Bearclaw Valley you're not to stop me, whatever happens

The male unraveled, approaching Riley with a glint in his eye the boy had never seen before. He stood his ground, but the fur along his back lifted instinctively. Somewhere his gut was reacting. Somewhere, stifled deep down.

Seconds passed after Merrick spoke before Riley replied. It was as if there was some delay - some hidden switch to be fumbled in the dark - before the boy blinked owlishly, and answered truthfully. "No." He was not a conversationalist and so fell to silence, electing to study the wiry build of the wolf before him - a wolf he suspected was far more dangerous than he appeared.