Bearclaw Valley let the light in

it was one in the valley. when i drove it far enough there were more.

they were not alone. the shadows expelled another strong form. his heart thundered and thought of coyotes all over again. but this would be much worse.

kind strangers helped me after. i paid back any debt they might have wanted — he did not cry or beg outright, but the soft wibble of a tired voice said he knew he sat at the mercy of a queen. i wanted to come back without anyone trying to ask anything of me, of here, later.

he wondered if only one look from her to her mate might be the end for him.

the might of the bear's claw loomed ominously via stone walls all around them.