Skye had just saved Chase's life. And if that wasn't enough shock, it had sounded like Skye just said he loved him!
Chase sat up. "You love me?" he inquired.
"Y-yes, I do," Skye admitted, blushing.
"Well, I do, too," Chase responded, pulling Skye into a hug.
Then, Chase heard acquainted footsteps, followed by a more than familiar scent. He perked up, and looked up ahead.
"Chase?" a proverbial voice cried. "Skye?" It was Ryder! Chase raced up to him, followed Skye. Ryder turned his attention towards the pups, an ear-to-ear grin forming on his face. They knocked him over, and intensely licked his face.
"I'm so glad to see you guys!" the boy exclaimed.
"Me too!" Chase responded.
Ryder sat up. "Kay, buddies. Let's go home," he declared.
"Stop right there, kid," a voice, that was agonizingly conversant to Chase. Galvin.
Ryder turned around. "May I help you, sir?"
"Hand over the pooches," Galvin demanded.
"Sir, these are my pups," Ryder curtly replied. He turned his back to walk away, but Galvin was persistent.
"What's your proof, huh?" he challenged.
"I can get you written proof, just not right at this moment," Ryder retorted.
"Hah, you ain't got any," Galvin snapped.
"Man, just leave me alone!" Ryder called.
"Nah, I don't—" Galvin began, but a bulk abruptly pounced him, mid-sentence.
It was Chase. "He said he wanted you to leave him alone, yes?" Chase challenged, his fangs gleaming.
"F-fine, I'll leave you all alone!" Galvin responded, trying to hide the fact he was frightened. He hastened away, around the corner.
Ryder grinned, astonished by his dog's dedication to him. He crouched down to give Chase a pat. Chase happily licked Ryder's face in return.