Bearclaw Valley I'm so full of love, I could barely eat

When the massive log finally shifted, rolling to the side with a satisfying crunch against the frosted earth, he groaned. Straightening, he turned at the sound of approaching steps, catching sight of Rala. His amber gaze met hers briefly before he looked back to his work, climbing atop the stump with a heave.

He chuffed. Cub. his voice deep and steady as he began peeling back the bark with practiced motions. The coarse texture came away in satisfying strips, and he tossed them aside without pause.

I’m fine, he said shortly, his tone dismissive but not harsh. He paused, turning slightly to glance at her, brow raised. What do you want?

There was no venom in his words, but the tension in his frame suggested he hadn’t forgotten their previous encounter. She looked worried, and he couldn't pinpoint why. Was'er someone else at the borders? His head cocked. Lettin' in fuckin' strays. He was ever the more vigilant now, given that the Regina was bearing cubs, and so had Towhee Jr. And what of Rala, then, with Dolce's scent wrapped around her like a thorned vice?