The sterling beast was beginning to feel the effects of the late autumn’s grasp on Paradise. Dark patches cling to his silvered skin as the wolf prowls beneath the shade of the jungle canopy. Paper thin nostrils flare, exhaling a hard snort of displeasure as his damp mane slaps audibly against muscular neck as annoyance begins to build. How was it that he spent most of his life on Atlantis, grew up on these very Shores, and only now did the sizzling summer and autumn sun feel…. suffocating.

Back then, he usually had the harassment of his sire to keep him in tow or a childhood crush to distract him. Now… Now more than ever before… Moreso than he has ever remembered… He feels the solitude.

Part of him wants to seek out Izumi. Hymn might have disappeared on him, but like the small pod of dolphins that call the oceans around Atlantis home, she remained in the background. However, his own inexperiences with the fairer sex keep him from approaching.

Although he personally found Khyber's personality appealing; he could tell that the stallion did not truly care what happened to the palomino mare. He was a true bachelor at heart…. something Annubis could never see the appeal for.

Izumi had come with hidden baggage of her own, but Annubis has thus far not minded unboxing everything tightly wrapped package. For a time he kept his distance, hoping the space would reassure her that he had no intentions of bringing any harm to her. The first time she sought him out he felt the spark of hope ignite. One small step at a time, the distance between them was closing.

But all it would take to burn that bridge to the ground was one hormone fueled blind decision….

So he forced himself to keep his distance…. that is, until the demon's fresh scent drifts into his keen nostrils.

Lucifer’s scent has always been…. off. Even when the black bastard managed to con his way into being the caretaker for the north most edge of Paradise, Annubis could pick him out easily enough with the almost decay and rancid flavors that clung to his masculine scent. As if his very scent was meant to match his dour personality. Annubis felt certain that regardless of where the demon went, the Wolf could always track him.

It was good to know not all things change.

Annubis might have considered letting Lucifer pass through Paradise unmolested… Were it not for the fresh scent of Izumi and the almost purposeful manner in which the beast seemed to be tracking his gentle friend.

Though age and experience as leader has long since sent his beast into slumber, within seconds, it is awakened.

Golden eyes harden beneath the dappled sunlight as muscles tense beneath his silken skin. Paper thin nostrils flare as jagged hooves leap into motion, propelling him forward without further debate. Annubis didn't need to see the black stallion stalking closer and closer to Izumi to know his intentions.

As his broad frame bursts from the thick underbrush, raven tipped ears lace tightly against his skullcap. ”Lose your way?” The growl that vibrates deep within the gray wolf's throat is as fierce as the snarl and disgust that appears upon his whiskered lips. Anger seethes beneath his skin, causing his hide to twitch with irritation as he prowls forward.

He does not shove past Izumi, but he cannot help but to let his dark labrums press a gentle reassurance against her shoulder as he moves to stand in Lucifer's direct path. ”Surely you wouldn't be stupid enough to go looking for an enemy here.” he hisses, the barking bite of his tone pointed and clear.