Pure Life

Rating: hints and bits

A/N: I don’t know if this is a good enough rewrote it twice… I still don’t think its good enough… oh well the next one hopefully will be up tomorrow. Enjoy!
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Star watched as AJ frowned. “When did you get this good!?” Mace grinned and Star found herself laughing. The little wolf had mange to chase his father’s own pieces around the board. It was quite entertaining.

“Everyday Mace would practice so that he could play against you when you got back.” Justin was sitting under the table reading a book. From the looks of the cover it was a math book. He flipped the page as AJ thumped the boy’s head with his foot. “What?”

“What are you doing down there?”

“Reading what else…” His voice dropped as he muttered something else. The small boy looked under the table at him. He made a face and growled out, “What!?”

“Um… c-can I s-see it again?” Dark green eyes looked at Mace. He sighed and closed the book.

“Fine… but not out here.”

Mace nodded his head as Justin crawled out. The two boys headed off towards the entrance of the den. He watched as the two disappeared outside. “I think… I should have left that woman behind.”

“But you didn’t.” His dark hazel eyes looked at her. “You didn’t want to do that to Mace.”

“You’re such a softy for a big sister.”

Her foot was pushed against his face, “Who are you calling soft ya damn mutt of a half-brother. Be glad father said we both can be alphas or your pack would have left you. Me and Nathan are always cleaning up your mess.” AJ growled as he grabbed her hair. “Ow, you damn mutt!”

Star had a hold of AJ’s cheek and he still had a good grip on her hair. That was how Nathan found them. He raised an eyebrow at the two, “What is it this time?” They glared at each other and then pulled away.

“Star is picking on me!”

Golden eyes glared at AJ, “Little brat!”

“You two are fighting again!” He sat down and looked at them. “Why can’t you two get along?”

“We do.”

“I don’t mean when you feel like it.” He sighed as he rubbed his head. “Never mind you two will fight no matter what I say.”Light brown hair fell into a mess around his head. The woman looked at the two and she stood.

“I’m going to go keep an eye on those two. The last thing I need to deal with is someone trying to start something with Justin.” She left them sitting there.

“Justin?”

“Has a helluva temper.” He rested his head on his folded arms as he closed his eyes. “When someone makes Mace upset he’s there to kick them down.”

AJ nodded as he swiped the pieces into a small wooden box. “If anything happens I can tell Justin will be there to help Mace through it.”

Nathan grew quiet. His dark green eyes stared at the top of the table. A frown appeared on his face, “AJ…”

AJ reached over and smacked him in the forehead. “Better now.” He gave him a not so amused face. “I’m not going to stay mad over something like this. I’ve had a talk with Mace. He told me what he could remember.” He sat back as he waved his hands, “I need my best guy standing there being himself instead of moping.”

“But…”

He jumped when AJ clapped a hand over his mouth, “She crossed the line you were only following the rules. She knew what those rules were. I should have sent her home when she started acting weird.” The wolf’s eyes seemed to take a blue color as he pulled away. He stood with the box in his hands, “I cared for her yes but I won’t hastate when it comes to Mace’s well being.”

Nathan nodded as he motioned for him to follow. “I know…” He flexed his hand and shook his head. “I knew I had to but I didn’t want to.” AJ pushed open a door as he looked back at Nathan. “Because you liked her.” The wooden box was placed on a table.

“What do you really want to tell me?” The taller male looked away. He couldn’t meet his eyes so AJ moved over to the couch. His body dropped onto it as his feet propped themselves on the coffee table.

“The dreams are back…”

“Why didn’t you say so sooner?”

“Dreams are dreams that you can’t control most of the time, they can show you your darkest self.” Fingers clenched as he fought back a growl. “I shouldn’t be having them. I’m not…”

There was a knock on the door frame. They looked back to see Zev. He looked at the two and then gave a sheepish grin, “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”

“No.” AJ shrugged when Zev looked at him. He saw the tenseness in Nathan’s shoulders. “Nathan was just telling me about what happened when I was gone.”

“Oh well I can come back some other time.”

“Wait, Zev.” He was standing now. “Akira was there when it happened wasn’t he.”

The black haired male sighed and gave sharp nod. “He took a blade to his leg and cut his… uh… back? Yeah. His back. But other than that he was okay.” They were quiet; he looked at the two and quickly added. “Well I’ll leave you two to talk.”

The door closed and AJ just shook his head. “Damn.”

“I’m going to go take a short nap. I should get as much sleep as I can.” The door opened. He paused as he looked back. “Sometimes I find myself wishing that I could go back to before everything changed.” The door closed and AJ sighed as he ran his hand through his hair.

“Double damn.” He let out a growl as his hand gave a sharp tug at his own hair. “When did everything change for the worse?”

Mace jumped when his bedroom door swung open. He let out a yelp and looked behind him. “Sorry about that Mace. You hungry?” AJ was still trying to get used to how skittish his own son had become in the last few years.

“Y-yeah…” The boy sat the handheld game down that Justin had giving him. His feet touched the ground as he ran out after his father. Rash hopped up and trotted after the two. “Um…” He looked at Mace when the boy spoke up. Lately AJ had to listen closely or he would miss the soft voice. “Are… are we ea-eating at Star’s?” They had passed the turn for Star’s home.

“Nope.” He walked up to a door and opened it. “Oi, we late!”

Justin looked up and grinned. “The old man’s trying to make something in the kitchen. He might need some reinforcements.” A wet rag flew out of the kitchen area as Justin dove for cover. “It’s true!”

“Then why do you scarf it down before I can even sit to finish mine?”

“It’s just that bad.”

“Keep it up you’ll be in your room without anything to eat!” Justin stuck his tongue out and sat on one of the chairs. Mace looked up at AJ as he smiled.

Kneeling down he asked, “Is that normal?”

“Y-yeah… um… t-two years.” The murmur was soft as he kept glancing at Justin. “I-I… I’m going to s-sit down.” He pulled a chair out and sat down next to Justin. Rash flopped down next to Mace’s chair and went back to sleep.

AJ walked into the kitchen to find Nathan trying not to burn the food. “Any luck?”

“Shut up!”

“I can go get Star or Zev.”

Dark green eyes glared at him before he cursed from the hot grease spiting at him. “You love to pick on people don’t you?”

He took a mock bow, “Thank you it’s what I do best.”

“You’re so full of it.”

“How have you been sleeping?” The wolf gave a growl as he turned the stove off and tossed the brunt food into a bowl. He sat it on the ground. “Are you sure Rash will eat that?”

Just then a smaller wolf trotted out of the open kitchen closet. “Justin snuck her in when I was asleep. She’ll eat anything.” Rash sat up when he heard the other wolf. The stared at each other and then the small wolf growled. The older wolf flicked his ear and yawned. “I guess Rash ate already.”

“Yeah Star brought him a steak dinner and left me out.” Nathan rolled his eyes as AJ gave a pout.

“Let’s be happy she stopped by then.”

“Really?!”He was heading for the ice box when Nathan steered him away from it. “Hey!”

“Go sit down or I’ll serve you last.”

AJ pouted as he was shoved out of the kitchen. He flopped onto a chair and waited. All three turned when the front door opened. “Are my favorite boys hungry?” Star stood in the door way with a box tucked under her arm. “Is everyone here yet?”

“Not yet.” She walked over to look at Nathan “Zev said to give Akira a few minutes. He got a box from someone in the city.”

“Okay.” Her brother was staring at the box in her hand. “You touch and I’ll kick your ass.” He let out a whine as his head dropped. “You can wait for Akira and Zev.”

“Buuuut…”

“The only butt talk I want to hear is how you’re going to save your butt when Stella gets here.”

His face paled and she smirked just as Mace perked up, “Grandma?”

“Yes she’s going to be here tomorrow.”

“I think we should go to the beach. Mace, want to go see the ocean?”

“N-nope. Want to s-see grandma!”

The man groaned as his head hit the table. When his head thumped against the table the door opened. Zev pointed at AJ and Star smirked, “Stella is coming to say hi.”

“Really?”

“Yep!”

“Nooooooo…” They looked at AJ, “Why did you tell her?”

“Well I had to tell someone about Mace!”

“Holy shit she’s going to fry my ass.”

“Good maybe you’ll stay home.” Akira had sat in a chair and Zev flopped down next to him. “God knows how many times you’ve run off for no reason.”

“I can tell you and I’ll have to use everybody’s hands and feet just to get to the amount.”

“Shut it Nathan!” Star walked into the kitchen. She pushed Nathan out and started to cook. “You can be an ass.”

“I’m not the one running away from his problems.”

“I’m not trying to bury them.”

The two growled at each other then Zev sighed. “You two…”

AJ glared at Zev, “Don’t say it!”

Sky blue eyes rolled up at the ceiling and Akira muttered, “I thought friends were supposed to hug and make up… or is there more to this front?”

Zev muttered something and Akira sighed as AJ stood, “I don’t have to answer that.” They watched as he left.

“Akira… why did you have to ask?”

He shrugged and then glanced at the two silent kids. Nathan leaned over the both of them. “Why don’t you two go to Justin’s room and he can show you that new game he got.”

The two quickly walked to Justin’s room and the door closed. He sighed as he straightened up. “I’ll go get him. He couldn’t have gone far.”

Star appeared, “Hurry up everything will be ready soon!”

“Depends on where he hid this time.” The door closed as Akira turned to Zev.

“What?”

“Spill now.” Blue eyes looked away and Akira snapped his fingers. They looked at him again. “What’s going on?”

A book was placed on the table. He glanced over his shoulder to see Star, “Those two have been together since they were in dippers.” She pulled a chair out and sat as she opened the book. “I’ve watched the two grow.” The book was turned around and pushed towards him. “After an accident the two grew closer.”

Zev folded his arms as he rested his head on them. “Nathan was always dragging AJ back. One day Nathan just disappeared.”

“What happened?”

He watched as Star reached up to touch the scar, “We don’t know. Something pushed him over the edge. It could have been his father’s death. It could have been because his brother said he wanted to leave the pack. It could have been anything.” She sighed as she waved to Zev. “Zev here found him first. AJ found them then I came in at the last second. It was what forty years after her death when it happened?”

Akira caught the look on Zev’s face as he nodded, “I still don’t remember exactly what happened.”

“What do you remember?” Sky blue eyes looked at Akira.

He smiled a smile that never reached his eyes. “I remember seeing Nathan shift and then he came at me. What happened between then and when I woke up is a blank.”

“When I got to the area Nathan was circling AJ and Zev. I guess I caught him off guard when I came running into the area. He turned on me.” Her fingers tapped the scar. “He doesn’t know he did this. We thought it better if he thought it was a hunting accident.”

“I woke up right after. AJ had Nathan by the scruff of his neck. Star was on the ground holding her face and I couldn’t move for some damn reason.”

“Cause AJ made it so you couldn’t move.” Star was watching Zev.

“Well that would explain it.” He looked at Akira who was sitting there looking at the pictures. “What are you looking at?”

He pointed at the picture of the group. But his finger was resting on a teen. She had green eyes and shoulder length reddish brown hair. In the picture the teen was holding onto a younger and shorter Zev’s arm. “Is that her?”

“Yeah…” The book closed as Zev looked at Star. “How long you think it’ll take them to get back?”

“I don’t know.” She stood to go check on the food.

Zev jumped slightly when Akira leaned against him. “She meant a lot to you didn’t she?”

“Yeah she did.” He pulled Akira closer and kissed his forehead. “So do you. You’ll always mean everything to me.” His other hand rested on Akira’s swollen stomach. “Even these two. I love you.” Akira let a small smile slip.

Just then a clap of thunder sounded and Akira almost jumped into Zev’s lap. The two looked at the window as rain pounded against it.

Nathan lifted his head as he looked around. The rain was falling harder and masking all the scents. He sat and scratched at his ear with his hind leg. The rain caused his fur to lay flat to his body. So he stood and shook his body causing his fur to stick up. He let out a whine which turned into a howl.

His howl cut short when he heard another. He shot off towards it. As he leaped through some bushes he flew over AJ and stumbled once he realized he did. Turning he caught sight of AJ hunched over. He was sitting on a tree stump his arms hanging between his legs. The sound of rain filled his ears.
~~~~


Zero yawned as he hunched over in a tree. Raven had hunkered down next to his neck inside his hood. The rain was heavy as he watched people talking. They were waiting for the cart. This would be the fourth wolf’s den that he will be checking out. If his lover was a wolf then why not check out the dens. His hands were stuffed into the pouch on his hoodie.

The rain was fairly warm since it was the middle of summer. A random summer shower that would soon end. He hoped for the much. Getting wet was a hassle. “Zero its coming!” Black eyes watched as two old jeeps pulled up. It didn’t even have a soft top. It didn’t have a top at all. It was a dark green. The Weres moved the supplies into the back of one jeep. It didn’t take long before the next one was filled.

It couldn’t have been a large den with how much was packed away. The last one had to bring in a truck. An hour passed and soon he was quickly following the jeeps. He needed to find his target soon.
~~~


AJ was pissed. How he knew this? Easy he was forced to follow him. To where? Hell like he knew where that was. He had shifted back to follow him.

What was he pissed at? Well that was an easy one also. It’s called having everything shoved in your face that you wish you could ignore. With the way things were going that little bubble he stuffed thing he wanted to ignore in was bound to pop. Why not let him scream and shout in the safety of the one place only they knew about.

Only the racks and dirt will hear it. Oh and him of course. The wolf in front of him was shorter than him that was a giving. He was a good three inches shorter than Zev and four for him. “AJ…”

A growl had him sighing.

He watched as AJ walked up to a tree next to the cliff’s face. They were soon standing on a ledge that was cover in brush. The two slipped into the cave and were walking down a tunnel in the dark. It wasn’t that dark with their eyes but still dark enough.

The alpha wolf stopped and looked at Nathan. He yanked him forward. Nathan shouted as he slipped and was sliding down a water filled passage. It was like a water tunnel at a water park. A few seconds later he hit water and was swimming for the surface.

His head broke the surface of the water. As he swam to the ledge AJ splashed into the water behind him. Pulling himself out, he shook his head water flying. His shirt came off as he walked over to an oil lamp. A flam hissed to life as he quickly lit it. Once he did he walked over to sit in on a ledge. He was careful of the sharp stones and then the light started to reflect. The crystals around seemed to light up. Turning he caught sight of AJ doing the same.

Light filled the cavern. It wasn’t too bright for a human but for them it was bright enough. Nathan hung his wet shirt on a line that was strung between two crystals. “Well?” He sat on one of the hammocks in the cavern. “The sooner it’s done the faster we can eat.”

“Not hungry.”

“Okay that makes one of us. I’m starved.” Nathan heard his stomach growl as he said it. AJ tossed him a bag of chips. “Thanks… I think.”

A few seconds passed and then AJ growled, “Why didn’t you say anything?”

He was munching on the chips when he shrugged. “Why do you run when you can’t take it anymore?”

“I’m not talking about that.”

“What do you want to talk about then?”

“Why didn’t you say anything!?”

“About?” AJ growled as he paced the room.

“Fuckin’ hell! Nathan I don’t want…”

“I won’t.” The bag crinkled as he finished off the last of the chips. “I injured you and I don’t want to hurt anyone else.”

The brunette stopped as he rubbed his arm. The scar wasn’t visible anymore but his arm was in a cast for a good month. “Then tell us if you…”

“I’m fine. It’s you who needs a good scream.” He walked over to him and pointed at himself. “I’m not holding it in. Let it out. If you need someone to hit then hit me. I shot her I took her from you.”

“I’m not…”

“Damn it AJ I killed her!” He shoved the brunette. “If it was anyone else you’d kick their asses.”

“Nathan…” It came out as a growl. “Don’t…”

“What are you going to do, huh?” The man shoved him again. “Stop treating me like this.”

“I’m not going…”

Nathan flicked him in the head. “What if I did that? Or this?” He grabbed the front of his shirt and pushed him against the wall. A growl came from AJ as Nathan put his face in AJ’s face. “What are you going to do about it? What are you a puppy?”

“Fuck off!”

“No! Want you to know something AJ. It wasn’t that I had to kill her. It was cause I wanted to, she thought she owned you. When she started hitting Mace I wanted to string her up. She was nothing more than a bitch looking for someone to fawn and bow to her every whim.”

Hazel eyes grew dark as he let out a snarl. His feet came up and he shoved him away. The taller male stumbled as AJ tackled him to the ground. He grabbed the front of Nathan’s shirt. “Yes you fucking killed her! Yes I wanted to kick your ass!” There was a crack as his head smacked against the stone ground. “But I can’t… I can’t… I don’t want to lose the rest of my family.” He let out a frustrated growl when his words sank in a little more. “She wasn’t always like that. She’s not a bitch.”

“Stop lying to yourself. She was one and you know it.”

AJ punched him hard and shook his head. He laid his head on Nathan’s chest as he muttered something. “I know she changed when she came to the pack. Before she was better she was good she made me feel…”

Two arms wrapped around AJ and he could feel the wolf shaking. Fingers curled in AJ’s hair as the other arm curled around his waist. His head started to thump against Nathan’s shoulder. “Is it bad that I only liked her for her looks?”

Nathan let out a laugh that sounded like a bark. He jumped slightly when AJ flicked him in the forehead, “You need to stop that! Pissing me off on purpose.” Hazel eyes watched him as he smirked.

AJ sat up and shoved a hand through his hair. “What’s wrong?” He tucked his arms behind his head.

That wavy hair dropped down when he gave a mutter. “What do I do now?” He tugged at his hair again and Nathan sat up to grab his hands. “I don’t want Mace to grow up without a mother figure.”

“Star may not be his mother but she is a damn good motherly figure. Just let her do what she does and you do what you can for Mace. Okay?” Those hands gently tugged them down. “Relax everything will be all right.” He pushed AJ off and stood. “I’m hungry what about you?”

He shook his head. “Can you bring it here? I don’t want to leave for a while.”

“Don’t want everyone to see you at your weakest?”

He shrugged, “Yeah. Need to think a little.” Fingers rubbed over his neck. “Sorry about… the punch.”

The wolf made a startled sound when Nathan pulled him up into a one armed hug. “Didn’t even hurt. You couldn’t put a scratch on me even if you tried.”

“Wanna bet?”

“When I get back we’ll settle it.”
~~~~


The light in the lamp died out hours ago. Two bodies were curled together on a hammock. It swayed slightly as Nathan pushed gently at the ground with his foot. The sun would be rising soon. Then they would have to deal with Stella. AJ made a sound and curled tighter around Nathan. He looked at AJ. It was hard to sleep at night with all the nightmares. But that night they didn’t come.

Fingers reached over to brush hair away from AJ’s face. He bent his neck and stopped a breath away. That buzzing was in his head.

Light filled the cavern shining bright through the crystals. It was a bright yellow as he made a sound. AJ slowly opened bleary eyes. He rubbed at his face and gave a groan. He really hated waking up. Sitting up he found himself alone. The wolf sat there for a good thirty minutes trying to get his brain to function. When he did he tipped his head to the side. Looking around he noticed Nathan wasn’t in the cave.

His hand moved to cover his mouth as he yawned. A memory flashed through his mind. Wide awake now he tried to climb out of the hammock only to fall over. Standing up he brushed himself of, then he was running for the only exit to the cavern. He climbed out and back into the passage they were in the night before. The brunette jumped onto the tree branch. Climbing down he took off towards the den.

Star sighed as she looked at the woman. “Stella look AJ he…” A woman with dark brown hair looked at her. One eyebrow raised in question. Her blue eyes watched Star. She had a lean build and was slightly shorter that Star.

“Where is AJ?”

“That’s just it I…”

The door slammed opened and they stood, “Where’s Nathan?”

“AJ… your mother…”

“Not important right now. Nathan was there when I went to sleep but gone when I woke up.” She stood and walked up to him. The look on Stella’s face was one of amusement.

“Okay calm down.” Her hands rested on his shoulders. “Now let’s get you cleaned up some. Or at least fix that mop of hair you have. You and Mace are the same when it comes to hair.” She guided him over to the couch and sat him down. “Now relax.”

“I can’t relax!”

He was about to stand again and she pushed him back down. “Hold still.” She grabbed a brush and started to brush his hair. “Now if you will relax I’ll tell you where he is.”

AJ twisted around, “Where is he?”

“No way you relax now.” Hands turned him back around. They bushed his hair and she chuckled as his head dipped forward. “He’s fine, went back to bed, something about being kicked around.”

“Yeah… he made a bet with me.”

“Who won?”

“I did…” He leaned back and let out a sigh. “I wanted to try something… to help him sleep.”

“Like?” She already knew what it was. Her eyes glanced over at Stella who was looking over a book that Star had giving her. Stella was curious about everything. The reason AJ like to have adventures is mostly because of her. She spent most of the time outside of the cave traveling to god knows where.

“We both shared a hammock.” His head tilted to the side, “It was warm…” He was asleep a few seconds later. So she tipped him over and covered him up.

AJ’s mother stood and walked over to him, “You two really are something.” Star shrugged her shoulders. “And he worries about Nathan all the time?”

“Yep.”

She tugged on the blanket to tuck it more around him, “He really is as stupid as his father. Really saying I’m not important. Well I was going to scold him about what happened with Mace but… I’ll let it slide seeing as she’s not here to hurt him anymore.”

“Where are you going this time?”

Stella shrugged, “Where ever the wind blows? I really don’t know.”

“AJ will be up and worrying later. I’m going to go get Nathan. Will you be around for a while?”

“Yeah. Have to see my little grandson.”

Star watched as Stella walked out of the living area. “Should go get Nathan.” She left AJ curled up on one side of the couch.

When AJ woke it was warm. He muttered as he lifted his hand up. The warmth left and he was floating, “Really you two can be a nice piece of work.” Star? His hand dropped back down to hang beside him.

Another voice sounded closer to him, “Sorry about that.”

“Nathan, just go lay him down on his bed.”

“Okay.”

Nathan slowly came into focus and he reached up to tug at his hair. “Dream?”

A smile appeared on Nathan’s face, “No I slept.”

“Good.” His hand was resting on Nathan’s shoulder when he was placed on the bed. “Not tired…”

“Get some at least. You’ll need it later.”

“Why?”

“Tell you when you get up.”

AJ tried to sit up only to be pushed back on the bed. “No…” The bed dipped as Nathan sat down. “What are you doing?”

“Making sure you stay in bed.” So he leaned back and propped his feet up on the bed. “I’m not leaving till you wake up.”

He tried to growl but only managed to crack a yawn. There was a chuckle and he gave a mutter as he rolled over. His back was facing Nathan so he didn’t see the look the other wolf gave him.

The door opened and Star stood there. “Is he?”

Nathan jabbed at AJ’s back earning a growl that died as quick as it started. “Oh yeah and still as bitchy.”

She didn’t hesitate when she spoke, “You need to tell him.”

“You know I can’t.” He placed his feet on the floor and looked at her with deep green eyes. “We can’t go back to that. Even if we were to try… we can’t.” Golden eyes closed and she nodded. He turned and looked at AJ’s back.

“Levana said something didn’t she?”

“Yeah… but I’m okay with it. I can wait.” He gave a sad smile. “That day when he left I should have stopped him. But I didn’t. So I’ll have to wait.”

She shook her head again and pushed from the doorway. “Okay you do that. Just make sure the idiot doesn’t run too far.”

“Don’t worry… as long as I have breath in me I’m going to keep bringing him back.” He slipped onto the floor and pulled a blanket and pillow from under the bed. “I’ll stay till he wakes and pass the massage along to him. I’m going to be getting Justin ready for everything later.”

“That’s right he’s ten now.”

“Yeah. He needs to start now too much to learn when he gets older.” He tipped his head to the side as he watched AJ sleep. “I want Justin to be ready when Mace steps up.”

“Mace is going to step up?”

“As long as AJ agrees to it…”

Star turned, “Well I’ve got to get these to the kids.” He finally noticed three bags in her hand. “Justin is showing Mace how to play soccer.” She gave Nathan a knowing look. The wolf ducked his head and looked away. “Thought so… well I’ll leave you two now. Don’t do anything fun!”

Nathan went red in the face as he tried to tell her off. He settled with a quick, “Get out of here crazy woman!” Her laugh was sharp as she rushed out of the room to miss being hit by a pillow. AJ chose that moment to roll over on the bed. He jumped and looked at the sleeping male. A sigh left him as he wrapped the blanket around his shoulders.

Mace ran after the ball that Justin had managed to kick over his head. “You’re supposed to thump it not watch it!” It was a sunny day. The rain had finally passed and they were going to enjoy it. Word was another storm front was heading their way again. So might as well use the time to stretch cramped legs.

He came running back with the ball in his hands, “S-s-sorry!”

Akira was sitting outside with the two boys watching as they played with an old soccer ball. “Okay watch I’m going to show you how to bounce it on your head.” Justin popped the ball up into the air with his foot and stepped back to knock it back in the air with his head. He kept it in the air for a good few thumps before he stepped back to let it drop on the ground. “See. Use your head. Now ready?”

“Y-yeah.” He kicked it back in the air and knocked it over to Mace. The small boy yelped as it almost hit him in the face. Well almost. It was kind of floating in front of him.

“You okay Mace?”

He looked at Akira and nodded as the ball dropped to the ground. “You’re getting better at that.” A smile was on his face as Zev sat next to him. “I’m afraid of when the time comes that you can toss things my way, without your hands.”

“Don’t piss me off and you’ll be fine.”

“Easier said than done.” Zev kissed Akira on the lips.

“You’re doing alright right now.”

He watched as Zev chuckled, “Good to know.” His hand was holding a pad and pencil. “We need to finish that list.”

“Okay.”

“Your five months along we should think about getting supplies for the little ones.”

“I guess.”

“Akira come on we need to do this!”

He grew quiet at the sight of that quirky smirk. “I know. Catch it.”

“Heads up!” Akira ducked as Zev caught the ball. “Sorry Zev!”

He tossed it back and turned to Akira, “You like to watch me squirm don’t you?”

“Naw the only thing I want to watch you do is what we do behind closed doors.” That smirk was back again as Zev turned to hide the red that was on his face. “If it helps you can do that. We also need food that we can’t get out here.”

“Like?”

“Ham and eggs.”

“I thought you said you weren’t going to eat those anymore.”

“I’ll give it a second try.”

“Okay. Okay.” The two sat there working on their list of things.

Mace kicked the ball to Justin, “You need more work Mace.” The boy nodded as Justin kicked it back. He watched as the small boy frowned. It had been awhile since he’d seen Mace like this. “You have to practice. Like with chess. Practice will only make it better.” He nodded and Justin scooped up the ball just as Star walked up with Stella behind her.

“Anyone want a snack?”

The two boys ran up to her as she handed them bags and bottles of water. “Eat w-with us!” Mace grabbed Stella’s hand and pulled her along as they ran off to go eat their share. Star walked over to Zev and Akira with an extra. “Hey Star!”

“I see you’re acting a lot different Zev.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Hmmm suuure you do.” She looked at Akira, “Here you go. Need to keep your health about you.”

“Thanks Star.” He took a drink of water as Zev opened the bag. Akira snagged it from him.

“Hey!”

The woman shook her head. “Star.” She looked at Akira, “About your scar?” Zev stiffened next to him as the woman gave a sad smile.

“It was an accident. Just like we told him.” The brunette glanced at the two wolves and nodded.

“I see. Thanks again for the food.”

She smiled, “I’m glad to help.” Star left them when she saw Altan.

Zev quickly stole a kiss from Akira. A soft moan came from him as Zev deepened it slightly. When they pulled apart the brunette smirked at him, “I’m going to go and give this to them. I’ll be right back.”

He watched as Zev rushed off. When the wolf got back he was going to get him to laze about on the grass. Lately Akira found laying with Zev outside in the sun to be relaxing. Then again maybe he could work Zev into another round in the bushes. A grin broke out on his face. That time was fun. It took everything not to be found by anyone.

When Zev appeared in front of him he blinked. “Zev?”

“I hope it’s me. You zoned out again?”

“Nope just thinking.”

“About?”

“The other day in the woods.” Zev caught the smirk and let out a groan. “What no play in the bushes?”

“Next time.”

“Then shift and hang with in the sun.”

He sighed and chuckled at the look on Akira’s face. “Okay.”

A few minutes later Zev was in his wolf form with Akira curled up against his side. His body was longer then Akira was tall so that Akira could lean back against his body. That tail was draped over his lap. It was lazily twitch from time to time. Zev moved his head to look at Akira who was currently napping. His nose bumped against Akira’s head. The male turned over to bury his face against Zev’s fur. He laid his head back down and let out a low rumbling sound that could pass as a chuckle.

Akira smacked his shoulder and it turned into a barking laugh. “Quit laughing. You comfortable…” It came out kind of mumbled and soon he was dozing again. His tail moved slightly only to be pulled back by Akira. Blue eyes seemed to grin as he watched the male sleep. He gently pushed his nose against Akira’s hair. The brunette muttered and moved closer. They spent most of the warm afternoons like this up till now and hopefully more as time went on. His eyes drooped. The wolf let his head drop to the ground. A few seconds later he was snoozing with Akira.
~~~


Zero watched as people unloaded the large truck. His eyes flicked from one face to the other. Looking. Searching. Then he spotted him. His hair was longer and darker then the picture. He looked down at it. Sure enough it was him. Looking back up he found himself climbing higher as two kids ran underneath where he was hiding. He went back to watching the crowd. He had lost the person in the picture. Glancing up he fixed his hood. Raven came floating over to him.

He dropped onto his shoulder. “I found some windows. All we need to do is locate him without the wolf around. That much I can help with but anything else is up to you.”

He nodded as the clouds grew darker, “Storm.”

“Yeah.”

As he hunkered down those same kids came running back underneath the tree he was in. “Slow down Mace!”

“A-Akira is w-waiting.” Black eyes watched as the smaller of the two slipped behind a large bush followed by the taller one.

He glanced at Raven who was almost asleep. His eyes closed and he should rest.
^^^^


Akira flinched as a flash of light filled the room. Fingers pressed against his hips and he shivered as they rubbed over them. “Zev…”

His mouth nipped at Akira’s neck, “Relax.” A soft moan followed.

“I…” Another moan filled the room. A loud rumble caused him to jump and jerk away. “Shit…”

Zev chuckled as he kissed Akira. “Relax. You’re too jumpy.”

“Can’t help it.” His fingers found Zev’s shoulders. He dug into them as Zev’s mouth moved down his neck. As that mouth moved he could feel something just waving slightly at the back of his mind. He shoved it aside as his shirt was shoved up. A whimper came from him when the wolf’s mouth played with pert nubs. The pleasure was mind numbing like always. His fingers slipped down over Zev’s chest.

The wolf shivered when he felt fingers caress him through his pants. Sky blue eyes looked up from Akira’s chest. Climbing back up he tipped his head to the side and murmured, “You’re straightforward aren’t you?”

Before he could answer him there was a sound. They both looked at the door when there was another loud crash. A growl was working its way out of Zev when a thud followed. He leaned back watching the door. Akira reached for his spear as another sound followed. He sat up just as the door creaked open. That growl grew louder.

A light shined into the room making them both wince. “Zev, it’s me.” The brunette pulled his shirt down quickly and kept a tight grip on the spear rod.

The wolf calmed once he heard the voice, “What the hell Nathan?”

“Sorry. Something got into the den. The place is on lockdown. I was looking around when I heard sounds in the area, came from here… unless there was a fight out here before you two got in here.”

“No we were asleep till a while ago.” Zev grunted when Akira jabbed him in the gut with his elbow. “Okay I won’t say.” Then it sunk in. “What do you mean a fight?” He stood and walked over to him.

“It looks like someone tore it apart.”

He pushed past Nathan and looked out at the living area. “What the hell?”

“Zev.” Akira was looking around his arm. “Something is still here.” He walked out and looked around. His eyes couldn’t see anything.

“Akira, are you sure there is something out here?”

“Yes… its faint…” His head turned and he shouted. “Zev, above you!”

A large dog crashed through the window. Zev rolled to the side as its large form thudded on the ground. It sniffed the air and its eyes landed on Akira. It lunged at him. Nathan snagged the back of Akira’s shirt and tugged him back into the room. As the large dog hit the wall it tried to slip into the room. Gray eyes grew pale and the dog flew out of the room. It slammed into a wall on the other side of the room.

It pushed off the wall and ran at Akira only to have Zev’s wolf form plow into its side. The two went down snarling and growling. He was tugged towards the front door by Nathan. “Come on!”

There was a loud yelp that sounded like Zev’s. He tried to go back but Nathan yanked him out. “What about Zev!?”

“He’ll be fine. I’ve seen him take down things twice his size.”

“That thing isn’t normal!” There was a loud sound of wood splintering that caused them to turn around. The large dog was standing there. Blood dripped from its fangs. His pupils shrank and he let out a growl. Nathan stepped back from him as that growl grew louder.

Star came around the corner to find the hole in the wall and a large dog. She stood behind it. Her eyes caught sight of Nathan who was motioning to the hole. Nodding she climbed into the hole to find Zev. He was curled up on the ground. “Zev!”

She turned around when there was a loud snap. A large beam of wood was hovering only to slam into the dog. It howled in pain. She poked her head out to see Akira swing his arm to the side. Just then the dog flew into the wall with a loud crack only to vanish on the spot. A whine came from behind her and she turned to see Zev standing. He limped towards her blood dripping onto the ground.

“You back on that ground.”

He pushed past her and made his way over to Akira. Once he was in front of Akira he pushed his head against Akira’s chest. Zev’s form shifted and he stood on two legs. Those arms wrapped around Akira and held him close. A soft rumble came from the wolf. When he felt Akira’s arms wrap around him he sighed. “Zev… you’re bleeding…” He pushed away. “That dog thing what…?” It was quiet and he moved to the side, “Gone! Where did it go?”

Nathan made a motion at him, “You made vanish. It hit the wall and poof.”

“What?” He grunted when Zev slumped over against him. “Zev?” He shook him slightly. “Hey Zev…!?”

“Nathan, take him to the infirmary. Akira you should…”

“No I’m going to go with.”

“Okay.”


A young woman wrapped the bandage around Zev’s torso. “Lucky idiot. Any closer and it would of hit his heart.” She glanced at Akira. “How are you holding up?”

He jerked his head up, “Huh… uh I’m fine.” Akira gave a smile that looked more like a grimace.

“Go get some rest. There’s a bed in the next room go lay down.”

Standing he made his way over to the door. Once it was closed he walked over to a bed and sat on it. “Zev…”

His head snapped up just as a cloth cover his mouth. He struggled against the arms holding him. The brunette’s vision blurred. He gave one good last shake to try and get them off. It didn’t help as he slumped over limp in those arms. That last second of awareness he caught a soft voice. “Sorry.”

‘Zev!’


Sky blue eyes snapped opened as he jerked up. A sharp pain shot through his body. “You lay back down.”

He gasped out as he tried to stand, “Akira…?”

“He’s asleep. In the next room.” The woman grabbed his arm and tried to lay him back down. He struggled.

“Akira!” Zev yanked his arm away. Once again he was on his feet and rushing for the door to the next room. He shoved it opened. Turning he growl “He’s not here!”

“He was. I watched him walk in there. There is no other way out.” He pushed past her and almost plowed into AJ.

“Whoa, you need to lay down.”

“I can’t!”

“No go lay down.”

“Akira is gone!”

“Look go lay down we’ll look around the den. He has to be around here somewhere.” AJ moved him to the bed and pushed him onto it. “Once we find him we’ll send him here.” He caught sight of the nurse. She had something in her hand. “Just lay down and get some sleep.”

He jerked when she pushed something against his arm. His grip tightened on AJ’s arm. “Why…?” His hand went slack and fell to his side. “Akira……”
^^^^

The rain was falling heavy on him as he stood in corner. A court yard stretched out in front of him. He could hear the shouts as the students went through the routine. His hat was pulled low over his face to keep the rain out of his eyes. The water rolled off of his coat to the ground. He was yawing when he heard his name, “Daisuke.”

He glanced from the court yard and students training, one of them being Davion. He was stuck babysitting again. One day he would finally learn to shut him mouth but pissing off Kyria was damn fun. Falcon dropped onto his shoulder as he pushed his goggles up. “What is it?” The small man was wet from the rain.

“Can we go somewhere dry?” He nodded and walked over to the walkway that was sheltered from the rain. The red haired man pulled out a letter that was folded over. “Dove told me to give this to you. It’s one of two letters she left behind.”

He stared at the letter in his hand. Turning, he shouted out to the court yard. The teacher waved at Davion and the teen ran over. That hat was pulled down low over his face. “What…?”

“Cyan is going to be with you for awhile.”

“Why what’s going on?”

“Nothing I need to go do something that just came up.” Daisuke looked at him and the male nodded. “I’ll send Cyan keep an eye out. Stay here with the teacher till he comes and gets you.”

Davion sighed, “Alright I understand. I’ll tell mother that it was urgent and you’ll be right back.”

He nodded, “Keep your head up.” The brunette caught the grumble from the male as he walked off. Once he was around the corner he looked at Falcon who was following him. “The letter?”

“Dove was told not to give it to you till today of this year.”

“Why?”

The courier man shrugged. “I don’t read your letters.”

Falcon followed the man as he started walking down another hall. “Give me the letter.” He handed it to him and then dropped onto his shoulder. “Thanks.” He started to open the letter.

“No problem. Is there anything you want me to do?”

The question hung there as Daisuke read the letter. He came to a stop and growled. That growl caused a couple of students to hightail it out of the same hallway. “Yes.”

“What is it?”

“Tell Cyan he has an hour to get over here. If he’s not I’ll tie him to a tree and sick cats on him. After that find Rainer and Tito then come back to me.”

“Why?”

“I’m hunting that bastard Caelan down.” Onyx eyes hardened as he turned. He had to find Flare. The letter was crumpled in his hand as he walked down the hall. Anyone who saw him moved out of the way quickly. As he got outside he shouted. The fox woman appeared next to him. All he did was pass the letter to her. She folded it up and tucked it inside her jacket. He had to stop it before the same thing happened again. Daisuke yanked his hat down further as people walked by.

He could feel that darkness churning inside him. It was fighting to be free the angrier he got. A grin spread across his face. “If he harms Akira in any way I’ll kill him slowly.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow okay it has been a while… sorry… got major sidetrack… new games… new ideas that keep snapping up out of nowhere. Well reviews of all kinds are welcomed.
Oh yeah side note Acid Rain is being beta'ed by a friend I'll put it up once it is finished.
Shade:)