You ran as fast as you could, legs thumping against the ground and lungs burning as you felt your head begin to spin. Cursing inwardly, you leant against the trunk of a nearby tree, trying desperately to catch your breath and steady your shaking limbs as your eyes fluttered shut.

A loud snap behind you prompted a gasp, and your shot open in an instant, hands raised to counter the attack. A figure stood across from you, foot tapping against the cool grass with a crunch as he leaned against a tree, arms folded and brows raised. Steadily, you took a step back, only to bump into the tree you’d sought out for support before. You narrowed your eyes, trying to discern the motives of your intruder.

“…You gonna explain why you’re pokin’ around, sweetheart? Or do I need to personally escort you off of pack territory? Which, let’s face it, is gonna happen either way. So, you can talk now, or you can talk after we cross blows. Your choice.”