Chapter 44: Apollo’s New Home
After the kitchen was cleared, Zara stretched and gave Xavier a quick, "Goodnight, boss," before heading to her room with Apollo padding along behind her, his injured leg causing a slight limp.
Once inside, Zara set out to make Apollo comfortable. "Okay, buddy, let's get you cleaned up," she said, filling a small basin with warm water and grabbing a soft towel. Carefully, she began to bathe the husky, who surprisingly stayed calm despite his injury. "You're such a good boy," Zara cooed, her voice soft as she rinsed him off.
After drying him with a fluffy towel, Zara set up a cozy spot for him on her bed. "You're sleeping here tonight," she said, gently guiding him onto the bed. Apollo settled in quickly, resting his head on her pillow as if he had always belonged there.
With a smile, Zara headed to the bathroom to freshen up. As she washed her face, she mentally mapped out her plans for the next day. "I'll start training him tomorrow," she told herself. "Apollo's going to be the smartest, best-behaved dog ever."
Sliding under the covers next to Apollo, she gave him a gentle pat. "Goodnight, Apollo," she whispered, her eyes closing as she drifted off to sleep.
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The next morning, Zara woke up feeling refreshed. After her usual morning routine, she dressed casually but stylishly. She wore a light grey oversized hoodie with a drawstring hood and baggy long sleeves, paired with matching shorts. Underneath the hoodie, her white T-shirt displayed the bold pink words: **"PROTECT ME FROM WHAT I WANT."** She accessorized with layered necklaces and tossed her hair into a high messy bun.
When she turned around, she noticed Apollo exploring her room. Though he still limped slightly, it didn't stop him from sniffing every corner with curiosity. Zara grinned at the sight. "Someone's getting comfortable, huh?" she said, walking over to pet him.
She decided it was time to introduce Apollo to the rest of the house. Leading him to the living room, she barely had time to react when Apollo spotted Xavier sitting on the couch. The dog's ears perked up, and despite his limp, he dashed toward Xavier, circling him excitedly.
Zara crossed her arms, pouting. "Seriously, Apollo? I'm the one who saved you. Xavier didn't even want to stop for you. And now you're giving him all the love?"
Xavier smirked, scratching Apollo behind the ears. "Maybe he just knows who the better person is."
Zara huffed, muttering under her breath as Apollo wagged his tail happily. "Traitor."
But her irritation was short-lived. The moment Zara poured food into Apollo's bowl, the dog immediately left Xavier's side and ran to his meal, devouring it like he hadn't eaten in days. Zara chuckled. "At least I know where his true loyalty lies—his stomach."
After Apollo finished eating, he curled up on the floor, looking satisfied. Zara's own stomach growled loudly, reminding her she hadn't eaten yet. "Well, I can't survive on instant noodles two days in a row," she said, heading toward the kitchen.
Xavier raised an eyebrow from his seat. "What are you planning to cook this time?"
"Don't worry about it," Zara shot back. "I'll figure something out. And no, you're not invited unless you want to help."
"Pass," Xavier replied, a smirk tugging at his lips.
As Zara rummaged through the kitchen, she began brainstorming. Little did she know, the morning had only just begun, and her culinary adventures were far from over.