A low thrumming laugh escaped from the Pitch Pine Guardian’s creamy white muzzle at his Silver Angel’s words. The easiest way was to leave the pack and start their own, but he had an oath to Shade and Pitch Pine Trail to protect them with his life. Finding other wolves to join him in the foundation of a new pack was also very tricky as most he knew were already in packs; others around Relic Lore and in Pitch Pine Trail.

But another way would be to usurp Shade from the throne via a dominance fight. He certainly had the brawn and brain for it, but the Pitch Pine Leader was more experienced, so it would be a fifty-fifty chance. What happened afterwards was unknown. Would the rest of the pack follow under him after he won? Or would they shun him as their leader. What would happen to Shade? Certainly he would dislike him for taking control of the pack through fighting and dominance means, but would they still be friends was the question.

Looking into is Silver Angel’s golden eyes with his own silver eyes, Ace smiled. “Yes. That would be the easiest decision to make, but the problem is, I’m not sure that I can do that. After all I’ve been through, Shade is the one who gave me a home to protect. I don’t know if I could leave him and start a new family.” Breathing in Silver’s sweet scent, the Pitch Pine Guardian lowered his muzzle so it was near his face. “And because of Shade, I found you.” His words were barely more than a whisper.

When his Silver Angel shifted her position so her head was under his neck and whispered to him, Ace smiled. “I think gorgeous fits you better.” His voice was soft and low as he spoke, meant only for Silver’s ears. She was so beautiful that it hurt to look at her, and he couldn’t imagine being with another wolf.

The Pitch Pine Guardian pricked his ears as a soft humming tune emitted from Silver’s muzzle. It was barely audible, but he could hear it. He could see her tail wagging and her ears pricked forward, aiming at him. “Maybe you should take up singing. You have a good voice.” He was teasing, and yet serious at the same time. She did have a good voice, but singing for a living didn’t get you anything in return, save praise. But he would love to listen to her sing, maybe a duet with him.

The pale moonlight shone past the few clouds that attempted to darken the sky, and made his fur gleam and Silver’s golden eyes shine. It was getting late, and the moon was steadily rising higher up into the night sky. Fatigue pulled at his eyelids and mind, and he lazily groomed his shoulder where the fur was all mussed up from when Silver had rolled him onto the ground.

Turning to his Silver Angel, the Pitch Pine Guardian stared at her with half-lidded eyes and yawned; his salmon pink tongue curling up before his jaws closed. “It’s getting pretty late. Maybe it’s time that we get some rest?” Laying down with his head on his large, creamy paws, Ace curled up next to his Silver Angel before closing his eyes and letting himself fall into sleep.