Bearclaw Valley we know the way

It looked as if Phocion's answers had satisfied the white-pelted man, as Alexander moved aside to invite him into the territory. What once might have been a thrill of excitement inside was now simply a warm feeling of relief. He had a home, at least. Maybe not a forever home, but a home for now.

"Thank you," Phocion said kindly, dipping his head in deference to his new alpha. There was no need to say more. Perhaps Alexander would open up in time, perhaps not. It was clear that the burly male was a closed book, and Phocion was not about to push the issue--not in the infancy of their relationship.

He was just about to follow Alexander when the man's parting words reached first his ears, then his mind.

"What?" he answered stupidly, but the alpha male had already left.