Snowforest Taiga wind shear

he wanted to groan. damn the woman, she was actually convincing him to do the unthinkable. how could he promote the newcomer over other capable members of the pack?

and yet--who was there left? their numbers had dwindled. shale would have been an obvious choice, but he was gone. pema, too--missing. grayday's second litter had all departed, and his third were too young. would sebastian take up the challenge? aviana? who was there left, that was capable and willing?

this girl beside him was capable. and more than willing. what would be his rationale, to turn her offer down?

"friends, yes," adi said softly, blinking over at her. a rueful smile stretched his mouth. "i need someone beside me that i can trust--that i know will have my back if times get even tougher than they already are. i don't even know your real name, chaiyya."

well, so what? so--it just proved that she had been evasive so far. how could he trust her completely if even the smallest of details had been omitted?