Heron Lake Plateau Speak of the not devil.

She'd wanted to avoid this entire conversation at first, though the moment her godparents reacted, Towhee was incredibly glad Elwood had prompted her to explain. It didn't mean everything was hunky dory, though she could see that her explanation helped them better understand her reasoning. Her heart pattered in her chest, hoping this meant their relationship was on the mend.

To her godmother, Towhee said, "I understand. And thank you." Her orange gaze flicked to Elwood. "Thanks," she repeated with as much authenticity as she could muster. She was truly grateful that they'd heard her out, even if they didn't necessarily like the outcome any better. "I can't tell you how much it still means to me, how highly you both think of me. It means everything."

Towhee paused for a moment, though there was something else she wanted them to know. "Nothing's going to change about what I put into this pack. I'm still guarding and patrolling as much as ever—and leading too. But the Beta rank is yours if you'd like it back, of course. I told Raven this and I want you to know too: I could be an Alpha or an Omega and I'd apply myself the very same."

She drew in a breath. That was enough of a speech for now. She smiled crookedly between the retirees. "If there's anything else I can do to make this situation better, please let me know. I love and respect you guys ridiculous amounts. I need us to be okay. I'll do whatever it takes."