Nina nuzzled contentedly against him, a faint smile curving her lips.
Seeing her like that, Idir's own lips lifted slightly, a soft tenderness surfacing in his eyes.
Just as he was lost in the moment, a sudden chill brushed his neck. Lowering his gaze, he saw Momo's little tail draped across him.
He frowned faintly, reached out, and lifted the cub before setting him aside.
This little one is cold too—can't have him freezing her.
Then his eyes shifted to the other cubs, sprawled haphazardly across Nina's chest and stomach. After a brief hesitation, he carefully picked them up one by one and moved them aside as well.
They'll weigh her down like this.
With the cubs relocated, nothing remained between him and Nina.
Idir bit his lip, then tightened his embrace ever so slightly.
Closing his eyes, a quiet, satisfied smile appeared on his face.
The night passed in peaceful silence.
