Swiftcurrent Creek [m] The Road Ahead

His affection...his pledge, was returned, tenfold. All that he felt, reflected so perfectly in her. Open and vulnerable, accepting of him. Of needing him, of having him in her life and beyond. 

Something surged deep in his veins then. Like glacial meltwater being broken away, melted by the warmth of the sun. He felt some broken part of him become solidified once again. 

Crooning in a low, husky voice that he hadn't known he was capable of, he wrapped his other arm around her. Pulling her in to a tender hug. Where he held her, where she would feel his warmth and protection. "I told you I would never leave your side, Sov." His voice was playful, humored. 

In those days, long ago, he had never thought it would have led up to this. But he was glad it had. That their friendship had grown and morphed into true love. They had been through hell and back, their families tossed to the wayside, with only each other to depend on.

Running his teeth gently through the fur on her crown, he kissed her down to her jaw line. Getting drunk and high off her scent. Of just being close to her. She was driving him mad, making his own skin prickle and feel flushed with warmth. His instincts told him what he wanted, but he cherished her too much to move without her consent. 

He looked into her golden eyes. Wanting. Willing. With barely contained restraint.