The future we made

Kane couldn't remember a time in his life when he'd felt happier and more complete. Since the day he'd lost Tiva and left his family, the tribal hunter had been focused on nothing but revenge. It had consumed him, defined him, became all he thought of day and night. Kane had become a slave to his anger and his resentment. But now, for the first time in half a decade, he felt like he could finally breathe again. Tamsyn had freed him from the specter of his past trauma, helped him find the closure he needed, aided him in finding his justice, and given him the greatest gift anyone could ever give him: true unconditional love and a family. With the paleo dire wolf dead and the final ghost of his past laid to rest, Kane could finally start living for the present and looking forward to the future.

It was one of the few dry nights Auster had in its winter, a bright and clear sky filled with stars and a waxing moon. Kane escorted a very pregnant Tamsyn down to their usual midnight rendezvous spot down beside the stream they'd mated at beneath the stars all those seasons ago. It felt like a proper closing of the circle. It was here that he'd confessed his past and his need for revenge to her and where they'd first made love together, and now it was the start of the rest of their lives with their little family growing stronger within her womb every day. Tamsyn's round belly brought a proud, loving smile to Kane's face every time he glanced at her, his heart feeling an overwhelming bliss and peace while he watched how radiant his mate had become. She was always meant to be a mother. Caring for others and giving her love to her family suited her as if she were made for the role. He just hoped he'd be half the parent she had already proven she was.

Sitting down in the grass beside Tamsyn while his mate leaned into his side, Kane gazed up at the nighttime sky. Big bushy brown tail slowly entwined with silky black fur while they cuddled together in the cool night. Tam asked if he felt like singing and Kane chuckled under his breath. His injuries from the fight with the paleo dire had left him sore and broken for a couple weeks, but the diligent attention of Gwynevere had his rib set and body healing in no time. Now he didn't feel pain every time he breathed, and he hadn't punctured his lung either; a lucky break. Grinning a knowing smile, Kane lifted his muzzle to the sky and sang a song of praise, thanking the Universe for gifting him his little blackbird and their puppies. His howl carried over the lands for a solid minute before he let it drop off, leaning gently back into Tam while he dipped his muzzle to brush his snout against her forehead. "I don't think I've ever been happier in my life than I am now, Tamsyn," he said, planting a slow, affectionate kiss to her temple, ever mindful of his sharp sabers. "I love you to the moon and back, my little blackbird."

Kane started to settle down on the grasses, helping Tamsyn lie down as well if she wished to join him on the soft, cool grass and earth. The tranquil sounds of the babbling stream held his attention for a minute before curious hazel eyes turned to seek Tam's minty gaze, raising an inquisitive brow and intrigued smile. "How are our children tonight?" He immediately followed with, "Have you given any more thought to what you'd like their names to be?" He knew their first names wouldn't be chosen until their birth and their genders revealed, but Tamsyn had been fazed by the idea of having to decide where she wanted to birth their litter and what land they would take in their names. He was happy she'd been on board with following his tribal traditions of naming, but perhaps giving her the freedom of having them anywhere had been a bit too much to put on her at once.

"Kaneonuskatew"