Redhawk Caldera The snuggle is real

Elwood posed a good question. If not her, then who else would he take as a mate? Pickings were a bit slim in the Caldera. Though Raven was not truly related to them by blood, she didn't even register in Fin's mind as a potential replacement for her. Not that the Blackthorn really considered this at all in that moment; She was distracted by the sudden bashfulness she felt at his teasing. An almost coy smile slipped across her lips as she glanced down at her paws. It came so naturally, so easily to him to deny her paranoia. He loved her so honestly. It was a comfort to know how silly he thought it that she might worry about some other woman replacing her.

She kissed his chin appreciatively before giving him a thoughtful look. Last year, the idea of having a second litter had terrified her. Truth be told, not all was perfect the second time around. Even so... That fact was striking her differently in that moment than it usually did. Lying there beside her mate, she felt it was evidence that it was possible to make mistakes in parenting that didn't mean you were a terrible parent and should stop reproducing altogether. As I mentioned, it was a very different thought than those she usually had.  Hopefully she'll hang onto that.

"Yeah," Fin said, nodding softly. She smiled when in the seconds after saying it, she didn't feel like throwing up. Maybe she really was making some progress here.