He didn't know her past or what drove her to do anything she might have done that she didn't want to talk about but none of it mattered now that he had her at his side. As long as he lived, she would be his to worship. He couldn't ask for more. He knew that things could have been different if he had came back to her as he promised but nothing would bring him back in time to fix that mistake. He was honored that she had forgiven him, found him again so they could pick up where they left off. He felt like it would take his whole lifetime to prove to her that he was worthy of her. He knew that her last mate wasn't kind to her. She had shared that much in how little she'd said of him and how she'd acted at the idea of going back to him that last time. Exodus was smart enough to read between the lines. He was glad she had left her mate, however it had happened. He would never ask.

He knew mates were supposed to be for life but he also believed that mates treated each other with mutual respect. She made it obvious through her distaste for the male that he didn't treat her with respect. That only made Exodus angry. He knew she worried for Lucia because she loved her but he knew Lucia was growing and needed to get out in the world and make a life for herself. He didn't want to think they'd held her back and kept her from happiness over trying to protect her. He knew Malleah only meant well but he felt he needed to be a gentle reminder that it was okay to let go a little and let her grow up. It was the only way Lucia would learn to protect herself.

When he teased her about being a grandma, she murmured about already being one and he grew silent for a minute. He knew that she was old enough to have children out there somewhere. He would never hate her for however she acted with them and he could see the guilt was eating her sometimes. He reached out to her softly, his gaze asking permission rather than just comforting her as he would have wanted. He'd always treated Malleah with care when it came to touch, knowing she had her moods when she didn't want it. "It's never too late to find out." He murmured back in a low reassuring whisper. He at least got to see her soft side a little when she agreed that she wished they could go back too and have more time together. That soft smile was enough to encourage him that he might be getting a good day out of her today.

He let her tackle him, laughing as she snarled and bit at him playfully. He had plenty of thick fur for her to pull but he didn't mind. He got her back by wrapping his legs around her and she giggled, making his eyes light up as she struggled but he could tell she wasn't trying hard. She said something about fixing her fur and he nuzzled even more into her fur. "Then at least everyone will know with just one look at you how loved and cherished you are." He buried his nose in her neck, breathing her in like it could save his life. Cause he had every belief that she did save his life in a way.

Exodus_male_12 years_41in_195#_loved by Malleah_unable to imprint_father of Lucia_loner