If Aranck wanted to get my attention he had done a damn good job of it, I think, cursing as I traipse through this god forsaken land in search of him. The only reason I stayed here was because I was Queen here. Consort - whatever, it all amounted to the same thing. Ruler. Power. It meant a life of ease for me although it certainly wasn't one of comfort. A constant edge of worry tainted my happiness because Aranck was always displeased. I hated him and yet I craved him. He was a drug that poisoned me but I purposefully took it despite the side effects. I mean, in the end, it got me to where I needed to be right? Who needed love and devotion REALLY?

Besides, loving Aranck seemed wrong when I had begun to dream of Carnifex once more. I missed his large presence. He had never left me to slumber alone in a cold den like Aranck often did. Not to mention the ungrateful brute had not given her any quarter after she had birthed his children. Whelping was NOT her favorite thing and she wondered, absently, why so many males required it.

But I would do what was necessary.

I expected him to shy away from my touch since he had been absent but he lets me do what I always do. Mark him, mark me. Except he plays the game just as good as I do because he lifts him paw up and presses it into me. It is large against my tiny body. My son took after me with his runt size - I had never explicitly told Aranck I was a runt but I suppose if he was smart enough he would figure it out. His pressure increases and I growl warningly but then shut up, bending to his will with a glare. His nip is met with an in-drawn breath, both fear and excitement mingling within me. There is something odd with me, the way I fight against him and yet crave his dominance. Crave the cusp of danger and titillation.

His words, however, erase any sensual thought for just a moment. "Of course, my darling," I purr, a clipped edge to my voice allowing him to understand I was NOT happy about this. When was I ever? Still I willingly lower myself, rolling my eyes in a coy manner up at him with a smirk. "Perhaps we can re-negotiate now? Winter calls to me... you call to me."