Porcupine Ridge Second sight has paid off well

Perhaps Farstep didn't feel Terich was a good beta because, well, he probably wasn't. Terich hadn't really wanted to be beta, but some strange stubborn, dominant part of him had refused to allow a stranger to eat before him during that first pack hunt, and somehow that translated into him becoming the first beta male. For a while, that was alright with him. Farstep was a good wolf and while Terich would have followed the other easily, something during that hunt had triggered a nerve in him. So, like all stubborn males, he hadn't backed down and was the first to rise on top. And all remained in that line.

Until now.

The howl that rose from the tawny wolf spoke of one thing: challenge. Terich knew this day would come eventually, but didn't feel ready to defend himself or step down. Either way, the sight wouldn't be a pretty one. And talking Farstep down wasn't an option, either, since the wolf couldn't talk and didn't seem to understand any words spoken to him. In true wolfish fashion, Farstep only understood gestures and body languages, which was all fine and dandy, unless you wanted to avoid conflict altogether (like Terich usually did).

By the time he arrived in Farstep's vicinity, Taggarik and two others were present. He didn't really care about the others (see, great beta material here) since he didn't know them at all, but he spared them a glance and a nod before submitting himself to Taggarik. He was the alpha and while the pack would decide in the event of a tie (or perhaps even not then), Terich still held his friend's regard in high esteem, even after his silly romp with that wretched creature who followed him home. The beta licked Taggarik's chin, bumped his shoulder in a friendly way, then moved away to square off with Farstep, keeping his posture rigid the entire time.

He didn't want to face this challenge, but he had known it would come sooner or later. Now that it was here, Terich would face it as he faced everything: with a bit of swagger in his step and a smile on his lips.