Swiftcurrent Creek If only for a second, let me have you.

In the days that passed following the birth of her pups, Durnehviir had departed her den only when she had to. Despite Constantine's watchful gaze over their family and the never-ending trust she held in her heart for him, the russet Alphess was loathe to leave her babes alone with anyone. They were her number one priority - tiny, helpless lives that had grown within her own womb - and her anxiety flared if they were out of sight for even the shortest times.

With her mate rising to act as sole leader while the cubs relied on her milk, he was often forced to take his leave while he tended to his duties. She missed him sorely when he went and fretted that he might miss out, but also relished the time alone with her brood. They would not be small forever, she knew, and often found herself simply observing the rise and fall of their chests as they slumbered. They didn't do much of anything else, though Durnehviir remained entirely enraptured by every single thing about them.

Evening crept in as the crimson beauty curled herself about her litter to settle them for the night. While Akavir parted his little jaws in a squeaky yawn and the other two boys continued to sleep soundly, @Viinturuth grumbled to himself in apparant annoyance at the proximity of his siblings. Her eyes softened on him, the corners of her mouth twitching upward in the hint of a smile.

"What's this?" Durnehviir crooned to her pale, restless son as she hovered her nares over the boy's alabastar spine. "Is someone in need of a hug?"