Porcupine Ridge Second sight has paid off well

Fighting wasn't Farstep's style. He preferred the stare down. Terich-mir had won the rank from him before by making the challenge physical, showing all there that he was unwilling to fall to blows when his future wasn't certain. He had submitted the moment his nape was pinched. However, it wouldn't be the case this time; he fully believed he would have the support of his fellows and had nothing to fear from Terich-mir. He himself would avoid making the challenge physical as long as possible, but if it happened, he felt more confident now than he had before that he would emerge victorious. Whether or not it was the case remained to be seen.

Terich-mir didn't submit to him. The Beta drew himself up in defense of his rank. Farstep had expected that, though to say he wasn't disappointed was an understatement. In his mind, this meant that Terich-mir did not believe in Farstep's accomplishments and didn't believe Farstep would make a better Beta wolf than he currently did. Farstep couldn't blame the guy—they had never formally met—but it did cut Farstep a little to know his efforts were so disregarded that the man wouldn't even falter in his stance.

Well, Farstep wouldn't be the one to give in this time. He stamped a rigid forepaw on the ground, raising his head up high and peeling back his lips to show his teeth. Bristling, the male snarled deeply, silently demanding that Terich-mir back down.