Heron Lake Plateau shadow, my sweet shadow

Yeah, I'm good with wrapping it up now. Onward! :)

She smiled at him, a slight and tentative curving of her lips, and leaned her head into the soft midnight fluff of his neck. It was amazing, how one wolf could make her feel so cherished and safe. Not even her father had ever made her feel so protected. Not because he didn't try, of course. Few could hope to rival Peregrine where guarding his children was concerned, but he'd had to divide his efforts between a bunch of kids whereas she alone was the sole focus of Quixote's attention. At least until the pups arrived, at which point she would happily take a backseat to their safety over hers. Qui would never be alone in protecting them -- she'd be right beside him, kicking ass and taking names.

She looked up at him with so many emotions in her eyes, so relieved and thankful and moved and sad and grateful and full of affection for him, but the only words she could think to say in that moment were, "Love you too."