Redsand Canyon esteemed members of the ton

She was way too good to him; she gave him proof of that every day. He was getting in his own head and twisting things up; he had accused her of not being honest, and she had taken it all in and responded with kindness and understanding. If he didn't already know how much he loved her, he would have realized in this moment. 

Her nip urged him to lay back down, and he did as she wished, curling around her protectively like he liked to do. He nuzzled her nape as she ate, her words spreading more warmth through his veins. Thank you, he whispered. Because of her, his heart was fuller than it had ever been. 

Now that she had talked him down, they settled into their familiar night time routine. They were snuggled together while she ate and he kissed and nuzzled her neck. The contentment of the moment suddenly made sadness squeeze his heart. He needed to tell her about the plans for the vale. It was then that she asked about his day.

Um, well, Arsenio and I discussed something important last night, he started. The imperator wants to send Arsenio and Tamar to claim the vale. They will start a sister pack to this one. Arsenio agreed but one of his conditions was that you and I join him there. I agreed to go but told him I needed to discuss it with you of course. Anxiety settled in his chest. We wouldn't go until after the pups are born and old enough to travel. But it would mean that Arsenio and I would be traveling back and forth in the meantime. I will be gone for days, maybe even weeks at a time. That would be the hardest part for him. But we could start a branch of Mereo there and raise our children with Tamar and Arsenio's children. Maybe that would soften the blow. I am on board with this. The time apart will be very difficult for me, but I think it will be worth it in the end. He had rambled on enough, now it was time to hear her thoughts on everything.