She stayed hidden away in her den often only leaving to hunt or to mark a small area around her den. Ever since her tricolored beast came she desired more of his company but she would never admit to such eagerly and so she blamed her swollen abdomen. Her ears flattened against her skull feeling the uneasiness that clung to her. She knew what to expect when the hour came but she remained restless and rather agitated, never wondering far from her den, so no one else could come close to her hiding spot.

Her contractions grew as time passed but she couldn’t bring herself to rest. As they continued to grow more fierce she moved to her den pressing herself into the furthest reaches, actually missing the thickets that protected her in the valley. Her breathing became panting and labored as each wave rolled through her body. She gnashed her teeth silently but did as she had her first litter and used her strength bring life into the world. Not her first and perhaps not her last she would ensure them safety as she had their older siblings.

It was a stillness and a silence; she had meticulously cleaned her pups and herself. All of the scent she tried to wash away as she once more checked on her children a soft growl rumbling in her chest as she pressed them to nurse. A daughter that clung so tightly to her pelt and that of her family and two sons; one that had of touch of her wrapped in his tail and toes and the other that clung far closer to her tricolored beast. She pressed with her nose tested and looked them over once more but they pleased her all the same. It was in silence she rested listening to her children and the world around her. For now, the pain had passed, she was sore but at peace enough to rest.