Chapter 9

Dorothy heard the soft jingle of tags and the slow thump-thump of a tail against the hallway floor. Atlas never scratched or whined; he simply waited, nose pressed to the crack.

“Let me let you go, Randall. Mr. Impatient is at the door, and yeah, I’ll catch up with Mary. Haven’t seen her in years. She’s probably visiting her family.” She set the cell phone on her nightstand. “Hold on,” she called, swinging her legs out of bed and padding naked to the door.

When she opened it, the big yellow Labrador backed up a step and sat automatically. His eyes were bright, but his body remained composed—like royalty waiting on his servant. Dorothy scratched the broad head, feeling the familiar shape of his skull against her palm.

“Morning, Mr. Horny,” she said with a low laugh. “Ready to supervise my whole life again?”

Atlas answered by pushing his nose into her crotch and inhaling deeply. The casual intimacy felt as natural to her as breathing. This was simply part of who she was—and part of what made Atlas such an exceptional stud.

“Easy, big guy. Let’s get our day started and I’ll take care of you properly later. I thought last night would have at least tied you over, but I should have known better. You’re not the top stud breeder for nothing.” She smiled down at him, rubbing between his ears.

Atlas sat on the mat while she measured his food—carefully, because breeding dogs stayed lean and athletic. He watched every kibble fall, not moving until she finished. Only then did he eat, tail waving in quiet approval.