She brought up… a strange point to Chael. At first, he wondered, why would anyone that could be strong, want not to not act it? He was raised to be dependent on others, but ever wolf he knew since puphood had been raised to be independent. They could depend on their pack, but left to on their own, they would survive. Surely, this was something to be proud of! However, a deep understanding occurred in Chael’s heart. It must be tiring to always think on one’s own and have to worry about eating and weather and shelter and danger. His imprint, he could feel and see in her ruthless attitude, had to plan for all of these things every day of her life probably since puphood.
Her inner conflict became obvious to him when next she continued to ask questions that seemed opposite to her first. If she wanted him to be strong so that she could relax… but didn’t want to be offered such things? Was she afraid of wanting a companion? She seemed… to draw him near to understanding and then shove him away with viciousness uncommon. But that was the dance of getting to know each other. Chael had to hope that he had wisdom enough to differentiate between her defenses and what she truly thought. Right now, he sensed he needed to change, and he allowed it. It was a small change, and went unnoticed by him, but perhaps an outsider could see the developing steadiness in his posture and eyes.
He regarded her gently as she approached him. Gladly, he lightly rubbed his cheek alongside hers. His mind spiraled in dread at her question, but his heart warmed at it. He closed his eyes and a soft, low laugh rumbled in his chest. They were certainly dysfunctional, but he felt as if he understood better. Perhaps it was due to the imprinting beginning to morph him for her.
“I believe that you are exceptional... but perhaps, we should try to meet each other half way,” He stepped away from her and tilted his head with a pleasant acceptance on his features of her offer. He was shaken by the idea that she would change for him, but for the first time in his life, he hid it. Instead, he stepped in the direction they had previously been taking, offering to go with her once more. Today, he felt, was going to be his first time truly attempting to be a companion she could cope with.
|