Ivan gave a low rumble that she'd learned to interpret as affirmation. She carefully climbed onto his back, settling between his shoulder blades where the fur was thickest. His warmth immediately seeped through her clothes, and she instinctively wrapped her fingers into his mane.
"Everyone, pack up," Victor announced, his voice cutting through the tension. "We're moving out, we'll stop at nightfall."
The camp sprang into action. Dimitri moved among the cubs, gathering them with gentle efficiency. "Come on, little ones. Time to go."
Felicity watched as Voss methodically disassembled their temporary shelter. His movements were precise. She ran her hand over her growing stomach, feeling the gentle swell beneath her fingers.
"Ready?" Ivan's voice came through their bond as a deep, rumbling presence in her mind rather than actual words.
"Always," she replied, giving his mane an affectionate tug.
