Dawnlark Plains here we are again pretending [m]

Reek's sudden revalation rolled off the tongue so easily that the nonchalance of it's utterance nearly caught himself off gaurd. The Maplewood was his home; it had always been and -- he felt -- it always would be, especially with his own flesh and blood making up the ranks. His unborn children and grandmother were all quartered off from him now in the wake of Saena's decision. Had he been alone on the plains... It would have destroyed him. Tavi, however, numbed the pain. She was his crutch. She would get him through just as Saena had as his relationship with Wynter crumbled to dust.

"I can't," he repeated in a low whisper, muzzle seeking the warmth and comfort of Tavi's neck. Initially, Reek could see her confusion, but before he could explain further, it seemed Tavi understood the gist of what had happened.  As soon as the name of Reek's ex-mate passed Tavi's lips, Reek winced and nodded in response.  

"The other day— she saw us together. We hadn't been careful enough Tav," he prided himself on being able to talk his way out of most situations (being a skilled liar and all), but when caught red handed, it's nearly impossible to lie, lie, lie until the situation dissapears. There was nothing more Reek could do but visit when Saena allowed. "She kicked me out. The Maplewood isn't mine anymore." That was perhaps the most painful thing of all, to lose his stake; his land, his title.

With nothing now to his name, Reek clung to the only thing he had left: Tavi. Leaning into her, he whispered, "Will you stay with me?" He couldn't lose her too.