Vengeance

He certainly had been aware of the stealthy, less than stealthy movements. He knew it was Justice, from the occasional whiffs brought directly to his nose any time the wind turned slightly, sharp and fresh as opposed to degraded by distance on the breeze. He was about to address her as she came up beside him, to lend his knowledge of how to place one’s paws on the quietest, softest spots of grass or patches of dirt when Fable arrived.

He nodded to both, unable to help an internal smile. Outwardly, his expression was still grim as he answered Fable’s queries. “I’m afraid not… And she’s dead. Coyote. I was headed off to track it down and kill it. If they’re coming close to the territory, they could be a threat to the pups, and any future litters we may have. You’re both welcome to come along and help. We can turn it into a lesson in tracking, and silent, unseen movement.”

He added that last portion of his words with a small grin at Justice as Fable moved to travel on her other side, not mocking, but gently teasing. He veered, taking them to the point where Cinder’s scent left the pack territory on her ill-fated hunting trip. “Now, first thing. Can you two tell me the story of what happened, as we go? Look for clues. How old is her scent?” He fell silent, slowing down to a slow walk as he let them pull ahead slightly to investigate as they might wish to do.