Stone Circle A girl worth fighting for

As soon as he laid eyes on the little girl, he felt something tense and wary inside him relax. She was safe, and no matter what it had cost him, he'd done his job. Perhaps he couldn't have protected his first litter, and perhaps he could never take back what he'd done to his second, but he could be there for Steph and her siblings - and for Valette, to a lesser degree.

With a glance at the dark woman, he leaned down toward Steph with a grin on his face. "Sure am, Stephie. Know what'll make it better? Knock me a little kiss." He offered the dark girl his cheek, hoping she'd comply so that his point could be made. Whether or not she did, however, his next question remained the same. "What about you? It didn't getchya, did it?"