Redhawk Caldera One life with each other

He shook his head. "I wouldn't think so. I just wanted to make sure." Peregrine offered a weak, sad smile. "I'm glad you're all sticking together. Makes me feel better about the whole thing." Not that they were doing it for him or that his feelings should be taken into account at all. But he knew his sister would be glad for it.

His heart throbbed into his throat at Osprey's next few words. She was all his for the day. After that, let's face it: they would never see one another again. The swarthy wolf sucked in a long, long breath, then exhaled slowly. He couldn't say how glad he was for this opportunity, no matter how poignantly bittersweet. Many of the others in his life had gone without a notice or farewell of any kind. This last goodbye was a gift he didn't intend to squander or waste.

"Well," he began after a long, contemplative moment, "I'd challenge you to one last race but you're old and I'm decrepit." Peregrine's lips drew into a wry grin. "So how about a walk instead? And..." He had to swallow to stop his voice from shaking. "Maybe one last story?"