Ravensblood Forest My life ain't filled with worries

He could see her surprise, and that hardly surprised him.  He knew from past experience, all too well, that like Saena Junior had a heavy view of leadership.  It shouldn't come as a surprise, with both of them having been raised in a pack with Peregrine at the helm.  Dante doubted his belief that it was not always the strongest who led would have set well with the other alpha either, but he was seeing things a bit more clearly now.  If Junior judged him, so be it, but he was done kicking himself for something that had already come and gone.

In the early days he had seen himself as a wall between the Plateau and danger, guardian to these lands and those within.  Now he knew that view was skewed.  He was merely a stone in the wall, and if he intended to deal with all threats alone, he might as well take up the loner mantle once more.  He had a pack for a reason, just as they had him.  It was entirely possible that any one of them could win his crown from him... All were likely formidable fighters.  But they did not.  His task was delegation, protector yes, and advisor.  Making calls to ensure they ran smoothly.  Strength of body had less to do with that.

Not to say it wasn't important.  Kinda the idea behind him being where he was at that moment.

Just as she accepted his revelation without too much comment, he did hers as well.  His first instinct was indeed to wonder how long this one would last, but he knew that to be uncharitable.  He really didn't see anything wrong with the way she explored her options, and she and Saena were birds of a feather, so to speak.  But were he Saena, he would wonder all the same.

"I'm sure she is thrilled to have you there," was all he gave, but it was genuine.  He would have taken her back in a heartbeat as well, despite her track record.  A loyal member was never a burden, even if you didn't know how long they would stick around.

"I ended up giving Koda the boot.  Guy ended up being a real piece of work.  He didn't take too kindly to being asked to leave, and I got the worse end of it.  He hightailed it out, though, so here I am. Antagonizing moose." He wondered if she would question his remaining position, as he had when it occurred.  "I wouldn't pass up some real practice, if you are offering."