Chapter Seventy-One

Around one-thirty the telephone rang and with a big grin Nizhoni answered, listened, responded, and hung up.

“Jaxsen, come outside with me, baby.”

He took her outstretched hand with a puzzled look and allowed himself to be led outside. Moments later Sebastian pulled into the driveway. He got out and rounded the front, calling Jaxsen over to the passenger side of the truck. Sebastian smiled, his grin mirroring Nizhoni’s, who gently set her hands on Jaxsen’s shoulders. Jaxsen looked at Sebastian before looking up at her, a question in his eyes. Nizhoni smiled wider.

“Jack, Zhoni and I have a surprise for you.”

Jaxsen smiled. “You do? What is it?”

“You ready?”

Jaxsen nodded, biting his lower lip. When Sebastian opened the truck door Jaxsen gasped.

“He’s mine?” Sebastian knelt down next to the very large dog that sat expectantly at Jaxsen’s feet, and stroked his back.

“Yep. And he’s still pretty young. Not quite a year yet. His name is Cannibal.”