Blacktail Deer Plateau Nothing ventured, nothing gained

As Junior's howl tapered away into silence, the owl took off, its wings sweeping the air until it rose into the sky to circle the Alphas' den site. Eyes wide, mouth agape, head tilting, Osprey Jr. watched the pale shape drifting overhead. She didn't even notice her father step closer to her, hovering protectively. He didn't think the owl was planning an attack, but he wasn't going to take any chances.

The bird of prey wafted back down toward earth and landed on the ground. Osprey Jr. immediately sprang toward it, yet her father clipped her scruff with his teeth, dragging her backward and waiting patiently for her to stop struggling (which took several minutes). When she finally submitted, he released her, then shot her a warning look and even a low growl to make her obey.

"What is it you want?" he asked the bird, feeling a little strange for talking to an avian. Would it even understand him? "I don't want you getting too close. I'd prefer if you'd return to the branch, actually," he added. Peregrine decided he would not be allowing Osprey any closer to the owl, even if it didn't mean harm. Even from several yards away, he could see that sharp beak and those fearsome talons. Nope.