The Shadow Glare

Chapter 19

It had been a long day for Ashpaw. He stretched his jaws in a wide yawn as he curled up in his nest, ready to sleep. Pebblestar had woken up from death, which Ashpaw found kind of weird. As soon as she had woke up, she was perfectly fine; only a few non-life-threatening scratches.
So what had killed her?

But no matter, Ashpaw was tired. He closed his eyes, ready to sleep. Soon he floated into a deep sleep. In his dream there was flies buzzing above his head calling. "Ashpaw, Ashpaw!" The flies buzzed.
Ashpaw tried to cover his ears with his paws but the voices didn't stop. "Ashpaw, Ashpaw!"

Then Ashpaw opened his eyes to see Windstorm standing over him.
"Ashpaw, I've found something!" She gasped.

"Did you really have to do that?" Ashpaw frowned. "I'm really tired, that battle wasn't easy you know."

"Of course," Windstorm mewed. "If you don't want to come listen to these really important words, it's perfectly understandable."

"No, I'm coming," Ashpaw growled. He heaved himself out of his nest and started to follow Windstorm out of the camp. Weaselgrowl was guarding the camp entrance. When he saw them, he mewed. "Where are you going?"

"Hunting," Windstorm explained.
A knowing look flooded Weaselgrowl's eyes.

When they reached the stream, Windstorm stopped.
"So what do you have to tell me?" Ashpaw asked.

Windstorm purred, rubbing her head against his. "I . . . I'm expecting kits!" She blurted out.

"What?" Ashpaw mewed, completely surprised. "But I'm an apprentice!"

Windstorm purred. "Yes, but surely you'll be a warrior soon? Aren't you happy?"

"O-of course! I'm just surprised!"

"Well I would expect that. It's not many days a cat finds out they're going to be a father!"
Ashpaw gazed deep into Windstorm's blue eyes, love brimming in his heart.
"I guess that makes it official," Ashpaw purred.

"Makes what official?" Windstorm asked.

"That were mates."

Windstorm flicked her tail against his ear. "Hadn't you guessed?"