Blacktail Deer Plateau blue sky black death

Atticus didn't draw the connection between his mention of Osprey and Bones's sudden laugh; he simply took it as another outburst of mirth over learning of her newfound family. A fond smile of amusement played over his face, but was quickly replaced by a more serious expression when the conversation moved to future plans.

As her father, he wanted to insist she move here. After all, her family was here. Why go to all the trouble of finding them and then not join them? But as a pack wolf, he understood her loyalty to the Alpha who had accepted her, and he respected that. She was clearly a very independent youth who might not take kindly to him telling her what to do. He hadn't earned that right yet. He'd only been her dad for like ten minutes. If she chose to remain with the Creek permanently, he could deal with that. They just wouldn't see as much of one another as either of them would like. Swiftcurrent Creek was at least a good full day's run from here, and that involved crossing the mountains and everything. It'd be a pain in the ass. But he'd do it, if that was what his daughter wanted.

Still, that didn't mean he couldn't plant a seed of possibility. "Well, your family's all here," he said softly, his pale eyes lingering on her avidly. "If you want to stay at the Creek, that's okay. But the door's always open here, if you want to join the family. I'd like the chance to be your dad, and that'll be kinda hard with a mountain range between us." He smiled at her, genuine affection written in his features. "Just think on it. You don't have to decide now."