Redhawk Caldera friends become family

Fox seemed upset when he asked if she was alright, and he frowned at her answer. She persisted with her closeness, and Shrike's hopes of this simply being Fox's way of wanting support or someone to talk to faded away and more fear gripped him. All he could think about was what Peregrine might do if he could be there. What would Elwood think if he came into this situation, even though it was quite obvious how uncomfortable Shrike was. It was almost cruel, what Fox was doing to him. She spoke again, and his heart sank. His thoughts went to Allure, and even to Sassafras; those were the females he cared most about, at least in a physical way. Fox had always been off limits, and therefore of no interest to him. 

"I can't." He said softly, and he feared the consequences of refusing to do anything for her. Would she just go find Trick? He couldn't bear the thought of her simply choosing the only other male in the pack who was single. He'd fight Trick, naturally, as he did not like the idea of Trick being ranked above him. "We shouldn't," He said in a quieter, softer voice, and ran his muzzle along her cheek, hoping his tender touch and quiet voice might stay her ambition.