Larksong Grotto His goal in life was to be an echo

"It's a little more complicated than that Jhala," he returned. Eyes casting downward toward his forepaws, Reek expelled a tired breath. Of course, he couldn't just ask Tavi to be his mate while knowing it was the last thing she wanted out of their relationship. It had been solely a casual affair; Reek was sure the labels would be wholy unwelcome in Tavi's eyes. However, with a litter on the way there was no way their relationship could carry on in a casual manner. Reek knew what he needed to do— the courage to do it, however, was waning.

Even then, even though Reek knew mateship was the only proper answer to ensure the happiness of his litter, he himself didn't want to attach the label so soon. Less than a month had passed since Reek's mateship with Saena had fallen apart. He wasn't emotionally ready to move on.

"I had a mate once, Saena," he continued after another spell of silence. "We led together in my old pack." Much like he and Tavi now, but to Reek it would never feel the same. "We were so happy— pups on the way too, but I ruined everything," he mumbled, unable to bring himself to verbally recount the events leading to the breakdown of his marriage. "I don't know if I can move past that, or if I ever will." He rolled his shoulders forward in a shrug and turned his gaze to Jhala, looking not for sympathy, but imploring her for advice.