Redhawk Caldera love never wanted me.

Elwood's timing couldn't have been worse, though he didn't realize it just yet. Had he known a bit more about Finley, he might have decided to give her some alone time. However, though Elwood was many things, he often was not perceptive, especially when it came to emotions. He noticed the hesitation before Finley responded, and he certainly could hear the weariness in her voice, but he just attributed it to her lengthy hunting expedition.

Lowering himself onto his belly, he crept forward until his head had crossed the threshold into Finley's den. If his presence wasn't welcome, she would have to be a little more straightforward than her initial response indicated. Even from his current position, he still couldn't quite see her, for she was tucked into the dark recesses of her den.

"Just wanted to come say hello," he said genuinely; he couldn't admit it, but he had missed her while she was gone. He then reverted to the playful tone that they so often used with each other. "I mean, it's been, what, a week since I saw you last? I was about to go to Ashton and ask for some medicine for withdrawal symptoms," he quipped, unable to keep the smile from his voice.