Truthfully I am not so sure why I had such an instant connection with Exodus. Could it be because he was handsome AND kind? Possibly. I was unused to the combination, not to mention the level of interest that was given to me. He did not demand anything from me. Information or a trade of a more sexual nature. Aranck had always enjoyed my coy tendencies and I had played up on them, using my clever but manipulative mind to keep him in check. Until power had gotten into his head and things had begun to slide downhill rather swiftly. He had threatened to usurp me with another female constantly and the fight to preserve my place had sunk me to new levels of low; my body showed the clear signs of my toil. Too many births, too much stress, it all amounted to the demise that had taken him. But unless Exodus asked what truly had happened, how Aranck had died, then I wouldn't tell him.

Some horrors I would keep hidden so that the sun could shine on us.

The way that Exodus embraces me eases the last of my tension and fear. Already his touch claims me, his scent surrounds me, and I shut down all other memories of the ones that came before him. Aranck meant nothing. Carnifex had been my beastly love, but Exodus.. I felt a tightening in my chest. I could truly come to love him, I think. I cared for him already, leaned on him already, depended on him. I am yours, he says, and I blink in surprise at his devotion. I had asked him to wait for me but I hadn't expected such devotions so quickly - I figured he would want me to earn them. I was, after all, leaving my mate in his mind, for him.

But then I blink again and a joyous smile burgeons on my lips, tail wagging gently. "I will be yours too," I say. A twinge inside bothers me - hadn't I been the death of the last two of my mates? No, I wouldn't think that. This would be better. So much better! He licks me and I return his gesture with my own, pressing into him, eager to erase my memories with his scent. When he pulls back I wait expectantly with a coy grin on my face. It was time I learned to hunt, I think, but I rather enjoyed watching him in motion.

I stand in the same spot as I watch, allowing the water to twirl around my thin legs. Truly I am surprised by his method, never having considered such a thing, and frowning in thoughtfulness. But I grin when he offers me the meal, complimenting me, and I sashay out of the water to the banks to lay down at his side so that my shoulder touches his leg, inviting him to lay with me. To be close to me, as I desired his presence. Safety, he offers, freedom, he offers. I would take it all.

"You must share with me. I cannot allow you to go hungry either," I say, biting at the end of the fish and tearing the succulent meat away. "Besides, when we run out, I can try your method and see if it works for me." I flash him challenging eyes with a saucy grin - I would do it, just to see the proud look on his face. Because, for the first time, I think there is hope in my future.