Phoenix Maplewood All you need is some self-control

I told myself I'd hold off on new threads until I figure out whatever the hell is going on, but whatever. Fluid timelines and stuff.

He hadn't seen his wife around, but Reek had yet to worry. With every passing day her pregnancy became more clear to the patchwork patriarch of the maplewood, but he still allowed her her freedom. She was an outrider by trade and Reek felt it somewhat unfair to deprive her of something so close to her heart, despite his misgivings. She would return soon, he felt sure of it. He simply chalked it up to her going to the emberwood again to check for any more unwelcome squatters.

Reek spent most of the day on the borders, refreshing the markers with fresh reek of Reek. His compulsion to work didn't necissarily stem from necessity, but it kept his mind occupied, and thankfully, closed off from worry as to not allow it to fester.  

The sun began to set and the maplewood was overtaken with a bright orange glow. He pulled away from the borders and concluded his patrol with a tired sigh. Through the territory he went— towards his den to get a good evening's rest, but he was sidetracked by the sound of commotion. Digging. His ears turned to the source of the noise and Reek set out to invesigate.

He approached from behind, stopping just a few meters away. Not yet did he announce his presence. His eyes locked on Tavi; tail in the air— victorious and covered with dirt. Not without the pang of guilt did Reek's eyes linger for a moment on his subordinate's backside, her rump in particular. There was something primal about her appearance; something about the dirt that clung to her and the dischevled nature of her fur that he found attractive. Reek raised a brow, and for a moment, he allowed himself to stare.