we can take our time

His training paid off as yet again, he caught Solveiga unawares. Laughter rumbled in his chest at the squeal, tail waving his amusement in the air as his head cocked, jaws grinning and his eyes twinkling down at the little healer. “Why ever would it be embarrassing to call for your own mate?” He savored the flavors of the word on his tongue, dipping his head to brush a gentle lick along the side of her muzzle.

He chuckled at her apology, letting himself lower to lay half over her, hip to hip on the ground, chest to chest, front legs supporting his front end to avoid squashing the air out of her. By now, he was far more aware of his weight and size than he had been as a rambunctious puppy rough housing with his sisters in a life that seemed so long ago.

He could feel her heart, thundering like a herd of elk against his brisket, and he smiled, feeling the response in himself as she announced her wants. “And I you.” His words were soft, barely above a soft rumble, and he left his head lower to settle on the grass beside her ear, smiling at the pressure of her nuzzle. He tipped his head enough to murmur into her ear, the smile in his voice, “And we have all night.”