Cast away the clouds
#1
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full of fail

The majority of the horses were out in the paddocks, grazing to their heart's content. Absent from the herd was Rem, as usual since he rarely joined the others in the fenced areas around the stables to the open range, but also the roan mare of Heath's as well. Her belly was starting to show the signs of the life within, though just barely. It would take nearly a full year for the budding life to grow and become ready for the outside world. Only a quarter of which had come to pass. Lumiere roamed about in the sun, grazing like the others. Occasionally she would left her head and whiny to the rest of the herd and look oddly at the golden wolfess as if wondering what exactly she was doing apart from the others. In truth, Anann did not really know why she had let her out, only that she trusted she would no go far even though she wasn't tied.

Rem, on the other hand was laying comfortably in the shade with his head laid across Anann's legs as she sat leaning against his shoulder. Her fingers idly played with his mane untangling the unruly strands as she murmured in his ear. The black stallion was nearly everything to the woman, father, friend and even the keeper of her secrets. Naturally, because who was he going to tell. Today was yet another day were her mind was plagued by thoughts of another. Wondering what the tall brunette man might be up to. Though she did not seek him out, not today. If she did so every time she thought of him he would surely grow tired of her. Besides, she did not know what to make of the feelings thoughts of him caused to bubble up. Especially if she should act on them or not.

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#2
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sorry for taking so long! <33

Nothing made today any different then all the rest. He woke, left his home to listen to the bright chimes of bells, and made his way to the stables. There he set those that wished to be free from their stables out into the fields, to tend to the growing grass. While the children played the Marshal cleaned, hauled water and washed what needed to be and then balled out the roughly cut hay to each that needed it. There would be a point where they would run out, and he would have to take the blade out from the tool shed and cut what had grown from the near by farmlands. But such was tiring work and Heath did not enjoy such things in the heat.

Hauling water was far more important, and the coy-wolf did so again and again. It would be easier with a wagon and a horse to pull it, but he was full of nervous energy and would rather not spread it around the others. By the fifth trip he was growing tired, but also at ease with things that touched his mind with worry. He put the buckets down, checked the stall that held his patched painted stallion and after a halfhearted staring contest opened the gate and let the wild beast do as he pleased.

Of course his problem child felt the need to be stubborn, just as he had in the early morning. But as Heath walked away, knowing secretly that the white and black horse could not stand to be at his back, Soucis followed. When the canine reached beyond the stables he opened the paddock and let the young beast gallop his way to the rest. With a sigh he let his eyes make their way around the grounds only to fall upon a familiar pair. Without a question he stalked over to them, giving a wave of a greeting.



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#3
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<333

Anann often talked to the stallion. If nothing else it helped her to sort through her own thoughts and while he was capable of giving guidance, though perhaps unspoken, Rem often let Anann come to her own conclusions. Lending her little more than a friendly ear as she worked through her thoughts. Anann saw the stallion as a major guiding force in her life, while in the stallion's opinion all he did was urge her to follow her heart. Where that lead was for her to decide. Still he freely gave his opinion of the various men in her life, no matter their closeness to his golden charge. It was completely up to wolf to decide what she felt for the Russian man, all Rem could do was offer his approval. The time alone he had granted the two on various occasions his only voicing of such an opinion and one that had not gone completely lost on Anann.

Quite absorbed in the world that was shared between rider and horse, Anann was not completely oblivious to the presence of the Marshall around the stable yard. The motion of the black and white horse running to join the rest of the herd caught her eye, bring her gaze up from the tangled mane in time to catch the approach and wave of her friend. Grinning broadly she offered a wave of her own. Then patting the ground next to her and the horse, she urged Heath to come and join them. "How's the new project coming?" Having bumped into Heath quite regularly she was aware of some of the difficulties he had been having with his newly acquired stallion. The attention of her fingers and eyes had returned to one tangle of many in the black mane that flowed over her lap.

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#4
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Heath took pride in the horses that he trained and worked with. It was certainly something that he had based a large part of his life on, he even owed Lumière partial responsibility for staying in the region. She was only second to Ruri. But the Marshal was feeling frustrated and drained by the effort that he placed into working with the painted stallion. There just didn’t seem to be a way to reach him. And if he wished to leave, then he could, Heath offered that to him daily. Yet, he remained.

The male sat beside his friend, who seemed deep in thought and wrapped up in her own world just as he was. It wasn’t an easy time, the Summer coming to an end at any moment and Winter hiding in the shadows of Fall. Heath had his mind full with the prospects of Ruri, the pregnancy, and now this youth that no doubt wished to kill him. Slowly. Heath crossed his legs, looking to the sky and allowing the question to come forward.

He’s stubborn. He could leave if he wanted to... but he doesn’t. He knew that Anann wouldn’t mind him spilling all the attempts that he had made, for her would understand what it took to bring a new horse in the fold. But he would rather stay away from the details. How are things with you? Heath as simply. It had been some time since they had paused to speak more then just a few horse-related words.

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#5
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Life had seemed a little mundane lately in all honesty. Her house finally built and she had begun to turn into a home. She had also finally fallen into a daily routine. Her training restarted once she had regained weight, she was now a fit and toned as she had ever been, though perhaps a little rusty. She had been working even harder in her training as of late, ever since the incident at the cabin with Anatoliy. She hadn't seen much of him since and still had not figured out what had caused him to take off like that. Causing even more doubt in her mind if he held any true interest in her at all or if it had only been the alcohol talking. A rather persistent thought in her mind, she did as she always had with emotions she couldn't understand, taking out her frustrations with a heavy workout.

It was comforting in a way, that Heath seemed to have his persistent pest. "Perhaps," she paused for great dramatic effect. "It is simply that you two are too much alike." A large grin cracking as she finished. There could be some truth to the statement, but it was made more as just a playful jab at her friend than anything. It had been awhile since they had taken time for anything but some simple horse-talk in passing. "It has been good. I think Rem here is starting to get in shape again and I finally got some clay vats fired so I can soak hides again." It was a good thing to for the stock pile she had brought with her had been steadily shrinking. "How is Ruri doing?" Anann didn't see the collie woman often and she was not quite ready yet to voice the thoughts that had been plaguing her mind lately. Though she really did want the insight of another man, perhaps Heath would know what had gone wrong.


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#6
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The presence of the painted black and white horse was a distraction, pure and simple. Since had made little to no progress with the young stallion's training that was all he had become. There were moments that Heath appreciated something else to fill his mind, but then he felt the weight of pressures form home and he wished that his stable duties were a bit less obnoxious. He tried though, to not allow himself to blame the horse. It's wasn't his fault for not understanding the ways of a caged life, but Heath had given him more opportunities to flutter and fly away then the coy-wolf would like to admit.

Anann's words were like salt on an open wound, but the sting lasted only a second, his amber eyes looked sternly at her but could only hold the stare a moment before breaking into a smile and giving a hearty laugh. Very funny. He commented. I wish he was that dumb, then at least he would do as he's told. Another chuckle and the wolf looked down at the ground beneath him. She spoke of her well being and Heath was happy to hear that Rem was doing well, such things reflected his efforts too as the Marshal (how ever minimal). The big horse had been one that no one would mess with when they first arrived, but even Heath could see the difference in his gait and muscle structure. Thats good. He spoke, a bit brighter then before. I'll have to come by and see the place. He spoke, thinking nothing of just dropping by to see her new house furnished. Mainly to check to see if she needed help with anything, just in case.

Her question was answered with a brief pause, but as the silence dragged unusually Heath felt the pressure to answer. She's good, thank you. She's pregnant. He hadn't told anyone, feeling it too early to tell if her first litter would survive to a stable point. He had learned that at times the first pregnancy did not always mature and often miscarried, he had worried from the very beginning. But he felt it safe now to speak about it, no longer worried that sharing the joyful news would jinx them.

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#7
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Anann laughed along with her friend. "That's just it, the only one I can see you taking orders from is Ruri. Not just any idiot that came around spouting orders." Her humor evident in her tone, as she gave Heath a nudge with her elbow. Her home was not much to see, the furnishings being basic and minimal. Perhaps in time she would grow to have a few more luxuries, but she was happy as it was. Though if he came by perhaps she could run some ideas by him. Like those she had in mind of adding a porch at some future date. "You're more than welcome to come by any time, you know?" She never minded company, for she rarely found herself too busy for some friendly conversation.

Anann was glad to hear Ruri was doing well, but the next bit of news came as a bit of shock. Though, in all reality, perhaps it shouldn't have she realized just moments later. Is that not what mates did, start families? Despite Anann's discomforts with the idea of her own pregnancy she had no trouble at all be excited for her friend. "Congratulations!!" She beamed, giving him a sturdy pat on the shoulder. "I hope your not driving her crazy with all your worrying, like you did when you found out Lumiere." Glancing out at Lumiere as she brought the mare into mention. This time though, Heath had no one to blame but himself. Unlike the situation with his mare. "I'm sure you'll make a good father." Her beaming smile fading to a softer, warmer one. It was perhaps a good sign that he was able to leave her side long enough to come to the stables and spend a little time chatting in the shade. "I should warn you now. There is nothing Rem adores more than pups." Laughing as the stallion bobbed his head in obvious agreement, and giving Heath his own nudge of encouragement.

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#8
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Heath felt his shoulders shake slightly with his laugh, Now I know what he needs. Too bad Lumière’s hands are full with Rem. The male spoke in teasing. He didn’t know if the painted horse needed a mare to claim his heart and show him the way of obedience. It all reminded him of his wandering days, times spent alone and wanting more pride then he was allotted.

To the coy-wolf Anann was like a sister, someone that he needed to look after and care about. He had never gotten along with his blood siblings, though he loved them and missed them still. But he placed that brotherly affection onto Anann, and he had welcomed her and looked after her since that arrival and it wasn’t about to end now. I’ll be by soon. He affirmed, knowing that she didn’t mind him checking things out. She was capable on her own, they all knew it, but Heath wasn’t about to let her be lonely all the time.

The news of Ruri was a sensitive subject for the Marshal, and yet he was glad that he could get the weight of the news off his shoulders. Heath couldn’t help but beam as he saw the female’s reaction, the hit on the shoulder telling him she knew how big of a deal this was for him and her words confirming it. Thanks He said, his smile still wide and glowing. Soucis is keeping me busy. Though I’m pretty sure she was about to kick me out of the house if I asked how she was doing one more time. Of course the merle collie fey wouldn’t give him a single notion that she was annoyed, always warm and kind in her responses to his smothering.

Well I feel that they will be around here a lot. He spoke, still smiling, It will be good to have another set of eyes on them. Heath grew a tad serious, the worrying didn’t end when they were born. Heath touched the dark nose of the stallion, I hope I can be a good dad.

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#9
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ooccgoodnessss

Another possible solution for the stubborn Soucis popped into the golden woman's mind. "You say he won't leave given the choice. Maybe Soucis needs to come to the realization that if he doesn't cooperate he wont be given the choice to stay?" Though it was almost a last resort solution, in case the horse did decide at that point that leaving would be easier to tolerate. "Earn his keep, so to speak." Anann hadn't dealt with the horse herself, so was doing little more than spouting out at the mouth hoping that maybe something she said would be of aid.

Anann wasn't the antisocial type, but she kept to herself for the most part. She had made a few friends so far. Heath was by far the closest friend she had. Their relationship much like what she had once shared with her own brothers. He and Rem were the only family she really had now. Though her sisters still lived she did not know them and her father, while he been some what present in her life was just as much a stranger. "If you and Ruri need anything, all you have to do is ask." Anann would give the couple any help she could. Her smile growing broad as she imagined the young, growing pups around the stables in the months to come. "Growing up around the horses will be good for them." Once they learned to stay out from under foot. Anann's relationship with the other species had certainly taught her a lot about life. Particularly patience and tolerance. "I'm sure you will be and you know Ruri will make a wonderful mother too. There will be plenty of love in their lives." It was easy to see the pride and joy that Heath felt, even if it was mingled with a touch of worry. The worry was just as much as sign of his love as anything.

The happy news of Heath's growing family made it easy for Anann to look past the haze that had been hanging over her lately. Often finding herself distracted by thoughts of the young Russian, wondering why he had just up and left that day and if he was ever going to face her again. She wanted to ask Heath about it to see if he could give her some insight into why things had gone as they had. She just didn't quite know how to breech the subject. "Hey uh, do you remember Anatoliy? From the day we built my cabin." Her fingers fiddled with a strand of mane. "You haven't seen him around, have you?"

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#10
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Heath liked her idea, and knew he should have gone to Anann earlier in his relationship with Soucis. There had been a sense of failure and hopelessness when it came to the painted horse right from the start. What baffled Heath the most was that he wasn’t sure he could trust his instincts now, the one that told him of that connection he held with certain horses. The patched “problem” had given him that, but of course it wasn’t always right to trust simple feelings, actions always spoke louder. But the idea that it was time to give Soucis another option was rolling through Heath’s mind and he enjoyed it. He would have to try it, and could hardly wait to do so.

The idea of fatherhood was frightening for the male, but there was a small yet boisterous voice that told him that there wasn’t anything for him to fear. There would be hardships in this new journey but he knew that the joys would out weigh them every time. And most importantly he had trust in Ruri, and knew without a doubt that she would be the perfect mother. The male gave a nod to his good friend, a smile on her face and gave her a few words of appreciation. Thank you. He nodded at her next thought, I think so too. It will teach responsibility, compassion. Heath had thought about it a lot, and knew that unlike him Anann had been around horses all her life. Such a thing had molded her into who she was now, and because of that Heath knew it was only beneficial.

That’s all they’ll need, right? He asked with a light jest. They all needed love, first and foremost right?

At her next question Heath looked at the female with a slight frown as he thought about it. I do remember him, but have not seen him. He wandered why she asked him, and his mind grew curious and was happy to think of something other then his situation. Why? He asked.

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#11
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"I have heard that food and water help too," she said with a light laugh. Rather enjoying the easy humor of their jesting back and forth. A smile and a laugh was always a worthy distraction. Especially over such joyous news. It was hard to imagine that it wouldn't be long at all and Heath would be a father. Her small family was growing, knowing that the pride and happiness she felt for Heath was the same she would have felt for her own brothers.

Anann felt certain that Anatoliy hadn't come around the stables. In truth she didn't really know how he usually spent his days and if there was any chance at all for him to have run into Heath. The answer was as she had expected, but she hadn't known how else to turn the conversation to the topic that ate at the back of her mind. As it had come to the fore front the smile left her face and her ears folded back slightly. It only aggravated her further that she still felt so sensitive to something that happened weeks ago.

She was slow to form an answer. Her eyes focused on the tangled strand of mane in her hand as she attempted to part the strands from one another. It was such a weakness that one could make her feel this way. Because of it she was unable to look Heath in the eye in case he might see it in her eyes. The hurt she felt and the weakness it caused in her. "Several weeks ago he stopped by the cabin early. He took me to the coast to go fishing and swimming," she gave a weak smile she glanced up at Heath to see his reaction this far. "Then we went back to the cabin to cook the fish. Things were going well and we were having a good time, i thought..he just took off all of sudden." She took a deep breath and sighed as she exhaled. She had left out the rum, the kiss and the sweet words he had whispered. Though not quite intentionally. "I haven't seen him since.." She added rather quietly and delayed.

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#12
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Heath laughed, hearty and from his stomach at the words Anann chose. Of course they would need such basic things, but he had to admit to himself that he had been wrapped up in the things that he was fearful he could provide to even think about the things that he knew he could. Such as food and water. Fatherhood would be difficult, but of course he would be able to do enough to keep them alive. The rest would come with time and practice no?

He was eager to know more about the Russian male that he had only seen from afar. Heath had not noticed anything between she and the other male, though Heath was pretty oblivious of such things. But he could tell something was different now, amber eyes looking at the fey and seeing a change in very energy that surrounded her. He listened intently, eyes on her face. The story seemed like a poorly patched pair of jeans, holes in the seams and the places that mattered most. Yet he was quiet until she was finished.

Was there something that he said? He asked, thoughtfully. That might have embarrassed him or something? Heath wasn’t about to blame Anann for the reasons for his abrupt departure, she was good with words and there was no reason to think that it was her fault. He knew that she was uneasy about this, her tone made him certain of it and he worried that there was more that she wasn’t telling him. And feared that he was hurt because of it.

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#13
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Her tale was vague and she hadn't know where to start. She hadn't meant to tell it so bare boned, but it was difficult to talk around the lump that had formed in her throat as she tried to speak about what had happened. It threatened to splinter the voice that already spoke with uncertainty. She struggled to gather a death grip on the emotions she felt for the Russo. It wasn't as if she were emotionless, nor did she wish to be, but she was accustomed to having them under tight control. Something that always seemed to become frayed when it came to Anatoliy.

In Anann's mind there had been nothing that Toliy had said or done that had warranted his leaving, but at Heath's questioning she began to reconsider things. Even still she felt if had simply been embarrassed or nervous he would have returned to her by now. "Maybe. I don't know." She swallowed hard in an attempt to remove the lump in her throat. "Just before he left we were setting by the fire, had just put the fish on to cook." The details of the day were still clear in mind, even after all the weeks. "We were sharing a bottle of rum, we both had a few drinks from the bottle. He uh. Well he ran his hand up my arm and.." She was losing her nerve. She didn't talk about these things often or the feelings that went with them. Not with the men in her life, at least. Eyes focused on the ground. She wasn't sure why she worried but she didn't want so see his expression. "He cupped my cheek in his hand, told me I was very pretty and kissed me. Then he left...I..I tried to stop him.." Her voice fell and faded at the end. Talking about it made it all feel fresh all over again.


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#14
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angryyyy heath-bar

Heath didn’t understand completely, and wondered what the Russian’s problem was. He didn’t fully put two and two together and see that this was more then just a normal friendship, but his mind was moving towards that possibility more and more, and finally as he listened to Anann speak once again he could hear it clearly in her tone. Amber eyes examined her face, likely a bit too intensely as he tried to understand what sort of situation this was. She unraveled the scene and it wasn’t until he heard that there was liquor involved that he began to worry. His jaw was set, a frown on his face and he was feeling something that he hadn’t felt since he had seen his sister, since he had to first come to know Ruri. It was a protectiveness and a though he allowed her to finish her story Heath wanted to interrupt. He wanted to question, and also wanted to know where the Russian male was now.

He could have growled, but instead he simply cleared his throat. Heath was unsure of what to say, seeing that she was hurt by this and feeling the need to console as well as warn her against the foreign male. He had nothing against the Russians, but he knew that they drank just as he had some time ago. It wasn’t a good mix, and Heath’s trust in Anatoliy was nonexistent. He shouldn’t have done that. Heath said gruffly, not knowing what else there was to say. He couldn’t look at the female, his feelings mixed and the anger that he had such a hard time controlling beginning to boil over. You didn’t do anything wrong. He assured her, knowing that it was the screwed up brain of a male that would twist that situation into something that could be used to hurt her.


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#15
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Anann didn't know how much sense she was making. As it was difficult to include everything that happened that day. She worried that she might be giving him the wrong impression. She could feel the anger building in Heath as she told him a brief account of the events, even though she had yet to look up at him. Should she be angry? Of all the mixed emotions anger didn't seem to be one of them. She glanced over at him as he spoke. The look on his face was one she knew all too well.

Anann placed a honeyed hand against the dark backdrop of his arm. "Heath. Don't," she said softly. Whatever had happened, why ever he had left, Anann doubted Anatoliy would intentionally hurt her. "He's always been a gentleman.." Until that afternoon at least, but it still wasn't reason enough to let Heath harbor ill feelings towards him. Besides, the only action that had caused any harm at all was his leaving "If I didn't do anything wrong then why did he leave?" She gave a heavy sigh, "I really like him, Heath," she finally admitted. Why did it seem like such a dangerous thing to admit?


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#16
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angryyyy heath-bar

Heath had been a rogue once in his life, single and without ties or boundaries. He knew what it was to be a bachelor and he knew the thoughts that went through ones mind. They were not good. Not good enough for Anann. His own mind had changed knowing Ruri, but he did not believe that this Russian wolf would see that the golden wolfess was worth changing his mindset. And thus there was little trust held for him in the morte dre Soul’s own mind.

Her hand touched his arm, and he looked at her face and still felt the protective concern for her. When she spoke of his gentlemanliness Heath huffed and looked away. I’m sure. He said, slightly trying to believe her and slightly sarcastic. She spoke further and he couldn’t help but simply shrug. He wasn’t worth her time is he was to play such foolish games.

If he knows any better he will see you are worth more then all this. His voice was heavy with his French accent that at times was lost. If she liked him Heath would need to be careful of what he said, to him as well as others. The male wanted her to be happy, she was his closest friend. But if she was only going to be hurt, Heath wished to safeguard her if he could. Something told him that such a thing wouldn’t be possible.


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#17
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<333 Heath

Anann gave a heavy sigh, becoming slightly annoyed that the conversation seemed to be going in circles as she tried to find the advice she needed. "Do have a little in trust in me when I say he is a good man." Yet, she couldn't help but give a small smile. It was like she was setting next to Damien or Nattan again. She imagined either of her brothers would have reacted in similar fashion as Heath, had they been here. "I understand you men better than you think." Did he really think she would let herself fall for just any big brute? No, she had more self control than that. Unlike Heath, Anann felt that perhaps this was largely her fault. It had to be, why else would have left in such a hurry without turning back.

Perhaps it was a bit much to ask, for Heath to see beyond the protectiveness he was obviously feeling to give her some valid advice. Such rationality would never have come from her brothers. She had no clue what to do, such matters of the heart were foreign territory for her. She felt so lost and the ground so unstable under her feet. She didn't know how to safely take the next step. Or in which direction she should go. She had to give Heath some credit though, Nattan would have already stormed off to hunt down the Russian male. Still Anann did not know who else to talk to. There was no other she trusted as much as Heath. He already knew so many of her secrets. So who else was she to confide in?

"I am not so naive," she sighed, and reluctantly added, "or innocent. The rum had been my idea," again she paused worried about how Heath migth react to her next words. "I thought some liquid courage would do him some good." She had been wrong it would seem. She could tell him too that the wrestling match she had challenged the Russo to had been nothing but an excuse to feel his hands on her body. Though she felt that just might be exposing things to far and a fact that, brother or not, she was sure Heath didn't really wish to hear. Still it wasn't like she had been trying to get him drunk and seduce him either. She had only wanted him to find the nerve to make a move.

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#18
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durp durp!

How was he to think? Heath had a vision of Anann, and it was not exactly easily broken. She was like a sister, the sister he had lost some time ago. It was like she had returned to him in the form of the golden female, and more reliable and compatible then his blood relatives. So what was he to do now? Allow this Russian hurt her as he already had, though in a small way. She spoke with confidence, and Heath frowned a bit deeper. Could she trust him? Heath wasn’t sure she could and so he didn’t either. His brows rose, wondering what exactly she meant but understanding males. Heath hoped that she did not know all the thoughts that went through their minds, the things that they thought of more often then anything else. There are always surprises with us. he spoke a bit roughly.

Heath didn’t like that Anann had brought the rum, thinking it foolish for a female to put herself in such a position. But this was nor Ruri, and Heath needed to remember that the gold wolfess was stronger then most. Heath needed to trust her, her choices in this realm just as he did in all others. Still believe there was nothing that you did wrong. He spoke, shaking his head and finally giving the woman the freedoms that she deserved. Yes, she could do as she pleased but Heath had wanted to shield those thoughts from the picture he held of her. He needs time, perhaps his heart has been broken and he is afraid you will do the same. Heath suggested, knowing that the hearts of males were just as fragile as those of female whether they hoped to know that or not.


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#19
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It was probably best that Anann could not read the minds of men. She did not know the thoughts that went through their mind nor at what frequency. She did not need to know the details, but she knew that males were easily driven by such things. Still, if Anatoliy's goal was to some how take advantage of her he was going about it in the most unorthadox manor and had passed up so many opportunites. She could not argue with Heath's comment and accepted it silence.

She did not look directly at him, but read his reaction from the corner of her eye. He was not the happiest with what he heard, but he took it better than she had expected. She had expected to hear some sort of repremand from him for her action. Anann would not be convinced that she had done nothing wrong until she had heard such a thing from the Russian male or he at the very least came back to her. She could only give a nod at Heath's offered explantion, having come up with many ones similar to that as well. "Have I done the right thing by waiting, or should I have sought him out?" She asked, shaking her head as if she was dismissing the very idea as she spoke it. "I'm not even sure he is interested in me..like that." She blinked away the moisture that threatened to gather and bead on the rim of her eyelid.

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#20
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close soon?

Heath wished he knew that answers. He wished that he could steer the female into the right direction and give her the best advice that she could ever seek out. But he did not know what was right. His instincts told him to direct her away from the male, for his judgments were quick and harsh and it was against his nature to be any other way. He could not look at her ace for he didn’t know what was right, and shook his head twice and then spoke. When he is ready, he will look for you. his voice showed the unease. If it was right, then he should make it so. Heath had to do that with Ruri, he had known that he wanted nothing else in his life and so he had done his best to make it perfect between them.

The male hated that she felt like this, for it was like the sadness she tried to hold within permeated the air and seeped into his chest. Heath felt his heart melt, the scent of tears lingered ever so slightly in the air between them, their salt too distinct to go unnoticed. Like the older brother he felt like Heath wrapped his arm around her golden furred shoulders, he would always let her lean on him if she needed such support. Good things never come easily. He said, knowing well that things that were worth waiting for always made you wait and that things worth having usually put of a fight before surrendering to become yours.

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