Stone Circle We cannot be equal

It was very clear that Xan could not even take care of himself, let alone others right then and there. At first he just stayed on the ground, and Laurel could do nothing but watch as he tried to get up and to be there for her. Eventually he struggled to his feet, but if Greyback did show up he was in no position to defend her. Laurel felt panicked, but maybe she should just keep him close -- for now -- perhaps she should just keep him here -- for now -- so that he could get strong, and then, when he had gathered his strength, they could leave together. She just wasn't too sure if she would be safe from Greyback 'til that day came.

Sh, it's okay, Laurel said, ears folding back as she saw him struggle out the words, the promises of protection he could not offer right now. She did not touch him, stayed a small distance in which she felt physically safe. Even despite his weakened state she was fearful; part of her expected this to be a show that he used to grasp her, thought that she might not be safe and that he would lunge and take what he wanted if she would get too close. She did not touch him, because she needed to feel safe.

You should get your strength back first, Laurel said to him. I would feel safer if you were here, too. She didn't want to be here at all. She could just walk past him and leave, cross the borders and not have the danger of Greyback looming behind her all the time. But there was something about Xan, just as there had always been. Through all of her bitter hatred for men, and through all of her experiences of the past, a part of Laurel still loved him, and it was difficult to let go of that part of her now. Even moreso now that he lay here defeated at the pack's borders. She closed her eyes, glanced behind him at the world, at freedom, and swallowed her fear a moment longer as she called for @Valette, asking her in her call to bring food. It wasn't difficult to assume that that was what Xan needed most right now.