Silvertip Mountain Go on, give it all you got

Ezekiel was clear out of Steady's mind now, with Niita fully in the forefront of it. But, something shifted inside of him. Whether she meant to or not, she had challenged him and his rank, and he would not let it go. But, nor would he attack her. She was the object of his affection, after all. He stepped forward until barely a hair would fit between their muzzles, his eyes locked squarely on hers, whether she looked at him or not. His expression was carefully blank, void of any emotion, and his hackles had smoothed. 

Ezekiel said something, and Steady had to think a moment to hear what he said. Without moving or looking away from Niita, he responded, his voice calm. I know you wouldn't intentionally hurt her, he said, realizing it to be the truth. Ezekiel was a friend, and had never given Steady a reason to think he would harm another pack mate. 

His full attention went back to his standoff with Niita, wondering if her stubbornness had a limit. However, he wondered it in the most affectionate of ways. A hint of a smirk gave away his thoughts.