Serach couldn't see her face from his position, but he could feel her body tense and tighten as his caresses woke her from her slumber. He could envision her blue eyes opening quickly, darting back and forth as they attempted to orient her. He bit back the urge to speak again, a feeling of guilt rising in his chest for having woken her up and startling her. But soon enough the tension left her body and she relaxed, leaning back into him. Her chuckle was like music, and his tail beat a slow steady rhythm against the snow in response.

A slow smile grew on his face at her words, culminating in his own light-hearted chuckle. That's what this had all been for after all - to create and grow a family all their own. He hadn't realized just how desperately he wanted such a thing until Aponi's challenge had turned that faraway dream into a very real possibility, and he was eagerly looking forward to it. He had stepped into a father-like role for many of the Bend's cubs last year, but this would be something entirely different. "Good thing you've got two ears then," he responded, letting his head fall back against the snow, his nose warm pressed up against her ruff. Slowly exhaustion took hold, and like his mate beside him, Serach let his eyes close and sleep reclaim him, dreams of high-pitched yowls and small feet dominating his thoughts.