Moonspear [m] tabula rasa

The hurt in her face spoke louder than words ever could. He nodded solemnly at her request, and then closed a bit of the gap himself. If she'd allow, he'd give her a small lick under the chin—a gesture from subordinate to alpha.

Or perhaps something more.

I'll stay, Killdeer promised. I'm not going anywhere.

Fennec could take care of herself out there. He'd keep thinking of her, wishing for her safety—as he would for Pauk—but his place was here. 

I'm sorry you've had to deal with all of this, he told her, pulling back again.