His hot breath created a cloud in front of him as he pushed himself getting a head start but the chase fed the hunter in her. From the corner of his eye he saw her get to her feet before she started to stalk him. His laugh broke through the night air at her words, “I do my love but when you do catch me you can have your reward.” He picked up the pace just a little as she spring up from her stance coming at him. Effortlessly she dodged one of the trees he'd just passed before he heard the snap of her jaws behind him. “I've never known you to miss your target my dear,” he teased over his shoulder, “Should I slow down a little for you?” He didn't slow his pace then as he knew she was more than capable of overtaking him. With her out of the little clearing they'd been playing in he rounded a tree before turning to cross into it once more.
His ears swiveled listening for sounds that she was coming up in him as he came to the center of the clearing. They didn't detect her footfalls behind him but to his right and as he turned his head slightly he saw her between the trees. He didn't know what she was up to at first but soon figured out she was trying to get in front of him and stop him from reaching the other side of the clearing. It wasn't a huge decision to let her follow through with her plan, he'd had his victory and now it was her turn. He slowed his pace just enough to allow her the chance she needed to block him from escaping back into the trees. He didn't want her to know he'd caught on to her plan so he kept moving, waiting for her to make her move.
Then as he expected she came surfing toward him giving him only seconds to turn his body enough she'd get his side. It was a mere few seconds before he felt her weight on his back , wiggling slightly as her body moved with her wagging tail. He could also feel the gently pressure of her teeth on his ears as she nipped at them. He did not try to get her off of him this time allowing her to assert herself over him for the time she remained. It was only a moment longer before she'd come down off his back and now was around to his right side, the hairs of their coats intermingling together. He closed his eyes briefly as he felt the licks she placed on his muzzle. Her scent filled the air around him sending him back into a heightened state of excitement.
The worry in her tone brought his blue gaze to meet her concern on his face at the question. He placed a kiss on her cheek, “I do,” he stated simply and confidently. Sure he'd had his doubts since they had made this decision but he always came back to the same thing, yes they were ready. “Yes, my love it is life changing and one that I think we are not only ready but will do well at.” When he'd met her he may not have thought she was ready for children of her own. After seeing her so often with Gents children he was sure she was ready. Knowing how he was he was certain about himself too. “That's true but That's also the reason I know we are. You're a caring, gentle woman and I know in my heart you will be a good mother to our children.” He brushed his head along her neck. “Besides as in everything you and I are a team and as long as we're together we can do anything including raising our own children.” He truly believed that about them, they had overcome a lot in the last year so he didn't see why they couldn't be successful at raising children. While it was true they didn't have any experience being parents but they had the knowledge that had been passed on, not to mentioned they had each other to help get through it.
She was on the move once more, he watched as she came around in front of him bumping his chin with her crown as she did. The hairs of her tail tickled his nose as she placed herself in front of him her scent filling his nostrils making it harder for him to resist what his Instincts told him to do for much longer. He took a step forward he reached out with his nose to take in more of her scent, inhaling deeply. Their game was over and now it was time for them both to indulge in their spoils. They had both waited so long for this moment and now they could both find the relief they needed. His ear twitched at the sound of her growl before she circled him one more time. The action of her flank running along his side only served to make him feel like he was losing his mind. He pushed his nose into her fur as she stepped slowly past him and the look she gave made it very clear. His mate was finally ready to accept him, his banner waved high over his back as he approached her.