Sandpiper lowered her head on the cold, damp turf. The wolves were settling down for a short break. Squirrel was on patrol. After fifteen minutes he would turn the job over to Lion and the two of them would take turns watching.
Bluejay was growing into a sleek young beauty. Her eyes for Squirrel were more than obvious and she acted coy around him. She had been growing progressively more friendly around their group and was constantly assisting Dove in caring for the two pups.
The sun, filtering through healthy leaves, dappled the dark forest earth. Sandpiper murmured something softly to herself and rolled over into a patch of shade, hiding her tired eyes from the soft sunlight. Her dreams were troubled and in them she felt lost. Her turmoil grew as she envisioned Kouprey taken by humans and killed by bloodthirsty pitbulls. She shuddered and shook in her sleep until little Cheetah toddled over and tapped her lightly on the shoulder.
"San'pep'r," Cheetah said, curiously. "Aw you okay?" She sat back shyly, licking a dainty orange paw that spoke of her father's heritage.
Sandpiper blinked, taking in her surroundings. "Yes, Cheetah," she assured the small pup. "Yes." Then she smiled slightly and lay back down, sighing.
