Duskfire Glacier Don't go sharing your devotion, lay all your love on me

"How old is he? And what's his name?" Meerkat wondered, a smile in her voice. Assuming Rye told her, she added, "My mom had four this year and I have no idea how she did it: from birthing them, to nursing them, to raising them..." She deemed it unnecessary to mention that Marten had died young. "My sister only had one but even she had her work cut out for her." She didn't know why she brought up Fennec, whose child was a source of old heartache. The words just popped out of her mouth in her effort to sympathize with her new pack mate.

Clearing her throat and shaking her head a little, she continued after a beat, "But, hey, if you ever need a hand, I'm happy to help. And I'm not just any old sitter, I'm a coach. I won't just watch your kid, I'll teach him things." Meerkat winked and laughed. Her heart beat a little faster, hoping Rye and the pup's mother would allow it, someday if not today.

"And to answer your earlier question, no, I don't usually have trouble sleeping. Last night was sort of a fluke, I think. I had a lot on my mind. But I feel more clearheaded now," she was sure to add, lest Rye think she'd ignored his kind offer.