18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 479

Cooper would often hang out with Snowflake by the fireplace, the two of them getting into all sorts of playful antics.

After a few days, Snowflake started responding to her name, especially when it was mealtime. Whenever Stella called, she’d come running, probably because she was so used to being hungry. Snowflake had quite the appetite, with a particular love for raw meat.

The downside? She was fiercely protective of her food. Sometimes, even Cooper would get a growl if he got too close, and Stella didn’t fare any better.

The blizzard raged on for five days before finally calming down. Bundled up, Stella stepped outside for some fresh air. Cooper and Snowflake returned from their romp, frolicking wildly in the snow. When the scrappy pup nudged Snowflake’s belly, Stella chided, “Careful, your lady’s pregnant! Don’t get too rough now, keep it gentle.”

But Snowflake was wild at heart. Cooper tried to play it cool, but couldn’t resist the little temptress, cavorting in the snow with abandon.

What could Stella say? Snowflake probably never had a mother’s care, and even pregnant, she was completely unrestrained, clueless about her condition. Jasper had a bit more insight into animals, “Snowflake must’ve just reached adulthood.”

Ah, Cooper was robbing the cradle. He had some charm, indeed!

After spending a few days together, the trio grew quite fond of Snowflake, thinking she could be tamed. With a mate by his side, Cooper stopped wandering off, spending more time playing with her. This joy was different from the companionship of a human caretaker. Sitting atop a snowy mound, Stella watched Cooper play in the drifts, feeling content.

Snowflake paused in play, gazing into the distance, her head turning this way and that. She longed for the wilds yet hesitated to leave. Cooper whined softly, nudging her head. Stella grew anxious, “Does Snowflake want to leave?”

Jasper reasoned, “She grew up in the wild. It’s natural for her to yearn for it.” Wolves and dogs are different after all. If not for the severe blizzard, she might never have entered the human domain. Stella opened her mouth to speak but found no words.