Redhawk Caldera Fire and brimstone

Cameo!

There was yet another layer to Peregrine's punishment. As if sensing that something had happened here at the caldera, wolves suddenly came calling for him, one by one. Fox forbade him from responding in any way. Meanwhile, she took it upon herself to chase his loved ones away from the borders without explanation. She had even told him she would kill his eldest children on sight if they came near. He was in no position to argue.

He wasn't sure he wanted to argue, for that matter. As much as he loved them and owed them, Peregrine suddenly couldn't trust his older three. Even sweet Ty might pose a threat to his young pups. It was clearer than ever: anyone from outside the caldera was a potential threat to the Alphas' litter, especially because of their parents' histories. The dethroned Alpha was forced to admit that Fox's take on matters was both harsh and totally warranted. Outsiders needed to remain outside.

He was stretched out beside Wildfire again. They were both outside the badger den, enjoying the sunshine. Well, he was pretending to enjoy it, for her sake. He hid his turmoil well. Peregrine was an old hand at it, after all. He had done the same thing with his last litter, when he and their mother had fallen out of love. He gritted his teeth, then stopped when it made an audible noise. He looked down at Wildfire's peacefully sleeping face. Her nap went undisturbed.

The male flinched when a howl rose into the air. He felt his blood run cold. Saena, he thought. In his mind's eye, Peregrine could picture his mate reacting to the call, hurtling down the mountainside and going right for the pale yearling's throat. His jade eyes slowly closed, then reopened. To keep himself anchored, he fastened them on Wildfire's face again. His lips moved silently in the same eight-word pattern, repeating it over and over: I won't let anyone hurt you ever again.