Lost Creek Hollow We're on fire

Floki barely registered Wildfire's companions, even as they bristled and stepped forward. His attention was focused on his ex-mate; for the time being, the puppy and the adult faded into the background.

Wildfire attempted to introduce him to her hunting partners, though her explanation caused Floki's ears to splay. An old friend? Was that all he meant to her? She had been his first love -- his only love, thus far -- and yet she seemed to write him off so casually. He had never wished her harm, and in fact had only wanted to protect her from it; that was the reason he had backed off after she was attacked by Goober. And she had rewarded him by running away -- and now, it appeared, by erasing him from her life.

Bitterness welled within him and, for the first time, he glanced at the child at Wildfire's side. His gaze then strayed to the other male for a moment, before he said sharply, "Sorry to interrupt." He tried to make eye contact with Wildfire as he turned away, the hair along his spine now prickling. There was so much he wanted to say, but it was apparent that this wasn't the time or place.