deathwish

His nerves were like ice, coursing through his muscles and taking hold on his heart. He could not have been happier to have finally found his lost daughter after so long apart, but it was bittersweet. Now he was away from his homeland, following her into the unknown to who knew what?
Roman, the Tortugan alphess, had been the victim of rape by none other than his own son. He had not felt greater shame in his life. Even without that horrible piece of information, he would have to face Qanik. Oh, Qanik....
The alabaster temptress had not left his mind since his escape from the great earth quake. He hoped she had fared well, and that she would understand his purpose for leaving. He had never meant to be gone so long. For the sake of the gods, he was on the verge of telling the dame his true feelings.
Tortuga would be a new and confusing life for him, but he supposed that life with his family and surrounded by the ones he loved would be better than sitting in wait for his pack to either triumph or shatter into pieces. Besides, Melody insisted he stay away, despite his urges for her to follow him to Valhalla.
He didn't like the way she was looking back at him, as if he were about to fall on a rock and break a hip. Hadnt she known the trials he had been through? He had more life experience than she had in her left ear. Yet he knew she was only concerned about losing him again. Like he would ever let that happen again.
Ah, the Tortugan border. They had reached their destination and already Flamesong was jittery. Just when he was about to tilt back his head into a howl for the alphess, Melody parted her jowls and released her own beautiful tones. Flamesong couldnt help but smile; apparently her name had been appropriate.