Bearclaw Valley some kind of metal made up from glue

a rush of cold air raked down her spine as merrick pulled back, his eye hard and imbued with a dark want astara recognized immediately. a blade of protectiveness knifed through her, but she did not retaliate -- her own jaws parted, waiting for round two with a wildly stirring heart.

merrick advanced. astara's ears pulled back, her posture low and ready in case it was another round of teeth and fury. merrick had proven his worth in meeting her challenge -- and now, he could have her.