The Endgame Chronicles (by Hugh White) novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Once Hayley finished bandaging the dogs, she brought out some fresh beef bones with meat still on them. These were good stuff.

The dogs perked up at the smell, scratching at the ground with excitement, but none of them dared to touch it.

“Go ahead. It’s all for you,” Hayley said.

Only then did they rush forward and start tearing into the food. From the way they devoured it, it was obvious they hadn’t eaten properly in a long time.

Even then, they didn’t finish everything. Each dog left a piece behind, then picked up the leftovers in its mouth and started running toward the gate.

Hayley blinked. “What the…”

Summer barked sharply, cutting them off before they could bolt.

Summer’s system-strengthened frame was twice the size of the other dogs, its claws and fangs ten times sharper. The force of its growl carried the weight of a wild beast.

The military dogs bunched together, standing their ground against Summer’s intimidation.

Hayley shook her head at the standoff. She walked over and put a hand on Summer. “Let them go.”

“Woof!” Summer barked back, indignant, as if reminding Hayley that they had eaten her food for free.

“Good dogs don’t need to be tied down,” Hayley said softly, rubbing Summer’s head. She opened the gate and let the strays through.

The pack gave her one grateful look before sprinting off.

Even the badly injured one that Hayley had spent system points to save hobbled away, carrying a full piece of beef.

Before leaving, it circled Hayley once, then dragged its battered legs to catch up with the rest. Hayley pulled an electric scooter out of her inventory, hopped on, and followed with Summer. She watched as the dogs returned to the exact place where they had been abandoned.

Once there, they laid the meat on the ground and howled toward the city, pacing back and forth as if calling for their owners.

Even hungry, their first thought wasn’t to eat-in was to save some for the people they still believed would return.

Hayley’s chest tightened. For someone usually so cold, the sight cut deep.

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Chapter 38

+25 Bonus

Dogs truly were more loyal than most people. Military dogs, especially. Once they chose their master, betrayal wasn’t even an option.

She hugged Summer’s head tightly. “I’m sorry about last time, Summer… I really am.

“Woof!” Summer barked brightly, snuggling into her arms and nudging her playfully, as if trying to comfort her. It didn’t know why Hayley was so sad, but it stayed close anyway.

Hayley lingered for a long while, then brought Summer back to the base.

That night, she returned to the abandoned spot with another pile of food. She re-bandaged the dogs’ wounds before leaving again.

Seeing that, Summer bristled. It barked and snapped at the pack, as if it was warning them to stop mooching off Hayley.

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