The figure stood low, a paw lifted off of the cold hard ground. His calculating eyes locked onto the target in front of him. He stalked closer, slowly at first, before bursting forward. Powerful hind legs propelled him forward while front took the ground in lengthy strides. His body curved, skidding slightly as he hastily turned to give chase, nipping at the heels of a Snowshoe Hare. The male weaved in and out of the trunks surefooted. His stamina kept him going until finally his front teeth made contact with its tail. He flung the hare up, aiming to get a better grip. He snagged its back midair. His teeth crunched down, an audible crack breaking through desperate squeals. Luca dropped the animal down, brown eyes watching it struggle to walk as he placed a small paw on its head. Wasting no time he put an end to its suffering, breaking the neck with powerful jaws. As he lifted his head back up, prize firmly grasped, he shook it for good measure. Perhaps a bit excessive.

The man trotted back to the pack's cache with his head high, tail neutral but wagging enthusiastically. A wolf lived for the thrill of the hunt, and he was no exception. His muzzle was splattered with blood, the animal hanging limp in his clutch. Luca added it to the pack's storage and turned around to head back out. It was the small rodent's breeding season, and he didn't doubt his chances of seeing another one hoping around the territory.

"HE SPEAKS"

The quietness of the night was broken by a soft voice. Luca turned his head to glance over his shoulder and came to a stop. His ears pressed forward, head cocking. A child? The man looked at the ghostly boy with confusion, "Are you allowed out here this late?" He asked, a single brow raised with a forced expression. He attempted to look seriously at the pup, but a smile broke the stern expression. The corners of his lips turned up. He was happy to meet another packmate.

The older wolf couldn't hold the act long even if he wanted to. "My name's Luca."

"HE SPEAKS"

Luca's grin widened when the boy postured, chuckling at his unwavering confidence. He seems like a good kid. "Keep watch, hmmm? The man's facial expression suggested mischief. The near yearling offered his name and he responded with a warm well-meaning,"Same to you kid."

The grey wolf moved forward with his body lowered into a stalking stance, "So if you're on the lookout...what are you going to do if you find someone?" His voice was playful.

The man's intentions were pure. Luca always had time to break from his duties for the youth, so long as he was allowed, and no one had told him otherwise. Gentle pools of brown watched the ghostly pup anticipating his next move. Hopefully, he'd recognize the man's invitation to a friendly spar. He waved his tail and chuffed.

"HE SPEAKS"

Luca remained smiling but questioned the boy's first answer. He'd say hello? The man himself would likely interrogate another and potentially ask for the presence of an alpha if it felt need be. The innocence of a child, he figured. His ears pressed forward at the second reply and he chuckled. He smirked as his invitation to play was met with a mirroring bow.

When the boy sprung forward Luca pushed back up onto his front legs, turning to take off. He was not fast enough to dodge a nip to his heel. He responded by lightly kicking the leg back at the boy. The small white wolf rushed forward and looked over his shoulder briefly to ensure he was indeed being pursued and not merely making a fool of himself.

"HE SPEAKS"