Swiftcurrent Creek regret

Scimitar touched her gently behind the ear, and spoke in that dark, booming voice that might have poured from his mouth as thick, golden honey if sound had a physical form. She gazed up at him, searching his aquamarine eyes for hesitance and finding none. Every world was confidently spoken, and she clung to it like a raft in a storm.

"Tuwawi has been upset for awhile now. Let her and Njal go -- the pack will not be better off in their paws. You are the leader the pack has come to love."

He paused to let the words soak in. Bazi drew her paws to her chest and allowed her gaze to leave his face, drifting into the clouds behind his head. He was right. As much as she loved and respected the Tuwawi and Njal, both had become withdrawn since the birth of their pups, even more so after the business with the Sunspire. Tuwawi was constantly on edge, and it rubbed off on her mate. It was no in the pack's best interest for its highest ranks to be taken up by wolves that were not 110% committed to the Creek.

Bazi lapsed into silence whilst she thought about it. When her gaze returned to Scimitar's face, it was with renewed confidence - and an idea. "I'm too young.." she began, breaking eye contact to roll onto her belly and face him as an equal. "But you aren't, and the pack knows you - especially after that hunt..." A smile tightened the girl's black lips, and with a thrill and a flourish she announced (rather than asked): "You will be my Beta."