The cold air gripped the mountain ever so slightly. Winter was slowly dissipating bit by bit. The former freezer-like aspect would soon melt away into a fresh spring. Already signs were starting to show, and observing this all was a large ram. He stepped out into the open air, his breath becoming visible as he breathed out of his nose and mouth.

Chirin took in the air and let out a sigh. He could tell the oncoming spring would be a good one, in more ways than one.

"Taking in the sights my love?" A voice spoke up from behind.

Walking up beside Chirin was a black-wooled ewe. The ewe herself held a calm expression, but that wasn't the most notable thing about her.

"Jinx! You shouldn't be up!" Chirin said with alarm.

Jinx sighed and shook her head, "Come on honey, just because I'm in a delicate condition doesn't mean I'm helpless."

Again the most notable thing about the ewe wasn't her face or even her black color, but instead the visible bulge in her belly. Chirin walked over to Jinx, looking her over.

"Still, it isn't good for you and the baby," The caution never left Chirin's voice.

"The baby is fine. Will, you quit worrying?" Jinx chuckled.

"It's my job to worry about you," Chirin stated.

"Well you need to stop or you're going to go bald," Jinx joked.

Chirin chuckled a bit at his mate's words, "I suppose so, but you have that way about you I suppose."

Jinx gave a little gasp, "Oh my goodness! I've never been so insulted in my life!" Jinx began to strut away, holding her head up high, "I'm going to go back to my farm and find a ram who will treat me like a queen and raise my child with loving care. Goodbye!" The ewe continued to strut away before finally turning around and sticking out her tongue, "Gotcha!"

Chirin shook his head and trotted towards the pregnant ewe, "What am I going to do with you?"

"Well for one how about we go for a little walk, just the three of us?" Jinx suggested, of course not just referring to the two of them, but the child she was carrying.

"Jinx, I don't think-"

"Oh come on! I've been cooped up in the den all day! I want to get out! See some excitement. It's just a little walk and then we'll come back! Scout's honor!" Jinx pleaded.

Chirin still looked uncertain. Jinx was certainly far along in her pregnancy. Although the ewe was certain she at least had an extra week before the due date, Chirin wasn't so sure on his mate's grasp of time.

Suddenly Jinx let out a little "oof" looking down at her belly, "Oh! Junior is kicking up a storm again, guess that means a yes!" Jinx flashed a smug grin towards Chirin, "Two against one."

Chirin didn't know how to argue against that. Though he wanted to keep his mate inside, a part of him couldn't deny her this simple request.

"All right, but the first sign of trouble we're heading back," Chirin clarified.

"Deal," Jinx responded.

The larger sheep stood next to the smaller one and the pair continued on their way. All the while Chirin took a careful eye to Jinx. He had never expected his life to be like this. Chirin was certain he would be doomed to spend the rest of his days alone on the mountain. Ever since he killed Wor, when he was rejected by his old flock, he was prepared to face that fate. But life would surprise him when it brought Jinx into his life. The spunky ewe had shown no fear towards him, and eventually, they struck up a friendship, and over several months, it had blossomed into love. Though Chirin had tried to protect her by convincing her to return home, three days later she returned voicing her intent to stay with him. They became mates at that very instant, and now they lived together.

Of course, with marriage comes another factor. One that was currently growing in Jinx's belly.

Chirin shouldn't have been surprised Jinx had gotten pregnant. After all, three days before Jinx becoming his mate, the two had shared a very special night. The moment had been perfect, jinx had vented her problems, and he had revealed the details of his past to her. Within that moment they felt sympathy for one another, and that opened the floodgates to share their emotions in the most potent of ways. And from Jinx's reaction the following day, he had performed excellently.

Now the fruits of his labor lay growing within. Or as Jinx would put it, "a bun baking in the oven". Not that Chirin knew what a "bun" or an "oven" was, but Jinx was more worldly when it came to human terms.

The pair came to a clearing, Jinx herself letting out a breath, "Okay, a good place to stop."

"Are you okay?" Chirin asked with concern.

Sitting on her back haunches, Jinx put a hoof to her swollen belly, "Yeah, Junior is just putting on a show is all."

"You're so certain it's a boy?" Chirin asked.

"Trust me, a mother knows!" Jinx said with a laugh, "Listen to me! Junior isn't even born and I'm talking like an experienced Ma!"

"I think motherhood suits you," Chirin remarked.

"You think so?" Jinx asked.

"Of course, any child would be happy to have you as a mother," Chirin said with the utmost praise.

Blushing slightly, Jinx looked away, "You sure know how to charm the ladies don't you?" She asked rhetorically, "I doubt some members of my old flock would think so, my pop especially."

Chirin frowned slightly at the mention of the word "flock", but he put that aside as his insecurity ate at him, "Do you think I'll be a good father?"

"This again?" Jinx remarked, "Look Chirin, you'll be a good father, no ifs ands and buts about it," Chirin hardly looked convinced, "Do you love this baby?"

"Of course!" Chirin answered.

"Well, there ya go!" Jinx grinned, "That's proof enough you're going to be a good father!"

Before Chirin could speak, a deep chuckle alerted the two sheep to a descending figure.

"My, my, the royal couple out and about for a little stroll?"

Chirin glared hard at the newcomer, "Selena!"

The mountain lion flicked her tail as she rose, "Jinx you certainly look well, pregnancy becomes you."

Jinx let out a little scoff, "Thanks I guess."

"If I didn't have my standards I could make quite a meal out of you at this point," Selena remarked.

Chirin let out a fierce snort, his breath making it look as if he was a dragon ready to release a stream of fire.

"Don't even try it," He warned.

"Wouldn't dream of it King, and you won't have to worry about me going for your child unless it provokes me that is," Selena added.

"Because you know my husband will kick your ass if you do?" Jinx asked.

"I'm more concerned about incurring your mate's wrath, but I do warn you once your child is full-grown, it's fair game."

Chirin had to admit, the mountain lion did have her standards and limits. He couldn't fault her for that.

"But I'm most concerned about Chirin, after all, now that you've gone domestic, I expect you to go to seed."

"What are you babbling about?" Chirin demanded.

"I can see complacency setting in, the ferocity fading from your eyes, the fire inside you dying out," The mountain lioness chuckled once more, "Why I imagine in time that belly of yours will grow till you are as round as an apple, possibly even more so," She licked her lips as a tantalizing thought reached her mind, "Why if I wasn't so retrained I could make a meal out of you at that point, but even if I didn't, the thought of the great King of the Mountain as a fat lump is just so pleasing!" She released with a triumphant laugh.

Saying nothing more, the lioness strode off leaving the two sheep alone.

"She certainly enjoys taunting us doesn't she?" Jinx asked.

"Hmmph! Fat indeed," Chirin remarked at the feline's prediction.

"I dunno honey, I'm kind of noticing a bit of pudge around your tummy," Jinx remarked.

Chirin jolted his head, his belly jingling as he did. Staring down at his belly, he asked, "Really?"

"Maybe a little, it's barely noticeable," Jinx said patting Chirin's middle, "But don't take it too personally handsome, a lot of fathers gain a "dad bod" eventually. Kind of comes with the department."

Chirin gave a dry look towards his wife, "You're joking with me aren't you?"

Coyly smiling, Jinx looked away, "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not!"

"You're not helping," Chirin said.

"Oh just relax, even if you do end up packing on the pounds you'll still be the fierce, strong, and handsome ram I fell in love with," Jinx said.

That indeed brought Chirin some comfort. It was so like Jinx to love him no matter what shape he was in.

"Just think, soon it's going to be the three of us, you, your lovely queen, and our sweet little prince ugh!" Jinx suddenly let out a grunt.

A full three seconds passed before another grunt rang out. Then another, and another.

"Jinx?" Chirin questioned.

Slowly Jinx turned around with a pained expression upon her face, "Chirin...I think it's time."

"Time?" Chirin repeated.

"Yes, time!"

Chirin didn't get it.

"The baby is coming!" Jinx exclaimed.

Chirin's bell jingled fiercely as he shot up. From Jinx's expression and position, he knew it for certain.

His child was coming!

A/N: This chapter is pretty much confirming Chirin and Jinx went all the way in the previous book, so Jinx was pregnant when Chirin convinced her to briefly return to her farm. Though I'm sure if Chirin had known that he would not have made Jinx head down the Mountain. I hope you all will enjoy the second part of this planned trilogy.