Silver Creek time

Biology and kindness had guided her before, her attempts to soothe Lasher and grow closer to him had been sharply shifted by biology and it's mandates. Rowan never stood a chance. Now, she was standing firmly - and she knew it was thanks to Casmir in large part. He had hunted for her, helped to provide her shelter, he had come home and provided her children love as she had hoped they had known. Casmir was never a replacement for his father - and she would never allow him to think that either. As he nipped and teased at her flesh she gave a little smile, silver eyes fluttering for a moment. 

He pressed closer, and Rowan could respect that in that moment he needed the security and he needed the comfort. For Laika to be missing for so long, no doubt ran ragged by her grief, it meant that Casmir was swallowed by his own and Rowan and the children would not replace the family that he had lost but they could make it better. Even in minor ways, they could make it better. She brushed her muzzle against his skull, teeth tugging gently at his fur in some spots. "You should stay with us." She whispered it softly, not wanting to push him or pressure him. 

There was the rational part of her that knew if anyone else found them it would bring more questions, bring more judgement. She found however she didn't truly care - their happiness meant far more to her.