Redhawk Caldera scholars will but nourish evil

This was not the news that Peregrine wanted to hear. His ears fell back as he wondered what to do. He looked down at his paws, mind scrambling to come up with some sort of plan. He wanted to be there for his injured pack mate, to visit her at the very least, but he hated to leave the caldera again so soon. The present dynamic between himself and Lasher complicated matters and made it difficult to think.

In response to Lasher's words, Peregrine said, "I know that. I don't have any problem with you guys looking after her. I appreciate it, of course," he said, humbling and softening simultaneously. "Do you think I'd just let you go, though? That I wouldn't want to check on own subordinate? That I'd just leave you to it without a care in the world? She's my friend as well as my pack mate. I don't care if it's not mortal, I want to be by her—"

And that was the moment when Fox caught up to them and inserted herself between Peregrine and Lasher. Although she spoke the truth, his ears flattened in response to her interference. He was about to open his mouth to acknowledge her when she cut him off and told Lasher to go, then spoke for both of them in regards to visitation. The Alpha male couldn't help himself. He growled deeply, the sound directed at his mate.

"I will come visit her shortly," he said to Lasher without looking at him. His steely eyes were fastened upon Fox's face. "And... thank-you, Lasher." Peregrine stifled a sigh, knowing that his former lover was going to leave for real now and that their relationship was effectively severed. It was for the best but it sure as hell didn't feel like it.

Once the sable male was out of earshot, Peregrine said, "Why do you speak for me? I can speak for myself. How can you just leave her there? What if she thinks we don't give a fuck about her? What if she decides she'd rather stay there? We've chosen her for our Beta. I'm going to go see her." His tone left no room for argument whatsoever.