Blackfeather Woods Meal Politics

While worrying about Nemesis' defiance, Damien almost missed Cicero's clever move. Damien saw him dive into the carcass, but before he could take a bite Damien growled at him, making sure he knew Damien was still above him no matter how weird or tense the situation was between them, and it would be like that for as long as Damien could hold his ground. But he felt that it would be enough. Cicero had always acknowledged Damien to be above himself since the first interactions as newborns wriggling around next to Meldresi's warm body. But Nemesis, she was one Damien had yet to prove himself superior.

Nemesis was older, and by far more experienced than Damien. She was proving to be firm on her claim, but Damien was arrogant enough to want to keep his position above her. When Nemesis insisted on her challenge, Damien lifted his head from the carcass, warm blood dripping from his chin, and a deep growl rumbling his chest as his tail went up and ears pressed forward. He leveled his head with Nemesis' for a moment, and when he saw the moment fit, he arched his neck defiantly. If the challenge went physical depended purely on Nemesis' next action. If she didn't submit immediately he would snap, and the first thing that was in his line of sight was the female's snout.