Northstar Vale But try as I might,

The silver male had taken it upon himself to patrol the Vale’s borders, determined to keep his resting place—and, for more personal reasons, its matriarch—safe. Since Viskani had granted him passage into her territory, they had exchanged no words, but he was well aware that her time to whelp was near.

He hadn’t realized just how near until he passed her den and caught the unmistakable scent of blood and fresh life mingling with Viskani’s own. His lack of knowledge in pack propriety was in full force as he stepped through the entrance unannounced, his eyes widening as they adjusted to the dim interior—and to the sight before him.

Viskani, how are you do—OH!

She lay curled protectively around a small, wriggling bundle, but his gaze soon found another, lying eerily still beside her. Hesitantly, he crept closer, his nose twitching as he took in the scene. The young thing had not stirred once; he was gone. A low whine escaped him then.