My Precious Ones

He'd been pacing the deck of the ship, any day now Arietta would be giving birth he was sure. The anticipation and the anxiety hit like a rock, much like the first time. Though he was generally calm, part of him worried about her...she was so small, it was a miracle how she had birthed the first litter despite their large sizes. How many would come from her this time? Part of him worried that he would one day lose her from some freak birthing...losing her was not an option. As her cry went out, he immediately set off towards her. A small thought picked at his mind, wasn't it ironic that this had been the same place where their first litter was born? He had guarded this place then, but now that it belonged to a pack, he would guard their den from unwelcome visitors. He would find her, lying in their den and her face contorted with pain. They would be coming soon. Quietly, he walked over to her and nuzzled her face, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead as he sat behind her. "Is there anything I can get you?"