Chapter 13

Brambleclaw's P.O.V

As Stormfur led his old friends down to the Path of Rushing Water, Brambleclaw felt annoyed that he was talking to his mate, and she purred at nearly everything he said with Oakkit in her mouth. Brambleclaw held Robinkit, Firestar's daughter; he growled lightly around the kits' scruff.

They reached the cave just then and Sandstorm made straight for a dip in the sand and flicked her tail, putting Stonekit in her belly. Firestar and Brambleclaw put the other two kits in the curve of her belly and they began to suckle.

Squirrelflight flicked her fluffy tail and padded over to a another dip beside Sandstorm, putting Oakkit in the curve of her belly Lionblaze, Jayfeather and Hollyleaf put his and her other three kits in the curve of her belly to suckle.

Brambleclaw went to Squirrelflight, but to his annoyance, Stormfur beat him their. He flicked his tail in anger and padded over to Squirrelflight as if nothing was wrong.

He was just in time to hear Stormfur saying, "Brook says there's a pile of fresh-kill for you guys. You know, your kits are very well behaved. Brambleclaw is a lucky cat. I'd bet any tom would be willing or wishing they were your kits' father." Stormfur turned and padded away, leaving Squirrelflight speechless, her green eyes as wide as the full moon and shock was in them.

Brambleclaw padded up, trying to hide his anger, and laid down next to his mate. He gazed down at his four kits, glanced at Squirrelflight, and asked the question that was nagging at him, "Squirrelflight, are you sure you want to be my mate?"

Squirrelflight gazed at him, her green eyes glowing with shock, and asked, "Why would you say that?"

"Because your spending a lot of time with Stormfur and our kits love him. I just- I don't know. Maybe you should be with Stormfur."

"Brambleclaw, he's my best friend and I love him, but I'm in love with you. Stormfur is like the big brother I don't have. You can't doubt my love for you. I love you here and now in the life we share. Never doubt it. Stormfur is just my best friend. I haven't seen him in a long time. And why wouldn't our kits love him? He's a friend of ours."

"But it seems like our kits love him more than me. I just- I don't know Squirrelflight. Maybe he is better for you than me."

Squirrelflight sighed in exasperation and frustration. "Oakkit, Bluekit, Ivykit, and Dovekit, do you love your father?"

Our kits looked at us, looked at Brambleclaw, then looked back at their mother. "Of course, mother. Why do you ask?" They asked simultaneously.

"Your father doubts you love him because you love Uncle Stormfur."

"WHAT? Father, we may love Uncle Stormfur, but we love you more. And mommy does, too. Right mommy?"

"Yes, I do. I love you and your father more than life itself, but he doesn't believe me or you."

"Now I never said that."

Squirrelflight glared at Brambleclaw. "Yes you did. It might have not been directly, but it was in there, you stupid furball."

Brambleclaw sighed. I know, I just. I've been stupid, huh?"

"Yes, you have."

"I'm sorry."

"Apology accepted. don't be so daft next time or I might not forgive you."

Brambleclaw nodded. He knew Squirrelflight loved him, he just didn't want her to worry about him and have to take care of the kits. Plus he wanted to hear her say it. He would never doubt Squirrelflight again as long as he lived.

Sorry it's not longer. I couldn't think of anything else.