Otter Creek Shine & Shade

The velvet black skin of her muzzle was drawn tight. She did not flash her teeth, white with youth. The male was bold, zeroing right in on her personal space. Sniffing, investigating. Her ears sat tight and erect. Dark hackles flared, but not fully. Only running a slight ridge along her spine, showing her aroused state.

Save for a single step back, she held her ground. Her jaws clicked, once, twice. A firm display that while young, she was not a total pushover. Her scents were many. Of distant woods and meadows. Of fresh water and salt alike. Of recent kills, mainly fish. An accomplished hunter.

Ears fluttering down, but not fully, she uttered a rolling rumble in her throat. It came as she stepped, stiff legged, towards him. Closer, for an investigatory sniff. A sharp purple eye watched him, dissecting his signals. Ready to get out of range, rebuff or accept his next counter.