The hope for a new family

His body moved too fast for his mind. Though he caught sight of the slight sway of the woman's tail, the motion meant nothing in light of her blatant trespass. Malachi's thoughts rushed with one goal alone: to protect those he led, and the loner did not fall beneath this banner. In the far reaches of his mind lay a fear this woman meant ill-intent, and the irrational worry fuelled Malachi's display of dominance against her.

She backed up swiftly while the youth pressed forward, but the white woman did not move far before she threw herself to the ground before him, belly exposed and eyes entirely averted from his own. It was at this motion Malachi's reason caught up with the advance of his paws and the young leader froze, a tremor of guilt pushing through his veins and mingling with the fear and hostility that leeched through his skin. Still, he did not waver, but stood over her with tail raised and eyes trained steadily on her unmoving form. It was only when she spoke, her voice a soft whine full of fear and uncertainty, that Malachi felt a disconcerting stir in the depths of his heart.

Without thinking he drew away, distancing himself a pace or two from the cowering woman. His hackles refused to lower, but he willed his lip to curl back over his gums until he concealed his fangs again. His face furrowed at the fear reeking from the small woman's fur and he felt his ears fall slack. "Wait." He did not move forward, but flicked his unsettled gaze toward the borderline. "Move into neutral ground and we will talk."