Nova startled awake. Bolting up, she panted, shaking as she glanced about the room. She'd had a nightmare, as real to her in sleep as the room was now.

A little whimper next to her brought her out of the panic. Looking down, she smiled at Veka, restlessly asleep next to her. Gently, she stroked her head to calm but not wake her. Beside her, wrapped warm and tight, was a single multicolored pup. It slept peacefully snuggled against its mother's side, unaware that it almost had a litter mate.

Slipping out of bed, Nova squinted in the brilliance of the midday light. Shutting the door behind her carefully, she rushed to the latrine. Relieved, she sniffed the air and followed her nose to the front room where the table was covered with a new feast.

At the window stood Anubis, his back to her, hands clasped behind him. He was an enormous black form against the bright emerald background of the mountainside. Anxiety caused her hackles to rise, and she put her hand behind her, smoothing it down.  

An ear swiveled to acknowledge her. “Veka is well?”

“Oh, uh, yes,” Nova responded nervously. “She's still asleep.”

His ear returned forward. “You may eat if you are hungry,” he said, staring out the window but looking at something not out there.

There was a bowl of berries and a pot of stew with a few tubers, but the rest were meats of various forms and manners of preparation. Just like every meal so far. She shook her head. “All it's been is a lot of meat.”

He glared over his shoulder at her. “Of course! We are hunters! Predators!” Turning back, he snorted, muttering “your people eat the food our food eats. It is why we are superior.”

Nova glared at his back, brow furrowed. “That doesn't make you superior.”

His growl made all of her fur stand on end, her eyes widening. Memory of the torture room had her regretting opening her mouth. Veka had told her never speak back or against a Wogtal. It was enough reason to be returned to the Slave Maker, and he had less mercy the second time. Even if he did not send her back, he had all he needed right here.

“Oh but we are superior.” Turning sharply, he stalked towards her, his commanding form all she could see in that moment. Not but the brilliance of his gaze and the flash of his teeth could be seen upon his inky mass. “We are superior in every way. Could you have even hoped to fight that gregin? So how could you even hope to fight me? What hope does any one of your kind have against mine?”

Nova trembled, backing away until she hit the tree trunk that grew through the middle of the rooms. Lowering herself in submission and tucking her tail, she prayed it would placate him. He loomed before her, blocking all chance of escape. Stepping even closer so that their fur touched, his gruff, ominous drawl was like a mounting storm rolling over her, causing her body to go numb with terror. “You are helpless, Nova. I can do as I please and you are but a doll. Do not ever delude yourself thinking our people are equals.”

His arm moved and she cringed, whimpering, expecting him to do something terrible. The touch of his hand was tender. He cupped her snout, stroking the fur on her cheek back into place with his thumb. “It's because I am superior that you fear me. It's why you submit. You would be just as afraid no matter what Alpha stood here, because you know we are the dominant species. You don't fear Veka because she is your equal. Just like the rest of the slaves.”

With a deep breath, he placed his hand heavily between her laid back ears, his voice gentle. “I know I am superior, so I feel no need to abuse it. The others flaunt it so needlessly, until there's nothing left but a breathing puppet. Do not forget your place, Nova, but you don't need to be afraid. I—I don't like the cowering.”

His hand stroked down her neck, pausing where her societal braid had been. Her straight black hair glided through his fingers. Then she felt his tongue between her ears before he turned away, looking over his trophies.

“On my first gregin hunt, I was cocky and nearly paid the price. The doctor stitched me, but no one would have cared for me. I was left to heal alone. If I died, then that is the way of the Wogtal. The strongest survive. But the slaves took care of me. They gathered whatever herbs they could, knowing it could mean punishment. There was always one or two checking on me.” He ran his claws through the fur under his left arm and along his front. That fur had been stubborn during brushing. “I should have died. Instead, it hardly even shows. My second hunt ended very differently. Now, the trophy sits here, in case mother ever decides to visit. She never has.”

Shrugging, he turned back to her. Her eyes went back to the ground. It would be best if she just stayed quiet.

“Don't be afraid to speak with me, Nova. Remember your place, but I did not leave you with Mustava for a reason.”

Gathering herself, she clenched her hands and licked her nose nervously. “What reason is that?”

Smiling at her, he approached by a few steps but kept a comfortable distance. “So that you did not turn out like Veka. She couldn't hold a conversation with me. None of the slaves here can. Mustava’s mind tricks have seen to that. To even say his name around the slaves elicits a terror you only had a taste of. She likely would faint before even having the thought to tell me I am 'full of myself'.” He gave her an amused grin.

Walking past her, he sat and invited her to join him. As they ate, Nova's mind raced. There were many things she wanted to say, but she didn't want to cause anymore conflict. Swallowing a deliciously juicy berry, she glanced around the room. “Did, uh, did you paint these?”

“I did,” Anubis admitted with less enthusiasm than she thought he would have. “I know they're not as good as what I've seen from your people....”

Nova looked at him with wide eyes. “Why would you compare them?” He peered at her, blinking in surprise. Realizing she had interrupted him, she licked her nose and continued nervously. “Y-You are Wogtal and yer ways are... different. It shows in the details you pay attention to, the colors you choose. I don't think they can be compared. I-I think they're beautiful.”

The sound of his tail steadily brushing the ground was just barely louder than her pounding heart. His expression softened into a smile. “I'm glad you think so. It's difficult to get anyone around here to have appreciation for them. The kind of art my people appreciate are carvings and sculptures. I find the canvas is easier to express myself with.”

“Me, too,” Nova responded barely at a whisper. Now his interest was piqued enough for him to stare at her and tilt his head, so she spoke a little louder. “I, uh, I paint, too."

His ears stood tall, his tail wagging again. “You do?” Standing when she nodded, he indicated for her to follow and led her to a room that she had figured was for storage. In the corner under a large sheet covered in dust that blew about was an easel.

“Everything I have is at your disposal,” he offered with generous enthusiasm, pointing out boxes on the shelf. “I have paints you will see nowhere else. If you use up any color, I can easily get more.”

Hesitant as she was, curiosity was stronger, and she peeked into the boxes. “Are... are these from... off-world?” she asked, startled by most of the labels.

“Yes.” Taking a deep breath, he glared out the window. “The sand lickers trade the minerals they use the slaves to mine with outsiders. Aliens. Sometimes even humans. Mother said if this was what I insisted on then I would 'only paint with the finest.' She thought supplying my choice in art would make up for killing the slave that taught me to paint.

“Uh, it wasn't for teaching me,” he added when he saw her shudder, looking up at him in horror. “I had just come of age. I kept her here most of the time. We didn't have the chance to get far in our lessons before she was,” he sucked in a breath before finishing in a rush, “selected for the ambassador.”

Shaking his head, he strode over to a table that had several unfinished paintings strewn across it. He picked one up and eyed it thoughtfully. “Ah, I believe I was making something from the garden for Rasha.”

“Does, uh, does she like ya?” Nova cursed herself. Veka had told her she was supposed to be invisible and bring up nothing that was ever spoken around her. Most certainly she was not to ask personal questions, or really any questions, at all.

“Ha!” Anubis barked, placing the picture down. “That is an understatement! Sometimes I can't get her off me. She would make a good mate, if I could stand her. She is the most... shallow wolf I know. Nothing but gossip. It can get so dull.”

A wistful little smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “My litter-sisters are kinda like that. I'm the runt so they keep especially close eye on me. Always seem to know more 'bout my life than I do.”

“Isn't that a coincidence?” His gravelly chuckle was all at once amused and sinister. “I'm the runt of my litter, too.”

Gulping anxiously, Nova felt her hackles rise again as he turned, his lustful gaze sweeping over her. A cold shiver rushed through her and grew hot by the time it ended in her loins as she remembered that he considered her his property and he could use his property whenever he wanted; and he had intentions of using her.

“This is exactly why I did not leave you to my uncle. I've already learned so much about you, and the more I learn, the more I'm glad you're mine.”

Whimpering, Nova backed away, her tail pressed against her legs. Her heart was racing. She looked down in submission but knew it would not stop what he would do to her. He had already proven her pleas did not move him.

The presence of him so close now was oppressive. Pressed against the wall, she knew she had no choices. Until she could leave, this was her purpose- to pleasure him. It pleasured him to pleasure her, so he had said before, and she couldn't help the trembling of her pussy anymore than the rest of her. His deep and knowing sniff brought a lecherous grin to his snout. Her breath caught as his grip on her wrists held her fast to the wall. The bite to her neck was enough for her to melt.

Shame made her ears burn. How could she be liking this? He was right when he guessed she had practically begged to play out scenarios like this. Her dirty little fantasy most of the males gleefully obliged. The one across the river had been especially eager to live out her desires, even catching her unawares in the fields. Not even that had made her feel this numb and alive at the same time.

A hand caressed down her body, slipping between her thighs that she tried to press together. Every ounce of her wanted to resist him but she knew it wouldn't be possible. He was going to have her. The more she fought him, the longer this would take.

With no other recourse, and knowing that at least she would enjoy it, she gave him what he sought and his fingers slipped further between her folds. The rumble of his approval vibrated through her body. “That's my good girl.”

The finger he dipped inside her was instantly soaked. By now he knew exactly how to force every humiliating sound from her. Hardly could she resist the sensations that made her knees weak so that he had to press himself against her to hold her up. Her body was losing control, the carnal haze of an approaching climax washing away the last of her resistance so that she was humping his hand.

Then his hand was gone. “Not yet, pet,” he growled as he lifted her up by her legs. She gasped and threw her arms around his neck when he pulled away from the wall. He smirked and turned, stepping across the room and planted her on her back on the table without concern for his unfinished work. With a firm grip on both ankles, he spread her wide, leering down at her wet and quivering spade.

His wry, cocky grin sent another pulse of warmth through her body. Spreading her even wider made her utterly helpless to his smooth and dribbling member that he rubbed along her folds. Every bit of him that he dragged across her was about to be inside her, and she could not help the whimpers that escaped through clenched teeth.

Looking down her body to watch him tease her, she was hazy with the lust welling up inside. Her hips squirmed each time she felt his tip drag all the way to her opening, only to be denied as he continued to tantalize her.

“And now that my dick is wet,” he grinned, lining himself up and her heart fluttered. “I want to feel you cum all over my cock, mutt.”

Keeping her spread and defenseless, he plunged deeply and helped himself to every bit of her yielding flesh. Only a few thrusts were enough for her claws to tear at whatever was under them. She sang an erotic melody for him which brought a smug smirk to his face, his voice hoarse. “Ah, sweet pet, listen to how sloppy that pussy is already. Such an eager cock toy. I've hardly even started.”

Over and over he made her climax, pulling out his length to slam back in all the way to his sheath with lewd, wet sounds. He started panting, tongue off the side of his muzzle and flopping with each thrust.

She didn't know how much more she could take when he finally paused for a moment, allowing her to catch her breath. Looking down at her as she panted, and twitched, and stared up at the ceiling, he smiled fondly. “Oh, Nova, my sexy little pet. You are so adorable. I can hardly get enough of you.”

He released her ankles and slipped his arms under her legs to spread her wide around his broad shoulders as he put his hands on the table. His breath was hot against her ear as he slowly pulled out before slamming back in several times. “You are mine, pet, to do with as I please. And I thoroughly enjoy pleasing you. Now, be my good girl and cum for me.”

She didn't really have much choice. His new position put him so deep that his knot stayed inside her as they both lost themselves to the moment. Her claws dug into his forearms, but he did not notice until well after he popped his knot out and spent himself with a low growl. Smiling at her, he licked her muzzle as she tried to catch her breath. Still her legs twitched, her passage clenching him rhythmically.

“Such a good girl, Nova.” Licking her affectionately, he pulled out. His hot fluids dripped down her tail and soaked her thighs as she stood slowly.

A shudder ran through her, the smell of his seed filling her nose. Not sure what to say, she stared at the ground as she rose to her paws. What does one say after being so violated? Thankfully, she did not need to say anything.

“Veka!” Anubis exclaimed, gaining Nova's attention. The slave stood in the doorway, slouched and trembling. “Return her to bed,” he commanded. She nodded and hurried past him, supporting Veka gingerly. She paused when he continued. “Make sure she eats. Then you are free to do as you please the rest of the day. I have… business to attend to.”

“Y-Yes, Master,” she replied nervously, walking away with Veka. 

The woman whimpered about needing to relieve herself before returning to the room. Rags tied around her kept her from bleeding everywhere and needed to be replaced. 

Once putting her in bed, she sat beside Veka as she looked down at her pup sadly. Nova hoped to cheer her a bit. “He's a healthy little pup. What will you name him?”

Veka grew even more melancholy, if that were possible, and sighed. “There's no reason to give him a name. They will take him and send him to the Angar'rai.”

“W-What?” Nova could hardly believe what she had heard. Or rather, she wished she didn't hear it. After all the horrors she had seen so far, she found believing it was the easy part.

Glancing around, Veka whispered. “The Alphas call them 'impure' and send them away. Then I will nurse for an Alpha.”

“Oh. Oh Veka, I... I just don't even know what to say.” Hot, fat tears were blurring her vision. “I don't know what to feel.”

Veka's eyes turned to her squirming pup, flatly stating, “it is best to try to feel nothing at all.”

Nova did not think her heart could break into anymore pieces. With a gasp, she told Veka she would go and bring food. Anything to be alone. It did not seem right to cry in front of the other woman who had suffered so much more. 

Sitting on the bench in the courtyard, she struggled to choke down her feelings. After all, it didn't do her any good to feel sorry for herself. Perhaps when she got away from here she could think about how she should be feeling. For now, she would focus on surviving this nightmare. 


**

It was late when Anubis got back. Pausing at the doorway that his form ate up like a void, his voice was low and hoarse calling for Nova. Both women laid back their ears, and she obeyed, figuring he was going to have his way with her to deal with whatever had upset him. Following him nervously, she just hoped he would be gentle. The tension in his stalwart shoulders was clear even through his dark fur. 

For just a moment, she was truly terrified. Entering the room past him, he slammed the door with such force the wood groaned as loud as her whimper. He let out a snarl that made her feel cold, but turned and paced in front of the fireplace.

“I hate this place so much,” he admitted with bared teeth. “I can't do anything to stop it. Nothing I say stops it. It's all so damned senseless! What is the point of my rank if I have no influence? Why do I even sit in these ridiculous meetings when I have no voice? At least out there I was able to do something! Even if it was just... ignoring a silo of cowering pups.” He paused and took a deep breath, his voice getting softer. “At least I had Terra.” 

Slowly, Nova had relaxed, blinking at him with wide eyes. After a moment of silence, his voice started quiet, only barely above a whisper, before building into an infuriated roar. “They… they made her… beg. She lay there, begging for death. They tortured the life from her for the fucking fun of it! Just to remind the other slaves how worthless their lives are! Worthless? They do almost everything around here! I have been called soft as long as I can recall, but no one has done a thing for themselves as long as I've been alive! My own mother did not even nurse me! I won all those trophies to prove I can be superior without having to be… to be heartless. I have stuck my nose into every part of the family business I can stand just to gain rank, to make a difference, but the only difference I made was out there, as a soldier.” 

Swallowing hard and licking her nose, she felt her fear melt away. With a shuddering breath of relief, she stepped a little closer to him. “Veka would probably say you make a difference.”

Glaring down at her from the corner of his eye, he let out a sigh that came from his toes. “Perhaps. She has been here longer than most. She belongs to Terra. She asked Caesar to watch over her when we left, but he cannot be everywhere. He stays as far away from the meetings and politics as he can. He’s tried encouraging me to do the same, but if I was on the Alpha's seat, I could do so much more than just give out extra food and let them have a nap as long as no one knows, as though it were a crime.”

Shaking his head, he rubbed his face with both hands, groaning softly. “I'm exhausted, but there's no way I can sleep. I close my eyes and I see her. In the quiet I hear her last words. Jennis was a good slave, she did nothing to deserve what they did. Just because they’re mad about losing those stupid machines.”

A deep horn wailed through the house before Nova could respond. Brow furrowed and ears perked, Anubis muttered “who the hell” before striding to the front room. Left without instructions, she followed him curiously, peeking around the corner as he swung open the door. 

“Anubbie!” cried a woman's voice in joy. Bright white arms wrapped around him tightly so that he could not retreat. “Oh Anubbie, you are back!”

“Oh, uh, yes. Hi, Rasha,” he stammered, patting the woman. “How are you?”

“Oh don't worry about me. I just can hardly believe you're back! You're the talk of the pack! And I was the last to find out! Can you even believe that?”

Trying to untangle himself from her grip, he muttered, “I didn't mind.”

“What?”

“uh, I didn't know that. You're usually the first to know everything.”

“I know! Like Caesar was trying to hide you! Oh, but I'm so glad you're back. I was getting sick of your brother's silly musings about the ‘meaning of life’.”

Finally, he was able to remove her arms and take a step back. “I don't mean to be rude, but now is….”

“A great time for you to tell me about your time away!” Brushing past him, the mostly white woman invited herself in and plopped on the couch. “I would love to hear all about it! You must have made all the other males jealous with your skills!”

“Rasha, please. I've had a long day….”

She patted the couch. “then sit and tell me all about it. It will help you feel better. Always does for me!”

“It’s nothing that would interest you….”

“Then let's talk about something that does! You've been gone so long, did you know….

Anubis held up his hand. “I'm serious, Rasha. Not tonight. It’s good to see you but….”

“Oh, Anubbie….”

“I really prefer you not calling me that,” he grumbled. “I've told you that before.”

“But it's such a cute name! You’re so overly sensitive about it. Such a softie.” The woman's head snapped around when she heard a low, unfamiliar growl. Noticing Nova glaring at her, she bared her teeth. “Did that slave just growl at me?”

Realizing her mistake, Nova looked down at her paws, but she had a hard time controlling her sneer. 

“No,” Anubis fired back sternly. “That would be me growling at you to get out. I'm very tired. Maybe we'll talk tomorrow.”

Rising, Rasha started towards her. “No, it was definitely that slave. I haven’t smelled this one before. Mustava hasn't brought any new ones for awhile…”

“I brought her,” Anubis replied. “My war catch.”

The woman stopped and looked back at him. “Are you serious? And you're just going to let her disrespect me like that?” Glaring back at Nova, she bared her teeth. “I want her whipped.”

Stepping towards Rasha, the fire glowed around his great, dark form, eyes ablaze. His menacing snarl had the woman’s ears shooting back and her tail pressed against her legs, backing away. “I am only going to say this once, you thick bitch: get--the—fuck--out!”

Blinking rapidly while staring at him with eyes like saucers, she shook her head. “I can't even believe you right now! To think I wanted pups with you!” 

“I hope you've changed your mind!” he retorted bitterly. Turning away to jerk the door open, he glowered at her and pointed outside. “GET OUT!”

Her mouth hung open for a heart beat before she gulped and slinked past him. Nova could feel the vibration of the door slamming shut through her paws and worried a moment that she had overstepped herself. His hand still on the door, he took many deep, seething breaths. 

For a second, Nova thought he hiccupped. Then it happened again. And again. The sound grew rapidly until his riotous laughter echoed through the halls and filled every room. Throwing back his head, he stumbled a few steps before turning. “I have wanted to say that to her for years! The look on her face!” Cracking up again, he strode towards Nova, ruffling her ears. “Ah, pet, you should not have done that, but I'm glad you did!”

“I-I’m sorry, Master,” she stuttered quietly. “I didn’t mean to.”

She felt his tongue between her eyes. “I think you did, my dear, but I'm not upset. Perhaps she’ll finally leave me alone. That is worth any repercussions.” Still chortling, he nuzzled her affectionately. “I already have a mother for my pups, and I think she's a much better choice. Now come, pet. I do need to try to sleep and at least that put me in a better mood.”

Accompanying him, he paused only once to check on Veka as she tried to quiet her pup, telling her she had permission to do as she needed so that she did not disturb him to use the latrine or to eat any of the food that still lay across the table. Holding Nova almost too tightly, he was soon asleep, and she was not far behind.