Arrow Lake mocking those within

it was clear thorn was giving stigmata's blessing careful consideration, for his expression was pulled downward in a thoughtful way. as was any male's birthright, thorn had given each of the she-wolves in diaspora a careful once-over -- but the bull would never be so brazen as to make his advances upon stigmata's stock, and had kept his interest largely at bay.

he could see the virtue of pursuing a mate outside of diaspora's claim: it would strengthen the diversity of their pack, and bring in new life -- life that, he supposed eventually might pair with stigmata's brood. realizing that this might be stigmata's true intention in allowing the yearling to procreate, he glanced upon his iron leader with subtle awe -- for such shrewd thinking-ahead was well beyond his young, hot-heated capabilities.

"of course." he answered as placidly as he could, already thinking of where he should first visit. there were several packs not so far from their claim -- perhaps one of them had an attractive young future mrs thorn waiting for him.