His eyebrow raised. "Don't worry, Silentsmoke. I'm sure whichever queen cares for them will be doing their best. Afterall, they are a deputy and one of the best warriors kits now, aren't they?" He'd grin, picking up the other two kits. The tom lead the way back home. He no longer feared facing his clan with these new kits. No one ever had to know he actually was the true father, not even the kittens. And as long as Vixenleap never uttered a word, and he trusted her enough to not do that, he would be safe. His new family would be safe.

Silently, he thanked her for the night they spent together. The resulting kits were now the best thing to have had happened. He'd protect his children and Silentsmoke with his life, and he'd make sure they knew that. The love he felt for them was immense. Was it always like this? Is this how mothers and fathers felt? It didn't matter.

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