Okomi assessed the three, observing tones and nonverbal cues of the small group. He determined that Griff was the most diplomatic, Tris was in opposition, and Freya was the most subordinate. With Griff being in charge, it would be his last word whether or not Okomi would be okay to travel back with them. For the time being, the group leader carried his sense of authority as he reached out to Holly, who was managing but only by her sheer will. Okomi was about to speak to the other male, but Holly beat him to the punch. His eyes were alight with interest; her ability to speak with coherence--and with such vigor--impressed the rogue wolf, thinking to himself that she was already displaying signs of an Alpha. It didn't look like it at first, but she did not hesitate right there and then to scrutinize her fellow pack member.<br/><br/>The quiet Arapaho continued to listen to their conversation. His attention was fully on Holly who happily took the jacket from him. It was nice to see that validation coming from her. Within their brief encounter, she showed appreciation and warmed up to him, a stranger, in comparison to the few days she had spent with her new pack.<i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#b35900">You all are concerned about her, but I sense it's contrived. I wonder if you all actually tried getting to know her instead of just getting right down to werewolf shifting 101. I am also curious about her story, whether turning was something she <b>wanted.</b> Though my gut tells me that something must have happened to her. I still smell the fear. I don't like it...</span></i><br/><br/>When Holly flexed out her foot, he could see her face straining some, but she persevered and probably saved face to conceal weakness in general. He wanted to comfort her, that she was doing fine, but he didn't want to embarrass himself; however, Griff gave him the fortunate task of helping her out. The next action he took was just pure instinct. He was not going to let her walk in the cold with a bad foot. He shifted his body until he got into a kneeling position, opening his arms wide for her.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#b35900">"You're hurt. I'll carry you home," </span>he said in a warm tone with a hint of firmness to it. It was rather amusing to hear her pack members say that they 'knew' her better than him and yet he was more<b>concerned</b>about her than those three fools. They were just soldiers, following orders from their Alpha. He got the picture.<br/><br/>Okomi couldn't help but wonder what type of person their Alpha was. Hopefully, a better leader than Okagi. His former friend turned into a bloodthirsty mongrel and was slowly gaining more territory. With some strategy and some established trust from both sides, he would inform the other pack about Okagi's agenda. It wouldn't surprise him if Okagi already started to make plans to take over their territory next.<br/><br/>Okomi gave Holly a moment to think about her choice. Whether or not she would agree to it, depended on if she was going to be stubborn or embarrassed by the gesture. He reassured her one more time, trying to convince her to trust him.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#b35900">"I'd rather you be safe in my arms than you trying to toughen it out. You don't have to impress anyone. Besides, once we head back your way, I'll be able to get a better look at that thorn. I wouldn't try to yank it out just yet." </span><br/><br/>He was more than capable of healing her--he just didn't directly mention it. One of his attributes that the others would soon come to know and benefit from was his knowledge and experience in shamanic medicine. Some would embrace this metaphysical practice while others would turn the other way. By potentially healing her in his practiced art, he would be able to understand her background; it was a way for her to unlock her heart and allow another to enter, but that would all come in good time. Okomi didn't want to get ahead of himself. His objective was to make sure that he was to be accepted into the new pack and then form some friendships to begin expanding on their trust. It was up to Miss Holly to make the next move.