Majesty got up early that morning, stretching a little more than usual for the long journey ahead. It would take him an hour at least to get to where he wanted to go, though he thoroughly looked forward to the run. He had gone farther distances in a day on a whim before. This time, at least, he had a purpose. He was going to see Erika, the she-wolf with the coat of inky black and eyes as bright as a full moon. The thought of seeing her again warmed his blood and put a bounce in his step as he quickly jogged the perimeter of the island, renewing the scent markers. Luckily, it seemed quiet this morning. No new recruits to handle, for once.

He caught a rabbit in the small forest where he made his den. He would need a light meal for the journey. Then, with a happy bark, he took off for the mainland that already-warm summer day, plunging into the ocean water with a vigor he had not felt in quite some time. The knowledge that he would have to pass through Ravensblood Forest to get to his beautiful she-wolf deterred him only a little. He would skirt the edges and move quickly...

By the time he reached Greatwater Lake early that afternoon, he was panting quite heavily. If he'd had sweat glands - which wolves do not - he'd have been covered in dampness. But he didn't mind. Because he could see her. She stared at her reflection in the water. He smiled to himself as he slowed to a walk, and called out, "Miss Erika, my beautiful. I am here. And you, my dear, are a sight for sore eyes. My paws are killing me, but my heart is light. You are well worth the run it took to get here." He smiled again and came closer to her. And then he stood before her, looking kindly down at her, eyes crinkling with joy. "How are you... Ma Belle?"

It was just about the only French he knew, but he hoped it would be enough for her. So he sounded cheesy. He didn't care. He fully intended to woo her all that was necessary. Of course, he knew what would happen should Jinx find out, but... If it came to that, he would storm Silvertip if it meant saving Erika.

Majesty chuckled as Erika reached up to nuzzle his face. It tickled slightly, and when she pulled away, he was disappointed. He chuckled again as she asked him how long he had known French. "I don't," he replied honestly. He leaned down and pressed the side of his face against hers, burying his nose into the fur of her neck and taking a deep breath to inhale her scent. "Not really," he murmured. "I know only a few words and phrases, so please don't start speaking in French or I will automatically assume you're cursing at me and don't want me to know about it."

He pulled back and gave a laugh - something he didn't do very often. There were butterflies in his stomach, but he didn't mind. He was happy. He cleared his throat, and looked down into her eyes. "Erika," he said, taking the Miss away from her name for the first time. "I have to ask you a question." He took a deep breath. "Would you... Would you allow me... to court you? I think I..." He gave a shaky breath, swallowing down the butterflies. "I think I love you."

Majesty's face alighted in joy for a moment, and then a second later he turned away, crushed. Erika was right, of course. They couldn't be together. Not as long as she was in Silvertip and he was the Alpha of Wheeling Gull Isle. Jinx... If Jinx found out, she would chase Erika from the pack. Or worse - try to kill her. -- No! He couldn't think like that. It wouldn't help anything. Still... her refusal broke his heart, though he tried his damnedest not to show it when he turned to face her again.

His face seemed stuck in a permanent expression of deadpan. "You're right, Miss Erika. Of course you're right. We could never... I mean. You could get hurt because of me. I... I should never have agreed to come here. She will smell me on you. I am sorry." He bowed his head, blinking furiously to get rid of the sting of tears in his eyes while his head was down so that she wouldn't see. And then a spark of hope flared in his chest.

"Perhaps, though... Perhaps you could... come live with my pack? We would all be glad to have you. I hope you know that." He looked up at her once again, desperation shining in his eyes. "Please... At least think about it... For me. I love you."

Majesty saw the tears welling up in Erika's eyes and humphed. "Now, now, Ma Belle, don't you start crying too." He leaned down and swiped his tongue along her nose, giving her a smile to try and lighten the mood some. When she said she loved him, his chest swelled like a balloon with happiness, though it was tainted some by the fact that she didn't want to leave Silvertip. He was afraid this was going to come between them in the end. He wanted to ask her what she saw in the wolves there that compelled her to stay, but he didn't because he didn't feel like arguing with her.

Instead, he said, "Perhaps... over time, I can... change your mind. Until then, I think we should continue to keep this a secret. And you must bathe in water before returning to Silvertip Mountain every time. I swear, if anyone finds out, and you get hurt because of this, I will never forgive myself." He shook his head, looking grim. And then his face went back its usual jovial expression. "But you will court me, yes?" He smiled at her lovingly as he asked it. "And not just because I call you beautiful?" he teased.

Majesty was full of joy - a joy he had not felt in a long, long time. Things had, it seemed, been recently looking up for him. He had his own pack, and now, he had a mate. He wasn't sure if his courtship with Erika would last, simply because of the distance and wolves between them, but he hoped it would. And he hoped one day he could convince her that coming and living with him on the island was a good thing. But he also knew he was perhaps thinking too far ahead. He would see how their relationship went first. If it was meant to be, then it was meant to be. If it wasn't, he would be heartbroken, but at least he would know for sure.

"Erika," he murmured, smiling at her. "Thank you." Slowly, he leaned down and gently pressed the side of his face against hers again. But this time, his face touched the side of hers that she hated. He rubbed his muzzle along the scarred, deformed, always-hidden right half of her face. Without flinching. Without holding his breath. This was a part of her, along with all the other parts of her. And though he knew she hated it about herself, he hoped he could make her see that she should love all parts of herself.

"You truly are beautiful, Erika," he said, and then chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. He hoped she would hear it and shudder in pleasure. He - apparently - had that affect on females. They all seemed to enjoy his chuckle. This made him happy. But now there was no other female for him than her. Erika. "My Erika."