Broken Antler Fen Go ahead, make my day

Likely in response to the pup's agitated demeanor, the stranger made a pointed effort to appear less threatening. The tension did not leave Wildfire's body, nor did she fully trust his display. She did feel slightly relieved, however. His pleasant voice and amenable words didn't hurt matters, either.

With a final, long exhale, the youngster felt like she had caught her wind. The stitch had eased too. That was good, as it meant she might be able to run away if necessary. It also meant she could talk. "I'm..." She heard Fox's voice in her head: "Don't tell him our names or where we are from." "Dhole." Wildfire secretly felt proud of her quick thinking.

Despite her mother's lesson not to freely offer personal information, the pup thought it pertinent to add, "My mom and dad are the Alphas." She didn't name the pack, for the moment. She just hoped that mentioning their ranks might give him pause, if he was just trying to lure her into a false sense of security with the intent to attack. "You are kind of close to our pack." Even more reason to avoid messing with her.