[Allison regarded the mermaid sharply...but in her gut, instinct whispered soothing nonsense to her, gently banishing doubt, scorn, and disdain. Instinct was a gift brought by her pack, something they'd taught her to trust above all else, and it was a gift she did not take for granted.

Some part of her knew that Lydia spoke the truth. However wary she was of strangers, some part of her knew she could trust this girl...trusted her not as harmless, or even as a friend, but as pack.

It was a shocking personal revelation, but at the same time it made her smile.]

I believe you may be right, little fish. [The name is spoken fondly, a nickname rather than an insult.] The pack can grow in unexpected places, or so my pack brothers tell me...perhaps mine could grow to include one who swims the lakes and rivers of the wood, rather than walk its loamy hills and valleys.