Dragoncrest Cliffs Alfonsino

The boy had known that it would bother her before he’d said the words. Swordfish merely hadn’t wanted to be dishonest. She was open to him and his feelings. She was kind and understanding, even if his emotions made little sense. Telling his mother that he felt no love for her mate – his father – was likely a painful stab to the woman who sat beside him. The young wolf felt tension spike in his heart. He wanted to find somewhere dark. He wanted to hide.

Meerkat offered a hopeful remark to him. A small kiss was given to his cheek.

Swordfish’s eyelashes fluttered. He glanced toward her with a heavy stare. It was cruel, he thought. There was no one he knew more deserving of happiness. Meerkat had given him a good life. She had made him strong and capable. She’d raised them all well enough that Mercy had ventured out on her own before they were even a year old.

I’m sorry, ma.

It wasn’t what he’d wanted to say. He felt he owed her that. Swordfish had done little to help while his father had been away. He’d tried to keep her company, when he wasn’t crouched in some dark cavern.

I’ll give him a chance fer ya… alright? It was the least he could do after all she had given.