"I think it has to do with intent, Jojo," Henry explained. "My former alpha was a good guy. The link with him and the rest of the pack was okay, but it was always kind of intrusive. When I became a member of Sinclair's pride, it was totally different. The bond with him and the rest of the pride was warm and comforting."
"Yes," I said quickly. "That's it exactly. The bond I've always had with my father and the skulk felt cold and almost distant. This is warm and comforting."
"Like I said," Henry continued, "I think it has to do with intent. This is a pretty small pride, and everyone here is friends. We care about what happens to each other, we worry about each other and protect each other. I think that makes the bond feel different."
"But it hurt for a moment." I glanced at Sinclair, hoping he had the answers I sought. "Why did it hurt in the beginning?"
"I think that was the bond breaking with your skulk," Sinclair replied. "If your father wants you bad enough, I'll bet he didn't want the bond severed. He's an alpha. He knows as well as I do that his dominion over you stops the second the bond is broken."
Sinclair grimaced as he glanced down at Tommy. "I worry about what it will do to him."
"Oh, Tommy never bonded with my father. Kits don't bond until they shift for the very first time, which is usually when they are twelve or so. Tommy isn't nearly old enough."
"So he isn't bonded to your father or your skulk?"
I shook my head. "The only one he is bonded to is me."
"What will it do to him if he bonds with our pride?"
"Nothing," I replied. "The only reason kids aren't allowed to bond with my father or his skulk is because he can't stand being bonded to kids. He says their emotions are too unstable." I grinned. "Kids drive him crazy."
"So, there will be no problem with Tommy bonding with us?" Sinclair asked.
"Only if kids drive you crazy."
Sinclair chuckled. "I think I'm good."
I squatted down in front of Tommy. "I need you to do something for me, son. It's very important."
"Okay," Tommy replied.
"Did you see how Stalker and Daddy pricked our finger?"
Tommy nodded.
"I need you to do the same thing. Can you let me prick your finger?"
"Will it hurt?"
"It might hurt for just a second, but it'll feel better right away. Uncle Sinclair will even kiss it better for you like he did Daddy's finger."
I heard a few snickers, but I couldn't think of a better way to explain it to Tommy. He was three.
"You can kiss my booboo, too," Sinclair said as he wheeled himself around his desk, stopping in front of Tommy. When he held up his finger, there was a drop of blood on the tip. "See?"
"Does it hurt?" Tommy asked.
"It's just like a little pinch." Sinclair held out his hand to me. I placed the knife in his hand, wondering if this would be easier coming from or me. "Here, give me your finger and I'll show you."
Tommy held out his hand. I stopped breathing the entire time it took for Sinclair to prick the end of Tommy's finger then lick the drop of blood away.
"There, see, all better." Sinclair held up Tommy's unblemished finger then held up his own finger, which still had blood on it. "Can you lick mine better?"
I nodded when Tommy glanced up at me. Tommy faced Sinclair again then leaned forward and licked Sinclair's finger.
"Tommy?"
I blew out a breath when Tommy glanced up at me and smiled.
