Bearclaw Valley the wake [m]

yes, was the answer, and merrick breathed a great inner sigh of relief. ulysses was precious to the mad youth for many reasons, most of them undisclosed. he would not have wanted to see the man refuse him.
refusal was not truly an option anyway, seeing as how merrick had been very vulnerable in ulysses' presence this past spring, a weakness he must keep hidden.
refuse ursus, refuse life itself.
"i am glad to hear it," the boy purred. "more than likely, there will be no call for it. i just want to know you're loyal."