Hideaway Strath It’s crazy what you’ll do for a friend

She was spending the early evening as she did most days: laying outside the den with the boys and watching them play and explore the area close by. She appeared relaxed, and she was to an extent, but she was always watchful; her gaze periodically swept the area around them, her ears twitched at the slightest movement in the trees, and she never let her guard down, not even when one of the boys asked her a question, or she needed to scold them for fighting or wandering too far. Still, she was able to enjoy the moment; she loved any quality time spent with the children.

She heard her husband's heavy steps before she saw his large, muscular form emerge from the darkness of the woods that surrounded the well-hidden den. She silently watched him approach, her gaze appreciative as it roamed over his body. She hadn't missed how restless he had been lately. She could see the tension in his face throughout the day, and she could feel his edgy energy leaking out whenever he was near. She hadn't asked him about it yet, because she had a feeling she already knew why. She had revoked her permission to sleep with others, and she figured it was starting to get to him. It wasn't like she had ever turned him down, it was quite the opposite. The children made things difficult, of course, but that was how it was when you had kids. Their needs were her first concern, and Ky's needs were often second. It was starting to take its toll on him it seemed, but she wasn't sure how to fix it. She wasn't ready to lift her ban, and she was giving him as much of herself as she could manage currently. 

The tension was there again in the lines of his smile; it wasn't his normal, light-hearted, playful grin. There was a harshness to it that made it seem almost forced. Guilt swelled in her chest, but it wouldn't budge her on her decision. She would just have to find another way to help him relieve his stress. 

She sat up and nuzzled under his chin as he began to speak. He wanted time just for them. He wanted to leave the kids with Arlette. She hated the thought of leaving the children, but she couldn't deny that some time alone with Ky sounded nice. She kissed his cheek and smiled up at him. That sounds nice, she said softly. It had been a while since they had hunted just the two of them. 

She stood and stretched, rubbing her body against his chest like a cat. She called to the boys and waited for them to come scrambling before them. Telling them they were going to spend time with Arlette and her children, she looked to Ky and waited for him to lead the way.