Atka quietly ventured through the forest, the still ambience cloaking over her. She choose to ignore the part of herself that knew why she was so close to The Heartwood, instead holding her head up, sniffing her surroundings. Life seemed scarce here, almost absent. The forest seemed almost unwelcoming, but Atka felt at peace here.

She didn't intend to wander far from Heph, attempting to keep herself close enough for when she'd set out to find her again. The silence was boundless, even though her ears were up, flicking around to pick up anything but nothing was detected.

Dreven found himself wandering more and more these days. Though he enjoyed his home and his leader. Even Khasni, the simple fact was he had never had a chance to really explore before. He found enjoyment in it. Finding places that had not be touched or had been touched many times. It didn't matter to him. He just enjoyed the movement and the places.

It was on one such excursion that a scent tickled his senses and put him on high alert. She was near. He froze midstep, unsure why he felt so guilty going to find her. She had consented. It had not been a forceful coupling. She had even stayed after, but he felt that he had tainted her and that was an absolutely foreign concept to him.

And then because he was unused to such emotions he growled low and threatening. Irritated at himself.  He continued on his way with a shake of his head. If they happened to run into each other then they did, if not he needed to not worry about it.

Though he'd be a liar if the tickling of another scent clinging to her didn't make him momentarily see red. He had never been one to find issue with sharing. He shared all the time. Minne could happily fuck whomever she wanted, so could Alduin, Vex and Khasni, but the thought of someone going near Atka that wasn't him, well. And it was with that thought that he immediately went into a rage. Furious with himself, furious with her.

Atka recognized the scent that lingered in the air, exhaling a deep breath she contemplated options here. She'd be lying if she said she had no longing to seek out the wolf. Not to quell any desires, just simply to see him. Her ears perked again, seeking out any disturbance of the dying foliage that lay on the ground. Her paws unconsciously stepped forward, following her nose. Stopping at the sight of his familiar dark coat.

❝Hiding from me?❞ Atka gave a lighthearted scoff, but the situation was still seemingly tense.

She stood not far off, staring at his large figure. He seemed different today, Dreven had always been a confusing wolf to her, but she couldn't read him at this moment. It was odd seeing him again, her mind would always drift to him for no particular reason when she was away. Atka knew any sort of attachment to this wolf would not have positive out comings for her, but she couldn't bring herself to care.

For a moment in time, Dreven was almost certain they would miss each other and he'd be fine with it. However, then she was there, in all her tiny white glory and his jaw tightened, muscles immediately tense. He swung his gaze to her, red eyes narrowed, tracing ever dip and curve that he knew. That he had touched, licked nuzzled everywhere, and a strong urge to stake a claim right there, was enough to draw his breathing tight. So like always he closed off the part of him that could feel and blinked at her. A smirk present on his face.

Aww Snow. Did you miss me?

As if moving of his own accord, he shifted and moved forward determination in his large brutish steps. He stopped an inch from her nose and bent his head down to hers, red eyes meeting yellow. He licked along the seam of his muzzle agonizingly slow, and with a snick went across his canine.

I think you did. He teased, tantalizingly close. Red eyes half hooded. Fury still singing in his veins, his pelt was itchy and burning, felt to small for his large body. He waited, wanting to push her, but also wanting to pull her into his embrace and make her forget whoever clung to her pelt.

Atka was quiet, she knew she was safe, and would be in his presence, but something about him was so intense to her, leaving her at a loss for words, like the breath in her lungs was stolen from her under his stare. Atka figured he'd always have that affect on her. She blinked after her silence, pushing away the rambling in her mind.

❝Maybe you'd be right.❞ Atka smiled, pressing her nose to his head before pulling her head back.

Almost unnoticeable, her smirk almost dipped into a frown as she eyed him. Something was bothering him. Atka knew that the eyes she looked into had seen things she'd never imagine. They were old eyes, regardless of the time he'd spent in this world, but she liked that. However, today his aura was accompanied by more intensity. Atka ignored it though, simply content to see him, tail disturbing the dying leaves under her with a wag as she sat down.

❝Perhaps you did as well?❞ Her brow quirked, smirk sill present.

Dreven didn't understand why this she wolf was so willing to be in his presence. Most were afraid, and most couldn't be safe. Note even Alduin or Khasni were 100% safe near him, but this one. He'd kill the first one to lay a paw crooked on her and he'd laugh. That intensity is what made him nervous. To care about things hurt. He had never cared about things before, so he truthfully wasn't even sure if that is what this was. He could just be obsessed, she was an amazing lay. Incredibly so.

A low purl curled from his throat at her touch. Throaty and full bodied. As was always the way with him. His smirk ever present. He followed her own smirk into a frown and then red eyes slid to her tail, stirring up the loam.


Dreven frowned, eyes moving from hers in a brief moment. I don't miss anyone, Snow.

His throat felt strange and he shook his head, and moved back to her, But if I were to start you'd be the first. That was all she was getting from him.

He wasn't sure what to say or do. he should run from her right now, because the anger that was pounding at his chest, was fiery, hard, and it wasn't good. He was so pissed off at her, and he didn't even know why.

❝I tend to have that effect.❞ She joked, suppressing her laugh.

She was content with that response, but the wag of her tail slowed at his expression.

❝Is something bothering you?❞ Atka extending her head to catch his eyes, scanning over his face with worried look.

She didn't know why she was concerned, but she was, she cared. Atka wanted to know what was bothering this wolf, do what she could to make it go away. She felt like this towards most, but it was more extreme regarding Dreven. She had her yearning to make him happy, unsure where that feeling was coming from, knowing he had not experienced much of it in his past years. However, Atka figured he may be resistant to it, perhaps he was afraid of a connection to her, regardless if it seemed to be present already.

Dreven eyed her. Got all the boys and girls in the yard do you. a hard edge was in his voice, but he moved and shifted unsure.

He moved boldly forward and wound around her essentially caging her in. Large brutish shoulders and legs squeezing.

He bent near her ear. You could say that snow.

He crushed her tighter against his chest her back to his front and growled near her ear. I find myself in a quandary, Atka.

He didn't move just held her there. I hate you as much as i like you and I'm not sure why. And I'm jealous as hell whoevers scent is all over you.

Atka's eyes widened slightly at his words. It clicked in her head, she frowned at this, but welcoming his embrace. She sighed, eyes closing as his fur brushed against his. Atka leaned against him as he circled, pressing her against him.

You could say that snow.

She held her breath, eyes flitting open.

I find myself in a quandary, Atka.

Dreven made her nevous, but not always in a negative way. He whittled down her defenses alarmingly fast.

I hate you as much as i like you and I'm not sure why. And I'm jealous as hell whoevers scent is all over you.

Atka exhaled, face stringing tight as she tried to piece together a response. Her mind drifted to Heph.

❝Listen, Heph and I aren't-❞ She paused, Atka thought over the flirty comments, affection and companionship.

❝We aren't like that.❞

Dreven occupied her mind more often than she'd like him too, making her feel an flurry of confusing emotions, whereas Heph just made her feel comfortable, warm. However, she'd revisit that later, by herself, right now she wanted to reassure Dreven. She didn't know where he stood, he probably didn't either, but she was afraid of whatever this overwhelming feeling was, leaving.

❝You make me feel different.❞ Atka looked at the ground, still enjoying the feeling of his body pressed up against her, ❝I don't know how to explain it.❞

Atka winced while she waited on a response.

Dreven had not meant for her to enjoy this. But clearly he didn't know her as well as he knew other's. He shifted so that she could lean further, almost unconsciously.


He chuckled coldly at her pause. Lie all you want to yourself, Snow, but please don't do me the disservice of lying to me. Your hesitation said all i need to know.


He growled at her, voice dark and deep and cold. That makes two of us that have no idea what the fuck we're doing.

He buried his muzzle into her ruff and stood there for a moment, holding her tight against him. Then with a bone weary sigh, he shifted and moved away and around. He shimmied to the ground, long body prone, stretching, stretching. Then he was fine, as he looked up at her. Anger still burning in his gut.

He wanted to demand things. And that didn't sit well with him.

His presence next to her felt condescending at his tone and words. Atka's stomach was twisting as he spoke, increasingly upset. She felt comforted for a moment as he pressed his nose into her, then frowning as his body heat was replaced by absence once more.

❝I can't lie to you when I don't know myself.❞ Atka finally responded as she watched him lie down.

❝But I know the companionship I have with her is different then what I feel for you, Dreven.❞

❝I'm not telling you how to feel, but you have nothing to be jealous of.❞

Atka sighed, swallowing back the nervousness in her throat. The silence of the forest reigned once more as she tried to choke out words.

❝What are we doing, Dreven.❞ She finally got out, stress edging her voice, repeating what he'd said.

Atka didn't know, he didn't either. They were tied in some way, as much as it could be unpleasant it was intoxicating and she found herself wanting more of it. She felt as if she could ask for no commitment, but she wanted too.

❝I don't know what I want from you but I can't stop thinking about you.❞ Atka knew, but she was too afraid of what he would say.

This was a heavy conversation. Perhaps they both felt something they couldn't admit to each other.

Dreven disliked lies. IF you were going to do anything, do it honestly. Less mistakes were made and less deaths. He had seen too much death from lies. He would not add to the number, by lying. Even if his honesty was distasteful or hard to swallow.

Her

So this she wolf was a female, then like a thunder clap the scent that pervaded around came to him. It was the female that had been at their borders.

I could kill her you know. He looked at Atka, a frown on his face. Though he was fairly certain he did that it would end whatever this shit was with Atka too.

But I won't. He sighed.

His skin crawled at her admission. Not because he disliked it, but because he did and that was never good.

Feelings get you killed, where i'm from. he murmured a furrow in his brow.

He stared at her, Red Eyes boring into her. Scars heavy on face, on back. Tattered ears quivering.

Tell me to go right now Atka. Tell me to go back to the heartwood and never look for you again. To turn the other way if I see you coming. Because I don't know either, and i'm gonna get you hurt or killed.

I could kill her you know.

Atka's skin crawled at that, she'd like to believe he wouldn't and she convinced herself of that. However, there was a lot to this wolf she didn't know, regardless if she yearned to know.

But I won't.

Feelings get you killed, where i'm from.

She swallowed again, taking a deep breath to quell her anger. Atka didn't care.

Tell me to go right now Atka. Tell me to go back to the heartwood and never look for you again. To turn the other way if I see you coming. Because I don't know either, and i'm gonna get you hurt or killed.

She glared at him, he knew what her response would be.

❝Dreven, I don't care about that, you know that. I already made my choice before. Whatever happens to me, is my responsibility not yours.❞

Atka stood up, pacing back and forth as she thought.

❝I'm not going to ask you go because I don't want that.❞ She said, stopping and staring at him.

The silence of the forest wrapped around them again as she paused. Only the sound of their breath.

❝But what do you want?❞

Atka knew nothing of him. She didn't know what he had done, what he had done to him. None of that. And Once before he would have said it didn't matter, but now. He just wasn't sure and he realized he was tired of thinking for the time being.

He watched her pace, his tail twitching back and forth. Eyes tracing over her svelt form as she paced. A small amused grin on his face. Her next question however, drew him pause and he chuckled.

We already went over that. The answer will never be no.

He got to his feet and stepped into her view, a low growl in his throat. Right now. I don't know what I want other than you. So let's go sweetheart.

Eyes were lower lidded, but he held still waiting for the go ahead. or her to tell him to get lost, either of which he would do.

Atka sighed, her high strung attitude had still not settled. Her gaze settled on his, her expression softening, but she still felt like air was stolen from her. Atka closed her eyes, stepping towards him and pressing her head against his chest, brushing forward.

❝Alright.❞ She said, her tone akin to her whisper.

She knew it would take her mind off of the stress. Atka kept her head pressed against him, her subtle way of avoiding his intense eye-contact.

His heart gave a heavy thump. He dipped his head down to her ruff and by her ear.

Gentliness belied his gruffness and he traced muzzle across her head. She had sealed her fate with him and he wasn't sure what to do about it. She was going to fucking ruin him.

So woth that in mind. He moved into position as gently as possible.

*skippity*

Later after both sated and Atka had gotten more from him than she bargained for everything he couldn't say he had done his best to show. He lay on the hard ground eyes closed and chest tight unsure what his problem was and hating it. Maybe he was coming down with something.

Atka was still silent, content with the familiar feeling of him against her side. Their hushed surroundings now felt calm instead of unsettling. She still didn't know what this meant, what would happen between the two, or if there really would be consequences to her choices. Did his warnings really have a real threat behind them?

She remained quiet, waiting for him to speak if he wished. Atka rested her head, eyes staying open as she stay hushed, content in his embrace. She chose to ignore what waited in the future.

Dreven finally opened his eyes and stared down at Atka. He sniffed the air around them, scenting for any predators. Too tired to move at this point, but didn't want to cause any issues. They were close enough to the heartwood that he was fairly certain they'd be fine.

Dreven was positive in his own way that were she to get into anything deeper with him, it would cost her, her life. He was not a good wolf, not even a nice one. Sure he could treat others nicely if the occasion called for it, but he could also turn on a dime. A grim feeling settled over him.

Are you okay, now? He rumbled against her side. He wasn't sure if he even wanted the answer, but he felt that it needed asked. Because, well he wasn't sure.

❝Yeah,❞ Atka mumbled in response, closing her eyes as she kicked her back legs out from under her, shifting against him.

She didn't fall asleep, simply satisfied in the moment. However, the world returned all the same, the peace in her mind short lived.

❝But what now?❞ Atka said quietly, head still down, eyes closed.

Dreven moved to take more of her weight then her question disturbed their peace, but he should have known it was coming. He had nothing to offer her, except his scarred body and apparently his possessive and jealous nature when it came to her.

I cannot change I don't think, but if you want what I have to offer it is yours. I can't promise I will always be the best, and I definitely can't keep my paws or my dick to myself at least I have never before. And with you for some ungodly reason I cannot share. Though I know it's unfair to ask you to keep just for me, when I probably won't for you. So just don't tell me about it, unless you absolutely want to, though don't expect a good reaction.

He nibbled at her head and ears and ruff as he spoke. Something to do with his tongue and his teeth, other than speak. Anything other than what he was saying.

But what do you want, Snow? Like honest to whatever god you believe in want?

Atka remained silent as he spoke, humming as he preened at her fur. She took a moment to register his words, eyes opening to gaze at the somber forest around them. Her brow furrowed, she didn't know what she could offer this wolf other than herself, given that's what relationships are.

❝Just you,❞ Atka said, wondering if that would make any sense to him. ❝and I'm content with that anyways.❞

She finished her sentence referring to what he'd said previously. Atka would sigh again, face still wrinkled in an expression akin to worry.

❝It's not like you could bring me back to your pack.❞ She said, not meant to be a stinging comment, just a simple thought.

Perhaps he could, but she had a doubt he'd do so, that he'd stick to what he said the first time they met. Atka felt a lingering frustration at that, too naive to recognize that these wolves really were dangerous, believing that she could handle herself. Her attachment would probably lead to putting herself in danger.

She hummed a little a noise he was growing fond of. He briefly wondered if she sang pretty enough to break an already broken heart.

Dreven was floored when she said just him. He was no proze. Really he wasn't. But he was forbidden and she was good. The good ones always liked the bad ones. Thinking they could change em.

I could snow, but I can't promise the others will leave ya alone. You're a pretty girl. Not that i wouldn't fight for ya, but if I'm killed. And we're murderers and the like.

Atka blinked, almost in awe that he said he could. She didn't really take what he said into consideration, brushing it off and assuming they'd be fine. Heph crossed her mind for a moment, she would probably try to drag the she wolf with her but she would not mention that to Dreven now, wanting to keep him at ease. All Atka wanted to do was relax in his embrace and prospect about what would occur.

❝I think I'll be fine.❞ Atka responded, the worried expression leaving her face, almost a smile now.

❝I'd have what I asked for, seems like plenty.❞ She said plainly.

Atka wasn't an ambitious wolf, she was normally content with small things. Residing in a pack with a low rank didn't bother her, she didn't have any desire for power. However, she did think over the pack, assuming she would probably be pushed to do things she didn't necessarily agree with, that fought with her morals. Again, she wouldn't mention any of this now, not wanting to open up another heavier conversation.

Atka took his words so easily. But she wasn't listening. And here his swlfishness occurred. Should tell her to leave. Only visit him when no one was around, but she wanted more. Needed more. So he'd give what he could. He wasn't certain how the others would take her. But she was an adult could make her own chocies.

Perhaps you will.

Dreven had no more to say about it already knowing if someone was to go after her it would end bloody b3cause he was possessive as hell over her. And had no idea why. He winced inwardly.

He curl3d his large head around her. Tucked her more firmly into his side. And closed his eyes.

Atka took in a sigh, mumbling an agreement to him as she closed her eyes. Things would be different soon enough, but she ignored that as Dreven tucked her further against his side. The grim forest went silent again, sheltering the two wolves, offering them a moment of peace before they would be forced the confront the world again.