Can't See Past My Blinders

He found Tana resting under the maple tree, her tiny form perched delicately in the recently discarded leaves. Rhyme was slightly surprised at the smile that sprang to his features at the sight of her, but grateful all the same. It felt good to be able to smile after grieving the relationship with Shaye that couldn't be allowed to happen. He urged himself to focus entirely on Tana and the quickly growing pups on the way.

She seemed mostly comfortable, despite the roundness of her belly. There was no doubt at all she was heavy with child. Rhyme grinned at her cute yawn, he couldn't argue that she was the cutest wolf he had ever met. He approached her with adoration in his gaze. If anything happened to her during the birth he would never forgive himself.

Solitude lifted himself from Rhyme's back and perched in the maple's bare branches as the wolf settled close to Tana's side, careful not to step on her flowing cloak. He smiled fondly at her, knowing she wouldn't see. "How are you feeling?" He asked, wondering if he should have been doing anything to make her more comfortable. The familiar anxiety he felt at thoughts of the future came over him as he reached down to offer her a soft nuzzle at her cheek.