Hushed Willows Pacific

This woman’s fortitude was solid like a great ash tree, her mind resilient like the pliable branch of a young willow. Swift steps spirited her silver figure around to face him, the flash of her fangs popping against the outline of her black lips.

Njord stood on his toes, the base of his ears pulled up and tight. He rumbled his approval, appreciating the stranger’s mettle and the soundness of her constitution. Despite the stiffness of his pose, it was evident his spirit was awakened by the tango they danced. His pewter hackles rippled with excitement and the strong pulse of his heart made his jugular jump.

The season fever’s had its teeth deep into Njord. He felt his oats. Passed a coquettish tuck of the chin to her. A meeting of their eyes. He knew this female possessed muliebrity to rival any woman in Teekon – and that fact was a threat. She was competition.

And he was a man already promised. A living fortress meant to protect, provide for, and elevate his budding family. If he ever intended to claim this land, its treasures would be for his mate, Meerkat, and her alone.

Njord’s demeanor changed like the tide. The whites of his eyes flashed as his whole body gathered together, paws digging into the snow for traction to gain momentum. He felt powerful; in control of his strength. Now, Njord meant to drive her away in earnest.

A bellowing snarl boomed from his jaws, teeth poised to nip at her haunch. The dominant display of raucous noise sounded worse than it was. A precursor to true aggression, like thunder to lightning.