Redhawk Caldera Mountains beyond mountains

It was as if someone had molded Peregrine's idea of a perfect subordinate and delivered her to his borders complete with a big red bow. Not only did Sassafras maintain her deferential posture, she also declared herself a hunter, warrior and warden type. I could kiss you! he thought crazily, though of course he wouldn't. He was a happily married man, for one thing, and for another, he didn't kiss his pack mates until they'd known one another a while. C'mon now.

He didn't want to appear as the delighted little boy he felt on the inside, so the leonine Alpha tempered his smile and remained poised as he said, "Prove it." His head cocked, both jade eyes weighing on her face, even though only one of them could see it. "Out on the prairie," he added, motioning northward, "you'll find all sorts of small game, from rabbits to pheasants. Bring me something."

After all, words were only words and Sassafras could be too good to be true. But if he sent her out and she came back with a kill, he would absolutely reserve a space in his ranks for her. The caldera wasn't hurting for members but they would always have room for someone who, in Peregrine's opinion, hit the ideal trifecta.