Redhawk Caldera I got everything I need and nothing that I don't

"Why does that not surprise me?" Peregrine asked, rolling his eyes affectionately skyward. "What about you? Are you okay with that?" he asked in the next breath. It was Finley's right not to enter a commitment if she wasn't ready, yet it was also Elwood's right to want a commitment. The Alpha hoped they hadn't reached an impasse. Sometimes, fundamental differences could undo even the best of relationships, he knew.

But the Beta male seemed fine with it, more or less, and he wanted to know about Peregrine's own family matters. "Everyone's doing great," he reported. "I'm so happy I can say that. When my last litter was this age, their mother was already fading from our lives. Compared to that, life is legit perfect," Peregrine mused. The love he felt for Fox was so much different, so much more grounded and real, than the fleeting lust he'd shared with Hawkeye.

"And there's a cherry on that awesome cake," he continued after a pause, jade eyes drifting from the lake to Elwood's face. "I've found myself a bit of a crush, I guess you could say. It's a dude, so if you'd like me to spare you further details, I don't mind." It was easier just to lay it on the table like that, rather than sit here trying to feel out his friend's comfort level.