I had enjoyed the feast, not only because of the delicious portions of innards afforded to me by my right as alpha, but for the opportunity to share in such a primal act with members of my pack. Though only a few of us had gathered, I felt the bonds between us tighten as we dined upon the flesh of the sheep. It was later, when the remnants of the carcass had been buried and I had napped away the tiredness that came with feasting, that I moved up the mountainside. With sure and fleet paws I made my way towards my den. Mostly to see if Leonidas had been there, before I would set off on other particular duties of my alphaship.
When I crossed the foreign scent of a wolf fresh upon the mountain, my nose wrinkled in distaste. Someone thought they were above the markings fresh and distinct upon the outer rim of Spirane? I sniffed at the fresh paw print again, curious. Something about it seemed familiar. But I did not know it. Either way, I set off at a lope, tracking the wolf who had invaded my realm.
It was not long before the scent grew stronger, as I climbed higher and higher. I knew this stranger was not far off now. I moved around a bend in the trail that led to the summit of the mountain, wondering who beyond my immediate family knew of this narrow track. Whoever this wolf was, they clearly thought themselves above the laws of wolves. And that gave me an immediate distaste for whoever they were. But my curiosity was heightened by how well this wolf seemed to know my mountain. Some infiltrator? They did little to cover their tracks.
My posture spoke of who I was – this was the kingdom over which I reigned, and there was little mistaking that. Tail was lifted and rigid, ears pressed forward and hackles bristled slightly. Although the dominance was clearly displayed in my bodice, my face remained cool and calm. I stepped into his range of vision, approaching him with no sign of hesitation. I was taller than him, and easily outweighed him as well. But he simply sat there, no sign of aggression displayed outright. Even so, I did not relinquish my show of dominance. He had come upon these lands without any form of permission from she who ruled it. And he could hardly claim ignorance to such a thing, for my unique perfume marked every inch of the border.
”Is there something you seek here, stranger?” I asked, tone even, laced through with the strength that the females of my bloodline had been graced with. He had my interest, to say the least. But he had done little to win my favor. Though I doubted he had any interest in such a thing.