Asher shakes his head, closing his eyes as he wraps his arms around his leopard, relishing the weight, the warmth of him, so close.

"I'm not angry," he murmurs, stroking Nathaniel's back. "And I know. Mon chat." He reassures them both, turning to hide his face in Nathaniel's hair, his heart breaking just a little. He has absolute faith in Nathaniel, in the love they share. But he cannot compete with the bond of a triumverate. Not unless he marks Nathaniel a third time, and they are neither of them ready for that.