Swiftcurrent Creek never lonely, just alone

Rank mattered very little to Viinturuth. He came and went as he pleased, content to make his base in the creeklands. Leadership was not something he'd ever reached for, so he'd settled happily below his brother's title. Arric had been his second for a long time and Arlette moulded herself naturally into that role as the Beta's mate.

It was the way of things, and there was no desire in him to challenge the peace he'd found among Swiftcurrent hierarchy.

Oddly, however, he wanted this bright-eyed wolfess to notice him. He listened quietly as her focus shifted to Arlette to carry on the attempt at securing herself a place as healer. His dark gaze lingered on her face with interest for a time, and straightened his posture on noticing that her eyes sought him once more. There was approval in the curve of his smile as he glanced toward Arlette, though ultimately this was her decision to make.