Redhawk Caldera Reactivity

Towhee felt a rush of relief when she spotted her mate approaching from a distance. She didn't possess the energy to run to him, not after the last two days, but he really was a sight for sore eyes. The Sovereign rose to all fours beneath the dogwood tree to watch him coming closer, wondering when the kids would notice him. The instant Caracal spotted his father and began racing toward him, Towhee tried to get the twins' attention and usher them behind the tree, so the three of them could leap out and surprise the prodigal Reyes.

Before any of that could happen, Caracal collided with Reyes, who responded by wrapping his jaws around the back of his son's neck and pressing him into the dirt. It wasn't simply a dominant wolf putting his subordinate in his place; it was a disproportionate and violent attack against a vulnerable puppy. That's what Towhee saw, and there was no time for benefits of the doubt or explanations.

She reacted just as ferociously, charging out from behind the tree and rushing at Reyes. Even when he let go of Caracal, Towhee didn't slow. Like a homing missile, she was there to seek and destroy the threat to her son.