Without Reward {Kade}

[Avariella]

It was a strange feeling... Wandering through a pack's territory while still being a loner. Avariella knew the rules of many packs included the fact that you were supposed to protect the borders and not allow intruders. But Ava had met the alpha of these lands, and he had seemed nice. He had invited her back, anyway, so didn't that mean that she was technically allowed to at least pass through the lands? Sure, hunting in his lands might be pushing it a little, but she was hungry. She had to feed two now and that was definitely a challenge because she could barely catch enough food for one. She usually always gave it to Kade, though, if he would let her. She didn't want him to go hungry because she was poor at hunting... Though she would only continue to get worse if she didn't start eating more of the food that she was catching. She was only making herself weaker by not eating which would eventually fail Kade anyway. So she needed to take some of the food for herself for a while so that she could become strong enough to hunt for two instead of just one. Presently, she was hunting. Teaching Kade how to hunt to be more specific. He really wasn't that great... And Ava was unsure how he had survived on his own for so long without being able to hunt. Perhaps, he was a scavenger of sorts and would just eat the remains of someone else's kill. Ava had found herself doing a bit of the same as she grew weaker. Anytime she saw dead remains, she would stop for a meal... Unless, of course, it was wolf meat... That would not satisfy her at all.

The female crouched in the trees, staying perfectly still as she watched the deer ahead of her. If they were able to take down one of these deer, they would be able to eat for days... That was... If they were able to stick around for days. While Typhon might have been nice to the fearful female, he might not take so kindly to her hunting in his lands without permission. Then again, she wasn't sure that they would even catch one. With the way the hunting had been going that day, they would once again turn up with nothing. Glancing in the general direction that she thought Kade was, she licked her lips. "Last attempt for today... If we don't get this one, we'll just have to go to sleep hungry..." She said softly, careful not to speak loud enough that the deer would hear. With that, she took a few steps forward, quietly placing one paw in front of the other as she crept closer to the large animal. She could feel her mouth start to water, and she held herself back from springing too soon. Patience was key when it came to hunting, but it was terribly difficult when you were as hungry as the female was. She needed this kill... But she doubted that they would get it.




Kade

[Kade]

Kade was determined to do better this time. His few recent hunting lessons with Ava had turned out to be less than successful. That left Ava with the brunt of providing for the two of them. He hated how much he took from her, unable to give anything back except his promise to keep her safe. She was in worse shape than when he had first met her, pushing herself much to hard to feed him. He hated how much she didn't eat all for his sake. Everytime he tried to deny a meal to make sure she was fed Ava refused. Stubborn female that she was. If they managed to get one of these deer it would feed them for a few days and no doubt get Ava back on track to being healthy. He wanted her to be healthy and happy when she was with him. Not tired all the time because of him. He was quiet as ever, trying to remember everything that she had taught him. He refused to turn in for the night until he saw her fed, he was the male, supposed to provide for her. He had found he enjoyed the taste of meat much more than he did the kibble that man had fed him. Life here on Anikira was so much better than life in captivity and he needed to make the most of this hunt.

He refused to allow her to starve herself for him. Slinking closer to the deer he made sure he was not seen. They had made sure that they were upwind of the prey so that they wouldn't be able to smell them. His mouth watered at the thought of fresh prey. He had survived the majority of his time alone scavenging off of other people's kills. The deer would taste so good, if only they could catch it. In all of his life he had only ever caught a rabbit or two, and one sickly deer. Now he wanted to take down something better. For her. He was too close already. He would have to lunge at it eventually, but he knew that Ava would have to help him bring it down. Ava would have to make the first move if they had any hope of making the meal tonight. Even if they weren't totally comfortable with each other yet, they were still a team.

Avariella

[Avariella]

It was a bit exhausting to try and teach an older wolf to hunt. Honestly, it was probably exhausting trying to teach any wolf how to hunt. Avariella had never had pups, but she had been around the ones in her previous pack. The hardest part, it seemed, was the fact that they could not pay attention for longer than a few minutes... If that. At least Kade was focused on trying to learn. Even if his patience was short, he was still trying. Pups just wanted to play. Playing... That was something that Ava hadn't done in a long time. Briefly, her mind floated off as she remembered romping around with a few pups as their mothers went off to find something to eat. Ava missed those times... She missed being a family... But she didn't know that she would ever go back. As far as she had come in starting to trust Kade, she still didn't believe that she would ever be anything but a loner. Then again, she supposed that if her relationship with Kade grew, and he found a pack that he wanted to stay in, she might try to make it work. She got anxiety just at the thought, though, so she quickly focused her attention back onto the hunt. They needed this kill... She needed this kill... Kade was healthy. At least, he was healthier than she was, but she knew that he wouldn't turn down a meal like this. Even if he made her eat first, he would still get a decent meal today and probably for at least two more days after.

Ava's eyes focused on the deer, her paws softly touched the ground as she inched forward, practically holding her breath. They were so close... Just a few more feet and they could go. She hoped Kade would wait for her before he attempted to go after the deer. She knew when to pounce, but she needed his strength to bring down a deer this size. He just had to wait... Be patient and wait. Her eyes were so focused on the deer at this point, it was all that she could see. There would be a chase, but if they were successful, the chase would be well worth it. The female wolf licked her lips as she took another step forward, hearing the slight crunch of leaves and pine straw beneath her. The deer's head and tail shot up as it looked around for the sound. Ava didn't move, halting her breathing as well. She hoped Kade wouldn't move either, thinking that the deer might settle back down. Instead, it turned away and started bounding through the woods. Ava's heart sank and she pushed off with her back legs, darting after the deer as fast as she could. She wanted this so bad, and she was about to lose it because of her carelessness. The deer was fast, but Ava knew that she was faster... For a moment, at least until her body started to give out on her. She was upon the deer within seconds, snapping at it's hind legs. She felt the spindly leg within her jaws, and she bit down, hoping to injure the animal. It would be much easier to catch if it's leg was in pain. She was so hungry, so she pushed herself even as she started to feel tired, knowing that, if they succeeded, she would be back on track to getting healthy enough to start feeding both of them. She needed this so that she could continue to provide for the both of them. With the last of her energy, she leaped at the deer, clamping her jaws down onto it's back leg as she tried to weigh it down so Kade had the chance to help her bring it to the ground. Once it was on the ground, it would all be over.

[Kade]

The rustle of leaves beside him alerted the deer to their presence, sending it fleeing in the opposite direction. For once it hadn't been Kade who had faltered, his lack of discipline usually costing them the kill. Seconds later Avariella was giving chase, her sleek body tearing off after their prey. At this pace she would exhaust herself before they even managed to catch the kill. Wanting so badly to keep her alive and healthy, Kade could only watch as she faded away. She didn't trust him enough to allow him to take care of her the way he so desperately wanted to. Too stubborn to allow his help, she pressed on. Determined to ease the pressure she felt to provide for him, Kade took off after her. All he had to do was take down this deer, to succeed instead of fail. They both need this so badly. He heard the snap of teeth hitting bone as Avariella's jaw clamped down on the deer's leg. He knew she wasn't strong enough to bring the beast down on her own. That was where Kade came in. Where he was otherwise useless he at least had his strength.

Ava clinging to the prey's leg had dramatically slowed it down, allowing him to approach it's shoulder. Teeth tore into flesh and Kade used his weight to pull the deer off balance. Without the use of one of it's legs the deer collapsed. Kade's added weight made it too hard for the prey to stay standing. Leg's kicking the deer's eyes glazed over in fear. Death was upon it, Kade's teeth shredding across his chest. He could taste the blood as it ran across his tongue. His stomach growled and he felt his control slipping. This was the savage within him that was pushing to take over. All he wanted was to savagely rip into the deer, even though it hadn't died yet. The deer squealed and groaned as Kade began to feast on it. For the first time in so long he was triumphant. They had brought down the kill together. Pausing his feast he looked up at Ava. He must look a sight, blood and flesh staining his maw. "You will eat." his voice was gruff, not completely his own. If he had to he would force her to eat her fill. Her health and happiness were the only things that mattered to him.

Avariella

[Avariella]

Ava was holding on as hard as she could, but her body was slowly giving out. She had used almost all of her energy in the chase, and what she had left was being used to just hold onto the deer. She was getting more and more exhausted, her body practically collapsing underneath her. Her legs were getting tangled, and she kept stumbling over nothing. She wasn't sure how much longer she could go on, and she hoped that Kade would take over and kill the deer before she lost it. Her eyes were squeezed shut as she tried to focus all her energy on just keeping her jaws locked on the deer. She could hear the sounds of struggling, but she wasn't sure if it was the deer or Kade... Or both. She prayed that Kade was at least in the equation somehow, but she wasn't sure. She was breathing hard, and her body was giving out faster with every passing second. In reality, thirty seconds at most had passed, but Ava felt like it had been close to thirty minutes as she hung on to the deer. She didn't understand what could possibly be taking so long. Of course, one second was feeling closer to one hour to her, and she could only focus on keeping her jaws locked, not the passing of time.

At last, she felt the deer stumble, and seconds later, it fell. Still not able to do much more than keep her jaws clamped onto the deer's leg, Avariella fell too. Exhaustion was taking over, but she was so glad that they had finally caught something that would fill them both. The young female heard Kade as he immediately started ripping into the deer, not bothering to kill it first. Ava didn't even have enough energy to protest, though. All she did was flick her ears back in slight protest. She wanted to eat, but all she was sure that she could do at the moment was rest. Slowly, her eyes flickered open and she caught sight of Kade, looking quite like a crazed murderer with the blood and meat covering his maw. Ava watched him for a moment before she flicked her ears forward at his words. He sounded a little different... A little more... Primal... As if all emotion was gone. “You eat first... I'll eat in a minute... I need to rest right now.” She replied, slowly gaining some energy back. She knew that eating would help her, but she was so exhausted that she thought eating would be too much effort. Slowly, though, she was able to at least roll onto her stomach, tongue lolled out of her mouth as she panted. It was only a moment later that she was up again, moving up next to Kade to take her fill of the deer. The meat was so good... It had been too long since she had eaten a good meal, and she was so glad that she was going to get to go to sleep with a full belly tonight. “Thank you... For feeding me...” She mumbled between bites, glancing at Kade.

[Kade]

Kade stood silently, watching her lay on the ground. Her breathing was shallow and labored as she fought past the exhaustion that was no doubt taking it's toll. He was worried about her, the rational part of his brain demanding that he help her. The instincts were in control now, his primal side not allowing him to move towards her. She is strong, she can do it herself. The thought echoed through his brain as finally Avariella stood and slowly drug herself to the kill. Seeing her take a few bites was all the encouragement that he needed to return to the chest. Sounds of ripping and tearing bounced around the meadow as he swallowed more and more of the deer's flesh. It was so satisfying to be eating something that he had taken down on his own. the meat almost tasted sweeter on his tongue, the triumph of his victory altering the flavor. He looked up from his feasting every few minutes to make sure that Avariella was still eating. He wanted her stomach full to bursting before they turned in for the night.

A gentle thank you reached Kade's ears and he moved over to where she stood. Blood crusting his jaw, Kade moved slowly to rub his muzzle against hers in a simple thank you. He knew that if he tried to speak the words would be jumbled. He was proud to be able to take care of her, to keep her healthy and safe. He let his pelt brush against hers before stepping back and away from her. Pushing her to accept him would get him nowhere, not now when they had only spent a few weeks with her. Despite the fact that his instincts were pushing him for more from Avariella, her heat scent was still present at times making his body ache to have her. His mind usually waved such feelings away, rationality winning over. He had no want for pups, not when making them would in turn force Avariella to be his when she did not want to be. He inhaled the sweet scent before stepping back even further. While he considered her to be his in a way other than romantic he had notice how beautiful she was. Too beautiful and sweet for the likes of him. He was damaged, dangerous. She would not have him. "Have you eaten your fill? We should probably find somewhere to rest before morning." His voice was still gruff and primal, making even Kade flinch. The fresh blood on his tongue was making his heart pump even faster. The adrenaline coursing through his veins.

His breathing was quick, his nose needing to smell anything but her, lest he do something he regret.

Avariella

OOC: Sorry the muse took me here and now he is getting intense.

[Avariella]

Avariella had grown more and more comfortable with Kade with every passing day, and she was starting to accept him more and more. She liked him. She thought he was kind and so willing to give. It was still hard, sometimes, when he would get close to her, to remind herself that he wasn't going to hurt her. She needed less time alone and was actually starting to enjoy the company that he provided. Ava knew the looks that the members of her pack had given her weeks before they had attacked her. Kade hadn't once looked at her that way... At least, not that she had seen. Anytime she saw him, he only had a kind expression... Maybe even too kind. Almost... Affectionate? Longing? No, surely not. She wasn't beautiful enough for anyone to look at her that way. If he was giving her longing expressions, it was only because of her scent. She was in serious heat, and she knew that it had to be driving him mad. She hated that she was doing that to him, but she didn't know how to stop it. It was driving her mad, too, but the only way she knew to stop it was to... Well, mate. Ava was almost positive that Kade didn't truly want that. And Ava would never bring pups into this world while she could barely even provide for herself and Kade. She wanted nothing more than to stop the torture for both of them, but all she could do was tuck her tail tighter to try and stop the scent from escaping. And so she did so as she ate, hoping that it would help Kade even a little. This, though... The fact that he was resisting the urge to mount her... It only made her trust him more. She was slowly starting to realize that he meant no harm to her.

Ava heard him move over next to her, and she lifted her maw from the kill for a moment to look at him. His muzzle gently ran along hers, and she closed her eyes softly. Her body tensed ever so slightly when their pelts brushed together, but it was nothing compared to how she had been just a few weeks before. It was a long journey for her, but one that she hoped to one day overcome. She wanted to trust him. She wanted him to know that she was no longer afraid, but it was so hard to completely give in when she knew there was a possibility of him turning on her at any moment. They had come so far already, though, and it gave her hope that she would be able to one day trust him completely. She felt him pull back a step, and she opened her eyes to look at him for a moment before turning back to the kill, her teeth easily cutting into the meat. She ate more than her fill and then stood, immediately giving a catstretch, though reminding herself to keep her tail tucked. She couldn't even imagine how the heat scent must torture the minds of males. Standing straight once more, she looked to Kade as he spoke. "Yes... We should probably look for a warm place to sleep..." She said softly, glancing down at the deer. They couldn't go too far if they wanted to keep eating off of their kill, but they definitely needed to find somewhere to rest. Her ears had caught the voice of someone that wasn't entirely Kade, and she wondered if the adrenaline was still affecting him or if he was tense from trying to keep himself away from her. Her eyes suddenly grew apologetic, her ears flicking back softly. Timidly, she stepped towards him. She was submissive by nature, and her approach to him showed it. Almost crawling up to him, her maw turned upwards to look up at him, she moved to lick his muzzle, attempting to clean it for him. "I am sorry I cause you so much pain..." She whimpered softly, bowing her head after a moment, she sat on her haunches as she looked at the ground. She knew that being so close to him wasn't helping anything, but she almost wanted to see what he would do... If she knew she could trust him. She knew he couldn't possibly want her... Truly want her. She was broken... Pathetic. He could do so much better.

Just a moment later, she pulled her head up and stood, looking towards the trees. They would need to find shelter for the night. That should have been the number one thought on both of their minds. Shelter was important for survival. "I've been through here before... There should be a small den not too far from here. I think it was abandoned by the last wolves that lived in these lands. Maybe we should rest there tonight?" She said, trying to distract him. She had stayed in the same den on her trip down to the Ocassus, and it had provided a nice shelter for her. She was sure that they could both fit in there. It was as good of a place as any, she supposed.

[Kade]

He had been trying to hard to keep the extent of his struggle from Avariella. He didn't want her to feel bad for the fact that she was in heat, for she could not help it. This was a natural part of life and she ought not feel guilty for his lack of control. Her scent was simply too sweet for Kade to resist. A longing deep inside him had stirred to life when he had met her and he could honestly say he was being tempted. Avariella was surely a witch sent to try his patience and self control. At the compound it had been easy to resist his urges because the females there were cruel to him. She was just the opposite, sweet and caring, so beautiful. Everything that he wanted but could not have. He did not deserve her. It was her choice to stay with him, but he had no aspirations that she would stay any longer than she had to. If he claimed her he would no doubt trap her where she did not want to be, with him. Kade had noticed the way she tried to tuck in her tail, masking the feminine scent only enough to tease his nose. He caught a whiff of it, just enough to make him want more. Any indication from her that she would accept him and he was afraid that he would lose himself. He had meant to comfort her with his momentary contact, but when he felt her tense he knew he was pushing too hard once again. I need to be more patient. I can't try to force this. He had managed to get far enough away to avoid the temptation that seemed to come from the very core of her. Taking a few deep breaths he tried to clear his head of the thoughts of them together. His body pressed flush against hers, her accepting him for what he was. It is not meant to be. Get ahold of yourself.



His grey eyes flashed to the ground before he shut them tightly until he was sure he would be alright. Once his rationality was back in control he knew that he would be alright. Avariella seemed to have other plans for him as she softly approached. Her show of submission pleased the male in him and he rumbled deep in his chest. Her tongue darted out to lick his maw and he leaned into her show of affection. Even if she hadn't meant it to come across that way Kade saw it as her wanting to care for him. He allowed her to clean the blood from his maw, his eyes boring into hers. Her apology almost made Kade chuckle. Her heat caused him to feel a lot of things but pain was not one of them. "Your smell doesn't cause me pain Ava. Just the opposite. The smell of your heat makes me want you very badly. Longing is an addictive drug and the longer I deny myself the sweeter you become. It is a very pleasurable thing to be caught up in. I know that there is great pleasure to be had at the end of this road, but I will not be reaching that end." His words were honest if not a little blunt. She is too close to me. Before she could move away he leaned down to nuzzle her neck, a groan escaping his lips. "You are just too beautiful for your own good.", he whispered softly before taking in her scent again. It was too addictive for him to refuse. When she moved back and spoke of a den near by he knew they would find it all too soon. They would sleep there for the night, no doubt apart as they usually did. Avariella was not comfortable enough yet to allow him to sleep beside her. At least she did that much to keep him sane.



"Lead the way. I fear I don't know these lands like you do." He had never sought out a den before meeting her, choosing to sleep under the stars instead. Only time would tell what tonight would bring for the two of them.

Avariella

[Avariella]

Avariella truly hadn't meant any harm to come from their friendship... Yes... She felt like she could call it that now. He was a friend... Even if she hadn't entirely accepted him yet. She wanted a friend... She needed a friend. It had been too long since she had been able to trust someone, and she truly needed it. She needed someone that she could trust to keep her safe. She needed someone that she could sleep comfortably beside at night. She had decided she would sleep next to him tonight... She had yet to do it, but she would force herself tonight... Though she doubted that she would have to force much. He was really getting to her... So kind... So gentle. He was everything for her that her pack had never been, and she needed it. It was hard for her to find herself trusting him so soon, but it was the result of going far too long being afraid of everything she had come across. The pack instinct was still inside of her, and she knew that she needed at least one wolf that she could trust... One wolf that would protect her and never hurt her. Kade was quickly taking that position, whether he wanted it or not. He had promised to protect her, she had promised to feed him, and so far the companionship was working out. They were both very much alive and becoming healthier. But with that, came the not so new but more prevalent realization that he was male and she was female... And it was breeding season. With full bellies and a known place where they could rest, they found that other matters were becoming harder to ignore. Ava's heat made both her and Kade long for something they both knew they couldn't have. Ava wanted nothing more than to tell Kade she wanted him, but she knew that he didn't really want her. He was conflicted because of his instincts, and her scent was becoming too much for him to handle. Besides that, they could not be so selfish as to give in to their desires when pups could result from it. Neither of them were ready for that kind of responsibility.

Ava knew that she probably should have given Kade his space, but she had to tell him that she was sorry for his suffering. She knew that it must have been horrible for him to sit and smell her scent calling for him, knowing that he couldn't have her. And so, she approached him, so submissive and gentle with her position. He was, in a sense, her alpha. He didn't have quite the same power as an alpha would, but she would submit to him like she would an alpha. As she licked his muzzle, their eyes locked. Silver to amber, they were frozen together. Whether Ava had originally meant for the gesture to be affectionate or not, it definitely turned out to be. They were so close... Too close. But the female couldn't move away. Those eyes... Those silver pools... She was drowning in them, falling fast and hard for something that she could never have. The trance was broken when he spoke, and she pulled her muzzle away from his to give him some space. She listened to him, looking up at him, watching his handsome face as he spoke. And once he was done, he nuzzled her neck... For the first time since they had met, she didn't flinch away, nor did she tense her body. In fact, she relaxed at the affectionate touch and even leaned closer to him. His groan reached her ears, and she squirmed a little, looking away with a shake of her head. "You don't want me, Kade. Your vision is clouded by the season. I am broken... No one wants something that has been broken. You deserve much better than me, dear Kade. I do hope that you will find her one day... And I hope that I will meet her. I want you happy." She said softly, needing to try to convince him that he was not actually feeling for her what he thought he was. Her scent was making her beautiful to him, and she didn't want him to be caught up with her... Though she supposed he could just leave after... Like nothing ever happened... But then, how would she ever trust anyone after something like that?

The mention of the den was good use to try and distract them from each other, and Ava nodded at his words, standing and backing up a step so she wasn't so close to him. The den. They had to find the den. Ava's mind was cloudy with thoughts of her and Kade, and she blinked a few times before shaking off, looking like she was shaking the dirt and leaves from her pelt, but really just trying to clear her mind. The den. To find the den. She looked around the small meadow and then started walking off in one direction. It was this way, she was sure. Towards the water. Yes... She was sure... Or was she? She could barely think, let alone try to find a den to rest in for the night. Licking her lips, the female continued walking forward, set that this was the direction that would lead them to the den where they would turn in for the night.

[Kade]

One step then another Avariella led him off in the direction of the den. Just the thought of her body pressed close to his as they slept set his blood to boiling. He watched amused as she moved, making it obvious that he wasn't the only one having difficulty keeping his thoughts under control. It pleased the male inside that she was distracted by his closeness as well. He had heard from a few females that during the heat they could become as aroused as males did. Their heat causing them to feel a tremendous amount of longing. A smile played on his lips as he wondered if Ava had felt a similar longing for him. His body trembled at the thought of her feeling the same want as he did. Everytime he thought that he was gaining some sense of her she changed her behavior. It was so hard for him to discern what she felt for him. They were practically strangers, but he needed her here with him. Already he was so dependent on her presence. She was the only wolf he had in this entire world the only thing he could call his own Yes she is mine. Her words only convinced him even more that she was the one he wanted.

When her heat was over and done he would convince her of just how beautiful she was, how precious. She was everything to him. Tensions were high between both of them and would probably remain until the breeding season was over. It would be a miracle if they both managed to make it out of it without Avariella getting pregnant. He was grateful that they hadn't come across any other s recently, because he doubted he would be the only one tempted by a pretty femme with an intriguing smell. If anything her fear of other wolves made her ample target for a predator of sorts. The thought of Avariella with anyone else made Kade see red. If anything was going to join with her then it damn well ought to be him. Her words were just those words. They held no meaning for him because he knew she was wrong. Even if his longing to have her body faded when her heat did it would not change the way he felt for her. Even if he wasn't distracted with thoughts of mounting her he would still care for her. Deeply.

"Ava when I say you are beautiful I don't mean the way you smell or how badly I want you. I mean you. The very essence of you is spectacular. You are kind and patient, you accept me for me, you are a pretty on the inside as you are on the outside." He was being very serious now. Even with River he had never felt so at home in his life. Even if she did not fully trust him, he trusted her. She was trying to convince both of them that they could never be a thing that they were only acting in the moment. Kade could be patient, he could wait until the end of her eat. When it did finally end he would tell her just how he felt about her. Just how much he cherished her. And when he told her she would believe him. "I do not deny that your heat is affecting me, more than I would like, but not enough to cloud my mind that much."

Sincere or not he was a little too eager to get her to the den. Once they were alone there was no telling what would happen.

Avariella

[Avariella]

Ava kept herself walking, trying to clear her head. She needed to think of something else... Anything else besides giving Kade the okay. She couldn't. She wouldn't. But she wanted to. Whether it was the fact that her heat was clouding her judgement, or the fact that she truly did want to care for Kade, she couldn't tell. She had never felt so strongly for another being. Even her past few heats, she had not felt such a strong longing to have the burning relieved. Now, it was almost unbearable. She needed him. But no. She couldn't. She had to control herself. Here, in a pack's territory... They couldn't. Even besides that, they couldn't take the chance. She couldn't care for a family... Not yet. They needed a solid home... A place to live... A steady supply of food... But would they be able to resist each other for the remainder of the breeding season? Probably not. Even if they somehow managed to make it through tonight together, what would happen tomorrow? Or even next week? The breeding season was far from over. Ava held in her whimper of protest at her own thoughts. She would never make it. Not if the burning inside her kept on. Maybe she should just... Let it be... See what would happen. Her tail was still clamped tightly between her legs, but she wanted to just... Relax it. She wanted to tease him just a little more... Make him want her even more... But no. She didn't want that! She wanted him to want her for who she was not because his instincts told him to mount her when she smelled good. And so, she tightened her tail against her rear once more, determined not to let him get to her. They couldn't be selfish... She couldn't let him have her until she knew for sure that she could trust him... That he truly did want to be with her because of who she was... Not because of some stupid thing that happened the same time every year. What was to say that after he was satisfied, he would want her? Or worse... What if he left her? A few weeks ago, that thought wouldn't have phased Ava. Now... She almost visibly shuttered.

To think that she had gone from being terrified of this male to wanting to be as close to him as possible baffled the young wolfess. She didn't understand how he could be so charming... So caring... So kind. He had made her fall fast for him without even really trying, and now it was getting the better of her. Flicking her ears back slightly, she picked up the pace until she was trotting through the trees, getting closer to the den. Maybe once they were inside, this nonsense of breeding would stop... Or maybe it would only grow stronger. Once they were out of sight of prying eyes, they would be able to do whatever it was that they wanted to do. Ava flicked her ears towards Kade as he spoke again, making her slow her pace slightly. If he was telling the truth... He wouldn't leave her after he was done with her. Maybe... Just maybe... This was a chance for her to start her life again. When he had found her, she knew that it was the start of a new life, but she had never expected something like this... These words from him... She didn't know how to respond. He deserved so much better... Why couldn't he see that? She was so broken... So unable to be fixed... Broken things were useless. Why would he go after a broken thing? While the thought of him truly wanting her made her heart flutter faster than she knew was possible, she couldn't understand why he would want someone like her. He could do so much better... He didn't have to settle for a female as weak and afraid as she. He could get a female that was just a strong as he was. Someone who would be able to provide him with enough food every day... And eventually support a family. Ava couldn't do that for him.

As the den came into sight, Ava quickened her pace once more. Once she was right outside, she stopped and turned to face the dark hued male, sitting on her haunches. For a long moment, she said nothing. Looking up at him, her amber eyes showed many things... But for the first time, she looked like she trust him. Just a moment more, and she was standing again, once more taking a submissive position below him as she moved to rub the top of her head against his chin, her tail relaxing and even wagging softly. "I want to believe you, Kade. I want to believe you because I like you... A lot. I've never felt about anyone the way I feel about you. I want to explore it... But I don't want to lose you. You're the only one on this island that has even tried to gain my trust... I need you, Kade... In more ways than one." She said softly, moving to continue rubbing her head against his chin as she spoke. She wanted his scent all over her. She had made up her mind. No matter how selfish and terrible of a decision it might turn out to be, she wanted him. She needed to have him. Pulling back slightly, moving to lick his muzzle again, this time meaning it as a sign of affection. "You promise you won't leave?" She asked as she pulled back again, looking up at him with large amber eyes. Even if a promise was only words, she had to hear him so it. He had promised to protect her, and so far he was staying true to his word... Now he just had to promise that if she gave him this... If he claimed her, he would not leave her on her own to fend for herself and -possibly- whatever pups they might have. Already, she was on her feet again, walking back to the entrance of the den, stopping in front of it and looking back at him with a gentle wagging of her tail. This, she supposed, was the moment of truth. If he promised not to leave her, she would let him claim her. She would do exactly what she had planned against doing this season and breed.

[Kade]

The closer they got to the dens the more anxious Kade became. He had not allowed himself to indulge in the pleasures of the flesh since before he had landed on Anikira. None had made him push his boundaries like Avariella did. The subtle way she licked her lips, or the way her tail began to sway if he allowed herself to relax. What a magnificent creature she was. He had pushed himself too far and now that he was finally getting control of his instincts he felt a little more calm. He could now look at her without wanting to devour her entirely. The solace of sleep was sure to bring him some peace of today. While taking her would not be something he could ever regret, he did not want her to feel obligate to indulge him. He wanted her to choose him when she was ready, when they both were. He was nowhere ready to be a father, or even a lover. Only time would tell when it was his chance to make Avariella his. Today was not that day though. He wanted their joining to be romantic and perfect for her, not a crazed bout of sex that would leave them only a fleeting satisfaction. This was no one night stand that he wanted to end before it even began.

Finally they reached the mouth of the den and Kade could see how inviting it looked. The two of them would both fit well enough and it would give them some privacy. They were traveling through pack lands now so they had to be cautious. The delicate way she moved closer to her only made her look so much more appealing. His tongue once again licked at his maw and it seemed as if she was giving him some mild form of approval. As if all of his pushing had begun to eat away at her defenses. She stood at the entrance waiting for him, as if his decision would be the one to decide their fate. If he had some assurance that she would not bear his young he would have taken her already. Instead he was left to mull over the idea of them bearing children in a few short months. The thought of her swollen with his seed was a very pleasant one, but he wanted her to be happy about it when he impregnated her. Something he fully intended to do. Oh how he hated the path that was laid out in front of them. If he had been any weaker of a male he would have taken the sweet treasures that she offered him. Instead he would be denying them both something they wanted.

"Please do not mistake this as a rejection Avariella but we can't. I want you so badly, more then I ought to, but when I do decide to take you I want us to both be ready. Be assured though that I have every intention of taking you when the time is right for both of us. When we are both sure of ourselves." Kade had never been so sure, but he needed her to be as well. He had done enough pushing for the day, his teasing getting them into enough trouble. Her tail wagging began to allow her scent to reach him again. "Be careful little wolf. I might just change my mind." His voice was teasing this time and he ran his tongue over her cheek. Checking to make sure the den was unoccupied he nudged her inside a little more forcefully than he had intended. "I won't leave you Ava. Not today or the next or any day after that. Now let's get inside where it is warm." The fading sun had made the air chilly and he didn't want her getting cold. They would be much happier once they got some sleep for surely the tension would be better once they had rested and gotten more to eat the next day.

Avariella

[Avariella]

Ava wished that she could say that she had set the entire thing up. She wished that she had... Like she was testing him to see if he would stay strong and not force her into anything too soon. The truth was, though, that the thought of having someone take away the burning feeling that her heat brought her was a much more pleasurable indulgence than she could have expected. The desire that she felt to have a male mount her and take away her aching... It was all too much, and she had given in. She had accepted the fact that Kade was going to help her, and she would surely be helping him too. Taking away the strong scent that she was giving off would make things easier for him... He would be able to focus much more without her sweet scent to distract him. Really, both of them needed this. But... They didn't need what was to follow. Ava would never forgive herself if she happened to conceive. She would never understand how she could be so selfish as to bring pups into a world where they could not be properly cared for and raised. She had no right to do that... And she knew this. Her judgement was clouded by the season, and she hated herself because of it. Already, she hated herself. Though the feeling was suppressed by the burning desire to have Kade pressed close to her, the feeling was still there. She would hate herself more than anything if she did this... But at the moment, she couldn't think of that. All she could think of was the fact that she was standing inches from the den that could conceal them and give them a little privacy while they... Took care of their desires. She waited for him, expecting him to, at any moment, join her and follow her into the den where he would claim her as his... More so than he already had.

But it was Kade's voice that broke the stillness of the air around them. His first sentence made her face fall and her ears flick back. Her tail slowly stopped wagging and then returned to its position, crammed between her legs once more. She hurt now... But the pain was different. Gone was the desire to breed... In it's place, there was a pain like nothing she had felt before... No... She had felt this before. Staring up at her pack as she floated down the river to her supposed death. But even this was different. She had been so ready for him... The rejection hurt like being stabbed. For a moment, she couldn't speak, too shocked to speak. He had seemed so ready to take her... So ready to disappear into the den and let the world around them fade away... So what had happened? Why was he suddenly refusing to take what she was offering him? Control. That was what had happened, and as soon as Ava realized it, she let her tail start wagging again. He was not rejecting her because he didn't want her. He was rejecting her because it was what was best for both of them. They couldn't be parents... They barely knew each other. And Kade was not going to trap her with him if that was not something that she wanted. He was not going to claim her until he knew for sure that she wanted to stay with him. Perking her ears up again, she looked up at him as he spoke again, giving a playful giggle. "You think that is a threat?" She asked, closing her eyes slightly as he licked her cheek, her maw reaching up to nip playfully at his ear. It was amazing the relief that she felt that he had said no. His words lifted to her ears once more as a slightly forceful nudge pushed her towards the mouth of the cave. Pausing, she looked up at him. She thought about saying something, but then just moved to lick his chin in a thank you before slipping in the entrance of the den. It was big inside, plenty big enough for the both of them to sleep apart like they usually did. But Ava still had her mind set on lying with him tonight... No matter how tense it might make her. At this point, after almost giving herself up to him, she figured sleeping next to him would be easy.

[Kade]

The way she went from looking hurt to playful made Kade want to just turn tail and run. She didn't know how her sweet little kisses and nibbles pushed him to the brink. Staying here with her was going to drive him mad eventually. He lowered himself down in a playful stance before almost chasing Avariella into the den. She was playing a dangerous game, but he would not deny her the fun. If she was going to test and tease him then he was going to tease her right back. All he needed to do way make sure that he didn't loose himself in the play. Nothing would be worse then them forgetting their boundaries and ending up right where they had been before. Kade had only enough strength to deny her sweet body once. "You little wolf are a temptress. Be careful or you might find yourself within my clutches. Then I might never let you go." He didn't plan on ever letting her go, but for now he could take his words as teasing. His grin was almost devilish as he took a slow step towards her then another. His muzzle reached out to slide across her side, inhaling deeply. Her scent was too close, too sweet, too heady. He could see himself getting addicted to that smell. The longer he prolonged taking her the more he would be able to smell her. While it prolonged their need for each other Kade wanted to see her burn with it. He shuddered before moving his nose back over her. "Don't you know what you do to me?" His grey eyes were the color of a storm, hardening and darkening with desire.

He tried to keep her ignorant of his body's response to her, tried to be the gentleman to her, but she didn't want that. The little witch wanted him on his back weak from the power she had over him. If she asked him to do anything he wouldn't deny. He was under her spell. He leaned in to whisper in her ear, his breath hot. "You can see it as a threat, but I see it as the truth. Keep pushing and I won't be responsible for what happens" Words out he nipped at her ear before once again taking a step back. She wasn't the only one who was going to have some fun. If they were going to be stuck in this den he might as well enjoy himself. It was much better than trying to ignore his manly demands. He would no doubt be hard for most of the night if he was here with her. The best he could hope for was some distraction from the images plaguing his mind. "You make me think very dangerous thoughts. Like how much prettier you would look underneath me." He was mostly teasing her now the serious gruffness of earlier gone from his voice. Avariella was much more innocent than he was, but he wanted to see just how embarrassed she would get from his rude question.

Avariella

[Avariella]

This game that they had found themselves playing... It was a dangerous one. Toying with their desires to give in to the instincts that plagued their bodies... It was extremely risky after they had each denied themselves of the other's body... At least for the time being. The promise was still there, though, that when the time came, when they were both ready for whatever might come from it, they would indulge in each other. For now, though, they could only taunt and tease. But oddly enough, Ava didn't mind it. In fact, she rather enjoyed it. Him telling her how beautiful she was... Even if it was only for tonight -the fact that they were full and energized from a large meal awakening other desires within them- or if it would last for days, weeks, or months to come, she would enjoy it... For however long it lasted. Two adult wolves, taunting each other, teasing and toying with a dangerous game. But that just made it all the more fun, didn't it? The threat that, if they got too deep into this little game of theirs, they might not make it through the night the way they had planned... That threat pressed heavily in their minds, and it would make their little game even more interesting. He took a playful stance, and she darted into the cave, feeling his presence close behind her. Just feeling him back there made her want to stop and wait for him to give in and just take her, but she knew that she couldn't do that... Not to him or herself. And so, she continued on into the den, turning quickly to face him as she reached the largest part, her ears perked atop her head as she watched him, listening closely. He spoke, and she almost couldn't help the smirk of sorts that crossed her maw. A temptress? That was something that she never thought she would hear herself called. Temptress... She almost liked it... But only for Kade... Partially because she was afraid of everyone else, but partially because she wanted him... She wanted to accept him, and in time, she was sure that she would.

She watched him as he took slow steps forward until his muzzle was sliding across her side, causing a small shiver to escape her. "Never escape your clutches, eh? Well... We wouldn't want that, now would we?" She murmured in reply, wagging her tail softly some more. She knew she must have seemed like the devil, letting her sweet heat scent flow like she was... But she couldn't help it. This game... It was a fun one, indeed. Avariella's eyes closed slightly as she felt his nose brushing through her fur, forcing herself not to shiver again. His question made her tilt her head slightly, eyes still half closed before she opened them fully to look at him. If she as being entirely honest... No... She didn't know what she did to him, technically speaking. She knew that he was driven mad by her scent, but physically... She was much to naive to know what happened there. She was curious to know, though... She wanted to know everything he was feeling. Every little thing. Kade's maw found it's way to her ear, his hot breath against her fur making her ear flick lightly. How sweet his voice could sound... Even if he was technically 'threatening' her. But it was no threat to the sweet female. Instead, it was only a tease... A tease that she was all too willing to make come to life. But it seemed all too soon that he gave a nip of her ear and stepped back again. Devilishly, she crouched playfully, lifting her tail with a smirk crossing her maw. He thought that he could win this game... But the truth was, he was wrapped around her paw. She could ask anything of him, and he would do it, she was sure. The young female sat back on her haunches after a moment, her ears perked curiously toward the male as he spoke to her. She was still too innocent for these games... For these words. She had never had a male on her before, and to have him describe it... Her ears flicked back and she tucked her head to her chest. If she were human, her face would have flushed bright red in response, for she wasn't sure what to say back to him. "That'd be a lovely sight for you, wouldn't it? Looking down at me..." Her words were just a slightly nervous mumble, not sure if that was the reply she was supposed to give. Her innocence of the process was clear, that was for sure. Big amber eyes looked up at him, her chin still slightly tucked as she waited for some sort of approval. She had to know that she wasn't making a fool of herself.