Redhawk Caldera There was a shift in the paradigm

Normally, Elwood might have found Eljay's ornery response humorous, and would have had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. Given the situation, however, he grit his teeth with frustration. It seemed like he couldn't do anything to improve his son's mood; not that he could blame him. But after day in and day out of being the sole parent to handle Eljay's behaviors, his patience was running low.

He sighed, then forced a grin onto his face as Peregrine spoke briefly on being a master gamekeeper. "It just takes practice, like I said, buddy," he added with a glance at Eljay, though he didn't make any further attempts to placate the boy. He probably would dislike hunting and other such activities until Finley returned -- if that happened. Elwood felt less and less certain as the hours slipped away.

Peregrine then addressed the real reason for his visit, which was, of course, related to Finley. Elwood nodded, his smile fading slightly. He was glad to hear that the Alpha himself was willing to go look for their missing packmate, but he could hear the implication behind his words. Wildfire had already been injured while searching for Finley, and there was only so much time and energy the pack could expend on this particular task. If it weren't for Eljay, Elwood probably would have taken to the wilds himself -- and refused to come back until he found her. But that just wasn't an option for the single father.

"Thank you," he said, yellow eyes meeting Peregrine's green briefly to express his true gratitude. "Who do you think you'll take?" he asked, feeling guilty that he couldn't go along.