away in a manger

He wasn’t sure how to deal with his emotions. Oxide knew early on that Eris was pregnant, but he’d been more than confused about her attitude. Eulogy had confronted him rather early on, she knew he was the father and had offered him a place beside the accidental litter had he wished it. The Nightingale boy had very much not wanted to be a dad. That same sentiment had followed him here, but the odd Adem belief had thrown him for a loop. He admitted to himself a long time ago that what he felt for Eris was love, and the thought of raising up his pups with her had appealed more than he realized.

Now he wasn’t allowed to be the father he felt a little jaded. Eris retreated from his side today, her roundness more than obvious in her slim form. He hadn’t said much to her about the pregnancy but he’d been there to support her. He rubbed her back when she lost the breakfast he’d brought her, offered what dried flowers he could find to make her den smell more fresh. He held her tight when the night was too cold. They were soul bonded, but he couldn’t claim their children.

After a patrol he found himself in search of her. As she slipped into the den he caught sight of her but before he could follow behind Ballad was at the entrance. He offered her a curious look and made an attempt to enter the den with his shadow. The fanged she wolf was quick to bar his way and Oxide was forced to stand confused by her actions. ”Ballad, let me through. I need to be beside her.”