The man couldn’t remember another time in his life where he had been so tired everyday, but also so happy. Every waking moment was filled with leader duties, marking borders, checking with his advisor, filling caches, being a father to his first litter who had left the den and his younger litter still in their home. Not only that but he was still trying to balance time with Vanadis and their blossoming relationship.

Waking up from his afternoon nap in the sun, Viorel knew that it was time. His and Clover’s children had left their hidey hole last week, and it was time for Archer and Eros to do the same. Blinking away the remaining drowsiness that lingered from his nap, the salt and pepper wolf got to his paws. Stretching leisurely, he shook out his pelt and the warmth of the sun before making his way towards the birthing den.

When he arrived Viorel lounged in the small clearing outside of the entrance. He made no sound of greeting in case they were asleep, but watched eagerly for any sign of movement. His tail swept through the dirt behind him, impatient to see their tiny faces and his girlfriend.

Viorel did not have to wait more than a few short minutes before the first beginnings of stirring could be noted from within the den. First it was nothing visual, just the sound of movement and small puppy voices trying to express themselves - and mostly failing. The small black face poked itself out of the entrance and the father’s muzzle broke into a wide grin. He was nervous, absolutely, but the joy in seeing his children grow had become overwhelmingly his favourite thing in this world. Followed only by a close second of spending time with Vanadis, building the sweet life together that they had imagined in the orchard.

Watching closely as the dark child walked with deliberation before coming to a halt at his paws, Viorel offered him an enthusiastic bath with his tongue. Chuckling proudly he exclaimed, ”Archer! My brave boy, I think you’ve grown since I saw you this morning.” Nosing him to attempt and coral the child between his paws, the leader looked up in time to see Vanadis walking towards him. Pressing his shoulder against her, he nipped at her ear playfully and retorted, ”We will certainly be in trouble if they turn out to be anything like their mother.” He was only half teasing, there was a reason the two chaotic souls had bonded so quickly, and it wasn’t for being homebodies.

Finally, Eros also joined them. A mousy brown colour, he almost blended in with the earth of the den. Or, well, he might have blended in had he not been squawking and spinning in circles. Raising his eyebrows towards the woman beside him he could do nothing but shake his head in exasperation, it was so interesting how different their boys were taking to the world.

Viorel laughed heartily at his mate’s push. Had the children not been out and about he might have escalated the teasing to a play wrestling, but they had other things to take care of now. They couldn’t just goof around and act like teenagers whenever they wanted when they had two small cubs that relied on them for everything. Instead he just smiled proudly and said in a mock serious tone, ”Well of course! We both know what a homebody I am, very studious and respectable.” Then, he winked at Vanadis before turning his attention back to his sons.

He looked just in time to see Archer give Eros a good wack in the head. The father couldn’t help it, he let out a snort of a laugh. The action reminded him of his relationship with Andrey and Vayko when they were kids, all rough and tumble and slacking off. Another wolf may have jumped in and scolded the children for their antics, but Viorel was content to sit back and watch. They would work it out, or they wouldn’t, but he believed it was best to let them do what they would do and only step in if they were in serious danger. A few cuts and bruises and hurt egos wouldn’t kill them.