Blacktail Deer Plateau With the lights down low

The leader was surprised by the amount of relief that flowed through him at Catori's simple correction. He hadn't realized that he wanted another litter that badly. Perhaps it was just because it was her, and he wanted that common blood between them. It wasn't necessary, but it created a nearness that the male felt could not be otherwise achieved. That, and he did love children rather desperately. Being a father seemed to be his calling.

And although he wasn't sure it was Catori's calling, it was just absurd to think that she wouldn't be good at it. She was so good to him, so patient and kind. The kids were learning from her and she was helping to keep them fed. She was strong and steady, and he knew that she would never use them as leverage to cause him pain.

"You could never disappoint me," Grayday assured her. "I mean, aside from the fact that you'll be above and beyond my first two mates just by sticking around, you obviously have what it takes. You've got a good heart, and you're a hard worker. The rest will fall into place."

He licked her cheek, shifting so that he was cuddling her instead of him simply leaning against her. "And if you're feeling overwhelmed, I'll be right there beside you. Pema and Dawn will be there, too, and the kids will be older as well. Cat, these kids are gonna have so much love they won't know what to do with it," he said with feeling. "That you can be nervous, even knowing all that, makes me sure you'll be a stellar mom. You care for our imaginary children already."