Lost Creek Hollow To protect you

merrick had followed the herd beneath nightfall; he knew where the deer bedded, and suspected how best to mire down the old stag for execution. but he did not tell all of this to treason, preferring to make a show of leaving the territory to carry out her orders.
the alpha's next question was one he had already contemplated; merrick answered swiftly, and with a confidence perhaps unearned. "i want gannet and nunataq," he murmured. a small hunting party would be best, for the does would scatter and pose no threat. little worth bringing all of the hollow to a hunt. "and you," merrick added resolutely. two experienced hunters to two juveniles — it was a worthwhile choice.