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Snow Dawgs

Chapter Eight

By Roofles

The shower went relatively quick. It took both of us working on the fluffy malamute to get him all cleaned up from the mess he made. I don’t think his tail stopped wagging once as I ran my hands through his thick, luscious fur. The touch of him was exquisite and sent shivers of delight up my arms making me smile just as much as the panting dog was by the end. His fur was a tangled mess covered in dry seed and pre from the happy canine from the previous night.

If we had more time I would’ve helped add to the mess that morning. Or there in the shower. However, we both agreed it was best not to linger too long.

By now I’ve learned how to do this well enough and went quick but thorough through that rich fur. Making sure to get in every crook, curve and cranny of the large canine to wash away both of our scents. I was a bit ashamed to admit how good at hiding this kind of activity from the others I was getting at. It wasn’t like I was seeing anyone now! It wasn’t anything to really, technically hide. We both were two consenting adults.

I still felt guilty though and stayed in the shower longer than Max did; the large malamute having to start drying off thirty minutes ahead of myself in order to get to breakfast on time. He didn’t seem to mind this. Mind what we did. He even gave me a lick on the cheek before he left for breakfast.

The two of us had slept well enough. Or at least I did. We got up early to clean up, Max opening the back door and letting the cool air in to “air things out.” I didn’t complain or get offended as he cleaned up the mess, trying to make sure it wasn’t too obvious that we had done something together. It would be clear that I had spent the night with Max but, according to him, it would be a hard leap to the fact the two of us had done anything after washing up.

He seemed to be just as familiar with this routine as I was. I wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing at that point. I had too many other things on my mind to focus on it.

Apparently his room always had that musky tinge to it anyways that the other dogs didn’t or wouldn’t question it too much. “Trust me. No one here is innocent.” Max barked a laugh, chuckling enough to make his body shake with it. It was an infectious laugh and it was hard to stop myself from joining in on it. “Poor Buddy.” Max shook his head, making me question what he meant by it.

The malamute never explained and I missed my opportunity to ask.

Borrowing his bathrobe, I left my clothes behind. Max said he’d clean them up so and not to worry about it. We didn’t end with a kiss. That’d be too sappy. We exchanged a pleasant hug and I got that lick after; he held me with both hands as he looked into my face.

“We still got the rest of the week.” Max said as more of an offer or maybe an invitation to what we both had in mind. At least that was defiantly a good sign he had enjoyed himself last night. I’d be lying to say I didn’t as well. I already was beginning to miss the warmth of his body, the touch of him as he finally let go.

“Name the time and place, and I’m all yours.” I didn’t mean to smile as much as I had. It was hard not too into such a friendly face. His nose bumped against mine and we took a couple seconds longer before parting. He took one final deep breath before letting go.

We might’ve lingered far longer than either of us had meant too.

“I’ll see you at breakfast!” He waved as I headed out of the room, down the hall and towards Buddy’s room. I was still crashing with the golden retriever and was sure he’d have a dozen and one questions to ask about last night when I eventually showed up.

I wouldn’t mind crashing in for the morning with Buddy to be honest; he probably was my closest friend here out of all the dogs. Even counting Hunter into that mix. The two of us could stay up like school girls, gossiping about all the details and the boys we liked. It made me feel young again. I giggled a bit at the idea, quickly clearing my throat and glad no one else had seen such a silly side to myself. I would never be able to live that down if they had. Still, would’ve been fun to stay with Buddy tonight and fill him in on all the details.

I wonder if he snuggled? With all his extra fur and fluff a part of me really hoped he did.

And with the way I was feeling? As light as air, I would’ve been happy to talk late into the night as he held me or maybe I held him? Maybe we’d hold each other... It made my face burn as that smile never left my face as I opened the door to Buddy’s room. I was expecting to savor that warmth long into these cold night, petting that face of his…

The golden retriever hadn’t locked it to my appreciation. Buddy was always such a considerate guy; that or he had forgotten about it. Just how much he’d done for me, in his own way really did touch my heart. I owed it to him to return some kind of good willed gesture in thanks.

After this trip. I would make sure to stay Buddy’s friend.

“Buddy?” The room was empty however and he wasn’t here. Probably down at breakfast.

It was strange thought, as I got ready for the day. The fact I was still thinking about him. Maximus was a stranger compared to the other canines I spent time with. And here I was thinking about him like some love struck puppy. It was a good feeling, for the first time being here I felt good the day after. That things really could actually start picking up for me.

Of course that didn’t last long.

At first I was curious as to why I hadn’t seen any of the other dogs, not even bumping into Max again on the way to breakfast. Getting into the dining room, I quickly learned why. I heard it before I saw it, walking into the room and quickening my pace as the voices grew louder.

“I told you not to do that!” Auto voice was clear as he growled. The blue heeler didn’t sound happy. Well, he normally didn’t sound happy. His gruff tone however had an edge to it sharp enough to cut with. It made me stand on end just hearing the growl that followed his words. It seemed to shake the very room putting everyone on end.

Canines usually growled at one another. It was part of who they were, part of the whole hierarchy thing in the pack. Usually it was quick and precisely done to get their point across. The two canines laughing after without concern. This however, I never heard Auto make such an aggressive sound even snapping his teeth at whoever else he’d been talking too.

That didn’t take long to fill me in. I should’ve known.

“You can’t just tell me what I can and can’t do.” Duncan barked back, growling as he got up in the older dog’s face. His short gray fur was standing up as he bared his fangs, a sight to see for a pit bull. Duncan had a very large, square like head and I was glad that muzzle wasn’t pointed at me. Pit bulls had one of the largest muzzles out of any canine and Duncan wasn’t exactly a small guy by any means.

“As the Alpha.” Auto warned his growling filling the room. The blue heeler tail stood straight, ears up, lips raised and his fur matching Duncan’s. I’d only seen it happen once and the last time it did Auto had punched out someone that didn’t understand what private property meant.

The two were at each other’s throat… about something. I couldn’t figure out what it was. Or if it really needed to be about anything. The two had been at each others throats seemingly this entire trip and whatever had finally pushed them to the breaking point had. Now the two looked as if only one of them would be allowed to walk out of the room, alive.

Glancing over, each of the other dogs seemed to be reacting rather differently to it. Hunter was worried, no surprise there. He never could handle conflict well. In fact, the only thing surprising by it was the fact he was still in the room. The two were blocking the exit and I guess Hunter wasn’t smart enough to realize there was a back way out.

Junkyard next to him, once more next to him oddly… looked like he was having the time of his life, practically encouraging the two to fight. The Doberman was sitting up in his seat, eyes wide in excitement; tail wagging as he leaned over the table towards the two waiting for one of them to throw the first punch.

Buddy was on the other side from the doberman. The poor golden retriever covering his face with both hands at this point as if afraid to see who would throw the first punch. He was whining softly and seemed to be taking this to heart. He was shaking slightly and if the two weren’t in my way I’d have gone over to comfort him. I didn’t know Buddy all that well but felt I owed it to him to do that much and offer him a hug at least.

Maybe the two of us could’ve snuck out of here, with plates of food, and gone back to his room. Do that talk I wanted to do and get our minds off… whatever this was.

“Why did you even come then? Just wanted to start a fight?” Auto continued to growl, accusing Duncan now of wanting to start this whole thing from the very start. “Everyone having too good of a time for you? What, just wanted to ruin that?” The blue heeler didn’t back down an inch and it showed. The look in those eyes, with everyone else watching him; Auto couldn’t. He couldn’t back down now or his entire leadership would be put into question.

“You’re just an old dog that doesn’t know what the fuck he’s talking about.” Duncan shot back the two clearly talking about something I wasn’t familiar with. I knew Auto far better than Duncan and still couldn’t tell you what his favorite color was or if he was allergic to anything.

“I can still kick your ass.” Auto laid down on the table, showing his hand and what he would do if this kept up. The tone of voice made several of us take a step back, myself physically doing so. Auto wasn’t exactly an oversized guy, he was shorter than Max and wasn’t as wide as Duncan was. Still, I’d put my money on him in a fight.

Max was off to the side I notice, waiting to step in if need be. I wondered if Auto could take Duncan in a straight up fight? The blue heeler looked like he could dish out just as badly as he could take it. Something that was hard for me to believe.

It really was still hard to see past the gentle lover I knew Auto to be compared to the growling dog in front of me… If fist began flying I knew whose side I would take.

“Got to get your aggression out somehow, right?” Duncan snorted a laugh, tipping his head back enough to show all his teeth with the laugh. “What? No one will fuck you so your just a built up old fart taking it out on the youth.” The mocking tone really didn’t help the situation. I really wish I could butt in or say or do something.

I wasn’t an idiot. I wasn’t about to step between two dogs going at it. Hell, even if they had collars and leashes I wouldn’t try to pull them apart at this point.

To my, and everyone’s surprise, Auto just laughed at that. It was a single flat note and the smile on his face was impossible to miss. His tone shifted with his body language. The aggression he was giving off died down as the fur on his shoulder lowered and Auto just barked the same laugh once more at Duncan.

“Even I got some before you did.” Auto stated flatly for the whole room making things grow rather cold. The implication took me a moment to catch up on; recalling then that Duncan and Junkyard had been dating for only who knows how long. Was Auto just saying he’d gotten laid before Duncan did with Junkyard?

At least I think that’s how the pit bull took it as his ears laid back, teeth still showing as his gums raised up. The low steady growl rumbling in his throat gurgled out his mouth, drool splattering on the ground now at this point. Auto might’ve pushed the pit bull too far.

Neither of the two said anything. The tension only seemed to grow and I couldn’t exactly just keep standing there in the doorway. Even Junkyard had sat back down, not looking at anyone else. I had to admit it was satisfying to see him back down like the bitch he was after Auto’s comment.

“I got plenty-,” Duncan was about to say, unfortunately I tried to speak at the same time and ended up cutting him off.

“Should I just come back?” I’m not sure why I asked. Maybe it was because of how uneasy I felt. Or the fact I couldn’t just slip past the two to the table to join the others. I was really getting sick being pushed to the side like this and flat out ignored. That and I was getting hungry after the workout from last night, not wanting to go without breakfast. Again.

Auto glanced over at me and instantly his face softened, a smile tugging on his cheeks that pulled at my heartstrings. I’m not even sure if he was aware of it. The anger in those eyes had faded just as quickly. For the longest time I had been afraid of the blue heeler. Maybe because he was Alpha or his reputation preceded anything he actually did.

Still, I had respected the guy. And right here and now I was feeling something more than just that. After what we’d done together, I did feel closer to Auto than several of the others. And the way he looked at me then, made me wonder if Auto did as well.

Duncan looked between the two of us. The rusty gears in his head beginning to turn. He backed down as well though, for the first time since I entered the room Duncan showed weakness. His ears lowered with his jowls and there was a moment pause to his train of thought. I didn’t let him finish the thought as I quickly went on.

“It’s an open breakfast.” I chuckled weakly, every eye on the room seeming to be on me in that moment. I hated it. I wasn’t sure what to do or say. “And the other guests might…” Though I hadn’t exactly bumped into anyone else other than the dogs here. I was sure they were somewhere… maybe. “This is a public eating… area… the staff…” I stumbled with my words feeling even more foolish now.

That or they had evacuated after a dozen canines came in. I wish I had the right mind right now just to leave instead of sticking my foot further into my mouth.

“You still owe me.” Duncan was the one to speak first, relaxing now as he rubbed a hand through his hair with a gruff sigh as if exhaling out the tension that had built inside him. He looked bored, indifferent to it all. It was hard to read whatever thoughts were going through his head.

“I don’t owe you squat.” I shot back before I could stop myself. “I won that bet.” I ended up just pointing out in front of everyone, hoping no one would ask for specifics on such a bet.

“I don’t think you did.” Duncan just smirked at me as if ignoring the very canine he had challenged in front of the others. Auto didn’t question it though, thankfully. Seeming to use the opportunity himself to stop this before it escalated to the point of no return.

“You cheated!” I rolled my eyes at that, stepping aside so Duncan could leave. Interestingly, he didn’t. Instead he just walked back over to the table with a roll of his eyes.

“Sure. Tell yourself whatever you need too.” He laughed as the pit bull sat back down in presumably his spot, on the other side of Junkyard. The Doberman didn’t even look over at him, still just looking down at the table instead of at anyone else.

“Come on, pup. Let’s get some breakfast.” Auto motioned for me to join him as he walked back over. And just like that things had been defused. However, there was a certain unease that hung over the room for the rest of breakfast.

“Douglas!” Buddy waved at me then and I was glad for the quick change as I practically jogged on over to him. “I got some food ready for you…” The golden retriever smiled behind his bangs at me and I reciprocated it with my own. Patting him on the back with thanks before moving my hand up to pet his head.

Buddy growled pleased at that as I scratched over his hair and ears. His floppy ears were far softer than I thought they’d be and he yipped softly at me touching one of them.

“Sorry.” I chuckled letting go and looking down at the healthy plate of food Buddy had gotten for me; somewhat regretting accepting his offer now. As much as I did like egg whites, yogurt, what looked like a rice cake and a small platter of fruit… this was supposed to be a vacation and I wanted to cheat!

I’d worry about my health when I got home.

“No, no. You’re fine. It’s just…” Buddy didn’t finish and I was sure he was blushing as he looked away, tail wagging as he picked at his own food. So, with a shrug, I just joined him and dug in. I could always go back and get seconds. Buddy went over what he had planned for the day as well as why he had gotten what he did for us. “It’ll be a nice energy boost for the day.” He motioned at his identical plate of food.

“What about the storm?” I asked. It was the very thing trapping me inside with the rest of these dogs. In fact, maybe that was why everyone was so tense. We came here to ski and see the outside but the storm had locked us all in on our vacation.

“Well, yeah. We aren’t going outside.” Buddy laughed at the very idea shaking his head. It made his locks of golden fur sway back and forth. He really did need a haircut, the damn hippie. Then again, if anyone could pull it off it was Buddy. “There are plenty of things we can do in the lodge.”

“We got plenty of amenities we can try out.” Max said sitting down next to me with a bit of a plop. The malamute was all smiles as he nodded to Buddy in greeting before going on. “We got the arcade stuff down stairs.”

“Hot tubs!” Buddy gladly jumped in. I chuckled at that, blushing despite myself after meeting Auto in there the first days I had arrived. The two of us exchanging a look before looking away, the blue heeler just as embarrassed about it as I was.

“There are also a couple of pool tables, foos ball tables and even table tennis we can pull out.” Max thought it over going over everything on his fingers. It was cute watching him count them out one by one.

“We also got that huge ass TV! We could have a movie night!” Buddy nearly shouted as the light bulb over his head turned on. Bouncing in his seat he went on. “There are so many movies we could watch!” He wiggled a bit and wanted to say something else, I wasn’t sure as to what so I just gave him a smile at the idea.

“Sounds like a terrific idea, Buddy.” I just nodded along, not about to shoot the dog’s idea down. Sure, we could watch a movie any time back home but when could you watch a movie in a lodge during a snowstorm? The idea was almost romantic. I didn’t say that though.

“What’s all this about?” Auto asked joining in from Buddy’s other side. He motioned between the three of us, asking why Buddy was literally bouncing in his seat at this point.

“We’re putting on a movie night.” I explained quickly enough, already sure Auto had been listening in. As the Alpha he sort of had to keep an eye on everyone; still it was polite of him to ask.

“Yeah!” Buddy was already set on the idea and I didn’t have the heart to decline at this point.

“Get some warm coco, a big fuzzy blanket, snuggle up and watch movies for the rest of the night.” I did smile at the idea. It would be a nice relaxing change from the previous days. Able to just ignore everything else for a change and just turn my brain off as something ran on the TV.

Three tails wagged in response to that, thumping against their respectable chairs as they did. I didn’t even realize I had gotten an audience at this point.

“Sounds like a date then!” Max barked from the other side making me blush a bit more, though I played it off well enough by spilling my drink. Good job Douglas, expertly done. No one will notice you now.

Buddy and Auto helped me clean up the mess, still wagging even as Junkyard shot me a venomous glare. He looked constipated but if looks could kill… I’d probably still be fine. Junkyard didn’t have the balls to do anything.

“What about the rest of the day?” Auto was the one to ask, in far better spirits than he’d been previously. In fact, I was sure he was looking forward to whatever we had planned. It was nice of him to tag along again. He had tried the previous day but ended up leaving do to Duncan.

“We’re still trying to figure that out.” I nervously chuckled as I felt Max scoot a bit closer. I think someone wanted to be my snuggle buddy. Then again, Buddy seemed to be happy with the idea as well. Would it be too much to ask to snuggle both at the same time? I wouldn’t even NEED a blanket then!

I just wanted my pie and to eat it too. That never ended badly, right?

The idea made me want to giggle again and I held it back the best I could. Junkyard gave me a look and I wanted to flip him off for it. I ignored the Doberman and went back to the others as we discussed what we had planned to do for the day. There was a list of things and each had their own ideas to throw in.

I wasn’t sure why they were waiting for my two cents so I ended up just tossing in. “Why not all the above?” With a shrug. “Nothing will actually take that long to do… we can do most and then meet up for the movie. Maybe even squeeze something else in.”

Both Max and Auto ears folded back at that. I didn’t mean it like that but apparently it came off as such. Not that I would turn down a quickie, though I was still feeling particularly drained after the previous night with Max. I felt Max place his hand on mine. I didn’t move it and just let the malamute squeeze it several times as his tail wagged.

That got a look, from the wrong dog.

“Just couldn’t keep it in your pants for long, huh?” Junkyard butted in without being inviting to our pleasant little conversation. Hunter was busy next to him texting and had been ignoring us, though he did say he’d watch the movie that night. Junkyard had a particular stink to him as if I had somehow offended him. For a second I thought he was talking to me before he addressed Max. “Surprised it took this long. Another collar to hang up on your wall? Another tail to chase? Only to end up in the doghouse again?”

“Just because you’re not getting any doesn’t mean you can get on someone else.” I couldn’t help it and ended up coming, somewhat, to Max’s defense. I wasn’t aware of Max’s reputation in the field but I wasn’t any better frankly. Not about to call the kettle black.

The Doberman on the other hand clearly needed to get some. No wonder why he’d been such a prissy little bitch this entire trip, for fuck sake. If I had gone that long without something, I’d be a bitch too.

Junkyard lips sealed shut as if he had just sucked on a rather sour lemon as he glared daggers at me. He really liked doing that. Not that he’d do much else. Even I could put the thin Doberman in his place if it came down to that. And I’m pretty sure Junkyard knew that. I was waiting for him to start something. I doubted he’d risk using his teeth; it was a rather large taboo for a canine to bite someone that wasn’t another canine. And if he didn’t? There was nothing to fear in a straight up fight with the twig boy, even Hunter had more weight than Junkyard did. And that was saying something.

“You’ll just sleep with anything, won’t you?” Junkyard snarled back not even hiding his disdain for me now. I was over it by this point and just gave him a look.

“Sweetheart? I wouldn’t sleep with you. SO, even I have some standards, huh?” I clicked my tongue at him. “Puta.” I added with a roll of my eyes going back to the others. Junkyard wasn’t sure how to respond to that and so I just got up, grabbed my plate and headed out after dumping it off for the kitchen crew in with a thanks. Before he could think of anything.

Sometimes sassy bitch worked far too well. Maybe that or the fact I’d been taking his pot shots this entire time and this was the first I really called him out on it, in front of everyone else. And it felt damn good.

I didn’t get far before Buddy joined me. Glad he did. Junkyard rubbed me the wrong way and it was the fourth time during this trip alone I wanted to bap that nose of his in with my fist. One good punch and maybe he’d shut the fuck up. Back home, I wouldn’t have to deal with this shit. Being stuck here however, I had to put up with it and that was being pushed as it was.

Buddy didn’t say anything at first and that alone clued me in he wanted to ask about it.

“Go ahead.” I conceded as I cut over into the main sitting area of the lodge next to the fire. Standing there looking into the flames, letting my own heat die down from what the Doberman had said.

“You and Max, huh?” Buddy asked giving me a sideways glance as he stood next to me warming his hands. “You know his reputation, right?” Buddy asked as a good friend would. I was sure I could put the two together easily enough after what Junkyard had said.

“We’re both grown consenting adults. I’ll be fine.” I only laughed with a shake of my head. “Besides, he’s one of the few who doesn’t…” I didn’t finish the thought not wanting it to plague the rest of this trip as it was.

Max was the new dog to me, maybe not to them. We were practically strangers. Maybe that was why he’d been so overly friendly with me? Not taking these sideways, backhanded remarks all the others did at my expense. Each remark slowly eating away at what little self-esteem I had left…

“Oh, I’m not worried about you.” Buddy laughed though. “Max gets attached too quickly… I’m worried about him.” The golden retriever rubbed the back of his neck with a nervous chuckle. “If you guys had done something… it might’ve meant more to him than it did you.”

“And, what, you think I’m going to hurt him?” I had to ask just giving him a good look at that. It’d be nice to get a straightforward answer for once.

“After Hunter… I mean, you might just be rebounding?” Buddy shrugged with a half-hearted chuckle. I didn’t want to admit Auto had been my rebound. “I figured it would happen. Max is a great guy! And I mean… I mean there are plenty of dogs with an eye out for you.” The golden wagged his tail making me give him yet another look. “But you had been with Hunter, so…”

Then I snorted a laugh, not exactly an appealing thing in itself.

“Sure. Everyone wants to bark up this tree.” I rolled my eyes giving him a one arm hug. “Thanks. I needed that.” I added with a wink and a clap of my hands. “What next?” He took a moment before responding.

“Well… how about some table tennis?” Buddy offered and soon enough we got the two other members to join us.

Auto and Max had been talking in the hall. Whatever their conversation had been about abruptly came to an end after seeing us round the corner. Max came over to greet us, giving me a hug as he did. Ok, maybe Buddy had something going about him thinking far more about this than I had. I’d have to talk to him about that later. Not that I minded, his fluffy warm body still smelled of soap from this morning shower.

“Table tennis?” I offered to the two soon after. They seemed to be waiting for the offer and both gladly joined in.

Backtracking through the living area and around the fireplace, there was a side room I hadn’t seen before. To call it a room would be a misnomer. It was more of an open space behind the fire place without walls; it was roped off a bit making it look like some sort of VIP section.

“I already paid.” Max explained seeing my look.

“We have to pay to use the tables?” I asked in disbelief. I thought Hunter could be cheap…

“Well, technically, no…” Max just grinned though, his curled tail wagging now.

“Max, please. Don’t.” Auto groaned rubbing his head now before the malamute even got started.

“We have to pay to use the tennis balls. And paddles. And the triangle thingy. And the space. And the…” Max went on. And on. And on. The only one out of all of us who found it funny. Lucky he was cute at least.

“We got it!” I ended up just blurting out with a laugh moving inside the space over to one of the tables. “Why do they even have these anyways, for a ski resort…?” I frowned at the tables. If I could be outside skiing I wouldn’t be stuck in here playing table tennis. I paid a hefty fee for table tennis... The idea of that just sounded wrong.

“This whole area has bad storms.” Buddy was the one to explain pointing at the window. To be honest, I thought it was a white wall. Not paying attention enough to realize that it was the snow stacked up, pushing against the windows lining the wall. That didn’t seem safe… I played on the other side of the table, away from the wall of snowy death.

“The lodge bought a ton of things during storm season.” Max shrugged his heavy shoulders, rolling them back as he undid the lock box under the table and pulled out paddles and balls for us to use.

“When is storm season?” I had to ask. The three looks I got made me laugh, blushing a bit now in embarrassment already having known the answer. “That’d explain why the lodge is so cheap this time of year!” I chuckled nervously.

“Reason why we come now.” Auto just nodded. “Not everyone can afford such trips, Douglas.” The blue heeler tone made me feel bad, like being scolded by my father. I was just waiting for him to tell me to think about other people’s situations before speaking next time. To be fair, Auto acted more like a father than my own dad did.

“Right…” Quickly Douglas, change topics! Change topics! “Whose team am I on?” I asked instead grabbing a paddle and turning towards the others.

“Mine.” Max stood proudly.

“You can be on mine.” Auto offered.

“Over here.” And Buddy waved for me to join him. I got three yes’s. I wish people wanted me this bad during high school prom.

“Uh…” I said tactfully looking between the three friendly faces. It was hard to turn down any dog… that came out wrong, though that would explain the past couple of days I’ve been having. Just say no Douglas.

“Douglas and Max first few. I’ll take seconds and Buddy will finish off.” Auto said it perfectly fine. I heard it a little different with my perverted mind. “Max will do Douglas first. I’ll get sloppy seconds and Buddy will finish Douglas off.” That was far different than what Auto meant, I’m sure.

“With me, little buddy.” Max looped an arm around me before I got a chance to say anything and was dragged off to the other side of the table next to window side of the table. I said a silent prayer, hoping beyond hope that the glass wouldn’t shatter and for me to be buried alive.

We didn’t have a Saint Bernard in the pack and I wasn’t sure if anyone else could’ve saved me if the snow collapsed on top of me.

Let’s just say my focus was solely on the fact the window behind me was creaking that I played so poorly. That and Max took up half the table by himself, his fuzzy thigh kept bumping into me. At first I thought it was by accident, by the end however he was standing directly next to me and could’ve been playing with an arm over my shoulder.

Not that I’d have mind such closeness with the fluffy dog.

The next rounds seemed far more evenly matched with Auto and I going against Buddy and Max. At first. The old blue heeler knew how to handle the racket and it only took us a couple of rounds to find our groove. Matching each other pace well enough, knowing when to give each other the ball and rely on the other for when we couldn’t get it ourselves. We were perfect partners.

Not that I could say the same for Buddy and Max. The two seemed like two dance partners, both with two left feet. It was an awkward shit show and Auto and I easily dominated them by the end. I didn’t even work up a sweat.

“Yes!” I might’ve been a bit competitive when it came to games like this and I jumped up and down with Auto. The blue heeler just chuckled thankfully at my over enthusiasm. I might’ve caught him off guard with the tackle of a hug, however.

He “oofed” loudly in my ear but I found his arms around me soon enough returning the friendly gesture. His fur was far rougher than Max’s was. It wasn’t bad though. Like his hands, it was the body of a hard working dog. Something I could appreciate. He had a musky smell after the two games and I guiltily recalled the night the two of us had been together.

I pulled back soon enough, clearing my throat and not meeting those eyes. I had felt Auto’s bulge against my leg and I was sure he’d felt mine as well. I blamed it on the game and victory we just had. Knowing full well why I was getting a semi-hard hugging the older canine. Auto had a calming strength to him that I had admired, if somewhat feared, since meeting him.

“Give me a moment.” Auto said, turning away from us to adjust himself.

“I need one too.” Max tapped out for a bit, heading over to get everyone drinks. The large canine was winded by the fact of how warm it was inside and how much fur he had. Like Buddy, the two canine’s had stripped off their shirts and hadn’t put them back on.

“Up for a game?” Buddy asked with a sly grin, holding up the ball in one hand. The tip of his pink tongue stuck out between his black gummy lips and I knew it was on.

I might’ve mentioned I was the competitive type. What I didn’t mention was the fact I hated to lose. And by that I meant by the fifteenth time I hit the ball back to Buddy, I was practically growling. The golden retriever was far better at this than I gave him credit for. I had wanted to school him in the art of table tennis, only to quickly realize I was the one being played.

I found myself moving from side to side, returning each expertly hit ball back at the golden retriever. Trying to match his accuracy with power. I kept my cool, for the most part. Other than being overly dramatic with the last hit, I was keeping up with him for the most part.

The single game turned into a bout between the two of us. Our own little battle to see who could last longer. I knew it was foolish to try to outmatch a retriever in stamina. They seemed to have been bred with pure, unrelenting energy. Buddy didn’t even look window as the minutes ticked by.

I on the other hand was sweating as I returned the ball yet again. Buddy was far too friendly with his returns. The panting dog still just smiling, wagging his tail as he easily kept up with me. Seriously, unfair. I’m not sure how profession sportsmen people… athletes! Athletes, that’s what they are called play against canines. They have so much energy!

I was panting as I returned another shot. My breaths were ragged and I could feel the sweat running down my face now as I had to twist my arm into an uncomfortable angle to get the ball for the hundredth time at least! I think I was drawing a crowd. I was afraid to look as Buddy finally asked the question I wanted so badly to say yes too.

“Are you sure you want to keep going?” Buddy effortlessly hit the ball again, not even putting power behind it. He had such control to his hits I could feel nothing but spite for the happy go lucky dog as I fumbled over my two feet to hit it back to him.

“Not. Until. You. Lose.” I just said between breaths as I tried to slam the paddle as hard as I could against the ball in a spike; though not exactly sportsman like, I wanted the win! Even a single point at this rate.

Buddy seemed to realize what I had been trying to do and took two neat bouncing steps back to get to the ball that nearly hit the window. Once more, the golden retriever… retrieved the ball to me making me wonder if this sport wasn’t biased for someone like Buddy. Buddy really was good at retrieving balls, maybe he’d retrieve mine someday…

My mind went straight into the gutter at the thought of trying to match the golden retriever’s stamina in the bedroom.

My hand slipped and though the ball connected with the paddle, my sweaty palm lost grip on it and the thing went flying to my side. I could only watch in vain as the ball skipped across the table. Securing the victory for Buddy as soon as he hit it back. Watching in pure horror as the ball skipped off the table and straight into the Buddy’s maw.

The golden retriever catching it expertly with his mouth to my utter confusion.

“Ta-dah!” Buddy raised his hands up, leaving me slack jaw as my shoulders rose and fell with my labored breathing. I might pass out. I had to hold the table with a laugh at just how ridiculous this had ended.

“A single round, huh?” Auto asked walking over. Max offered me a drink and I gladly took it. I wiped the sweat from my eyes.

“Uh, right. Sorry.” I chuckled still breathing hard. I wanted to give a step back from the blue heeler but my rear bumped into the table. I knew I must’ve been a stinky mess at this point, sweating like a man on death row.

“Technically, it was a single round…” Max offered somewhat in my defense. I gave him a look and he smiled at that. I could see his nose twitch. Then Auto’s nose twitch and soon enough the golden retriever’s as he came over to get a drink for himself.

“Sorry. I should probably shower.” I blushed a bit. Getting so worked up from the game like this. It wasn’t often someone could compete with me at a pub game and I had met my match with Buddy. While I might’ve played Duncan the other day, it looked as if Buddy was the real one to watch out for.

The happy go lucky dog was still all smiles, congratulating me by spitting the ball out into my hand. It was covered in slobber and with a laugh I shoved it right back at him. He easily defused whatever animosity I had for losing and just like that the two of us were back to being friends.

Auto tossed a clean rag at me, told me to wipe off and get ready. “I’m next.” The blue heeler smiled as he went around the table. It was hard to argue with that and we spent the rest of the evening going from the table tennis, to foos ball and even back downstairs to play pool. I had stripped my shirt off along with Auto as we went through the various games we could do inside.

It was a nice change from the previous days and by the end of it I had forgotten all about the movie until Buddy brought it up after dinner.

“The shining, of course.” Buddy rolled his eyes, arguing with Max about which movie would be best for the occasion.

“Too long.” Max waved it off. “We need short, quick, scary movies. Pile them on one over the other.” He insisted.

“Quality over quantity.” Buddy growled back now, though not as aggressive as Auto had been this morning. The playful growl didn’t even seem to faze the malamute who stood his ground on the matter. Auto and I stayed out of it, the two of us to one side.

I sat down on the large U shaped sofa in the middle of the theater room and rested back. The large room had blinds to cover each of the windows. The massive screen rolled down from above and a projector turned on. It was connected to a laptop that’d play the movies, streaming it onto the large screen before us. Technology sure could be useful.

Even though I had wanted to shower, the dogs didn’t give me a chance to escape. We ended up spending the entire day together. From breakfast, to lunch, to dinner. Filled with far too many games to count. By the end of it I was sore and tired trying to keep up with Buddy and to a much lesser extent, Max and Auto.

Neither of the two were as winded as I was and I was just glad to take a seat. I had lost my shirt somewhere in transaction. No one seemed to mind, not wearing shirts either. Auto soon joined me. He had popcorn and drinks ready for us. At least someone knew how to watch a movie!

“You got a preference?” The blue heeler asked, sitting to my right. He had brought over a rather large blanket as well. It was a sheepskin blanket with fabric sewn onto one side. The much softer side was thrown over my shoulders.

“I do but I’m not about to let them know.” I nodded to the two who were still going at it. The two arguing about who the best director for scary movies were or something by this point. I lost track of it as the subject changed again to actors now and who played the best roll in some killer clown movie.

Auto chuckled at that. “Yeah. Even I wouldn’t try to get between that.” The blue heeler tapped a finger on his leg as the time continued to tick by before he spoke again. “Would it… be alright… if I sat here?” He asked looking down at the spot he was currently sitting in. “During the movie!” He added quickly.

An odd question, I just gave a nod at that. “Sure.”

“You don’t mind?” Auto continued, making me even more confused. “An old dog like me…”

“I have no problem at all with you, Auto.” I had to laugh a bit at that, keeping my voice low. “Just like I said the other day. You aren’t as old as you think you are.” I put a hand on his, making the tapping stop hoping to calm his nerves a bit. “This morning wasn’t fair to you… I think you’re a wonderful Alpha and I wouldn’t want anyone else on top.”

That might’ve been a poor choice of words but it made his tail wag. Auto’s ears folded back and I think I made him blush even. That was kind of cute, seeing the older man getting flustered like this. It was somewhat hard to tell through that blueish fur though.

“Besides,” I moved a little closer, lowering my voice. “We both know you’re young where it counts.” And I gave his cheek a soft peck of a kiss before resting back. That seemed to ease his worries and before I knew it I had a blue heeler underneath the covers on my right.

With both of us shirtless I could not only feel his coarser fur against my bare skin but also his musky tinge filling the enclosed space. Not that I minded. I wonder, if I asked, if he’d let me use as a pillow during the movies?

“Ok, we’ve decided.” Max said coming over as Buddy ran over to the massive TV and began fiddling around with the controls in front.

“And?” I asked seeing as how the malamute chose to take the time to slip in on my left instead.

“We’re watching them all.” Max tail thumped against the U shaped sofa as he snuggled even closer, not seeming to mind Auto’s under the covers with us in the least.

“How many is all?” I frowned a bit. I wanted to get some sleep tonight.

“Uh… fifteen?” Max tapped a finger to his chin, taking a moment to think it over.

“Fifteen?” I blurted out, a little louder than I meant. “There isn’t enough time in the night for that many movies!” Auto just chuckled at my side. I felt the blue heeler shift and soon enough I was somewhat resting against him as Max pushed against my other side.

Neither dog seemed to notice or complain.

“We got all morning too.” Buddy just said coming over with the largest remote I had ever seen. The movie was already starting up and if on cue the lights began to dim overhead, maybe this really was used as some sort of theater.

The golden retriever slipped down onto the floor in front of me, scooting back between my legs and soon enough I had a blue heeler on my right, a malamute on my left and a golden retriever between my legs. There are so many porno’s that start like this…

Then the other dogs came in and we had a full house as the commercials wrapped up and we got to actually start enjoying the movie. I tried to ignore the fact Junkyard was hanging out with Hunter again. Or the fact Duncan was sitting alone, by himself. He got up halfway through the movie and just left. I did feel a bit guilty for him on that, seeing as how Junkyard full attention was on Hunter by the halfway mark.

Popcorn was shared. Drinks were shared. Covers were shared. And soon enough I really was using Auto as a pillow as Max lounged out on top of me. I didn’t even need the blanket and neither of the two minded as I moved it off, wrapping an arm around the large malamute and giving him an equally large hug.

“We’re not too heavy, are we?” I whispered. Though there was no real point in doing so. Max and Buddy had been talking the entire movie.

“You’re fine pup.” Auto only smiled, nosing at my hair a bit before resting back once more. I felt one arm wrap around my right side, his other up on the back of the sofa just enjoying the movie. Or maybe this.

I knew I was enjoying this. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else as the night slowly ticked by…