Gabe froze on the spot as the alpha turned on him warningly and something in his little doggy nature kicked in. Whatever rebellious portion oh him that liked to push her buttons was suddenly seized by the instinct of pack obedience and the way the stark black fur danced over the slender, strong length of her shoulder blades, hackles raised, teeth bared.<br/>He sunk down on his haunches, eyes dropping to the floor. He wasn't entirely submissive, giving up a small, low crackle of a growl in a meek, token argument, but that was all. You didn't challenge the Alpha, not directly unless<span style="font-style: italic">you</span>wanted to take the pack for yourself and had the balls to rip her throat out. As things were Gabe knew they were evenly matched. All she needed to do was land one or two good blows and that was it. Snuffed out like a flower under a paw.<br/><br/>He snorted, small stream of dust swirled about his nose from the floor. Didn't dare squeak up again or risk starting something he just wasn't ready to finish.