Swiftcurrent Creek Precious and Fragile Things

"I once ruled a pack east of here. Before that, yes, I lived in the north. I'm Dovev."

He lowered his tail, but kept his eyes on her face. It struck Bazi that this was not the behaviour of someone come begging at the borders, and her inquisitive gaze hardened somewhat. "Bazi," she returned. "And I rule this one."

He was older than her by quite some way - three, maybe four years. Wolves of the north aged well, being already white when everyone else started to go grey around the muzzle. For a moment, she wondered if the fact that he had occupied the top rank should concern her - but no. This was Swiftcurrent Creek, not some dissolved pack in the east, and she was queen here. "Have you got a message for someone here?" the pale girl asked pointedly, tail swishing rhythmically behind her.