Hana opened her eyes, her vision slightly blurred by the dim, warm firelight flickering across the walls of the den.
The white lights and the scent of the health center, as well as blood, were gone; her mates had already carried her back to the safety of their den while she slept.
Then, she felt a pulling sensation around her breast, like someone was sucking on it. My baby. She thought and then looked down.
Under the heavy fleece blankets beside her, a tiny, warm bundle was pressed flush against her side.
Zariyah was awake—partially—her small mouth clamped onto Hana's breast, sucking with an innate, fierce hunger. Even in her sleepy state, the baby's instinct was remarkably strong, her tiny hand resting flat against Hana's skin as if marking her territory.
Hana watched this, feeling a kind of warmth bubble up inside her. Then, she let out a soft, tired breath, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
