Swiftcurrent Creek sweeper

She swiped her tongue over her lips to clear the stain, following up with a rub of her paw for good measure as the man pointed out the blood. She almost went to counter his remark out of sheer embarrassment – no, no, this is the rabbit's blood! – but remained quiet, instead looking sheepishly to the side.

She looked back just in time to see the stranger amble forwards, following his movements in surprise as he dropped said rabbit at his feet. Her eyes moved several times between it and his own burning gaze, appreciating the offer but also conflicted.

"No...wait...are you sure?" she stuttered in earnest. He didn't look to be hurting for food, at least, but with the knowledge that the meal could have gone to a pregnant wolf made Pukei hesitate to take it.

"Aw, man," she followed after some deliberation. "You can't just tell me this was gonna feed a pregnant lady but then give me it back!" Not that it would have been much, but the offer had thrown her into an ethical dilemma. She knew how important puppies – and their mothers – were for packs.

Her tail waved as she straightened, determined. "I'll accept it." Hey, ethical dilemma aside, she was still hungry. "But you gotta let me help pay ya back!"