Exiting the hot cooking surface and entering the burning chemical reaction

He expected a bit of a reaction as he applied the salve to her sprained ankle, and she flinched softly but didn’t retrieve her paw from him. He managed to cast her a quick reassuring glance like he might have if one of his pups had gotten hurt. He felt his face go a little flush when he found her eyes on him. Quickly he’d return to his work.

He didn’t have anything to wrap her foot in which would have been ideal. Though he would add items to his list when he went out to search for supplies. For now he reminded himself to focus on her injury and making it well. No good would come if he let his mind linger on her sweet herb scent. Her pain was obvious as she struggled to her feet, and the slate alpha once again refrained from rushing to her side.

She grinned as she joked with him, and he couldn’t help the relieved smile that played on his lips as he pulled himself to his full height. Now she had to go and be charming too? He sighed inwardly to himself and again renewed the walls around his emotions. ”Carrying you might be a bit undignified, I would suggest using my leg as a crutch. It’ll be slower but less.. infantilizing.” He managed with the hint of a chuckle. She could choose either or… unless she had a third idea.