Driftwood Surge with everybody watching me

@Mako slight PP at the end, let me know if you want anything changed! <3

Lachesis had confined himself to the Driftwood territory during the weeks following the birth of his children. He would occasionally make quick trips out to the lake, usually to catch a fish or two, before returning back to the heart of the territory. He also tried to keep track of the coyote scents that lingered around; he had not confronted one himself yet, but he had heard their call from the shores of Turtleback. Which meant they were close. He knew that the children would have to be watched more frequently as they grew bolder; any trips to the edge of the Surge would require supervision. He knew that Lilya would likely want to return to her leadership duties as soon as she was able, which meant the rest of the pack would have to step up to ensure that the cubs were protected. He hoped that the coyotes were a phase—that they would move on once they realized there was not enough food for both them and the wolves.

He lingered close to the river that cut through the territory, moving expertly over the pebble-ridden bank as he followed it east. He’d just left the birthing den to relieve his mate from mother-duty for a few hours. For him, they had nestled tightly against the back of the den, only stirring to change positions or to (gently) shove each other out of the way. Which worked out in Lachesis’ favour, as he had needed a few moments of rest. However, as soon as the tired sparrow returned, the three Stark’s sprang to life and started fumbling over each other. He’d departed with an apologetic grin as he disappeared into the trees, but he wouldn’t be gone for long. It was difficult for the father to stay away too long.

As he maneuvered along the river he caught a glimpse of ashen fur, his ears perking in interest. He woofed a quiet greeting to the young male, his features smooth as he padded toward him.

The once theoretical threat of coyotes was now a lot less theoretical and thus a lot more frightening. Luckily, Mako and his packmates had come out of their encounter with the vermin in one piece. But what would have happened if @Emrys and @Jynx hadn't showed up right then? He liked to think that just he and that Edge wolf alone would have had no trouble taking out the trio of coyotes, but Mako wasn't so sure. Jynx had literally saved his ass from one of them, and he had her to thank for not having teeth-marks on his ass right now.

But now there was undeniable proof that they were out there. And there was a lot more at stake now with the puppies here. He hadn't even met them yet, but he was surprised by how damned protective he felt for them already.

Mako jolted with a start at a rough sound behind him, forcing him from his brooding thoughts. His large body spun in place with amber eyes wide and ears pinned back as he turned completely around to face the noise. But rather than the tawny browns of a coyote he was met with Lachesis' pristine white coat. The shock in his eyes shifted, quickly replaced with a different sort of wide-eyed stare at seeing his leader standing there. "Fuck--" He bit out before he quickly bowed his head down, wincing as he looked sidelong away from Lachesis. His face flushed warm with embarrassment.  "Sorry, you-- I thought you were a coyote there for a sec." Mako winced, glancing towards the green-eyed wolf.

A small laugh escaped him in response to the youth’s reaction as the corners of his eyes crinkled with amusement. At least the silver shark was on alert; a good sign considering the alarming number of coyotes that had started travelling through the Lore. Fortunately the scrawny creatures had not made an appearance inside the Surge—maybe they weren’t as stupid as he had previously assumed. They did, however, linger near the lake and in the surrounding forest, which did worry the father. He would just have to keep a watchful eye on the children until the scent of coyote faded from the neighbouring territories.

It’s okay, he responded quickly, his expression softening as he studied the younger male, I shouldn’t have snuck up on you. Maybe he shouldn’t have announced himself better, but what was the fun in that? Even for an old man Lachesis still had to get a few laughs in before he turned greyer and miserable. So, what’s on the agenda for today? He hoped the younger male wouldn’t mind him tagging along; he could use a hunt or patrol to keep himself occupied before returning to the Stark den.

stick with those who stick with you

@Lachesis

After his slightly embarrassing freak out, Mako really just wanted to step backwards into the river until the waters were well over his head. He could hold his breath for a while, and nearly considered it as Lachesis' let out a chuckle. But the heated shame on his cheekbones cooled as the older male quickly smoothed over the awkwardness by continuing on as if it wasn't that big a deal... And okay, maybe it wasn't, and maybe Mako didn't need to hide in the bottom of the river.

He blinked at the question, and suddenly felt a different sort of embarrassment as he wondered how long Lachesis had been there, and just how long he'd seen Mako standing around doing absolutely nothing. He wasn't sure why, it's not like he needed validation from others, but something about Lachesis gave him the need to impress the male. Mako straightened his posture up a little bit, pulling his heels together and head a little bit higher. 

"I was just heading to the borders to check on things," Mako stated, voice sure and strong, but his expression faltered, and his ears twitched just the slightest bit back. "Unless there's something else I should be doing?" He asked, white eyebrows pulling together and rising upwards inquiringly. 

Lachesis wasn’t the hovering type—or the type to knit-pick at his subordinates to ensure they were doing what they were supposed to. Maybe he was too trusting, but he knew that the Driftwood wolves were capable of keeping busy without his nose in their business. He also enjoyed accompanying them, as he liked being more paws on instead of sitting on his invisible throne and having his subordinates do his bidding. He did not doubt that Mako was about to tend to the borders, and was not opposed to joining him (if the young male wanted his company). The pale male shook his head softly, his expression still neutral as he studied the dark youth. No, he responded with a cool smile, his chin tipping softly to one side, I was about to do the same myself. And collect a meal for his mate in the process. I worry the coyotes might come too close. Have you seen many of them during your patrols?

stick with those who stick with you

@Lachesis

"Oh," Mako stated somewhat dumbly, mouth hanging open and eyes slightly wide at the realization that Lachesis was more or less offering to accompany him, without saying as much. Mako snapped his jaws shut with a click once he realized he was gaping like a fish, starting to walk and hesitating as he waited to make sure Lachesis was indeed accompanying him on their little patrol. It should have been awkward, walking alone with just Lachesis, but the older wolf made everything look so easy, and like everything else kept the conversation moving effortlessly. 

Despite the pale wolf's conversational ease, Mako had to take a second to replay the question in his head. "Seen?" Mako asked, tilting his head slightly towards Lachesis and finding it odd to be looking down at the white wolf when he felt like he was always looking up to him. He shook his large head, "Not since that group we took down with that Edge wolf." Mako said with a shudder as he remembered the fight. He could still see the fading light in that coyotes eyes. "They're sure stinking up the place, though. And they're noisy, too." Mako remarked, thinking of the distant yapping and yammering he heard sometimes. They at least seemed to know to stay away from the pack's territory, but how long would that last?

 "But... I don't know, there's not anything we can really do about it, is there?" Mako asked with a wry twist to his lips. It's not like there was a coyote king out there they could beat up to make it stop... Was there?! Mako's expression took a slightly bewildered tinge at the thought.

His expression remained smooth and neutral as he stepped in line with Mako, his long legs matching the younger male’s pace stride for stride. Lachesis was used to patrolling on his own (as he preferred to) but he was never opposed to having company, or forcing his company upon one of his packmates. The bright-eyed youth was proving to be a loyal, valuable member of the Surge and Lachesis wanted to show Mako that he appreciated him (and his efforts). Driftwood had an unfortunate track record of losing members and XIX wanted to do everything necessary to keep his assets close. Although his biological family was growing, Lachesis still considered the wolves of the Surge to be his extended family; he would do anything to keep them happy, and safe.

Good, he hummed, mostly to himself, as the charcoal youth mentioned he had not had a recent run in with the mangey creatures. I’ve heard them, too. Far too often. A grimace collapsed onto his pale male as the words dripped off his tongue. Fortunately, for us, they seem to steer clear of pack borders. For now. The thought left a sour taste in his mouth.

But... I don't know, there's not anything we can really do about it, is there?

He shrugged in response. Show 'em who’s boss, he responded with a soft laugh, his chartreuse gaze falling onto the large youth. Or chase them into another territory. But as long as there’s food they’ll keep coming back. They just had to make the lake undesirable.

stick with those who stick with you