Redhawk Caldera Now if you'll excuse me, I have a little hell to raise.

There was something so open about his face. His lips weren't as easy to read as some, though she managed to follow along when he spoke. The instant he mentioned that she looked sad, Towhee felt her skin heat beneath her fur. She fought the urge to drop her eyes in humiliation, if only because he was still talking. She worked on schooling her expression instead. His next comment caught her off guard, making her forget her momentary embarrassment.

"Burke, you mean?" she asked, deliberating how to answer. This male clearly didn't know about her attempt to cast out Burke and his mate. "He's just using up resources we can't afford," Towhee replied baldly, before immediately jumping into defensive mode. "And it's not like I'm pointing that out to be some petty asshole. I'm genuinely concerned for this pack's future, okay?"