Duck Lake prettiest girl in the whole damn holler

the man didn't speak, merely pushed the bird upon them and left. aria was a distance away from them still, but still managed to meet the gaze of ruenna, who looked... annoyed. that was the emotion that aria sensed, regardless of if it was true. there was something suggestive in her gaze -- a look that durnehviir might've given her. when the women passed her, aria bristled. so many people assumed so many things about her -- and this was a new wolf too. had she already heard the whisperings? 

did aria put herself in these situations on purpose? what, the first time she tries to have a little fun and she's in the wrong? 

agitation bubbled in her chest. confusion and uncertainty. she stood where she was for a moment, and then took the bird. she'd eat it, but she would not chase after the man. she would play his game, but he would have to keep chasing her. and so she too returned to the creek, slower than ruenna.