As he got closer, he could definitely tell Sekhmet wasn't happy or calm right now. The irritation seemed to come off her in waves. Hoping to calm the storm, he stepped toward her, only to have her lash out at his ear. The sting of pain made a mixture betwene a growl and a groan of pleasure fall from his lips. It had been far too long since he'd had anything close to that kind of contact from a wolf that wasn't about to become his meal. It stung in all the right and yet all the wrong places, cause he didn't have Belhara anymore and he was starting to think no one would ever replace the likes of her. Sekhmet was his alpha and he respected and admired her. Hell, she was even attractive, but he knew there was something going on between her and Kweku. They were good about keeping it on the down-low, but he was observant and he noticed the slightest shifts in the air. They were hot for each other. He wished them all the luck, but it only made him think of his own spots of lonliness. That was usually about the time he would go kill something.

She told him his company was welcome and he forced himself to shake off the emotions flooding him, giving her a lazy smirk as he lifted a brow. "Glad to hear it." When she turned away for a moment, there was a new look in her eyes. Worry? It was hard to read. Then she said that she had reason to believe the asp had returned. It took Cuirass a moment to figure out what that meant, but it hit him finally and his eyes widened a little. "Blackthorne?" He of course had mixted emotions about that since he had never really liked the little prick, as he always liked to call him. Blackthorne had swept into his former home Iromar and kicked out everyone who wouldn't bow to his power, like he was due it or something. He was young and arrogant and Cuirass decided then and there not to like him even as he waltzed right out Iromar and made his way here with Belhara. He never once looked back. But of course Iromar and Asteraia were allies and Sekhmet even wanted them to hunt together one time.

It was hard for Cuirass not to "miss" the prey and get Blackthorne's hide instead but he behaved himself as his alpha would have wanted and kept his teeth to himself. That time, anyway. He could really care less if Blackthorne was back but something told him Sekhmet had her reasons for worrying. She knew Blackthorne better than most since they'd become something like friends before when he was in Moladian. The snarl that ripped from the female's lips said she was definitely not happy about the turn of events. When she told him to sit with her, Cuirass didn't hesitate to do just that. Not because he was scared of her or because he felt obligated, but because he truly wanted to soothe her fears and let her vent. He cared about Sekhmet and wanted her to know that her concerns were valid with him and worthy of action if needed. She finally turned back to him to tell him that she loved their family and would protect them. Cuirass scowled thoughtfully before nodding. "You know I will, too. With my life." He met her gaze, wanting her to know he meant every word.

She told him he was family and he couldn't help but smirk, lightly leaning over to nudge her shoulder. "I'd like to say we've been more than that at times but I know what you mean. You are my family, too, and I will defend you and this pack till my last breath." He let the teasing tone slip after the first part of that, wanting her to know that he could be serious too. Then he tilted his head a little and studied her face as he asked, "Do we need to be proactive about this instead of reactive?" That was his way of asking if she needed him to intervene with Blackthorne now. He would spy on the prick if needed, or downright confront and threaten him if need be. That might just be enough to provoke the male if anything, but Cuirass could always cripple him or something (or worse) if she wanted him out of the equation completely. He had no qualms, especially if it had to be done before his children were ever in danger.