Hey Nah Nah, What's My Name?

Mercy's howl filled him with dread. He knew exactly what time of year it was and for that reason he'd been careful to avoid being alone with this particular packmate. The first whiff of heat scent he'd picked up from Mercy this year had immediately brought to mind their conversation about her possible sterility. She'd done what she'd done knowing - expecting - to get pregnant and that didn't sit well with him. In a way he felt used. What if she had gotten pregnant? What would she have done then? Valentine adored his kids and didn't regret them, but he'd also never planned them. His love for them aside, if he stopped to think about the consequences of what might happen during their conception he might have fewer kids today. He couldn't claim to be clueless - obviously he knew where babies came from - but he was more of in-the-heat-of-the-moment kind of guy. There were a few reasons he was reluctant for a repeat of their last winter conversation, but the most glaring was his awareness of the possibilities of such a union. He couldn't simply be made unaware again.

After steeling himself Valentine set out for Mercy. He had absolutely no intention of sleeping with her; he refused to be a test subject in her search for answers. While he doubted she would call him to her for the sole purpose of jumping his bones, he mentally prepared himself for such a confrontation should it be the case. He wasn't sure how well she would take rejection - or if she'd accept it at all - and that concerned him. If he were a weaker-willed, less resolute man he might have broken down and brought Rhys along as a pint-sized boner killer to crush the possibility before it had a chance to even be considered.

As Mercy came into sight Valentine easily adopted and presented a warm front. His lips lifted in a smile and his eyebrows rose in a silent statement. Well? Here I am. He was very fond of Mercy and his reluctance to pursue her didn't diminish that any. His expression turned teasing. "Let me guess," he began, "you fought a bear. Or no, a pride of lions, maybe?"