Swiftcurrent Creek Is this love?

Arric hated that he upset her. And it was clear by her ears to her skull that she didn't like what he had to say. Well then lets get to it, he surmised.

He licked a long stripe scross his muzzle. A lot of reasons about Cygnet bother me and some aren't her fault. But as far as walking away. I should have been clearer. It was because I was close to losing my temper on her and thats wasn't fair to her or you. She irritates me, because she is blatant on her dislike of me but plays it up like I am at fault. For instance. How she acted like she was scared of me. Trust me she wasn't.  She actually bared her teeth and growled at me anxious to bite again after our spar. It just feels like a lie. And i hate lies.

Her next words he had to think about. She triggers me mostly from a bit of a confusing and almost selfish standpoint. Lets be honest i prefer to be liked at least by those in the pack lands or at least tolerated. And she hates me, has since she came here and I have no idea why. And no matter how I try and approach it. It ends badly. It is irritating and confusing and I don't like it. But that is very much a personal flaw. Because she'sa child.

He blinked. I trust you just fine Arlette. he flicked an ear. A furrow in his brow. I was close to losing my temper, but also she seemed to need you more than me at that particular moment. I'm not stupid. Even though i tried really hard not too. I know I hurt her.

He backed up when she moved away. Adding more distance, because it seemed to be what she needed.

Arric scowled. A little edge to his voice. It's not your fault. Eshe and Akavir shouldn't have gotten together so quickly. She's desparate for a family and hes scared to death. Their issues lie with the two of them and the two of them alone. I know you liked her, but I have never fully trusted her and some of it stems from when Cygnet was brought here. But that is a story and a issue for a different day. And for the record she was selfish and it infuriates me that she did what she did.

He sighed. Well if you can help me figure out how I'll do it. But I don't know if we can Arlette. She really seems to hate my guts.

He blinked and took another deep breath. He closed his eyes took another one. Inhale. Exhale. He needed to calm down.

I'm sorry for all of it. Not resolving with Cygnet, not explaining and only coming to you after the damage was done. For leaving with just a howl and coming back late. It was immature. Selfish and mean. And I am truly deeply sorry. And I will work on it. Especially Cygnet.

He didn't know what else he could say or even if his explanations were the right ones. He felt bad, but he couldn't do more yet.