Horizon Ridge pride comes before the fall

Pied's response shamed him, for his thoughts had not been as kind to Kisu as they ought, and he'd allowed himself to stray into a territory of thinking of Pied as something more than a friend and loyal follower. She was his packmate, but she could not be more; he himself had sealed her to another. Akhlut dipped his head in sheepishness as Pied spoke of playing matchmaker for him.

Before he could make some reason for a hasty departure, Pied made the excuses for him, and furthermore proceeded to drift off to sleep at his feet. Relieved but still rueful that he had not conversed with her longer, Akhlut hesitantly backed out of the den. He realized belatedly that he had not told her about the deer leg he'd brought. He supposed Kisu would see it, and despite knowing he was being unfair to the male, he wondered if Pied's tawny mate would claim he'd found it himself or if he'd give the Aloha the credit he was due.

It didn't much matter, for Pied's love would remain with her mate, meat or no meat. Akhlut traveled toward home.