He wanted to treat her like the queen she is. She always would be a queen in his opinion. He gave his attention every day, eager to learn more about her all the time and spend time with her. They went hunting together and he took her on dates and showed her just how beautiful and special she is. When he wasn't with her, he missed her terribly but he didn't want to cling or make her feel pressured about anything. He only wanted her happy. Every night, they fell asleep curled up around each other and as long as he was touching her, he could sleep soundly but each time she would shift, he found himself stirring. He'd always been a light sleeper but he was good about hiding it. He could keep his breathing long and deep and he would look for all the world like he was sound asleep but he knew each time she woke in the night and he could sense her tension. She was thoughtful a lot and he wanted her to open up to him, but he didn't want to have to ask. He wanted her to want to tell him.

This winter was his best by far. He had the love of his life at his side and he couldn't imagine anywhere else he'd rather be. She showered him with her affection and he came up with new ways every day to do the same for her. When she brought up the idea of mating, he was surprised since he got the idea from her that it was all she was ever really wanted for in the past and that wasn't at all what he wanted from her. He would have never asked for children. Sure, he loved the idea of being a father and he knew that if they couldn't have children then he never would but he was happy just to have her in his life. he would never ask for more. And yet she instigated and gave out all the right signs and following his instincts and his heart, they ended up mating. He didn't have any regrets and if anything, he only showered her with more love to show her that he wasn't going anywhere. He was hers for life if she'd have him that long.

He wasn't even sure if they'd get pups out of it but he didn't mind either way. He was happy just to see her confident and gleaming once more. Her coat was filling out and he was feeding her as much as she would eat. He wanted her healthy more than anything and she certainly didn't need to be skinny in the cold of winter. His own fur grew long and thick for winter and he brushed up against her as often as possible to try to keep her warm. When the signs showed up and she finally told him what he was already beginning to expect, his heart felt ten sizes too big. He was going to be a father. He couldn't think of anything he wanted more than this, a family with Malleah. And to top it all off, she seemed happy about it too. He tried to look for signs that she was faking it or really was dreading the thought of more children but he couldn't find anything. She actually seemed happy about it and that only made him happier. She seemed thoughtful sometimes when she talked about children and he wondered if she was thinking about her own, the ones she may have left behind. He didn't know exactly what happened and he didn't want to ask.

He knew the moment she stirred in her sleep again, her heartbeat racing and he knew she must have had another nightmare. He ached to comfort her but he didn't know if she was ready for him to know about those yet. She seemed so secretive sometimes, like there were things she wanted to keep from him. He wished she would just open up to him but he didn't want to push her for it so he let her keep her secrets. After all, she wasn't pushing him. But this night it seemed she needed more than just his presence. He felt her nose press into him, nudging him and he made a show of slowly opening his eyes and yawning before he reached out to gently lick her cheek.

"What's wrong? Tell me what you need, sweetheart."
Exodus_male_9 years_41in_195#_loved by Malleah_unable to imprint_father of Lucia_loner