put on your war paint.

Marco couldn't help it when his eye twitched in frustration at the way the Alpha of the other pack spoke to him. Obviously he wasn't the Alpha, but neither was Dusty yet. Obviously an Alpha wouldn't make a stupid mistake like accidentally wandering onto another pack's territory - Marco silently cursed himself for not paying attention to where he was going. "No, I'm not. And neither is he," Marco motioned to Dusty, keeping his voice level, "Our Alpha clearly isn't here." He wasn't afraid of these guys, even if the situation looked rather bleak. The fact that Dusty was the Alpha's son would have some leverage if they needed to use it. The packs had agreements and rules - sure, Marco and Dusty may have broken one by trespassing, but that was an easier crime to forgive that something like injuring an Alpha's son.

Dusty was finally let up by the other wolf. He came to Marco's side, palms facing out and hands slightly up to show he meant no harm. The Alpha, Joel, stepped forward, furious at Marco's display of blatant disrespect. He hit Marco hard across the face. Instantly, Dusty stepped in front of Marco, shaking in anger. Though he and Marco didn't get along, Joel had just crossed a line.

(Sorry. Things got insanely crazy at work. I couldn't respond at all.)