Ocean's Breath Plateau Tonight

He would have really liked to have won this for her, and the moment he stood there helpless, he could feel his rage in his defeat.  Though their relationship had been anything but steriotypical from the get go, in this he wanted the trite to occur; he would defend her honor, vanquish the contestor, and cement both of their knowledge that he was capable of defending any family they may eventually have.  Instincts on overdrive screamed at him now, berating his foolishness as he felt the warmth around the teeth grasping his neck.  It was a firm hold - there was no other way.

He prepared to pull himself loose, knowing the injury that would likely result but recklessly ignoring it.  All that mattered was getting free.  Luckily for him, his mate had other plans and was no meek charge to be defended.  When she succeeded in distracting the other male, Dante was released and quickly backpedaled, his fur on end even while he sucked in air heavily through his now-sore throat.  He kept his eye on the challenger but made no further move to attack right now, for he saw that the other made none towards them.  Instead he turned his gaze to Osprey.  He would not run if it meant that he was leaving her behind.