Claws (mxm)

Unwanted Guests

"Del, we can't just ignore him. Sure, he might not do something tonight, but you know your father. You have been watching him for years." Buck said as he took Del's hand, forcing him to stop pacing. He then pulled him into his arms for a gentle hug and rustled his hair. 

"I'll be with you." He whispered, his words making Del lean back a little and look him in the eyes, though his lowered a few times. "I thought you were mad at me for what I did." 

Buck sighed, shaking his head a little. 

"Yes, I was very mad at you for the decisions you recently made. I still am, Del, but that doesn't mean that I won't stand with you." 

Del sniffed and nuzzled his face into Buck's neck, his tense body relaxing a little as Buck rubbed his back. 

"Open the skylight and let him in before he accidentally breaks the glass with his weight." Buck joked. They both knew that the glass was reinforced, and even Palace's weight wouldn't break it, but he understood. 

After another moment of peace, Del slowly walked over to one of the many switches set up on the wall in the large room they were in and held it down. A small part of the glass paneled ceiling slid open, drawing Palace's attention. 

He didn't get up right away, and instead returned his attention to them for a few minutes before slowly getting to his feet and padding over to the opening. Palace nonchalantly let himself fall through the space, opening his wings and tilting them just enough to glide down safely without hitting any walls.  

Del took a deep breath and straightened his shoulders as he slowly approached his father. The giant wolf hybrid before him was letting out a low, continuous growl as he watched him move. 

"I don't believe I have to ask why you are here, but I am curious as to the specific reason." He stated as he stopped a few feet from his father and waited. He knew that the man didn't rush in situations, especially ones he did not wish to be in. 

Palace took his time before giving any kind of response, as Del thought he might. When he finally decided to act, he slowly shifted into his human form. The look on his face had Del fighting himself not to fidget. His father was clearly annoyed. His dark gold eyes were narrowed and his breathing was deep, with each inhale and exhale seemingly timed to the second. 

"Palace." Del said as Buck moved to step up beside him. 

Instead of paying his son any more attention, Palace turned his glare on the deer shifter, then lifted his upper lip and grunted a slight snarling laugh. "A deer." He said, his voice sounding like gravel as he clearly tried to hold his wolf back. 

 Del bared his teeth a little and stepped in front of Buck. 

"You did not come here for him." He said. It was meant to be a warning, but he wasn't sure if it was a good idea to use such a tone with his father. He knew that the man had little patience. 

Palace ran his tongue over his lower lip before replying. "Why are you bothering me, boy?" He finally asked. 

The question was quite open-ended, but Del wasn't stupid. He knew exactly why Palace was bothered. He had tried to kill the nephew of his lover. 

"You would not have cared if I had succeeded in killing him the first time." He stated simply.

His father let out a frustrated growl before he responded harshly. "Well you did not succeed!" He snarled, stepping forward as he flexed his right hand, his nails growing into sharp talons. 

Del felt his hot breath brush against his face, triggering his wolf to push against the surface of his human skin. It didn't like feeling threatened.