<span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Preston refrained from rolling his eyes at his alpha but just barely and had they been in a more personal location, he would have.  As it was, there were many eyes on them, especially on the alpha and Preston wouldn't dream of disrespecting Cy in this crowd.  "Of course not," he says pleasantly, as if the alpha couldn't possibly bother him or <br/>
interrupt anything.  And while that may be true, the seldom conversation they had had about Jay had been the reason Preston wasn't always around the younger wolf.<br/>
<br/>
Cy knew enough to know the real answer to that question without Preston saying anything.<br/>
<br/>
He turned to his Luna, Victoria and inclined his head as well in greeting.  The alpha's mate however looked uncomfortable and distracted so he didn't engage her in conversation.  Instead, he followed her eyes to where the old Alpha and mate were getting ready for the next tradition in changing to a new alpha and that was a pack run.  The moon was gaining height and it was almost time so Preston turned to look back towards his mate.<br/>
<br/>
His blue eyes didn't miss the way Jaymus' hand reached out to encourage and comfort the smaller wolf, how his eyes lit up as he talked to her and the look she was giving him.  He couldn't help but wonder what she had done to gain such an affectionate look from his mate when he was trying so hard and could only get a frown.<br/>
<br/>
When they returned holding hands, he forced a tight smile before setting his drink on the table.  "If you'll excuse me, I need to do one more thing before the run," he turned to the alpha and inclined his head again before walking off.  He wanted to say bye to Jay, but he got the feeling he was already doing what the other considered too much hovering.<br/>
<br/>
He walked towards the house.  He was going to be the one to bring up the last of the pack and make sure no one left behind so he wanted a few minutes alone before he had to rejoin the group.</span>