It was difficult for Stellan to watch as Lofgren’s hands gripped at his lover’s neck. It mattered little to him that as wolf, Sig had much more protection around his throat. Thick skin and layers of fur gave the vulnerable area a bit of natural armor humans so blatantly lacked, and yet the way his lover crumpled beneath Lofgren like a ragdoll made the big, silvery black beast want to gnash his teeth. It took a few deep breaths for Stellan to let the action go unacknowledged. Intent on showing his dominance as he ever was, Lofgren was instantly bored by Sig’s submission, and Stellan could breathe once his lover was released.<br/><br/>He padded over, licking affectionately at Sig’s muzzle as Lofgren spoke. The big wolf’s tail hung low as he listened. It made sense that Lofgren wasn’t looking to slaughter Sieger’s pack. Just wanted to control it. Eliminate the strongest wolves and force the others to submit as he proclaimed himself the new alpha. An alpha purposefully moving in on another wolf’s territory wasn’t unheard of, though it was rare in this more modern age. Many packs were content with what they had, eager to avoid war at all costs. Waste of lives. Too easy to attract unwanted attention. But Lofgren had never been fond of modernity, preferring to stick to the “old ways” of wolfhood and do as he pleased.<br/><br/>Sieger. Maybe Sieger’s mate if Lofgren didn’t choose to keep her for breeding purposes. Eivind. Eivind wasn’t Sieger’s second, but his reputation as a powerful, vicious, and unhinged wolf preceded him. Even if Eivind hadn’t disposed of two of Lofgren’s wolves, it was doubtful Lof would want Eivind on his side. Too much of a wildcard. It made sense to eliminate him outright. Of course, that left Stellan and Sig in an unfortunate position. Had Lofgren just wanted to move in, perhaps the two of them could have convinced Blue to run. But there was a target on the young human’s husband now. A threat to their home. And Blue was such a stubborn thing…<br/><br/>Stellan shifted, standing tall to stretch out his spine. “Sounds like you’ve been plannin’ this for a long while,” Stellan mused, rubbing the rough whiskers sprouting from his chin. If they left, they’d be leaving Eivind’s pack to suffer beneath Lofgren’s thumb. How many poor pups would grow up with him as their mentor? A generation of monsters. A generation of lost, broken dogs. A generation of Coltens.<br/><br/>“It’s a smart move, for sure. Gettin’ rid of the waste. Asserting yourself. It’s what a good alpha should do, isn’t it?” He was dragging it out, stalling for time. Trying to think of an alternative and producing nothing. This wasn’t just about Eivind and Blue anymore, not just about him and Sig. He flashed a heavy glower at his mate, eyebrows furrowed together and deep frown beneath his thick beard. He hoped Sig could feel the sorrow in his eyes, silently pleaded that his lover would forgive him for what he was about to do.<br/><br/>“Such a shame, though, the timing,” Stellan went on. “I heard some news I thought you’d be interested in. About a human boy who lives in the city. Had a funny name. Blue? That ring any bells?”