Chapter Text
Ember woke up feeling a sharp pain in her belly. She gasped and woke up Smokey, who was sleeping next to her.
"Smokey, I think it's time. I'm having contractions," she said, feeling the pain increase.
Smokey's eyes widened, and he quickly got out of bed. He knew they had to act fast. He helped Ember out of bed and led her to the living room. He grabbed the phone and called the midwife, but she couldn't make it in time due to the snowstorm outside.
"Okay, Ember, I guess we have to do this ourselves," Smokey said as he took charge of the situation.
He led her back to the bedroom and laid her down on the bed. Ember was in pain, and she clutched the sheets tightly as Smokey helped her through the contractions. He talked to her softly, telling her how strong and brave she was. He knew that she was scared, but he wanted to reassure her that everything was going to be okay. Ember lay on the bed, breathing heavily through each contraction. Smokey held her hand and rubbed her back, trying to soothe her.
"You're doing great, Ember," he whispered. "Just keep breathing."
Suddenly, Ember's water broke, and Smokey could see the head of their first cub beginning to emerge.
"It's time, Ember!" he announced, his voice full of excitement. "Our first cub is coming!"
Ember pushed with all her might, and Smokey helped guide their cub out, catching him as he emerged. The cub let out a loud cry, and Smokey quickly cleaned him off and wrapped him in a warm blanket.
One by one, their other cubs followed, and Smokey helped Ember through each birth, wiping away sweat and tears from her face and encouraging her to keep pushing.
After several hours, their six cubs had been born, three boys and three girls, and Smokey and Ember were overjoyed. They held their cubs close, feeling the warmth and softness of their fur against their own.
"We did it, Ember," Smokey said, looking at her with tears in his eyes. "We brought six beautiful cubs into the world, and they're all healthy and happy."
Ember smiled weakly, feeling exhausted but grateful for the love and support of her mate. "I couldn't have done it without you, Smokey. You're the best father and mate a fox could ask for."
Smokey leaned over and kissed her gently on the forehead, feeling the weight of his responsibility as a father settling on his shoulders. "I'll do everything I can to protect and care for our family, Ember. I promise."
Ember smiled and closed her eyes, feeling the warmth and safety of her mate's embrace. She knew that they were in good hands and that their family would thrive with Smokey's love and guidance.