Phoenix Maplewood What a beautiful world

"You're not alone Des," He quietly consoled. Despite not having the same report with Desna as he did with Scarlett, Reek felt that the youth was a part of his family simply by extension.  It was as if she were the final tangible piece of Scarlett left in the Maplewood— like a bit of her was left behind in the child. Reek wanted to hold on tightly, just as he did with her dying mother, and never let go. He could be her family, this pack could provide, but he still knew he would never be able to replace her true family. However, he'd do his damnedest to try.

He visibly winced when she meantioned leaving the Maplewood in search of her father, but Reek knew he could do nothing to stop her. He couldn't bear losing anyone else. At least, in the Maplewood he could try and keep her safe, like her mother would have wanted, but if she went elsewhere, he was stripped of all control. This made him uncomfortable, but he would not force her to stay. "Of course you can," he told her, unease evident in his tired voice. "Just— Please be careful. I don't want you gone too long."