Phoenix Maplewood we'll ride the coattails to the finish line

In a moment of weakness, Reek allowed himself to falter under his own emotional weight.  It was inconsequential, he felt, seeing as Ukko was their gamma— and most of all, Reek saw him as a friend. To the pack and himself. He expected the consoling voice of a confidant, a slap on the back, or something born of kindness, especially from Ukko, who had as of yet not demonstrated an ounce of aggression toward the patriarch of the maplewood. The vitriol and venom behind his voice, however, did catch Reek off guard. His dry sobs ceased, replaced only with confused silence.

He was not giving up. Not in any way. Instead, he broke from the weight of trying too hard to keep things together. The two were so completely different, however, to an outsider looking in, it would seem as if it were the former. The death of Pantaleimon, the mauling of Scarlett, Saena's disappearance, their pack's dwindling numbers, it was all so hard to keep together. But, if nothing else, Reek found resolve in Ukko's harsh words.  A bitter, angry, and resenting resolve that burned in the depths of his stomach.  

Step down.

He was not power incarnate, and neither a dynamic leader or empowered speaker, but he led with his heart. He spoke to his subordinates like equals. He never craved power or control like his uncle before him, in fact, leadership had never truly been the goal in the long run.  But, of this pack— his pack, he felt ownership. Forged from the ashes of Redtail Rise, the maplewood was his and his wife's alone.  It was not the newbie's place to decide.

Returning to his feet with little grace, Reek glared back at his subordinate. Sorrow gave way into fury and low growl rippled from the depths of his throat.  Despite his injuries and emotional state, he held himself high. Tail stood erect and ears shot forward, he postured himself in dominance. His answer was clear.  

No.