Dawnlark Plains then they called me, too

Grayday's expression remained carefully understanding until Murdock was brought up - at which point the male let out a derisive snort. "Is that supposed to comfort me?" he asked. Murdock was the last wolf Grayday would give Pema up to - not that she was his to give away.

But she was. Grayday would be guarding the girl tooth and nail against any unworthy suitors.

"I don't know what he did to get Spot so bent out of shape, but I'm not about to let him do the same to Pema," the male declared, standing and stretching his legs. "God, could you imagine if he came to stay? I'm all for having him nearby, but just thinking about the way he looked at Cat is enough to raise my hackles."

And indeed, it had.