Golden Glade Coming Home Once Again

Aspen lay in an undisturbed silence in her den, the one she and charley had chosen the day they discovered the court. She missed him and her heart longed for his return, hopefully in time to meet his children who were growing larger by the day.

It was getting to the point where Aspen felt herself with less energy and taking naps more frequently because her thin frame was not used to carrying excess weight.  She missed being able to run free but at the same time she was proud she would soon become a mother.  

Aspen was about to doze off when a howl drifted on the breeze, it was not just any howl however, it was the howl of her mate. Alder. He had returned.  Aspen was dealing with a mixture of emotions but the main one was happiness. She knew he would return but didn't know when, or if he was safe. 

Aspen chambered to her feed taking a moment to steady herself before trailing through the tunnels once more. Ayla's den remaining empty and the site of the female no longer present. Aspen couldn't help but feel betrayed, Ayla had been there from the start and became the first member of the inner circle, only to have her leave. Thankfully the pack remained strong with Shalon taking a place alongside the queen as duchess and the rest remaining loyal, though she often worried that Nico would leave them as well. 

Aspen trailed her way through the trees until her eyes caught a glimpse of Alder she couldn't help the smile that crawled slowly across her maw. She approached her mate, tail high and wagging and showing off her belly too. " Alder! You're back," she said relief present in her tone as she nuzzled her face into his shoulder.

Aspen had many questions but right now she just wanted to stay close to him and take in his scent. " I missed you so much..." she added through his fur and then giving him a few affectionate links over his face and shoulder.