Redhawk Caldera The front lines - the edge of death

It took Elwood some time to respond to the caller at the borders; he had to disentangle himself from where he lay with Clover, Tegan, Lucca, and Fiadh sprawled around him. One by one, he plucked each puppy up and placed him or her next to Finley, leaving them in the capable care of their mother. He would rather have stayed put, but duty was quite literally calling him.

His feet carried him at a brisk trot, but even so, it was no surprise that Towhee was already on the scene. There was a pitiful-looking youth standing opposite her, and as Elwood drew near enough to hear the conversation, a white male approached as well. Before the other adult even spoke, Elwood's hackles prickled; he did not appreciate the stranger's body language.

Pulling his lips back from his teeth, the Alpha moved to stand next to Towhee. He held his own head and tail high, making pointed eye contact with the unfamiliar male. "And you have even less authority than she does," he snapped, having caught the threatening words. Taking a step forward, he said, "Get out." He didn't care what kind of intentions had brought either wolf to his doorstep; they were now unwelcome.