98 Eyes to the Ground

RETH

"Good morning, Behr," Reth called as his friend started across the clearing.

Behryn shot him a look, stopped to speak with the guard, then strode on towards the cave mouth, Reth falling in step with him as he passed.

"You claimed her. ALREADY?" Behryn growled as their long legs ate up the ground between them and the entrance to the cave. "Are all the Leonine born with the impatient stick shoved up their asses, or is it just you?"

"It's a natural step forward—" Reth began.

"You are joking right now, right?" Behryn snarled. "You know mated couples that didn't claim for YEARS, Reth. Years! And some never have. Did you really think this is what the people needed? The wolves? With everything else going on, you thought turning yourself into a possessive asshole was the right step forward?"

"I can control it."

"Oh really?" Behryn snorted. "How much do you want to tear out my throat right now?"

"I don't!"