Sun Mote Copse I crave star damage

Wildfire had never held a newborn in her mouth like this for so long. Her grasp was secure but gentle as she did her very best not to jar the puppy too much. By the time they reached the den, her nerves were rather shot. She gently set the little boy on the ground, then quickly flopped down beside him. She made room for Eljay to enter with their daughter and place her beside her brother. Then, ignoring her own waterlogged coat, she fussed at them until they were dry, warm and latched onto a teat.

Only then did the careworn mother take a moment to sit back and breathe. She was tired and in pain, plus she felt unduly weak from the whole venture. But as her head tipped back to rest against the wooden wall of the den's interior, eyes drifting closed, she smiled broadly. Everything hurt but it was worth it. And she was happy to have this experience yet again: happy and lucky.

After a moment, her eyes slowly reopened. They immediately went to the suckling, sleepy newborns, then finally up to Eljay's face. "Welcome to fatherhood," she said softly to her mate.