The Heartwood Exploration (M)

Uh-oh... lol If a fight is going to happen, and it can, for timeline purposes, I'm going to say this happens after Beric has just left the Isle wolves.

Ypres admitted she was seeking refuge and alliance, but Beric wondered where she would get it out here, and from who. The only pack that was close to here would likely rip them part if they went near the borders, and the only other beings were lone wolves and fauna. Where exactly would we find that out here? he asked honestly. He was willing to go, but for him, refuge would be in Horizon Ridge. Ypres wanted him to come exploring, and he would, but she needed to know there was nothing in this for him. I'll go, but there's something you should know, he began.

A growl behind him caused him to turn his head and give the male his rapt attention. Beric's hackles raised in the rain, and he returned the growl. Whatever we want, considering we're on free land, he retorted. Granted, it probably wasn't a good idea to goad him, especially when a second male arrived, covered in blood, but he felt he was right, and he would defend himself for that right. And, considering I'm a free wolf myself, I'm pretty sure that means I can go anywhere I want, he added, implying he was no longer with the Isle wolves. Ypres didn't know that, though, and may question it. If she did, the other males would think he was a liar. He'd deal with it, though.