Dawnlark Plains Threeskin

He flicked an ear at Grayday's remark, keeping his face blandly neutral. Of course, it was only right that Pema should go into her first heat soon. She was of that age, after all. Still, emotions trickled one-by-one through his blood: an icy surge of something like regret, chased by red-hot jealousy and possession.

It was best that he hadn't been around her.

"Of course," Shale said, his voice half-mutter as he struggled to master his feelings on the matter. "I'll keep an eye out on all fronts." To the south were the mountain packs, west the coastal; at least, that was as well as Shale understood this new map. He felt as if he didn't have to worry oever Easthollow. . .but you never knew.

It wasn't as if he were leaping to the challenge on account of altruism. Shale loved his pack, but he didn't necessarily go above and beyond. No, the man, for all his goodness, had no small measure of greed within, and this greed is what spurred him to action. If he wouldn't have her, no one would.

And yeah, he supposed he was being selfish. But the wounded worst part of him didn't give a shit.