SSWM - 539
The conversation had filtered outdoors, the pack disbursing and leaving in singles and small groups. Heath left with the rest, walking behind the lower ranks and leaving the three leaders to say their good byes. Standing beyond the doors of the hotel the male simply waited, eyes glancing over those that exited and waiting for her to appear. The Marshal had figured that she would wish to speak to Jac or Vigilante about the news that had been shared this night. It was important, and the news beyond anything the male could have expected. The air was cold against the warmth the crowded room had brought to his fur, and he puffed clouds of steam from his nose, nods given to those that passed with a small distant smile hanging on his lips. The sun began to sink early as it did in the dark realms of winter, clouds hung low, threatening snow and the sky with the mix of setting sun and an awakening moon. Gold eyes looked up at the soft round face, breathing deep the clean air.
War. How was there to be war? Heath knew few Dahlians, as well as Inferni clansmen, and did not have many remarkable friends that lived there. A tussle between he and a coyote was all he could remember from the brief experiences. But, war? It did not settle in his stomach, leaving a knot in his gut. The safety of the his home was paramount, and as he thought of Ruri and her delicate face that passed over his mind’s eye there was nothing more important. It was imperative that they stay vigilant, that they patrolled and remained close to the center of the pack’s land. The wolf hybrid thought to the hostility that he remembered from the coyote, and was moved to fear at the image of Ruri against such a creature. It was her practice to stay close to home, but it would be even more important to watch for any strangers approaching the borders.
She was more important then anything, and Heath was ready to sacrifice all he had to keep her out of harms way. Their mate-ship was new and fresh but Heath did not feel as if their commitment was newly seeded. No, the male had had that promise rooted deeply some time ago. Before he could even recognize it, it had settled inside his heart. Before he could even tell that he owned such ability, it had been planted in him. But was not misplaced, and belonged with the black and tan male as rightfully as the moon belonged to the night’s sky. It felt right, and Heath had never known such fulfillment.
Honey hued eyes glanced at the door, his ear picking up the soft foot falls of his mate. The smile he wore could not have been faked, and his gaze was no longer distant and reflective. He knew she would know he was there, but still he called out to her not caring whom she might have been leaving with.
“Ruri?” he wanted to walk her home, and to know if she was all right and how she faired. His light tinted hand reached for the ivory that she owned.