Disappointment ran through Trent as Alder said he knew nobody by the description of the man he'd met earlier. He knew he shouldn't have asked, most likely, but he couldn't help it. Even his dreams were plagued by the gruff stranger. At the time, the fact he'd witnessed Trent revulse in a puddle of his own vomit had made Trent want to never see him again, but now that time was passing the urge to go and see the male again was beginning to grow greatly and thus, his question had popped out almost without consent of its owner. Trent needed to see the man again, despite the great shame that he'd called on himself that day in more than one manner.
Too bad,
he said, without elaborating. Trent tried to sound nonchalant, as though it didn't really matter whether he'd see the man again anyway. But his heart thumping wildly in his chest was enough of a sign that he was really disappointed. He hoped Alder would not notice, would not discover his secrets.
He felt like a fraud and a liar then asking Alder about the girls and asking if he had a mate of his own. He didn't really want a girl. But he knew he needed to. Maybe he could cure himself that way, if only he found out how wonderfully warming the company of a woman could be... Trent didn't want to lie to Alder, since the man had been nothing but kind to him, but felt like he had little control over the things he said and asked.
One or two didn't sound like much, but he supposed it was better than nothing. Is your pack big?
Trent smiled meekly, wondering what size the packs around here were.