Sleepy Fox Hollow every outcome is such a comedown

mahler had devoted these last weeks to the digging of another, closer cache and deepening patrols in concentric circles. he overlaid his scent around the den and conveyed in so many words to his sons that they would soon be joined by younger siblings.
to the testament of his midwifery skill, though he housed no children inside himself, mahler had become quite attuned to any changes in his mate, and when this crucial moment came, he lifted his charcoal ears and looked at the silverglow face which he had so loved all these years.
wisely he did not voice his suspicions nor suggestions; he reached out to steady his mate with a touch, amethyst eyes fully attentive and locked to any change in wylla's figure or expression.