Swiftcurrent Creek It's our hearts that make the beat

@Morena
Family cameos welcome

He woke a few hours before the sun to racing thoughts and a tight chest, unsure if he had even really slept. He was used to functioning on little sleep, but his severe lack of it over the last few days was starting to wear on the alpha. He sat up and shook his head before glancing around the den to make sure all was well. Everyone appeared to be sleeping still. He quietly moved closer to his youngest pups and nuzzled them like he liked to do, their scent calming his anxiety some. Soon, he would need to get up and patrol before leaving the territory for a bit to search for his missing children. Another day had passed, and they were still out there all alone; it was painful to think about, so he nuzzled his youngest daughter once more, careful to be gentle so he wouldn't wake her. Then, he rested his head on the ground next to her, stealing the quiet moment before he had to head out and be the alpha.

Sleep was still the second-most important thing for little Morena, but it was surprisingly easy for her to escape it nonetheless. This time, it wasn't hunger that brought her snuffling from her dreams, though what it might have been instead she was too young to recognize. Color and sound meant nothing to her, still, but the familiar scents of her family were soothing and banished the cold. She was already well on her way to waking when she felt the nuzzling, and she flailed the rest of the way to consciousness with a squeak, tiny mouth opening—as it almost always was while she was awake. Morena wiggled her way toward the warmth of her dad's face, sticking her tongue out as though trying to lick him.

As careful as he thought he had been, he still managed to wake his sleeping daughter. Guilt washed over him; he felt bad for selfishly seeking comfort in her scent and waking her from her very important slumber. Quickly, he lifted head to nuzzle her again before beginning to gently lick her. He wanted to quiet her complaints before she woke anyone else, but most importantly, he wanted to comfort her distress at being disturbed and pulled from her peace.

For once, Mori was quite content to settle down under her parent's attention, her usual whining petering off into the occasional grunt as she felt the affectionate nuzzle and squirmed under her impromptu bath. She did her best to squirm closer to her dad, nudging forward with her nose until she found a place that practically buried her in his scent. She let out a contented noise usually reserved for a full tummy and tried to squirm even closer. With any luck, she could completely bury herself in dad's fur, and she'd have the best, most perfect napping spot ever.

He was relieved to hear her quiet down in response to his affection, glad that he could soothe her discomfort. He remained still as she crawled closer to him; she seemed set on whatever her mission was, and he didn't want to deter her. She reached the thick fur of his chest, a favorite spot for some of her siblings as well, and nestled deep against him. A low, soft chuckle rumbled in his chest when she let out a tiny noise that sounded as though she seemed very content to stay buried in his fur. I see you like it there too, he said gently, lowering his head to nuzzle her some more. If she felt comfortable there and found it to be her ideal napping spot, then he was more than happy to oblige.

Morena made another one of her contented grunts when dad's head came down, nuzzling closer to him in response. He felt big and warm all around her, no need to go searching, and that satisfied whatever part of her had been so easily disturbed before. Mori decided this was her favorite Best Napping Spot, mouthing at his fur in appreciation and let out a gusty little sigh, already drifting off again.

He smiled down at his daughter as she drifted off. His children sleeping against him was probably one of his most favorite sights; it never failed to lighten his mood, no matter how down he was feeling. Despite everything that was happening, she was here, safe and sleeping against him.

He lowered his head to rest next to her so that he encircled her. He knew his mind was still too filled with worried thoughts to fall asleep, but he would be just as content to keep Morena feeling warm and secure while she slept.

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