Heron Lake Plateau Ka-tet.

Towhee met Quixote's remarks with a look of genuine bewilderment. Since when did everyone check with her? Since when did anyone check with her? It didn't feel that way to her at all. She shook her head lightly. If there was no difference between Alpha and Beta, none of this would be a big deal. But they both knew there was a difference. And Towhee wouldn't be satisfied until one of Peregrine and Fox's heirs was in the Alpha rank.

Although his comment to Raven was likely meant to spite her in part, Towhee agreed with the sentiment otherwise. "I don't think we should just 'screw the rest,'" she said levelly, "but I'm all for blaming Qui."

Before she could say much else on the matter, Kite suddenly joined the adults' conversation. Although Towhee was fond of her sister's kids, she felt a little impatient at the youth's interruption. This was important business and they still hadn't arrived at a resolution, though maybe the kid could play a part in convincing her mother to reprise her role.