn't want to be with.
“Thanks, Rain.” She said as she licked the top of my head.
“Welcome. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
Her figure faded. Flash came in with the pups in his mouth, still asleep amazingly. I swiped my tongue around my lips, cleaning the blood from my muzzle and teeth.
“Talon and Falcon. Those are their names. Do you accept them?”
“Raise them like I have with Raven, Allie, and Rose.”
We walked out to join the others. All the massacred dogs lay around us. We strode out of the gate and into the night. Flash at my left side with Talon in his mouth, me with Falcon in mine, and Jaylah on my right. The rest of the group was behind us. All as a team, we headed back to Dakota with our tails and heads up in pride. Mission accomplished.
“Rain. I-I can’t tell you how grateful I am. He didn’t start becoming power hungry until after the pups were born. He started torturing the pack along with the pups. Nipping them until they obeyed or submitted. Oh, how will we ever repay you?”
“Well,” I mused. “The leader of the thieves, also known as my dad, I would like to engage him in battle, and to do that, we need to find them. Lend me a few dogs.”
“Ok.” She nodded as she stood up and turned to face the mass. “I need my toughest fighters. Jaylah, Samson, Fang, Henderson, Hangman, and Jake. Rain is in charge of the group.”
The six dogs stepped out of the crowd and bowed their heads as she called their names.
“Yes Dakota.” They said in unison.
I searched the mass for my dogs. They were all in a clump together.
“Streak, Pepper.” I called to the Labrador and Jack Russell. “Stay behind and take Rain Pup back to the HQ.”
“Yes Rain!” They called back.
Rain Pup walked up to me and pressed her tiny nose to my forearm.
“Be careful, Mum.” She squeaked.
“I will. Don’t worry.” I whispered and liked the top of her head.
“Go bite those bad guy’s butts!”
“I will.”
“I love you.”
“Love you too.”
I looked at Dakota, who was crying. After resting her snout on my forearm for a little longer in silence, Rain Pup then moved to Dakota and placed her tiny paw on her former mother’s.
“Thank you for taking care of me up until this point. Rain and I will come visit. I promise.” She squeaked.
Dakota was still sobbing, harder this time.
“You’re welcome, Rain. Take care, my little blessing.”
Streak walked forward and nudged the grey pup gently on the rump with his snout.
“Time to go.”
He bent down, gathered her scruff gently in his jaws, picked her up, and walked out of the gate with Pepper following. I flicked my tail and jerked my head.
“Dogs, lets go. We have a mission. Flash and Laser, join.”
The ten of us walked off.
“Jaylah, do you know where this gang hangs out?” I asked the mangy Doberman.
“Sure do.”
“Take the lead.”
She nodded her thanks as she passed me to go to the front of the small group. We wondered along dark alleyways and empty streets until we reached a fenced in Junkyard where two mean looking Hounds stood guard. I nudged Jaylah.
“I’ll take things from here.”
I shot Flash and Dakota’s dogs a ‘don’t you start any fights unless I tell you’ look. They nodded. I padded up to the guards. At the sight of me, they raised their hackles and snarled.
“What do you want?” One of them asked.
“Better be good.” Added the other.
“Oh great and mighty guards.” I charmed. “We would like nothing but to join you’re lovely gang that we have heard nothing but good words about.”
I swept my tail over the group of dogs behind me. My flattery had worked. They looked us over.
“You all seem useful.” Said the black and tan one.
The other jabbed the one that spoke in the ribs with a paw.
“But what about Ferdinand. What will he think?” Fretted the brown one.
“He won’t mind.”
“Ok. If we get into trouble, I’ll blame you.”
“Fine.”
They parted to allow us through.
“Oh, I’m Jatt.” Said the brown hound.
“And I’m called Jutt.” Said the black and tan hound.
“Welcome to Gilda del Ladri. The group of thieves.” Said Jatt.
I nodded then walked in with the other dogs following. I smiled as sweetly as I could when I saw my dad walk towards us.
“Welcome.”
He moved forward until he was inches away from me.
“You look familiar. Like a girl I once kne-”
He stopped and smiled.
“You’re my daughter! Welcome home, honey! The gang welcomes you and your group with open arms!”
“Thanks dad.”
“Come. Oh, I forgot to ask. What did she name you?”
“Winslow.”
“What a lovely name for a lovely daughter. Where is the other two?”
“Dead.” I lied. “They died before their eyes opened.”
“Oh. Well, You’re the only one.”
His voice was covered with happiness, which made me sick. Even though Skye and Thunder were perfectly alive, it made me sick that he wouldn’t care about them. My voice was laced with a false happiness. I realized that I said my ‘pet’ name.
“You can call me Rain if you want to, dad.”
He nodded.
“That’s a lovely name as well. Since you’re my daughter, you will be put second in command, because I’m already first.”
“Thank you, dad.”
“You’ve always been my favorite pup. The others were weak and pathetic while you were the strongest and the most bold.”
I was flattered. But hey, this was actually true, although I wouldn’t dare say this to Skye and Thunder’s faces. Not at all. My father jumped on top of an old bed.
“My followers.” He barked. “Today is very special for all of us. My daughter and her pack have joined us and wish to learn out ways!”
The dogs below barked and howled their approval. Ferdinand nudged me forward.
“This is my daughter, Winslow. She will lead you alongside me.”
I scanned the dogs below for my group. There they were, in the back. Flash nodded in encouragement.
“Dogs!” I bellowed. “I am proud to lead alongside my father. I shall rule with an Iron Paw!”
They barked and howled with approval. I lifted my head and howled to the moon. The other dogs, and my father joined. After that, I faced him.
“Where will I be staying?”
He jerked his head in the direction of a run down car. I walked over and hopped into the backseat (the door was stripped away by my dad and a few others, but all of the other three doors remained closed and intact). I circled around a few times before settling down and finally falling asleep. I heard my mom’s voice in my ear as I drifted off. “Don’t become too attached to him.” It warned. “Remember you’re plan. Stick to the plan.” I woke up feeling tip top. What was happening to me? I was becoming attached to my dad! I hopped out of the car. This was my first month with my dad and his gang. My dad walked up to me with a smile on his face.
“Honey, I have some great news! One of the dogs, a Pit Bull named Bullet has taken an interest in you. You are to go meet him stat!”
“What?” I said half shocked and half amazed.
“I know! Isn’t it great! We’ll have heirs to the throne in no time!”
I pretended to be thrilled. I already have a mate, and that was Flash. I already have pups! I didn’t want another litter, especially with another dog!
“Oh, look! Here he comes now!” My dad said.
A very hansom rust colored Pit Bull strode in our direction. I gawked at him. Muscles rippled with each massive stride he took. He smiled warmly when he saw me.
“Hello gorgeous, Winslow.” He said to me.
“Er, hey Bullet.” I said stupidly.
He licked my cheek and I froze, unsure what to do, so I licked him back.
“Wanna go for an evening stroll tonight?”
“Sure.”
Some little voice inside my head told me to ditch Flash for this guy. I made a compromise. Don’t let Flash see me with him. My dad nudged my shoulder. I felt like an outlaw. I was backstabbing Flash and I didn’t feel bad about it! Great Star Pack, I was becoming my dad! That night after I ate a rather scrawny mouse, Bullet walked over to me.
“Ready to go?” He rumbled.
“Yeah.” I replied.
We walked out of the gate and down a few alleys until we reached an old house. We walked in. I don’t remember much after that. I just remember feeling bad about whatever it was that happened. The next day, Flash approached me.
“Where were you last night?”
He noticed I was gone. I’ll be rat food when or if he realizes why.
“Hunting.” I lied.
“At night?”
“Yeah, don’t you know night time is the best time for hunting?”
“No.”
“Now you do, honey.”
“Thanks for teaching me, dear.”
He was laughing.
“Hey, here comes your dad.”
I looked over and saw him. I walked over to him.
“Who was that Rottweiler you were talking to?”
“Oh, just a friend.”
“You’re not cheating on Bullet, are you?”
“Oh no, dad. I love Bullet and only Bullet.”
"I’m glad to hear that.”
That was a big fat lie. I never agreed to be that vain dog’s sweetheart! Yes he was attractive, but my heart belongs to Flash. We had both sworn to never love anyone but each other. I watched my stomach swell during the past months with dread. These pups were a big mistake. They were the result between an arranged ‘marriage’ created by my dad. A few nights later, I felt a deep pain in my stomach. I cursed the pups to soon be born. I went off in search of a quiet place and was successful. I had found a torn pillow, which I had dragged to a nearby box. I shoved the pillow inside, went in the box, circled, and then lay on my side. It seemed like I had been in that box for hours. My whole body hurt. Soon, there were two little tan bundles next to me. I licked each of them until I heard the life confirming squeaks. Both pups were male. Okay, I had how many pups now? Three with Flash, one that Dakota gave me, now these little accidents. That totaled up to… six! I couldn’t just leave them here to die; they had a life to live. I decided to name them after Birds of Prey. Falcon and Talon. I heard Bullet’s voice outside. How did he find me?
“Go away!” I growled.
“But dear, don’t they want to meet their father?”
“No! Leave!”
He shoved his face in the box and I just about bit it off.
“LEAVE! NOW!”
“But Winslow…”
“Now!”
“Ok, ok. I’m going.”
He slinked off. I had what a dog would call newborn pup syndrome. I had the same thing with Flash. It’s where the mother doesn’t let the father near the pups for a few weeks. As the pups nursed, I thought of a plan to ditch Bullet and the gang. I laughed silently when I thought about sinking my teeth into his flesh. I would take my pups back into camp at night, tell Flash I was forced to have these pups, which I was, leave them with him, sneak into where my dad slept, and kill him silently in his sleep. That night, I stalked into camp, both pups in my mouth, asleep.
“Flash.” I hissed. “It’s me. We need to talk.”
When he came out of the TV box where he was residing and saw me with the two brown bundles, he staggered back like he was just shot.
“Rain… H-how could you?”
“Look, I didn’t want these pups. My dad forced me to become some Pit Bull’s sweetheart. Believe me, I didn’t want to. This is the result.”
“Who. Is. The. Dog.”
“Bullet.”
Flash started gouging out deep ruts in the dirt.
“That vain womanizer?”
“Yep.”
“I’ll kill that flea ridden mutt before he sees the sunrise.”
“Go for it. I have no use for him.”
He smirked and went over to a sleeping Bullet. Growling, he lept at the dog.
“FYI, THAT BEAGLE WAS, AND STILL IS MY GIRL! YOU’RE DEAD!” He roared.
“Wha-” Bullet said sleepily.
The last thing I saw was his eyes widen in shock. I heard a gurgling sound, then nothing. Flash walked over to me. His teeth stained scarlet.
“Too easy. He put up no fight. Left his body for the Rats and Crows.”
“I gotta do what I came here to do.” I told him.
“Good luck.”
I stalked over to where my dad was sleeping. I whispered in his ear. My words laced with a deadly hate.
“Bullet’s dead and the pups are here. His death was no accident. My rightful mate killed him. I am leaving and taking the pups with me. But I’m killing you and your pack first. THIS IS FOR YOU, MUM!”
I heard rustling outside. Oh great, I woke everyone up. So much for a silent death and departure.
“MY DOGS ATTACK!” I commanded.
“WHOHOO!” I heard Jaylah scream with joy. “COME AT ME, FOOLS!”
“Bring it!” Barked Samson.
“Come on, fight, you little pussy cats!” Taunted Hangman.
“Snap snap goes your neck in my jaws!” Sang Fang gleefully.
“Fight me if you dare!” Woofed Henderson.
“Bring it ON!” Yelled Jake.
“You’re a D-E-A-D. What’s that spell? DEAD!” Howled Flash.
My dad was sitting up now, fully alert and hackles raised.
“You lied to me, Winslow.” He growled through clenched teeth.
“Familiar isn’t it?” I hissed.
“No.”
“Oh, let’s see, you left my mum when she told you she was having pups, you mangy, ungrateful, lame excuse for a father.”
“Don’t you dare disrespect your father, young lady!”
“I just did, and you’re not my father.”
He lept at me and I twisted out of the way. His jaws closed on thin air. He stared at me before launching himself at my neck. He met his target and I growled as his teeth pierced my flesh. The yellow lab smiled and flipped me over placing his front paws on my shoulders, pinning me.
“You will be sorry for disrespecting me.” He hissed.
“No, I won’t. You’ll be sorry for leaving mum.” I hissed back.
My hind paws scrabbled at his soft underside as I pushed him off. Before he had a chance to regain his balance, I ran right for him and head butted him squarely in the ribs and he hit the earth with a thud, sending clouds of dust into the night sky. I let him get up and he went straight for my face. At the last second, I sidestepped out of the way and he crashed into a pile of only Starpack knew what. His head poked out of the heap and he clawed his way out and he stood there proudly with his ears pinned back and tail up, showing dominance. The full moon cast an eerie white light over his body, illuminating the bite makes and scratches. All around us, dogs barked fiercely and moans and whimpers could be heard from the injured and dying. Jaylah had her paws full with another Doberman twice her size; Hangman had just dispatched a Bulldog, Fang was swatting at an Akita, Jake was nipping at the heels of a Dalmatian, Samson had just sent a Husky running, and Flash was pummeling a Great Dane with his strong forepaws.
“I will not be taken down by a female such as you. Submit now and I’ll spare your life. This is your last chance.”
“I’ll never grant your request.”
“Suit yourself then.”
He lunged and I casually swatted him to the side. I saw the outline of my mum by my side, helping me mangle his body. Her body was youthful and strong. Her face defined, her muscles rippling with power. That’s how I remembered her from when I was a pup back at the farm instead of the old, skinny, frail version.
“Keep going. You’re doing great. I’ll go for the neck.” She whispered to me.
I grunted as he clamped his jaws on my back left leg, Snarling, I turned around and started batting his head and face with my forepaws. He was just about to lunge again when my mum stood in front of Ferdinand. He stopped in shock.
“Belle? But how-”
“Don’t try flattering me. I won’t fall for that again!” She growled. “I’m going to take out 17 years of rage and sadness on you.”
“You’re going to kill me?”
“Yes, you tail chaser, I’m going to kill you.”
He swiped at her as she slowly approached him, but to no avail as his blows just went right through her. A fiendish smile found its way on her face. It was frightening to see that crazed look on someone you love. Laughing, she lunged at him and bit his throat. I joined her, and together, we rid the world of his presence. She nodded and released his unmoving body. I did the same. I felt no shame in killing him. He left my mom and forced me to be with a male who I didn't want to be with.
“Thanks, Rain.” She said as she licked the top of my head.
“Welcome. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
Her figure faded. Flash came in with the pups in his mouth, still asleep amazingly. I swiped my tongue around my lips, cleaning the blood from my muzzle and teeth.
“Talon and Falcon. Those are their names. Do you accept them?”
“Raise them like I have with Raven, Allie, and Rose.”
We walked out to join the others. All the massacred dogs lay around us. We strode out of the gate and into the night. Flash at my left side with Talon in his mouth, me with Falcon in mine, and Jaylah on my right. The rest of the group was behind us. All as a team, we headed back to Dakota with our tails and heads up in pride. Mission accomplished.
