Redtail Rise We are close to war.

Eligible? Him? Riley’s tension ebbed as Masque took to sitting nearby — but now, he was filled with a different emotion.

His mind thumbed over each face of the pack he’d known. Truthfully, he’d yet to think of the burgeoning season — but now that Masque planted that seed in his head, the cogs started turning. Oh.

Riley could not help glancing Avicus’ away. He frowned, thinking again of Indra. It was very unsexy, having the memory of your murderous aunt resurface during the discussion of future mating plans.

Somehow, he didn’t think the Rise would take kindly to an upstart mating with their established wolves. His gaze trailed back to Masque, but he did not lift his eyes to hers. As she scratched, he fumbled over what to say.

I hadn’t thought that far ahead. But you already are. Eloquent as ever.