Sawtooth Spire wrong side of the tracks

She spoke. The food was too far. He turned then, lifting his nose as if to scent the offending object before he moved and made his way towards the raccoon. He sniffed it before picking up her meal within his jaws and moving it closer to her. He dropped it at her feet and backed up, giving her the distance she needed. She was a new mother. Her caution was warranted despite his personal feelings in that she was being a little too over protective.

"They are safe here," he confirmed. "I've swept this area clean. I patrol it diligently. Our pack does the same. No harm will come to them." She was not alone in ensuring their safety. He did his part. The rest of the pack did theirs. They all knew the value at the heart of their territory and they were all working to ensure their future.

He watched her for a moment. His eyes, sweeping over her form towards the darkness looming behind. "I placed the rabbit there," he confessed, turning his gaze back towards her. "I value your instinct, but still feel as though I am missing important moments in their lives." His ears turned, catching the mews of the child behind her. He did not know which of the four cried. He'd not met any of them. He'd not had the opportunity to truly distinguish their mews from one another.

"They need you," he spoke, though he knew full well she knew. It was impossible not to hear them. "And I need you to trust me." He met her gaze, not in challenge as he respectfully folded his ears to imply otherwise, but to add weight to his words. "Let me sit just inside the den and watch for a few minutes as they feed. Give me that, and I will respectfully keep my distance until you are ready to do more."