Angel On Earth- A Dog Novel

10🐾 Odd One Out

"I've hardly had the chance to greet my pups or my mate since Gypsy returned with them," he barked gruffly in a tone full of authority. The male's thick mane ruffled as he moved his paws in restless aggression.

"So, if you don't mind..." His posture was stiff as he peered at the husky with a pointed expression.

Gypsy uncertainly tried not to make eye contact with either of them, but then her pelt grew so hot she couldn't help but say something. Their rivalry is so childish. And Bronx, flaunting his position of leader? Pathetic, if you asked her.

"Ace can play with the puppies. He's still my friend," she snapped plaintively towards the Leader-dog. She felt her hackles begin to rise at the male's obvious resentment of him.

"Yes, I know," he said with a sigh as if diffusing the situation. Bronx no longer had his tail stuck up straight in the air. Instead, he gave Ace a polite nod. "Just- later, is all." He turned his face away with cool disinterest.

Ace understood the dismissal and turned to leave. However, Gypsy couldn't help but feel a bit upset. Especially after he called, "I'll let Obelisk know you're back." The husky must've cared for the senior dog while she was away in the nesting-den.

How will I be able to talk privately with Ace anytime soon? I'll have Bronx and my pups with me all the time now, she thought sadly as Kiwi sat down next to her and the surly male.

"You're such a precious pup, Kiwi. You look just like your mother." He bent down to lick the little tan-and-white she-dog.

"I'm hungry," Gypsy whined to her pups father-dog. She had grown thin since leaving the pack, and surely her mate would help her grow stronger?

The only way the Pittie had eaten at all before or after her puppies' birthing was to steal out of trash-cans from the nearby park and apartments. It was malnourishing, to say the least. And she'd had to leave her puppies under Ghost's watch.

"I..." The huge male hesitated, causing Gypsy's eyes to widen in wonder. She hadn't an idea what could cause the male's reluctance.

"Yes, sure. I'll bring you something tonight. I'll do my best." The male puffed out his chest. Around them, the puppies were running around yapping for her attention.

"One second, puppies-." Gypsy said distractedly with Copper whining in her ears.

"I actually have to go patrol now." He began to look uncomfortable with the pup's persistent cries.

Gypsy lowered her head in disappointment. Why had he chased Ace off only to leave her by herself?

To her, patrolling and marking wasn't a necessity. So why was it to him?

She turned away and busied herself with her puppies in the silence of a hot mid-day. Gypsy's puppies began exploring Bronx and Ace's dens, asking what they were for and how they were made.

She patiently answered all of their questions, until she heard Obelisk approaching. The old male's gait was slow and lop-sided, but he halted and straightened with a twinkle in his eye as he saw the puppies. Gypsy noticed with appreciation that Obelisk looked much healthier and filled-out now. He hardly teetered on his thin legs anymore.

"My, my! A whole patrol of pups, soon-to-be strong and tall hunting dogs patrolling the forest." He thumped his tail in welcome as Finn approached him.

"There's too many new dogs, Mama." Copper whined up at her from big brown watery eyes. Gypsy soothed her puppy with a gentle lick.

"It's alright, all of you. This is Obelisk. He's very kind and gentle. He moves slow and won't frighten you," she added privately to Copper at the end. Kiwi heard her, though, and turned her cute puppy muzzle towards her mother.