hate is a strong word but i really really don't like you

The foxes had gone out hunting, which left him time to think about what he wanted to do once he had his pack. Shaye had practically given him her blessing in the matter, believing he had what it took to be an alpha. Whether he became a good alpha or bad alpha was up in the air, he just knew he'd have to take it one step at a time. He stepped out of his den and into the sunlight, blinking away the sun for a moment before walking alongside the Rapids. He quite enjoyed this particular better than most. The water did well to ease his thoughts and kept him from overthinking too much. With Actaea and Ignis having chosen their paths, he needed to find others willing to help him teach them the things he couldn't. Fighting was easy, but for Actaea? He didn't have a whole lot of diplomatic expertise. But then again, neither did Shaye when she first started right? He supposed they'd have to learn together.

As he walked along the river, and soon spotted an almost unfamiliar figure ahead. By scent he knew the kid to be one of Abavens, and if he had to guess it was one of Rhyme's kids. Likely from Tana, because he had seen Shaye's two kids when they were younger. Gaze narrowed as he observed the boy for a minute, noticing he didn't seem very happy. Curious, Ace approached him with a cool and concerned look on his face. "What's eating you, kid?"