Stone Circle We cannot be equal

It was immense relief to Laurel when Xan got up on his own. She breathed out and watched as he stood on shaky legs. He looked like he was going to fall over and a part of her felt sorry for him, but another part of her wanted him as far away as could be. But the threat of Greyback remained and Laurel decided that she needed him strong. If it was as he said -- if he loved her -- then he would do as she asked him to. For her.

Valette offered that they would help her, which once more was a conflicted thing for Laurel, and demanded he leave Laurel alone, at least. Valette then said she'd take him to an empty den where he could rest. Laurel knew she didn't need to stay close anymore, and that it might be hypocrite to want it, too. It was that thought alone that made her leave. Are you okay to handle it from here? she asked Valette, for if her Alpha asked her to stay and help support him if needed she would, but she hoped that she would not be asked this. The thought of his touch revulsed her still, so she would avoid it if she could.

Only if Valette would give permission to leave Laurel would leave to retreat on her own, where thoughts would start to swirl around in her head again.