Dawnlark Plains I want this, and I want it now!

Shale laughed at her offer. "Only if you want to," he remarked, brows raised. "Otherwise I'll just bring Sunny along. He's turned into a fine hunter." He pursed his lips, pondering. "Or we all could go--better luck with more wolves." He wagged his tail. "Up to you."

He felt younger, all of a sudden. Young and in love. Being here with Pema, laughing and joking around while exchanging the soft looks and subtle touches of mates--it was a feeling he hadn't grasped in such a long time. It felt alien, to be happy. And though fear for the future cut a jagged edge along his joy, it was joy nonetheless, and he took a moment to bask in it.

"Let's go tell Grayday," Shale suggested, "and then get you something to eat." He nipped playfully at the air beside her ear, teeth closing just short of actually biting her, then drew his tongue in a gentle kiss along the lobe.