Bearclaw Valley well shit

Lucas' enthusiasm surprised Laurel, but then again, maybe it shouldn't have. He had always been such a bright and cheerful boy, always ready to share his love with the world and with those around him. Laurel's gaze softened, some of her doubt leaving her. She already felt connected to these pups herself even though she didn't want to -- even though they reminded her of that one horrible night -- but to see Lucas accept them so readily made her feel a little better. You'll be the best big brother, Laurel said, convinced that Lucas would help out greatly and would do so well. She was so glad that he didn't ask about the practicalities of it all -- not realising that he had no father figure to look back on himself -- so that she didn't have to find an excuse to tell him.

The question formed a lump in her throat, as Laurel tried to think of what she could answer. She was happy about the pups themselves, but that was exactly what made her feel like such a filthy whore who got what was coming to her. She thought of all the times she had teased men last year and then thought about how she had made this one get her food, because she didn't have enough to feed her family with properly... And now there were pups coming, and it was all her own fault.

Looking at Lucas' sweet, gentle face was all that kept Laurel from panicking about all of it. After a short silence she forced a smile to her face and said: Of course I'm happy. I'm just a little worried about finding a home. We were thinking to move back to the coast and find a place to live there for our family, but now I think we'll just have to find a home that will help us raise these babies first. Laurel let out a sigh, wishing that there was someplace that would accept her in this state but afraid that it might prove difficult. Between the practicality of finding a pack that'd have her and her children as well as the rest of the family, and feeling dumb for allowing herself to be used like this by the dark coywolf, it was hard to keep an optimistic outlook. But if anyone could help her with finding one, it was sweet, cheerful Lucas.