Dawnlark Plains can't get used to something so right

He laughed at her use of the word 'enormous,' nuzzling her belly affectionately. "Just more of you to love, that's all," he said, each word suffused with love. Shale rested his head against her abdomen with a sigh, feeling the pups move against him. It was a wonderful feeling, and he'd let it take over if the fear wasn't there, as well. Life teeming within her--so close, yet so far. And things could go wrong so fast--

"Not nearly enough," Shale countered, shaking his head and stepping back. He chuckled, shifting his paws. "I know, you think I've done plenty. And I probably have. Keeping busy keeps me from worrying. Well, sort of." He stretched, long and languorous, enjoying the way the movement felt on his muscles. He'd been hunting more than ever before, lately, and it affected his body much more than his mind.