Blacktail Deer Plateau rude awakening [m]

"Fox," he replied as she sidestepped, thinking she meant to tease him. His eyes quickly sharpened when he saw the serious look on her face and he set aside his desirous thoughts. In any event, her proposition effectively dampened any libidinous impulses.

"You know I don't mess around with other packs," he said slowly, after taking a moment to think. He felt torn. "You know I'm here for you, as an individual... but I'm not going to involve anyone else from the plateau more than I already have by sheltering you, nor do I want to get too involved with the creek's affairs. Anyway, I can't make such a long trip myself." He motioned to his bum leg. "I'm sorry."

He felt bad, yet Peregrine wasn't so foolish as to make decisions based on a crush. Besides, he wouldn't break character that easily. "Here's my compromise, though," he said, "I'm happy to provide you food and shelter until you're ready, then I'll go with you to neutral territory to call for this Bazi. I'll stick by you until you two can come up with a resolution... one that doesn't involve your sacrificing yourself," he finished.

In spite of himself, he couldn't help but wonder how this Beta would react to this entire situation. Would she do her best to protect her Alpha? Or would she happily go along with the plan to exchange Fox for the captives? Would Bazi be worried about Fox or pissed at her—and mad at the plateau for harboring her? Peregrine did and didn't want to find out the answers to these questions. Well, if Fox took him up on his offer, he would be along for the ride, one way or another.