But what if?

Almost a week passed since Eska came home bloodied and violated and he had hardly left her side since. The only time had been early the next morning to go seek out the trader they had once spoken with about acquiring the dogs he wanted. No matter the resolve she had that she was strong and could stand on her own, it would still ease his mind a bit to know that she had a couple of companions with her whenever she left the territory. He wouldn't keep her from doing the things she normally did since he didn't want to make her feel like he was trying to control her, but if she could just allow him this one thing he'd feel at least a little better. If anything happened there would be these large dogs to help her in the fight or at the very least run ahead to go get him so she wouldn't have to walk back alone injured like she had.

Luckily he didn't have to try too hard to make her take it easy for a few days while her wounds started to heal up. He would keep his promise and he would start some serious training with her, but not a moment before Gwynevere gave her the all clear to do so. It seemed like this bastard had done more than just tear into her with teeth and force himself on her, her neck apparently strained from a moment of whiplash as well. The last thing he wanted to do was accidentally make it worse. He took Eska to their lead healer frequently, probably more frequently than Eska would like, but he would much rather be safe than sorry with an injury like that. Although he didn't want to admit it, there was another reason he brought her to Gwynevere so frequently.

She hadn't been in heat, but he was pretty sure Aranea hadn't been either their last night together and that hadn't prevented him getting her pregnant in the end. Bella hadn't been in heat and yet Serenity was here. There was always a chance and ever since that thought crossed his mind while he was laying there awake the night after with Eska sleeping in his arms he just couldn't get it out of his mind. Every day that passed he kept expecting some kind of symptom to pop up and it made him nervous. He hadn't admitted his fear to Eska, but he knew Gwynevere was a perceptive healer. If there had been any signs even if that wasn't particularly what she was looking for she would have mentioned it.

With his morning patrol done he went to get Eska. He had taken their dogs with him so they could start learning the path around their borders, but now that he was done he sent them away to go guard the alpacas. He found Eska pretty easily within the castle walls and he smiled softly as he came over to her, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. "Ready to go see Gwynevere? I think she mentioned maybe taking out a few of the stitches today last time we saw her."

"Ulric"