The Agony And The Ecstasy

The day has been fast approaching that Fern would bring the young gray couples first litter into the world. As the time drew closer, Rudyard’s hovering had also increased and, with each passing day, the pregnant wolf had to keep reminding him that women had been bringing pups into this world long before her. It is endearing that worries so much but the gray woman is not worried as she knows that their pups and herself will be fine. Still, she knew he will continue to worry so she has been sure to offer him bright smiles and warm reassurances whenever she could.

With her swollen belly growing more uncomfortable each day, Fern had decided to give up sleeping on the bed and instead moved to the pile of furs that was in front of the roaring fireplace. The space was normally used for naps but, as it became clear that it was more comfortable for her to sleep there, Rudyard had given up his spot in bed to join her. He made the space as comfortable as he could by finding, what felt like, every pillow and fur in the castle until she had a warm nest to sleep in.

The night’s chill does not keep them from opening wide the balcony doors and a fire crackles merrily in the hearth. It spreads its warmth and light through their room as the couple lay slumbering in the plush fur nest, dreaming of the pups that are to come soon. Sleeping had become difficult for her since finding a comfortable spot to rest seemed almost impossible these days but, right now, she has found the elusive sandman and drifts along the currents of dreams. Fern dreams of holding her pups, laughing and squeezing them as they happily squirm in her arms.

Suddenly, a sharp pain pierces through her mind, shattering her joyful dreams and bringing her back into the waking world with great haste. Blinking open her sleep-filled eyes; Fern’s sluggish mind tries to figure out why she is awake. Her answer is quick to arrive as another sharp pain makes her abdominal muscles contract painful. A knowing smile appears on her pale lips and she gently shakes her mate awake, calling softly, “Rudyard wake up. It’s time to welcome out children into this world.”

A bright smile is on her lips and joy sparkles in her eyes even as another painful contraction rolls through her and causes her to let out a soft whine.


"Fern Carpathius"