second time's the charm

Sirius slept more heavily than he usually did. He was comfortable with Zee in his arms, and the subtle warmth of summer holding on through the night. He was dreaming of rolling through the long grass of his pack, with an army of little pups chasing him. No matter how far or fast he ran, they caught him in the end. Topping him to the ground with a chorus of mighty little howls.

The Warlord was laughing, tossing puppies onto his stomach one by one, when one of them caught his side hard with a firm paw. “Ugh!” he cried, and the world around him changed. He was back in the den, and his little puppy army was yet to be born. Actually, wait… they were about to be born

He was on his feet in a moment, kissing Zee behind the ear, and then jumping to the den entrance. “Io!” his howl cried, knowing his sister was likely expecting the call. Then he was back to Zee’s side, curling himself around her. “My love, how are you doing, my sweet beloved?” he asked, his voice gentle and soothing.