Heron Lake Plateau Wait, there's no such thing as unicorns?

Had Raven not been as badly injured as she was, he would have argued with Towhee's words -- he was a fighter, he was the alpha, Raven was his mate, of course it was his responsibility -- but he didn't have the will to do so.  If he couldn't even do that, what use would he be out there?  Yes, he wanted to go, but even if he wasn't practically a zombie, then who would be left to protect Raven if all those mentioned went on the search?  Unless Eljay had learned to fight recently, he might even get beaten up by a weakened Screech if he doubled back.  Ceara he didn't know as well, he didn't know her skills.  As much as he wanted to go, he really couldn't leave her in good conscience.  He wasn't going to risk being gone if she needed protection, let alone being gone from her side when the pups came.  If he stayed, they were defended.  If they didn't have success, he could always go on a later hunt.

He sighed, then glanced briefly once more to Niamh and Towhee before his eyes settled back on Raven.  I can't.  There was a strength to his voice that probably made it the most normal-sounding he'd been through the whole thread.  Quixote kissed the crown of Raven's head again, and though there was a pang of regret in case Screech did die at someone's fangs other than his own, he was pretty sure he picked the right choice.