"It's so beautiful and raw," Calder continues, emotion thickening his voice. "And I want to contribute to that continued sense of safety. To allow her to feel what it's like to rely on men who actually want her to enjoy the world, who prioritize her happiness over control, who give her agency the system has systematically denied."
He finally looks up from Wendolyn, meeting our eyes in turn.
"She deserves to be loved and cherished. Not as a possession or acquisition, but as a person. As a partner. As equal, despite the biological designation that society uses to justify oppression."
Damn.
Man's giving a whole speech.
Surprisingly eloquent for someone who usually communicates through sarcasm and eye rolls.
"I guess that's why I couldn't let her go anymore." Calder's admission carries finality, acceptance of the truth he's been fighting. "That’s why when she marked me, when the bond clicked into place, it felt like relief rather than a trap. Like coming home instead of losing freedom."
He pauses, vulnerability flickering across features usually guarded.
"She felt the same—I'm sure of it. That's why she marked me, why she took my knot, why she bonded us permanently despite knowing it complicates everything."
The mark on his neck is proof.
Visible claiming that transformed a casual relationship into a permanent bond.
"So yes, it's already written in stone. This is unchangeable, irreversible, permanent, regardless of anyone's opinion about timing or appropriateness."
Calder's gaze locks onto Aidric with challenge evident.
"And if you're trying to make me feel guilty, you're wasting breath. I don't feel guilty. I want to stay by her side, support her, love her, and provide the stability and safety she's been denied. If you don't like it—" He shrugs with deliberate nonchalance. "—too fucking bad."
Territorial declaration.
Claiming his place in the pack regardless of Aidric's approval.
Bold move.
Potentially stupid move.
Definitely entertaining move.
"Yeah, we don't get along," Calder continues, addressing Aidric directly now. "We despise each other for past shit that neither of us has properly processed or forgiven. Our history is complicated, messy, loaded with resentment and unresolved feelings."
He rises from the stool, arms still crossed defensively, but posture straightening with determination.
"But when it comes to Wendy? She's the only reason I'll bend the rules. The only person I'll cooperate with you for. The only thing that matters enough to set aside personal grievances and function as an actual pack."
Strong words.
Backed by body language that suggests he means every syllable.
"So will I cooperate for the sake of her happiness?" Calder's question is rhetorical; the answer obvious before he provides it. "Yes. Absolutely. Without hesitation or reservation. Because her happiness is my purpose now—not my career, not my pride, not my comfort. Her well-being is my priority that supersedes everything else."
He starts moving toward the hallway, not waiting for a response or approval.
"I'm going to do what I can to let her experience what it's like to be loved and adored by a pack that puts her on a pedestal she deserves. That shows through action—not just words—that she matters, that she's valued, that she's cherished as a person rather than tolerated as a biological necessity."
With that declaration, he disappears down the hallway, footsteps receding toward presumably the bedroom where his and Wendolyn's scents are strongest.
Dramatic exit.
Effective dramatic exit.
