A rush of warmth spread throughout his chest as she gently laid her head upon his arm. It was like witnessing their birth all over again; that inexplicable tightening of his throat, that overwhelming feeling of love which seemed to fill every inch of his body so tightly he thought he might burst.

Alder's tail wagged very subtly behind him, despite his best efforts.

Fatherhood was incredible.

He bent down to give Yelena a reassuring lick, nibbling affectionately at her nape before he withdrew. I didn't know I could either, he said truthfully. I always thought everyone was laughing at me, or they would find something wrong with me. He carefully chose not to specify the something wrong was very often his bright, flame-red coat, which she also shared in part with him. It wouldn't do any good to make her feel insecure about something that wasn't an issue - and heaven help the wolf who tried to make it one, he thought bitterly.

You're not a problem at all. You're my little spark, he said, and Alder couldn't resist the urge to give her another nuzzle even if it risked being smothering. But you don't want to be like your dad was. No one to play with, no friends, taking long, boring walks at the edge of the territory... talking to yourself gets old after a while.

Lifting his other paw, he propped it up beneath his chin and pretended to look very pensive.

I could use some more friends. You could help me make some, you know - you're pretty cute, much cuter than I am, he said, And everyone loves talking to cute little pups like you. What do you say?