"Because both packs are hurting, and I can feel that ache.  I can only imagine how happy everyone would be, how willing they'd be to break down the walls between the packs and become one..."  She sucked in a breath and lifted her gaze to meet his.  "...We could lead both packs.  Your pack wants you, not Lance.  And I think they like me well enough. It would be a silver lining in all these dark clouds, I think."  She shrugged her shoulders.  Wolves valued mating bonds, because they meant a future and children at some point, which meant the pack would continue and thrive.<br/><br/>"And you know why, Alban.  I wanted you before the wolf did, even if it was a silly crush.  You were always a good friend to me."  It was more than that of course, but he had to give her some show that they wanted this too, so far it seemed like he was still very much on the fence about it all.  "But if you don't want it, I'm not the one for you....I can leave.  You can provide the packs with wisdom I don't have..."