Redhawk Caldera Houston, we have a problem

The Alpha male issued a short command consisting of only two words, and without hesitation Reek obeyed. The ragged wolf took to his feet and shook his coat out, making to leave with one last muttered comment directed at Peregrine. He then bid farewell to Wildfire -- who was still lingering near Tiger at this point -- and turned to go.

Elwood relaxed visibly once Reek's figure started to grow smaller, though he stiffened in surprise at the sudden movement next to him. Peregrine seized one of the ducks and hurled it after the male, and Elwood watched as it arced through the air and hit its target. He couldn't help but smirk; leave it to Peregrine to have impeccable aim.

By the time he looked back to the small crowd of Redhawk wolves, Wildfire had woven herself between Peregrine's legs and was pleading to go home. Tiger approached, as well, asking if he wanted to get something to eat. He would have considered picking up the mallard that had struck Reek, but luckily he had seen the outsider pee on it. It was no longer fit for a meal. So he bobbed his head in response, ready to hunt down some fresh meat with his sister in law. "Sounds good," he agreed. Before they departed, however, he glanced to Peregrine to ensure that their presence was no longer needed.

Peregrine did not see the trespasser's final insult, as his attention now belonged to his daughter. For all intents and purposes, the dude with a mouth only slightly uglier than his face ceased to exist. Wildfire appeared to be okay, though it was clear she had been through a lot today. When she pressed against him, he reached a foreleg around her and hugged her close, then licked her large ears comfortingly. He murmured words too low for anyone else to hear.

"Thanks for your help, guys," the Alpha male called to Elwood and Tiger, who appeared to be getting ready to head off elsewhere. "I'm taking Wifi back home. We'll see you later." Giving the pup a final lick and nudge, he swept to his paws and began to lead the way back to the rendezvous site. For now, he didn't press her for an explanation. That could wait until later.

Unlike her father, Wildfire did see Reek's reaction to the thrown duck. She heard his shouted message too. Her lips pursed. She didn't like the way he'd spoken to Peregrine, yet he had rushed to her aid when no one else had. Wildfire swallowed and looked down at her paws, wishing she knew of a way to fix the situation. But, more than anything, she wanted to put it behind her and forget any of it had happened.

Soon the Alpha male spoke his goodbyes and proceeded upward toward the rendezvous site. Wildfire followed after him, staying silent. When they reached the familiar clearing, she helped herself to a drink from a nearby puddle, then slumped down beside it, curled into a ball and shut her eyes. It took a few minutes to fall asleep, what with her head and heart so preoccupied, but exhaustion caught up quickly and sent her off to sleep.