Swiftcurrent Creek permanently fossilized

River clocked the sudden flatness of Lestan's expression and wondered after the thought that'd just invaded the gardener's mind, but Creek was looking at their packmate in alarm.

"Why the heck do I have to be a guardian?" The boy was bristling at the thought, his fear masked as agitation.

Because if you don't learn to be a good guardian, you'll put yourself and your pack in danger. Find your ass chewed up like a rabbit, River cuffed his ear. You want to be a rabbit or a wolf?

"Well, yesterday you said I was a bum. Can't I just keep bein' a bum, so I don't have to fuckin' worry about all that?"

River rolled her eyes. They certainly got to this age fast. Her sweetest boy was morphing into a lanky, mouthy teenager right before her eyes. Not on my watch, pal. She looked to Lestan. I think he needs a less strenuous job. Maybe 'resident shit-talker,' since that's all he's good at, she remarked dryly.