Lone Wolf

Bristling

The hunters were farther off now, chasing more easy prey for their trophies.

She had doubled back by secret trails, and now returned to the sounds of resumed joyful bird song, insects flitting, and the light breeze gently brushing along the tall, fluff-seeding grasses.

Yet the emptiness of his absence was profound.

The male wolf had left the region.

She growled low under her breath at how she could have been so foolish as to think that he might have been interested in her.

Lone Wolf

Kindred Instinct

At the gathering, she recognized a few had traveled from farther away than was usual.

They ranged around her at distance, nonchalantly mingling with the other visitors naturally – separate, yet together.

It was their behavior that was similar in how they looked at her at different times, and then communicated directly to one who was their leader.

She could sense intention pass between them, as if her ears were selective antennae able to pick up on their rare frequencies discussing their impressions of her.

She couldn’t hear what they conveyed, but their signals seemed generally excited and positive, though wary.

And their shared energetic scent signatures underlying individual character roused the queen in her, causing her blood to quicken.

A younger female approached her early on, asking a polite and friendly question – and she was playfully responsive, dropping her guard while inclusive.

For the attractive males, however, their strong energy caused her leadership  instinct to kick in, making her walk around straight-legged with tail puffed, displaying that she was no submissive to be dismissed nor taken advantage of.

Phermones of dominance poured from her in waves as self protective response to their presence, and instead of allowing herself to feel intimidated, she found herself rising to the occasion.

Her body had never reacted this way before, so internally she was flustered where her normal behavior was to blend – yet her instinct had been to show her strength’s worth to gain their approval.

Lone Wolf, Songs

“Love’s Quarry” (Song)

By Athena Stairs, April 11, 2025 Early AM

Dodging and weaving
In a dance of intention

Nose down to paths
Coming into focus

Like water defining
Crack-open fissures

Love draws onward
Alluring and sacred

Often fighting the
Urge to retreat to

Sheltered safely
Hallowed woods

Unwilling to yield
Scintilating quarry

Flushed out from
Hiding in tall reeds

Leaping into flight
As hearts bargain

Making promises
Granting freedom

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