Porcupine Ridge in the doghouse

Had he known that it would have hurt Capriccio or so badly damaged her trust in him, he would never have done it. He did not believe she would have cared, having indicated to him that she thought their families would not be one in the same, that she would step down when he took a mate for himself. He had other ideas, but even as the words sprang unbidden onto his tongue he held them, until the retreated down his throat and were swallowed. His expression softened into one of regret, and his own hurt to see that he had caused her such pain.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, a simple but genuine apology in lieu of explanation she probably did not want to hear. The she wolf had followed him home because he had been too perplexed and too stubborn, thinking she would have turned and left him eventually. "I will not allow anyone to challenge you." Nor had he; as that black female stepped toward he had been quick to intercept.

Tentatively, he stepped closer.