He had been closed off for too long—never allowing himself to get close with another for fear of losing them. Before the blue-eyed sparrow XIX had accepted the fact that having someone to care for wasn’t in his cards. Hearthwood needed his full, undivided attention but this… this he could make work. She had already stuck around this long, proving her loyalty to the pack and to Lachesis. He needed to trust that she would stay, even if he was consumed by doubt.
Perhaps it was the night that she had visited his den in search of finding something to keep her nightmares at bay. He had invited her to stay, but why? To ensure she slept through the night, or because he was lonely and craved the presence of another? When she had left, well-rested and feeling much better, it did not feel right having a vacancy. Her scent lingered longer than he would have liked, which resulted in him not being able to sleep for a few nights. Or was it earlier, when they had stolen moments together at the lakeside, trying to poke each other’s brains. He did not know when these feelings he had been harbouring developed; it no longer mattered. What was important was that he had her now.
The blue-eyed sparrow did not waste any time in reassuring him. As quick as the frown had appeared, it disappeared, and Lachesis had to bury his face in her speckled fur to hide the wide grin he was now wearing. “Good,” he answered as he nipped at her ear, “because you’re not going anywhere.” He was holding her to this—even when the heat passed. She was stuck with Hearthwood—with him—now. “Put up with you? Val, you make it sound like a chore,” he cooed, bumping his shoulder against hers as he took a step back, his gaze softening as he studied her.
stick with those who stick with you