Arrow Lake Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.

The man had indeed found the scent of motherhood upon the pelt of his sister, and although he wasn’t surprised, he was still hesitant. Tejal had been a very dedicated and protective mother, offering her children everything she had. Sadiq had no doubt that Tak would be the same, and was surprised that she would trust him enough to allow him near. Especially after spending so much time away from each other, it had almost been a year since she had left.

Her trust helped to eat away at the anger that was still present in his heart, the betrayal he felt at being abandoned. Sadiq dipped his head in greeting to the man, his thick scent mingled seamlessly with Takiyok’s he assumed the man to be the father. Although there were strong tones of Mahler about as well. They were obviously a tightknit group, something that Sadiq was grateful for, obviously she hadn’t been alone in this endeavor to bring children into the world.

As he slowly followed behind her, he paused at the den entrance. Slowly he entered, ready to bolt should she ask him to leave. The four bundles of pups were awe-inspiring, and his jaw dropped slightly and genuine smile coming to his features. There weren’t many things that could spark a positive reaction from the man, but babies were one. “They are beautiful Takiyok. Was that there father?” He knew his sister well enough to know she wouldn’t leave something so precious in the paws of someone she didn’t trust.

For the moment he was lost in thoughts of his nieces and nephews, they looked so similar to Silla and Nuniq, Sadiq nearly cried. “What are their names?” It would be hard to distinguish them for some time, but as a doting uncle Sadiq would endeavor to try.