"Show those guys!" Sandy barked excited. Jasmine raised her head and howled. Steele and Karlee were approaching the finish line. Head to head, sides heaving and breathing short and quick. Karlee shot Steele a smirk and let loose. She broke away and crossed the line. Karlee had yet again won the race. Karlee slid to a stop. Steele couldn’t slow down fast enough and he crashed into Karlee. "Oof!" They toppled to the ground.

"Ow…that’s got to hurt." Zip said. Austin came in third and when he halted Jasmine licked his cheek. Then the husky blushed. Austin smiled.

"Hey come on, about another?" Austin grinned and Jasmine giggled before giving his cheek a kiss. Austin sighed with a love-struck expression. "You got that right sweets." He winked and Jasmine just smiled.

Steele stood over Karlee as she laid on her back. "Did I just get hit by a train?" Karlee groaned. Steele chuckled and was about to lick her cheek. But he stopped himself.

"Sorry about that." Steele spoke. Karlee giggled softly.

"That’s okay."

Not too far off, Captain watched the happy group and snarled. He wasn’t happy about the situation. "Will we struck tonight at your older brother?" A mix breed asked.

"Not yet." Captain hissed.

***

Later that evening, Karlee was resting at her owner’s feet. William was reading after a tiring day. Brian laid in his bed. Karlee was a bit concerned for Brian. He had become ill tempered to the others and rarely left the apartment. There was scratching at the door. Brian didn’t raise his head. He just lay there like he was dead. Karlee was curious as her owner got up. Karlee rose to her paws and followed William. When he opened the door Steele’s scent floated through. Karlee smiled. "Hello Steele." Karlee was surprised to know he was here. "Here’s Karlee." Karlee bounded out of the door and her tail was wagging furious. William watched the two canines jump around each other as if it’s been forever that they last seen each other. He gave a hmm… before closing the door.

"The moon’s almost full. Would you like to join me in a nightly walk down by the beach?" Steele asked. Karlee smiled.

"I would love to." She smiled and gave him a loving expression. Her smile was contagious and so he had to smile to. The dogs walked quietly down the stairs and through the doggie door in the room were laundry was done.

***

They walked side by side through the wet sand from the tide. Karlee sensed something was troubling Steele. She rubbed up against him. "What’s wrong?" Steele snapped out of his thoughts and looked down at Karlee.

"Nothing’s wrong." He answered before he licked her cheek. He froze. Oh he just crossed the line. "I’m sorry Karlee I didn’t mean to!" Steele lowered his ears and looked away from her. Karlee just looked at him blankly. She smirked before moving to where she could see his face.

Karlee licked his snout. Steele was surprised and Karlee smiled before giving him a playful nip. She dashed a way’s a way before turning back to face him.

"Come on silly!" Steele’s open mouth smile grew wide. The malamute dashed after her. Karlee laughed and took to a run. The canines circled each other, jumping around, barking happily. They took to playing under the moon.

It was an hour later before they started toward home. Steele wanted to tell her but he wasn’t sure how she would react to it. But he had to tell her before his heart exploded. "Karlee I want to tell you something…" He tried to keep his voice steady but he felt like a leaf on a windy day. Karlee looked at him with her thoughtful eyes. They stopped their walking in the shadows of the small boiler room. One look at those eyes and that gave him the courage to go on. "Karlee I love you! Since the first time I saw you I never realized the feeling. Each day it grew stronger and stronger until it felt like it would burst from me. You helped bring joy to my life and I now realize there’s more to life than just glory. Karlee, I don’t deny it. I love you. And I would…" Karlee put a paw to his mouth to hush him.

"Steele…" He was listening. She was smiling. "I also have the same feelings for you. I never thought that my little daydream of being yours would ever come true." Steele gasped and Karlee licked his snout. Karlee gave him a playful, devious smile. "So what do you say handsome man? She walked to the door of the boiler room and slipped inside. Steele was standing outside and was still shocked. He approached the door slowly and peered inside. In a flash Karlee grabbed hold of his collar between her jaws and drug him into the warmth of the boiler room.

Steele grinned upon Karlee and shut the door firmly behind him. He tackled her and Karlee ended on up on her back. She smiled as Steele was licking her face. Steele rolled onto his back and Karlee hopped on his stomach. She licked beneath his chin. Steele chuckled and jumped to his feet. Karlee hopped to a stand. She lowered herself, her tail whipping through the air sassy like. Her eyes locked on him as she growled playfully. Steele chuckled before approaching her.

"Whatcha going to do? Bite me?" Karlee whispered teasing. Steele smirked before tackling her.

"That’s one suggestion." He grinned and Karlee chuckled.

***

Karlee yawned. The sun was shining through the window. Steele was stretched out on his back, still asleep. What happened last night? She was sore all over then she remembered. "Right…" She thought to herself with a smile.

Steele rubbed his back as he awoken. "Wow what a night!"

Karlee chuckled. "I say…" She stood and stretched out. Steele rose to his feet slowly and nuzzled her.

"Hello Mrs. Steele." He chuckled. Karlee rubbed her head against his neck. Steele smiled slightly.

***

"She went out with Steele last night and hasn’t come back." Brian spoke flatly. Austin looked at Jasmine for anything. She shrugged her shoulders.

"Well it sounds to me they might have gotten busy." Sandy spoke. Austin and Jasmine just looked at each other with blank faces and Brian growled.

"What’s the matter Brian? Jealous?" Jasmine asked.

"Of Steele? No I am not!" Brian defended himself. Jasmine just gave a smirk.

"Well speak of the devil!" Sandy barked as Steele and Karlee strolled into view. Brian growled and Sandy looked a little concerned at the tan husky. Austin and Jasmine galloped up to them and slowed to a stop. Austin took a whiff of Karlee’s scent and was confused.

"You smell different Karlee." Austin pointed out. Jasmine gave him a hard nudge to be polite. Karlee just chuckled. Jasmine sniffed then gasped.

"Karlee are you…" Her hazel eyes darted from Karlee to Steele then back again.

"Let me answer that for you." Steele said then turned around and yelled to anyone that could hear within a mile radius. "KARLEE IS MINE! STAY BACK!" Steele turned around again to face them with a grin. Karlee licked his cheek.

"Oh my." Was all Sandy could say as she walked up. Austin shook out of his surprise.

"Well everyone knew you two would end up together some day!" Austin barked happily. Laughter broke out. But Brian wasn’t laughing. He growled moodily before walking to the back.

***

"Wow I bet Steele’s pretty happy." Dalton said to Zip. Steele’s gang broke up but the only one who left was Captain. Zip nodded. All the dogs of Nome were on frenzy talking about the two. Karlee’s reputation helped out Steele. Everyone was being friendlier to Steele, as they knew Karlee would treat him well and that she would be disappointed in them if they didn’t begin to act a little nicer to the malamute. As well as Karlee had a temper of a wildcat.

Karlee noticed that Brian wasn’t just sad…he was a totally different dog. Brian didn’t eat much and didn’t want to get close to her. But Brian wasn’t the only thing on her mind…

"So Karlee?" Karlee looked around to see Sandy and Jasmine. They caught her when she was alone and that was rare. "When do you think they’ll be born?" Sandy asked.

"Now Sandy that’s personal!" Jasmine snapped. Karlee hushed her friend.

"It’s okay Jasmine. But she’s right it is a bit personal." Sandy looked a little ashamed of herself. "But Will took me to the vet’s the other day. He said sometime in May." Karlee smiled.

Sandy and Jasmine laughed a little. "Oh man is William going to have his hands full or what!" Karlee chuckled then stopped short. She spotted the eyes of Captain looking out from an alley.

"What is it?" Jasmine asked and looked in the direction Karlee was looking. But Captain was gone.

"Oh nothing." Karlee said. She then said in a little more cheerful voice, "Come on let’s meet the guys down by the beach!"

***

Karlee and Steele were lounging out on Steele’s owner’s porch. They looked at the beautiful sky splashed by the sunset. "Isn’t it beautiful?" She asked as she laid her head against Steele’s neck.

"It sure is but not as beautiful as you." Steele answered softly. Karlee smiled then licked under his chin. Steele smiled as well before nibbling her black ears.

"Karlee!" Karlee raised her head.

"My master’s calling. Good night my love." Karlee nuzzled Steele warmly. But Steele stood.

"I’m coming with you." Karlee just nodded and the two made their way to the apartment building. William was standing outside with Brian when they got there. Brian looked sulky at them but Karlee shrugged it off.

"So you must be the dog that has Karlee’s heart." William said to Steele as he dropped to his knees to stroke Karlee. Karlee licked his rough yet smooth hands. Steele barked before Karlee’s owner examined him with his eyes. "Well Karlee you’ve nabbed yourself a mighty handsome fellow here." William stroked Steele. Steele smiled. Karlee smiled as she found out William liked Steele. But she knew who didn’t. She looked to where Brian was but the tan husky was gone. "Come on Karlee it’s time for supper then bed." Karlee licked her mate’s nose.

"Night dear." She said as they nuzzled each other.

"See you in the morning." Steele said then watched his lady follow her owner. He smiled before heading back home.

Inside, Karlee just finished her dinner. Brian was lying in his bed like usual. William patted Karlee good night and headed to his room for sleep. Karlee walked slowly to her bed and turned circles a couple of times before plopping down. But she didn’t feel like sleeping. Her violet eyes were locked on Brian. She knew he wasn’t sleeping even though his back was to her. "Brian?" She whispered.

No response.

"Brian." She whispered a bit louder. There was a sniff then he moved his head where Karlee at least saw profile.

"What do you want?" He snapped. Karlee took a deep breath and exhaled.

"Brian what’s wrong?" She asked. Brian looked glum and his eyes moved to where they could at least see a little of her.

"Nothing." Karlee began to get a little annoyed.

"No there is something wrong. Now tell me!" She hissed. Karlee crawled closer just a few inches.

Brian raised his head and shifted his body where he could see her clearly. His ears flattened back, sad not angry. "Why do you love Steele so much? Yeah sure he’s handsome and all but he’s still a jerk!" He snapped. Karlee was taken back then she growled and rose to her feet.

"Listen here Brian, Steele has changed. He’s changed a lot! You would know that if you got up from your moodiness and hung out with the rest of us! For what reason that’s holding you back then I don’t know!" The husky was getting fed up with Brian’s attitude.

Brian just looked at her. His expression was mixed of sadness and angry. "You wouldn’t understand." He whispered then turned his back to her and laid his head down. Karlee growled lightly.

"We’re not finished yet." She muttered.

***

"What’s got Brian I don’t know." Karlee spoke to her pals. Sandy and Jasmine were both concerned for the tan husky.

"Maybe he doesn’t like puppies." Jasmine suggested. Karlee and Sandy both gave her a weird look. "What?" Jasmine asked. "It’s just a suggestion."

Karlee just sighed and continued walking. "Ever thought of him liking you, Karlee?" Sandy asked. Karlee stopped with a gasp. She never considered that. But if that was the case, why were they always arguing on everything?

Sandy watched her friend. Karlee was thinking from every point of view but her thoughts were interrupted. "Hey babe." Steele said as he strolled up to her. Karlee barked happily.

"Hello." Karlee said and greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. Steele licked the top of her head.

"How are you feeling?" Steele asked.

"Okay…but now that you’re here I’m feeling better." Karlee answered as she rubbed up under his chin. Steele smiled. "Sandy, Jasmine, and I were just walking through town. What are you up to?"

"Nothing but Austin and I are heading over to your place to say hello to Brian." Steele responded. Karlee nodded.

"That would be good for him." Sandy said.

***

But Brian wasn’t home. He was strolling through town, hoping to avoid contact with other dogs but it doesn’t always work out that way.

"Hey you!" Brian stopped in his tracks and looked behind him. There was a brown malamute coming at him with a pack of canines behind him.

"Boss you think we should chase him out?" One mongrel asked the malamute. Brian became uncertain.

"No." The malamute strolled up to Brian and started to circle him. "Aren’t you the dog who lives with Karlee?" Brian watched the malamute circle him.

For some reason the malamute reminded him of Steele. Maybe it was how he carried himself or whatever. "Yeah. Brian. You?"

"Captain." Captain was happy to finally bump into Brian. He was the last piece of his plan. "Tell me…Brian…why you hate my brother so much?"

That’s why he’s so much like Steele. Brian didn’t like the look in Captain’s eyes. He didn’t answer.

 "Is it because he did something to you that just tore your heart? Stole something from you?" Brian looked down. This was what Captain was looking for. "You wanted Karlee but she didn’t want you! She went for Steele!" Captain stopped his circling and came close to Brian and whispered in his ear. "I can help you. If you help me…you can have Karlee and do whatever you want with her. Just help me and you get the girl." Captain’s words were like poison seeping into Brian’s sense.

Brian was thinking about it. He then raised his head. "What do you need me to do?" Captain grinned a wicked grin. Brian may have been pampered but he wasn’t stupid or so he thought.

"Here’s what you got to do but not until I tell you when. We have to wait until the time is right." Captain spoke in his cold voice. The other dogs laughed to themselves at how naïve Brian was.

***

Karlee was now showing. She was a month along and had all the problems that came with a mother to be. Nesting, moodiness, wolfing down her food, and sleeping more. She was visited by her friends and by her mate everyday. For some reason Brian was nicer and more talkative to others. But that was the last of her worries. After her supper she was outside snoozing. Steele was busy all day so she had not seen him at all that day.

"Hey Karlee!" Karlee raised her head to see Brian running up to her. Brian, she had to admit looked handsome now that he was loosing weight. Even though he was still round he was running much faster. She would have to watch him in a race.

"What is it Brian?"

Brian stopped and took his time in gaining his breath. Karlee waited impatient. "Steele needs to talk to you. He’s over by the sawmill. It’s urgent." Karlee rose to her feet.

"Thanks Brian." She took to a slow run, as it was the fastest she could go. Brian watched her go with a grin before he followed her. Once Steele was dismissed he would have her.

***

"Steele!" Captain barked. Steele was walking with Austin and Zip. "It’s urgent Karlee, she needs to speak with you!" Captain stopped and Steele came closer. "This way!" Captain and Steele ran toward the sawmill.

Austin and Zip watched them then headed to the boiler room.

Steele reached the mill first and was looking around. "Where is she?" Steele snapped. But Captain disappeared behind a stack of lumber. Steele sat waiting.

Meanwhile, Karlee and Brian reached the sawmill. "Where’s Steele?" She asked." Brian pointed to the stacks of lumber. Karlee walked forward and looked between the piles of lumber. She spotted him. "Steele!" She exclaimed but a force from above landed in front of her. She barked in surprise as she was face to face with a strange husky. She backed away but bumped into two more dogs. She was trapped. Lumber on both sides and dogs in front and back.

Steele heard her yell and bark. "Karlee!" He dashed to where he heard her and was shoved to the ground by two dogs. "Get off!" He roared as he threw them off and ran for Karlee. "Karlee!" He was there to the entrance of the somewhat lumber tunnel where Karlee was held captive.

"Steele!" She gave a joyous bark.

"Everything’s in order now." Steele spun around to see Captain blocked the escape. "You’re trapped now brother." Karlee gasped and Steele growled.

"Let her go!" He shouted. Captain just chuckled.

"That’s what you want." Captain looked to the husky in front of Karlee. Brian was up on top looking down watching the whole thing with three of Captain’s forces. He saw the signal given and whined.

"Kill her."

"NO!"

Brian snarled and jumped down from the lumber pile and ran toward Nome. Captain’s forces watched him and they gave each other confused expressions. Brian needed help and now. Captain went back on his word. Brian was kicking himself of how he could be so stupid to listen to Captain.

The front husky spun around and growled. Karlee snarled and lunged at him. Her jaws clamped on his neck. The husky yelped and threw her off. Karlee crashed into the lumber and yelped. The wood shifted a bit but no one noticed. Steele jumped to her need but collided with two other dogs that had run forward. He seized one and threw it off of him and bit down hard onto the other’s front leg to where he could hear the snap. The mongrel cried aloud. Captain watched as Steele was dealing with two more and Karlee trying to get to Steele.

Karlee danced around the husky that was blocking her from Steele. She jumped from here to there and pounced on him. They tumbled around, snarling and biting. Steele bashed into the lumber pile on the right and it shifted. The three dogs were upon him biting at whatever surface they could get. Karlee’s enemy was trying to follow her but when she sidestepped, he smacked right into the wood and knocked himself out. "What an idiot!" She thought to herself before lunging at one of the dogs that was about to attack Steele. Steele was dueling two instead of three now.

Captain realized that things weren’t going as well as he wanted as he watched the battle scene. He snarled and advanced toward Karlee. No way was his brother going to win this time.

***

"Guys!" Brian shouted as he crashed through the boiler room. Austin and Zip stopped their tug-o-war. Dalton looked up. Sandy and Jasmine turned to face Brian. "Karlee and Steele need your help! Now at the sawmill! Captain’s trying to kill ‘em!" In a flash the boiler room was empty and Karlee and Steele’s reinforcements were on the way.

"You want a piece of me!" Steele roared as he just finished off one of Captain’s forces. Captain wheeled around then sprung upon Karlee. The smaller husky yelped as Steele’s brother towered over her. Steele froze as the last remaining ground force stood next to his knocked out comrades. The three dogs up top of the lumber waited.

Captain pointed a paw toward Karlee. "She’s quite a beauty Steele. Too bad you’re not the only one who wants her." Karlee laid on the ground.

"Why are you doing this?" Steele barked. Captain looked over to Steele.

"I’ve had enough of living in your shadow! Judged by your mistake. And now I’m going to break you down. By starting with your heart." Captain’s wicked eyes slid to where Karlee was in them. Karlee growled deep.

Suddenly, a flash of brown fur and there was Brian between Captain and Karlee. Captain growled at Brian once he recovered his shock. Karlee was surprised and her expression showed it. "Brian?" She asked.

"You’re on my side Brian!" Captain roared.

Brian smirked and said calmly, "Not anymore." A body crashed into the earth below and Captain startled. It was one of his. He snarled and looked up to see an Elkhound.

"What the…?" He asked, his expression furious.

"The Calvary’s here!" Zip called out. Steele’s ears picked up the sound of lumber being pushed.

"Karlee get out!" He shouted as he leapt upon Captain, The two brothers tumbled around.

Karlee realized what was going to happen. "No Steele!" She cried but Brian pushed her out.

"Come on Karlee!" The two rushed out of the tunnel as pieces of lumber begun to rain in the narrow passageway. The knocked out comrades of Captain had woken and were trying to get out but were unsuccessful as their bodies became crushed by the falling lumber.

Captain and Steele were dueling, avoiding the lumber as best as they could. But the pieces of wood smacked down onto them. Captain latched onto Steele’s leg but the black malamute shoved him off.

Karlee and Brian were watching as with Sandy and Dalton on the right side kicking lumber off. Austin and Jasmine were pushing the pieces of wood into the passageway from the left. Karlee’s eyes were moist and tears begun to fall. She ignored her pain and prayed for her mate.

"So long Brother." Steele said as his bloody frame moved and Captain gave his final scream. The brown malamute’s head crushed by a falling piece of lumber. Steele knew he couldn’t make it out as his eyes darted from exit to exit. The black malamute hunkered down beneath some fallen lumber for shelter.

The dust was rising and now the lumber was sliding its self. "Get out of there now!" Brian shouted. The four canines bounded off the piles as the two piles crashed together. There was some coughing as the dust settled.

Karlee cleared her eyes with her paw before darting into the lumber mess. "Steele!" She called out as she carefully maneuvered through the disaster like scene. It was as if an earthquake struck the sawmill. The husky passed some of Captain’s forces. Dead they were and Karlee felt sorry for them as they were killed for no good reason but only by association with Captain.

"Steele!" She put her nose to the ground and sniffed around as the full moon rose above. She caught his scent and traveled as fast as she could. She spotted his brother, his head a bloody mess. Her eyes scanned the area then she found what she was looking for. "Steele!" She barked happily as she hopped over to him. The malamute lay curled up when she reached him. "Oh Steele." She laid down next to him and started to lick his face.

Movement was in his muscular body. He groaned of pain. His eyes opened to see Karlee smiling. "Hey sweetheart." He spoke softly. Karlee could feel tears of joy about to run down her face. She laid her head over his neck.

"We can move when you’re feeling better." Karlee whispered. Steele sighed.

"Are you okay?" He asked quickly.

"I’m fine. Just a little sore." She responded. Steele closed his eyes in comfort.

***
 

Steele was back home being nursed back to health. Karlee and Brian were about to fall asleep as dawn was approaching. Brian couldn’t hide his guilt any more. It was eating at him and every time Karlee looked at him, he felt worse.

"Karlee?" Brian asked. Karlee shifted around a little and her violet eyes opened slowly.

"Yes Brian?" She asked. Brian took a deep breath.

"I’m sorry for everything! I helped Captain out in his plan. I didn’t mean for you to nearly get killed! I admit I was jealous of Steele. You were spending all your time with him and that’s why I helped Captain." Brian whimpered and Karlee looked at him with a blank expression.

"Brian…" Karlee rose to her feet and sat down next to him. "We made it out alive and that’s the important thing. Yes I’m a little disappointed that you didn’t use your sense but I forgive you. If you want, this will be our secret." Brian smiled up at Karlee and she winked her black patch eye.

"Now I can sleep peacefully." Brian spoke as he laid his head down. Karlee chuckled and slept right next to him.

***

Steele, Austin, Zip, and Brian were walking through town chatting away about normal old stuff. "So Austin…"Brian nudged the shepherd mix. "Made your move on Jasmine yet?" Zip and Steele broke out laughing.

"I wouldn’t be talking Brian!" Austin said. Brian gave him a questioning look. "I see how Sandy stares at ya’. Don’t you notice?" Austin asked.

"Notice what?" Sandy said as she slowed from her run to her walk.

"SANDY?!" Austin and Brian barked. The tan/white husky searched all of their faces but gave up.

"Steele Karlee’s at your place." Sandy said as she breathed deeply. Steele looked at each of his friends before taking off. He was a bullet, tearing down main street toward his home.

"Did Karlee…?" Zip asked. Sandy just nodded with a smile.

***

"So it’s alright to have Karlee here as I have no room?"

"Yes it’s fine. Besides I’m sure Steele wants to be close to them." Steele slid to a stop. "Them?" He wondered before walking up the steps and out came Will. Karlee’s owner knelt down to pet him.

"Hey boy." Will patted Steele’s head. The malamute gave a doggy grin then barked. William chuckled before departing. Steele watched him go.

"There you are Steele!" His owner called him. Steele trotted up to him barking happily. "Come this way Steele. I think you should see them." His owner smiled before leading him to the living room. Nestled in the corner close by the window was a large basket where his lady laid. Karlee raised her head and a smile was on her face. Whimpers were coming from the basket. Steele approached with caution and as he neared the basket he took a few sniffs. Tucked up by Karlee’s belly were five puppies. Steele gasped as he looked over each of them.

"Karlee…they’re so…" Steele searched for a word. "Adorable." He finished. Karlee chuckled and nuzzled Steele.

"Never thought this day would come." Karlee whispered and Steele gave her a wide eye look. "What?" She asked.

"You’re the most beautiful girl in town and think you would have never been a mother?" Steele whispered hastily. Karlee chuckled and nuzzled her pups. When she raised her head, Steele gave her cheek a kiss. She smiled and returned his kiss with her own kiss. "Now what should we call them?" Steele asked quietly.

Karlee looked over the malamute/husky crosses. "You want to wait until their personalities show?" She asked her mate. The malamute smiled.

"Sure…we’ll wait."

***

Steele was dozing next to Karlee under the window. The warmth of the sun was coming through the window and soaking into them. "Daddy!" Steele’s eyes flew open. His son, Nickel was standing in front of him. Nickel looked exactly like him but had a silver tip on his tail. "Can we play?" The puppy asked. Steele chuckled and slowly rose to his feet. He looked from the sleeping Karlee to the dozing pups in the basket.

"Are you the only one awake besides me?" Steele asked his son. Nickel bobbed his head while his wagging tail nearly shook his whole body.

Nickel raised his head in a proud way and replied, "If I want to be a sled dog, sled dogs have to get up early."

Steele chuckled again before a female voice spoke, "You can’t be a sled dog unless you’re super fast like me." Steele looked again at the basket to see his very competitive daughter, Sapphire. Sapphire yawned before hopping out of the basket to join her already awake family. Nickel growled at his sister. Steele had to admit Sapphire was the fastest of them all and had probably inherited her mother’s speed.

"I can train you know." Nickel said in his defense. "And I bet I can beat you when I’m finished!" Sapphire laughed aloud at his last sentence.

Steele sat watching his two offspring. "How about we see who can be quiet the longest." Steele, Nickel, and Sapphire looked to see Karlee stretching then yawned before joining them. "You two can’t go one day without bickering with each other about speed can you?" Brother and sister looked at each other and Karlee chuckled.

"Sorry to wake you dear." Steele said before licking her cheek. Karlee just smiled.

"That’s okay besides the pups want to meet our friends." Karlee said to Steele.

"YEA!" Sapphire and Nickel cheered at the same time. Some grunts and yawns came from the basket. One pup that looked exactly like Karlee except for the bright blue eyes scrambled out. "Memphis!" Nickel barked happily. Memphis barked back before tackling his brother. Karlee chuckled and leaned against her love.

"AHH!" Sapphire screamed in surprise as with her back to the basket, she was tackled by Saber, the gray/white pup with black ears. Saber laughed and Sapphire giggled as she pawed her brother’s snout.

"Good morning Tanya." Karlee said to the last pup to hop out of the basket. Tanya smiled.

"Good morning mother and father." Steele bent his head down so Tanya could nuzzle him. Tanya was exactly like her mother, eyes and all. Tanya barked twice before she joined the puppy roughhouse.

Karlee nuzzled Steele warmly before giving his cheek a kiss. "We’re the lucky ones." Steele whispered to Karlee and she smiled.

***
 

"Oh they’re so cute!" Sandy said as she gazed at each one. She smiled as Karlee’s pups were playing around close by their mother. Sandy and Jasmine were excited as their names were called off.

"I do agree quite as much. I’ll be so happy to even baby-sit!" Jasmine said even when her tail was pounced upon by Nickel.

"Hey! What’s going on here? A party?" Everyone looked to see Austin and Zip approaching. All the pups looked at Austin and when they saw Zip they started barking. "Hey they must like you." Austin joked and everyone joined in laughing.

"He’s like a large puppy! GET HIM!" Saber barked. Saber was the most playful besides Tanya and loved to make trouble. Zip froze as they charged at him.

"Run Zip run!" Sandy joked. Zip turned but was over taken by the puppies.

"AHH! Help me!" Zip barely finished before he broke out laughing. The pups swarmed him.

"They must really like him." Austin said as he watched with wide eyes. Another round of laughter went up.

"Yeah and they started teething." Karlee said. Just at the right time, Zip yelped for Sapphire bit down hard on his ear.

"It’s been nice knowing you Zip." Jasmine said. Austin chuckled as Sandy laughed.

Karlee chuckled then rose to her feet. "Come on. Give Zip a break." All the pups got off of the Elkhound except for Nickel. The little pup was shaking his head vigorously as he had a hold of Zip’s tail. Karlee picked him up by the scruff.

"OWW!" Zip yelped as Nickel still held on. Finally, he let go.

"He’s the tail attacker." Jasmine said. Karlee just chuckled.

"Come on. Dad’s waiting over by Uncle Brian’s place." Karlee said.

"Uncle Brian!" All the pups yelled as they followed their mother. "See you guys later." Karlee called over her shoulder as she led her little puppy brigade.

Jasmine chuckled. "Oh I just love puppies!" She said as the group of friends watched them leave.

***

Brian was snoozing in his bed. William was reading the paper, as it was his day off. With Karlee up front, pups in the middle and Steele in the back, they made their way upstairs to the third floor. Two of the pups had to be carried part of the way. When they reached the door that Karlee once lived behind, Karlee scratched at the door. William looked up and wondered who it was or what is was. He stood and walked to the door.

When he opened it, five puppies dashed in yipping and yapping excitedly. Steele and Karlee tried to smile innocent. "Oh Karlee!" William wrapped his arms around Karlee’s neck and hugged the husky. Steele strode in before William closed the door.

"Uncle Brian!" Tanya barked excited. Brian startled awake and was soon covered by the puppies. He broke out laughing as they crawled all over him. Steele sat and watched his offspring. He chuckled, as Brian was getting no where with the pups. Karlee was being stroked all over by her joyful owner.

"Oh why me?" Brian chuckled and Steele grinned. William got up to fix some coffee for himself.

"You should have seen them on Zip. They thought he was a large puppy!" Karlee said and the two males laughed aloud.

"So what’s their names?" Brian asked and Nickel stepped forward.

"I’m Nickel." The black/white pup said sure of himself. Brian smiled. Karlee spoke up. "The two females are Sapphire and Tanya. That male is Memphis." Karlee looked around.

"Where’s Saber?" She asked. Steele looked around and saw the pup about to get barbecued by a wire from a lamp. Steele moved over to the pup and picked him up by his scruff. Saber yapped as he was lifted in the air. Steele sat him down by his sister, Tanya. "Here he is." Steele said.

Brian chuckled. "He’s going to be trouble." Brian poked Saber’s white belly. Saber giggled before nipping Brian’s brown paw. "Ouch." Brian withdrew his paw and Saber barked happily. Steele and Karlee laughed.

***

"I’m so scared!" Karlee said as she sat next to the crate with Steele at her side. Steele comforted her with a fond nuzzle. The parents were sad to see them go.

"Honey they will go to good homes. You’ll see." Steele as he looked at Karlee. The puppies were in the crate playing around with each other.

Karlee sighed. "I guess you’re right." She smiled weakly before giving Steele’s cheek a kiss.

The first pup to go was Nickel. His owner use to be a well-known breeder down south but then he moved up north. Nickel barked goodbye to his siblings. Steele and Karlee smiled as they watched Nickel be carried away.

"Look mommy! Free puppies!" A little girl ran up to the crate. The four pups were pushing against each other trying to be the second to go. The mother stood next to her child as she watched them. "Remember Sarah this puppy will be your responsibility." Sarah nodded as she pondered which one she should take home. Tanya had won the heart of Sarah. Tanya pranced around the crate just as nimble as a deer. Sarah giggled and picked up Tanya and looked at her eyes. "Mommy she looks just like her mother." Sarah looked toward Karlee. Karlee gave a doggy grin and Sarah’s mother chuckled. "Alright this is the one." Sarah said as she held Tanya close. Tanya licked her new owner’s cheek. Sarah giggled as she headed home.

Memphis was soon taken by the saw mill owner. Because of his large size he could be used to haul lumber. "Only Sapphire and Saber left." Steele said but he had spoken too soon. The mail team musher was walking by when Sapphire barked. She had caught his attention and he walked over. The musher knelt down. "Hello sweetie." He spoke softly as Sapphire barked again. "Well…" Sapphire nuzzled his hand. He looked over her then picked her up. "You just might be a good sled dog."

"Of course she’ll be with her speed." Steele said and Karlee giggled. Saber waved goodbye to his sister before he laid down. He sighed. "Don’t worry Saber you’ll get a home." Steele said and Saber gave a small smile.

"Who do we have here?" Karlee looked up to see her previous owner, William coming up. Brian was walking next to him. Karlee barked happily. William patted Karlee and Steele each before looking to where Saber was. The veteran smiled and he picked up the pup. Saber yipped and he realized who picked him up. The pup licked William’s hand. Saber barked hello to Brian. Karlee giggled silently, as Brian’s horrid expression was hilarious. William looked around then back to Saber. William smiled as Saber was rubbing his snout in William’s chest. William stroked Karlee’s head then Steele’s. "Well Saber here is coming home with me." Saber barked again before William sat him down next to Brian. Saber ran to his parents first and nuzzled them.

"You were right Dad." Saber said. Steele smiled before Saber dashed to Brian. William chuckled. "Come on you two." William patted his leg and started home with Saber and Brian next to him. Well actually Saber was running circles around them or in front of them. Karlee and Steele smiled.

"Now it’s time for us to turn in for the night." Steele said as he looked to the setting sun. Karlee nuzzled her mate and Steele licked the top of her head.