The Heartwood i bet my life

If Peregrine found the stranger's behavior odd, at least his affiliation explained it in part. His expression shifted from impatient to curious. He had heard of the sirens, of course, seeing as Junior had run off with them briefly. Their reputation preceded them. He was aware that they looked down on males in their society, which was perhaps why this guy was behaving like a puppy expecting punishment any minute now. Peregrine found the thought distasteful and couldn't help but wonder why any self-respecting male wolf would sign up for such a life.

"You're fine," he said a bit absently, then more pointedly asked, "Are you a member of that pack of your own free will? Why, if I may ask? I know about the sea witches," he said in a disapproving, even condemning, tone.