he who hesitates is toast

Alpine, wholly nonplussed, doesn't move at all – not until the pit, his ears perked up and tail wagging, takes a few steps forward. That's a bridge too far for Alpine, who opens his mouth wide and hisses in warning.

The pit, startled, backs up and stumbles over his own paws as Sharon chuckles. "Looks like somebody's establishing the pecking order right off the bat."