Redhawk Caldera the oak when it blooms; a fox in the brush

It was a lot, Maia admitted, laughing a little at how uncomfortable she’d been with the whole thing. It was ridiculous, to be so overwhelmed! They’d returned safely, and she’d only offended one pack (and maybe three by association), so it could probably be called some kind of success. Maybe.

She smiled welcomingly when Teya came up alongside her, allowing her the closeness of solidarity. Maia was glad she had come and seemed open to Killdeer, even with the awkwardness of their family situation. Maia hadn’t known his mother well, but recalled her being pretty abrasive? Clearly Killdeer took after his dad, thankfully. If Teya resented that Bronco had a prior child, she’d never shown it. Maia supposed it would be a bit like her hating Weejay… which made zero sense! She could never.

We’d love to have you! For as long as you want to stay. This is as much your home as it was your dad’s. Maia hoped she wasn’t overstepping, but it felt right to say. Bronco had loved all of his kids with every fiber of his being. There was no way he wouldn’t have said it himself if he was here.