Coho Pool neat

@Eros ^^

It had been more difficult to leave than Lael had expected. A litter of pups he didn’t want with a woman he didn’t want - heirs to a pack he would never see again. He’d done it out of nothing but necessity, and then he’d be on his way. That had been the agreement, and Lael had accepted it.

So why did it make him feel so sick to his stomach?

Emotions weren’t something the man allowed himself much time to indulge in. He would often go about his days without feeling much of anything at all, so this aching in his chest was new and uncomfortable.

Brielle had been a kind woman, meek and obedient. A good friend, Lael figured, but certainly not someone he’d wish to spend the rest of his life with. His parents had thought she would be - had pushed them together, urged them to bond. Lael had only agreed to get them off of his back and earn his freedom, but…

Was this regret? Images of the three little pups, no more than a few hours old, kept running through his mind. He hadn’t expected to love them immediately, but the second he’d lain eyes on the trio, he knew he’d made a mistake.

One he couldn’t return from.

He’d been wandering aimlessly for a while, seeking something and nothing at all. His paws brought him to a pool of water and he sat down, staring at the rippling surface. His own reflection looked back at him, face as impassive as always, and unscarred - proof he’d been just as much a coward as always and left without a fight. He wrinkled his nose before placing his paw against the water to break the image.

He was being ridiculous. This had been his choice, and he would have to live with it. He’d gotten the freedom he wanted, and paid the price he agreed on. Lael sighed, watching his reflection come back into focus. He was being absolutely, completely ridiculous.