Redtail Rise buoyant

I don't, She thought ruefully, though the way he leaned against her insisted that he believed what he'd said, even though his tone lacked some sincerity. She knew how hard those words were to say, and how clunky and awkward it felt to try and say them. Forcing her voice to sound as though she meant every bit of it was nearly impossible- but she knew the feelings were there. 

Her cheeks burned. Could she say the same to him? In a way, she could; but there was no hiding the fact that she had been entertaining attention from more than just Ancelin. Where before she had taken delight in having both boys invest their time in pursuing her, now she felt the obligation to choose. She had to wonder how aware Ancelin was of the competition she'd sparked between the boys- after all, she'd not known for certain that their quarrel had been over her. 

Relic was a viable suitor; he'd proved that he would provide for her, and had promised her what she wanted- only the best. A comfortable den, pelts to sleep on, and he treated her with the finest foods, saving for her the tenderest cuts of meat when he caught something for them to share. 

And here was Ancelin, who had lost the fight, but who endeared himself to her more personally, and had pulled from her truths and experiences she'd shared with no others. While she'd had to ask him to bring her a gift, he had done so- and she felt his companionship was worth more than gifts and trinkets, no matter how much she appreciated it. He'd awakened something within her, but did not seem to judge her for it. The unanswered question still remained- stowed away like a dagger on her hip- tangible but sheathed. 

She felt she could not have both- and when she considered her life not with one of them, but without the other, she felt an immediate rush of dread at the thought of turning Ancelin away, or losing him to another wolf. 

"Anthelin," She said, her voice trembling. Her heart fluttered; anxiety begged for her to secure him. "I want you. To be mine. Only mine."