he was a boy, she was a girl

Luce sighed, indulging fully in the delicious meal he had prepped for them. He knew her so well, more intimately perhaps than even her own family. Deathbelle had not yet seen the tremors that shook her at night or when she shook with terror. She had grown accustomed to the routine of their life together. Together they had crafted a well-oiled machine; between the two of them, Ashen was thriving. The pack and healthy and strong. That was all she could ask for. "I did see her briefly," she said in between bites, leaning into his warmth as he settled into her. They often sat like this. It was nothing new.

And yet. The scent of her heat was growing claustrophobic in the small space. Without any fresh air it became impossible to ignore. At least when she was outside there had been a decent breeze going. A strange warmth rippled in the pit of her stomach as Lucretia finished her meal and laid her head neatly on Bourbon's dainty paws. He was much smaller than her but his stalwart presence made his size a nonissue. The comfort he provided her with had nothing to do with mass. "You were clever for scouting lavender this early," Luce said appreciatively. He was such a talented worker. A true asset.