**Chapter 697: The Danger Was Real**
Theresa’s heart swelled with warmth as Summer bounded into her arms, his joyful barks echoing in the tense air. “Woof, woof!” he exclaimed, showering her cheeks with enthusiastic, slobbery kisses that made her chuckle despite the grim circumstances.
She clutched him tightly, feeling the familiar comfort of his fur against her skin. “I’ll take you to Ark Camp One soon, buddy,” she promised, her voice a soothing whisper meant just for him. The reality of their situation weighed heavily on her mind; there was no longer a reason to keep the dogs in this bunker.
The threat of the zombie infection loomed large, but she knew that as long as the undead didn’t get their hands on her beloved dogs, they would be safe. With a firm resolve, she made the decision—every last one of them had to leave this place.
Suddenly, a sense of urgency filled the air. “Woof, woof, woof!” Summer seemed to sense the impending separation, his barks growing frantic as he squirmed in her grasp.
“Alright, let’s move,” she said, rising with determination, cradling him securely in her arms as she stepped outside. The other dogs, sensing the shift, gathered at her feet, their whines echoing her own reluctance to part ways.
As she pushed the heavy bunker door open, the bright light of day spilled into the dim interior. Outside, Quentin, Kyle, and Tyger stood on guard, their expressions a mix of concern and relief upon seeing her.
“Theresa!” Quentin called out, his voice cutting through the stillness.
“Theresa!” Kyle echoed, his eyes lighting up as he took in the sight of her.
“Beautiful,” Tyger added, a warm smile breaking through his serious demeanor.
All three men straightened at her approach, their attention fully focused on her.
“Where are you heading?” Quentin inquired, his brow furrowing with worry.
“I’m getting them out of here,” she replied, her voice steady, though her heart raced.
With purpose, she carried Summer over to the armored vehicle, opening the door with a practiced motion. The moment Summer’s paws touched the seat, he spun around, eyes wide with panic, trying to leap back into her arms.
The other dogs, sensing the chaos, surged toward the exit as well, their instincts kicking in.
“Stop right there!” Theresa commanded, her voice sharp and unwavering.
In an instant, the pack halted, their playful energy replaced with obedience as they responded to her authority.
“Back inside. Now,” she instructed firmly, her tone brooking no argument.
“Whine…” one of the dogs protested softly.
“Woof!” another added, as if trying to reason with her.
“Woof, woof!” the chorus continued, a symphony of canine voices that tugged at her heartstrings.
“I’m counting down from three,” she announced, her usual gentleness fading to a steely resolve. She extended her hand, her palm open and commanding. “Three.”
“Woof, woof, woof!” The dogs wiggled anxiously, their bodies vibrating with a mix of excitement and distress, but they held their ground, refusing to come closer.
“Two!”
A collective chorus of pitiful whimpers filled the air, their heads drooping as they sensed the gravity of the moment.
“One.”
At the final count, Summer shuffled forward, his heart evidently torn. He climbed down, grasping her pant leg gently between his teeth, letting out a broken, pleading whine that echoed his desperation.
One by one, the other dogs followed suit, sinking down against her boots, their eyes wide and imploring, silently begging her to reconsider, reminding her of their loyalty and love.
“Understood,” Bennie replied, nodding as he took in her words.
Theresa released the dogs from the vehicle, her commands clear and resolute. Despite their initial resistance, they were ushered onto the aircraft under her watchful eye.
Once her dogs were settled, she turned to Bennie. “Where’s Professor K? We need to see if he wants his dog evacuated too.”
“Right away,” Bennie responded, moving quickly to find the professor.
Moments later, Professor K arrived, his loyal dog by his side.
“Professor K,” Theresa said, her voice firm but compassionate. “Even if you’ve brought this situation upon yourself, your dog doesn’t deserve to face this fate with you. We have one seat left. If you want it to live, send it out.”
His eyes flickered with a tumult of emotions, and he gazed down at the dog, who looked up at him with unwavering loyalty.
After what felt like an eternity, he exhaled deeply. “Go.”
“Woof, woof, woof!” The dog sprang forward, latching onto his sleeve, tugging desperately as if trying to pull him away from the impending danger.
“Get going!” the professor snapped, shaking the dog off with a chilling detachment.
The dog whimpered, collapsing to the ground, its eyes wide and glassy, filled with fear and confusion.
Theresa stepped forward, her voice commanding yet filled with empathy. “Come here!”
At her call, the dog swallowed its emotions, rising to its feet and slinking forward, its tail tucked low, glancing back at its master with every hesitant step.
Without a backward glance, the professor turned away, his heart hardened against the bond they once shared. He walked off, leaving the dog behind, a silent testament to the choices made in desperate times.

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