The day drew on as her contractions grew stronger and more frequent as time passed on. Instead of drawing towards the birthing den, the mother took a walk within the forest surrounding her, hoping it would ease the pain that began to throb through her. Multiple times, Adelayde tried soaking in the warmth of the sun or taking a fresh cool drink down at the river, but nothing worked. Instead, they grew stronger and the uncertainty of it all did too.
By midday, the tawny beta finally sought shelter within her birthing den alone as the pain magnified. They had to be close. But she didn't want to do this alone. Ade knew he wouldn't be far, heck he could already be outside the den after she finally decided to enter it. She still called for him, anxious for his presence. As soon as the call left her lips, the urge to push fell upon her. They were coming now.