The Sunspire Where the babes lay

Summer stepped back from the whelping den, panting heavily. He knew that Jace and Ferdie had plans to return later to finish the work, but something about having this task to do made him feel calm. More calm than he had felt in a long time. The boy had no desire to go back to the den he'd been staying in. Returning home meant returning to a nervous, miserable, heartbroken side of himself that he was quite ready to say good bye to. Obviously, he couldn't count on building this den forever. Sooner or later this new female Ferdie had told him about was going to need it for its intended purpose, but that simply meant he'd have to find some new sort of work to throw himself into.

The call was not entirely unexpected. Summer knew that Ferdie couldn't keep this new acquaintance of his away from the pack forever, as much as he suspected the man wanted to. Abandoning his work, he set off at a quick lope to answer the summons, pondering what sort of relationship there might be brewing between his alpha and this mystery woman.

The Ostrega approached slowly, feeling awkward as he realized that he was the first one there. Suddenly it occurred to him that he was covered in dirt and other debris from the whelping den, which made him feel more uncomfortable than ever, especially in front of his alpha and his woman-friend. Summer shook himself, freeing as much soil from his coat as he could in one movement. Then, he walked to his alpha to show the proper respectful greeting that he knew was expected of him. Once the ritual was complete, he gave the pregnant female a nod and a nervous smile and walked a few feet away to plant himself onto his haunches and wait for the rest of the pack.

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