Warriors: Everlasting Shadows ~Book 3 Series 3~

Chapter 1

Blossomfur's POV:

"Make it stop! Make it stop!" The cream furred she cat gasped out, writhing in her nest as her stomach rippled painfully.

Shinewing's snappy reply echoed above her, the Lightclan medicine cat's voice barely registering through all the pain. "Keep still! Your first kit is nearly here."

Blossomfur wailed as pain flooded her, darkness swimming in her vision as she pushed to get the first kit out. She barely noticed the sturdy body at her back, or the warm golden eyes gazing down at her as she kitted. She didn't even hear his soft, reasuring words whisper in her ears.

"How much longer is she going to be yowling for?" Flamekit muttered from across the den. The ginger she kit's round orange eyes bore into Blossomfur, filled to the brim with frustration. "I'm tired and she's too loud!"

"Hush." Redleaf ordered, pushing her kit further into the curve of her belly. "Kitting is a hard time for any queen. You must not be rude."

Blossomfur couldn't even turn her head to look at Redleaf. Everything hurt. She gritted her teeth and managed to utter a small mew at Shinewing. "Get these things out of me quicker."

Shinewing snorted. "Your kits will take as much time as they need. Rushing them will not end well." Then, with a sigh, the medicine took a glance at the two guards hovering around them and meowed to the cream furred queen. "You'll be okay, I'm doing all I can to help." Her tail brushed against the herb pile she had brought with her.

Blossomfur wasn't reassured by Shinewing at all. What if she's trying to kill my kits in revenge for her clan? That one thought haunted her no matter how much she tried to forget about it. Only the quiet words murmured into her ears from behind her kept Blossomfur calm; or, calmer.

The light furred she cat spared a glance at the tom behind her. Through her blurry gaze, she focused on his face. Shadeheart. The dark furred tom noticed her gaze and leaned down to nuzzle her gently. "It'll be over soon." He promised. "You'll be okay Blossomfur."

Blossomfur nodded, pulling away with a soft cry as the first kit finally fell onto the moss. Shinewing lunged for the kit, picking up the wet bundle in her jaws and laying it at Blossomfur's belly. The cream she cat leaned over and licked her first kit, a wide smile slowly rising on her lips as the kit suddenly let out a squeak and latched onto her muzzle.

Her brief moment of relief ended quickly as the second kit starting coming. It was easier than the first kit, and soon she had two mewling bundles fighting for her milk.

"Are there more?" Blossomfur wheezed, looking up at Shinewing as she fought to catch her breath.

Shinewing's paws ran over her belly, pushing gently at it. "I think there's one more on the way..." A few seconds later she gave a confirming nod. "Yes, there's one more kit in there."

Blossomfur let out a shaky breath, nodding as she shifted in her nest to prepare for the final kit. Shadeheart licked the back of her head lightly, his purring sending warm vibrations through her. Why did I ever think that I could live without him by my side? Blossomfur looked at her mate. "I forgive you." She whispered. "I forgive you, my love."

Shadeheart's face showed something of shock before he purred loudly. "Oh thank you Blossomfur. Thank you. I promise I will never upset you again." He buried his face in her scruff, mumbling his thanks over and over again. Shadeheart continued to thank Blossomfur even as she tensed up to deliver the third kit. It wasn't until she finally slumped in relief that the warrior looked over her belly to peer at the three kits.

"A black she kit, a sandy tom and a grey she kit." Shadeheart purred. "They're beautiful."

Blossomfur smiled slightly, looking at the grey she kit in particular. Her fur was far from Bluesnow's blue-grey, thank the Dark Forest. It also wasn't like Flowerstream's brown-grey. It was more of a smokey grey, like the colour of the sky when it rained.

"I wonder what their eye colours will be." Shadeheart murmured, breaking through Blossomfur's thoughts.

"Hopefully your fiery golden eyes." Blossomfur purred at him.

"Or your stunning green." He countered, nuzzling her cheek.

She nuzzled him back. "Now what about names?"

"Shadowkit for the black one." Shadeheart immediately mewed.

Blossomfur blinked thoughtfully. "Shadowkit? Are you sure?"

"Yeah." Shadeheart nodded. "It's perfect for her."

"Alright." Blossomfur smiled. "How about Flintkit for the cream tom?"

Shadeheart nodded. "And the last she kit?"

"Cinderkit?"

The dark tom nodded again and purred. "Wonderful names."

Blossomfur smiled and hugged her kits closer to her, resting her head onto the nest. "They will be the best Dark Forest warriors ever. Your mother will be proud.."

_______________________________