Her ears flicked at every whimper from the cubs. Ethan hesitated, the weight of rules pressing down on him. Strays weren’t allowed in animal care areas. If the director found out, he could be written up—or worse. But when one of the cubs let out a thin, pitiful wail, Bella whined back, a sound so gentle Ethan’s resolve broke. He opened the service door just enough to let her in.
“Just a look,” he whispered. Bella padded forward, cautious but steady, and sat by the warming bed. She lowered her head until her breath fogged the plastic rim. The cubs stirred, noses twitching at the new scent. One squeaked, wriggling toward the warmth it sensed nearby. Bella didn’t move. She simply waited, her eyes soft, body still.