Whitefish River be sure to treasure it

It took a beat, but realization finally settled across Antares's features. The barest hint of smile broke through Lane's deadpan.

She was ready for his retaliation, but even so the nip found its mark. Her defensive dodge was just a hair too slow, since she was trying to keep weight off of the injured forepaw.  

Oh, it was on. 

Lane snapped at the air by his flank, not really trying to land a hit so much as just make him flinch. She then hopped backwards nimbly, rear end rising slightly into a play-bow. She waited, poised and attentive for his next move.