My human pup loved me right away and I loved her. The one thing that I loved most about her was her voice. It was high-pitched, but it was very gentle and sweet. And the better thing was she was friends with mama's human pup, Rosie. My human pup skipped to her house with me held securely in her arms. Her mama opened the door and smiled at us. She seemed like a very friendly lady, who looked like an older version of my human. She had long dark brown hair, milky white skin, light brown eyes and a long face. She, like my girl, was dressed in poofy warm clothing.
"Hello, Meg," said her mother, still smiling. "Is that your new puppy?"
"Yep, it is, mama!" Meg exclaimed, lifting me up to show. "Isn't she pretty? She has brown eyes like us!"
"Ah, so she does!" Meg's mother chuckled. "What are you going to name her?"
"I thought about it on the way home," said Meg, turning me around to face her. I licked her nose, excited about getting my new name. "I'm gonna name her Quinn!"
Her mother seemed a bit shocked. "Uh, 'Quinn'? Doesn't that mean wolf?"
"Yeah, but the name sounds pretty," Meg smiled as she walked into her house. She put me on the floor and gave me a small rabbit chewy to play with. "Welcome to your new home, Quinn!"
Two years later.
I walked down the streets of Nome in search of something to do. Meg wasn't home that day; she was off playing with Rosie. And Meg's mother wasn't home either. Meg's mother let Meg adopt me because she was a very lonely little girl whose father was killed by a bear. Meg's only other friend was Rosie.
As I made my way towards my mother's home, I saw her walking down the street with my father by her side. They seemed sad.
"Hello, Mama, hello, Papa," I greeted as I approached them. "What's wrong?"
"It's your brother Dakota," said Papa.
"Dakota?" I questioned. "Oh, no! Is he hurt?!"
"No, nothing like that," he said. "He got sold to a man in Oklahoma."
"W-Where's that?"
"Many miles south of here." he replied. I felt so sad all of a sudden. Dakota and I weren't the closest brother and sister, but he was still my brother. I was extremely depressed when Dingo left, because he and I were always close. Just I, he, and Aleu, the three of us were very close. First Dingo was taken far away, and then Aleu ran away, Kodi got a job and was rarely seen anymore, then Una moved with her human, and now Dakota was sold to a place where I would never see him again. It felt like I was just an only child with no siblings at all and soon, I would probably forget even having any.
I nuzzled my father. "Papa, will we ever see any of them again?" Even though I was the second oldest, I felt like a runt asking my father that question.
"Of...course we will, Saba." he said, nuzzling me back.
I told my parents I would see them later, and I wandered around town trying to find someone to talk to. Despite how many dogs were actually populating this town, there seemed to be none around whatsoever. Feeling an emotion beyond loneliness, I sat in the snow just outside of town, staring off into the all-white scenery.
I was by myself for a long time, slowly slipping into depression. I didn’t know why I was acting like this. I was never depressed. I was always happy and giddy and rambunctious. But then instead of getting depressed I began to get angry at myself for even being depressed. While I was trying to decide on my emotions, someone approached me from behind.
"Jenna?"
I looked back at the voice who addressed my mother's name. It was Iron, Steele's son.
"Oh, it's you, Saba." he said, a bit embarrassed.
I groaned and turned back around. This guy was after me ever since I was adopted by Meg. His father liked my mother at one time too. I hated it when history repeats itself.
"The name's QUINN now," I spat, not looking at him.
"Sorry," he said. "There any reason you're sitting alone?"
"I'm busy thinking," I said. "You should try it sometime." I especially didn't like Iron because he always harassed Dakota and Una for being part wolf, but for some reason he never harassed me.
"Well, excuse me!" he growled. "I just wanted to keep you a little company! You seemed lonely!"
I stayed silent.
I heard him turn around to leave. Maybe I should've been nicer. I mean sure, he harassed my brother and sister, but he always treated me nicely. And he was trying to be nice now. I turned around to catch him before he left.
"Iron--" But he was gone. It was like he disappeared, but I seen his tracks leading away. They looked like he started walking and then broke into a run. He was being trained to be a race dog like his father, so no wonder he ran so fast. I turned back towards the outside of town to look at the setting sun, but the sun had already set. I figured it was time to head back home.
I turned the corner of the street where my house was located and heard a noise behind me. It was a foreign noise, and it scared me, so I broke into a sprint towards my home.
"Saba, it's me," said Iron's voice. I looked behind myself. "I mean, Quinn," he corrected himself.
"Oh, it's you," I sighed, relieved. "I thought you were some rabid killer!" I joked. I could see him smile in the dark. He had a nice smile. I shook those observant thoughts out of my head. "And you can call me Saba if you want. Only my human calls me Quinn anyway."
"Ok," he said. "Want me to walk you the rest of the way home?"
"Uh...s-sure." I said, letting him walk up beside me. This was rather odd. Usually he'd try to make a move on me, but this time he didn't. "Uh, sorry for being a jerk to you earlier."
"Oh, it's ok." he replied. "I was upset when my brothers and sisters had to leave me too."
"How'd you know I was upset about that?"
"Well, when I heard Dakota was sent away from Nome and I seen you off by yourself, which I KNOW is a rare occasion, I just put two and two together." he said, seeming quite proud of himself. His self-confidence made me chuckle.
When we came to my house, we finally said our good-nights and parted. But before I entered through my dog-door, Iron stopped me.
"Wait, uh, Saba?"
"Yeah?"
"Uh...just a shot in the dark, but uh...would you like to go with me to watch the sun set or something?"
Peculiar thing to ask, but oh well. "Uh, sure!"
"Great," he grinned, watching me enter my house.
"Hmm," I thought to myself as I lay down on my pillow. "Maybe... I won't feel so lonely anymore."
Ever since Iron and I watched that sunset together, and whenever I wasn't keeping Meg company, we were together all the time. Except when my parents were around, because they would never accept Iron as my mate, just because of whom his father was. The two of us had talked about becoming the other's mate soon and we were very happy about the moment to come. But I couldn't help but get nervous about my father. He needed to know about this; otherwise he'd be even madder at me for not telling him.
Iron and I were making our way towards my father's boat because that's where he and my mother were at the time.
"I'm pretty nervous, Iron," I said, looking forward towards our destination.
"You'll be fine, your parents aren't gonna hate you or anything," he assured me.
"I know, but I'm still pretty nervous,"
We made our way onto the boat. "Mom? Dad? It's me, Saba."
"Oh, hey Saba," said Papa, coming around the corner of the captain's quarters, Mama appearing from behind him. He stopped in his tracks when he seen Iron and was taken aback, but he still showed a little respect. "Uh, what's going on?"
"Nothing much," I said. "We've just come to...TELL you that I'm going to...be with Iron." Both of my parents sighed in slight frustration.
"Saba, are you sure?" Jenna asked.
"Yes," I said.
My parents were silent for a moment; they looked at each other then back at me. "Alright," Papa said. He knew that it was going to be no use objecting. "I guess it's just something you hafta learn on your own." He nodded a good-bye at us and went back to the front of his ship, Mama in tow. I knew why they didn't like Iron. They figured that he was going to be just like his father and mother. But those two loved each other and I loved Iron.
"Told ya," Iron said on the way back to town.
"Be quiet," I chuckled, pushing myself into him.
"Wanna race?" he asked, breaking into a run. I didn't respond and just ran right alongside him.
We raced to the boiler room where we had plenty of privacy. Iron closed the door behind him and smiled at me. I smiled at him and lay down on a small blanket. He lay beside me and began licking my ear. Then it all went downhill from there.
The next day I was the happiest dog alive. Iron and I were soon going to be expecting puppies and I couldn't wait for Meg to find out. My parents on the other hand would have to wait though... I was running towards Meg's home away from the boiler room when I passed the road that led out of Nome. The sun was rising. It reminded me of my brothers and sisters. If they found out would they be happy for me? Of course they would... I sent a small prayer out to each of them and prayed that we would meet again.
The next few weeks were very happy for me and Iron. About a month later, Meg and her mother eventually discovered I was pregnant, and they were very happy. Meg was especially excited to have more additions to the family, and I was too. When they found out that Iron was their father, they were especially happy, because of the race dog bloodline. Iron’s owner wasn’t too happy that Iron’s first pups were going to be mutts, but he supposed it didn’t matter as long as Iron was still training to be a better race dog.
I dreaded the day Iron would have to leave for races. That would mean having to leave me and our pups. But he enjoyed running and we both didn't want him to be weighed down by me. He trained often, but he saw me once and a while too, probably once for a little bit every day.
I was on my way to my mother's home when I saw her resting outside. It was a nice day, so she must have been pretty comfortable.
"Mama?" I said, with a smile. I try suppressing it, so that I didn't spoil the surprise.
She lifted her head from her resting position. "Oh, hello, Saba!" She stood up and nuzzled me. "What brings you here? I thought you'd be with Iron?"
"He's off training again, right now," I sighed.
"He's been training a lot lately, hasn't he?" Mama looked at me quizzically as we made our way onto the deck.
"Yes, he has, he's been training very hard," I tried to smile again. My smile grew large again when I thought about telling my mother the news. I couldn't keep it any longer. "But Mom, guess what?"
"What?"
"Iron and I are having puppies!" I squealed.
My Mother's smile was just as big as mine. "Oh, this is wonderful! Your father will be so excited that he'll finally become a grandpa," she giggled. She nuzzled me lovingly. "You should go see him now and tell him the news!" She pushed me with her head. "Go! And be VERY careful, ok, sweetie?"
I chuckled. "Yes, Mom," and I padded towards my father's boat. I really couldn't wait to tell him and my trot broke into a run. Without knowing, I slipped on the ice beneath my feet and skidded. Almost in a panic, I lost my footing and fell onto my belly.
"AHHH!" I cried out as my body bounced on the ice. Writhing in pain, I waited to move until I slid to a complete stop. I was slouched over myself, trying to stand. Thoughts were running through my head, "Oh, no! Please, oh, please, let my pups be ok! Let them not be hurt, please!" I was nearly brought to tears, until I looked up to see my father running towards me from his boat, which wasn't too far away now.
"Saba!" he gently pushed himself against me for support. "Saba, are you ok? That was a nasty fall you took, there."
I looked into his auburn eyes, tears dripping from mine. "Daddy...I think I hurt them..."
He was taken aback, but he seemed to know who I was talking about. He comforted me as we made our way into his boat. I calmed down when I rested myself under my father's blanket. He sat in front of me, watching me with concern. I told him about my and Iron's pups that would soon be born, and he smiled warmly at me.
"Saba, don't worry. They're going to be alright," he assured me, nuzzling my head. He was such a good father to me, I loved him so much. I stayed on his boat for a few more hours until evening commenced. He decided to escort me home, no matter how many times I told him he didn't have to. We approached my home and sitting outside was Iron, waiting for me. My father still didn't leave my side.
Iron's head lifted when he felt my presence. "Saba! There you are, you had me worried." He nuzzled me. "I wondered where you were."
"Iron, I'm ok," I said, trying to let out a chuckle. I looked back at my father who was watching me. "Thanks for taking me home, Daddy."
"Your welcome," he smiled, turning around to leave. He looked back at Iron. "Take good care of her, you hear?" And he departed.
Iron took a step back from me and eyed me from tip to toe. "What's wrong? What happened?" Tears welled in my eyes and I nuzzled him, telling him how careless I was today, how I may have hurt our children. He didn't say anything. He just let me nuzzle him.
"I promise not to let anything happen to you from now on," he vowed.
More weeks passed. During that time, Iron had grown to be very protective of me. He continued to train with his master and his team, but with every break he was on, he was by my side, making sure I was safe. He wouldn't even let me leave my house anymore. "Anything could happen. It's best you stay near your home so that your humans can take care of you," he would tell me. I was very thankful that he cared so much about me and our pups' safety. I couldn't wait to start our family.
I didn't have to wait long. One night, I felt my body shift and I knew that the time had come for the birth our pups. Meg sensed something was happening and she woke up. She seen me lying on my blankets, panting harder than ever, and she immediately woke her mother. Meg's mother called the vet and he took care of me throughout the night. Iron's master got word that his pups were being born and he brought him to my home to comfort me.
I was in such a daze trying to give birth to our pups; I almost didn't notice Iron's presence until he licked my hot face. I felt much safer. However, my sense of safety was overwhelmed by a ripping pain shooting throughout my body. I didn't pay attention to anything good or bad happening. I just somehow knew that I needed to keep strong.
The pain grew more immense another time. A sixth. A seventh. One final time, then I let out a big heaving sigh and relaxed. I had given birth to eight puppies and I couldn't wait to seem them, but my exhaustion kept me from doing so. I let the humans clean my pups, while Iron licked my face.
"Tis a shame," said a voice.
"Mommy, what’s wrong with them?"
"She went through all of that pain,"
"Eight innocent pups,"
"Only one survived."
One...That number rang throughout my ears. Reality set in, and I shot up, looking frantically for my pups. Where did they go? What happened to them? Why? Why did his happen? Meg's mother laid me back down on clean sheets and tried calming me down from hysterics. I cried out to my pups. I needed them. I wanted them to be safe. Why did this happen to them? I laid on my sheets and sobbed, Iron laying next to me, comforting me in any way possible.
I didn't calm down until they placed my surviving pup next to me. I broke away from Iron to look at it. Our pup was a bright crimson like me and had dark spots around her eyes like her father. I nuzzled her gingerly as she nursed. I was thankful that she lived.
Meg and her mother entered the room and watched me and my family.
"She's a miracle," Meg's mother said to her daughter.
"Miracle...what's another word for miracle?" Meg asked.
Not really knowing why Meg asked, she answered. "Well...let's see...there's marvel...wonder...stunner."
"We should call her Stunner." Meg stated, gently petting my pup. I looked up at Meg, then down at my daughter.
"Stunner..." I whispered. "...that's a cute name."
Again, weeks passed by like minutes. Watching Stunner grow was the greatest gift I could have ever asked for. Iron was often there with us, being a wonderful father. But whenever Iron couldn't be with us, my parents were there enjoying their moments as grandparents.
Meg loved Stunner also and played with her all the time. I was so happy that Meg got her new addition to the family like she wanted. Meg played with her and scolded her, when necessary. Playing with Meg turned Stunner into quite the little trickster. Stunner would always ask me riddling questions, some I could never really answer, but I tried my best. I often thought that she was interrogating me in some way, but I didn't let it bother me.
What bothered me was Iron's attitude as of late. If he seen me and Stunner often enough when he wasn't training, he was protective. But when he didn't see us often enough, he was very protective. He never let me visit my father at his boat anymore; he always made him visit us. I didn't think it fair, but I may as well have done as he asked just to make him happy.
"Momma?" Stunner asked me.
"Yes?"
"What's outside of town?"
"Well...there's your grandpa's boat, where he lives. And...There's mountains and the ocean."
"Is there something bad there?"
I looked at her, wondering what she might have meant. "Um...maybe. Maybe not."
"Then why won't Daddy let us see?"
I couldn't really say for sure. Stunner wanted to see the world, and Iron's protection kept me from showing it to her. My daughter meant more to me than anything in the world and it was naturally for me to give her what she wanted. "How about this, Stunner? How about I talk to Daddy tonight and then tomorrow I can show you the beach?"
Stunner's face grew into a gigantic grin and she pounced on me in thanks. Meg would surely understand if we left for a day, it wouldn't do anyone any harm. So when the evening sky fell and Iron's training was over with, he visited my home like he always did. I met him outside, not wanting to disturb anyone inside who was sleeping.
"Hello, Iron," I greeted, licking his cheek.
"Hey," he responded. "Where's Stunner?"
"She's just inside sleeping next to Meg."
"She's sleeping with her?" Iron's face grew serious. "That may not be very safe; Meg could crush her without knowing."
I rolled my eyes. "Meg's a pretty sound sleeper, I think I would know what was safe for our daughter and what wasn't."
"Aw, c'mon, don't be like that." Iron scoffed. "I'm all about the well being of the two of you."
"You're not here all the time to protect us, I think we can manage a couple hours, hon." I teased, brushing my tail under his chin. He chuckled. "Which, I've been meaning to ask you. Stunner really wants to get out. I was just going to let you know that tomorrow Stunner and I are going to the beach. She would like it if you went, but you have to train tomorrow."
"Which is exactly why you shouldn't go," Iron told me sternly. "I can't afford to lose either of you; I've already lost seven of our other pups,"
I cringed at his remark. He just had to bring up the terrible past. I couldn't bear to lose them either, but tried not to think about it. I had to concentrate on what needed to be done for our daughter. "We'll be fine. We're going whether you come or not." I turned around to enter my house, but Iron leapt over me to stop me.
"Don't go. I don't want anything to happen to you." he said, desperately.
"Iron...I'll keep us safe." I walked around him, but he pushed me ever so slightly off my balance. I looked at him in wonder. I couldn't believe that he would do that to me. He didn't apologize; he just stared at me with the same desperate eyes as before. I shook my head and brushed passed him. For the first time ever since we started liking each other, I was incredibly angry with him. If he continued to do that, especially to Stunner, I would never forgive him.
I shook my head at those terrible thoughts about my mate. Surely, he didn't mean it. He is much stronger than me; he must not know his own strength. But even still...the thought of what he did tugged at my mind. I felt his eyes digging into my back as I entered the doggie-door, but to get my point across that I wasn't happy with him, I didn't dare look back.
I made my way through the dark into Meg's room where she and Stunner were sleeping. I hopped onto the bed and snuggled beside the two of them. I stared down on my precious daughter. She was going to grow up very beautiful. I looked at Meg and hoped, as I slipped into slumber, that Iron wouldn't try to "protect" me from her.
Stunner woke me up early the next morning, but I told her that we had to wait for Daddy to start his training before we could go. I also told her to keep our little trip a secret, and she agreed to it. When the right time came, Stunner and I padded to the beach together, meeting my father there. He enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter and did so as often as he could. I splashed around in the cold water for a bit, but I didn't want to be cold so I stayed on the shore and watched my father and daughter play. He taught her that if her paws ever got wet, to dust dry snow on them to keep from freezing. She thought it was a very clever trick.
I noticed a familiar form approach me. I looked behind myself and seen that it was Iron. I gasped and stood abruptly, feeling a pang of fear for a single instant.
"Iron!" I exclaimed. He smiled at me, in a way that seemed like he was hiding something.
"Saba, I thought I said not to come here?" he said, his voice sounding a bit cold.
"You did, but Stunner needed to get out." I stated, scooting myself towards the beach, away from Iron. I didn't know why, but something told me to stay away from him.
"I won't argue with you in front of Stunner," he said watching her play with her grandfather. "Tell your Dad to keep a close eye on her. Follow me." I told my father that I would be right back, but he seemed as uneasy as I was. I noticed that Stunner was about to chase after me, but my father found an innocent way to keep her from doing so. I felt terrible leaving her to talk to her father, when we never left the other's side once since she was born.
We stopped behind a house, once we were just out of Stunner's sight. Iron still had his back facing me, while I stood firm in my ground.
"I'm going to be starting a very long race tomorrow...I won't be able to see you or Stunner for a long while..." He stayed silent for a moment or two. I remember thinking that I would dread the day Iron had to leave, but somehow when he told me the news, I felt relieved. "Remember when I found out that Meg scolded Stunner?" he asked, his voice still cold. "When I found out that our daughter was struck for the first time, I was scared. I was afraid that she was going to keep hurting you two. But it scared me the most when you were having our pups...you were in so much pain...I never wanted anyone to give you that pain ever again. And I still worry for the two of you."
Thinking he was done, I began to spoke. "Iron--"
"For our daughter's sake, I don't want you to ever return to Meg."
"What?" I exclaimed. That was a very drastic change; I couldn't even bear to think how Iron came to this unreasonable decision. A life without my human pup would be terrible. We grew the greatest bond together; me, Meg, her mother, and Stunner. We've grown so close and stood by each other through all these years and Iron wanted me to simply throw it away? I wasn't about to let that happen.
"Iron, you are being dramatic," I told him, making him face me. "I care for you and our daughter dearly, but Meg means a lot to me as well. And if you're asking me to choose between you, I can't do that. And I'm not sorry." I started walking away; thinking about what my life would be like without Meg. My life wouldn't be complete. I grew to be as kind as I am because of her kindness towards me. My mother almost lost her good relationship with her human pup, and I refused to let history repeat itself.
Iron snorted at me and pushed me to the ground, scaring me half to death with growls and snarls, even if he never physically harmed me. When I struggled to get out from beneath him, he clenched his jaws around my collar, grabbing some of my neck in the process, and pushed me back to the ground.
"Stunner, no!"
I looked up and seen my daughter watching me and Iron fight with a horrified look in her eyes.
"Momma!" she cried, running to my aid. I couldn't bring myself to tell her to get away. Stunner clenched her little fangs around Iron's front paw.
Her father cried out in surprise and pain, and swiftly moved his leg, swinging Stunner from her grip. She landed roughly in the snow and whimpered when she landed. I gasped at the night of seeing Iron hurt her. Something inside of me snapped and I leapt up from Iron's grip and went for his throat. I could taste his blood in my mouth and that somehow stopped me from hurting him worse. Iron ran away, and at that time my father approached me.
Not even paying him any mind, I quickly went to Stunner's side. She limply laid in the snow. My eyes widened in shock.
"Oh, dear God, please..." I begged, whispering out loud. I leaned closer to her. "Please, don't take her from me..." I prayed. I felt my father staring down at us, holding his breath, praying for a miracle.
I lowered my head down to her small body. I felt her faintly breathing. I gasped. She was alive. I licked her face, coaxing her awake.
"Stunner...Stunner, honey, wake up," I urged, smiling on the inside knowing that she was ok.
"Momma...?" she whispered.
"Shh...I'm here." I comforted her, and she slowly came back to me. I nuzzled her, thankful. I looked back at my father, who looked both relieved and wary.
"Saba, it's late," he said. "Maybe its best that you two just stay on my boat for the night." I agreed and followed him to his home, carrying Stunner in my mouth.
I laid Stunner on my father's blanket in the captain's quarters and I stayed outside with my father.
He let out a sigh. "I'm sorry; I didn't tell you this sooner." I stayed quiet, waiting for him to continue. "He's just like his father, Steele. He was always after your mother and would do almost anything for her attention. He moved on, yes, but he was obsessed. I knew Iron was the same way...but when you told me that you two were going to be together, I knew that nothing me or your mother could say, at the time, would make you change your mind about him."
I was aware of that fact. At the time, I loved him dearly and would've done everything for him. But now all kinds of anger were built inside of me and all of it was caused by Iron. I loved him. We had a family together. But he let petty fears get to him. He wished things of me that would endanger my happiness and he didn't care. I knew he didn't care when he assaulted me. When he hurt Stunner. My daughter. I would never forgive him for that. The mother within me wouldn't let me.
"Momma, why did Daddy hurt me?" I heard Stunner whisper.
Not thinking, I lashed at her with words, "Don't dare mention him right now, Stunner!" I growled. She shied back from me with a whimper.
"Saba, don't take your anger out on her...she doesn't know." my father stated.
I sighed, and comforted Stunner telling her that it was ok. I turned to my father. "He's leaving tomorrow. I'm going to say good-bye to him in the morning." He nodded.
The next morning, I left Stunner at home with Meg, while I went to the edge of town to say my good-bye to Iron. There was his team, hooked up and ready to travel to the nearest train station to their next destination. At the head of the team was Iron, standing proudly. He felt my presence and smiled at me as I approached him. I didn't get close enough for him to nuzzle me.
"Don't worry, Saba," he said. "I swear I'll return to you."
I stayed silent for a moment. I didn't understand my feelings. Deep down I was confused; I hated him for hurting me and Stunner...but I still loved him. This feeling of love was a mysterious thing indeed. Maybe none of us will ever understand it. Just for that possibility, I simply said to him, "I don't want you to return...not until you come back changed into a better individual."
No other words were spoken. I stood in my original spot outside of town and watched Iron run away. I didn't bother to watch him until he was out of sight.