The cool evening air nipped at the few bits of exposed skin offered by Stellan, though he didn't mind the chill so much as the hot, blistering feeling of anger in his chest. The cigarette, one of Stellan's few vices, was helping to calm him down, at least somewhat. Learning of his pack mate's death, thrown at him in such a careless fashion, meant to wound, had fell on him like a bag of bricks, weighing him down and leaving him feeling as though his chest was being violently compressed. Murder between packs wasn't uncommon, but it certainly wasn't treated as something<i>acceptable</i>, either. Most packs maintained a blood-for-blood policy, or alphas came together with a small group and independently discussed whether the now-dead wolf deserved his fate. If the group were in agreement, the murderer was given a reprieve. There were only a few situations were a wolf's murder was deemed "acceptable." Attacking another wolf unprovoked with intent to kill and forcing the attacked wolf to defend himself or attacking another wolf's mate or pup where usually the main reasons untimely deaths occurred.<br/><br/>So what exactly had happened that had encouraged Eivind to kill Alden and go after Colten, too? As Stellan took another long drag on his cigarette, he began to doubt that Eivind was always so needlessly aggressive. There was no way his alpha would tolerate such intense behavior, it simply wasn't conducive to a healthy pack. No alpha would. Perhaps it had something to do with Blue. Having a mate like that would drive any wolf crazy. He was attractive, young, and though unable to produce an heir, Eivind's body didn't seem to realize that. It certainly would've made more sense, all this tying to his mate, but Stellan didn't have enough pieces to make the picture clear. There were still big, black holes in his theories and strings still hanging, untied to any specific detail. Perhaps he'd be able to find out more when he returned home. He didn't have to tell anyone he'd seen Blue or Eivind. All he'd have to do is ask where Alden was.<br/><br/>Stellan's head jerked up when he heard the front door open and close, and despite his sour mood he couldn't stop a smile from spreading across his face at the sight of Sig descending the porch steps.<br/><br/>"Seems you found me," he said playfully, killing his cigarette and disposing of it in his oddly conscientious way. He took the container of leftovers without argument, pleased to see the food was still warm.<br/><br/>"Hey, don't worry about it." The large wolf shrugged his shoulders, tucking the food away in one of his saddlebags to be enjoyed later. "It's not your fault. You didn't know. Some wolves get real spiteful when they're hurt. From the sound of things, Eivind's always a little crotchety but I doubt you'd be friends with the guy if he was always<i>that</i>bad. Blue didn't seem too pleased with it either. Regardless, thanks for the extra food. It really was fantastic. Didn't mean to walk out on ya, but I feel like I woulda done something I regretted if I stayed in there."<br/><br/>Stellan and Sig were interrupted by Sieger's approach. The outsider wolf kept his body language loose, but was sure to stand tall, offering Sieger the respect he was owed due to his status. "It's fine, really," he replied, shaking Sieger's hand and quickly looking over his shoulder at Eivind's cabin. "I appreciate the welcome. Can't say how long I'll be staying, but I'll do my best to avoid trouble while I'm here."<br/><br/>Sieger stepped away and moved toward the cabin. Whatever he planned on talking to Eivind about, Stellan didn't care much. What happened between an alpha and his wolf were between them, even if rumors did tend to flit about among perked ears. But this wasn't his pack, and Sieger and Eivind's business was their own.<br/><br/>"A swim sounds nice," Stellan confirmed, pleased that Sig wasn't so eager to send him off. Truthfully, any other wolf would have probably mounted their bike and been on their way, but Stellan had been reluctant to leave Sig so soon. A sweet wolf, most likely nothing more than a fling, but there was something about him that intrigued Stellan. Besides, Sig was right. The pack could wait a few more hours.<br/><br/>The wolf stripped off his leather jacket and shirt, shoving them both into the luggage carrier on the back of his bike before diving into Eivind's unlocked truck, rummaging through the center console until his hands wrapped around the bottle he had borrowed earlier in the day. He shoved it into his pocket, next to the second condom he still had, and took hold of Sig's hand.<br/><br/>"Come on," he instructed, interweaving their fingers together before pulling the small wolf along, running with his inferior human legs toward the river hidden a ways behind Eivind's cabin. He could smell the water on the air. When the sounds of the river grew louder and the running waters came into view, Stellan pulled Sig toward a tree, tugging on his hips and leaning down to claim Sig's mouth. The big wolf fiddled with the leather belt at his hips, pulling down his jeans and kicking off his boots until he stood there before Sig naked, his body tense with anticipation. It had been far too long since he had been able to play.<br/><br/>He tore himself from Sig, stepping away and grinning as began to move toward the water, body shifting, changing, growing into a massive, hulking beast with deep black fur, interspersed with patches of white along his muzzle, chest and underbelly. Stellan's wolf form was immense, with a thick sloping neck and amber-colored eyes that seemed to glow unnaturally in the low light. Lofgren was one of the few wolves he had ever encountered who was physically large than he was, but there was a gentleness to Stellan's movements the other big wolves didn't share. He padded back to Sig, pressing his muzzle against the male's chest, pawing at the ground. He licked at Sig's face before leaping back, tail up high as he moved backward toward the water, asking Sig to follow.