You could call it an apology

She didn't pull away from him as he offered her gentle affections, which gave him a little bit of hope. She repeated his needs, their daughters needed to be their priority and she seemed to agree. Shaye made clear they would first focus on raising them, and then maybe someday they could think about the ‘us’ once more. He felt himself blush as she offered a sweet nuzzle of her own back to him. His heart fluttered and he tried to suppress the feeling. He wasn’t ready to hurt again, but he’d hold on to the hope that someday he wouldn’t have to hide or bury anything.

Shaye welcomed him into her den, anytime he wished. He nodded in acceptance of their terms. They had a plan and he would follow it. Poem and Motif were already growing exponentially and he knew in the blink of an eye they’d be yearlings digging their own dens. He sighed in relief as she reiterated that he would be their father. There was no hiding their parentage even if they wanted to. Poem looked just like him.

Thank you, Shaye.” He replied as she brushed past him and hesitated at the entrance. He’d move to follow her, not quite finished with his puppy time yet. He’d have to get to more patrols soon, but he wanted to admire what he’d made with Shaye for a little longer.