Kiss of an Empress

Now came her anger. The fear that he might still lose her lingered. She was frustrated at their predicament, at what it meant for her. He couldn't turn off his feelings for Deathbelle. They lingered, hurting all of them with their presence. He felt Zee release his scruff, but only to shove him and beat upon him with her paws. Lying as he was on the bridge, she shoved him slightly to his side.

He didn't retaliate, he knew Zees anger was well placed. She had given him all of her heart. What had he done in return? Given her the half that didnt belong to Deathbelle. He hung his head in shame. The part of him that wanted thr best of both worlds shone for was it was, a shameful illusion. He kept telling Zee that he chose her. Prove it, you fool! Prove it!

He got to his feet, catching one of her paws as it slammed down where his back had been. He dragged her into a bear hug. Holding her against his rapidly beating heart. He knew Deathbelle wasn't capable of deceit, like she seemed to think. Their attraction was accidental, not malicious. But they should be fighting it. They should be protecting Zee, honoring her as his mate. "Then what do you want, Zee. What do you want me to do?" It wasnt rhetorical. She was his compass, and he was asking her for her guidance. Did she see a path that allowed her to live in peace with him? "Because I'm not giving you up. Line in the sand Zee. You have always been my line in the sand. It was for you that I claimed the tank of Warlord. It was for you that I created this pack. Because I would not allow you to be a slave for a moment longer. Because I wanted a place to call ours, where you would be safe. Where do you want my love for you to take us next? What do you want Zee. Tell me." His voice was soft, his hammering heart telling her plenty. His head he dropped across her neck and shoulder. Holding her close and tight. Next to his heart, in the safety of his arms.