I took a deep breath when they ran away. I didn't want to have to kill anyone, but I would, if I had to do it to protect Jacen. My relief went straight away when I saw how badly injured he was. I knew I had to take him back to the clinic. And I knew I had to claim him in order to do so. "Okay, puppy. Hang on. It's gonna hurt." I wasn't sure he was strong enough to be claimed, but either way, his life was already at risk. "I'm sorry, puppy. I love you", I whispered, before marking his neck with an X.<br/><br/>With another deep breath, I stroked his fur for a moment, before stepping back. "I'll change now, and we'll get this done", I said, before starting to shift. Once it was done, I walked to him and bit his X scar. I'd lick it later, trying to ease the pain.<span style="font-style: italic">I'm sorry, puppy... is it too bad?</span>