This was new, this rage that simmered beneath him at this pack, his Dragon’s pack. Could they not see that their liege needed to be seen to? Could they not hold their simple greetings until tomorrow morning? Did meeting her now, battle torn and bloody that important that they will risk her catching infection. He had seen infection before, had recoiled at the festering scent, gazed upon the oozing liquid as it coagulated around the fur. It was not something that he wished his Dragon to endure and so help him if she did catch one then he would rain down his fury upon this pack. IT would be their fault for being selfish.

No wolf could ever say that he was one for crowds, yes he was typically nearby, but he never delighted in walking amongst his brethren. It just felt too exposed. Perhaps it was due to his natural antisocial nature or maybe he was unsure of himself when it came to holding his tongue and temper but he was better at it now then before…right? Just because he didn’t succumb to a snarling vicious mass of wolf, like he really wanted to, meant that he had improved. He hoped that this pleased her, that this made her smile on the inside for he did catch a few of those little ear twitches. He was so in tuned to her, so vigilant toward her, he would be hard-pressed to miss anything that she did.

So when the pack dispensed, finally, he was there. Graciously he lent his strength, yet his heart thundered within his chest when she leaned into him. He wanted to caress her, to drag his tongue across her face and stare into her weary eyes. He wanted to let her know that he was there for her and that he understood. Maybe not in the same sense as she but he had his own opinions and they could at least compare and contrast. Yet none of these left his muzzle as he inspects her, his nuzzling extracting a soft sigh from her ebony lips. Oh his Dragon. His sweet strong DraGON!

Eyes widen some when she trails her own tongue across his muzzle, the gesture so affectionate that he could do naught but growl in contentment. The sound is rumbling and very much happy as questioned her. Some answers he was pleased with while another he was not. His dominate side bringing a glare to her mahogany optics. His heart told him to cool it, to allow the girl rest while he…well he was too damn stubborn to give in. So he glared back in turn, she needed to be cleansed and there would be no squirreling her way out of this. Queen she may be but to him she will always be his obsession, the one his heart beat for, and the one he would die for. Could no command from her lips turn him away when she needed him or was in danger. Foolish? Perhaps but he never claimed to be one of all his wits when it came to her. However, he let it slide for now. She could rest, and then he will make sure her wounds are tended to, even if he had to hold her down like a wayward puppy.

She began to move, his pawsteps falling in step with hers, his bulk never leaving her side. She would be mistaken if she thought that he would withhold his help just because they didn’t see eye to eye? Heck, when did they ever see truly eye to eye? He longed to ask her where they traveled, where she knew so surely that she would rest. He wanted to provide, to release some of the pent up energy that swirled within from the fight and the meeting. He was so full of it that his tail twitched every few strides, ears never staying still either. He should run, should see to the borders, should hunt, but nothing could make him leave her. Especially when they started up hill, and their pace slowed to accommodate his Dragon. His head will turn once during their trip up, leaning into her just to exhale, his warm breath hot against her before giving a gentle prod. It was naught but a gesture meant to reassure, to give support as they made the very symbolic assent. The meaning of this, the importance of it, not lost on him.

Honored was he to share this moment with her, even as she sighed wearily for how was he to know she mourned silently at the moment, that his countenance swelled. He held himself taller, yet careful with her, as he strode into the cave like dwelling. Noting the scents that swirled around like a whisper on a hot day. This was the den of her parents. So intent was he on her that he didn’t take in fully their surroundings, the place where he haunted her ruthlessly. A soft intake of breath is the only thing given as he came to recognition before he continues to help her settle upon the meager bedding. He would have to fix that but what did females use for bedding? Did they like soft or hard? Did scent play a factor? He would have to ask but then to do that would be to make himself vulnerable. That left a bad taste in his mouth but then he would have to see about it…just how hmmmm?

He was chewing on this when she spoke, her tones washing over him and bringing him inner peace for the moment. Her words touch something deep within him, moved something that he thought untouchable and before he knew it he was lowering his head, touching her nose with his own.

”I would be honored to stay by you this day and forever more, to be your shadow, and your guardian. I have never wanted anything more than to do so, my Dragon, my…Queen.”

Was he about to say heart?! Well we shall not know for it was then that he heard the sound of paw falls, the scent of one he did not know. Whirling he emits a low and rumbling growl, side stepping so that he could advance no further, so that he could not touch his Dragon. His growl is border lining on snarl as he notes the tender way the male looks at what is his. Did he know her? Mind struggled to place him, but it just kept falling on “Male of different Pack”, “staring at Dragon as if he wanted to lie with her”, and “Unknown Male to I.”

Ears perk when he speaks, calling her name, mentioning a promise. A promise?! Did she already promise herself to him? Why didn’t she speak of this to him?! WHY WASN”T HIS SCENT ON HER THEN FOR ALL THESE SEASONS?! What thread of control he had snapped and he whirled, creating an lopsided triangle. His front half still firmly in place between the two yet he could now view both of them.

”Promise? What did you promise him my Queen?”

His tone had gone formal with an all too obvious frosty bite, all warmth gone as transitioned to the darker state that was all part of his bloodline. His body, that once twitched with energy was still, every muscle primed for battle as he dragged his deadly stare from his Queen, inched over the scant space, only to rise to the male before her. They did not travel over his body, nor note the difference physically as he would any other potential opponent. For if he was to fight this male it would be to the death over the rights to his Dragon. HIS! Seeking his gaze, something he was denied since the brute walked in the cave, he snarled. This sound as low as death as he began to shiver, his muscles quivering with the need for explosion.

”And who are you, Promiser?”

Front paw takes one loaded step closer to the male, eyes never leaving his if he gained his gaze, lip rising to reveal one gleaming canine. His Queen was injured, he was riled up, and now jealousy fueled his rage that colored this entire scene. He was after blood, and if allowed to take one more step, to progress in the direction of the male who had promised HIS Queen to come when she ascended, then he could not hold true to his previous thoughts. Perhaps, this day, he would prove that he hadn’t really changed at all. That he was still the volatile wolf who had a deadly obsession.