Phoenix Maplewood Doomed or Saved

The howl was not meant for him, but he was rarely far from the den and the absence of the pack's only other male had not gone unnoticed. Luke had been stalking a hare, but abandoned that pursuit as soon as the call went up, intent on questioning Esaro and asserting himself as the new alpha male. His lope was brisk and stiff, his brows furrowed already with tension. He would likely deny it, but there was a twinge of possessiveness in his breast, and that perhaps more than anything, guided his paws toward the pack's delta.

But Saena had beat him there, and it is immediately apparent that something is wrong. He caught a whiff of blood, and that of another wolf he does not know and some acrid smell he cannot place. Luke slowed, swallowing a growl that started to bubble in his throat. His head and tail were lifted, and the stiffness in his movements was apparent as he came to stand, silent but glaring, beside Saena.