Phoenix Maplewood Grace under pressure

While Reek didn't take the threat of being shot to the moon seriously, he knew the sentiment behind it was completely honest.  There would be hell to pay if he were to mirror the mistakes of Saena's estranged father. He was irresponsible, flighty, self-serving; but when it came to his family Reek gave up these traits, these labels, and was willing to be the stable rock of a husband and dad that they needed and deserved. She had nothing to fear from him, as the only thing that could tear him from her loving grasp was the cold grip of death itself.

Reek listened in silence as Saena continued on to coyotes once more.  Content to listen, Reek pressed in close and enjoyed to moment.  Their confrontation had been less than explosive and the fear that gripped at Reek had all but passed. Her points were valid. Maybe Sart was weird.  But, weird or not, Reek had forged a familial bond with the pup, much like one with their own child.

Reek finally spoke once a question was posed. "I dunno," he replied.  He had never really dwelled much on the details. Reek figured the number was something he couldn't control and relatively unimportant in the grand scheme of things.  No matter what, he would love them all, 2 or 20.  "I'd prefer a small litter... being a dad is hard." If he had gained anything from bringing the coyotes to the maplewood, it was perspective.