Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 45

"Pudding, you little rascal, how did you get out here?"

The security guards had no time to worry about Isadora now. All their attention was on blocking Pudding, who was bounding toward the gate. They circled around, hands outstretched, but no one dared grab him too roughly.

Everyone knew Pudding was Mr. Fitzgerald's pride and joy.

There was a time a new housekeeper, not knowing any better, treated Pudding like any ordinary pet. She was out in the garden one afternoon, sweeping up the autumn leaves. Pudding, ever playful, dashed through and scattered the neat piles everywhere. Frustrated, the housekeeper gave him a gentle tap with her broom.

That was all it took.

Victor found out-and fired her on the spot.

After that, everyone at Stratus Manor understood: this dog was as much the master of the house as Victor himself.

Now Pudding barked excitedly, dodging left and right, making a beeline for Isadora.

"Don't hold me back! I smell someone who feels just like mom," his every movement seemed to say.

the big, fluffy white dog barreling toward her. It was a Samoyed, strong and nearly up to her waist, clearly getting on in years but still agile and full

instant bond with him. Had they

she was a child, she'd always loved cats and dogs. She once found a stray puppy with a limp by the roadside, brought it home in secret, and hid it in her room. The next day, Carla found

screamed and sobbed until she was breathless, standing up to

at her head. "I already have to feed you,

opened the car

couple of feet in front of her, studying her

wild,

staff and guards looked on, bewildered and

Pudding, like Victor, was proud and aloof-he barely acknowledged strangers.

barking at Isadora with unmistakable recognition- not aggression, but joy. As if he actually knew

at the staff. It was obvious

realized, and then it clicked-sometimes, to win favor,

not use this dog to get

bent down carefully on one knee, stretched out

straight into her arms, licking her hands and sleeves, tail wagging with

this scent-it was