The bitterness sat heavy on his tongue – so acidic Veho almost didn’t recognize it for what it was. Was it Piety he felt so protective of, or was it Rook? He’d promised the frightened woman she would not have to be Piety if she did not wish it, and he fully intended to keep his word. Whatever it was, whatever haunted her, the medic would do his duty to defend her until she felt ready to face her demons on her own. But Hocus’ gentle admonishment caused a small twinge in his expression – would he ever deny his dear @Namid access to her children?
He wasn’t sure he had the heart.
What a poor situation. Shifting uneasily, the subordinate worked his jaw, glancing back at @Rook with a soft chuff. As the white male inched forward, he did not move, tail and head remaining arched as the offer of submission was given to the alpha. An improvement, the gray wolf decided, bobbing his head as he was more or less ignored. (Another reason, truly, that he needed to continue his quest to become the Lyall’s beta, despite his distaste for confrontation.)
“Welcome to Grizzly Hollow,” he exhaled softly, tipping his head to one side. But already Hocus was making demands, and it took another slow breath to keep his hackles settled on his shoulders. Just because the man claimed he wouldn’t start a donnybrook didn’t mean he wouldn’t cause problems among the ranks, he thought sourly. All the same, Merlin pressed his side into his lord’s, ears pressed forward as he studied the elder Lyall’s face. This was not his call to make. “Jaysyek comes and she goes. She will be back, I am sure.” She was a capable woman, and did not require a sitter. The same could not be said for her mate, unfortunately. Lowering his voice, the medic glanced towards his partner. “Borden is…not having a good day,” he emphasized, having seen the man earlier in the morning to drop off some herbs. If Rook still wished to bring his brother along to see their sire, he would leave it in the alpha’s hands – after all, Veho was the medic, was an advisor when he could be, but he was not a son, not here, and this was a family affair.