Redhawk Caldera that he came down on Monday

Elwood shook his head as Raven questioned the stranger's statement. Aaron had never been a member of Redhawk Caldera, as far as he knew -- and the pack had only formed a few months before Elwood's arrival in the Teekon Wilds. He assumed that Aaron meant this area in general, and gave him a chance to clarify.

All the while, he was weighing the pros and cons. Obviously, Aaron could potentially be a hearty, contributing member of the pack. Or he could try to overthrow Elwood and Finley, as Kaizer had attempted to do to Fox. Or -- even worse -- he could prove himself to be untrustworthy around the firebirds. For the first time, Elwood felt the burden of Alphaship; internally, he was warring with himself. He saw no real reason to turn Aaron away, and knew that it would be cruel in this weather. But was he willing to take a chance?

He glanced at Raven, then turned back to Aaron as a particularly strong gust of wind ruffled his fur. "Okay. We've hunkered down as a pack inside the mountain. It's safer and warmer in there. But there are two-week-old puppies -- and you're not to go near them. You'll help provide for the pack, so we can care for the puppies. But one wrong move, and you'll find yourself back out here, in the cold," he said, his tone clipped and efficient and his yellow eyes sharp.