Swiftcurrent Creek rise to the occasion

She sensed the approach of another from behind, and Paarthurnax canted a velvet lobe backward to listen to the padding paws of another. As they neared, she blinked shyly over a slender shoulder, though let her muscles slacken upon recognition of the dark female. With a fond smile and a content flop of her crimson tail, Paar crooned affectionately for her pack-mate and made to flick her tongue atop Kaskara's crown as she dipped to bump her muzzle to a russet shoulder. She was afraid, yes, but it was refreshing to have another friendly face to help settle her frayed nerves.

Next to arrive was a little white female, her pelt seemingly too fluffy for her dainty form, and although Paar did not know her by name she did recognise her as a long-term Creek member. The other wolfess did not regard the others, instead focusing on the tawny Alpha and his sable sister, which didn't bother her. She was a subordinate now, no longer a leader, and she did feel that the less attention on her, the better.

Bazi's appearance brought greater confidence to the mother-to-be, and she welcomed the Arctic girl to her with a happy chuff. Paarthurnax leaned into her companion as Bazi sank against her, and they both found support in one another's presence. So much that the crimson sandflower did not register the arrival of her pale stalker, who fixed her with a stare filled with contempt.

It did not take long for others to gather, and Paarthurnax listened carefully when Scimitar made to proceed. She observed him quietly, knowing what was to come and when it did, lowered her head and hunched her shoulders. Eyes turned on her, fixing her with stares, and Paarthurnax simply gazed up with copper doe eyes at her Alpha as he announced her very obvious pregnancy and the unwelcome sire of her litter. He did not leave out the fact that he wished the birth of her pups to be a happy occasion, though she could not help but wonder how many might object to her presence.