Blacktail Deer Plateau charcoal smudge

Hawkeye seemed exhausted, which was unsurprising considering everything she'd been through in the past few days. Keeping this in mind, Peregrine continued to use his muzzle to massage her neck and shoulders, giving the occasional kiss or nip as he worked. Even when a crick developed in his neck, he didn't stop, reminding himself that his mate had carried babies in her belly for over two months, then given birth. A little neck soreness was nothing in comparison.

"I love you," he whispered in her ear, wondering if she'd fallen asleep. "You're going to be a wonderful mother. You already are." Peregrine paused just long enough to look down at Ty, who squirmed gently against her mother's breastbone, then resumed his tireless ministrations.