Qeya River "if only, if only," the woodpecker sighs

Is it? Her voice was feminine yet husky, a rough-edged sweet tone that escaped her lips and nearly transfixed Denali on the spot. He smiled at her question, though, closing his eyes and shaking his head in response. "Well." He backtracked a little, knowing his jesting lie had been found out. "It's been a while since I saw you last. I didn't think I would again."

She was fierce. He had noticed all her subtle movements--her chest puffing at his submission, her teeth baring slightly in reaction to his opening line. She carried herself like a woman who knew well her lofty stature in the world.

"I never introduced myself, before," he continued, opening his blue eyes again. "I am Denali, of the pack called Seadog Sanctuary." With any luck, the warrior queen would give him her name as well.