Managed discreetly? The only way, the only thing Al could possibly think of -- if it continued any longer -- Edmund would need an Alpha. A mate, someone dedicated to him, available at any notice to help him when the heat struck. Someone devoted and willing to keep his silence. Someone suitable for bearing his children.
And it couldn't be Al. No matter how much he'd grown to care about Edmund, he'd never be able to have children with him or carry on the line. He wasn't a panther. And he had obligations to his pride. But the thought of someone else mating Edmund made him run hot, then cold with rage.
He'd never been like this. For years, he'd prided himself on rising above such animal instincts. But now he couldn't hold himself at bay. Heaven the faintest wift of Edmund's desperation as he froze dug under his skin again, drove him crazy with want, and the scent of his own desire sparked, followed by a wave of bleak longing.
"I can't keep you safe, Edmund." He couldn't leave either, not with Edmund begging him to stay. His instincts warred, and he was frozen in a half crouch, shamed and shaking. "I'm not safe. I don't trust myself not to hurt you." Hurt that Edmund would undoubtedly welcome now. And would be redoubled, when the reality of their situation cleared.
"I'll stay if you want. Here." At the door, across the tent from Edmund, but still within reach.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2017-08-25 06:12 pm (UTC)And it couldn't be Al. No matter how much he'd grown to care about Edmund, he'd never be able to have children with him or carry on the line. He wasn't a panther. And he had obligations to his pride. But the thought of someone else mating Edmund made him run hot, then cold with rage.
He'd never been like this. For years, he'd prided himself on rising above such animal instincts. But now he couldn't hold himself at bay. Heaven the faintest wift of Edmund's desperation as he froze dug under his skin again, drove him crazy with want, and the scent of his own desire sparked, followed by a wave of bleak longing.
"I can't keep you safe, Edmund." He couldn't leave either, not with Edmund begging him to stay. His instincts warred, and he was frozen in a half crouch, shamed and shaking. "I'm not safe. I don't trust myself not to hurt you." Hurt that Edmund would undoubtedly welcome now. And would be redoubled, when the reality of their situation cleared.
"I'll stay if you want. Here." At the door, across the tent from Edmund, but still within reach.