Love for a wolf outside of his family was a rare emotion for the male. Avalloc, a companion from his past had been one of those few, but in the end the fiery male had been forced to leave the Hidden Tree grounds. Ranger intrigued him, certainly, and the tawny male admired the she-wolf to a point of protectiveness. It did not yet claim to be love for him.. but thoughts of the coming winter were upon him, and the idea of another male attempting to court her seemed infuriating.


His eyes roved the smile that pressed to her lips, and it was then the male realized how beautiful the enchanting dark wolf before him was. She was not a delicate female; her large figure was sinuous, graceful, and powerful, while silver weaved itself along the fur of her ebony pelt.


The she-wolf moved to him, her muzzle grazing against his jaw and stirring a low growl of passion from the River wolf. She moved to rest against him, and Ruiko felt lust stir within him. He made no move to act upon it, though, and gingerly he nudged his cheek to hers, rubbing his scent upon her. The storm raged outside, but soon, as his muzzle rest upon her outstretched paws, sleep would come to the male, for the first time since the water was dwindling, he felt at peace. He would give her a few days to completely decide, and if she truly wanted to join the pack.. she could come to them.