Bearclaw Valley only then i am human,

Cole followed her direction, shifting the pup against his chest, feeling the small, warm weight settle into him. The stiffness in his limbs eased some as he bent his head, running his tongue over the boy’s soft fur in slow, deliberate strokes. The scent of milk and new life filled his nose. It was strange, holding something so fragile, so untouched by the world.
His ear twitched at Ameline’s words, at the casual way she tore through the rabbit as if she hadn’t eaten in days. He figured she probably hadn’t had the time, what with five hungry mouths hanging off her every moment.
His gaze flicked up as she spoke of the dried bison, giving a small nod. I’ll find it, he said simply, making a mental note of the directions.
At her question, he exhaled through his nose, eyes dropping briefly to the pup tucked against him before lifting back to her. 'N elk hide or two, he said, tone even. Got enough to spare. He’d set some aside, knowing they’d be useful in trade. If it helped keep things steady, keep the pack running smooth, he had no complaints about giving them up.
He lowered his head again, giving Aurelian another pass of his tongue when the boy gave a tiny squirm. Strange, how easy it was to get used to something like this.