I barely made it through the door before Beta pounced on me like a kitten with boundless energy. Her arms wrapped around me as she rubbed her cheek against my chest.
"Masteeerrrrrrrrrr!" she yelled, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "I missed you soooo much!"
"Beta," I laughed, trying to balance myself. "I was gone for barely a day."
"Still too long!" She sniffed the air, her nose crinkling.
"You smell like…Alpha, Zeta, and—ugh—a gross-smelling guy."
I raised an eyebrow. "That nose of yours really is something."
She gave a proud nod, crossing her arms. "Of course! Wait—were you fighting?" Her face turned wounded, eyes wide. "You left me out of the fight?!"
"Beta, it wasn't planned," I said, but she was already pouting.
"How could you! I could've kicked their butts! You're sooo mean, Master!" She whined, stomping her foot dramatically.