Swiftcurrent Creek copper thunder

She was enjoying this. Her gaze flitted between the two men, and she offered words of her own. Again, he had no need for brides quite yet—not while his foothold upon the ridge was so tenuous.

For the possible pups you're carrying, said Akavir, and the smell of fresh meat threatened to make his stomach gurgle; he tightened his waist, trying not to let a potential rumble give away any sense of desperation on his part. 

He was not weak.

And he was not that name—nor would he offer any other to his father.

Jakub is dead, Hex said coolly. His eyes remained on Muskrat. A warrior it is. You're carrying pups?

There must be others here with children; it was possible Akavir had mated with multiple women by rights as alpha. Her pups would face competition beside the creek. On the ridge, they would lead and thrive.