Had the Baranski known of Lily’s experiences as a child he may have implored his leaders to allow her a place in the pack, however he knew just as much as Ava and Kade did. This was a youngster who needed shelter and he was sure the black pair would not deny her a chance. Still, you could never be sure.

Maksim listened to Ava proposal for the yearling and his tail flicked in a brief sign of agreement; ‘make this your home and we’ll make it a home for you’ was excellent wording on her part. Kade stood ever quiet but the Baranski very much doubted he disagreed with his mate. He could’ve even sworn he saw a slight smile grace the silver eyed leader’s face. Maksim chalked it up to silent approval. Regardless, it was nice to know that Darkwater Rapids would have a new member should Lily accept. He, personally, would be pleased to have her about and would definitely keep a watchful eye over her so that if anything occurred he’d be able to deal with it swiftly. Settling in could be difficult, especially with someone who seemed as nervous around strangers as she di—oh. Well. Nevermind.

The yearling was suddenly a picture perfect description of joy, tail wagging away with her grin. A chuckle escaped the subordinate as he watched her dance on the spot, delighted tones in her voice. Was she pleased that she would get food in her belly? Or was it simply that she’d have company? Maybe both! It was a warming sight to see, though. It seemed they’d made her feel comfortable enough for such a display, that was sure, and he smiled, swinging his gaze from the black wolves to the white one.

Her eyes widened with a pleasant surprise as the groveling yearling's nervous appearance melted away with a burst of energy. Her eagerness was all too appealing, as Ava had noted their territory's calm and quiet could get a bit sheltering. Briefly and oh so foreshadowingly Ava wondered if this golden-eyed yearling harbored any more surprises, though the thought flickered in and out of her mind and was quickly lost to reality. The girl's zeal was infectious and she found a grin, widening by the moment, had taken over her calm expression as she moved forward to brush against the youth and give her the same claim they all shared.

Once finished Ava stepped away from Lily to allow her scary hubby to do the same, dipping her head in a reprieved gratitude to Maksim for his interception at the borders. He seemed to find the decision agreeable, which sat well with the night-cloaked she-wolf. Ava recognized easily his loyalty and capability, and though he held the third seat of their home she couldn't help but feel as though he was deserving for more. But she was quick to swallow the discussion, noting that hierarchical concerns were probably better brought up somewhere else than the acceptance of a new member at the border.

Returned to the situation at hand, she flicked an ear and suggested, "Should we head in then? Perhaps we'll run in to a few more of our own on the way."

It was settled, then. With an exuberant display of what was perceived as joy and elation, Lily's outright submission melted into something more familiar─the form of a wolf who was one of them now. It was heartening to see her up off her belly and with a bright smile on her face, and the energy of her reaction to the induction seemed to spread like the subtlest wildfire. No matter how she'd come to be here, it was clear that what she brought with her was more than her own potential. Casting a glance over the others, Kade took the sight of the vibrant girl in with satisfaction and pride.



Ava stepped forward to mark the pack's newest addition, and as she slipped back he drew near to do the same. The hardened curves of his musculature slipped along her shoulder and side easily, the ebony tones of his fur brushing against the fine, soft ivory of her own. They appeared together like night and day─polar opposites─and even the bright tones of her young eyes were starkly different than the cool silver of his stare. Only time would tell if they were so different after all. "Welcome, Lily."



Nodding his agreement to his mate's words, the sooty man made for the secluded ravine, slipping into the shadows of the forest as if he'd been borne of them.