Hey folks, here it is. Chapter 18. I actually struggled a bit with this chapter, so I'm eager to hear what you think. Also at the end of this chapter there's a short Omake (like on the end of some anime), which isn't part of the story but is rather fun (and slightly immature).

Chapter 18: Birth

Feet thundered down the stairs as Sadie came tumbling after Bast. In the lounge Zoe was laid on a bed of towels and blankets, Anubis knelt at her side, barking to her words of comfort and encouragement (though Sadie didn't understand what he was saying). All hands were on deck. Bast went to get some towels for cleaning the pups, Sarah went to get a bowl of water, Carter was out getting supplies; a new bed, extra bowls and some toys for when the pups were old enough.

Bast and Sadie returned, "Here you go Sadie" Bast said, handing her the towels.

"What are these for?" Sadie asked, surprised.

"For cleaning the pups" Anubis replied while continuing to pet Zoe.

Sadie nodded quietly and sat down, cross legged, waiting.

All were silent, bar Anubis and Zoe who were barking and whimpering respectively.

Time passed, Sadie zoned out into a trance like state, lost in her thoughts.

Suddenly, Anubis barked at Sadie, "Sadie, here!"

She complied without hesitation, grabbing a towel for the pup, who's head was just emerging from Zoe's womb, fluid covered, furless, helpless.

When the pup was out Sadie set to work cleaning it and checking it's airways were clear before placing it down next to an anxious Zoe.

Zoe licked the pup over, checking it herself. When she was happy with it she left it to nuzzle against her.

And so, the hours passed, every so often interrupted by the next pup, after the last once was born and well the rest left Zoe to sort the rest out how she wanted. Carter had returned and set up Zoe's room with extra beds and bowls.

Outside the sky was dark and cold. A stark contrast to the warm, snug house, the pups nuzzled against Zoe, who was the only one still awake. Anubis was laid on the sofa, sound asleep. Sadie was curled on him, her head resting on his soft chest. Occasionally Sadie would mutter in her sleep, usually about some event in her dream. Most of these times she was scolding someone for some reason. Bast was elsewhere, maybe not even in the house. Sarah and Cater had retreated to their own rooms a few hours before.

Tired out, Zoe refused to fall asleep yet, wanting to monitor her pups for a bit. How would she name them? All five of them! would they live a happy life? Is there room in the house? So many things ran through her mind, so many worries. It hadn't sunk in yet that she was a mother.

Omake 1:

"Come on, hurry up!" Sadie shouted through the door, "how long does it take you to put on some jeans!"

"Hang on Sadie!" Came the reply, followed by the sounds of him falling over against the wall.

After a short series of muffled shuffles and bangs the door clicked open. Anubis stepped out, a look of discomfort on his face.

"What's the matter now?" Sadie asked, rolling her eyes. She had her hands on her hips like most women seemed to do when they disapproved (at least all the ones Anubis had guided through the Duat in his time).

"There isn't enough room in these!" He replied, slightly annoyed.

"What do you mean 'not enough room', eh?" Sadie questioned.

It was Anubis' turn to roll eyes, "there isn't enough room for my balls!" He shouted, getting impatient, "now can I please take them off!"

"Yes, please do." Sadie replied with a slight smirk.

Anubis swiftly unbuttoned the jeans, dropping them to his ankles and stepping out. He shook his legs and made sure he had blood flow back to where it needed to be.

The lock on the door clicked close and the curtains drew shut. "Anubis..." Sadie teased, sucking her finger sensually, "I'm in 'that' mood again. Let me see if I can make you... 'regain feeling'..."