Dragoncrest Cliffs & Lord, ye gave me a rare woman, (mtr.)

It still wasn't right between them. Maybe it never would be. He hated to think that he had done irreparable damage, but then, he'd done damage the moment he'd lain with her. She had given him her heart, and he in turn had changed the entire course of her life by giving her children. 

And the worst thing was that this had happened many times before. Except before he could know it, he'd fucked off. So he was trapped, and it wasn't her fault. He'd promised to stay, to help raise her children. He'd put himself in a cage. 

I know what I am, Vercingetorix said. I like my freedom. It's not just about 'bedding who I want,' although that's pretty nice, too. This kind of commitment, this relationship--it's new to me. I've never had a mate, Aure. I've never wanted one. But that doesn't mean things might not change.

He stared down at her, gaze serious. I promise I won't act like a dick, if you promise to let me come around in my own time. I'm gonna raise these kids; I won't abandon them, ever. But for now, you gotta know that I can't give you more than that. I don't want you to suffer because I'm not enough.