Silvertip Mountain Bones withered thin

Grayday's whiskers twitched tellingly as Reiko scooted herself against him, a bit flustered by her nearness. Isn't it funny, he mused, trying to keep a straight face, that I disdained Ezekiel for his lack of tactile instinct just earlier this week? Another part of him found it silly that he should be so distracted by Reiko's presence when Niita and Anita had both been near enough to him, and had affected him the same as any wolf from his own pack.

Still, he was pleased by all of it. Phocion was good, Anita was kind, Niita was helpful, and Reiko was... soft, and sweet-smelling. His ears went back as his mind wandered back to the pack's beautiful beta, whom he had only met once, when arriving. He'd told himself after the encounter that he'd avoid the woman, determined as he was not to entangle himself with thoughts of romance - enduring their heats would be far easier if he knew them only as pack sisters.

He knew that he should keep up that habit, but he could not bring himself to move away from little Reiko in her frailness. He'd already promised himself to keep an eye on her. He would just have to do it from a far, after today. It was better for him to keep his distance from the pretty wolf, lest he fall for her completely and do something to put his good standing in jeopardy.

Worrying thusly, Grayday didn't pay much attention to his companions' conversation.