The celestial beast goddess of fertility.

15. Beast tide

A week after the group made it threw the mountain boundary. 

Leo stopped the group in a clearing, next to a river. After setting up comfortable spots for the females and cubs. Consisting of large soft animal hides sown together.
The males got busy, some fished, some set small fires in different spots while others hunted and the remainder guarded the females and cubs. 

The last few days Sonya hasn't been feeling well, making Leo very worried. He refused to leave her alone and was never far from her. As they traveled Sonya had comfortably laid or sat atop Leo's massive lion back. She had asked him where his wings went, the first time she climbed on his back and noticed they were not there. Leo had chuckled explaining they only came out when he wished them to. 'or if he lost control' 'he silently added' 

As the males who went hunting returned, they each took their prey to the water to clean and prepare. As the first bits of meat were put into different fires, Sonya shot to her feet. Hands covering her mouth, her face all scrunched up as she ran for the trees. She didn't get far before doubling over and emptying her stomach all over the ground. Luckily she had tied her hair up, to help her cool off on the journey. otherwise, she would have had to shower. 

Sonya turned back, taking a couple of steps towards where she left Leo. As she got halfway there, her belly began to cramp and sweat dotted her forehead. Feeling dizzy and weak, Sonya's hand rested against a tree for support, couldn't keep her up anymore. As she began to fall forward she felt a strong arm wrap around her waist. 

Humming at the smell of her mate tickled her nose. A weak whimper left her lips as Leo lifted her into his arms, holding Sonya close. After staring at her for a few seconds, Leo places his hand over Sonya's belly. The touch was so light, if she wasn't watching she may not have realized he even touched her. As he stood there motionlessly for a few minutes Sonya began to get nervous.
Leo smiled wide as his eyes shined brightly, saying in a voice full of so much happiness and love. 

"You're pregnant!"  

His words shocked Sonya, in her daze Leo had made his way back to the others. He went straight up to Angelica, giving her mates short nods in greeting. Leo chuckled as he noticed Sonya still in a daze. Leaning his lips to her ear he seductively whispered. 

"Sonya"
The sound of her name from his lips in his deep baritone voice sent a pleasant shiver down Sonya's spine.

Coming from her daze, Sonya searches Leo's eyes for a moment.
"Are you sure?"
Sonya hesitantly asked Leo, nibbling on her bottom lip as she waited for his response.

Leo heard the pitch in her voice and knew she was close to crying.
Looking Sonya straight in her eyes so she could see the truth of his words. 

"You are pregnant" 

placing his hand over her flat belly, right under her belly button. She felt the pressure of his hand. Her eyes drop down as they overflow with tears. 

"You're going to be a mom"
he whispers, as his massive hand cradles the side of her face. Sonya sobbed as she threw her arms around Leo. 

Calming down, they share a passionate kiss before Leo reluctantly sets Sonya on her feet a few feet from the teary Angelica.

Sonya was surprised at first, she had been too shy to mate since they left the treehouse. Not with so many people surrounding them. Sometime during the week at the treehouse, Leo had successfully impregnated her. Tears filled her eyes as she realized she would finally have a family. 

"You're going to be a mom"
as Leo's words sank in her tears overflowed. 

As Sonya's feet touch the grass, she is enveloped in a warm hug. The smell of rosemary and honey tickled her nose. 

"Congratulations dear! We don't have long but I'll teach you what I know on the rest of the way. I can also help you deliver!" Angelica was so enthusiastic she was practically jumping up and down with excitement.

"Thanks, Angelica. I've had a few friends who have had children. how about we share our knowledge as we go." Sonya said brightly as she wiped the stray tears from her face. Feeling something ticklish at her feet, she glanced down. Giggling she says as she stares at the ground. 

"Hello, little snake. Do you want me to hold you?" 

Deep threatening growls vibrated loudly as Sonya went to take the baby male snake into her hands. Turning to look over her shoulder, confusion apparent on her face. Leo stood a couple of feet behind her, where he had set her down. His eyes are sharp, as he scans their surroundings. 

"ROAR" 

Sonya was swept up in Leo's arms as he shifted into a protective stance.
"Although this mountain was originally designed by me. These last few hundred years, there has been a drastic change in some of the animals. Some new, never-before-seen creatures have been appearing. Some of these creatures I have learned can incite rage in animals, causing beast tides ranging in different sizes. There is currently a small one heading this way now!" Leo spoke in a loud clear voice, to the beast who had gathered at his roar. 

Looking around at the group, Leo filled with determination brought two fingers to his lips. Letting out a loud whistle. Five minutes later a loud 'Screech" could be heard calling out. Sonya craned her neck looking up at the sky. Her eyes go wide as a massive eagle flaps its massive wings, slowly bringing its body down. The bird landed, looking straight at Leo. The bird made multiple cooing sounds before bowing its head deeply. Placing his palm on the bird's head Leo speaks fondly to him. 

"Bryan, after being with me for so many years. You should understand me best. My mate, the mother of nature is currently pregnant. I need you to keep her safe while I feel with the animal tide." 

Leo took a step back from the bird, as he brought his hand up to rub small circles on Sonya's back. 

Bryan perked up at the mention of the beast god mate. Even more so when he heard the title. Bryan had been with the beast god for almost five hundred years, he had naturally heard the prophecy of the heart of nature awakening. Surprise, excitement, and honor filled him, as he puffed up his feathery chest. Smacking his wing to his chest a couple of times, the eagle squawked and cooed at Leo before plastering himself to the ground. 

 
Leo gently placed Sonya on Bryan's back, making sure she had a tight grip on his feathers. Leo still felt insecure. 

"Bryan, take deep slow breaths. I'm going to add some extra protection." 

Giving Sonya a reassuring smile he cradles her face in his hands. 

"Match your breathing with Bryan's, I will add multiple layers of different protections. You are pregnant, and flying too high up would make it so you couldn't breathe. With my protection, I won't have to worry." 

Leo gave her a quick kiss on the lips. Observing the two, Leo wove layer after layer of protection on the two. Grunting in satisfaction Leo makes some clicking sounds with his tongue. The next moment the eagle and Sonya shot up into the sky. While the three were busy getting situated, the others had long busied themselves preparing to leave once Leo gave the signal. Fully prepared by the time Bryan took to the sky.

 
"Those of you carrying females and cubs, follow the eagle in the sky. He is heading towards our destination. Then rest will be split into two groups. One will escort the females, while the other will come with me to deter the beast tide." Leo stated, not allowing for any disagreement.
The ground had begun to quake as the group split into different directions. The female group headed towards their destination, following Bryan, as the rest took their beast forms.