She accepted his touch -- welcomed it, almost. The ease in which his nose grazed gingerly across the top of her head sent a vibrating shock through the male and firmly reminded him of the situation he found himself in. A desirous she-wolf with no mate.. and one who seemed quite open to him for the moment.


If there had been any doubt from what he had perceived a subtle hints earlier, it had been all but erased as she stood, her muzzle delicately tracing below his own chin before she waved her tail through the air. An invitation if he had ever seen one, and while he stood, Nios' paws remained rooted firmly to the ground for a moment, his eyes ablaze as they scorched over her. It could be such an easy thing for the two to initiate -- a carefree moment between potential lovers, and it had not occurred to him that she had taken others as such thus far. If he had realized that, he might have not felt such responsibility churning in his gut, and while his paws finally did maneuver forward, his muzzle sweeping forward to cast a playful nip to her haunch and set her further alight, he gave her a partial grin once more. She was looking for something completely unserious, was that not what her words meant?


"We are," he murmured, now moving forward to graze his ebony body against her own. "But actions have consequences, Morganna -- are you ready for that?" If she bore pups -- what were hr expectations?

So the truth hung between them -- and he appreciated it for what it was. They could mate, and Morganna would aim to have pups.. but they would not necessarily be his.. and he had an inkling that even if they turned out to be, her stance was fairly clear on what this was -- she needed to ensure life for her pack, and he would likely not be in the picture for it.


Nios released a rumbling growl, his eyes riveted upon her as he made to continue to snake his body against hers. He cast nips to her, attempting to scorch her further -- ignite her, even, as she did to him just from her presence. He held his tongue the question that could certainly tempt his fate -- what if he wanted to take the responsibility of the consequences?


Mirren held him rooted to the Woodlands, but Mirren was gone.. as was his daughter. Vaeta had also left -- and Nios remained the only Tainn from Ruiko's litter. It occurred to him to go back to Sequoia Vale -- to see his parents and check in on them. But he was not willing to leave the valley behind -- not Copper Rock Creek, and all it held for him.


His nose grazed her hip once more, rounding to her flanks. He waited quietly, his gaze trained upon her in silent consent, and awaiting hers -- if she bore pups, he would deal with that at the time.. especially if he believed them to be his