It had come through the night. Before, her mate had paced just on the outside of the den entrance – allowing her the space she needed and yet still a solid presence, offering his strength through his support to her. She was alone now – but never before had she been more determined. These were her pups – this was her moving forward in life, for she was youthful yet. She had many years before her – she needed to continue as such.


She had bore Hearthwood River two cubs this year. As dawn broke across the sky, they lay nestled to her side, suckling at her milk and eliciting tiny whimpers every so often – such a tiny sound that her ears would strain forward to hear them, as if reassuring herself they were indeed healthy. One was a darker brown – the color of earth and sun, and as her tongue smoothed across his head, she whispered to his folded ear, despite that he would not hear the words yet – “Matheo,” she named him, pulling back and releasing a gentle sigh. Next was a pale girl – blonde and silver, snuggling closer to her mother and seeking warmth. “Risaela,” she rumbled, her nose dipping down to push the girl closer. Rihael had been blinded by their father, certainly – but he had been her littermate, and she would honor that. Rissa, who’s life had been cut too short – surely her spirit could grace her daughter now.



Fatigue pulled at her, and her ears would swivel to the sound of her pack mates pacing outside the den. Lekalta’s scent was apparent – among others. Any who dared try to get too close to the den entrance received a warning growl – they would meet the apck’s newest in due time – but for now, the tired mother rested with her young.

Everyone else just seemed so pleased, so happy, so irritatingly “oh isn't it exciting, la-dee-dah” that Aleksei wanted to scream. He wanted to tell them to shut up, to shove off, to sit in their little puddle of mushy gushy happiness alone. He'd welcome the joy after he was certain his mother was okay, that his siblings were okay (even if they only shared half of his blood).

One by one, the wolves of the River trickled in like water rolling down the window, curiosity most certainly piqued as the sounds of birth resonated through Hearthwood. Aleksei had run as fast as he could, to be there, to guard her, to protect both her and them. He was late, frustratingly—many others had already arrived, and god only knew what they'd been doing. Probably poking their heads in and having a lovely little sniff around the den entrance!

He brought about the anger—he had given himself the idea, after all—that forced him to make his presence clear; he snapped his jaws, growl rumbling in his chest with a fury. He didn't even register the fact that Lachesis was there (he'd realise and feel incredibly rude and sheepish later). With no father to protect them, Aleksei would adopt the role of guardian for himself. This time, he would not fuck up at being a big brother.

He slowly settled near the den, not too close as to provoke his mother into a panic or worry, but close enough that he'd be able to jump to action at the nearest sign of danger. He simply gave her a low whine to let her know he was there. Lowered to his belly, but still incredibly tense in his shoulders, he cast his sharp gaze across the gathered wolves. A particularly nasty glare was offered to Lorcán before Aleksei lowered his chin to his paws and curled a lip once more. It was clear what he was saying. You can leave at any time.