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He didn’t like this feeling and he didn’t like feeling like Valkyrie had noticed, too. He didn’t know much about her and she him, but he felt like she had picked up on his hesitation. Generally he would just grumble and scowl at his clanmates until they left him alone, but given that she was both a rejoiner and his daughter, it seemed somewhat inappropriate.
His frown remained once he glanced back after finishing his howl. She perked her ears and Hybrid’s scowl deepened. What the hell was she so excited about? He didn’t appreciate her pizzazz or love of life – it was just plain irritating. Hybrid narrowed his eyes, trying to figure out what was going on in that head of hers. It must not have worked, for after a few seconds of staring through slitted lids, all he got was a bit of a headache. He just didn’t get it.
When she asked how things had been, Hybrid grunted in surprise. He shrugged and then made another noncommittal noise in response.
“Same as always. Wolves trespass, I chase ‘m away.” He remembered his encounter with Silas and the black wolf from the mountain pack and decided to amend his previous statement. “There’s a new pack on the mountain ‘n they’re not too friendly. Watch out for them. Same goes for Silas. He’s an idiot.” And then again, a glance away. He was content with letting this conversation lapse into uncomfortable silence while they waited for a leader – it didn’t matter to Hybrid anyways. It wasn’t like he’d be able to say much.
Gabriel’s arrival was a much-needed relief from this confusing web of social interaction. Hybrid let out a long whoosh of breath he’d been holding in anticipation. He flicked his right ear as Gabriel trotted up beside him, but remained still when the Aquila spoke. Clearly, Gabriel didn’t need anything; he was there for Valkyrie and he would know what to do.