Steady growled with pleasure once he and @Valette had successful run the sisters off. He could taste her blood in his mouth, knew that he had inflicted some pain, especially on her face. He lifted his muzzle to towards the sky and howled his victory. He figured it would have been right if Valette joined in, too, but he was too busy feeling high and mighty to worry about that much. His tail stood high, fluffed out with his hackles. With a chuff of satisfaction, he turned and headed back to his territory, assuming Valette would follow. I mean to keep my promise, he told her. If I ever see her again, she won't live to see another day. Betrayal was one of the worst things a wolf could do to Steady and his family, and it was something he would never forgive. But, let it be known that I don't expect anyone in the pack to do that if they don't feel comfortable. He felt it important that his family know they weren't expected to carry out his promises. It was something he said, something he felt, and he knew the others weren't really fighters. He would not expect them to kill simply so that his word could be kept.

Along the way, he couldn't help but try to engage Valette in some play, attempting to nip at her shoulder, though not in the way he had done to Eden's flank. He was rejoicing, and he wanted her to join in. The adrenaline was still coursing through his body, pumping him full of testosterone and dominance. But, there was no one to direct it towards now that the betrayers were driven out of his home. So, he tried to turn it into some rough mouthing towards Valette. 

They reached the borders, and Steady began to mark them, covering Eden's blood with his urine. Her scent was no longer welcomed here, and he made sure to cover it well. When he was finished, he was finally beginning to come down off his high, though he couldn't help but try and head butt Valette's shoulder. It had been a while since he had fought, and he was glad to have someone he trusted by his side. 

He paused and turned towards her, voicing his thought. You know, the pack has grown quite a bit, and it's been harder and harder for me to manage it on my own. But, I've realized since we've moved that I haven't been alone. You've been there, doing everything a Beta should. If you'll accept, I'd like to formally promote you. They hadn't spoken about it, and he hadn't mentioned to anyone that he was thinking of promoting someone into leadership ranks. Part of him felt guilty, as if he was replacing Ezekiel. But, he wasn't. There were two Beta spots, and if Ezekiel was found, he would be more than welcome to reclaim his spot. But, Steady hoped it would be beside Valette. She had proven herself adept at providing for the pack, and now she proved she could defend it alongside Steady, as well. He waited for her response, hope showing through his eyes.

Valette seemed to somewhat humor his hyperactivity, though he could tell that she wasn't into it as much as he. He supposed he understood. She was not a fighter like he was; she was friendly towards everyone. They were like black and white, yin and yang, when it came to this. But, she seemed to put that aside, and he was glad that she could back him up to run the sisters out of town.

He thought she would immediately accept the promotion, but he could tell she had reservations, and he understood them when she asked about Ezekiel. When Ezekiel returns, and I hope he does, as long as his absence was not purposeful, he will still have his Beta spot, if you don't mind the two of you working together, he explained. There was something there between them, he thought at least. Neither had spoken of it, and he hadn't brought it up either. But, she had spent a lot of time looking for him. Then again, Steady would have been out there with her searching if he could have. Still, they seemed to get along, even as friends, and he hoped they could as co-Betas, too. 

She had her reservations, but it seemed Steady had put them to rest with the promise that Ezekiel would not be put out of his position upon his return. Steady couldn't imagine that his brother would simply abandon them, and knew it would take a lot to keep him away. It didn't give him any comfort, however, fearing that his friend was harmed in some way and that was what was preventing him from coming home. At the very least, he hoped Ezekiel had a good idea that this was where they would be.

Valette accepted her new position, and Steady beamed. You're Beta! he replied to her exclamation, as excited as she was. She told him that she wouldn't let him down and he gave her a soft smile. I know you won't, he said softly. There had been so many changes in such a little time, but he was confident that not only Valette could handle the position, but she would hold it for the foreseeable future.

He couldn't help but prance around her, his energy still high, though it held no dominance now. We should do something! he said excitedly. Like-like.... I dunno, a celebration hunt or something! We can celebrate our new home and your promotion! He stopped long enough to look at her to see how she felt about the idea.

Valette seemed so excited, and Steady was excited for her. He felt that this was the right move, both for her and for the family. She had proven herself time and time again that she was dedicated to helping out, and he was glad to promote her for all her hard word. He froze a moment when she licked him. While he was used to doing it with others, Niita had been the only one to return it, well, besides Adeline. It was a new sensation coming from Valette.

But, he let it go, his tail wagging and his smile reappearing on his maw as she wholeheartedly agreed to the hunt, and began naming off what they could go after and who would help. And, me, he added with a laugh, since it seemed she had forgotten. And having it in the circle sounds perfect, he confirmed. It was quickly becoming his favorite spot in the territory. Set it up, and howl for everyone, he said. Oh, he added. You'll get to approve new members without me now. I trust your judgement, though, so no need to confirm with me before you do, he explained with a smile. And he did trust her. What they just had to do was difficult, but Valette had done it with him, for the better of the family. He knew she wasn't usually a fighter, but sometimes there was simply no way around it.