Phoenix Maplewood Every step you take

A squirrel darted across Saena's path and she snapped at its fluffy tail, almost playful as she darted a few steps after it. She wasn't hungry, had little appetite, but there was the slightest spark of joy in her breast to be among the trees. It was pristine. There were signs of wolves passing through, and many other animals, but no hint of a claim. It was hard to believe it was real. The alpha sniffed, savouring the fresh forest air...

...and yelped as she was bowled over. Alarum flashed across her face and the yelp turned into a frightened snarl as scent washed over her and it didn't belong to Reek. For a moment she bristled, pressed into the earth by a larger figure, and she was mere seconds from lashing out when she suddenly recognized the scent as familiar. It took a few frozen seconds longer for her brain to catch up, and by then, Luke was clutching her with his jaws.

"Luke," Saena squeaked, overwhelmed by a powerful wave of relief, "what...?" It was almost dizzying. Truthfully, Saena hadn't spared too much thought for her friends in the wilds, but only because there was so much to do; she feared for them when they did cross her mind, and she planned to visit them when things were settled. Having Luke here, alive, hit her much stronger than she would've expected given he hadn't crossed her mind too much in the time between the fire and now.

Before she could say anything else, a voice bellowed through the trees and Saena flattened to the ground, still held below Luke, though their position definitely wasn't suggestive. Nonetheless she felt like she'd done something bad, even though she hadn't really done anything. She peeked around Luke, spotting Reek, and almost winced at the rage on his face.

"He's just a good friend of mine, his name is Luke," Saena rasped through Luke's fur, which found its way into her mouth by the breath of an errant wind. Her eyes sought Reek's, hoping to ease his concern as she said, "Luke, meet Reek, my mate."

Okay, so they hadn't really made that title official, but it might as well be. It was as good a proposal as Reek would get from her in this awkward situation.