She rose like a storm. Her body stretched tall, shoulders rippling. Her head lowered, ears back. Then came the growl. It rolled through the space like thunder. One warning step forward. Another. The keeper froze. “She’s guarding him,” someone whispered. “She thinks we’re taking her baby.”
“Retreat,” Asha ordered. “Now.” The team backed out quickly. Meera prowled behind them, tail slashing the air, placing her massive body between them and the pup. Nibbles watched from behind a tree trunk, unsure whether to follow the strangers or stay.
He chose the latter, pressing himself into Meera’s side. Jamie saw everything. He broke down. “I want my puppy back!” he cried, his voice cracking under the weight of panic. “Please! I didn’t mean to lose him!” Asha crouched beside Jamie, her voice low and steady. “She lost her cub about a month ago,” she said.
“It was small. Like Nibbles. She hasn’t moved like this in weeks. Hasn’t made a sound. But now, she’s watching. Protecting. Grooming.” She hesitated. “She thinks he’s hers.” Jamie sniffled. “But he’s mine.” “I know,” Asha said softly. “But right now… she needs him more than anyone.”