You approach the Alphas' table carefully. After all, they are Alphas. Barging your way into the conversation uninvited might result in a month of the worst chores the Alpha can think of and nothing much more.
Despite that, they both look up as you approach, and you don't see anything but curiosity in their eyes.
"Is there something you needed, Gideon Mercer?"
"Oh... no... not really. I just..."
"I found this one sleeping in his car a year ago," the Alpha tells Roe. "Alone and as close to the moon as they come. But I could tell at a glance he was in control. There was no way you were going to let that wolf win, was there Gideon Mercer? Not when you still had a life to live. I really admire that about you."
Next
You're surprised. Compliments from the Alpha are usually a little harder to come by. Or, at the very least, a little more layered. You check to see if he's drinking. But the only thing on the table is water and a small bowl of peanuts. It seems the pack gathering is working its magic on him.
"Eh... thanks."
Roe leans forward, putting their elbows on the table, and fixes you with a dark intense stare. "You were a stray?"
"Yeah," you admit. "For a bit."
"Hm." Roe sips their water. "We found a stray recently. She was very sick, but not as close to the moon as you'd expect."
"What did you do?" the Alpha asks.
"My pack convinced me to let her live."
"You wanted to kill her?" you say, surprised.
There isn't a flicker of hesitation in Roe's stare. "Yes."
"Why?"
"I have seen what werewolves can do to other werewolves. I wanted to protect my pack. But..." Roe's expression softens. "Shawnie convinced me to give her a chance. I think... I hope that was the right thing to do."