Ravensblood Forest Trees of Crimson

He seemed pleased by her interest, more than she would normally expect. The chuckle and the smirk made her tilt her head some as curiosity flickered in her gaze. It amuses you that I find you interesting? she asked, even going as far as to offer him a playful raise of her eyebrow. She had relaxed enough to tease, but cautious eyes never left him for too long. She trusted that, for now, things could be pleasant, but her wariness still hung just below the surface. 

As she feared, his past seemed to wipe all amusement from his face. His smirk still kind of annoyed her, but she much preferred it to the cold, emotionless expression that followed her question. She listened quietly as he told her of his parents: his mother a dog and his father a wolf. She stored the knowledge away for pondering later. Right now, her expression was contemplative, and a slight frown creased the soft place between her eyes. The way he told the story as if it weren't his own surprised her, especially when she learned that it had happened so recently. What happened to him sounded awful, and she couldn't help but imagine her own pack being slaughtered in front of her; it made cold rage swell in her chest. She certainly wouldn't be able to talk about it so calmly, but she was a rather emotional creature despite what she always tried to portray to those she didn't yet trust. 

You can imagine her surprise when his demeanor suddenly changed. His gaze held her own almost like she had no control over it, and she could see the anger and suffering there. She chose to ignore the way he referred to himself as he putting it off as a strange slip up because he was upset. If my pack was slaughtered, I would want vengeance, she commented, anger bubbling to the surface at just the thought. The feeling surprised her, but only because she knew beyond a doubt that she meant every word. The anger fell away quickly, though, and she continued by pointing out: Having no pack doesn't automatically strip away your leadership. Technically speaking, it did, but she wasn't referring to the technical meaning. I'm sure you'll find others to follow you again, she offered matter-of-factly. She was wary of him still, but she could understand his pain. Losing those important to you was never easy. Plus, she meant it: if he was focused and determined, he would have no trouble gathering a following.