This is the first bonus chapter for Warrior Dogs! I thought I’d write this chapter because it would be TOO MUCH WORK TO ILLUSTRATE. Anyways, this one is about teenage Strikestar’s relationship with his mate, Squirrelcloud. Enjoy! _____________________________________________ Strikepaw sniffed around the small field, trying to find the marigolds Hawkleap requested for Squirrelpaw’s broken leg. ‘Squirrelpaw…’ Strikepaw thought anxiously. He remembered that day. They were playing near an asphalt path until Squirrelpaw was run over. ‘No, don’t think about that.’ Strikepaw tried to tell himself. ‘But what if it was my fault?’ the other part of his mind spoke up. Strikepaw shook his head to clear his mind and picked a batch of marigolds growing near the edge of the field. He also spied a few pink flowers that he knew Squirrelpaw would love. Strikepaw walked into Earthpack’s temporary camp, which they shared with Thunderpack and a few dogs who’d come from outside the packs looking forward to becoming warriors. Nightcreek, who had been basking in the sun, opened one of his amber eyes to look at Strikepaw. “Oh. It’s you.” he grumbled, stretching himself onto his belly. “Hawkleap’s waiting for you.” Strikepaw padded towards the temporary medicine den without another word. Deersong was quizzing her apprentice, Jaypaw, on herbs, while Hawkleap waited in the back chamber. “Strikepaw!” the sand-colored dog sighed in relief. “You brought the marigolds!” “Y-yeah.” Strikepaw stuttered. “Um… how’s Squirrelpaw?” “Other than complaining about being stuck in here, she’s getting better.” Hawkleap chuckled. “Strikepaw!” Squirrelpaw chirped, swishing her fluffy tail back and forth. “It’s you!” Strikepaw walked towards her hesitantly, carrying the pink flowers in his jaws. “Yeah, I’m here…” he said with a smile. Squirrelpaw looked up at him and gasped. “Are those for me?” she asked, her face turning red. “Mhm…” Strikepaw mumbled, flushed pink. Squirrelpaw took the flowers and placed one in the fur above her ear. “They’re beautiful…” she murmured. “I knew you’d like them.” Strikepaw grinned. Squirrelpaw touched her nose to his. “Aww… you’re so thoughtful.” Strikepaw’s shoulders relaxed. “Yeah…” he sighed happily. “I was thinking about you.”
