Broken Antler Fen That's just is

So his mother had lied to him. Peculiar, but not terribly surprising. Perhaps she felt shame for what she had done, or maybe the other wolves had shamed her. Never once did it occur to Draper that the actions that had led to Charles had not been consensual. And why would it occur to him? Draper would never dream of doing something so despicable.

I am not, Draper replied, I have been on my own for some time. And you? he asked. The boy did smell strongly of other wolves, and considering his youthful appearance (and ignorance in the way children were made), Draper assumed he would need to be surrounded by others who would keep him safe. Where they were now, Draper could only guess.