Phoenix Maplewood got what it takes to make a mountain man leave his home

He listened politely to her story, so similar to ones young wolves had told for generations. Get bored and leave. He'd done the same, though it had taken him a little longer than Day to leave the nest. And Rae seemed a bit put out, resting her head on her paws, and he gently nudged her shoulder with his muzzle.

"Hey," Shale said quietly, still smiling. He blinked down at her. "It was brave of you to strike out on your own. We're happy to have you here, Rae."

He felt a sudden surge of protectiveness toward the girl, his stomach clenching--but it was different from what he'd felt with Pema. Something--oh. The realization smacked him across the face, and he stared at Skraeling, eyes widening a little.

The girl was just about as old as his daughters would have been, had they lived.