No pushover

The day was bright and warm. A fairly good day, most would assume. It seemed as though nothing could possibly go wrong, but that was never the case. Kotori knew this. He wasn't one to believe in eternal sunshine and rainbows. The alpha of Valta was a realist. Anything could happen at any time, so he was always prepared. Good thing, too.

From up ahead, a rough growl sounded. A warning, for sure, but when had Kotori ever listened to the orders of another on his own land? A deep growl wound its way up the brown wolf's throat and his speckled pelt bristled. It wasn't a wolf. He knew this for sure. The shade of the thick, overhanging trees in contrast to the bright light made it a little difficult to see, however.

Kotori took a few steps forward, his own warning growl rising. Whatever predator this was, it had picked the wrong pack to mess with. In response to his growl, a huge lion pushed from the shade and swiped out with one paw. Oh... It was going to be this kind of day, was it?
"Kotori"