HELD

Roman's easy smile made it clear that Qanik had not been called for some wrong-doing, and Qanik relaxed minisculy. Roman began to speak about Tortuga's growth, and the amount of things that had happened, and Qanik nodded agreement. Tortuga had been growing quickly, between the hurricane earlier in the year and the earthquake more recently, Roman taking over the pack and her own unexpected promotion, pack hunts and everything... it had been a lot.

Roman's words about realizing her own mortality registered suddenly, and Qanik's gaze sharpened questioningly, but she didn't interrupt, and Roman continued, apologizing for not speaking with her more often. Qanik shook her head. "No need to apologize for that, Roman," she spoke. "If there is fault it is as much mine as yours for not seeking you out." She studied her for a moment, still concerned about the mortality comment but letting it pass for now. She was worried, but there was a time and a place for everything, so she was compelled to instead inquire, "What was it you wanted me to know?" She understood the need for more than just the alpha to know the information that would allow the pack to survive and move forward, understood that Roman was preparing her for the possibility of needing to take care of the pack if she were to die, but she was a little worried that Roman had chosen her for this knowledge.



speech.