452 The Portal - Part 3

ELIA

She tried to sleep, but this cave that smelled so strangely and was so tall, would not let her relax. Even the prey that were kin, the prey she could not eat, remained quiet.

She needed her mate. The urge pushed her to her feet again, pacing the unsafe space. She needed her mate. Young were coming and he was needed. His strength, his dominance, to watch over her when the time came.

He was out there, she could scent the space that led to him. But he did not come.

She tried to sleep, but she could not.

The one that was inside reeked of fear and pain, pining for the mate as well. Battering her insides, begging to be freed.

She growled. This one was hurt and sick and growing weak. Too weak.

She shook her head, her ears snapping against her skull.

Too weak to be allowed to roam when young were coming. She needed to be kept safe.