Grouchy Grizzlies

He needed a moment to catch his breath, but once the dizziness past, he grunted and drew himself back his paws. Unable to leave himself vulnerable for even a moment. The black mountain lion caught his eye first, and lips began to turn in a snarl. Bast took a step forward, shaking her head, and he knew then that the creature was the strange woman’s companion. He released the expression, eyes assessing the woman. He had many questions, why had she helped him, who was she? And, as he studied her, he added in a few more. What on earth was going on with her fur, and why did she stand like an Alpha?

Ah well, one of those he could answer. He recognised her scent, now that he wasn’t distracted by an angry bear. He had caught her scent in the pack right next door to Ashen, and now, the Armada. He had never bothered to introduce himself to them, but clearly, this was their Alpha.

“No, thank you” he said, offering some measure of niceties considering what she had already done for him. “Why did you come to my aid?” okay, so maybe he wasn’t the politest. He was too direct.