Noctisardor Bypass I would any day die for you.

Everything OK?

She did not scowl or complain, or throw the tantrum of all tantrums as Shadow might have expected, but truthfully his words did irk her. Paar had said she desired to work toward the title, not have it handed to her on a golden plate. She might not be physically strong or a skilled warrior like he was, but she was intelligent beyond her years, patient and hard-working, gentle and kind and more than capable of forging her own path.

Shadow said he believed in her but frankly, she was not overly convinced. Paarthurnax felt that, in the eyes of men, she was this fragile and delicate little desert flower who needed protection and guidance. But she was more than that. She was a Frostfur. She was descended from a long line of strong leaders, wolves who shaped their own fate and rose to power of their own accord with the exception of her brother who inherited his crown. Paar was determined to do likewise, more so now that her mate saw fit to belittle her with words.

"I will earn my place," she said confidently, looking out across the water's surface as she did not find the strength to look upon her partner's features just yet. "But until then, I will be a subordinate. I won't be your equal until I'm leading these wolves at your side." Nothing would make that any different until she gained her rank, which she would do entirely by herself and without complaint. "I fear that someone else might see fit to rob me of the opportunity, considering it's vacant." Noctisardor Bypass was not Samarkand, yes, but traditionally the Alphess title was one that could be challenged for. The way of their species, the way their instincts were wired, could force any willing wolf to challenge the one above her in the hierarchy for their rank. The same went for food, for shelter, for breeding rights, for anything.