Porcupine Ridge cowboy guilt

The other wolf spoke, seemingly sizing him up. Then, he apologized, assuming that Kaertok had come here to join. Presumptuous of him, indeed. Sungiwok nodded, not revealing that he had simply come here for information to decide if it was worthy of his presence. And that, apparently, was about as much that he was going to get. The stranger directed him toward another pack, and then sauntered off.

The boy licked his lips, paused to watch the dark wolf a moment longer, and then turned back from where he had come from.