Swiftcurrent Creek [m] Welcome to the world, not-so-little ones

If he had seen the deer in headlights stare she gave him at his request, it didn’t quite register with him—not when Arric was already emerging from the den, hesitant in the moment. The Beta acquiesced, and Akavir gave the youthful she-wolf an encouraging nod—the warmth of Arric’s shoulder stirring the man to his best friend for a moment, giving the man a gentle nudge with his muzzle. “She’s going to be fine,” he murmured quietly to the blue-eyed man—his own eyes steeling back to the entrance.

It was quiet for a stolen moment—the calm of birds chirping, despite the hammering of his heart in his chest. Arlette had to be fine, because—

—an explosion of snarls erupted, and stricken for a split second in confusion, Pukei flew from the den in a sprint that was massively impressive—but not as impressive as the angry ball of fury that followed her—vicious, spitting and absolutely venomous.

“Hey, whoa,” he barked, surprise catching him as he bolted forward, placing himself between Arlette and her intended target—but he wasn’t sure the red-eyed Beta even noticed.

A rampage of curses—words of blithering idiots scorning the creek, and then she was gone, sweeping back inside he assumed to check on her pups.

Akavir blinked—staring after her in mild wonder. He could see now how she had taken on a cougar before. “She’s awake,” he offered his friend, amusement lacing his tone, turning then to nudge at Arric. “Congratulations, man. And, uh… enjoy. I’m going to go find Pukei and make sure she’s okay.”