Pip did not know.

Over and over, it played in his mind. Whatever had conspired between Pip and her mystery man, he had to feel it was probably intentional. Consensual. But he had seen her face when he mentioned puppies, the parade of emotions as her thoughts raced just behind her eyes. She hadn’t known the act would result in children, and this loner hadn’t bothered to make sure she understood the ramifications of having a little fun in the woods.

His point was only made when the loner did not come forward in the following days and weeks, even after it became quite evident that Pip was with child. Never introduced himself. Never offered to care for the woman. Nothing. Lurked, like a ghost, and kept sucking up her affection whilst leaving her with whatever punishment a pack might lay upon her.

Ears rolled back as he growled softly, nudging the wolf resting next to him as he hauled his bulk out of the pack den. “Nineva, with me. It is time,” he grumbled, setting off at a steady pace. She knew what they were about to do – and only she did. With so much upheaval in Grizzly Hollow at the moment, he did not want to risk interruption. “No fatalities. Not today.”

“He need not know that, however.”