For all of our excitement at the prospect of building a family together, I had to admit that I was a little scared for what was to come. I was strong, fierce, a force to be reckoned with. But pregnancy? Childbirth? Becoming a mother? It was something else entirely, a different type of challenge altogether. Over the course of the winter I had grown in ways unfamiliar to my body, and yet the changes had come as easily as the hunt. On multiple occasions I had sought out my mother, seeking her advice. She had given of it willingly, but she also told me that some things could only be learned from experience. Her aging mahogany eyes had looked upon me with love and excitement. More grandchildren to dote upon. The next generation of our family was well on its way the last time I had visited her, when winter was turning to spring and I felt that I had never been so heavy in my life. How would my body ever return to its former state, toned muscle ready to defend and provide for the pack. But I supposed that if my mother could do it - twice no less - then so could I.

Labor came upon me not quite so suddenly as I had expected, more like my mother had told me it would be - that I would know when the time was right. I had spent the weeks prior preparing the den with Vortigern's help. His excitement to become a father warmed my heart. Our family would be a beautiful one, I had no doubt. The morning of, there was simply something in the air, something inexplicable that told me today would be the day. But I let Vortigern go about his business, heeding my mother's advice that taking a little time to myself before the pups' arrival was best.

But by the time the labor had fully set in, I only wanted my mate at my side. A strained howl pierced the mountain skies, calling him to me before I retreated once more into the den. The pups would be here soon. Healthy, happy - that was all I cared about. I held out for as long as I could, listening for Vortigern's arrival. When he was near I gave into my body and began to push. Overall, it did not take long. It was over practically before I even realized it. My vision swam slightly with mild pain, but I was overcome with love as I looked down at the two precious bundles tucked at my belly. Blinking away tears, I looked up at my love, my mate. "Girls," I whispered to him, hardly able to enunciate my happiness. Two perfect little girls, each swathed in the colors of my heritage and Vortigern's alike. The perfect balance of our families, coming together to create this new one.