Mayhem had stopped making progress, and all the canines in the den was stressing her out. She was trying to best to stay calm and keep going, though.

RIver saw her stress and told Aries to leave " Aster can handle this."

Aries sighed and walked out of the den and went to rest.

" Mayhem. I know you are stressed but you have to kep at it." he said standing now at the entrance.

" Alpha...just go. I can finished this off." Aster said not looking at him " Come on Mayhem..."

Mayhem whined. Finally one of the last came, but it seemed the last one was to no avail.

Aster went to grab Aries again to see if he could help, but even he could revive the pup " Im sorry.. She didnt survive, Aster"

He looked at Mayhem and then turned aorund and left.

Aster nuzzled Mayhem " you did so good. But sadly only four survived" she said nuzzling the pups

Mayhem was panting, and exhausted. She nuzzled Aster back with a huffed yawn.

Aster stayed with her that night. " good job, Mayhem" she said nuzzling her gently and fell asleep, with her head on Mayhems back.

Mayhem fell asleep, but kept waking up to check on the puppies. She was a worried mother, but who wouldn't be?

Aster woke up every now and then to keep Mayhem fed. She needed the energy." you need to eat, Mayhem. " she said grabbing her a possum.

She was now protective of both the pups AND Mayhem. Not ever thee Alpha male would come close to her.

Mayhem was hungry, so she easily took the possum and ate like it was her last meal. She was so tired and her ears drooped, the poor dog had had a rough labor and hadn't slept well.

" do you want me to grab River for you?" ASter asked gently. " But im sire you want to be alone for now" she had a feeling things would change , but would it be for the better?