Mmm. That's a different way to look at it, honestly. [ He smiles, a little bit too impishly then. ] Because, unless I'm very wrong about her, I'm pretty sure the only reason she's never legally changed her name is because of my own selfishness. Just as you've got you ideology you've staked you life on, I've married myself utterly to the pack mentality and the pack lifestyle. An officiation of marriage, even where it logically should happen, stand in opposition to that.

[ and he lowers his gaze then, even if the smile remains ] But you're also right that it's maybe it's just stubbornness on both of our parts.

[ He tilts his head, and he holds up a finger ]

I don't refute your ideals, Audrey, but I would like to correct something. Are you willing to allow me that?