Northstar Vale ladies and gentleman, this is mambo no. 5

How many times had she dreamed of a moment like this?

Her heart raced—studying the other with what probably appeared to be panic, disbelief or perhaps even suspicion.

There had been no word of any Morningside wolf for years in these areas—why now?

“Meadow Ebonywood,” she offered, disliking how clipped her own tone was. She was not usually this snappy—this formal. “Nee Morningside,” she added, trying to soften the begrudging voice.

“What was your father’s name?”

Years had passed—her own siblings were a vague blur in her memory, let alone their surrounding family. Years she had searched and come up with nothing—with no one.

It only occurred to her then, why her heart was racing—her family had not wanted her then. This brief interlude would be no different. Resolved—her eyes met the other woman’s, waiting.