He had been on guard since Lazarus' attack of Ame, worried that somehow, someone else would try the same thing. The chances of that were slim, especially from another pack mate, but Dash was blissfully unaware of the betrayal that Althaia and Harley had committed, or even Charon. He didn't think there was, or would be, and issue with their mateship, but things were about to come to light.

He had picked up on Ame's strong scent and followed it, his intent protection. His nose was low to the ground, as was his gaze, as he walked along. So focused on her scent was he, that he failed to noticed just how close he was getting to her. He was walking at a fast pace, hoping to catch up to her. When his gaze finally went up, he was almost on her as she laid in the shadows. He stopped abruptly, and retreated a few steps. Ame- I'm so sorry, I should have been looking where I was going. He lowered his body quickly in respect to her.

She had looked angry at first, but it seemed she relaxed a little with his apology. He really hadn't meant to come up on her like that. He was just so engrossed in her scent and following it that he had forgotten to actually look where he was going. She asked where he was headed, and he wasn't sure what to say. Dash wasn't a liar, though. He just thought the truth might sound weird. 

Actually, I was headed to you, he admitted. With what happened with Lazarus, I wanted to make sure you were alright... I wouldn't put it past him, if he's able to, to come back. He had been on edge regarding Lazarus from the moment he met the male. That feeling had never left, and now it was amplified by the attack on Amekaze. Being protective, he had followed her to make sure it didn't happen again. I wanted to say, too, that I'm at your disposal. If you need protection, I would happily provide it. Was that weird? He was basically offering himself as a body guard to the Alpha.

Dash wasn't usually one to hold a grudge, though in the case of Lazarus, it seemed he was. The male had made what Dash felt was the ultimate betrayal, and Dash didn't even know the half of it. He was only told that Lazarus had attacked Amekaze, not any more of the sordid details. Still, Amekaze's reaction did not off-put him, as he felt it was his fault for almost stumbling into her.

Confusion came over his face as she told him that Lazarus might still believe he has a claim to the mountain. I don't understand how he would think that. You and Charon are the only ones who hold that right. Dash knew all of the Moonspear wolves had a right to claim this as their home, but he got the distinct impression that wasn't what she meant. I didn't like him from the moment I met him, he confessed to her. I feel as though I have failed you and Charon by not expressing that. Maybe if he had, the Alphas would have kept a closer eye on the other male and this attack could have been prevented. 

He felt guilty, and shook his head when she tried to commend him for what he's done. I don't feel I've done enough. I wish it wasn't necessary, either, but he's a threat, and I don't want him getting to you again. He didn't even know Amekaze was pregnant, but if he did, it would only heighten his protection of her.

He wasn't really sure where this new-found protective feeling for her came from, but it was there. It was almost a gut feeling he had that he just couldn't ignore. Amekaze seemed to want to deny his offer of protection, but Dash was unsure if he could take no for an answer. Let me help you, he said softly, his gaze at her front paws. It wasn't a question, but also not a command. It was a statement, one he hoped she would accept. 

It seemed that Amekaze already had an understanding of how Lazarus had come off to some of the other wolves at Moonspear, but the male had been mindful of her. It struck Dash as odd, but he supposed if Lazarus had his eye on Ame from the beginning, with less than noble intentions, the attack didn't seem that out of place. If Lazarus realized he would never get her, maybe he got angry and lashed out. He didn't ask of the specific details, though, thinking that part he really didn't need to know. 

She confessed she understood that he would be a threat until proof emerged that Lazarus was dead, but she didn't want it hanging over her head. Dash took that as a refusal of his services, and was about to argue further when she invited him along on her patrols. He felt a sense of relief, even if maybe she meant she only wanted him for the patrols and nothing after that. But, he would not give up so easily. He nodded. I'd be happy to, he said. He moved to allow her to go first, intending to follow.

There was one thing that Dash wondered about, though he wasn't sure if it was rude to ask. I was wondering, he began. Charon had mentioned that you two might be considering pups soon? Dash had never been around pups, except when he was one, and he wondered what it would be like.

Amekaze confirmed what Charon had said about the Alpha pair trying for pups. But, he was mildly surprised to hear it would be so soon. You're pregnant? he asked, his expression showing his curiosity. While Dash knew it was one hundred percent not his business, and he would never say anything against the choice they had made, he was a little worried about having a new generation born just before winter. Would it not make it harder on everyone? 

He wondered, then, if Lazarus had found out that Ame was pregnant, and that was the reason he attacked her. Still, he couldn't fathom why, but the male was obviously crazy. Was more reason needed? He walked alongside Ame, keeping his head about her shoulder area as a sign of respect to her. It also gave him the opportunity to see what was on the other side of her. His gaze roamed over the area, as his nose searched for any scents that might be out of place. Lazarus' scent was still in the territory, but it was faint and would continue to fade until it was gone. 

He held the same sentiments as she, nodding his head in agreement. Me, too. A trail was something, but a body would make them all happier. As they strolled along, his eyes scanned the area as his nose searched for any scents that weren't supposed to be there. Thankfully, he found none, but he marked the border anyways to make it stronger. 

He fell into an awkward silence, as he wasn't sure where to take the conversation from here. His thoughts did go back to the pups that would be here soon. The more he thought about it, the more excited he was. He hadn't even given much thought to them before, especially having his own, but he hoped to get some experience with Charon and Ame's pups, providing they allowed him to hang out with them.