Swiftcurrent Creek Well, I believe those are the words of a scoundrel.

Durnehviir was of firm belief that breeding rights were something earned. Through loyalty to its leaders and commitment to providing for the pack, the opportunity to rear one's own young was not something she considered entirely inappropriate for her subordinates. If Swiftcurrent could support more than one litter, she'd have been glad to support another's dream of building her own family.

But it was not the right time, and Chusi's partaking in the season without permission had swept away Durnehviir's consideration of generosity. With her own due date fast approaching, the russet Frostfur was ten times more irritated than she thought she'd be by the recent admission of illicit courting among her ranks.

It was an act that required another, so the pregnant leader prowled Swiftcurrent territory for any of Chusi's three male companions. The girl had only specified one - @Koji - to have assisted her betrayal but Durnehviir wouldn't admit that she couldn't place that name to a face. She moved with purpose, nose to the ground in search of fresh scent trails.

Any consequences that might come from his and Chusi’s coupling had not crossed his mind and likely wouldn’t until someone pointed them out. He of course expected there to be some sort of punishment coming his way, especially since they were new here and most leaders tended to be touchy on the topic of their subordinates mating, but other than that he honestly didn’t expect much backlash. He was more concerned that him and the inky girl might be a bit awkward now, but things had gone on without much say on the matter and he had decided not to push his luck.

It was only when he caught the scent of his crimson draped leaderdid he find a guilty feeling swirling around in his stomach. Maybe guilty wasn’t the right word. He was tempted to tuck tail and run, but he figured if she caught him doing that, he’d definitely get some sort of beating. “H-heeeyyy” he greeted, tail low and swinging at a nervous beat. She didn’t exactly look happy and he assumed the faint frustration that radiated off her was directed towards him. 

When she picked up a fresh mark by one of Chusi's young bachelors, her guard hairs pricked atop her shoulders and along the length of her dorsal. Durnehviir rumbled in frustration as she lifted her head and thrust her tall ears forward, champagne eyes scanning the trees in hope of pinning the guilty individual with her fierce glare.

Koji seemed to spot her before she seen him, however, and had the sense not to flee. Instead he slunk toward her, tail tucked and body crouched, his posture radiating guilt as he offered an awkward greeting. Durnehviir growled, lips twitching with the desire to bare her fangs, and she veered his way. "You've got some explaining to do," she rumbled, gaze narrowing as she thrust her tail over her hindquarters. She fixed him with a piercing glower, one that aimed to remind him to choose his words carefully.

Koji, despite all the stupid mistakes he’d made in his life, was not foolish enough to try and lie his way out of something that was clearly written on his face. He wouldn’t deny what he’d done nor did he regret his decisions, but if he had to do it all over again, he’d probably be a little more careful in making sure he wouldn’t be suspected next time. “I‘d tell ya want happened, but somethin tells me ya already know” he shrugged, ears slicking back against his crown as he waited for some form of physical punishment to come his way.

If submission was what she was after then she wouldn’t have to work very hard to get it. If it was answers she sought then they were her’s to take. He’d do just about whatever she wanted, because at the end the day she held the power and him doing anything against his leader, who was pregnant might I add, probably wouldn’t look so good for him. “So” he began, lowering his body until he had to look up towards her when speaking. “What exactly do ya want me to explain?” 

The dark boy did not submit at once and Durnehviir, feeling her temper flare at his seemingly careless response, curled her lip back to reveal an aggressive display of her fangs. Her brow furrowed as she peered at him with growing distaste and the guard hairs along the length of her spine rose to attention, but it was the roll of his shoulders in a shrug that insulted her most. Eager to assert her dominance before allowing Koji the opportunity to disrespect her authority again, the pregnant Frostfur strode forward and into the offender's personal space, shoving her small frame forcefully against him as he finally decided to lower himself before her.

"Do not belittle this situation," she barked, glowering down the length of her snout as Koji blinked up at her. "You and Chusi are a newcomers to this pack - my pack. Your actions could affect all of us!" Durnehviir's tail flagged, and she straightened herself to tower over him. "Tell me why you decided to partake in the breeding season!"

Unsurprisingly, Koji did not have much to say in his defence. Durnehviir asserted herself over him once more before, in her frustration, she stormed from the scene with her tail arched dominantly over her hindquarters. She would deal with him again, when her frayed nersves were less raw and her temper softened.