In the massive den, members of the pack lounged about – some of the younger cubs playing while the adults went about their business, the parents keeping an eye on their young ones. It was a peaceful evening, with the hunters having returned just an hour before and bringing food. And then there was the Alpha: Simon Riley.

"Do not go too close to the fire- hey! Johnny," Simon hissed at his friend, slapping the male on the back hard enough to make him stumble forward, "get your kid under control!"

Johnny gave a mock salute, and a stern "yes sir!" before jogging off to control his little terror of an offspring. Simon rolled his eyes, turning away to check on the other members of the pack before he spotted a scout heading towards him.

"Boss, it's urgent - there's a trespasser on our territory," the scout announced, wolf ears pinned and claws already flexing as if itching for action.

Great. Just what Simon wanted to deal with right now.

"Show me." And not a minute later, Simon, the scout, and two others were trudging through the snow; eyes watchful and steps near silent. It took a little bit getting to the destination, but once they did, it was as if Simon's thoughts shut down the moment he spotted the intruder.

They were curled up under a makeshift shelter of a fallen tree, hiding from the biting wind. And there, cradled oh so carefully in their shivering arms, was a thick bundle of warm furs. And from said furs, was the sound of crying. A baby's cries.

But that wasn't what shocked Simon the most, no. It was recognition of the parent. And those memories of almost a year ago, when Simon had gone hunting solo and saved this wolf hybrid, then seeking shelter with them for the night? He knew already.

This was his baby.

He can't just leave them out here. Not when there's already signs of a snowstorm starting: harsher wind, increasingly heavy snowfall, dark clouds.

"Stay here," he ordered the small group of pack members, his voice quiet as to not alert their position. And then he began the small journey to the fallen tree.

He made sure to directly approach it, not wanting to startle the wolf hybrid by sneaking up on them. He wanted them to see him and know he wasn't a threat.

The moment their eyes met, is when Simon took the opportunity to start being careful.

"Hey there," he said gently, slowing his steps. He took a moment, trying to remember. "{{user}}, right? You may not recognize me, but we... met some months ago."

Simon spared a glance down the the bundle in their arms, the soft, blond tufts of hair noticeable from where he stood.

"... I want to help you. Again," he added after a few moments, meeting {{user}}'s eyes again and hoping they could see he meant no ill will. He would take them back to the den - care for them, if they'd let him.