bittersweet symphony

Inwardly Valentine cringed when Theory called for Rhyme. It just didn't bode well. For Rhythm he would behave as long as son his behaved, but he made no promises if Rhyme showed his ass in front of the family. They didn't have to wait long for the prodigal son to arrive. Valentine wisely chose to remain silent and while he disliked Rhyme's general coldness he appreciated his son's stance of avoidance. It didn't bode well for Rhythm having to share space with their wayward son, but if she wished to brave that cold front that was her decision. He would have been content to just let things go, let Rhythm decide, and then get the fuck out when she inevitably decided self flagellation via Rhyme exposure was how she wished to spend her last days.

But that's not how it played out. Things went downhill rather quickly. He very nearly pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation as both sides got a little heated. For Rhythm's sake he decided to play peacemaker. Let that be his last gift to her. Gently but firmly so that no party would mistake his gentle tone to mean his resolve was soft, he said, "That is quite enough. I think enough has been said; we're all very clear about where each of us stands and I think we can safely leave it at that." And oh yes, Theory was included too. He was not afraid to thrash an alpha on her borders and he thought the Abaven wolves thoroughly incapable of mounting a retaliation that wouldn't make it worth it. His kids and his grandkids would both behave and say nothing else inflammatory. Or he would spank them. "We are here for Rhythm. Let's not forget that."