bone mountain

His teeth did not rip. His teeth did not tear. No hint of copper filled his mouth as he released his grip the second the wolf stumbled back. He knew his own rules. He knew not to harm another pack member and he wasn't about to break those rules now. No. Now was the time for him to enforce another set as this wolf remained ever defiant and unyielding to those within the pack who'd earned their position in this world.

He'd been patient. He'd been gentle, even. He'd given this wolf the space he needed to figure out where his place was within the pack and Kapvik repeatedly met every kindness with insubordination. Over and over again he'd proven that while he could thrive in living off the generosity of this pack, he did not wish to actively participate in it. He was no team player. He continually pressed his luck with the leading members of this pack (Tonravik aside) and now Kapvik was blatantly challenging his leadership by his continual perusal of his mate.

There was no question in his mind Kapvik held her in such high regards. His scent was near the denning area frequently. Their "fishing lessons" had lead to a skulk of foxes invading their territory to clean up the remains. He gifted her frequently. He made excuses of practicing medicine to spend more time within Tonravik's presence. His mate may have been an instinctual creature, but he was not so blind as to assume every other wolf was too. Even if she remained oblivious, Iqniq was not about to let this wolf think he'd gained ground where none was to be had.

It was, perhaps, in everyone's best interest Iqniq knew nothing of the circumstances that had led Kapvik to infiltrate their ranks. Had he known Tonravik rescued this wolf from waters where he should have drowned, Iqniq would have held her in contempt of Tartok's very own fundamentals. The strong survive... They did not require stronger wolves to save them from themselves. He was unfit from the start... If he had any idea the "hero worship" that might have been borne from such actions, he might have kept a closer eye.

Knowing none of it, he still had plenty of reasons to cast this wolf from their ranks. Iqniq placed himself between Tonravik and this wolf. His shoulders square. His tail high. His head low with the promise of aggression. He met the wolf's blank stare with purpose of his own. A snarl tore from his lips. "Get out." He stepped forward, snapping as if to punctuate the demand. He'd asked once in action the second time with words. A third instance and Kapvik would lose his immunity as a wolf within this pack. No further mercies would be given.