[Lou & Atticus: wolfing]
The threat was gone. The wolf knew the threat was gone. It had left the small house and the golden man, because it knew the threat was gone. It meant the man would return, and the wolf knew the man would want to return to himself alone. The man didn't like people seeing him change. The man was, in the wolf's opinion, stupid. Was a lone wolf, but that was safest for him. The man didn't need to be a lone wolf. But the threat was gone, and the wolf left. Wandered by the bus station, ensuring things there smelled fine. Wandered by the woman's house, and she was inside. There were other scents there too, but it wasn't immediately worrisome. No one smelled dead. No one smelled frightened. Moved on. Deep into the woods, where the dead animals were being picked up daily. Smelled better. Smelled less charred. Didn't hurt his ears.
Smelled the woman. Knew the woman was more than a woman.
The wolf was aware of pack wolves. Had known the old alpha. Had acknowledged him as alpha. Had no problem with the old alpha. Hadn't cared when the old alpha left, but hadn't had problems with him. The wolf didn't miss this pack. Missed his companion, but not this pack. But here was a woman. Knew she was more than a woman. Didn't change course.
She was sitting. The woman.
Stopped a distance away from her, but knew she would see him. The wolf was big, old, silver and gray, and his eyes were a striking gold. Was injured, but the injuries to nape and forepaw were dried and healing. Could fight if he needed to. Would fight if he needed to. Stopped, but he didn't duck his head or tuck his tail between his legs. Didn't show his belly. Stood there, at full height and showed the huge, white of his teeth. His black maw drooled. He watched her.