Redhawk Caldera California sun

"Because," she began patiently, "it's not really something I want for myself, for starters. And it doesn't really line up with my interests or trades." Wildfire nibbled at her lip, shrugged, then nodded at Peregrine's indirect reassurance. "And maybe that'll happen to me: I'll grow into it when I'm older. It's just not in the cards right now."

He wanted to know about Floki and she winced inwardly. "He's doing just fine. He's the Beta male, in case that wasn't clear. And he's even younger than me! But he's doing a really good job." And that was true enough. She even managed a genuine smile as she thought about his accomplishments, though it faded slightly when she heard his voice in her head, murmuring two words: best friends.

Wildfire paused, her tongue pressing against the back of her teeth, as she considered coming clean. Could she admit to the end of their relationship without letting her father know what had truly caused it? She didn't want to lie. But hadn't she lied already, by omitting the truth? She sucked in a quiet breath, almost deciding against mentioning it. She didn't want to bring her dad down, not when everything seemed so hunky dory with him.

But this was her dad, so Wildfire looked him straight in the face a moment, then dropped her eyes as she admitted, "He and I... we didn't work out. But I'll be okay," she made sure to add in a quiet voice.