Guilty by association

The scent of the male grew stronger as she steadily approached him, keeping her composure and speed of her paces natural and casual. She didn't want him to think she was following him, more or less being a stalker. She just wanted it to seemed like it had just happened. Like she was passing by, having just picked up on his scent right as she noticed him. Sure, she was the alphess, and she needn't be reminded of this "supreme power" she had inherited with the position. However, she was just like everyone else - a wolf, willing to play their part in Myriad's future. Keeping everyone comfortable and satisfied was the least she could do as queen.

From behind the draping willow trees, she caught a glimpse of her mysterious pack-mate, his vibrant orange pelt catching her eye straight away. It definitely wasn't someone she knew, not that she suspected they were in the first place. Just...observing. She slowed her pace, edging around the trees to get a better look of the young man. He appeared to be Riv's age, sniffing around a hole at the base of the tree. Should she interrupt him? Did he want company? "Need any help there?" she called out, emerging from the dense clutter of trees.