Phoenix Maplewood I'm getting Jiggy with a Rifle

all was well—or as well as it could be, anyway. aphrodite was coming home. he had thought about taking a detour, showing her the new mother in the sound. . .but after all that had transpired, she probably just wanted to go back to whitebark stream. there was time enough yet to visit the other woman he had rescued.

was she all right, too? had she lived—her and her babies?

before he could ruminate further on that far-off situation, a scent both familiar and welcome wafted their way, followed shortly by the pale pelt of artyom, exclaiming excitedly over their appearance. surya's tail wagged furiously, his mouth split in a grin. he pressed his nose into the alpha male's neck, giving him a respectful nod as he pulled back.

it's good to see you again, he said, relief tinging each and every word. he glanced over at aphrodite, his eyes soft and lit with question. we're home. i think—i think aphrodite would be better to explain, unless she wants me to speak for her.