Sawtooth Spire ultraviolence

He turned when he heard the scrape of leathery paw pads on shale. His dark eyes rested on Nanuk's face a moment before dropping to her feet. He pushed himself upright but kept his posture appropriate for his place in the ranks as he moved toward her. Wicked hesitated briefly before giving her a companionable bump to her jaw.

"I've never been up this high, ever," he explained, "so I was checking out the views." His ear twisted and he glanced off at the scenery for a few beats before facing the Beta again. "My mother used to tell me I take after my grandmother. She was my dad's mom but they were close. I never got to meet her. Anyway," he continued, realizing he was rambling, "she was terrified of heights but I'm glad to tell you I didn't inherit that trait.

The hell are you doing?" he asked in the next breath, his tone tentatively teasing.