For now, Zjeena is all business. As unhappy as she is about how the terms of it, a deal is a deal, and she will stand by her word. She may not be so accepting after she surrenders her body to Liland, though. Each passing day distances Zjeena from any love she may have had for Liland and leaves her aching ever more for Rougaru's touch. Zjeena left her life with Liland a long time ago. All that remains now is the bitter aftertaste of a romance gone sour. Only the passing of these coming seasons will determine whether such bitterness fades, or if Zjeena bares her teeth with the wolf.

Zjeena doesn't let her sorrows ruin precious time between herself and Akela. Every moment spent with her youngest son is precious, and the truth of it reads clear in her face as Akela bounds to greet her. Her eyes are alight with joy, and her ears forward in rapt attention. A true smile spreads across her tired face. "I saw him! I did! Wow! I can't believe how strong you're getting!" Zjeena exclaims, and reaches out to tousle his forelock with her upper lip. Rougaru approaches then, and cleverly redirects Akela's endless energy. As the colt surges past her, Zjeena snaps playfully at his little rump. Her eyes follow him until he disappears into the dense foliage.

She looks back to Rougaru, the effects of Akela's youthful innocence fading from her expression. The pain in his eyes reminds her of her own. Zjeena's eyes shine but she takes a deep breath and swallows her tears. She squares her jaw, and hardens her gaze. She made her bed, so she must lie in it.

Through every display of strength there is one weakness, and it is Rougaru. Zjeena's proud stance and brave face melt under the tender heat of his touch. She leans into the soft caress of his lips upon her cheek. Her eyes close and she breaths deep his intoxicating scent. He, Monster, and Akela are the center of her family here in Paradise and it is her family that will get her through the next year. Rougaru has nothing to be sorry for, and Zjeena never wants him to feel like any of this is his fault or that he could have done anything to stop it. The only one at fault here is Zjeena.

No. Don't say that. She pleads, pulling back to look him in the eyes. Her dark brown eyes fall into his emerald stare. "Don't be sorry. You have nothing to be sorry for." Zjeena is sorry. She's sorry for making Rougaru feel this way, sorry not severing her ties with Liland when she had a chance. Every choice she's made to benefit Liland has hurt her, and hurt the ones she loves more than they ever have helped. After this, it will all be behind them, and she will never make a choice for Liland again.

What can Rougaru do? She wants to tell him, "nothing", but the words come out "touch me." The words form barely a whisper. She repeats them, her voice heavy with desire. "Touch me Rougaru." Zjeena leans in to press her cheek to his. She lifts her chin to murmur in his ear "Tell me you'll be here when I get back." And that is all she needs, to know her pack awaits her return, and to know that more of this awaits her if she can survive the coming trials.

ZJEENA

6 YEARS
MARE
FJORD
14.0 HANDS