Big Salmon Lake Blood stutter

The telling moment had arrived at last: he would face someone who was simultaneously a loved one and an outsider in no man's land. Peregrine braced himself for a growl or at least a filthy look. Perhaps Lasher might even turn and walk away without a word. Or might he even attack, verbally or even physically? Yet he remained frozen, just like Peregrine, as the two stared across a chasm much wider than the stretch of open grass between them.

"Lasher," the Alpha called at length, still not moving. "I'd like to give you an explanation now, if you'd like to hear it." He didn't feel he owed one, yet his reticence on the matter was gone now. He would gladly explain what had happened and, furthermore, stand by his actions. More likely than not, Lasher and his ilk would think him a murderer but Peregrine knew he had done what must be done, and not because he had enjoyed it.