He could feel a change coming over Malleah with each passing day and while he knew she was changing thanks to their time together over the winter season, he also knew that there was something deeper going on, something more emotional. She seemed happier as time wore on and while at first she was almost suspicious of what they had, he saw the suspicion slowly leave her eyes and give way to trust and love in return. It was a great revelation and he cherished every moment they spent together. He knew she was feeding his unborn children inside of her and he wanted her happy and well fed above all else. He hunted for her almost obsessively and would push food toward her even when she claimed to be full. He never wanted her to feel hungry again. At one point she seemed more happy about something after going on a little trek. She didn't tell him what had happened and he didn't push her but he smelled the unfamiliar scent on her coat when they embraced. He knew it was female and almost seemed like her own scent. A relative perhaps? A child? He knew she had children from other wolves and he didn't care if she went to see them. He didn't even care if she didn't want him involved in their lives. He was very blinded by his emotions when it came to her and gave her all the secrets she wanted, if only for more moments spent with her.

He knew that her life hadn't always been easy but he wanted nothing more for her now than to know she was loved above all else. When she came back from her trek, she seemed distracted, as if her thoughts were still out there and he worried about her but he knew if she wanted to talk about it with him, she would. She seemed restless as the day wore on and when she called his name, he was with her almost instantly. He was worried that she wasn't in the den where it was safest but he was even more worried that she looked to be in so much pain. Each time she cringed and pushed, he whimpered and pushed his forehead into hers, as if willing his strength to fill her and get her through this. He rushed to get her herbs he had heard about from whispers of the packs. He eavesdropped a lot and found out about healing herbs just for her. He wanted to be prepared. He got her things for pain and for the contractions, something to give her extra strength and energy. He nudged them toward her but wasn't sure if she couldn't eat them or if she was too distracted. Even so, he would leave them there. He nuzzled and licked her, whispering encouragement in her ear. He wanted her to know that above all else, he was here for her.

When she got up, he whimpered again, not thinking that she should be up but maybe she was going to the den? But instead she pushed into him and he embraced her like it was their first and last time to hold each other, again trying to pour his strength into her. He could tell she was in a lot of pain and he felt so helpless. She suddenly pulled away and went to pacing and he watched with an intense gaze. What could he do for her? She was foaming at the mouth and looked every bit like she might drop dead and he went to the herbs again, sniffing around and looking. He pushed them toward her again, willing her to take something for the pain, anything to make her look a little further away from death's door. She sobbed that she couldn't do it and he went to her. He didn't touch her in case that's not what she wanted. He knew she had moments when she didn't want to be touched so most of the time he allowed her to come to him. Instead he stopped beside her leaned down to try to catch her gaze.

"You CAN do this, Malleah. You are strong and everything is going to be okay. We are going to live our happily ever after and be a family. I can't live my life without you. You are my everything. If you die, I die. You CAN do this."

As she started stumbling forward, he followed at a safe distance, wanting to be near should she start to fall and he would be able to catch her but far enough away where she didn't feel pressured or cramped. She found some herbs and started eating them and he felt a little better. At least she was taking something. That should help. She fell back to the ground and he stayed beside her, continuing to whisper encouragement to her but not wanting to touch her unless she asked for it. When the pup finally arrived, he felt his chest heave and swell with pride and it looked so beautiful and perfect. Then he heard Malleah speak and he whimpered, going to her. He smiled and nodded.

"You are alive, love. You did it. She's perfect, just like you. Rest now. You did good, my heart."

He touched his nose to her forehead gently before going to the pup. He knew enough that the pup needed to breath, to come out of that little sac and take a breath so he went to work on the sac, removing it from the pup and then licking her clean, not minding at all that he was doing it. The pup finally cried out and he gasped in happiness, cleaning her some more before he gingerlymoved her over to Malleah's side so she could nurse. He watched her grab a teat in earnest and he sighed in contentment, lying down across from them to watch and be mesmerized. He kept the herbs nearby for Malleah, watching her breaths to make sure she was okay while she rested. He was alert and ready to stave off any attackers, knowing it was dangerous to be in the open during birthing season. He would protect them both with every fiber in his body. He was a weapon and today he was on the alert. He would keep them both alive if it was the last thing he did.

Exodus_male_10 years_41in_195#_loved by Malleah_unable to imprint_father of Lucia_loner