Blacktail Deer Plateau The air between us

The question had been one of surprise, no misintent meant, but Dante's stomach dropped as the Alpha's tone grew short in his response. Had that not been his exact words, though, when he promoted Fox? That he had considered not only her qualifications but the fact that it was also natural that his mate rise in the ranks? Why should he expect it to be any different with Lasher?

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have assumed," he simply said, internalizing the confusion. He supposed he should take this as an honor, and it really was. He just didn't want to see his friendship with Lasher falter if the other man felt he had taken a position that he should hold. Though, thinking on it, Lasher was hardly the type to think such a thing as far as Dante could tell. The thought soothed him a bit.

Did he feel worthy? Hardly, but that was always the case. And he never would. It was one of his major vices, to second guess his every choice, just as it was to temper every response and go over every word three times before speaking it. He had always said that he would never take a leadership position. He could hear his father's words still, as though yesterday: You scorn me now, but you have had a taste of power. And once you have a taste, you'll never stop until you get more. It's in your nature, your very blood, and blood will always tell.

However, somehow, he knew in this instance that was not the case, and this made his decision harder. He genuinely loved the plateau and knew that he would never do anything to harm it or the wolves who made it their home. Would he truly let his father's shade hang over him and stop him from assisting them in greater capacities? And did he really have a right to question any decisions made in the future when he knew he had passed up a chance to help to make them?

"I am... uncertain, that I will live up to the task, but I would like to try." He gave a soft smile. "It is a high honor that you do me. But if and when Atticus is well, I will gladly step down." He knew he would probably be made to anyway, but wanted Peregrine to know that there would be no hard feelings.