Swiftcurrent Creek Is there a line that we could just go cross?

He blinked, disbelief at the heart of him to consider the statement that Akavir had made: how his children hated him. Viinturuth scrunched his nose at that, recalling how Arielle and Lilitu had grown up adoring their father in those early months - those that the ranger had been there to observe. There had to be something deep-rooted to cause such friction, though he did not press for knowledge of it. Their mother had vanished, and he knew all too well how the complications of parents could affect one's childhood.

It was good that his comrades each played their own role in the rearing of the Alpha's pups, especially in the absence of their dam. That was the way things ought to be, though it was unfortunate to hear that it was not enough.

Nah, he rolled a shoulder, pretending not to care if he was responsible in the conception of new life. Viinturuth had lived his life carelessly over the years he travelled alone, warming the beds of several females - most who'd tired of their mates at home, whose names he'd never learned. A smooth-talking bachelor with travel-worn paws seemed to excite the bored pack-dwelling girls who'd been intrigued by adventure they'd never experience. He was not that boy any longer, however, and he wore the guilt of his wrongdoing like armour. Not for me. You really think I'm the type to settle down like that?