Nova Peak gentle reader

his dark paw stills.
she trembles beneath him and her mate pulls her closer, worry etching itself upon his face. looking down upon her with eyes of gentle gold, that in his life he thought might never hold such an emotion.
it is odd what he feels for elowen. not quite love, but not the opposite either. it is a strong urge to protect, to possess, to feel. and he felt a fullness upon his heart the way she looked at him.
it was to be needed.
yes, he says, i will teach them.
of course he would. he presses his nose to her temple, breathing in her steady, sweet scent. he feels the lurch of her gut, sees the grimace she tries to hide. instinct snarls in him, protective. and they will know their mother. her fire. her heart. he presses a kiss to her snout.
please, elowen. he takes a paw to lift her face to his. so that he may look upon her eyes. stop doubting yourself.