Totoka River this cowboy is running from himself

@Deirdre <3

It was different, when he lost Amber. There'd been something between them - small and fragile, but still true. Maybe love, or maybe something that would've become love, given a little time and effort. And when she left, Day had felt a loss that was more than a lack of warmth at his side, and more than a worry for his cubs, who still needed their mother around.

With Khoe, there was little else. He found himself a bit relieved to be rid of her, even though he knew his children suffered for her absence. And it was only for those children that he searched for her. Whatever drew them together had long since faded, and the woman's disappearance had broken the last shred of trust he'd had in her. He still cared for her, as she was one of his own, but she'd always been a flight risk, and Grayday had been waiting for the day that she would abandon them again.

Maybe she would be back, but he doubted it would be do to any action on his part. Khoe would decide when - if ever - it was right to return.

But Grayday owed his children more than that, and so he set off that day toward the coast, keeping a distracted eye out for the woman, but mostly leaving his own marks along the way, his scent half a question, half an offer. And, when he came to the sea, he simply stood there, wondering why he'd ever thought he could chain her spirit to his.