Milo always hated patrolling. Of course, as Dahlia’s largest wolf pack, the Shaw Pack had to defend its territory, even if it didn’t technically mean much. All of the members had their own apartments and accommodations scattered across the city, but it was this forest by David and Asher’s place that had given them trouble in the past: Other packs looking to move in on land that didn’t belong to them; builders and estate owners attempting to bypass the law and settle on the outskirts of the many acres they had to manage; even, in recent months, rogue vampires blatantly attacking innocent bystanders and leaving their blood on the grass. Milo shuddered at the thought, strolling through the trees at an easy pace with a nonchalant grin. Even with all the strife this place seemed to kick up like dust, it sure was a pleasant walk when the sun was setting. The sky was a dusky shade of pink peeking through the leafy canopy of the trees, the last rays of sun dappling the verdant clearing he strode through, and deep inhale of sharp, clear air had him closing his eyes in bliss, tempted to lie down there and then for a quick nap in the cool breeze. Until, that was, he sensed something brush against the very edges of his awareness. A person’s aura. A magic user, he could tell, but not what kind from this distance. Curiously, he closed the distance, walking in the direction of the disturbance with newfound caution and a wary look in his eyes as he scanned the trees. Whoever it was, they were still.

“Hey, anyone there? Come on out before I get antsy. You do not wanna see me antsy.”