Chapter 4
What if they were right.
My eyes suddenly shoot open as I hear a pounding knock, coming straight from the front door. I reach my body up, but somehow I can't move. I look down, seeing long shaggy ears right in front of me. Skye was still sleeping, her paws wrapped around my upper torso; with her muzzle is buried in my chest, softly nuzzling into my fur. As much as I would love to stay right here in her embrace, I can't. I try to unravel my myself out of her paws as I hear a voice.
"Everest, Skye, it's me Ryder." Dammit, now I really need to go answer that door. If Ryder see's me and Skye like this, who knows what he'll think!
"Skye wake up, Ryder needs us." she licks at my chest in response.
"Hmm...Everest ~ " She moans, once again my muzzle is flushed. Seriously she needs to wake up.
"Skye, come on wake up." I say again, this time a little louder. Nothing, so I reach my paws to her muzzle nudging her a little. I hear a yawn below me. Finally!
"E-Eve why d-"
"Ryder's at the door," I whisper. As she yawns again, unwrapping her paws away from my upper torso. She rolls over until she drops off the couch, walking towards the door. "Erm, Skye you might want to put your collar back on?" She faces me then the door. Suddenly in a flash, she jumps back on the couch, looking for her collar.
"Where is it?" She panics. She looks back at me pouting, one I had to suppress a laugh at. I reach out my front paw pointing towards the end of the couch.
"Maybe it fell down the back?" She runs over to the edge reaching down, so much she almost fell. Until I run over pulling her back up by her tail. She smiles giving me a 'thank you' type of look. Then she licks my cheek. "You go grab your collar, and I'll distract Ryder." Before I go, she looks down right where my neck is.
'Oh no, I almost forgot!' My collar was also off my neck, great. Where did I put it? Where did she put it?
"Ha found it!" I heard her cheer. I didn't even see her jumping off the couch. "Now look for yours, I'll distract Ryder." I nodded in response jumping off the couch as well.
I use my keen sense of smell to sniff out my collar. While I watch Skye tiredly walk to the door, slowly opening it. I continue to search seeing a glimpse of a black leather under a pile of clothes. I use my mouth to pull it out. Trying to buckle to the thing back on my neck. Sometimes I wish I had hands, then it would be so much easier. I decide the easiest thing would be to hide, until I can get Skye to put this thing back on for me.
By now I hear a creak coming from the door, as I run quickly into Jake's room. Hearing voices outside.
"Hey Skye, what took you so long dudette, you seem to be flushed...having fun." That voice sounded so familiar, not to mention the other one giggling.
"Ha ha very funny, Zuma and Rocky, you coming in or not?" Wait, why would they be here?
"Skye, you having fun? Where's Everest?" That was definitely Ryder. Great, please Skye come find me so you can hide the evidence of the mating mark, you stained on my neck.
"Oh...she was here a minute ago, I'll go find her." Yes thank you, I wagged my tail, as I heard paw prints walking towards the door. Hearing it open in seconds. I saw her head peak in, my paws grabbed onto her. Pulling her inside the room. The door swinging closed.
"There you are, why y-" I placed a paw to her mouth.
"I'm hiding," I heard a muffled giggle in front of me.
"Why?" She said, as I let her my paw go. I leaned down picking up my collar.
"I kind of can't get this on...can you help me?" I heard another giggle. Then she leaned in closer, making our muzzles touch and our lips coming in contact with each other. Her canines gently grabbing the collar away from my mouth.
"Y-you are so cute, when you blush." She giggled, now wrapping the black leather around my neck, using her paws to buckle it back up. I could only watch in amazement. How could she do that, and I can't?
When she finished, she licked down the side of my muzzle. I gave her a 'what was that for?' Kind of look.
"S-sorry, just can't help myself." Her giggles were starting to become intoxicating. I couldn't get enough of them. Then suddenly catching her off guard. I pounced on her, knocking her to the floor as I leaned down. Laying a long sensual lick down the side of her muzzle, immediately pulling away straight after. "I'm not the only one who can't help myself," she's right, I'm out of control! Despite that, I couldn't help it. I leaned down once again, laying another lick. Hearing a small moan escape her lips.
"So, is thewe something I should know about?" I immediately pulled away again, frozen in place. This time staring at the smirking Chocolate Labrador by the door. I wish I had my snow hat to hide my muzzle from sudden embarrassment.
"Z-Zuma, how long have you been there?" I look down seeing Skye flushed, eyes directing straight to the Chocolate Labrador.
"Since when you stawted to put on Evewest's collaw...cute mating mawk by the way, Skye's twuly an awtist." I could feel more blood rush to my muzzle.
"Z-Zuma, you've got it all wrong, I never gave E-"
"Skye you weally can't fool me, I know what a mating mawk looks like. I have one on my neck as pwoof." I almost forgot Zuma had a mate. Oh no, what was I going to do? "What do you think, you'we doing? You'we with Chase, awen't you?"
I heard a growl underneath me, as Skye looked like she wanted to bite some pup.
"Yes I am, but I don't even get why any more? It's not like he cares!" Zuma looked confused.
"What do you mean Skye? Chase loves you." He said, walking closer.
"No he doesn't! I wished I listened to you Zuma, you were right! You told me not to fall for Chase and I didn't listen. Now I can see why you said that." The Chocolate Labrador slapped a paw to his muzzle.
"So? That doesn't mean you mawk anothew pup! I told you that a long time ago, when you and him wewen't mates. Did I know he would mawk you, I thought he was secwecly in love with Mawsh-"
"He is!" Once again Skye growled, as Zuma looked confused. "He's in love with Marshall, he just used me to hide his feelings. I couldn't take any more lies Zuma. He always says; that I'm the only mate for him. Not true! Because just last week I saw him in the fields with Marshall. They're always together! H-"
"That's because they'we best fwiends! Me and you awe the same." Zuma said, yet again slapping a paw to his muzzle.
"But, we don't act like that, and you don't ever blow Rocky off so you could hang with me do you?" He shook his head in response. "See...a-and you and Rocky have each other's mark right?"
"Yes we do, but I still don't see what th-"
"It's just Chase doesn't have mine, we've been together for two months, wouldn't he by now let me mark him?" She said, her ears drooping down. I'm surprised she hasn't asked me to get off her or Zuma hasn't even started yelling at me yet.
"Yes by now he would've, maybe he's just not weady did you even think about that?" Zuma asks.
"I did think about that, when has Chase ever had marking issues? That pup's never scared of anything. Sorry Zuma, but I'm not convinced. If he cared about me so much, why's he not here with you and Rocky?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Well, he's kind of sick wight now." Sick, how did that happen?
"Sick? Really Zuma that's the best you could do, I bet you are covering for him?" Another slap, how is his muzzle not red yet? Surely those slaps must hurt.
"Sewiouly Skye? Stop acting like this, I'm not covewing fow him. Ask Wocky? He'll tell you the same thing. yestewday Chase was feeling a little stwessed out, by the night I didn't see tail of him...nor Mawshall eithew." He said that last bit in a whisper, however I think Skye heard it. Another grow. "By mowning, he looked like he had no sleep for days. Also...ewm Skye, Chase has to tell you something."
"What does he have to tell me, the truth?" This time Zuma didn't slap a paw to his muzzle, he growled.
"No, just something that happened last night. He told me as well, the pup looked like he seen a ghost! I wouldn't let him leave until he told me evewything."
"Which is?" I heard another growl.
"Go ask him!" Zuma said, a little angry. I heard Skye huff in frustration underneath me. "Anyway, so that's why you mawked Evewest, because you thought Chase loved Mawshall?" She shook her head.
"No, it wasn't just that..." He muzzle started to go a little red. "I-it's because, well...I love her." Zuma was shocked, he looked like he was about to faint.
"You stupid pup! H-how could you? W-what about Chase, did you tell him? How long? Why have I never heawd of t-"
"Enough with the questions Zumi!" Guess I'm not the only one with a nickname. "Only thing I'll tell you, is he doesn't know and I don't plan on telling him - yet. Not until I come back to the lookout. I need to talk to him about a lot of things and find out what happened last night, by the way where was Marshall last night?" Now Zuma looks like he just stole the whole treats bin.
"Ewm...well I-I didn't see him." Skye didn't look convinced. "Maybe he was sleeping, I don't know. I thought we-"
"What do you mean Marshall was with Chase last night remember? They were together the whole day. Chase seemed really happy." Some pup is so sleeping in the dog house tonight.
"Way to go Wocky, I thought we agweed to let Chase tell Skye that?" The mixed breed suddenly paled as he saw Skye and me.
"So Rocky, Marshall was with Chase yesterday? What did they do?" Rocky panicked, facing his mate.
"Tell her and Chase will kill us!" Zuma cried. As Skye smirked.
"Don't worry Rocky, Chase won't do anything - well except kill Zuma, but if you tell me I won't say it came from you...please Rocky?" Does begging always get her what she wants? Rocky gulped still facing his mate. Before he spoke.
"Hey Everest, why are you on top of Skye? What's that red mark, under your collar?" Oh no, not me as well, I don't feel like talking right now.
"That's a mating mawk Wocky, Skye gave it to her, when she's meant to be with Chase." Thank you! Now I don't have to talk.
"Zuma, can't you keep you mouth shut for one second?" I heard Skye scream, her muzzle now flushed in embarrassment.
"Can't you keep your paws to youwself, weally Skye. You do wealise that you're cheating on youw mate?" I heard another growl, lower than before.
"It isn't really cheating, if Chase is doing it too. I mean do you really think he was drunk? Ryder not even old enough, I don't get how he could get alcohol. I think he mated with Marshall because he wanted to. So I don't get how that's cheating?" Yep, Rocky was definitely sleeping in the dog house tonight! I had never seen Zuma look so angry. Despite that, Skye was the opposite, she wasn't growling in anger. Nor was she looking like she wanted to bite some pup's head off. In fact, she looked happy, and to make me even more confused. She was laughing.
"So, Zuma what were you saying about Marshall and Chase being 'only best friends'?" Zuma dead panned once again. His paw slapped straight to his muzzle. Then he growled, looking straight at Rocky with a 'you're such an idiot' kind of look.
No more words were spoken, just silence. I decided to break it.
"So, where's Ryder, I thought he came over with you two?" I saw Zuma look at Rocky.
"Oh he went home, he was just dropping off something for you two." I nodded in response. As Zuma, turned away.
"Well it was so nice visiting you two, but we weally must get going, I think Wyder needs us." Zuma turned back once more, smiling.
"I don't hear our pup tags beeping, besides you aren't going anywhere not till you tell me what happened last night!" Damn, Skye couldn't of been any angrier.
I was starting to get tired from standing up to long so I got off Skye, allowing her to stand. I didn't even see her suddenly run towards Zuma knocking the pup to the ground. They ended up flipping each other over until Skye managed to pin him down on his back. I turned over to Rocky who wiped a bead of sweat away from his muzzle - I bet he's happy he don't have to explain. I turned back, seeing Skye and Zuma both catching their breath. "Now...talk!" She demanded. Zuma threw his paw up in defeat.
"Okay, okay I'll tell you! Even though I'm going to get my head chewed off if Chase finds out." He took another breath, lightly panting in exhaustion. "Fiwst can I get some watew?" He begged. She nodded in response looking over at me.
"I'll get it," I said, dashing out the room. Straight to the kitchen where I filled a silver bowl full of water. Carrying it back carefully in my mouth, towards the room.
When I got there I saw Zuma back on all fours and Skye sitting up. Rocky seemed to be laying down. He doesn't even realise that he almost caused world war three seconds ago. I walk over to Zuma, placing the bowl of water in front of him. Then I walked back to Skye, getting a slight nuzzle from her.
"You welly think Chase won't find out?" Skye shook her head at Zuma's question.
"Of course not, as long as a certain Chocolate Labrador keeps his muzzle closed." I faced Zuma, as soon as I heard a little growl. "Anyway Zuma, weren't you meant to be telling me something?" Another growl.
"Just tell her Zuma, Chase won't know? Besides maybe she would understand more than us." Skye tilted her head in confusion and frustration. Zuma was still drinking water. Until he got a light tap, which ended up making Zuma muzzle dunk into the water.
He leaned up, looking over at the light grey pup giggling.
"Vewy funny Wocky," A smirk passed through Zuma's lips, which made Rocky look at him in a slight fear. "Keep on laughing and this watew will be all ovew you!" Rocky nodded in response, looking down. Zuma smiled, walking over to his mate licking along the side of his muzzle in affection. "I didn't mean it you know." Rocky lifted his head, smiling again. Them two completely lost in their own world, and they would've stayed there. If not for a low growl bringing them back.
"Enough with the puppy love you two, now Zuma tell me what happened!" Skye seemed to be getting madder.
"Why do you even cawe so much Skye? When in a few days you two will be over, then you be with Everest and Chase will be wi-"
"Marshall, just like he always wanted and I do care because right now I'm still his mate and it's interesting to know. So tell me!" Zuma huffed in frustration.
"Fine whatevew, it won't change things, except I might not be here any mowe if Chase finds out. He said if we tell anyone especially you, he'll kill us and you know when Chase says something he means it." Zuma said, sitting up again right next to Rocky. I couldn't sit up any more. As I felt my legs go weak.
"You believe everything Chase says, I'm sure he didn't mean it as a threat?" Skye smiled. Looking over at me.
"Oh yeah, so why did he pin me up against the wall, if it wasn't a thweat? And don't even get me stawted on how his voice sounded." Zuma shivered.
"Okay, okay yeah that does sound like a threat, look if you tell me, he won't find out I promise." Skye assured. Zuma didn't look convinced.
"Still won't change things, Chase would find youw scent on me, then he'll ask questions. What am I meant to say then." Zuma asked.
"I always thought you were scared of Chase, but come on Zuma for once defend yourself! And telling him will definitely make you into dog food, just tell him a lie." Zuma nodded in response, then he spoke again this time, telling Skye what happened last night.
At first Skye couldn't stop laughing, I just tilted my head in confusion. Then as Zuma went more into the tale, Skye didn't seem so happy in fact she looked infuriated. Then she lifted a paw up, meaning for Zuma to stop.
"Wait, so how does Chase feel about it now? No no! How does Marshall feel about it?" Skye asked. As Zuma spoke again.
"Well Chase doesn't know what to do, and we haven't seen Mawshall since this mowning. All I can say is he didn't look like himself." Skye once again was confused.
"Wait, what do you mean? I thought Marshall would be happy, after all he's got Chase's mark not to mention his scent. That's what he wanted all along! He gets it and he's not happy, I'm confused." Zuma slapped a paw to his muzzle.
"Don't you get it Skye, of course Mawshall wouldn't be happy. Because Chase wasn't himself and what happened was a mistake. Chase alweady feels guilty about it. He does cawe about you Skye!"
"Yeah, like hell he does!" Another slap to the muzzle.
"Sewiously Skye, stop acting like this, you'we the one who doesn't care. Chase didn't mean it, but you did it by intention or did you think I didn't know? You didn't just mawk Evewest did you?" I could only hide my muzzle in embarrassment. While Skye looked down at me smiling.
"No! I didn't, despite that I do care, it's just I'm sick of the lies Zuma, you see as soon as I'm not mates with Chase any more, he'll be with Marshall. I made a mistake Zuma, I should've never been with Chase. I don't love him." Ouch, did she really just say that?
"Well if that's how you feel, then I think it's best if you tell him now. That way it'll give him time to mend his heawt, which you'we going to bweak"
"It won't be broken for long. I'm sorry Zuma, but I've got a real mate now." She said, still facing me. Zuma shook his head.
"Fine, do whatevew you want! I haven't got time to awgue with you, I'm going home!" I saw Zuma walk over to Rocky who now was sleeping. How could this pup sleep with all this arguing? Rocky opened his eyes as soon as he felt Zuma nuzzle him.
"What time is it?" Rocky asked tiredly.
"Time for us to go, I'm finished talking hewe." Zuma said, as he watched his mate sit up. They were about to leave until Skye said one last thing.
"Hey Rocky, don't you think it's about time you got a new mate?" Rocky looked over, facing her. Okay really Skye that's enough.
"No! I don't need a new mate, because I trust Zuma, I know he would never play me like you did to Chase!" I had to perk my ears up to listen. Did Rocky just say that?
"Skye maybe y-" I tried to say before getting interrupted.
"Really, well then you should know Chase wasn't the first one who marked me." At this point Zuma's turned to face her, his eyes wide.
"Skye don't t-"
"Zuma was! He marked me when he was with you, just to see if he was any good." Rocky didn't look happy. He faced Zuma, with the look of hurt.
"I-is it t-true Zuma?" Zuma didn't talk. he looked down slowly nodding in response, then he growled facing Skye once more. Who had a smirk plastered to her muzzle.
"I'm sorry Rocky, I just thought you should know." I saw a single tear drip down the mixed breed muzzle. As he dashed out the room leaving Zuma in a cloud of dust.
"So Evewest, now you see Skye twue colours. You still want to be with hew? Aftew all she's just made me lose the one thing I evew loved! How do you know she isn't just playing awound with you, she might just be think she loves you, when in weality she still loves Chase. Aftew all I've nevew seen hew show any attwaction to any pup else, but him! I'm telling you this as a fwiend Evewest, Skye doesn't love you! Evewything she says is a lie, she's a mastew of manipulation. I should know, since I've been hew fwiend fow so long. Also you should know the only weason she came to stay with you is because hew and Chase had an awgument, they wewen't getting along" I didn't know what to say, I was shocked, why did Skye say all that? That wasn't a nice thing to do, but I can't leave her. Every pup has their faults. No pup is perfect. I love her and no matter what I'll stand by her side. Even though there's a chance he could be right. Also what did they argue about?
"Yes, I still do, I'm sorry Zuma; but Skye has a point." Oh no this could only makes things worse.
"She doesn't have no point, she just wuined my life! We had a deal Skye!" I decided to let Rocky hear this, I reached a paw tapping my pup tag. Whispering Rocky name. "When I got with Wocky, I wanted to make suwe I was the pewfect mate. Befowe I could mawk him I wanted to make suwe I was good, I was scawed I would do something wwong. That's why I asked you to help me, and you did. Then we awgeed to keep it a secwet, why Skye? You know how much I love Wocky, he means evewything to me! Why did you tell him that? Just because I made you mad, you decided to take my mate away." He stopped, his eyes staining with water. "You know what Skye, if I lose Wocky, I will nevew talk to you again! That means we won't be best fwiends any mowe, you'll just be a stawngew to me!" She still smiled. I could tell Zuma was getting more mad.
"Fine, It's not my fault you don't have the guts to tell Rocky yourself. I thought he already knew?" Zuma growled. Skye should really stop.
"No he didn't! You did that on puwpose! Chase was wight, sometimes you weally are a bitch! You just do whatevew you can to get what you want, even if that means huwting othew pups." Why would Chase call Skye that?
"Aww, I thought you knew that by now Zuma, after all you knew me since birth! I'm surprised you never noticed? Anyway Zuma shouldn't you be trying to get your little Wocky back?" She laughed while Zuma growled more. I could really see where this was heading and I didn't like it one bit.
"Don't say that!" She looked confused, but some part of her looked like she knew exactly what Zuma was talking about.
"Don't say what Zumi?" He growled again, this time he wasted no time running up to her, roughly tackling her to the floor. His canines snarling at her.
"Don't evew say his name like that! And the only weason why I'm not wunning aftew him, is because I'm two seconds away from biting your head off!" I couldn't take any more, I pressed my pup tag off, then I ran out of the room. Stopping dead in my tracks as I saw a light grey pup, laying down on the couch. Tears were filling his eyes.
"Hey Rocky," I said, Walking over to him.
"Thanks for that Everest." I smiled.
"Your welcome. I just thought you like to hear what Zuma was saying. You still mad at him?" He shook his head in response.
"A little, it still doesn't change the fact that he kept this whole thing a secret. Why didn't he tell me? I wouldn't of been mad." I jumped up on the couch placing a comforting paw on his back.
"I don't know Rocky, maybe you should ask Zuma that?" He nodded in response.
"Well let's go, before he tears Skye to pieces."
"What! Why are you out here, you of stayed with her. When Zuma's mad he won't think twice about the consequences." Oh no I didn't even think of that. What have I done?
We quickly ran to the door, I placed a paw on it, to my horror it was locked and the only way to open it was from the inside.
"What wrong Everest? Why won't it open?!" I heard Rocky say behind me.
"Erm...it's locked." I gulped, while Rocky's eyes went wide. I didn't know what else to do, so far I didn't hear and signs of fighting. I placed my ear to the door to listen. Rocky did the same.
"You're really going to hurt me Zuma? After everything we've been through." That sounded like Skye.
"Give me a good weason not too? You just wuined my life Skye, I hope Chase does find out about your diwty little secwet!" I heard another growl this time from both of them.
"How when he's at the lookout, besides what will you do without me? Are you forgetting I'm the one who helped you be with Rocky in the first place?"
"Yeah, then you completely destwoyed it. I wish now I nevew asked you to help me! Just because you'we not happy, doesn't mean you have to make evewypup feel like you. I was with the most amazing pup ever, which I loved evew since I fiwst set eyes on him and you took that away! If you wanted me to be unhappy, you succeeded because I'm lost without Wocky, you got youw pwecious dweam to always have me by youw side, but let me tell you something we'we done! Don't evew talk to me again. Oh wait you won't! When I wip you piece by piece! You may think that this is some joke, but life doesn't wowk like that! Now you see what it's like to lose something you cawed about. I hope Evewest will one day see who you weally awe! Because behind that mask, is a sad little pup who's only happy when she gets hew own way!" I thought he stopped, until Zuma said one last thing. "By the way you was wight, Chase does love Mawshall. He always has, he nevew wanted you! The only weason he asked you to be his mate, is because I asked him too, you loved him so much so I thought I'll be the good fwiend and help you out. He only likes you as a fwiend. He nevew loved you!... He'll finally be happy once you'we gone!"
I heard a sudden whimpering. Was Skye afraid?
"P-please, Z-Zuma I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you honest, you're my best friend, I love you like a brother. I'm sure Rocky will forgive you. P-please don't kill me?" I heard her beg, tears somehow felt their way to my muzzle, as my eyes stained with water.
"You'we too late Skye!" Zuma's voice didn't sound right, he sounded so cold, dark with a heartless tone. I couldn't take any more. I had to stop this.
I forcefully reached my front paws on the door, banging on it. Feeling a sharp pain in my paw from my accident. Suddenly I heard an high pitch scream coming from inside the room, I howled in alert, looking over at Rocky who seemed to be shaking. I placed a paw on his shoulder.
"Rocky, you have to do something?!" I panicked. While he looked down, fresh tears running down his muzzle.
"I-I-I can't, Z-Zuma won't stop." I kept on pacing back and forth. Thinking what was I going to do?
Then I remember Jake has a room key in the kitchen. I quickly ran straight to it. Climbing on on a chair high enough so I could reach the draws, I used my canines to desperately open the draw, feeling another ounce of pain, on my back paw from standing up on it too long. I ignored it, grabbing a small golden key out of the draw. I rushed back to the door where I saw Rocky face me in confusion.
"We can still stop this." I said, as a small smile passed through his lips. I decided the easiest way was to stand on his back to open the door. While I slowly climbed on his back. I could still hear howls of pain, and growls of fury coming from inside. I fought back tears, reaching the key in the hole. About to turn it until I heard Skye scream.
"P-please...stop Z-Zuma, I-I'm so sorry. P-please don't do this?!" More tears dripped down my muzzle. As I bit my lip in fear. I had to get her out of there. I twisted the key allowing the door to open, as soon as it did, I saw Zuma strike a paw viciously at Skye's muzzle. I ran straight to her, not even thinking he won't think twice to hurt me either. Before he could strike another slap. I heard Rocky's voice.
"Zuma, stop!" Zuma turned around facing his mate, he didn't look angry anymore in fact all that hate turn to sadness with a small hint of joy, as tears dripped down his muzzle. He completely forgot he was fighting. Zuma ran over to Rocky, throwing his front paws into the mixed chest, crying into his fur.
"I-I'm sowwy Wocky, I should of told you what happened ages ago. P-please don't leave me? I need you," I saw Rocky place a paw to Zuma's muzzle, pulling it up.
"I will never leave you Zuma, I love you." Zuma suddenly threw his paws around Rocky's neck making the pup fall to his back. And having licks going down the side of his muzzle.
"I love you too." That was the last thing I heard before I turned back, tears falling down my muzzle as I faced Skye. She was on her back, catching her breath as I saw claw marks all around her fur, her once beautiful light brown, golden fur turned to a bloody red. Her eyes were closed, across her muzzle was two deep, long scratches diagonally going down. I placed my head to her chest hearing a small heartbeat. She was alive, but weak. I wanted to say something, I could feel a rage of anger. He could of killed her!
I turned back, staring daggers at Zuma, but I wasn't the type to argue or fight. So instead I fought not to care. As I heard a whisper.
"E-Everest, thank you." That was the last thing she said before falling asleep. I leaned down licking her cheek in affection.
"I'm sorry Everest, this shouldn't of happened. Me and Zuma are going now, take care of Skye for me." I nodded in response.
"Why don't you just leave her thewe to wot! Why do you cawe so much Wocky, Skye doesn't even like you. That's why she twied to bweak us up, she's always hated you, because it's was like you was taking me away from hew!" Zuma said, as Rocky and me growled.
"Zuma enough! It doesn't matter to me if Skye likes me or not. I wasn't going to let you kill her. If Ryder found out. You won't be a part of the Paw Patrol any more nor will you stay at the lookout either. Neither would I, because no matter what happens I'll stay by your side, even if I did nothing wrong. Besides don't you think you've caused enough trouble today?" The Chocolate Labrador pouted. I shook my head, it was also Rocky's fault as well!
"Sewiously Wocky, she stawted it!" He growled once more.
"I said enough! Zuma you both said things to each other today! It wasn't just her fault, it was also yours! So now I think it's best if we go?" Zuma didn't say anything after that and neither did Rocky, the two left silently. Seconds later, I heard the front door slam shut.
I didn't think of anything else except for taking care of Skye. I bent down lifting her up on my back. Taking her over to the bed. Where Jake usually sleeps, I would probably have some explaining to do as to why his cream sheets are red. Right now that didn't even worry me.
I leaned down, letting Skye lightly fall off my back, landing on hers. I couldn't just let her bleed to death. I ran over to the bathroom, grabbing a bowl filling it up with clean water, then I got a yellow sponge out of one of the draws. I desperately rushed back to the room carrying the bowl in my mouth, being careful not to drop it.
I soon reached the bed, lightly dropping the bowl on the sheets, hoping that it doesn't spill. I dunked the sponge in the water watching it drench. I used my canines to rinse some of the water out. I knew I said I would restrict myself from touching her, but she needs me right now. I slowly leaned down, dropping the sponge to her head, I used my front paws to slowly wipe the blood away from her muzzle. I could feel a sudden heat coming from her head.
'Oh no, maybe she's getting a fever?' I thought while wiping down her the side of her muzzle, Which she leaned into. A small smile passing through her lips. I dropped the sponge back in the water, to take the blood away. I watched the water turn red. I continued to clean her wounds making sure they don't get affected. After all she will be my mate soon. I have to prove to her that I can always keep her from danger. Even though today I ran when I was meant to stay by Skye's side. I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't want to be with me any more.
After each time I cleaned a part of her fur, I licked it affection. To which she smiled at. I was now done with the scratches on her muzzle. All the blood clean away. Next was down her neck to her chest where her some bits of her fur was ripped and somewhat muled on. My muzzle was already wet with tears that were freshly flowing down it.
I took a deep breath before getting back to what I was doing, after rising out the the last droplets of dried up blood that was on her face. I softly wiped the wounds by her chest. I heard a slight groan of pain. As soon as the sponge touched a small part just below her neck. She had a deep cut, one that was still dripping out blood. What was I going to do? I'm not medic, but I know some pup that is. Would she mind if I called him? I had to it's my only option.
I reached my paw to my pup tag, calling him. I heard his voice in seconds.
"Hey Everest, what a surprise to hear your voice. What's up? You and Skye okay?" I smiled, remembering his voice so well.
"Actually Marshall, that's what I wanted to talk to you about, I need you to come up to the cabin, Skye's hurt and she could use some medical assistance."
"Skye's hurt, how?" I couldn't tell him, if Chase finds out. Zuma will die!
"Don't worry, just can you come out? Also don't tell anyone," I heard a huff in frustration.
"Okay sure, I'll be there in a few minutes." After he said bye, I let my paw leave my pup tag turning the communicator off. While I was waiting, I checked for any more deep cuts. The one that was still bleeding was now stopped, but still it looked fatale. I watched Skye's breathing, getting somehow slower. I jumped to the window. Checking for any signs of a red medic van. Nothing.
'Where is that pup?'
After a few minutes I heard my pup tag go off. I reached my paw to answer it.
"Hey Everest it's me Marshall, I'm sorry, but I can't go out tonight. I kind of have some pup I'm already taking care of, and I just can't leave him, but maybe I can help you still, tell me what's wrong with Skye and I'll tell you what to do."
I decided there was no point in arguing even though I had no idea how to treat some pup who's injured. So I told him. He tried to help me, but everything he said just made me confused. Suddenly I heard some other pup in the background, this pup had a low husky voice who was also coughing in between breaths
"Hey Marshall, you coming back inside? It's cold out."
"Y-yeah Chase I'm coming in a bit. Just I'm talking with Everest at the moment."
Chase! That's who Marshall was looking after, the pup who started this mess. You have to be kidding me? Marshall would rather take care of Chase instead of driving over here to sort out his friend, who by now could be possibly dying! I could feel another rage of anger, hearing paw prints walk away. Why has Chase not even bothered to ask how Skye is? Ask if his mate is safe, after her once best friend almost tore her throat out?!
"Sorry about that Everest, as I was saying y-"
"I can't do this Marshall, I know nothing about treating an injured patient, please come over it will only be for a bit...please?" I was acting like a selfish pup right, but I had no choice. Marshall was the only medic I knew he should be helping Skye right now, not me plus Chase is the one who should be by his mate's side not me - wait I am her mate! Yesterday she marked me, but still, that Dalmatian needs to drive on over here. Even if I have to beg him.
"I-I'm sorry Eve-"
"Please Marshall, Skye needs you. I can't do this on my own," I decided to whine a little as well. There must be some way to get this pup. "Marshall I know you're busy, but Skye's your friend, she's really in a bad way. She could die if you don't help her!" I thought be as dramatic as possible. "She's losing a lot of blood, her body temperature is rising, she's unconscious! What we would do if we lost Skye? She's our friend, our team mate, part of our Paw Patrol family, it won't be the same without her!" I heard a slight whimper coming from him, finally!
"Okay, I'm on my way, I'll be there soon. Bye Everest." I said the same before locking my pup tag off. If you want something you need to beg, even though I hate begging! I only beg for a treat and that's about it. I suddenly feel a yawn escaped my lips, as I lay down looking over at Skye, who seems to be lightly sleeping. I was kind of getting worried that she hasn't woken up yet.
Minutes later I hear an anonymous knock coming from my door. I jumped up to the window, seeing a red medic van outside. 'Finally!' I think to myself as I get up off the bed, running out of the room straight to the door. Which I fractionally opened.
"Hey Marsh-"
"No time for introductions Everest, where's Skye?" Wow, how worried did I make him?
"Erm she's inside Jake's room," I said as black and white flashed right passed me. Suddenly my head spinning around in circles, I was seeing spots everywhere.
Once I got my vision and mind back to reality I followed Marshall, who was already on the bed looking over at Skye. I walked over to them, jumping on the bed.
"So how is she?" I asked while his face paled, even whiter than he normally is.
"She has internal bleeding, why did you call me, you should of taken her to the hospital, I'll call them." Before he could reach a paw to his pup tag, I stopped him.
"No wait, don't do that! No one can know about this, come on Marshall, I've seen you work before. You can help her." He shook his head in response. Out of the corner of my eye I managed to catch a glimpse of the red mating mark that Chase gave him.
"Everest, I'm a medic not a doctor! She needs surgery not a patch job! Why won't you let me call them, what happened to Skye anyway?" I had to fight the urge to tell him, he can't know!
"Erm...it's best if you don't know right now Marshall. Just some stupid accident that happened earlier." I let out a fake laugh. Marshall didn't look convinced at all. As he leaned down sniffing one part of Skye's fur. Oh no!
"An accident? That's why I can smell Zuma's scent on her. What happened Everest? Did Skye and Zuma have a fight or something? Because I know he and Rocky came round today." Who was I trying to fool, Marshall isn't going to believe a word I say. Under that clumsiness is a very smart pup.
"I'll tell you. Just first can you help her? I know you can do it Marshall." I placed a paw to his shoulder. He huffed in defeat.
"Fine, I'll do what I can." I could only watch in confusion, as he treated her wounds more effectively.
Hours went by when he had finally finished. I looked at Skye, seeing stitches around the deep cuts and the long scratches along her muzzle. Then bandages around the muled fur near her chest and one cast on her front paw. After he was done he leaned back, wiping a bead of sweat away from his head.
I felt my tail wag, I would be so lost without Marshall. I ran over to him, wrapping my paws around his neck. I didn't even realise he was at the end of the bed. So I ended up making him fall down, dragging me along. I landed with a bump on the floor. I looked down at the Dalmatian who was smiling.
"Thank you Marshall! Without you I'll be so lost, thanks for today, I told you, you could do it!" He smiled. As I wrapped my paws tighter around his neck, my tail kept on wagging.
"You're welcome Everest! Now can you get off, your tail keep on hitting me." I blushed, pulling myself away from the embrace. "Mind telling me what happened today?" I nodded in response, sitting up next to him.
We ended up going to the living room, I bit my lip in fear, what if he tells Chase? I'm sure that pup won't do anything about it, except make Zuma into his new chew toy. But would he actually be concerned that Skye's hurt? We jumped on the couch, I decided to pull out a bag of dog treats from under the sofa. I was so hungry, I offered him some, but he said no. As I was eating, I heard his voice.
"So Everest, you want to tell me what happened to Skye now?" I nodded in response, eating one more treat before answering.
"Sure," I replied, then I began to speak about what happened with Zuma, Skye and Rocky. Trying not to put Marshall and Chase in it. At some parts he tilted his head in confusion. Then after talking for long, I stopped. While he faced me.
"Hey Everest, mind if I have one of those pup treats now?" I nodded in response passing the bag over to him.
We didn't say anything after that, although something was crawling in my brain.
"Marshall," he perked his ears up while his muzzle was buried in the bag. "Do you love anyone?" At this point he lifted his muzzle out, with it flushed.
"W-why would you ask something like that?" I giggled, while seeing him looking at the fire that was somehow put on. Thank goodness we don't have one of those fires you have to put logs of wood on.
"Don't know, well do you?" I giggled more as his muzzle turned even more red.
"M-maybe," I smiled because I already knew the answer.
"I knew it, anyway who is it?" He blushed again, looking down. "Okay how about I guess?" He slowly nodded in response. I decided to jump right too it.
"Is it Chase?" All the blood rushed to his muzzle at this point as he looked straight at me with wide eyes.
"H-how did you know?" So easy, that how.
"Well a few things actually. First from the way you two act with each other, then there's that thing where you two have been best friends ever since you were young, oh and you two are pretty much attached at the hip. One thing that makes it obvious is that you have a red mark on your neck, which I can easily tell it's from Chase." His face was so priceless, as he looked down trying to see the mark.
"H-how do you know it's from him?" Another easy question.
"His scent is all over you, I can tell you two did a whole lot more than just marking." I laughed, but my happiness soon turned to concern when he started crying.
"W-we did, I don't know what came over him he acted so different last night, like a wild animal almost. I know I shouldn't of done it, I should of never given into his lust and stopped him, but I couldn't! I've always wanted his mark. I know it was so wrong and selfish! I just couldn't help myself! You probably know that Chase and Skye are mates?" I nodded in response. "Well last night, he kept on saying these things that were making me go crazy. It was like he didn't even want her any more...not to mention I was so confused when he said he...loves me. At that point I just didn't care. Skye wasn't there and I finally had a chance to be with Chase, to have a moment with him I so desperately needed. Tell me Everest why did you really ask me this?" I huffed in defeat.
"Because I love Skye." He was shocked as I lifted my collar up over my head. "She also loves me. I asked you because Skye doesn't want to be with Chase any more, so when she ends it. I wanted to know if you'll be there by his side. Not just as his friend, but as his mate." He grew even more shocked and confused.
"Are you sure Skye loves you? She's only ever loved Chase. She's been in love with him since the day they met." I let out out a little growl, first Zuma now him too. Why do they keep telling me this, of course Skye loves me? She wouldn't say it if she don't.
"Just answer the question Marshall." I thought best to leave that other question unanswered.
H-how, he doesn't love me Everest, he loves Skye. He told me. That's why I regretted what last night and said it was mistake, he somehow was sick or drunk...Chase just wasn't himself. In the morning he wouldn't stop yapping, until he got sick somehow. I've been at the lookout all day looking after him...after all Chase is my best friend. Even if I haven't got his heart, I've still got his friendship and that all that matters." He said, a single tear dripping down his muzzle. This just didn't add up, and if this gets out. Zuma won't be the only one dead, so would I. Well here goes nothing.
"Marshall, Chase does love you, think about it. Why would he go after you, why not any other pup? He didn't even come round here, he didn't call Skye, nothing. Everything that happened last night was meant to happen! It was meant to happen with you. He does love you Marshall, you just have to see it. Besides he told Zuma he does, another thing Zuma told - well Skye was; that Chase loves you, he only asked Skye to be his mate because he felt sorry for her, but he doesn't have to any more...because she's got me...just do me a favour and don't tell any of the pups especially Chase, if you do I think he might kill Zuma. In three days Skye will tell him everything, so he doesn't have to know now. " Marshall didn't say anything, too lost for words. He sniffled looking up at me. A small smile passing threw his lips.
"Thank you Everest, you're a great friend." I smiled in return.
"You're welcome Marshall any time. Now as much as I like to stay here talking to you all night, I can't. I need to go check on Skye." He nodded in response.
"Yeah it's getting late, I should probably get going, see how that sick pup's doing." Me and him both jumped off the couch.
"I know, Chase needs you right now so you should get back to the one you love." He smiled while shocked at the same time.
I walked him to the door where he unexpectedly pulled me into a small embrace, then he said bye walking back to his medic van. I smiled watching him go. Then I walked back inside closing the door behind me. I walked quietly to the kitchen filling a bowl of water carrying it in my mouth along with the small bag of treats. I brought them to Jake's room, where to my delight Skye was awake.
I brought the bowl and treats to the bed, as she looked at me smiling.
"Thanks," she mouthed as she reached up out of bed, about to get up before I stopped her.
"Don't get up, your body is too weak to move," she smiled once again, striking a lick along the side of my muzzle. My heart raced seeing her giggle. Then out of the blue she coughed. I quickly ran over to a small cupboard dragging out a long double blanket, which I wrapped softly around her. I sat back up on the bed carrying the little treats to her. I leaned in closer, seeing her sitting up looking at me.
"Feed me," she whispered. In that sweet seductive voice. I carefully dropped the bag on the side in front of her as I leaned down, pulling a treat out of the bag, leaning once again closer so her muzzle was inches from mine. "You haven't got to be so scared around me Eve." That nickname, another weakness. I caught my breath as I slowly brushed my lips against hers, her tongue passing through, taking the treat away from my canines. Pulling away to eat it, I felt my muzzle grow hot at the sudden contact. When she finished, before I got another treat, I leaned in closer licking along the side of her muzzle, down her jawbone, closer to her lips. I heard her catch her breath, as I pulled away.
"You missed a bit," I said, as she pouted.
"Eve, you're such a tease." I laughed, leaning back down to pick up another treat. Where I leaned in again, brushing my lips against her, he tongue removing the treat from my canines. We continued this for many minutes. Until she pulled away. "No more, Everest I'm not hungry." I smiled, eating the treat instead. Then I watched her lay down.
I did the same, laying down next to her, she lightly nuzzled me, laying a
single lick at the side of my muzzle.
"Thank you Eve," I was confused.
"For what?" I asked.
"For everything, you saved me today. You're my hero." I blushed, while she nuzzled me again. I felt my eyes closing.
"You're welcome Skye, I'll do anything for you." I yawned leaning more into her.
"I love you." I heard her say, before I drifted to sleep I said one last thing.
"I love you too." I was smiling as my eyes closed, however there was still a type of fear hidden.
'What if they were right?'