Swiftcurrent Creek soft buzz · pack meeting

A silence settled over those who had gathered, but Fox knew better than to expect that everybody would agree with her decision. The thing was, they didn't have to agree. They didn't have to like it. In fact, they didn't even have to live with it if they really didn't want to. Fox had no pull on them aside from the fact that she was their leader and they had said they would follow her.

It was Tuwawi who spoke first. Serengeti added on shortly after that, but Fox did not find that their words changed her mind. Instead, they only solidified her decision. “Cutthroat has shown zero signs of violence. He is plenty docile.” She flashed him a glance, though it was not one of affection or friendliness. “Jace came to me a week or so ago saying that he had some kind of violence problem. I did not believe him at the time, but given the extent of Ferdie’s wounds, it was clear that he was telling the truth. That much damage is unwarranted unless you are trying to kill somebody. You,” she said, fixing her gaze on Tuwawi, “should be concerned more than any of us. You carry children, and I would not have you put in harm’s way.” Fox's tone remained calm, cool, even in light of their arguments.

“Swiftcurrent will always be family, but that does not mean we cannot outcast those who pose a threat to our own. If we refuse to weed out the bad, we will fail to protect the good.”