Laika

Found by Vilina (#60937) in the rainforest on 24th Nov, 2024.

It didn't take long for Piedra long to realize how conceited and rude Laika could be as she walked with the dark wolf and the three older adolescents she found homeless seeking shelter. Fissure, the quietest and most earnest of the adolescents walked closer to Laika than to Rhetoric and Tormenta, who were playfully growling and snapping at each other's mouths and face. At least Fissure could discern what stability was and wasn't.

Piedra remained quiet and observant, too drained from exploring and socializing at a gathering of nearby wolf packs who met to share food and resources. That's where she found the trio of siblings and the lone wolf Laika.

Suddenly the older wolf among Piedra's new additions to her pack stopped in her tracks and looked over her shoulder, hair bristling and tail signaling aggression.

Panic flared in Fissure's eyes, but she quickly attempted to mask the emotion in favor of a more curious stance. Piedra stifled a laugh at the beautiful young female's desire to seem unperturbed by tension after noting the observation of her new leader.

Not so observant were the two ghastly eyed and more colorful adolescents still whining and snarling, snapping and occasionally biting one another as they continued to walk excitedly side by side, not looking where they're going.

"You two!" Laika finally growled, narrowing her white eyes as her glistening teeth flashed from behind her dark lips. She was side eyeing them, returning her nose to the forward position as she slowly began to walk again, keeping an eye on Piedra as well.

Laika's nose wrinkled with disgust as she snorted with contempt. "I despise most adolescents," she muttered under her breath.

Odd, Piedra thought, because the adolescents she was referring to were on the cusp of becoming adults, and Laika was only older than them by a few months.

What Laika lacked in humility, she soon proved to make up for with her broodmother instincts.

"I love pups," she told Piedra when they arrived to the pack den. For the first time since they'd med, Laika had warmth in her voice.

She stood gazing with affection at Dakota and her nursing pups.

"Would you like to pupsit?" Piedra offered.

The dark wolf turned her gaze back to Piedra and smiled. "That is the only work for me," she declared, smiling.

"Consider yourself hired," Piedra let out a tired sigh. "I'll be expecting my own pups in a few months. You can look after them while I take care of my responsibilities as lead wolf."

There was a wag in Laika's dark tail. "Congratulations," there was sincerity in her voice. "I look forward to taking care of your pups, and all the pups of my new pack." She lifted her about, and there was a twinkle in her white eyes.

As time progressed and Laika became more acquainted with the pack's youth, she learned pupsitting wasn't all about cute cubs and cuddly moments. There were times Laika wanted to rip her own fur out. There were times she had to fight her own anger and bite her tongue. It was frustrating work, but also rewarding. The pups were teaching her as much as she taught them. Laika was learning patience, forgiveness, and grace.