Blacktail Deer Plateau Discretion of the Mind · PACK MEET

The footsteps belonged to Atticus. As his brother walked nearer, Peregrine sensed the hurt his own nearness to Hawkeye inflicted on his brother. Although he gave Atticus an apologetic look, he did not step away from the Alpha female. She belonged to him—they belonged to one another—now and while he hated hurting his brother, he wouldn't push aside this new relationship just to spare Atticus's feelings.

The rest of the pack arrived, one by one, and Peregrine nodded to them without smiling. Although he enjoyed his new post beside Hawkeye, he would really rather they all disappear so he could have his way with her. It made it very difficult to focus on the matters at hand when her sweet scent and warm body drove him to distraction. Nonetheless, he made an effort, assuring himself that as soon as they were finished here, he would drag Hawkeye into the bushes.

Rob and Ariston were among the last to arrive. Despite his differences with the two males, Peregrine bobbed his dark snout even to them. This acknowledgement seemed especially appropriate when Hawkeye launched into a speech reminding them that they were all moving parts of a single machine: the pack. Peregrine could agree with this. Even if he didn't like them all on a deeply personal level—as was the case with the two aforementioned males—he could appreciate their contributions on the whole.

Peregrine missed the glanced exchanged between Hawkeye and Crete entirely and blinked a little in surprise when she passed the spotlight onto him. He'd literally just stepped into the Alpha male position minutes ago and so he certainly didn't have an agenda, much less a speech prepared. He supposed this was all part of being a leader, though: having responsibility thrust upon you and showing grace under pressure.

"I'm going to second what she said about behaving as a unit. The strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the wolf is the pack. Keep that in mind, everyone." He paused, his dusky eyes landing on Ariston. "Everyone brings something different to the table; we all balance one another. Play to your strengths and try to choose a co-rank for yourself to maximize your potential. Those of you who make the greatest effort to participate and contribute will find yourself in the highest ranks. We will rule fiercely but simply," he added as he met his mate's eyes.

After exchanging a long look with her, Peregrine faced the group again. "Hawkeye and I will hopefully be welcoming pups sometime in the none too distant future. It takes a village, people, so those of you who can offer support are welcome to do so. I am personally working on becoming a Gamekeeper anyway and anyone who joins me on my hunting and stocking efforts will be handsomely rewarded. Our pups will be the future of this pack and every effort we make will be for them." And with that, Peregrine nodded and fell silent.