all hands on deck

Motif looked at the beautiful, star-coated wolves as Valentine pushed the bundle towards her. She twitched, as through to leap forward when one slipped its bundle, but Valentine was already there. Tucking them back in and into Motif’s waiting arms. She wasted no time in cleaning each one, giving it a quick inspection, and setting them to feed. Two males and one tiny girl. She didn’t even notice the scowl Valentine gave her, too busy seeing to each pup. They latched on with no issues, thank goodness. “Thank you,” she said to Valentine in distraction, and then he was gone.

She circled about the pups, her long tail blanketing them as they fed and then slept beside her. Perfect, and beautiful, and exactly what her own children should have been. It was bittersweet, but she was determined not to cry. She was grateful she hadn’t, as Valentine eventually returned, her requested herbs in hand. “Thank you Valentine. You have three healthy great grandchildren.” She promised him. ”It was sheer luck I hadn’t lost my milk yet” she added as a soft after thought.

"Motif Destruction"