Wolf and Deer - Part Nine - Punishment
#10 of Wolf and Deer
The story of the Deerwolf's parents is far from over.
Violence should not be an answer But sometimes... Sometimes it depends on who is asking.
A sudden rush of adrenaline. Time slowing again, in a way so very different from before. Beta saw his packbrother leap... reaching a decision in half a heartbeat, severing bonds thought everlasting, heart breaking - at the same time forging a bond to outlast time itself.
Betrayer! How dare he... how could he... a red rage filled Delta's vision even as he leapt, not having believed what his nose had told him moments earlier. His ferocious snarl bore traces of a smug grin, aware of Beta's blood loss, knowing how weak his rival must be by now. He would kill the Betrayer, advancing in rank as was his due. His first pounce went astray. Betrayer had evaded, Prey had escaped.... no matter. Their end would come soon, and he would laugh triumphantly at their death throes. Ha, look at Betrayer. Hesitating, probably knowing already that he deserved this end, mourned by nobody.
"I see your hunt has been ... successful." Delta's grin was acidic in Beta's eyes. Reminding him of his treason to the pack. Every connection he had felt, every security he had known vanished the instant as he leapt to meet his former brother, ready to kill if need be.
Fangs narrowly missing throat, snapping shut on fur, tearing out chunks as muscular bodies collided, both seeking to end this quickly, one grief-stricken, still unable to put an end to a heartbeat he had known all his life, the other driven by fury, jealousy and lust for power. Claws seeking purchase on coat slippery with snow, silky gloss marred by congealed blood. A hissed curse escaping Delta's muzzle as he realized that he would not win this directly, no matter how weakened Beta was already. He rolled on his back, feigning submission, waiting until Beta was closing in again enough, his eyes never leaving Betrayer's throat. Suppressing a grin... that trusting fool was really falling for it!
Delta's head darted forward, lightning-quick, eager to taste Beta's blood... then a burning flower of pain bloomed in his mind. A powerful kick of hooved hindlegs against his jaw, dislocating it, sending teeth and blood spraying, painting a delicate pattern on freshly fallen snow.