Blacktail Deer Plateau strike three

his heart skipped a beat as grayday laid that new designation on him--man of the family. he'd have thought it would go to his son, or at least his brother, but no. . .it was his title, given to him by the one who mattered most. second-most, aditya amended, thinking of dawn.

dawn! he swallowed heavily. how foolish she must think him, for not only putting up with engel for so long but actively enjoying his presence. he had done yet another disservice to his mate, and he felt adrift in the shame of it all.

"i'm with you," he said simply, rising to mark the borders. his gaze cut sharply over to grayday at the alpha's remark, but he shook his head. "i'm not going anywhere." his heart lightened a bit, to know that sorrel was okay, but he still felt tremendous sorrow and pity toward the girl.

"he will not come here again," aditya vowed. he lifted his leg just high enough to be effective, the scent of him angry and disgusted and disappointed altogether.