King Elk Forest What Arrows

Once more the cousin was brought up, but now that Shrike knew that her cousin already had his own family to worry about, his concern grew. What right did he have, inviting her into his pack, if he could not help her out? He'd be drawn terribly thin if he had to care for his own mate and children as well as his cousin and her children. Shrike had been a helping hand to Peregrine and Fox who were already capable parents who had had several litters before...And even though they could have managed without him, he knew that his extra assistance was appreciated. The entire pack had pitched together, and had felt the stress increase when Finley gave birth to a litter of pups. This would be the case for Silver Creek as well, he knew, though even more so- for at least, in the Caldera, Finley had a mate to take care of her, and a yearling son as well.  

Her touch stopped him in his tracks, but as she pulled away and continued moving forward, he did as well. He was simply surprised, and felt warmth rush to his cheeks knowing that she'd reached out because she'd wanted to touch him. He knew now that no one was going to beat him up for walking with her, let alone touching her, so when he resumed his walk again he drew nearer to her, and listened as she spoke again with an ear slanted toward her. "Do you feel safe, having children here?" He asked. It troubled him to ask that, and he felt that in questioning her, he might be drawing suspicion. "One of the pups in my pack. He was killed. Had both parents, and the rest of us." He said. "I just...Don't want that to happen to anyone. Again." He said, through gritted teeth.