Redhawk Caldera lazy afternoons

His ears flattened as Finley continued chastising him, though he didn't look at her. He didn't want to be here anymore, about to cry like a bitch while his subordinate ranted at him. Without really thinking it through, he took a step, then another, only for the indignant Beta to immediately call him out on it. Peregrine froze, jaw working silently as he tried to figure out how to respond to her without losing his shit completely.

She suddenly darted in front of him and he turned away again, standing still but looking forcibly in another direction entirely. His lips parted but his throat only clicked emptily when he attempted to speak. Besides, what the hell was he going to say? He'd done what was necessary, what apparently neither of Eljay's parents could bring themselves to do, and now he was being shouted at for it. He was literally being yelled at for having to explain the finality of the death of his youngest and most innocent child.

When something soft brushed against him, he flinched. "Don't," he said softly, despite Finley's clear attempt to smooth the waters. He had already felt emasculated before her words, now he felt even worse. "Stop," he added when she made another, similar remark, wet eyes now looking sharply at her for the first time in several minutes. "I lost my baby boy and just had to break my nephew's heart. I don't—I can't—just—fuck—" With a sound somewhere between a moan and a groan, he hid his face from her again.