Redhawk Caldera the manuscript

kivaluk does not recoil as maia pulls him into a tight, brief hug. though he worries his seriously rapid ascension in the ranks may have future consequences — wolves who had established themselves in a pack did not often like being overlooked — kivaluk is glad he has offered the relief he thought he felt in that hug.

unexpected as it was.

kivaluk had worried that chickadee's family hadn't liked him, hadn't entirely approved of him.

it is alright, kivaluk assures her. i am happy to help in any way that i can. it's the least i can do.