Blacktail Deer Plateau [j] the night's watch

She seemed more than placated by his good behavior, which gave Peregrine a measure of relief; hopefully it meant he wouldn't have to sit through any more speeches. She surprised a laugh out of him in the next instant when she seized his crude joke and embellished on it. Although the Sigma had felt indifferent toward Hawkeye—and just about everything related to his new life at the plateau—up until today, he suddenly felt a seed of respect being planted within him. She even reminded him of March Owl a little bit.

The leader's next words made Peregrine snort quietly to himself, though he didn't make a reply. Instead, he turned to Crete and grinned at his brother. "We're pack mates again," he observed, a thrill running through his body. Having Crete here was like having a shot of adrenaline pumped directly into his bloodstream. His entire demeanor had changed from sulky, sour and resigned. Now, Peregrine felt happy and hopeful.

"You and me—and Osprey and Att, if they show up too—are gonna rock the plateau's face off," he said under his breath for only Crete to hear (especially if Hawkeye was mostly deaf). Louder, he added, "Come on, let's head up there and give you the grand tour and all that jazz. Don't worry, we won't forget about the refreshments." With a wink of one dusky eye, he turned and motioned for Hawkeye to lead the way home.