Chapter Text
Everything ached. His back, his belly, his chest, his joints, his arms, his legs, his head.
Shane could barely move through the den with his swollen, bulging belly.
Nestled safe and warm inside his womb, Shane knew there were no kits kicking his ribs. Deep down, he knew Ilya had fulfilled his promise and put at least one cub inside of the fox.
Running a hand over the stretched skin, Shane sighed. He could barely take a deep breath these days. There was no room left inside of him.
The worst part was how disconnected he was from his inner fox. Ever since his belly had begun growing at an alarming rate, Shane knew he could no longer shift back and forth safely. If he was 100% sure that there were kits in his belly, there would be no problem.
If it was a bear cub, though, his womb would most likely tear in fox form and kill him.
Ilya knew this, too. In fact, he had in no uncertain terms informed Shane that he was not banned from shifting. Not that Shane planned to because even though he was not happy, he did not want to die.
As Shane’s pregnancy progressed, Ilya grew more protective and even kind. The beginning phases of pregnancy were certainly a rocky spot for them.
The first several weeks of Shane being trapped in Ilya’s den consisted of the bear exploring the fox’s body thoroughly. He fucked Shane within an inch of his life nearly every day, intent on breeding his little mate.
Sex got easier as Shane’s body stretched to accommodate the larger hybrid. He had even enjoyed a few moments.
All the other seconds of the day consisted of Shane snapping and hissing at Ilya. Escape attempts were constant, but Ilya always seemed to predict Shane’s next move.
It wasn’t until Shane realized he was pregnant that he actually made it out of the den.
Wincing at the feeling of a foot colliding with his bladder, Shane rubbed his belly to hopefully soothe the wayward child inside of him.
“I know,” he murmured. “Your Papa was very angry that day.”
It was true. Ilya had nearly gone mad when he returned from hunting to find Shane gone.
That was the last time Shane fully shifted into a fox. The heavy belly made him look at least five months pregnant as a fox even though he was only probably about two. The realization of what Ilya had done to him settled in pretty quick.
Shane tried to find his way back to where his family had last been. They would help him. They would protect him even if he was carrying a bear’s cubs.
It took an embarrassingly short amount of time for Ilya to find Shane. His scent had grown so much sweeter, indicating to his mate what was happening inside Shane’s body. It would have been impossible for him to have hidden from Ilya.
Similar to their first meeting, Ilya had snatched Shane up by the scruff of his neck, carrying the fox back to Ilya’s warm den.
Shane had shifted immediately, hoping his pleading eyes would sway Ilya’s firm gaze.
“ты глупое существо,” (you foolish creature) Ilya growled, grabbing Shane. He stripped the fox of the thin shirt Shane insisted on wearing to hide his body. “You wish to be killed, da? Your scent is like target on your back. Any animal or hybrid could smell you miles away.”
Shane cried as the bear unceremoniously tipped him over Ilya’s knee. His ass was held high in the air, vulnerable and bare.
“You carry my cub.” Ilya’s hand was brought down on the soft flesh of Shane’s ass in firm, unyielding smacks. The burn warmed Shane’s chilled body. “You are my mate. Get that through your foolish little head.”
Shane began sobbing as the spanking continued. Ilya spoke harsh, discipling words to go along with his hard palm.
“I cannot protect you out there.” Ilya’s voice sounded desperate, almost pleading. “You must stay in den where is safe.”
Shane came to realize when Ilya was emotional about something, his accent thickened.
Eventually, Ilya had stopped spanking Shane, pulling the fox hybrid up to stand in front of him.
Insistent fingers forced Shane to stare into Ilya’s intense hazel eyes. His lip wobbled as he took in the expression of worry and disappointment in the bear’s eyes.
“No more shifting.” Ilya stated. A large hand came to cup the much smaller bump on Shane’s human stomach. “No more running. You eat and rest and grow our cub.”
Shane wanted to protest, but his ass begged him not to. Ilya had never raised a hand to him before, but Shane was certain the bear had no qualms repeating this lesson if need be.
That night, Ilya had sheathed his cock inside Shane. Not thrusting, just holding.
When Shane had shifted in discomfort, Ilya tightened his arms around the fox. He placed a sweet kiss on the back of Shane’s neck.
“Just keep my cock warm tonight, дорогой.” (sweetheart) Ilya whispered in Shane’s ear. “I will fuck greedy cunt in morning.”
Shane’s face had burned at the words. His still throbbing ass was pressed close against Ilya’s hips and abs. He figured the sick fuck enjoyed the feeling.
That became the tradition. Ilya would sheathe his cock inside Shane every night for him to fall asleep on, and the fox would wake up to Ilya’s slow, indulgent thrusts.
It was until Shane became too heavy to enjoy sex. Surprisngly, Ilya had not protested when Shane suddenly began aggressively growling and snapping when the bear would initiate any sexual favors.
When Shane had dubiously eyed him, Ilya merely shrugged.
The satisfaction was short lived as only a few weeks later, Shane woke up with a terrible itch between his legs. A tickle that he had never felt before. A desperate need.
He suddenly became too aware of Ilya’s muscles. The way his arms rippled when carrying in his kills to skin them. The way his cock swung deliciously between thick, muscular thighs.
Humiliated by his body’s response, Shane tried to keep his distance, but the bear insisted they sleep skin-to-skin. For bonding.
One night, Ilya wrapped his too big arms around Shane, and the fox clenched his cunt as he felt a flow of heat escape him. The scent hit him too late because Ilya smelled it as well.
“Oh, дорогой,” (sweetheart) Ilya crooned, petting Shane’s flank soothingly. “Are you feeling needy? Is okay, now. Your mate is here.”
Shane whimpered as Ilya’s fingers prodded his already wet entrance. He couldn’t help it as his legs opened for the bear.
Ilya had fucked Shane so sweetly that night. Slow and careful of his swollen belly. Ilya’s hands had worshiped the fox like he was something precious. After they had both reached their climax, the bear had groomed Shane’s ears and tail before falling asleep.
They had fallen into a tentative understanding for the weeks following that night. Shane snapped and hissed less. Ilya was far more gentle. They had even gotten to know one another better, sharing stories of childhood.
Then, Shane entered his last few weeks of pregnancy, and he was once again, repulsed by Ilya. He did not want the bear touching him at all.
Everything hurt, and the poor fox practically limped around the den. He tried to ignore the concerned glances and hurt frowns on Ilya’s face. The bear had seemed to get so used to Shane being sweet on him that the new cool demeanor was even more hurtful than before.
The inevitable hung over Shane’s head like a noose. Eventually, his body would go into labor and he would endure terrible pain to bring the bastard’s kids into the world. He would probably just rip straight in two, judging by how big his belly was.
All alone in the den some days, Shane could only think of the worst possibilities. He could die in childbirth. His children could die. What would Ilya do? Would he mourn Shane, or just his cunt? If the babies died, would he expect Shane to get pregnant again immediately? Even if the babies survived, how long of peace would Shane have before he was pregnant once more? What if they actually were kits? Would Ilya be disappointed? Would he abandon the kits?
Shane knew Ilya had mentioned kits before and that he would still take care of them, but Shane couldn’t help but worry. How could a bear raise fox kits? How could a fox raise bear cubs?
Shaking his head, Shane returned to the task of cooking the elk meat Ilya had brought back the night before. The bear insisted Shane eat cooked meat now that he was pregnant. Something about not getting sick. It simply wasn’t worth arguing.
Shane smelled Ilya before he saw him enter the den. He steeled himself for another tense night waiting for his body to pop. He had resigned himself to giving Ilya the silent treatment. Shane hadn’t spoken a word to Ilya in days.
Just like he did every day, Ilya tried to be sweet with Shane. The bear would come close, trying to wrap his mate up in a hug, only to be swatted away and hissed at.
“Oh, Shane,” he hated it when Ilya used his real name. It sounded too real. At least the silly pet names could be read as condescending. “Please, just say something, моя любовь. Tell me how you feel, how baby feel.” (my love)
Shane stubbornly moved away from Ilya, despite the shooting pain up his back. He hated how awkward his movements had become. He was a fox for fucks sake! He was supposed to be agile and quick.
Ilya tried to reach a hand out, as if to take some of Shane’s weight, but it went ignored. The bear was at a loss for what to do. Shane’s moods had been up and down the whole pregnancy, but he had never just been silent. It was killing Ilya.
“Baby kick much today, da?” Ilya tried again. When he tried to lay a huge palm over the tempting swell of Shane’s belly, it was smacked away harshly. He glanced at the cooked meat over the fire. “Did you eat yet?”
Shane didn’t answer. He merely reached forward to grab a piece of meat. Before his hand could reach it, Ilya had snatched it up, holding it up to Shane’s mouth.
Scowling, the fox turned his head in defiance.
Ilya’s face crumpled in disappointment. He laid the piece of meat in Shane’s hand before moving to kneel in front of the fox.
“Eat, моя любовь.” (my love) Ilya murmured gently. The bear grasped one of Shane’s swollen feet to begin massaging. He loved Shane’s feet. They were almost as cute in human form as his little fox paws are.
Reluctantly, Shane ate the meat, allowing Ilya to dutifully massage his sore feet. He could barely even see them with how large his belly was.
It did not take long for Shane to grow unsettled at the feeling of Ilya’s hands touching his body. A few bites of meat later, and Shane snatched his feet out of the bear’s grip, hissing in warning.
Ilya’s shoulders slumped. His mate was in pain, and there was nothing he could do about it. Shane wouldn’t even speak one word to him.
In a moment of desperation, Ilya decided to tell Shane the secret he had been planning to keep to himself until after the birth.
“There is a new scent along the edge of our territory.” Ilya spoke calmly.
Shane wanted to scoff. Our territory. Nothing belonged to him. He wasn’t even allowed outside in the damn territory.
When Shane still did not respone, Ilya continued.
“Smells familiar.” He mused. Eyeing Shane’s reaction to his words very carefully. “A group of six. What appears to be a family unit.”
Shane swallowed. His family had been a group of seven before he went missing. They probably thought he was dead. They would be a family of six now.
“What is interesting,” Ilya continued. “They lay scent on thick all along edge of territory. Just as you did.”
Shane’s ears perked slightly at the words. He tried not to give away too much of his response, but the thought dawned on him.
Was it his family? Had they found his scent?
Shane was so wrapped up in his own head, he didn’t realize Ilya had moved closer. The bear tentatively wrapped his arms around the pregnant fox.
When Shane didn’t immediately hit him and run away, Ilya relaxed and inhaled the intoxicating scent of pregnant Shane. Sweeter than his scent had been when Ilya first found him. The telltale sign of milk beginning to form within his breasts made Ilya’s mouth water.
The bear had to remind himself to keep his own scent in check rather than scare off Shane in this rare moment of bliss.
“Perhaps,” Ilya murmured gently. “After birth and you are healed, we can investigate new scent together. If you are good boy for mate.”
Shane swallowed again. This may be his only chance to see his family again.
“You promise?” Shane’s voice was hoarse from lack of use.
It was still the sweetest sound to Ilya’s ears.
“I promise, моя любовь.” (my love) Ilya responded, savoring the way Shane’s body relaxed into his at the words.
That night, Shane went into labor.
The pain was excruciating. He was going to die. He was going to be ripped apart by Ilya’s giant baby.
Shane let out a pained scream as another contraction ripped through his abdomen and back. All he could think about was how he wanted his Mama. She had birthed five kits. She should be here with him.
Frantically, Ilya tried to sooth his mate. He wished he could take Shane’s pain. He would give anything to switch places. He had thought Shane’s silence was agony, but they had been going on several hours of Shane letting out painful wails. Ilya didn’t know how he was going to love a baby that caused Shane this much suffering.
“Ты такой сильный, моя любовь. Ты справляешься так хорошо.” (You are so strong, my love. You are doing so well.) Ilya kept up a string of praises. English was a little too hard as he watched Shane cry and scream in agony.
Out of nowhere, an overwhelming sense of pressure descended in Shane’s vagina and ass. It felt like a tree was growing and sprouting roots deep inside him.
“Ilya,” Shane whimpered. His mate was right there, holding most of the fox’s weight. “I think they’re coming. I have to push.”
Ilya nodded. “Push, моя любовь.” (my love)
The sound Shane let out was pure animal. Pushing felt good, though. It relieved some of the pressure.
Until the burning began. It felt like his cunt was on fire as the baby’s head stretched him impossibly wide. Perhaps now, Ilya’s cock wouldn’t even stretch him anymore. Maybe the bear would never want to fuck him anymore, and Shane would never have to do this ever again.
“The baby is coming,” Ilya exclaimed excitedly. His hands were poised to catch the cub as it came tumbling out after the head was born.
The cry hit Shane deep in his heart. His baby’s cry.
“A girl cub,” Ilya announced. He pressed a kiss to Shane’s head and then their daughter’s. “Well done, моя любовь.” (my love)
Shane reached out with grabbing hands, and the bear obediently placed the cub on Shane’s chest.
Just as the high of delivering his daughter safely peaked, he felt the overwhelming need to push again.
“Ilya.” Shane whimpered. “Another is coming.”
Ilya’s eyes bulged.
“No, no,” Ilya soothed Shane, petting his dark hair. “Is just afterbirth. Bears usually carry only one cub.”
Shane growled, his body involuntarily pushing.
“Foxes have litters.”
And Shane was right. A few moments later, another female cub made her way into the world. Slightly smaller than her sister but still healthy.
Ilya dutifully cleaned up the furs Shane had soaked in blood as the fox nested with his two infant daughters.
The twins were definitely on the larger side for human infants, and Shane wondered how big they were as bear cubs. They both had black ears on top of their heads with thin tufts of black hair.
They whined and whimpered until Shane latched them onto his breasts. As they fed, his brain seemed to grow fuzzy with joy.
Hormones. His mind supplied lazily.
He was so blissed out that Shane didn’t care when Ilya draped his huge body around all three of them protectively. His inner brain was pleased that his mate was protecting their vulnerable family.
“I am so proud of you, дорогой.” (sweetheart) Ilya crooned, kissing Shane all over his freckled face. He hoped their daughters inherited them from his mate. “I love you.’
Shane hummed, mind still floating. The gravity of Ilya’s words did not sink in until later.
“Sleep,” Ilya ordered gently. “I will watch over all of you.”
Shane obeyed his mate.
Shane did not forget Ilya’s promise. He was merely distracted by the twins.
The girls would wake him up at all hours of the night to feed or change them. Several times in the night, Ilya would wake up first and pick up whichever child was screaming.
Shane would watch with bleary eyes as Ilya bounced and rocked either Lily or Jane soothingly. Most times, the bear would bring the cub over to Shane, holding her up to Shane’s breast to feed.
If Ilya noticed Shane was awake, he would smile and croon at his mate to go back to sleep. Shane would drift off to the feeling of his daughter suckling and Ilya cooing.
It wasn’t until a few weeks later that Shane plucked up the courage and energy to discuss the promise with Ilya.
The girls were miraculously both asleep, so they had to keep their voices down.
“Yes, scent is still there.” Was Ilya’s response when Shane awkwardly asked one day if he had caught the scent again. “Seem to be waiting for something.”
Shane bit his lip.
“You promised…” Shane coughed. Ilya raised an eyebrow. “That we could investigate.”
Ilya nodded. “When you heal.”
“I am healed.” Shane insisted. It was true. He had shifted twice already since the birth. “We can go now. The girls are asleep.”
“Leave girls alone?” Ilya’s voice was painted with disapproval. “No, you go. I stay.”
Shane’s mouth dropped open. That was not what he was expecting.
“What?” He said. Searching Ilya’s eyes for mocking, Shane found nothing but mild boredom. “You want me to go out by myself?”
A pang hit Shane square in the chest. Did Ilya not want him anymore? He got his cubs and now, he is okay with Shane fleeing?
The realization came crashing over Shane like a tsunami.
Ilya was testing him.
He knew Shane would never abandon his daughters. If Shane flees now, there was no way he would see them again.
Shane’s lip wobbled, causing Ilya’s expression to soften slightly.
The bear nodded towards the entrance of the den.
“Go on.” He encouraged gently. “I mark path for you. Do not be late coming back. Twins must feed.”
With that, Ilya shifted into his bear form and curled up around the twins' makeshift crib.
Shane hesitated, glancing between the three of them and the exit.
My family.
Who is my family?
Before, family was his Mama and Papa and siblings. Now, was this his family?
Before he could chicken out, Shane fled through the winding passages of the den towards the outside world.
Shane hadn’t spent more than a few moments in the fresh air for months. He shifted and yipped happily as he bounded through the soft grass on padded paws. Spring has come.
The last time he saw Ilya’s territory, it had been covered with snow. Now, flowers bloomed and trees blossomed. The fresh scent of rain covered the fertile ground.
Careful to stay along the path marked by Ilya’s familiar scent, Shane enjoyed every second out in the forest.
It wasn’t until he came up on a comforting scent that his heart stuttered.
Mama. Papa.
Shane yipped loudly, hoping to get the attention of someone near.
A few seconds of tense silence passed before an answering chirp sounded.
From behind a bush, a head popped out.
Regal looking eyes and a strong snout, Shane’s Mama was staring at him.
Bounding forward, Shane collided with his Mama, savoring the feeling of her soft fur and familiar rumbling.
When they both shifted, they embraced as humans, too.
“Oh, Shane,” Yuna cried. “I thought we lost you.”
Shane nuzzled her shoulder. “I never thought I’d see you again.”
Yuna’s hands cradled her son’s face.
“You look so pale.” She noted. “Your scent has changed.”
Shane swallowed, getting up the courage to tell her the truth.
“Mama,” he said, tears filling his eyes. He pictured his girls, curled up together with Ilya watching over them. “I found my mate.”
Yuna’s eyes widened in surprise.
“I have two bear cubs. Two girls.” Shane continued.
“Bear cubs?” She echoed. “You mated with a bear?”
Shane nodded. “His name is Ilya, and this is his territory.”
“We could smell you within the territory, but we had feared you had been eaten, not mated.” Yuna said, running her hands along Shane’s arms. “We’ve been here for months. Surely, you could have come sooner.”
“It wasn’t safe.” Shane smiled through the bitter words. “I was pregnant, and Ilya was just being protective.”
Yuna smiled slightly. “He seems like a good mate.”
Shane swallowed.
“Please, don’t leave.” Shane begged. “Stay in this area. I can visit more often now that I am healed.”
Shane didn’t know if that was a lie. Ilya very well could decide that this outing was Shane’s one and only.
“Of course, honey.” Yuna soothed. “We would like to meet our grandchildren, after all.”
Their reunion was short but sweet. Shane feared Ilya’s reaction if he thought Shane had truly run. He also craved getting back to his girls. He didn’t want them to think their Mama had abandoned them.
The journey back to Ilya’s den was far less exciting than the journey away. It felt simultaneously like a leash being tied around his neck as well as a satisfying settle in his heart.
When Shane tentatively padded into the den, he noticed Ilya was in human form again, holding Jane, the smaller baby, against his chest as she cooed up at him.
“Is she hungry?” Shane asked. Ilya looked up as if he had seen a ghost.
“Uh, probably.” Ilya responded, dumbfounded.
When the bear laid the cub into Shane’s arms, he stared at his mate in awe.
“What?” Shane asked defensively.
Ilya threw himself at Shane, wrapping the fox up tightly in his arms, careful of the baby. Ilya nuzzled into Shane’s hair and kissed all along his cheeks and neck.
“You came back.” Ilya mumbled. Shane felt his heart squeeze at the pure emotion in Ilya’s voice. The bear sounded like he could be crying. “You didn’t leave us. You didn’t leave me.”
“I’ll never leave.” Shane vowed. “We are a family.”
Ilya sniffed. His Shane. His little vixen. His cubs’ sweet Mama.
“I love you.” Ilya said tearfully.
“I love you, too.” Shane responded, leaning in to kiss Ilya.
Epilogue
“Ah, ah, ah, ah,” Shane moaned as Ilya thrust into him. All previous notions that Shane would be too stretched out to please Ilya after birth were a long-lost thought. Ilya had wrecked Shane’s tight cunt dozens of times since the twins were born, but the bear’s new favorite way to fuck his little mate was in his tight ass.
“So fucking tight.” Ilya groaned. Shane’s ass squeezed his cock in a vice grip. “Such a perfect little slut for your mate. You like feeling my cock in your tiny ass, непослушный мальчик?” (naughty boy)
“Yes, Ilya.” Shane shrieked as Ilya began thrusting fingers into his cunt as well.
The fox was bent over the soft mound of furs close to the fire, his newly swollen belly swinging slightly with the force of Ilya’s thrusts. The twins were four months old when Shane realized he was pregnant again.
This time, he was sure they were kits. He was able to shift easily between fox and human, and he was certain he felt far more than two sets of feet kicking him. His belly in human form was also comparatively smaller.
It worried Ilya to no end. He was used to the robust bear cubs they had before. He was constantly feeding Shane more and more in hopes of fattening both his mate and his cubs up.
Shane reassured him this was common for fox kits to be on the smaller side, but Ilya would merely distract him by making him cum over and over again.
The girls were being watched by Shane’s family, who had become more of a figure in their lives after they met Ilya and the girls. Although Ilya was still protective over his family, he realized how happy the foxes made his mate.
Shane went tumbling over the edge of an orgasm, clenching down tightly on the large cock pounding his ass. Ilya followed shortly after, painting Shane’s insides with cum.
The mates collapsed in exhaustion together, sharing sweet kisses and gentle pets.
Ilya rested his head on Shane’s stomach, as if he could hear the heartbeats.
Shane twirled Ilya’s curls idly.
“I love you.” Shane smiled.
Ilya looked up at Shane, eyes brimming with devotion.
“I love you, too, моя глупенькая маленькая лисичка.” (my silly little vixen) Ilya cooed. He ran his thumb over Shane’s cheek. “Я знал, что ты в конце концов будешь счастлив.” (I knew you would be happy eventually.)