Unwelcome Hello

Theron had to bite his tongue to prevent himself from snapping back at the alpha's tone. It was so patronizing, rubbing salt in his wounds. Azure had already won, why couldn't he just be quiet!? Though he would be doing the same if he had won, but it didn't make the fake, mocking compliment taste any better. He wanted to snarl some more and try and rip that mocking tongue out of the alpha's mouth, but his burning lungs convinced him otherwise. He had already pushed himself too far, attempting another stunt would achieve nothing.

He pushed himself back onto his feet as the weight was lifted off of him, his coat heavy with mud and melted snow. "I can walk," he hissed. He was half-tempted to drag his paws like a stubborn pup to force the brute to carry him. He didn't want to behave. However, he lacked the leverage to be obstinate. He wasn't sure of what rules and limitations Azure had in mind for him, or the punishments he would receive for stepping over them... but mostly he was worried about the food that was offered. What if it was revoked if he threw too much of a fuss? He couldn't remember the last time food was just given to him. Theron wasn't going to risk it being taken away before he had the chance to see it.