What if this is all the Love I'll Ever Show

He didn't know if he wanted to sleep, talk quietly with Shaye, or go out on another patrol. The protective part of him told him to go back out into the snow and take another round around Abaven's territory. There could be more head hunters out there ready to pounce at any moment. He wouldn't just be fighting for his freedom he was protecting his family. His son and four daughters.

Rhyme knew his body was too exhausted to partake again, he'd been going too hard today. Instead he snuggled into Motif's soft puppy fur as Shaye pulled Poem closer to herself. He was right too, they would be little terrors. Right now they were perfect.

"They stole my heart, that's pretty terrible." He whispered back, suddenly feeling incredibly guilty for enjoying himself so much. He squeezed his eyes shut, holding back his frustrated tears. He knew he wasn't going to have a better time. Loss was never easily conveyed. "We lost one of our pups." He croaked, his voice barely working. "Tana have birth today as well. Two boys and two girls." He couldn't as easily keep his quiet sobs within. "We buried Darilnor."

Rhyme nuzzled in to Shaye's gentle touch, seizing her comfort and wetting her fur. How could he so easily move on with his life when one of his pups hadn't even the chance to take his first breath? He sighed heavily, trying to reel in his emotions. The pain hurt, but he had to be stronger.