Stunner, Quinn, Meg, Fortula, Dinah, John Tom, Holiday © catwhohas14tails
Summer, Mahogany, Dino, Aderyn, Prima, Dong, Clarete, Hazel, Mr. Dale, Hawaii © beauty_jenna
Sadie, Winter © CatLuvsZuko

Stunner woke to a noise coming from outside her and her family's temporarily-empty house. Curiosity got the better of her and she exited through the doggy door. It was cooler out now because the seasons were beginning to change and winter was soon to come. She looked around where the noise was coming from. It was clearer now; it sounded like footsteps and a familiar voice. Facing the direction from whence the familiar voice came, she saw the familiar loved one it came from, however, she was not all too thrilled to see him. He limped towards her, hardly containing his glee. "Summer..." she thought.

She called to him. "Summer! I told you to rest, you know your legs are not well yet!" Stunner exclaimed from the doorstep. She rushed to Summer for help. She was very concerned about him since he broke his legs one night a few weeks ago. "Now let me help you," she said "What are you doing here? You know you're not fully well, do you want to go through this again? Well, I don't! So as soon as we get to my house, you lay down and stay put, do you understand?" She hated being such a distressed damsel, but she felt guilty about Summer's accident. She was the one who led him into chasing her, causing him to fall and injure himself.

"Yes, my dear, though I'd like you to stop worrying. I can assure you, I'm perfectly well." He smiled at her, kindly, but amused at her demand for his comfort.

"Yeah right, now stop that nonsense--" Stunner stopped as she saw Summer walking perfectly normal, making circles around her, with no limp in sight.

"Are you impressed?" he asked, winking at her.

"How did you...? What...? But I saw....I saw you hobbl-" Stunner was absolutely...stunned to see Summer up and about so soon after the accident. She was happy for him, but at the same time, confused.

"Allow me to take you home, darling." he offered. He lowered his head and propped her up under her stomach, raising her up onto his back. She laughed.

"Watch out! Summer! Stop, you'll hurt yourself! Now, you know you're still--"

"Healthy? Yes, I'm aware of that" Summer interrupted playfully. The two dogs went together with a delight inside Stunner's house.

"Now, put me down!" she chuckled.

"As you wish," He put Stunner down on her fluffy and soft blanket inside Meg's room. Stunner grabbed Summer's collar and pulled him down in a coltish way, so that Summer laid down next to her. The dogs' privacy was disturbed as an older red hybrid entered the room.

"Hey, Summer!" Quinn exclaimed, noting it was him. "Feeling better? Don't disturb yourselves, I was just leaving." She was rather embarrassed to catch her daughter like this with Summer, explaining why she was speaking rather posthaste. Summer and Stunner didn't move for a while, also out of embarrassment, until Summer decided to say something.

"Morning. Yes, I am feeling well, thank you. How do you do?"

"Ah, fine I guess" Quinn answered.

"Uh mom, where are you goin'?" Stunner broke in.

"Oh, me? I'm just...uh going. To meet with. Your father, that's all" Quinn replied, almost feeling rather ashamed, since Stunner still was angry at her father.

"...Just be careful" Stunner warned. Quinn didn't reply, not wanting to start an argument with her daughter.

"Enjoy yourselves!" She concluded and left the house.

Stunner grew sad. Mentioning her father brought back the terrible thing he did to her mother that she couldn't forget.

"Stunner, honey, are you alright?" Summer asked worried.

"Yes, it's just...my father....you know, when I was little," Stunner only continued when Summer nodded for her to. "My mom took me to my grandpa's to play. I got scared when she left me with him alone cuz Mom and I were always together. She never left me before. I was playing with my grandpa, but I heard growling from where my mom was. I went there and I saw my dad grabbing my mom. It scared me." Stunner felt tears fill her azure eyes. Summer placed his head over her in a canine embrace. "I didn't wait for anything to happen, I jumped in my mom's rescue" She continued.

"Don't cry Stunner...I'm here" Summer comforted her.

"And now you know why I'm worried about her everytime she goes to see him," She said.

"Yes, dear, I know, but don't think about it any more. I believe your mum knows if he's changed or not, she can feel it" Summer explained and nuzzled Stunner. "Is that better?"

"Yep...thank you" Stunner answered. She let what he said sink in. She would have to trust her mother. She changed the subject really quick. "Summer...How come you can walk now but couldn't when I came up to you?"

"Well, I was pretending"

"Pretending?"

"Yes, otherwise I wouldn't be able to surprise you." Summer chuckled.

She smiled and nuzzled him. The two of them made merry until that evening.

The warmest winter Stunner ever had came and went like it was no time at all. She and Summer spent the majority of their time together. Stunner still stayed close to her mother, but for some reason she loved Summer's company...differently. Stunner was hardly ever by herself. She probably saw company as a necessity now. If she wasn't with Summer, she was with her mother, or Meg and Meg's mother. Once in a while she'd see Sadie and Holiday, but never that often. But once spring started, Sadie and Holiday made sure they had Stunner's companionship more often.

One April morning, Sadie and Holiday found Stunner walking through town with Meg. The young girl had one hand rested on Stunner's back as they walked. The two dog's approached Stunner and Meg.

"Hello, Sadie! Hello, Holiday!" Meg greeted. The two paid her no real mind, which Meg expected from dogs that didn't belong to her. They were more interested in convincing their friend to accompany them to enjoy the beautiful weather, as they mostly did when spring came. "Stunner, I'll come over today to your place, ok?" Sadie offered. "Then we can all take a walk on the beach and sunbathe!"

"Sadie, I told you, Summer's coming over today, you can't come." Stunner was always more interested in being with Summer over Sadie any day. Not to be rude; she and Sadie were cousins, but even so, Sadie didn't make the best friend in the world.

"But Stunner! You know I can't come to you just whenever I want!" Sadie objected. Sadie often had to go to the vets, so she tried to be as active as possible.

"I know, but I can't tell Summer to come over another day either."

"Ok...fine." Sadie agreed, but sounded rather bitter.

"Thanks," Stunner replied nonetheless. She wasn't worried about never seeing Sadie again. She would be out and about as always in no time.

Stunner and Meg returned home quickly to get some lunch. Stunner was fed the usual food, but this time she was feeling dizzy after eating it. Quinn came home finding Stunner rolling on the floor from the pain her belly caused her and Meg's mother was doing what she could to soothe the pain by rubbing her hands up and down the dog's body in a sort of massage.

"Stunner! Are you..? What happened to you, hon?" Quinn asked, rather scared.

"I wish you could tell me. I didn't eat anything wrong, just the usual!" Stunner cried.

"Don't you fret, Quinn," Meg's mom said, bringing Stunner onto her blanket so she could rest. She knew what to do. "Nothing's wrong with her." she smiled to her dog. Understanding, Quinn looked down at her daughter.

"Mom...!" Stunner called.

"Yes, honey" Quinn replied softly.

"What's the matter with me? Why do I feel so dizzy!" Stunner asked. She was doing nothing out of the ordinary until she felt a sharp pain. At first she thought she pulled a muscle or something, but then she had a nauseating feeling soon afterward. She had never felt nauseous before in her life.

"You're expecting pups" Quinn said smiling.

"You mean...you mean I'm pregnant?" Stunner asked shocked. The sickening feeling didn't go away, but being distracted by the thought that she was pregnant ceased it.

"Yes dear, you are. Don't worry; it's nothing scary, you just need to be careful" Quinn answered, softly, remember how careless she was when she had pups. It was still painful to this day to think about, but she knew that Stunner wouldn't make the same mistakes as her.

Stunner smiled "I'm pregnant.." Stunner said again looking at her mother with a joyful smile. "Summer's coming over today, should I tell him?"

"Yes! Of course, I'm sure he'll be very happy!" Quinn leaned down and nuzzled faces with Stunner. She was so proud of her.

It wasn't long until Summer came over. He was most welcome in Meg's home (she and her mother let him in a lot of them time, noticing how much Stunner liked him) and once he was there, Quinn left with Meg and her mother to run errands. Summer walked into Meg's room, where Stunner dwell and licked her face. He found it a bit odd that she didn't go to greet him at the door, but he didn't question her out loud.

"How are you, darling?" he asked, laying beside her, nuzzling her neck.

"I'm wonderful," she replied. "Know why?"

"Why?" Summer asked, accidentally simultaneous with Sadie, who barged into the house uninvited right at that moment. Stunner and Summer looked at Sadie with surprise, while she stood there simply curious as to why Stunner felt wonderful.

Stunner whispered in Summer's ear, "I'm having pups." and Summer smiled as big as he could, his already-bright green eyes sparkling with life and excitement. If Sadie hadn't spoke up the instant after the news, Summer would've jumped up in joy.

"What!?" Sadie thought to herself. Pups!? Stunner's having puppies already!? How could this be! They couldn't have possibly been Summer's! No! "I refuse to believe it!" she thought again before saying aloud, "Pups? Oh, uh...who's are they?" Sadie obviously heard the news. She tried playing dumb. She knew all too well who the father must have been. She just refused to believe it. It was too painful for her.

"Are you serious?" Stunner asked, quietly to herself. "They're ours." she answered simply, yet happily, referring to herself and Summer.

Sadie's eyes widened, making room for more tears to come. She tried her hardest not to appear hurt, but she wasn't sure about how good of a job of it she was doing. This was terrible... Summer was her own! He didn't belong to Stunner! And she didn't belong to him! They were both taking from her only to give to themselves! Summer was stealing her best friend, and Stunner was stealing her beloved mate! At least she hoped that one day he would've been her mate... It was no wonder Summer picked Stunner over her... If only... "Dammit!" Sadie thought to herself. She turned around to not face them, said "Congratulations," then left without saying anything more.

Stunner starred at the doggy-door with her face stuck in a surprised expression. Summer watched her starring like that also wondering what Sadie meant by leaving so soon. He moved towards Stunner, nuzzling her.

"Did I...uh, did I say something wrong?" Stunner asked.

"I rather not think so, dear" Summer tried to cheer her up.

"No, Summer, look. She's my cousin. Did I say something that could've make her upset?" Upsetting Sadie over not being able to meet up with her was one thing. Sadie normally got over that, but what could have been wrong with her? What was wrong with the fact that she was having a family?

"Stunner... You cannot blame yourself. You said nothing that could have upset her. Come here," Summer replied moving closer towards his mate. But Stunner couldn't cope with her friend being sad over something she didn't know about. She just knew she had something to do with it. Even if Sadie wasn't her most favorite person in the world. "I gotta go talk to her..." She left the house, with Summer lying by himself.

Knowing Sadie, she could be anywhere. Normally when she was upset, she'd find someone else to vent to, but when she was seriously upset, she often went off by herself. Something told Stunner to head outside of town. So to continue her search, Stunner ran across the beach. She passed her grandpa Balto's boat not even noticing that he was there calling her. However, when he howled his wolflike howl, that caught her attention. She looked back, noticing she had passed the boat. She moved towards him hoping he could help her.

"Grandpa! Grandpa!" Stunner exclaimed, panting. "Have you seen a blonde husky around here? I'm looking for her, I mean--"

"Sadie? Yes, she's sitting behind my boat. I didn't approach to her, I thought she'd be better off on her own for a while"

"Yes...on her own...I gotta talk to her now, bye grandpa. And thank you." Stunner said running off.

Sadie sat at a murky puddle, gazing with her teary bright blue eyes at her own blurry reflection. She raised her head up on hearing gentle steps. She hadn't even heard Stunner calling for her grandfather.

"Sadie, I've been looking for you, what's wrong? Why did you leave like that?" Stunner asked, deep down hoping that she was just being moody.

"I'm alright." Sadie replied, wibbling. But Stunner knew her long enough to realize that she wasn't fine at all.

"Sadie, we both know that's not true. Please, tell me what happened. You can tell me." Stunner may not have always trusted others with her secrets, but secrets were always trusted with her. Mostly because she didn't care to spread gossip like most.

Sadie looked at her, still thinking of having Summer to herself. Thinking she wanted him more than anyone. That she deserved him more than anyone. Having pups always meant new family. If Summer wanted a family with Stunner, it meant she could never have him at all. But what could she do now to prevent them becoming a family? There was a secret border that she well knew stopped her from having family of her own. But she had to act. Stunner was worried about her. She cared for her. Maybe that's the chance for her to rescue her and Summer's relationship she had planned for the future.

"Sadie... Talk to me. Was there something about my and Summer's pups that upset you?" Stunner asked.

"Yes!" Sadie suddenly called out in a frustrated tone distracted from her daydreams.

Stunner stared at her."Then what is it?"

"You don't know, how much pain it brought to me knowing that thought I'm same age as you and I can't have a family like you have, Stunner!" Sadie said crying.

"But Sadie! What are you saying? Of course you can! You just need to find the right partner that's all."

"I already have! But I'll never have a family like you have with him." Sadie said thinking of how Summer chose Stunner over of her.

"Of course you will, just wait. You'll see." Stunner assured Sadie, completely unaware of the fact Sadie meant Summer.

Sadie shook her head at her cousin's words as she said them. "No, Stunner! I won't! I can't have pups!" Sadie exclaimed.

Then it hit Stunner. Realizing that Sadie honestly COULDN'T have pups. At all. Stunner looked at her with compassion. The news of her having pups with Summer brought so much happiness to her life, she couldn't truly empathize how Sadie must have felt knowing she can't have such a blessing. This was just so tragic to Stunner. What if she was denied the happiness of being a mother? Denied all the experiences and bonding that only a mother experiences. How lonely it must be for her.. especially since her humans don't pay that much attention to her. Still, she knew just feeling sorry for her won't cheer her friend up.

"Sadie, the world doesn't end on pups, you can still have a great relationship enjoying each other's company."

"No...I.. Don't.. Think. It. Will. Be. Quite. . .the same thing. . .no."

"Well if it will make you feel any better, I'd be honored if I could have you as my...sort of nanny, looking after my pups."

Sadie raised her head as she heard what Stunner just proposed, making her mind wander in directions it shouldn't go. This would mean she and Summer could still create a future family. This would mean she'd be able to be with Summer in the same house for many hours, taking care of the pups. This would mean she'd be able to charm him again. She turned around tackling her friend.

"Thank you Stunner! You're the best friend anyone could ever have! I promise I'll look after your family as that of my own, I promise!" Sadie said overjoyed. Stunner smiled, happy she could help her close friend, not realizing what this will bring to her family.


A month later, the whole family, Summer along with Stunner and the others were awaiting Nikki and Mahogany's offspring, Summer's first siblings. There was no greater joy seen on Mahogany's face as it was this afternoon. All of her pups were healthy and safe. It was also known that Summer wasn't able to play with brothers and sisters of his during his puppyhood as he was the only survivor. Now not only he was getting siblings, but also his mate was about to bless him with children of his own.

Nikki came out of the room in which Mahogany and the pups were resting. He invited the rest of the family to greet the newcomers. Stunner was as excited as Summer to see her little brothers and sisters in law.

There were six of them, three girls and three boys. Mr. Dale, Mahogany's human, again got the privilege of naming them. The firstborn was Dong, the one that mostly resembled his father. Next one was light brown fluffy puppy that Mr Dale decided to call Winter. Mahogany's first daughter of a hazelnut color was Hazel and right after her was Clarete, a pretty girl with a winelike coat. The last one was Prima, whose shiny pinkish with red tones colors resembled Springtime. Stunner noted that the youngest pup looked a lot like her mate. It brought alot of joy to the family that Mahogany had her litter safe, especially Stunner who was happy her pups will have company during their puppyhood.

As the couple came home, Stunner cuddled Summer, glad they have finally found happiness. She looked at him and smiled, thinking both of them had a perfect family, having each other and the pups on the way.

Summer asked smiling back. "May I ask what has brought a smile upon your face, my dear?"

"Ah Summer, I was just thinking how lucky we are. Having each other, mom's litter...And our own pups on the way" Stunner said happily. Summer put his head on top of hers closing his eyes he said "Yes, we are, my darling. I love you." She giggled.

The romantic moment was interrupted by a scratch at the door. Summer opened his eyes thinking "Not again, why is there always an interruption when we have a great time...". It happened that Stunner was thinking that very same thing as her mother approached and said "It's Sadie, Stunner". Without Stunner's response, Sadie came in. "Hey Summer!" she said, seeing him holding Stunner in his arms. She felt jealousy growing in her, but then remembered it was only a matter of time to make her lying there instead of her friend.

She corrected herself, greeting Stunner also. Putting on a happy act, she came closer to the couple asking "How are you feeling Stunner? ..You should be resting a lot, this will do good to the pups!"

Stunner looked at Summer, then at her friend saying "Yes, good idea Sadie, thank you". Summer gave Stunner a confused look, not sure what's going on. "Summer, we'll talk later, honey. I'm just gonna go lie down." Then she whispered into his ear, "Be nice to her, she's been through a lot, try to make her feel comfortable, please".

Sadie watched her friend go with an mischievous grin. That was a chance for her to get to know Summer better. Summer invited her to sit down but without giving her precise directions as to where she should sit, she took Stunner's place, next to him. He moved towards his water bowl to have a drink.

"How was your day, Summer?" she asked, trying to start a conversation.

He looked at her and said, "It was rather exciting, I went to visit my mother. She just gave birth to her second litter."

"Ah, that's great! You must be very happy seeing your new brothers and sisters. Did your other siblings come to see the newcomers?" Sadie asked.

Summer kept silent for a moment at the mention of his "other" siblings. He looked away.

"Uhm... Did I say anything wrong?" she wondered.

"No, I'm sorry. I do not have any other siblings a part from those that were born today. Sadly, they died during the labor and I was the only survivor" Summer explained.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Summer!" Sadie apologized, embarrassed for not knowing, a of course upset for his own loss, tho she could never truly empathize for him. She had two brothers. One of them did die, but she still had a sibling to stay by her side.

"It's alright, Sadie. You didn't know." Summer cheered her.

Sadie found this an opportune moment for a hug so she got closer to him. While they were talking she was standing by an open window. She glanced at it with a smile and an idea. Then she used the moment of the cuddle to make Summer warm her up.

Summer realized she was cold as she gave him a hug. "Sadie, you're freezing cold." he stated.

"Yeah, it's been pretty chilly." she said. Summer told her to lie down so he could warm her up. He only decided to do so for Stunner's sake.

Sadie felt as if she was in heaven. She only dreamed of being able to get pregnant this very moment. She smiled as she saw him fall asleep with his upper body draped over her. She licked his mouth and cuddled into him. The feeling of his body on top of her was amazing. His soft fur, warm body. She managed to fall asleep with him that evening. However, in the middle of the night, Summer woke up and left Sadie as she was. The window was still open. He wandered into Meg's bedroom where Stunner slept and he curled himself around her and fell asleep.

As the morning sun hit the edge of Stunner's eye, she awoke seeing her beloved mate next to her. She went out to the next room satiate her need of thirst. As she walked into the next room, she saw Sadie lying there, shivering. She shook her head and nudged Sadie. "Sadie, wake up."

Sadie moaned and stirred. "Ugh, I'm freezing..!" Stunner went over to her to warm her up, draping over her in a fashion similar to that of what Summer did, but Sadie objected. "You're pregnant Stunner. The cold from my body might harm the pups."

Stunner gave her a peculiar, semi-skeptical look. "...Yes, you're probably right... My blanket's nice and warm in Meg's room. You can borrow it for a bit if you still want to rest." She figured Summer would wake up anyway.

Sadie nodded and stood, following her cousin into her human pup's room. To her good luck, Summer was still asleep. Stunner smiled lovingly at his sleeping form, not wanting to disturb him. She told Sadie to share the blanket and to not wake him or Meg at all. She knew Summer didn't approve of Sadie and probably wouldn't be very happy to wake up next to her, but she trusted him to not do anything rash.

As Sadie took a seat on the blanket, Meg woke up.

"Oh, hi, Sadie! I didn't know you were still here!" She giggled, giving the dog a pat on the head. "Just make yourself at home! I'm gonna go wake momma up." She ran past Stunner, giving her a pat on the head also, and ran for her mother's room to jump on her bed for a wake-up call. Stunner giggled and chased after Meg to join in her fun.

Sadie took that as another opportunity to snuggle up to Summer, and she did so happily. She still had yet to try and win him over during the day, but for now she wanted to be as close to him as possible.

Summer stirred in his sleep, thinking it was Stunner cuddling beside him. He smiled sleepily, eyes still closed and gently pressed his nose into Sadie's neck, giving her chills. She was ecstatic about his reaction towards her. But once Summer took in this new scent, he woke up to see, not Stunner, but Sadie. He shot up, scrambling about a foot away from her, his face slipping from surprise to skeptical and a trifle disgusted she would do that.

"I gathered you were home by now." Summer said, plainly.

"I don't miss it." Sadie smiled. "Stunner's human pup said to make myself at home."

Their conversation, to Summer's pleasure, was interrupted when they heard Stunner calling. "Summer! Summer baby, come over here please!" Stunner knew Summer could still be sleeping but another unexpected visit forced her to wake him up. She would normally give him a nuzzle to awaken him. This time however she wanted to keep the guest in the living room, giving Summer some space to gather himself up.

It didn't take long for Summer to respond. He quickly left the room, leaving Sadie lying down covered with Stunner's blanket. She couldn't feel the cold anymore as cuddling into Summer's hot body warmed her up. Entering the living room, Summer was first greeted with a loud happy exclamation of his name and a friendly glomp from a familiar golden husky. Stunner laughed at Summer's surprised face on seeing his old friend.

"Hawaii!" Summer choked trying to make his old childhood friend let go of him. "What brought you here, Hawaii?"

"Hey, is that how you greet your best friends? Oh c'mon! Didn't you miss me?" Hawaii laughed.

Summer picked himself up from the floor and hugged the female. He then nuzzled Stunner as he wasn't able to do so before. She didn't mind Hawaii greeting Summer this way as she knew they had a brother-sister relationship. Since Summer didn't have any siblings of his own, she was his best friend that kept him company throughout their puppyhood.

"Of course I've missed you! But I am quite curious, what has brought you here?"

"Oh Sum, what do you think? I wanted to congratulate you new family!" Hawaii explained with a smile. "Of course I couldn't find you at first, you've always been a quick mover. So then it hit me 'Of course! Stunner's place!' I mean, Holiday's mentioned you two~!" She said slyly. "Oh I'm so happy for you guys!"

Stunner and Summer gave each other a smirk, as they thanked Hawaii for her words. "Do you want to have the honor, Stunner?" Summer wanted to share with Hawaii their good news about their own upcoming litter. Hawaii smiled at them, not sure what to expect. Their smiles told her it wasn't anything bad.

"Ok, what's happening here?" Hawaii's curiosity

"It's not only Summer's siblings that make him so happy. It's also because we're having our own pups."

"You're pregnant? You're pregnant! Oh that's so wonderful!" Hawaii glomped the pair of them once again, but quickly collected herself. "Oh, I've got to be careful now." She giggled.

Stunner kindly offered their guest something to eat but knowing the couple would like some time alone she decided to go. She didn't live far from Mahogany, therefore they could always visit her. As she pushed the door leading to the hall, it wouldn't open. She pushed it harder only to notice the black and blonde dog lying on the floor. On seeing this Summer rolled his eyes.

"Hey Sadie!" Hawaii exclaimed. "I had no idea you were here! Did you hear the great news? Summer and Stunner are expecting puppies! Isn't that great?"

Sadie shook her head from hurting it on the door, as well as thinking of those puppies. "Ugh .... Yeah great"

"Aww I knew you'd think so too!" the husky said, pushing Sadie towards the doggy door. "Let's leave them in peace, I bet they want some time together... alone"

"B, b, but I ...I, I --" Sadie stuttered. She didn't want to go just yet. But Hawaii's last "C'mon!" left her with no other choice. Otherwise, both Summer and Stunner would notice her desperateness in accompanying Summer. And that could be disasterous. "Okay, okay! I'm coming!" Sadie had just one last gaze at Summer and then ran off, making the doggy door swing on her way out.

Once the two girls left, Summer heaved a sigh of relief. 'It seemed she'd never leave' Summer thought, grateful to his old friend for dragging Sadie out. Now the two of them could finally have some privacy. Being popular in the neighborhood didn't help them getting some peace and quiet. There was always someone to distract or disturb them, and it was usually with useless gossip.

The two found their place, next to each other, on the soft carpet in the living room. Although it was morning, they still felt tired due to having so many guests so early, one throughout the night. After all, they had to look for Sadie's good also, as she was their guest, friend, and family in need.

"Thank you" Stunner said, cuddling up to Summer. Summer gave her a confused look, noting her to explain what was she grateful for. "I know you don't approve of Sadie, I know she can be a bit annoying and hogs the attention. So thank you for putting up with her." Stunner smiled and gave her mate a tender kiss. He smiled at her.

"It's alright." He replied, Stunner then explaining to him that Sadie simply needed the company


A few days later...

"Come here, Stunner!" Meg called, tapping her thighs. Making her one last sniff of the grass, Stunner rushed towards her human pup. These last two days, Stunner felt the need of going out more than ever. She was so restless. She didn't understand this sudden change but the call of nature couldn't wait long. Now as she was actually making an effort to catch up with Meg and her friend, she felt something was stopping her. She felt pain in her belly. Her eyes widened on thinking the labour was about to start. She whimpered hurriedly, trying to make her way home as soon as possible. Meg quickly noticed the change in her dog's behavior and called for her mom to come. She was very scared, knowing what had happened to Stunner's siblings when her mother was in labor.

As Stunner found herself on her soft blanket, she felt relieved. Soon, as first pup appeared, Stunner's motherly instincts took over. She knew exactly what to do. Each pup that was born, she gently grabbed, and licked off the placenta, letting the newborn breathe. She washed the pup and let it get crawl to her belly for something to eat. Not more than 2 hours and all the puppies were lying next to each other, stuck to Stunner's belly. Throughout the whole new experience, Stunner had help from her beloved mate, who was there no sooner than she was earlier, next to her, supporting her. Stunner was exhausted, but glowed with happiness. Summer nuzzled her and suggested letting her rest.

He came out of Meg's room, thrilled to be a father. A father of pups he shared with Stunner, the love of his life. All of their pups were born and alive and healthy. Inside he wanted to howl like crazy in sheer joy, but refrained since he was indeed indoors, plus his mother-in-law was there smiling at him, happy for him and her daughter. He greeted Quinn collectively. He knew soon Stunner and him were about to have his side of the family over to see the newcomers as Meg's mother had spread the news to Mr Dale as well as couple of other people.

"Summer!" a voice exclaimed. Summer's ears turned on hearing his name being called. As he recognized the voice, he sighed deeply.

"Summer, why didn't you tell me your pups were born?" Sadie asked, seemingly being there at random (tho in reality she was in fact just passing by and noticed the peculiar setting of all the lights in the house being on)

Summer silenced the question, simply amazed that she was so compelled to just invite herself over. "What are you doing here, Miss?"

"I came to congratulate you, baby- I mean uh, congratulate you having babies!" Sadie chuckled, noticing she was about to call Summer her 'baby'.

"Why, thank you. Now, if you excuse me, I shall go back to my mate. The pups need to be named." Summer stated, leaving to follow his master, Mr. Dale and Meg's mother. They were the ones to choose the names.

"Wait! I'll help you choose the names! Stunner said I can help you!" Sadie said, referring to Stunner's proposition of looking after her pups. Summer was becoming very impatient, but as a gentleman, he refused to show it, not even by his tone of voice. Sadie squeezed in between Summer when he was entering Meg's bedroom, just to feel his body pressed against hers. As he glared at her, their face met, nearly touched. Sadie smiled at him, and quickly moved to sit above Stunner. She didn't want Summer to be able to cuddle up to Stunner too easily. If he'd want to do so however, he would need to squeze past her again, which he didn't want to do.

"Hey baby.." Stunner smiled. She turned to face him but Sadie stood on the way. "Oh.... Sadie... I didn't know you were here...." She said, a bit annoyed to see her cousin in such a private situation. Yes, she was part of the family, yet this was a moment for her and Summer, and it only made sense to leave them be. It wasn't comfortable for her nor for Summer to have Sadie there. Meg, along with her mom and Mr. Dale, sat near their dog family. Mr Dale gently moved Sadie away as she wasn't part of the new family. He let Summer move closer to Stunner and then they proceeded to choose the names.

Meg willingly picked up the eldest pup. Dark mahogany pup, with dark brown fringe and stripes running down his spine resembled Summer's colors. Black patches on his eyes, just like his mother, as well as black ears. "Lets name him John Tom!" Meg said, hugging the little one. Meg's mother smiled, putting her arm around her daughter. She then picked up the next pup, a red, cute female, also with stripe pattern on her back. "Maybe we could call her Fortula? What do you think Meg?"

"Yes mom, that's a pretty name" Meg agreed.

A small mahogany pup caught Mr Dale's eye. She reminded him of his older dog, Mahogany. He picked her up, petting her gently on her back. Summer smiled because he also saw his mother in his daughter's looks. "She could be called Dinah" Dinah was his wife's name, who use to adore Mahogany. She died from cancer, having Mahogany always beside her. Meg looked at the remaining two pups. "Oh look mum, this one has floppy ears!" Meg said all excited.

"Oh yes hon, she reminds me of that plushy you had when you were small"

"Yeah, I called her Aderyn. Can we call her Aderyn as well?" Meg suggested, taking the puppy from her mother.

"Yes we can" Mr Dale said, smiling at the child. Meg's mum nodded, and picked up the last pup remaining. "Look at him, Meg, he's so tiny" The last boy was the runt, which explains why he was very small. "He's about the same size as Dinah. Let's name him Dino"

Summer and Stunner were happy with the names their owners chose for their children. Sadie looked at them with jealousy, wanting so badly to be there, next to Summer, with those puppies, instead of Stunner. The people left the room, taking Sadie and Quinn with them, letting Summer and Stunner have some time alone with the pups.

The pups made quick work at nursing from their mother, who smiled down at them. Their father watched them all proudly and licked his mate's forehead.

"I'm so proud of you, my love." Summer said licking her tired, smiling face.

"Thank you, Summer.." She layed her head down to finally sleep as her mate protectively curled himself and his tail around her and their pups.

~~~

Whenever Sadie wasn't around Stunner's family, she took the time to try and get closer to Summer's mother, to try and earn her blessings. Thankfully Mahogany thought Sadie was rather sweet for playing with her pups. They appeared to accept Sadie, especially little Winter, but this was the only thing that satisfied the hybrid a little. For the time being, anyway.

Sadie didn't get many chances to see Summer or his family for a while after the pups were born. Stunner never left the house and the door was almost always closed to company. Sadie tried catching Summer on his way to visit, but he was either already at Stunner's or intentionally avoiding the blonde hybrid. This made Sadie green-eyed. She had every right to be happy and whether it was their fault or not, to her knowledge, they were completely shutting her out. Naturally this upset her.

Before it was the fact that Stunner was able to have a family and she wasn't, but now her anger towards her humans was kindling. It was her masters who spayed her early in her puppyhood and made her this way. She cried about it often, with sadness, anger, envy. Any word she could think of. She wanted something out of this. At least the monster half growing within her did. If she wasn't given happiness, she would take it. She was going mad.

The blonde hybrid peeked from behind the boiler building towards Stunner's house. It was perfect timing. The pups had been let outside with their mother and her human pup. It must have been their first day outside, because they were all walking around cautiously, looking at their own paws. She rounded the corner and advanced toward them.

"Hello, Sadie!" Meg greeted, hugging Dino close to herself. She reached with one hand to pet the visitor on the head. Sadie shook her off and greeted Stunner and her pups.

"This is your aunt Sadie." Stunner said to her children, who smiled up at the new dog in their life.

"Hello~" Sadie sang, smiling down at them with a maternal glow on her face. How she wanted Summer's children for her own. They wagged their tails and lolled their tongues happily.

"Well, they seem to like you," the red hybrid stated to the blonde.

"They do~" she replied, smirking.

After a while of playing, Meg decided to turn in to warm up, while the others stayed on the porch. Stunner and the pups were feeling tired, so they decided to take a nap.

"Summer should be here soon," Stunner yawned. "You can stay and keep watch on the pups till he gets here, if you want." And with that the new mother was asleep.

Sadie waited a few minutes, watching the tiny pups sleep, before she looked around to see if Quinn or Summer were about. There was no sign of them, or any other dog actually. And as tho a miracle was intended just for her, the pup Aderyn awoke and smiled up at her aunt.

"Aunt Sa--"

"Shhhh," Sadie hushed softly. "Don't wake your mommy." Aderyn nodded, grinning, like she was going to be told this grand secret or something. "You like me....don't you?"

"Uh huh!" the pup said, standing up. "You're lots of fun!"

"Shhh...want to live with me for a while?"

"R-Really? Can I? Will it be okay with mommy?"

"Of course it is," Sadie said, standing up herself, ushering Aderyn off the porch. "I talked to her. C'mon!"

"Hehe, okay!"

The two made their way down the street, Sadie walking slowly so the pup could keep up. She had a plan for this pup. "So did you know that your mother hates me?"

"No, she doesn't!" Aderyn exclaimed. "She's real nice to you!"

"That's what she lets you think.. but she doesn't want Aunt Sadie to have puppies."

"You mean, she doesn't want Aunt Sadie to be a mommy?"

"Nope,"

"How's come!"

Sadie sighed. "I don't know, hon,"

Aderyn frowned but kept walking. Her mother couldn't possibly be so mean... could she? Not letting Aunt Sadie be a mommy? To Aderyn that seemed like keeping someone from something so special, even tho she never once thought about it in her life.

"I always wanted a daughter, just like you." Sadie continued, gently poking her little companion with her nose, making her giggle.

"Aderyn?" Sounded a familiar voice, causing Sadie to freeze in her tracks. And the head of Summer appeared from behind another house. He was smiling at first, thinking that his mate was taking the pups for a walk, but when he saw a rather disliked female standing there with only one of his daughters, he frowned deeply.

"Daddy!" his pup shouted happily, glomping his foot.

"Hello, there, love," Summer said to Aderyn, before turning to Sadie, who was staring at him, both shocked and ashamed. "What on earth are you doing with my daughter?"

"I--I was--"

"She was taking me to her house to stay! She said she wanted a daughter like me be-because Mommy didn't want her to be a mommy!" she sounded to excited, it angered the male, making his neck fur bristle ever so slightly.

"N-No, that's not--"

"Sadie," Summer growled faintly. He knew exactly what she was trying to do. How dare she try to corrupt his children! Just because she couldn't have pups of her own, it was no excuse to try and literally steal another one's child! "Get out of here. I don't want you anywhere near my pups."

She didn't have to be told a second time. Sadie bolted out of there without even looking at Summer, not that she'd be able to see him through her tears anyway. He hated her for sure now. He discovered what she did..what the green-eyed monster inside her did. She'd never be able to win his heart now. She couldn't believe it took this to realize that she was trying to steal everything from her friend. Her cousin. When she herself had nothing to start with. No one was going to love her. She couldn't have pups. She was crippled. And no one wants a broken girl.

The next time Sadie saw Stunner, Meg was taking her for a walk and the red hybrid was glaring at her. Summer must have told her what happened. Stunner had to refrain herself from growling at Sadie and making a scene. Both of them knew that Stunner wouldn't tell anyone what Sadie did, even if now her own daughter respected her less than she did before she met Sadie. Both of them knew that Sadie was going to have a difficult time finding a mate. More gossip was the last thing anyone needed.

Unfortunately, their paths had to cross. Sadie hoped nothing would be said, but what Stunner said to her at last was shaky, yet hurtful: "I hope you're happy."