It's not tentative on Jack's part. It's warm and tight, without a moment of hesitation-- though he does relax a hair when Serph adds his wings to the mix. That's familiar and reassuring.

He strokes the back of Serph's neck with one hand, as much comfort as his usual restless need for motion, and says, "I don't believe you would kill us. You care about us and I have seen that stop even the werewolf before. And even if you tried, I have gotten very, very good at dodging being attacked." So much so that he's been wondering if it's related to the fox stuff. He was agile before, but not like this.

"So that is one thing I do not want you to worry about," he finishes. "Okay? We will talk about the rest, but try not to hold that fear in your head."