Wapun Meadow the smell of home, like sour peaches and linen

Whatever he wanted.

Arielle was much too good for him. It was something he had always known, but never admitted. With eyes lingering on her face as she fought for control over her emotions, it was plain to him that she deserved so much better than this. Would that he could find the strength to apologize, to be a better man, to provide the stability she sorely needed.

When he did speak, it was not the words he should have said. My sister, Avicus. He never thought in a million lifetimes he would gamble everything on Avicus. She was more competent than him, yes, and a thousand times more brutal. She has a pack. She left the bear a long time ago and has had a better life for it. She... Said we’re welcome.

Licking his dry lips, he sought Arielle’s eyes, but balked at the pain there and let his gaze drop to his paws. Worthless. What a worthless man he was, unable to find an apology for her lest it tear him apart further. I think we should consider going there.