Blacktail Deer Plateau Stairway To Heaven

Peregrine didn't understand how a wolf could be unaware that a direct stare presented a challenge. Was it possible that his lonesome upbringing had resulted in such a lack of manners? Or did Fury know exactly what he was doing? As the swarthy Alpha deliberated, the fact that the stranger kept looking around, clearly bored, suddenly got on his nerves as well. His black fur prickled.

"No. I'm growling because, as a wolf, I take eye contact as a challenge to my authority," he replied stonily. If this guy was serious—and he didn't know the most basic etiquette about wolfish society—the Alpha didn't know if he had the patience to teach him. Because of his size alone, his social ineptitude could be downright dangerous to everyone else in the pack who subscribed to lupine law.

Hawkeye's sudden appearance triggered yet more defensiveness in the Alpha male. He knew his mate wouldn't appreciate it if he stepped between them, though the urge to do just that was very strong. Should Fury want to attack, he could damage the pups growing inside Hawkeye's belly, which made their presence known in her extended flanks. Peregrine was protective of the plateau but even more so of his mate and their unborn children.

"Hawkeye, this is Fury," Peregrine introduced them woodenly, a bit put off by her open admiration. In this situation, huge wasn't necessarily a good thing for them. "He doesn't speak very clearly and he doesn't know basic etiquette. If it weren't for these red flags, I'd say he'd make a great Warden..." He already sensed that Hawkeye would give Fury the benefit of the doubt, just like she'd done with Luxuria. He grated his teeth but stepped aside, clearly if reluctantly passing the baton to her.