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***Just so you know, you're going to be a little lost if you didn't read parts four and five. I am saying this here because I'm pretty sure that more people will look at this entry since it has yiff. I didn't do that to appease you; I'm still a little sore that people don't really look at my non-sexual submissions. For this part, the sex scene is not gratuitous; I have it there to express emotion. If you read on, you'll find out why it's different from the other sex scenes.

Enjoy, comment, rate, and please, read parts four and five. Please.

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They would be returning some time soon. Esal knew that much, but he was uncertain about what the circumstances of their return would be.

Perhaps the female that Sarad had raped would be fearful, or obedient, if only for her survival. Esal was glad that at least she had not been beaten and overtly humiliated while she was claimed. Her pains were necessary for the Esal's plans of casting Sarad down, but she didn't have to be so cruelly abused. Not like Isila had been...

It was now nineteen years since Isila's death and Sarae's birth. Every night, the horror of what Daenal had done to the innocent female had tormented Esal's mind. If only they had not been found...They could have left the pack and had a beautiful life together.

It seemed that such a life was reserved only for the powerful and the cruel. Daenal could have beaten and ravaged Esal. He knew that he had deserved it. Daenal knew his brother; he would have been the one to suggest leaving the pack to his lover. It was Esal's weakness that had led the Alpha male to forcing Isila to bear his pup and the humiliation of the pack.

She had been shunned by the pack, and although none would dare to lay a hand upon the bearer of the Alpha's pup, they knew that she was marked. She would never rise from her shame, and it was all because of that bastard Daenal!

True, Esal had not been strong enough to defend his lover, but Daenal had not needed to rape her. He knew she was in heat, he knew that she would come to bear his pup, and he had his own mate. In fact, the Alpha bitch had gone into heat soon after the event, but the Alpha had not mated her. Doubtless, it must have hurt her terribly. Esal hated Daenal with all his heart, but he could not help but feel pity for the Alpha bitch. To watch the child of her mate growing within the body of another female must have been agonizing, and to have that child brought into her house and raised as one of her children...

And yet, despite her pains, she had raised the child. She had protected and cared for her. Why was that? Daenal had also cared for the pup, seemingly without any regard that he had raped and humiliated her mother. How could that be possible? That bastard should have never had any part in that girl's life, but he had reared and cared for her, perhaps even loved her.

What did Esal see in Sarae? He knew about her lust, and about her pains, but he could never approach her. She was too close to Sarad, and he warned her away from their uncle, saying that he bore them no goodwill. This infuriated Esal to no end. Not only was his mate taken away from him by his wicked brother, but now his brother's son was keeping Isila's pup from him.

It was his right to care for her! He owed it to her mother to care for Sarae as his own, but Sarad would not allow it. Simply because of his birth, he had the right to lead the pack. If only he was gone, then perhaps Esal could lead the pack out of its vices, and he could save Sarae from the darkness that consumed her.

All of Esal's hopes and dreams rested on the female whose rape he had encouraged. He felt terrible for using the poor girl as a vessel for his vengeance, but it was necessary. He could not outright murder Sarad. To do so would destroy any chance Esal had of saving Sarae. If her uncle murdered her beloved brother then she would never trust him, and all would be lost.

He just had to be careful about his plan...And walk his path one step at a time...

*** *** *** *** *** ***

When the camp first came into view, Kasala couldn't actually make out many details. The camp was situated up on a small hill in the woods, and the foliage prevented her from clearly seeing her new home.

The four wolves were almost in sight of the village. By this time, the sun was high in the sky, its warmth washing over the travelers. Twice before they had stopped by a river that ran through the forest when their thirst overcame them. Kasala was very hungry- she had not eaten since before the attack. Both her hunger and her anticipation of her arrival at the camp made her uncomfortable, but she did her best to not let the others notice. She didn't want to be a burden.

Soon, Kasala could see the village. She stayed close to Sarad as they made their final approach towards her new home.

Sarad stopped when they were on the fringe of the village. He turned towards Kasala and rested his hands on her shoulders.

"Kasala, this is your home now. I can protect you, and the pack will provide for you. If you have any doubts, come to me, whenever you need to," Sarad told her.

"Do you understand?" he asked.

"Yes, Alpha," she answered with a determined nod.

The two wolves kissed, and then they turned towards the village.

As they walked side by side into the village, Kasala noticed many things.

Firstly, she noticed that Neran and Sarae had left them. Although this seemed appropriate, it also made her feel nervous. Here she was with the Alpha male, the pair on full display to the pack, who were resting out on the soft grass. The shame she had felt last night as they had watched her howling and whimpering in her lustful passion came back to her, and she dipped her head in embarrassment.

Secondly, the village was slightly larger than her previous home. There were more dens and more individuals, perhaps twice as many as her pack. The dens were constructed in similar fashion to her own den. Constructed of the strong wood of the forest trees, the dens were circular in design, with a high enough roof that the wolves could walk comfortably underneath them, with room above their heads that ensured they never struck the roof. The entrances were covered by cloth curtains that the pack had made themselves, the same as the clothes that the wolves wore over their bodies.

Thirdly and finally, Kasala saw that the pack had been awaiting for her arrival, as evidenced by their gazes at her. She had a terrible foreboding that she was not welcome here, and she would have a hard time in her new home. Sarad wrapped an arm around her waist and brought her close, comfortingly stroking her side. His affectionate touch reminded her what he had said, and she was immediately relieved of her worries of being mistreated. Certainly, she would not be a friend of the pack any time soon, but she had Sarad, the Alpha male. She was safe.

Sarad and Kasala walked out into the middle of the camp, and there they stopped. Sarad let out a loud howl, and soon what seemed to be the entirety of the camp was assembled.

In all, the pack looked to be about thirty strong, perhaps a few more. There were quite a few males, but there were also some females, about two males to every one female. The females did not stay together in a group, and Kasala noticed that some of them were armed in similar fashion to hunters and warriors.

All eyes were on Sarad and his mate. The Alpha male looked around at the assembled wolves and then spoke out, "Where is Esal?"

"Here, nephew," replied the Alpha male's uncle.

Sarad turned towards his uncle. "Well uncle, I trust that you can tell me how the night passed with the pack after I left you all."

"Yes, I may. We returned to the village as you ordered, and have been awaiting your arrival since," Esal answered wearily, not very interested with what his nephew was saying. Kasala could now make out more details about him than during the previous night's brief encounter.

His fur was dark brown, with a white mask along his face and a white torso. His muscles were clearly defined along his chest, being powerful and strong, seemingly as tense and defined as Sarad's. He was about the same height as the Alpha male, but his fur was tinged with gray, especially along his muzzle.

"Good. And you relayed my orders regarding my mate to the rest of the pack?" Sarad demanded.

"Yes, I did," Esal responded.

"Good, but let me reaffirm those commands.

"My pack! This is Kasala. She was a female of the pack who met their end this last night. Her people should not have been killed in cold blood, and you will do well to disregard the commands of my uncle. I am your Alpha, and you will follow my commands, and you would do well to heed this first order that stands above all others.

"Never harm another pack member. You have all been raised with this commandment, and you all know the consequences of breaking your Alpha's commands. If anyone within the pack disregards their duties...

"They must answer to their Alpha!" the pack responded with some enthusiasm. Despite the discomfort many of them felt with Kasala joining their numbers, they all respected their Alpha, and they would stand by him and his example.

"If anyone should disobey their Alpha..."

"They will be cast down!" the pack responded.

"And if anyone should bring about ruin to the pack..."

"Their life is forfeit!" the pack barked.

Sarad was silent for a moment. He looked about at the pack, nodding approvingly. He looked briefly at Kasala and winked at her, flashing her a small smile.

"Kasala is to be my mate. You will all respect her. I ask only that you welcome her as one of our own, and that you show her no ill-will. She is to be your Alpha, and she will be by my side as I lead you," Sarad told the pack.

"Why is she to be an Alpha, nephew? Simply because you have joined your loins with hers?" Esal asked contemptuously.

Sarad laughed harshly at his uncle. "Of course your depraved mind would think such a thing. However, you are mistaken.

"Kasala, if you would be so kind," Sarad said, turning towards her.

Kasala looked at Sarad in confusion for a moment. Sarad tapped his own wrist, signaling her to hand him her stone. She let out a quiet bark of understanding and undid the twine that secured her mother's stone to her wrist. She handed it to Sarad, who carefully and gracefully tossed it over to his uncle.

Esal caught the stone and looked at it contemptuously.

"That stone is the mark of an Alpha, Esal. You know it as well as I," Sarad said to his uncle.

"This stone means nothing," Esal barked, tossing it back to be caught by Kasala. "That bitch could have easily stolen it."

"Esal, you slander my mate and defy my command. If you are so bold in your words, let us see if you are bold in your actions," Sarad snarled, stalking away from Kasala.

"Sarad, no!" Kasala begged, reaching for his arm.

"Obey your bitch, Alpha. I doubt you have the strength to stand against even her," Esal laughed. Despite his hatred for Sarad, his taunts were not without purpose. He was testing the two young wolves, to see just how strong their bond was.

"Sarad is your Alpha! You shouldn't speak to him that way!" Kasala barked at the old male. "He is an Alpha only by right of his birth, not by ability. Anyone here could surpass him and his talents, but they are cowed by the fear of what they perceive it is to be an Alpha," Esal spat contemptibly.

"You're wrong! It was not Sarad who lusted for my body when I was weak and afraid. It was not Sarad who murdered my pack out of sheer pride! You wanted to feel powerful again and so after Sarad had left, you convinced the pack to massacre those who were weaker in strength and fewer in numbers," Kasala snarled at the older male.

"If I went behind their Alpha's back when I ordered this attack, why then did they listen to me? Should not they have respected their Alpha?" Esal asked.

"You said that the attack was in Sarad's name. You knew that they would not listen to you, so you hid behind a lie, Esal," Neran put in, walking forward to stand by his old friend and Kasala.

"Esal, you are a coward and a liar. Why do you persist to holding onto your pathetic vainglory, when you know that your time is ended?" Sarad demanded, stalking over to his uncle, leaving Kasala behind him.

Esal made no response, but he did not back away from the Alpha. The two males stood in front of one another, their hackles raised, their stances threatening.

"No! Don't fight! Please!" Kasala begged, running over to Sarad.

All the pack looked on as Sarad turned towards Kasala. He said nothing, but looked away in weariness. In his eyes, Kasala knew that Sarad regretted this turn of events, but she also saw resignation there. She knew it as well as he that he had to do this; he had to establish his dominance over the pack, or everything would fall apart.

As Sarad turned towards Esal, slowly and deliberately, there was a call from the pack.

"I welcome Kasala into our home!" barked a female wolf. Sarad stopped and turned to her, his ears perking up in surprise. Kasala followed his gaze and saw a wolf who had come to the front of the crowd, standing before the others and looking right at Kasala with a gentle expression on her face.

Kasala looked in wonder as the wolf bitch turned to her companions and spoke with them. Soon, another wolf voiced his support, then another, and another. The approving shouts, barks, and howls spread throughout the pack until the entire village was full of the loud, raucous noises of the wolves.

Kasala carefully took Sarad's arm and held him close. He smiled at her, and beckoned to the pack to come forward. Cheering loudly, they rushed forward to welcome Kasala into their ranks, holding her close and calling her name.

Kasala peered between the assembled mass of the crowd and saw Esal. The old male scowled darkly at her and then stormed away to his den, leaving the pack to their revelries.

"Kasala! Kasala!

"Kasala!"

***

It was some time before Sarad and Kasala were allowed some peace and quiet. Introductions had taken a very long time, and Kasala knew she would not be able to remember the names and faces of everyone in the pack. Sarad had bade them let her rest, and afterwards he had led her to his den.

Sarad's den was a simple yet comfortable home. In many regards, it was like that of Kasala's, though the bed was larger and more comfortably furnished. Little else could be said of it, but Kasala felt at home within its wooden walls.

Sarad wearily sat down on the floor and clasped his hands tightly together. He was pleased that the pack had received Kasala in such high spirits, but he knew that this would only make it worse for Kasala where Esal was concerned.

Sarad, as the son of Daenal, had always been hated by his father-brother. The Alpha male had largely disregarded his uncle's sentiments, so long as they did not interfere with Sarad's commands, but now he was not so certain he could ignore the old male any longer. He obviously had plans to do some sort of harm to Kasala, and all because Sarad had taken her as his mate. Esal would do anything to harm Sarad, even if it meant hurting others who knew nothing of their dispute.

Sarad closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. He calmed himself, and then resolved to confront Esal, and to make certain he knew that he would not harm Kasala in anyway, and that if he did, his life was forfeit. He would not allow him to harm her.

There it was again- that strange bond, that curious, unconscious attachment the Alpha male felt for the female wolf. It was an indescribable emotion, and deep within him he refused to fully acknowledge it. He denied what his heart was telling him, for he knew that he could not love her. He had been raised better than that- love was not found. Love was experienced...But what was this experience?

He could have left her back at the village. She had said it herself, she was a wanderer; she likely would have had little trouble finding a new home. So why then did he choose to bring her with him into his pack? He had no stake in her survival, no reason to be so concerned with her welfare.

What was it that his father had told him, just before he had set off to the fight that would be his last?

'Follow your instincts, Sarad, but do not close your eyes as you walk along the path. Beware your instincts, for they will lead you to ruin. Trust your instincts, for they will lead you through your life, to prosperity, to happiness, to freedom, to love. Know yourself, and know your primal, instinctual self, and find balance. Do not deny who you are, but control the darkness within. Only when you embrace all that you are will you know what is right and what is wrong, what is just and what is wicked, and what is love.'

Sarad had done all that he could to live by those words, but he had been unable to fully understand them. At times of high passion, he found it hard to doubt his instincts. He was unable to fully comprehend his situation, and so his primal, instinctual self would lead him.

But were his instincts leading him on the right path? Or would they be his ruin? Would they bring him happiness, freedom, and love, or shame, regret, and danger?

Kasala looked over at Sarad with a smile on her face. Sarad gazed back at her without returning the joyful expression. Kasala tilted her head in concern and moved over so that she was sitting next to him. She placed her hand over his and looked into his eyes. She rubbed her muzzle underneath his, asking without words what troubled him.

'Do not close your eyes...'

Sarad said nothing as Kasala gazed through his eyes into his inner-self. Immediately, he tried to repulse the feeling, the unfamiliar, curious sensation he felt as the energy between the two wolves began to ignite, slowly and tenderly.

'Trust your instincts...'

Sarad turned his paw over and lightly held onto Kasala's palm. He looked into her eyes and reached up with one hand to stroke her muzzle. Kasala looked at him and let one hand venture out to caress his shoulder.

'Know yourself and find balance...'

The two wolves moved closer to one another. They rested together, each leaning onto the other, their backs against a tree. Sarad wrapped his arms tightly around the female's body and kissed her on top of the head. Kasala let out a soft whimper and softly stroked his coat, enjoying his protective presence.

'Do not deny who you are...'

Kasala looked up at Sarad, and as their eyes met, their emotions began to erupt outwards. They gently brought their muzzles together as they kissed. Kasala closed her eyes as she felt her body and heart relax in the Alpha male's embrace. Sarad rolled the female over so that he was lying above her. His hands reached for his companion's clothes and slowly removed them, letting them lie next to them on the floor. Kasala carefully loosened Sarad's waistcloth, leaving his body bare upon her. Each wolf let their hand race over their companion's body, stroking, caressing, and coaxing their partner into a state of comfort, of trust, of intimacy.

'Embrace all that you are...'

Kasala spread her legs below Sarad. She gazed up at him, without any fear or worry. Sarad returned her gaze, his own eyes showing his concern and caring. He kissed her and adjusted his position. His hips were in between her thighs, and his chest was barely raised above her chest. Unlike their previous encounters, the focus of their intimacy was not the burning desire for carnal fulfillment. The trust and compassion reflected within the lovers' eyes was real and true. Both wolves knew, without words, that they were at ease here, in the presence of their companion, and neither wolf would abandon this feeling.

'Know what is right...'

Kasala reached her hands up to encircle around Sarad's neck as they kissed. She smiled at him and lightly gripped his coat. She wiggled her hips slowly, barely rubbing against his manhood. Sarad lowered his body onto hers, letting their furry bodies mingle.

'Know what is just...'

To say that Sarad and Kasala felt themselves being claimed by the throes of passion and ecstasy was a fallacy. They felt happy, safe, appreciated. Compassion welled within both of them; Sarad could not bear to see Kasala alone and in danger, and Kasala had been deeply saddened by the male's discomfort. She smiled as she felt him finalize his position, directing his shaft towards her slit. He looked at her and softly stroked her shoulders with his hands, smiling down at her. The female nodded, beaming radiantly at him. They kissed, and then Kasala carefully wrapped her legs around the male's waist.

'Know what is love...'

Sarad carefully and slowly pushed inside of Kasala's body.

As the female felt her male companion entering her sex with his spire, she shivered underneath him, closing her eyes in bliss as he pushed in, teasing her sensitive slit. She moaned as the male hilted himself within her, their bodies softly connecting. Sarad's waist was rubbing against her thighs, and the bitch smiled happily as the male looked down at her in concern.

Sarad gave Kasala a tender kiss as he pulled out to his tip. Kasala murred happily and stroked the male's shoulders, eliciting a low growl from her male partner. Sarad pushed in carefully, mindful to refrain from shoving himself within her as he had done during their previous matings.

Kasala felt Sarad once again occupy her sex, but it was not like the previous times. Whereas in the past Kasala had submitted to her mate as he had forced himself inside her body, she now welcomed him as he gently appeased her. Kasala's walls gently stroked the male's shaft, covering him in a warm, wet embrace.

Sarad slid out and then slowly pushed back in. Kasala yipped and kissed Sarad as he slowly developed a careful, tender tempo of pushing in, teasing her inner walls, and then retreating. With every thrust, Kasala's contentment increased, and she stretched her legs wide to allow her mate easier access to her body. Sarad lowered himself onto her so that their bodies were at all times touching.

Kasala moaned as she felt Sarad's knot swelling, slowly and gradually. She shook as its presence was felt at her lower lips, and she looked into Sarad's eyes as he gazed at her. She nodded and kissed him, bringing his body closer to hers with her arms and legs, wrapping herself around him. Sarad hilted himself and then began to make slow, shallow, gentle thrusts inside of the female. Soon, his knot was fully swelled outside her tunnel.

Sarad kissed Kasala and rubbed his muzzle against hers. Both wolves exchanged a wordless exchange of consent, and then Kasala felt her walls bearing against the bulk of Sarad's knot.

The female did not cringe as she felt her sex stretch to allow her mate's entrance. Her opening was gradual, like a flower slowly blooming as Sarad entered her. Sarad groaned and Kasala moaned as the male's knot found its way into her sex. Its sudden swelling locked them together, and Kasala let out a happy bark as she felt the first spurt of her mate's seed flowing into her.

Sarad lowered himself completely onto Kasala, enveloping her in his embrace as he released inside of her. They kissed tenderly and happily, both wolves completely at ease with their physical coalescence. The inundation of trust and caring that swept over them overcame both wolves, and no words could ever begin to describe the happiness they felt. They could never hope to understand their joy in terms of logic and reasoning, but they did not desire such explanations. They knew in their hearts that they were happy, and as they slowly let go of their inhibitions, they found themselves still within reason, still themselves, yet beyond temptation. Beyond darkness and beyond guilt, they felt high as a pair of clouds, and no less free.

The lovers rolled over onto their sides beaming at one another. Kasala buried her muzzle in the male's chest. Sarad held tightly onto her, unwilling to let her go. His embrace was met by Kasala's own, her hands holding firmly onto his neck and back. The female brought her muzzle up beside the male's as they contentedly breathed.

A more jubilant and restful scene could not be found anywhere in the forest. Sarad and Kasala had just experienced a profound level of intimacy that they would never forget, a connection that needed no explanation, a happiness whose source was trust, compassion, and fidelity. As they rested in one another's arms, they let their worries slip away. They realized that they both felt so safe with the other, and though they would have once doubted the verity of their emotions, they could not do so as they felt themselves experiencing the beginnings of love.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

They lay together for some time. They did not move, as their bodies welcomingly greeted the rest of lying together peaceably on the ground. The dirt was soft and cool, and made a fine place for the tied wolves to relax.

Their bodies entwined, Sarad had his arms around Kasala's waist and shoulders, cradling her form with his body. The female rested contentedly with her muzzle on her mate's shoulder, her hands caressing his neck and broad shoulder blades.

After some time, Kasala and Sarad looked at one another. They said nothing, for the caring and passion in their eyes spoke for them. Regardless of the inhibitions that restrained their efforts, their hearts could not hide their emotions.

'I love you,' their hearts said, but they could not say so aloud. To speak would be to make a vow, a promise, a bond, that they would not abandon their mate. The magnitude of the vow was so great that the thought of breaking it was unknowingly intimidating.

Kasala knew in her heart that she wanted so desperately to tell Sarad that she loved him. If only she did, and if he loved her in return, then she would be safe, she would be comforted, she would be happy...But if she was wrong, about Sarad's love and even about her own, then her heart, her instincts would lead her to calamity...

She didn't want to lose him. A part of her, a large part of her, was still afraid of the implications of all that had happened, and even of her current situation, tied with Sarad in his den. The rational part of her heart that sought to protect her urged her to run, to flee from these emotions, but deep within her heart, she knew that she could not. Happiness would only be found here, where she felt safe and loved. Without those securities, she could not be free and happy.

Sarad knew in his heart that he wanted so desperately to tell Kasala that he loved her. He was sure of that now, that he loved her, but his heart also knew that he loved many. He had loved his father, and his mother, and his two younger brothers. He loved his old friend Neran and his half-sister Sarae, and he had not come across them by chance. However, with Kasala, he had. He had only just met her, and his heart was telling him that by instinct...He had to love her...

If the feelings that coursed through his being were not love, then what could they be? Again, Sarad found himself grappling with his inner self, with every virtue that he held dear, with every bit of himself that he thought to understand.

Did he feel these emotions out of pity for her? It was true, he did have monumental concern for her...But he could not understand why he was so concerned. For her, of all people. He did not know her, and he had no stake in her safety. His warriors had murdered her pack, and here he was, concerned for her well being.

'Could it have been lust?' Sarad once again found himself asking that question. When he had first met her, it had been instinct to toss off her attacker and free her. When he had turned to her frail, terrified form, so intimidated by her assault and by Sarad's presence, he had felt many emotions.

The first was power. Here he was, standing before her, her savior, with her life in his hand. She was his to do with as he wished, by virtue of his strength and his rescue of her.

Next came lust, from his mind inebriated by power. Her body had been bare, and she was beautiful and lustful, her body fertile and strong. Within him, his instincts began to kick in, urging him to force himself upon her and thrust himself deep within her body, claiming her as his own.

Finally, came shame. As the wolf bitch had curled up into a ball, undoubtedly wishing that she would somehow be saved from her terrible fate, Sarad had realized that he could be her savior. He could protect her, by virtue of that same power that he felt coursing through him. It was selfish of him to think so, and vain of him to feel such power and gratification, but he could not deny his desire to defend her.

And so he had, with his body. After Sarad had tied with Kasala, branding her with his essence and claiming her as his own, he felt a final emotion welling up within him---love.

He denied it over and over, but he knew that it was at least in the slightest bit love. He had thought that perhaps it had been infatuation with her body and her potential as a mate, but those were things he could come to love her for, not come to love her by.

So what was it?

Kasala gazed lovingly at Sarad as she softly stroked the side of his muzzle. She could see within his eyes emotions that flashed and darted back and forth, uncertain and afraid. She moved her muzzle closed to his and kissed him passionately yet tenderly.

"Sarad, please, relax..." she softly spoke into his ear.

Sarad looked sadly at Kasala and stroked her body gently.

"Kasala, I...I'm so sorry for what I've done...I shouldn't have dragged you into this...You had a life, and a home, and a prospective mate..." Sarad groaned, ashamedly looking away from her.

The female brought Sarad back towards her and kissed him once more. She looked into his eyes with compassionate concern and began, "Sarad...

"You've saved me. It is not by your faults that my home is gone. My 'prospective mate' would have been cruel and abusive, for I was little more than an appeasement gift to him. I would have been mistreated far more than the humiliation I received last night, but I know that you did not intend to shame me.

"Sarad, you only did what you did to protect me, I am sure of that. And even now, I can see it in your eyes that you doubt why you did so. I was terrified when you raped me, but soon, I realized what was happening...It's true, mating with you did feel...Wonderful...And terrifying as well...But I also realize that you were protecting me and guarding me.

"Sarad, if it was not for you, I would be dead...Or worse...

"Kasala, what could be worse than death?" Sarad asked, his head tilted, his eyes glowing with concern.

Kasala was silent for a moment, her eyes downcast in turmoil. "To live in captivity...To live a life of enslavement, as little more than a thrall in bondage to another..."

Sarad said nothing. He brought his hand to Kasala's muzzle and then kissed her as she had kissed him before, with tenderness and care.

"Kasala...I will not let you live that life. I...I cannot fully comprehend why I must protect you, but I know that I am compelled to do so. I will not let you fall to harm.

Kasala smiled and warmly snuggled up close to Sarad. For a moment, no more words passed between the two wolves as they happily lay in one another's arms.

Finally, Kasala looked up at Sarad and smiled. "You see? Sarad, these things are unknowable...They are what define us...Everything else is based off of them...And if we deny what we feel, then we deny all that we are."

Sarad was speechless. Kasala smiled and kissed him again, speaking into his ears fervently.

"If we must live, then we must live in virtue, no matter what vices befall us. We must arise from the darkness that besets us and move on into the light. Even then, we will not know what these feelings are, but we will know that they are good and true."

"But...What if our instincts lead us to ruin?" Sarad asked.

"Then we will have learned that our instincts may lead us to darkness. I believe that we all know that, at least to some degree, but it is up to each of us to decide whether we will follow our vices or our virtues," Kasala answered.

"Sarad? Do you truly think that this, here, is not a virtue? I have such faith in you, in what you mean to me, in your words and in your actions...I know only that I do not love you yet, but that I may...Sarad, I want to stand by you and live by you and learn by you...

"Sarad, I want to love you...I need to love you..." Kasala moaned.

Sarad said nothing. He kissed Kasala and encircled his arms around her, holding her close to him.

"Kasala, I do believe that this is good. I will protect you, if only you let me. And...I need to love you...I need to know that these feelings are right and that I cannot deny them...I need only know if I am meant to be with you..."

Sarad and Kasala kissed one more time, their bodies close together, their hearts caught in the rapture of their revelations. A moment later, they were claimed by the call of sleep, and they blissfully answered the call, leaving behind the waking world, their bodies safely together, held in a warm, firm embrace.