Wolf RPG

When it came to their vacant Beta male rank, the obvious choice (for Peregrine) was Lasher. Yet the dark leader was aware of his pack mates' scrutiny. Even though the ocher male deserved the honor, everyone would think he'd promoted him out of favoritism. It bothered Peregrine that his subordinates' opinions should affect his decisions, yet the fact that they had another very eligible candidate couldn't be dismissed either. Dante was just as worthy of the honor and, in the end, Peregrine and his two co-leaders decided they would give the pewter male a chance.

Of course, they had to ask first. It fell upon Peregrine to summon Dante. After parting ways with his two leading ladies, the Alpha male decided to track the Gamma rather than howl for him. When he discovered Dante patrolling the borders, it cleared away the Alpha male's last misgivings. Dante deserved this. Lasher would become the Gamma in his stead and Peregrine had no doubt that his lover would happily go wherever Peregrine asked of him. And even if he wouldn't hold the rank of a leader, he was potentially the Alpha pair's lover, which came with its own perks. He would not be left wanting for his lack of a leadership title.

"Yo, Dante," Peregrine said as he made his approach. "I have a favor to ask of you." He said no more, giving the sterling silver wolf a chance to react.

Dante had spent a lot of time on these borders of late. It wasn't only about the trade... he genuinely enjoyed patrols. It allowed him to clear his mind and focus in on his surroundings. After two botched hunts, that was something that he had needed. It worried him, especially with the possible prospect of young ones in their future. He recalled his conversation with Lasher and wondered again if spring would see new life on the Plateau. If so, then they would need to keep all well fed. The entire pack would need to be at strength in order to support and protect the family.

He did not delve to far beyond that, though, for it never once crossed his mind that he might become a father someday. It wasn't that he hadn't the desire, he just did not see it happening. He was aware that the Alpha held mating rights, a position that it was quite clear he hoped never to hold. Besides that, he hadn't had the best experience. He wouldn't know the first thing about it. He admired Peregrine greatly for that... the man was a natural father. He was glad that he was in a position to be able to put those skills to good use and did hope that he was blessed with more children in the future if such was his desire.

Speaking of... Dante turned at Peregrine's greeting, giving him a smile as he approached. "Peregrine. What's up?" He had no idea what Perry could possibly want from him, but he'd do his best to accommodate.

Peregrine wasted no time getting straight to the point. "The pack's at max capacity and, as if life wasn't stressful enough, we really need to buckle down and prepare for winter. I want to approach the season with a full leadership tier. We're liking you for Beta male. Are you up to the task?" As he spoke, he moved to flank the sterling male, silently motioning for him to resume his patrol. The Alpha would join him as they conversed.

Of all the things that Dante expected to hear come out of Peregrine's mouth, that certainly wasn't it. The silver male was thunderstruck at the offer... but if he had thought about it, he shouldn't have been. He hadn't realized what Atticus's condition meant for the pack - they were short a leader, at least until he came back into his mind.

Immediately Dante's mind went to the first place that the Alpha's had as well. It made even more sense for Peregrine's male lover to ascend than it had for his female. He had been here long, had earned the trust of the pack, and held a close relationship with both current Alphas. He didn't want to question Peregrine's decision, but he had a good relationship with the Delta. "Why me? No offense, but it just seems Lasher might be the natural choice..." he trailed off, still somewhat stunned.

Dante's response made the Alpha's fur prickle slightly, though it smoothed down an instant later as he asked crisply, "Why should Lasher be the 'natural' choice? Because we're lovers?" Softening, he added, "Both you and Lasher were strongly considered. And my fellow leaders and I decided to ask you. Yes, you have some considerable competition in Lasher but there are reasons we chose you. Do you not feel you are worthy of the rank, Dante?"

The question had been one of surprise, no misintent meant, but Dante's stomach dropped as the Alpha's tone grew short in his response. Had that not been his exact words, though, when he promoted Fox? That he had considered not only her qualifications but the fact that it was also natural that his mate rise in the ranks? Why should he expect it to be any different with Lasher?

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have assumed," he simply said, internalizing the confusion. He supposed he should take this as an honor, and it really was. He just didn't want to see his friendship with Lasher falter if the other man felt he had taken a position that he should hold. Though, thinking on it, Lasher was hardly the type to think such a thing as far as Dante could tell. The thought soothed him a bit.

Did he feel worthy? Hardly, but that was always the case. And he never would. It was one of his major vices, to second guess his every choice, just as it was to temper every response and go over every word three times before speaking it. He had always said that he would never take a leadership position. He could hear his father's words still, as though yesterday: You scorn me now, but you have had a taste of power. And once you have a taste, you'll never stop until you get more. It's in your nature, your very blood, and blood will always tell.

However, somehow, he knew in this instance that was not the case, and this made his decision harder. He genuinely loved the plateau and knew that he would never do anything to harm it or the wolves who made it their home. Would he truly let his father's shade hang over him and stop him from assisting them in greater capacities? And did he really have a right to question any decisions made in the future when he knew he had passed up a chance to help to make them?

"I am... uncertain, that I will live up to the task, but I would like to try." He gave a soft smile. "It is a high honor that you do me. But if and when Atticus is well, I will gladly step down." He knew he would probably be made to anyway, but wanted Peregrine to know that there would be no hard feelings.

Dante's uncertainty didn't bode well with him, though Peregrine trusted he would give it his best effort. Maybe the sterling Gamma didn't see his own potential, whereas the Alphas and Beta did. Well, he would realize it soon too.

The remark about Atticus rubbed the Alpha male the wrong way, not unlike the comment about Lasher. It was only then that the swarthy male realized he was in a terrible mood. He paused, wondering why he was abruptly so irritable. It probably had a lot to do with his daughter's recent absconding.

"Look, Dante," Peregrine began, injecting patience into his voice, "I don't want anyone else in the position. I want you. Right now, you are the most eligible candidate. And I'm not gonna do you like that—just punt you to the curb—unless you end up sucking ass or something. Okay? Welcome to the team, Mr. Beta," he finished, pausing to lift a foreleg and clap Dante's silver shoulder.

No matter Peregrine's feelings, Dante couldn't change who he was, and the offer had floored him. He wasn't used to being chosen for opportunities like this... hell, he wasn't used to being noticed at all. He was normally one of those guys who blended into the background, silently doing what he could but not really getting recognition for it. After all, he didn't feel he did anything particularly outstanding, and normally others agreed.

Not that he'd had much pack experience.

He could tell that Peregrine was iffy on his response, and he felt badly, but it just didn't seem that he could say the right thing currently. He still didn't understand Peregrine's reasoning. Atticus had been chosen over him before, so the fact that he would be considered more eligible than Peregrine's own brother should he recover actually put Dante off a bit. Lasher he knew well enough to know that he probably would not mind being out the position. Atticus, however, he did not. Should that day come, he would need to have a talk with the former Beta himself. He wasn't about to come between the two brothers... he had seen how close they were.

He said nothing of this to Peregrine, knowing that the words might not be well received. Besides, at the current moment it hardly mattered. He'd cross that bridge when he got there.

"Then I'll have to try not to suck ass, won't I?" He responded, flashing the male a more genuine smile as his shoulder was embraced. "Sorry, I truly appreciate it. I won't let you down, your highness." He gave a playful bow, lifting a leg and gesturing exaggeratedly.

"Good," Peregrine replied soberly to Dante's quips. "Don't make me donkey punch you," he threatened wryly, completely oblivious to the sexual nature of the term. It just sounded funny to him.

Despite his ability to joke, the Alpha male still felt moody and decided that there was no reason to stick around and subject the new Beta to it now that he'd accomplished what he'd come here to do. "I've got some things to do, so I'll check in with you later. Have fun with the shiny new rank," he said in closing, winking at Dante and then prowling back toward the plateau's interior.

Dante just chuckled in response, also unaware of any double meaning behind Peregrine's jest. He was glad that the tension had lessened, but was glad when Peregrine excused himself. Normally he loved the company of the Alpha, but right now he had enough to think about to keep him busy. He needed to be alone for a bit.

Quickly he set off for the border, planning to cross it and get away for a bit. He was excited for the new rank, he really was, but it would add a whole new level of anxiety upon his shoulders. He already constantly wondered whether or not he was doing an adequate job. The idea of holding a rank in the leadership tier would simply amp that up. He needed to get his mind sorted before he could tackle that mountain.