Bearclaw Valley If I was born a blackthorn tree

He let out a slow breath when Arielle bent her forehead to his. It would take a little longer for his anger to fully ebb, but he hoped next time she would consider her own safety above his. There was no grudge. He could never hold anything permanently against her even if he wanted to. That, perhaps, was his mark of love in a world where he did not know how to feel it or express it.

I do not think keeping those children here is wise, he said, changing the subject to the imprisoned Indra and Abel. It helped keep his mind off his pain, which had lessened with Arielle's attention. Merrick had plans for the cubs and the Bruin-jaw played along like the dutiful son he was, but he worried that their prolonged stay would spell doom for all of Ursus. This was not something he would admit to just anyone, but he trusted Arielle with his secret thoughts. Not the most secret of them — he trusted no one with that — but he wanted to hear her thoughts.

He did not think his father was capable of thinking objectively about it and wondered how she felt.