Sun Mote Copse Starchaser

Perhaps because they weren’t right in front of her, Meerkat honestly hadn’t given much thought to the possibility Njord raised now. Her eyes widened in the gathering dark. Oh, but any of them would make brilliant parents, particularly her Ray of sunshine.

But I’m not old enough for that, she scoffed, suddenly remembering Njord’s former title in Moonspear and teasing, Although I suppose you might be, elder.

She threw her head upward to nip at the soft furs lining her mate’s face, more than a little mischief glimmering in her eyes. Meerkat swiveled then, her tail giving his legs a sound thwack! as she darted deeper into the copse. She shot a flirtatious look over one speckled shoulder.

They might be grandparents come springtime but they were both still virile creatures, she knew. Their fresh claim on this land was proof enough of that. And soon they would people their village with a fresh batch of bairns, a thought that struck gladness through her heart as she sprang through the nighttime forest.