Heron Lake Plateau now i’m free from what you are

Colt was indeed set to arrive that day, and arrive he did.  He was ahead of @Raven, perhaps so she could stop in to see her children, perhaps another reason. The moment he arrived, though, solidly dejected after another failed round of searching, he had the only intention of finding Niamh.  As time stretched on, the failure only got worse.

When he found her, it wasn't alone like he hoped, but instead a massive group of tense packmates.  Luckily he arrived in time to hear Caiaphas' last remarks.  Context was easy after that.

Funny thing about Colt.  When he was upset, he tended to be more honest than usual.  Probably the last vestiges of that everyone-be-damned personality.

He ignored Towhee and cut in next to Niamh, though Caiaphas was the focus. You're right. He replied, and his voice was neutral.  She was.  Raven was searching with him instead of leading.  But if anyone has the right to step in while she searches, it's Niamh.  Not you.

He was aware he might be putting himself straight in the proverbial doghouse with this statement, but hell.  He'd just wanted lunch and a cuddle.