Redhawk Caldera to pronounce apathy

Peregrine shook the frost from his coat (and his bones), then set off on a patrol to wake up and clear his head. Today, he planned to finally track down Fox and talk to her. He no longer felt as angry, nor like he would say something he didn't mean. He didn't know what he would say, though. He didn't want Magpie in his ranks, though it was Fox's selfish and thoughtless behavior that really bothered him the most. He would have been doubly agitated had he known she planned to run out two of their pack mates without even consulting with him. Why did she neither get nor listen to his opinion on important pack matters? It wounded his feelings and his pride and reminded him of the days when Hawkeye had treated him like an inferior Alpha.

He finished his circuit and began to climb. Peregrine decided he would ask for an apology, unaware that Fox felt he should apologize for taking the time and space he needed to avoid a blowout. His heart thumped in his chest as he ascended toward their den. The smell of fresh marrow hit his nose and, strangely, turned his stomach. Apprehensively, he moved forward until she came into view. At first, his face was hard as he looked at her, though it softened somewhat as he slowly, silently, came to stand over her.

"We need to talk," he said quietly. Realizing the ominous choice of words, he elaborated, "You really upset me, Fox. That's why I needed some time. We're supposed to be a team, equals, and you definitely didn't treat me like your equal the other day." His voice remained low but even, with undertones of both anger and hurt weaved into it.