Whitefish River So I asked him how he became this man

Turns out Howl's instincts were correct about the male. Something was up. But Emrik didn't spill his guts right there, though that wasn't Howl's sole purpose in expressing his feelings. Emrik even offered to help, something Howl appreciated in fellow pack members, though it was technically his duty to do such things. Maybe there would be a bit of giving and take. "Perhaps. You have any experience with pups? I don't have much and I know there are several litters coming soon." 

Yes his and Moonshadows children were one thing, but children, in general, had been a concern for Howl since he had lost them previously. It was as if he could see a sliver of them in every young pup and he didn't know how to feel about that.