Redhawk Caldera There was a shift in the paradigm

Like it or not, Elwood had settled into a routine without Finley. He didn't have much choice; not only was he a father, but he was now the pack's single Beta. While he wanted to mope around and sleep the days away, he instead flung himself into caring for his son and the group of wolves he called family. He was convinced that Finley's prolonged absence would have some sort of negative effect on Eljay's development, but he did everything in his power to simulate a normal schedule for the boy. Of course, he wasn't always successful, but he was learning to deal with Eljay's emotions and teach the boy how to cope.

He was returning from a miniature hunting session with Eljay, intending to put him down for a nap. They had done nothing more than follow a slow-moving possum for about half an hour, but it had been sufficient to teach Eljay how to use his nose and creep quietly behind his target. The activity had been enough to distract both father and son from their troubles for the time being, and Elwood hoped that Eljay would be ready for at least an hour of rest.

As they drew nearer to the den, Elwood spotted Peregrine lingering nearby. He perked up slightly, although there was a seemingly permanent wrinkle in his brow and his smile rarely reached his eyes. "Hey, Peregrine," he greeted, coming to a halt and glancing down at Eljay. "Look who's here, pal," he said, his tail giving a little wiggle.