Swiftcurrent Creek The darkness lays on me

She watched Ferdie go with a grateful grimace, knowing it was unfair to the male to send him away but unwilling to risk her plans. When she was very certain he was out of earshot, the Beta turned back to the red-eyed brute, who presently asked for orders. Her ears swivelled around to survey her rear as she took a step nearer the newcomer, pitching her head lower to indicate what she was about to say was important.

"Soon, we will be leaving this place for another. Be ready when I call. In the meantime, blend in, learn what you can. Speak of this to no one." That seemed like a fair enough order. On second thought... "The man I named before, Lecter, is a friend to us. Do not speak of it to him, but know you can trust him. There is another... Ira. You will meet him in time."

Twitching her ears, the Beta straightened and pulled her lips back into a tight wolfish grin. "No other orders," she said, feeling the power of those words coiling in her chest.