Silver Creek anyway

The she-wolf stepped in front of the raccoon, shielding the latter from Talis’s view. He sucked in a breath but didn’t make a move. Hers was an entirely reasonable reaction to a stranger’s sudden appearance but he wanted to do what he could to put her—both of them, really—at ease so that he could hopefully learn more about their symbiotic relationship.

A familiar’s? he echoed in the manner of someone unfamiliar (pun intended?) with a term and hoping for an explanation. I’m Talisman, though you’re welcome to call me Talis. I definitely don’t mean you any harm, for whatever that’s worth… he added, aware that it wouldn’t mean much coming from a total stranger.