With Love From Max

With Love from Max 2

Chapter Eleven: Lessons in Loyalty

The bond between Jamie, Max, and Ace had solidified into something unbreakable. They

weren’t just a man and his dogs. They were a unit, moving as one, understanding each other without words.

And then came the day their loyalty was put to the test.

It was late, past midnight, when Jamie returned home from a long shift. The air was thick and humid, the streets quieter than usual. He was tired, barely keeping his eyes open as he made his way through the gate.

Max and Ace had been waiting.

The second Jamie turned the key, he heard the familiar scratching at the door, the low whine of excitement from Max, and the deep, approving huff from Ace.

He smiled. Home.

But the moment he stepped inside, Ace’s entire posture shifted.

His ears perked. His body tensed. His deep brown eyes darkened, locked onto something

unseen.

Jamie knew that look.

Ace was on guard.

Before Jamie could react, Max, usually the chaotic one, let out a low, warning growl. Not playful. Not excited. It was the kind of growl that sent a chill down Jamie’s spine.

Something wasn’tright.

Jamie turned instinctively toward his bedroom—and froze.

The window.

It was open.

He never left his window open.

And just as that realization hit, Max and Ace exploded into motion.

A blur of white and brown fur shot past Jamie, straight toward the darkened corner of the room. A loud crash, followed by a startled yell.

Jamie barely had time to react before he saw it—a shadowed figure scrambling back, knocking over Jamie’s chair in the process.

Someone was inside.

An intruder.

Max lunged first, his teeth bared, his snarl tearing through the silence of the house. The figure barely had time to react before Ace moved in, his deep, menacing growl vibrating through the walls.

Jamie didn’t have to do anything.

The intruder was already backing away, panic written all over his face. He turned, stumbling toward the window, desperate to escape.

Jamie’s voice cut through the chaos.

“Go.”

That was all it took.

The figure disappeared, crashing through the window, hitting the ground outside with a loud thud before scrambling away into the night.

Max stood at the window, still growling. Ace remained at Jamie’s side, watching his face, reading his reaction.

Jamie exhaled, his heart hammering in his chest.

Then, he laughed.

A deep,relieved, exhausted laugh.

He knelt down, running a hand through Max’s fur, then Ace’s. They were both still on edge, their bodies tense, their breaths heavy.

But the danger had passed.

“Good boys,” Jamie murmured. “Good boys.”

Max nuzzled into him, still buzzing with adrenaline. Ace leaned against his side, grounding him in the moment.

Jamie looked at them, realizing something.

They weren’t just pets.

They were his protectors.

His family.

And from that night on, Jamie never worried about being alone again.

Because with Max and Ace by his side, he knew—nothing in this world could ever touch him.

Chapter Twelve: The Sister They Didn’t Know They Needed

Jamie had gotten better at managing his time.

Balancing work with his life at home had been a challenge at first, but he figured it out—waking up earlier, finishing tasks faster, making sure that no matter how busy he got, Max and Ace

always had time with him.

One morning, while sitting outside, sipping his coffee, he watched as his boys wrestled across the compound. It had become a routine—their daily battle for dominance. Max, the scrappy

fighter, always tried to outmaneuver Ace, darting between his legs, using speed over size. Ace, now a massive guardian, wasn’t as easily fooled anymore.

Then, suddenly—

Max squealed.

Jamie shot up, heart hammering, sprinting toward them. His first thought was injury—had Max twisted his paw? Had Ace bitten too hard?

But when he got there, the sight before him made him stop.

Ace had Max pinned.

The giant had one massive paw on Max’s chest, his weight holding the smaller Eskimo still,

while his nose nudged Max across the ground. He wasn’tbiting hard—just enough to keep Max in check.

Max let out another high-pitched squeal.

Jamie’s panic vanished instantly.

That wasn’t pain. That was complaining.

Jamie doubled over laughing, unable to stop himself.

The sound of his uncontrollable laughter caught the attention of both dogs, and their squabble immediately ended. They turned toward him, their heads tilting in confusion before bounding over to his side.

Still catching his breath, Jamie crouched down, rubbing Max’s fluffy head. “He’s not tiny

anymore, buddy,” he chuckled, looking at Ace, who stood tall, his presence imposing yet calm. “And he can overpower you now.”

Max huffed,his tail wagging slightly despite his recent defeat.

Jamie shook his head. “Just because he doesn’t use his strength against you doesn’t mean you should keep testing his patience.”

They understood him.

They always did.

Jamie had never treated them like pets. He never gave them commands without reason, never expected them to just obey. They weren’tjust animals—they were his kids. And like any good

father, he was teaching them how to live, how to coexist.

Then, as he looked between them, an idea popped into his head.

“I need to get you guys a sister.”

Maybe a female presence would help balance them out, bring some peace to their constant bickering.

The thought lingered in his mind all day. And by evening, Jamie had made his decision.

That was how he found Luna.

A beautiful Siberian Husky, with sharp blue eyes and a spirit that matched both Max and Ace in different ways.

They didn’t know it yet, but their lives were about to change.

And for the better.

Chapter Thirteen: The Promise Kept

Getting Luna wasn’tsimple.

Jamie lived in Africa—a place where the heat was relentless, where the sun burned so intensely that ice cream melted faster than it could be eaten. The kind of heat that made tempers flare,

that made exhaustion settle in quicker, the kind of heat that reminded Jamie of Fire Force, the anime where people combusted from sheer stress and emotion.

But heat had never been a deterrent for Jamie.

Growing up, he had always loved dogs—not as mere animals, but for what they represented. Their free will. Their forgiving spirit. Their ability to love unconditionally, no matter the

circumstances.

And there was one dog that had always stood out from the rest.

He remembered it clearly.

When he was younger, he had been flipping through a comic book, one that featured images of different dog breeds. Jamie had a habit of memorizing names, learning what they meant, what

they symbolized.

Then, he saw it.

A wolf-like figure, standing proud, eyes sharp, its thick coat of fur making it look almost mythical.

Jamie turned to the comic vendor, pointing at the image.

"Is this a wolf?"

The man chuckled, shaking his head. "No, that's a Siberian Husky."

Jamie frowned. "But they can’t live here, right? It’s too hot for them."

The vendor only shrugged. "Yeah. You won’t see one around here."

Jamie had simply smiled.

"I’ll do it. I’ll bring one here. "

He was just a kid then, a boy who made promises to himself, believing in things that seemed impossible.

But now?

Now, Jamie was grown.

He had worked. He had saved. He wasn’t just a kid looking at comic books anymore—he was a man with the power to turn his words into reality.

And so, he began searching.

Finding a Husky in Africa wasn’t easy. His first attempts led nowhere. He combed through online listings, asked around, followed leads that led to dead ends. Most people told him the same thing.

"They’re too rare here. Too expensive. Too difficult to handle in this climate. "

None of it mattered to Jamie. He had to find one. Max and Ace needed a sister.

And then, one day, he stumbled across an online profile.

BluesPet.

It seemed like just another breeder page at first, but then he saw the listing.

A Husky.

Jamie clicked the chat button instantly.

"Do you still have the Husky?"

A reply came almost immediately.

"Yes. Just got into the country from Ukraine. "

Jamie didn’thesitate.

"I’ll take it. "

The price was steep—more than what most would pay for a dog. But Jamie didn’t care.

His kids needed a sister.

And he would break the bank to get her.

Luna was coming home.

Chapter Fourteen: The Journey for Luna

Buying Luna was one thing.

Getting her home was another.

Jamie lived in a city with a local airport, but airfare wasn’t cheap. The cost of flying a dog down from Lagos was beyond what he could afford.

So, he made a plan.

He reached out to the dog vendor.

"How long would it take to get Luna from Lagos down to the South?"

The response wasn’t encouraging. The journey would belong—too long. The thought of Luna

being chained in a box for hours, maybe even a day, unsettled Jamie. She was a pup, not cargo.

He needed another way.

That’s when an idea struck him.

What if I went to a city closer to Lagos?

He checked the map, tracing the distance between cities, looking for a place where he had a connection. And thenithit him— Benin City.

He had never been the type to keep a lot of friends. He never needed to. But there was one person he knew in Benin, one friend he had always seen as a little brother who needed

guidance.

JR.

Jamie picked up his phone and called.

"Are you in Benin?" Jamie asked the moment JR picked up.

"Yeah, why?"

"I'm coming over this weekend. I have a package coming in from Lagos, and you're the closest person I know in the area."

JR didn’thesitate. "Sure, come over."

That was all Jamie needed to hear.

He never moved without a backup plan, though. If for some reason JR couldn’t host him, he would get a hotel. But with the invitation secured, he focused on preparations.

Bags packed.

Trip planned.

Luna was coming home.

Next stop—Benin City.

Chapter Fifteen: The Journey Begins

Ever since the night his room was destroyed and he made the quiet promise to never leave Max and Ace alone again, Jamie never spent a night out.

It didn’t matter if it was midnight, if he was exhausted, if staying somewhere else would be easier—he always went home.

And sure enough, they were always waiting for him.

Jamie used to hate being home. It felt suffocating, like a place he was forced to be rather than somewhere he wanted to stay. But now, home wasn’t just a house. It lived inside the walls

where Max and Ace waited for him.

That night, before his trip, he sat on the floor with them, running his hands through their fur.

With excitement in his voice, he told them, “We’re getting a new family member.”

Max, still gnawing on an old shoe, barely reacted. He didn’t care. To him, the world revolved around whatever he was chewing at that moment.

But Ace… Ace looked sad.

Not because of the news, but because of what came next.

Jamie sighed. “I have to leave for a few days to go pick her up.”

Ace’s ears drooped slightly, his usual towering confidence dimmed. He was the protector, the giant who made sure Jamie was always safe. But how could he do that if Jamie was leaving without him?

That night, as if to show his understanding, Ace led Jamie to the main door. He stood there, looking up, silently asking to be let outside. Jamie opened the door, and Ace stepped out, walked to the entrance, and laid down beside it.

He wasn’t guarding the house.

He was waiting.

Jamie didn’t say anything. He just watched as Ace curled up by the door, accepting the only thing he could do— wait for his return.

And with that, they all went to bed.

Morning came.

Bag in hand, Jamie stood in front of Max and hugged him. “See you in a few.”

Max yawned, barely acknowledging the farewell before rolling over, content with his lazy morning routine.

Jamie smiled at his carefree nature, but as he stepped outside, he was met with the opposite reaction.

Ace was waiting.

But something was different. There was no tail wag, no happy face, no excitement in his body language. Just a quiet, sad giant staring at him with deep, knowing eyes.

Eyes that said: Don’t leave me alone.

Jamie sighed, bending down to rub Ace’s massive head. “I’ll be back soon, you big baby.”

Ace let out a soft breath, then gave Jamie a single lick on the hand.

As if taking his final scent before he left.

Jamie smiled. “I promise.”

And with that, the journey to Luna began.

Chapter Sixteen: The Road to Luna

The journey was long.

Jamie had traveled before, but this time was different. This time, he wasn’t going for work,

school, or any personal business—he was traveling to fulfill a promise he made to himself years ago.

To bring home a Siberian Husky.

To bring home Luna.

The bus ride was exhausting. He had left early in the morning, the sun already heating up the roads before the city fully woke. As he sat by the window, watching the familiar scenery fade into distant landscapes, his mind drifted.

What are Max and Ace doing right now?

He pictured Max chewing on something—probably another one of his shoes. Ace, on the other hand, would be by the door, waiting. Just waiting.

The thought made him uneasy.

He had never been away from them since they became his kids. Everytime he stepped out, he always returned the same day, no matter how late it was. But this was different. Three days

away felt like a lifetime.

His phone buzzed.

Mom: Hope you’refine.

Jamie smirked.

She wasn’t one for long messages, but he knew what she really meant. She wasn’t happy about the trip—especially not when it involved leaving work for a puppy.

"Who will take care of things at the office?" she had questioned the night before.

"I already did," Jamie had answered calmly. "I’ve compiled a list of tasks based on importance and urgency, and if you need clarity, I’m still reachable. It’s just for a few days. "

She had stared at him for a long moment, then given a quiet nod, flipping through the worn pages of her Bible.

That was the closest thing to approval he was going to get.

Jamie sighed and put his phone away, leaning back into his seat.

The trip dragged on.

The hours stretched, and with every mile, he felt the weight of distance growing heavier.

By the time he arrived in Benin, night had already started to settle over the city.

Chapter Seventeen: A Brother Grown

When Jamie stepped off the bus, exhaustion weighed on his body, but his mind was sharp. His eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face.

And then he saw him.

JR.

But something was different.

The last time Jamie had seen him, JR was just a kid in his eyes—a younger brother who needed guidance, someone Jamie looked out for without question.

But now?

Now, JR wasn’t just a little brother anymore. He was a man.

Dressed casually yet with the air of someone who had figured things out, JR stood beside a sleek black car, arms crossed, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

Jamie raised an eyebrow as he approached. “No bike?”

JR laughed. “Come on, man. You really thought I’d still be riding that thing?”

Jamie grinned. “Wouldn’t have been surprised.”

They shook hands, the grip firm, the mutual respect unspoken but understood.

“You look different,” Jamie noted as he tossed his bag into the backseat.

JR shrugged. “Life changes, bro. You either move with it or get left behind.”

Jamie nodded, understanding that more than anyone.

As they pulled out of the station and onto the main road, the city lights cast a soft glow through the windshield. The air was warm, the roads familiar yet distant from home.

“Still can’t believe you came all this way for a dog,” JR said, shaking his head with a chuckle.

Jamie smirked. “Not just a dog. Luna.”

JR rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. So, when do you get her?”

Jamie leaned back into the seat. “Tomorrow.”

JR gave a slow nod. “Well, then. Let’s make tonight count.”

Jamie turned to him, a small smile playing on his lips.

Maybe JR wasn’t the little brother anymore.

But he was still family.

And tonight,they had time to catch up before Luna came home.

Chapter Eighteen: The Night Before Luna

The drive to JR’s place was filled with conversation—some old, some new.

They talked about life, work, and the changes they’d both gone through. JR had grown, that much was clear. He wasn’t the kid Jamie used to guide; he was a man now, standing on his

own, making decisions without needing approval.

Still, some things never changed.

“You sure you’re ready for another one?” JR asked as they pulled into his compound. “Max and Ace already run your life. Now you’re adding a Husky?”

Jamie chuckled. “I don’t own them, JR. They’re my kids. And Max and Ace need a sister.”

JR shook his head. “You talk about them like they’re actual people.”

“They are people,” Jamie said matter-of-factly, stepping out of the car.

JR didn’t argue. He just laughed and led the way inside.

The apartment was clean, organized, but still had that ‘bachelor ’ energy—minimal furniture,

nothing decorative, and a lingering scent of air freshener meant to mask whatever JR had been cooking earlier.

“You hungry?” JR asked, kicking off his shoes.

Jamie shook his head. “Nah. Just need a shower and a place to sleep. Got a long day tomorrow.”

JR tossed him a towel. “Bathroom’s down the hall.”

Jamie wasted no time freshening up. The heat and exhaustion from the journey melted away under the cold water, but his mind remained focused on what came next.

Tomorrow, Luna would finally be in his arms.

He had waited years for this moment.

After his shower, he stepped into the small guest room, throwing himself onto the bed. JR popped his head in.

“You good?”

Jamie nodded. “Yeah. Just thinking.”

“About the dog?”

Jamie smirked. “About Luna.”

JR rolled his eyes. “Alright, alright. Get some sleep, man. Tomorrow’s a big day.”

The door closed, leaving Jamie in silence.

He lay there, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of the day settle in.

For the first time in a long time, he was spending a night away from Max and Ace.

Are they waiting by the door? Is Ace still lying outside, hoping I’ll walk back in?

The thought made his chest tighten.

Jamie sighed, closing his eyes. I’ll be home soon.

And with that, he let sleep take over.

The Next Morning: The Pickup

The sound of his phone buzzing yanked Jamie out of sleep. He blinked at the screen—

BluesPet.

His heart kicked up.

He sat up instantly, answering the call.

“Hello?”

A deep voice came through. “Your dog is here.”

Jamie exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “I’m on my way.”

JR knocked on the door a second later. “That the guy?”

Jamie grabbed his bag. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

They jumped into the car, the engine roaring to life as JR pulled out of the compound. The city was already awake—market women shouting prices, buses honking, pedestrians dodging

traffic.

But Jamie barely saw any of it.

His mind was fixed on one thing.

Luna.

When they arrived at the pickup spot, a small pet store near the outskirts of the city, Jamie stepped out, his pulse steady but his excitement undeniable.

A man stood outside, holding a small crate.

Inside was a ball of black-and-white fur.

Luna.

Jamie took a slow breath, stepping forward.

The man nodded. “She’s all yours.”

Jamie crouched down, unlocking the crate.

And the moment he did, Luna stepped out, blinking up at him with sharp blue eyes, her tiny paws hesitant but steady.

Jamie smiled.

“Hey there, baby girl.”

Luna sniffed his hand, then, as if she already knew—this is home—she leaned into his touch.

JR whistled. “Damn. She really does look like a little wolf.”

Jamie chuckled, picking her up. She was small, but there was a strength in her, a presence that told him she wasn’t going to be a quiet, easy pup.

And that was fine.

Because she was his.

Max and Ace had a sister now.

And it was time to take her home.

Chapter Nineteen: A Promise Fulfilled

When Jamie and Luna returned to JR’s place, he couldn’t contain his happiness.

A smile stretched across his face—not just for Luna, but for his inner child.

We did it.

The words echoed inside him like a quiet victory.

We got a Husky. Our very own Husky. All by myself.

What was once a dream, something that felt impossible, something people told him couldn’t be done, was now a reality. It wasn’t a miracle—it was a goal. A goal that demanded hard work,

patience, and persistence. And standing before him, staring at him with those striking blue eyes that seemed to morph with her emotions, was the proof that it had all paid off.

Looking at Luna, Jamie didn’t just see a dog—he saw success.

A tangible reminder that anything was possible with dedication, time, and effort.

As long as you keep working, you can succeed in anything.

That night, he didn’tlether out of his sight.

She slept beside him on the cool floor, curled up in the quiet comfort of her new life. He had a bed, but tonight, he wanted to be next to her.

This wasn’t just another pet—this was family.

In the dead of night, Jamie woke up to use the bathroom. As he washed his hands, his thoughts drifted home.

Max and Ace.

Were they waiting at the door? Had Ace finally given up and gone inside, or was he still watching, still listening for his return?

Morning couldn’t come soon enough.

He missed his boys.

The Journey Home

At sunrise, JR drove Jamie to the park where he would catch a vehicle back home.

Jamie shook his hand firmly. “Thanks for everything, man. I really appreciate it.”

JR smirked. “Anytime. Just don’t call me again to come pick up another wolf.”

Jamie laughed. “No promises.”

Then he turned his attention to the trip ahead.

Luna sat quietly by his feet, unaware of the journey waiting for her.

At the park, the usual transport methods were available—buses, taxis, shared rides. But there was one problem.

Dogs weren’twelcomed.

Not really.

People were uncomfortable, some even scared, and that discomfort meant she would be shoved into a box, locked away for hours just to make others feel better.

Jamie frowned.

No.

He wouldn’t do that to her.

Just because people feared what they didn’tunderstand didn’t mean she had to suffer for their feelings.

Instead, he did what he had to.

He found an empty cab, negotiated with the driver, and paid five times the normal fare to secure the entire vehicle for himself and Luna.

Money meant nothing to Jamie when it came to his kids.

He had known poverty, had felt helplessness before—but those days were long behind him.

Now, he had the means to do what was right.

The driver opened the backdoor, expecting Jamie to put Luna inside a crate.

Instead, Jamie let her hop onto the seat, stretching out comfortably as if she had been doing this her whole life.

He sat beside her, patting her head gently.

“You’ll never be alone again,” he murmured.

Luna licked his fingers in response.

He smiled.

“You have two big brothers and a dad.”

With that, the car rolled out of the station, the road stretching long before them.

Jamie leaned back, eyes focused ahead, heart pounding with anticipation.

Finally, I can see my boys again.

Home was waiting.

And this time, it was bigger.

Chapter Nineteen: A Promise Fulfilled

When Jamie and Luna returned to JR’s place, he couldn’t contain his happiness.

A smile stretched across his face—not just for Luna, but for his inner child.

We did it.

The words echoed inside him like a quiet victory.

We got a Husky. Our very own Husky. All by myself.

What was once a dream, something that felt impossible, something people told him couldn’t be done, was now a reality. It wasn’t a miracle—it was a goal. A goal that demanded hard work,

patience, and persistence. And standing before him, staring at him with those striking blue eyes that seemed to morph with her emotions, was the proof that it had all paid off.

Looking at Luna, Jamie didn’t just see a dog—he saw success.

A tangible reminder that anything was possible with dedication, time, and effort.

As long as you keep working, you can succeed in anything.

That night, he didn’tlether out of his sight.

She slept beside him on the cool floor, curled up in the quiet comfort of her new life. He had a bed, but tonight, he wanted to be next to her.

This wasn’t just another pet—this was family.

In the dead of night, Jamie woke up to use the bathroom. As he washed his hands, his thoughts drifted home.

Max and Ace.

Were they waiting at the door? Had Ace finally given up and gone inside, or was he still watching, still listening for his return?

Morning couldn’t come soon enough.

He missed his boys.

The Journey Home

At sunrise, JR drove Jamie to the park where he would catch a vehicle back home.

Jamie shook his hand firmly. “Thanks for everything, man. I really appreciate it.”

JR smirked. “Anytime. Just don’t call me again to come pick up another wolf.”

Jamie laughed. “No promises.”

Then he turned his attention to the trip ahead.

Luna sat quietly by his feet, unaware of the journey waiting for her.

At the park, the usual transport methods were available—buses, taxis, shared rides. But there was one problem.

Dogs weren’twelcomed.

Not really.

People were uncomfortable, some even scared, and that discomfort meant she would be shoved into a box, locked away for hours just to make others feel better.

Jamie frowned.

No.

He wouldn’t do that to her.

Just because people feared what they didn’tunderstand didn’t mean she had to suffer for their feelings.

Instead, he did what he had to.

He found an empty cab, negotiated with the driver, and paid five times the normal fare to secure the entire vehicle for himself and Luna.

Money meant nothing to Jamie when it came to his kids.

He had known poverty, had felt helplessness before—but those days were long behind him.

Now, he had the means to do what was right.

The driver opened the backdoor, expecting Jamie to put Luna inside a crate.

Instead, Jamie let her hop onto the seat, stretching out comfortably as if she had been doing this her whole life.

He sat beside her, patting her head gently.

“You’ll never be alone again,” he murmured.

Luna licked his fingers in response.

He smiled.

“You have two big brothers and a dad.”

With that, the car rolled out of the station, the road stretching long before them.

Jamie leaned back, eyes focused ahead, heart pounding with anticipation.

Finally, I can see my boys again.

Home was waiting.

And this time, it was bigger.