33 comments/ 27641 views/ 27 favorites Coming of Age Ch. 04 By: whitesabretooth Author's note: All characters and companies mentioned in this story have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone or anything bearing the same name or names. Events portrayed in this story are pure invention and have not been based on any events that have happen in real life. All the characters involved in any sexual acts if their ages are not mentioned beforehand; are over 18 years of age. Enjoy. Hi everyone, Here it is, Chapter 4, sorry about the delay but at least I warned you about it. To all those people who sent emails to see if I was okay, thanks and sorry if I didn't email you back. This time of year is really busy for me both at work and in my social life which makes it hard to sit in front of my lap top. I will however endeavour to get the coming chapters out as soon as possible. I hope you enjoy it. Have fun. Coming of Age Ch. 04 The Underling laughed, it made Crystal's skin crawl as it was a manic laugh, a laugh of pure madness. "I do no fear you or any human." "Then you obviously know shit all or you would know exactly who I am and know better than to fuck with me." Crystal snapped back. "Really?" He taunted. "Crystal," Serenity said, "They need to go, they are going into shock." That drew a reaction, "The freak?" the talkative Vampire said with contempt. Crystal took a deep breath, "good bye." She said and suddenly they were back at the house. Serenity, Thais and Temperance wrapped the three women in already warm blankets that they had willed into their hands. "Did you call the FBI?" Crystal asked as she turned to Bastion who walked in with a tray of mugs. He nodded, "the moment we got here, I also informed the Lead Stallion that there was a rogue tribe in his territory." He handed mugs of rich hot chocolate to each of the women knowing the warmth and chocolate would be good for them and help them with their shock. "And the others?" Myth asked. "Jay has called his coven, they will be here soon to place wards around the property, the others have gone to their homes." Bastion informed them. "For now I think it would be best if we moved the three into the house to keep them safe until this mess is over." "Bastion is right," Thais spoke up. "Why?" Crystal asked. "What have you seen?" She demanded to know. "The tribe won't be caught by the FBI or the police." He answered honestly. Crystal growled, "You know where they are," she assumed. Thais shook his head, "I see nothing and even if I did I cannot intervene, this has to play out without me changing the outcome, it has to happen this way." "They could die," Crystal stated gesturing at the three women. Thais flinched a little as if her words struck a physical blow, he liked all three women and enjoyed their natures; he didn't want them hurt or worse, dead, "then that is Fate's will." Crystal paced before him before she paused, "will you warn us when they attack." "If I see the Vampires attacking I will warn you." He agreed truthfully and it seemed to calm Crystal down. Jay walked in with several others, they paused sensing the charged atmosphere. "Jay told us you required wards?" The older woman in the group questioned. "Yes please." Crystal said gratefully, a parameter ward would give them precious seconds of warning which could be the difference between life and death for the humans who would be staying here. She didn't know any warding spells and was glad that Jay's coven was here to help. "What type would you like?" Jay asked. "An intent ward should be fine," Serenity slid in, an intent ward was simply that if someone intended harm to anyone included in the ward, even if they weren't present in the house, a silent alarm would go off in the minds of whoever the wards were attached to. "Can this wait until we settle them?" Temperance interjected. "We don't have any of the other rooms setup for guests," Bastion told her. "They can have my bed," Serenity offered, "I'll just shift and curl up on the floor." "Or you can curl up with me," Thais offered. Serenity nodded her thanks although curling up on the thick rug on her bedroom floor didn't bother her. The triplets helped the still slightly shocked women up to the bedroom, the hot chocolate had done wonders to chase the chill from their bodies but their minds were still fuzzy. They willed their friends into comfortable pyjamas before tucking them in. Thais slowly put the women to sleep, a talent he had figured out when he was still classed as a toddler, when they were asleep the triplets left the room and went back down stairs. "During the day they should be safe," Crystal said more to herself than to anyone else, her mind was at work trying to figure out the best way to protect their friends. "I have warrior training," Bastion informed her. Crystal paused, "Warrior... I haven't heard that term before." Han grinned, "that's because it hasn't been used in about thirteen hundred years, Warrior rank is the rank below Enforcers we call it Delta rank these days, they are in effect reserve soldiers, general members of the pack who have battle training that can be called up to defend if needed." He explained. "Huh?" Crystal said. "The terms we use for ranks has had to evolve as our numbers grew and the way we worked evolved, some terms were in fashion in certain areas but had a different name in another. The Alphas have done their best to uniform the terms and ranks in the last five generations to make it easier for everyone to understand." Temperance explained. Crystal blinked, "will I ever know all I need to know or will you guys keep turning up with random stuff like that." The Were in the room shrugged. "So... Bastion is Delta rank?" She asked as that didn't make sense. Bastion shook his head, "no, I am Beta rank, I run the Alpha's home, my orders have to be obeyed by all bar the seconds and the Alphas." "If there was a next Alpha they would also be exempt from following his orders." Thais added and Serenity shot him a poisonous look as not everyone knew just yet that Serenity was a next Alpha. "Perhaps you can talk about this later." the older woman said, "we should set the wards now." "Crystal," Han said seriously, "although we are meant to be protecting them they can protect themselves, they are fully trained Betas, fully trained enforcers, use them." Crystal thought for a moment but she couldn't fault Han's reasoning, the triplets only had bodyguards because it was required by some stupid rule that said the President's family had to be guarded. All three had been trained by the packs best fighters including Amy herself, they were fierce warriors, ranked up with the very same people who trained them and able to take care of themselves and whoever else came along and needed to be protected. Everyone waited for Crystal to make up her mind as she was in charge of the security. "Bind the wards to all of us except for Jasmine, Sky and Rachel." "The Coven included?" Jay asked as that was how it sounded. "Yes, if you don't get an okay call within ten minutes you are to inform the FBI." Crystal answered. The Coven members nodded, they could see sense in Crystal's plan, if they didn't call within ten minutes then they needed help. "I'll go and get some hairs." Jay said as he bolted up stairs, they required four hairs from each of the threatened girls, one hair from each girl placed at each watch tower or compass point to humans to bind the spell. "Once the wards are set we'll set up a watch." Crystal told the room. "I may not be seeing much but I know they won't attack tonight, we've all had long days and if we don't all rest we won't have the energy to protect them." Thais told her. Crystal thought for a moment but had to agree with Thais, it was doubtful that the Tribe would be able to track them tonight, not when they would be busy hiding their own tracks. "Okay, we'll all go to sleep." Coming of Age Ch. 04 "Yes, although soon we will be getting a new Vampire, ours is cutting her ties to the conclave." Farrell answered. "Who?" Crystal asked, she knew most if not all of the good Death Walkers. "Rayven Swift-strike," Johnson answered. Crystal sat stunned, "Rayven? No fucking way. She's their best Death Walker." "So we've been told, but she often says that she isn't the best, someone else holds that title; although the Conclave doesn't sponsor them." Johnson added. "So what happened last night?" Farrell asked. As a group they explained the events of the night before, Sky, Jasmine and Rachel weren't much help as their minds were muddled, they could barely remember meeting the vampires let alone what had happened until they woke in the house. Temperance willed an Ancient computer onto the table before her, all of Amy's immediate family; those who were tied by blood to her at least, had one of these computers. Temperance worked steadily, remembering each face, each detail of each vampire in the group, once she had those pictures she transferred them from her mind to the computer. Once they were in the computer she willed them onto paper, effectively making photos of each of the Vampires in the small tribe. "These should help." She offered the pictures to the agents. "Nice," Electra said as she looked at the detail, in fact each picture had the look of a mug shot, there was no background just white and as much of the features Temperance could remember which for her was a lot. Like all of Amy's children they had impeccable memories and were able to remember things at a glance. "Never thought we could use the computers like that." "These computers work on how we think, so technically they are capable of whatever we think they are capable of." Temperance answered, Electra thought about it for a moment then nodded, that made sense. "I guess I have to play with mine more, I really only use it at home since I can't take it to work." Electra said with a shrug. "Now, we are going to put you in a safe house." Farrell said. "Why?" Crystal asked, "we can protect them here, during the day they are safe and at night we can keep watch." Johnson shook his head, "their lives have been threatened they have to go into 24 hour protection." "Sky and Jasmine are in all of mine and Serenity's classes, we can protect them, Rachel is in Thais's classes, he and Myth can protect her. We have them covered during the day and at night we can set watches and protect them better than you can. Already we've had the local coven place an intent ward around the place. Unlike you humans, we have been trained to take on Vampires, we are strong enough and fast enough to fight them. We have a better chance of protecting them than you do." Crystal explained. "But they don't live here," Johnson responded although Crystal was right no human stood a chance against a Vampire. "We were planning to move them in right after breakfast." Crystal added. Electra decided to step in, "Gentlemen Crystal has a point, I can only think of two places safer than this house for them to hold up in, my mother's is one and Arianna's is the other, although they might not like staying in a house full of vampires. Besides Thais sees the future, he'll see an attack happen before it does." Crystal didn't think now would be a good time to tell Electra that Thais was either pleading ignorance about the events to come or really couldn't see it, him seeing the future was not going to help them. "Alright, they can stay here." Both men stood, "You won't see much of us, the case will be mainly handled by Rayven, we tend to chase up leads she can't." Johnson explained. "She also manages to lump us with the paper work." He added. "Rayven isn't a paper work kind of person. She's a, you point at it and she'll kill it person, other people took care of the clean-up and the paper work." Crystal said sagely, Death Walkers were people of action, trained weapons not administrators. "Yeah, we've learnt that, she is however an awesome tracker, if we need to find someone we find them because of her. She just needs a hint of a scent and she'll find them." Farrell added. Crystal nodded, "that's what Death Walkers do." Both men nodded, "good day." They turned and left. Crystal turned to the three women, "sorry for usurping your lives and forcing you to move in. I hope we weren't overstepping the boundaries." "Are you kidding, I've wanted to move in since I first saw this place." Jasmine answered, "although having my life threatened... that I could have done without." Bastion chuckled liking the fact that Jasmine could make jokes about her situation. "It's fine with me," Rachel said seconding Jasmine's view. Sky hesitated, "you should know something about me, well about my parents, they are affiliated with the minority when it comes to liking non-humans. I have nothing to do with them, haven't since I was put in my aunt's care but I know they have kept tabs on me. You might have some trouble from either them or their friends." "Trouble... we can handle trouble from those close minded terrorist arse-holes, they are nothing compared to what Vampires in hunt mode can get up to." Crystal answered; actually she would rather deal with H.S.L, Human Segregation League, than with Vampires on a power trip. Sky smiled, "then I'm in." "Like you didn't want to be here," Thais said and with a wave of his hand the left overs were in the fridge and the dishes were clean and in their homes. "Okay, so this is what I thought we would do, Bastion and Temperance will stay here and set up three of the spare rooms on the second floor," Crystal explained. "Thais and Myth will go with Rachel and help her pack her things while Serenity, Han and myself will go with Jasmine and Sky." Han hesitated before nodding, he would be leaving the person he was charged to protect alone but he could see the sense in Crystal's plan. "Han, Temperance is my mate, nothing will happen to her, I won't let it." Bastion promised and Han grinned as he stood. Everyone else got up and went to leave. Electra reached out and gripped Serenity's arm as she walked pass. Crystal paused and turned back. "She'll be with you soon," she told Crystal knowing that Crystal was concerned about neglecting her duty to her charge. Crystal thought about it for a moment but something in Electra's manner said she wasn't going to take no for an answer. She needed to speak with her sister, probably about what happened earlier with her influence. Crystal nodded, "Okay but will us there first I don't want to lead them here from the dorms." Serenity nodded as she focused, sending Crystal, Han, Jasmine and Sky to their dorm room. Once that was done she turned to her sister, anxious to learn to control her influence. Coming of Age Ch. 05 Author's note: All characters and companies mentioned in this story have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone or anything bearing the same name or names. Events portrayed in this story are pure invention and have not been based on any events that have happen in real life. All the characters involved in any sexual acts if their ages are not mentioned beforehand; are over 18 years of age. Enjoy. Hey guys, Here is the latest chapter, I hope you enjoy it. Now... about the one line mentioning Grey-hawk's death, I never thought it would get the reaction it got. When I put that line in it was purely so that when I go into more detail later it wouldn't have come as a complete surprise. Sadly you will not learn more about his death for a few more chapters but be assured you will learn what happened to him. I promise. As usual thanks goes to my fabulous editor and to you the reader for following me. Happy reading Chapter 5 Electra watched her sister for several moments as she sent her friends, Crystal and Han, to the dorms. Watching her sister while she completed her task, she wondered how Temperance had failed to see the strain her sister was under, oh she hid it well but Temperance should have known. However, Temperance was also a new mate; it was bound to scramble her brain a little. "Come on, your room," Electra said gesturing for Serenity to lead the way before releasing her. Serenity nodded and together they walked up stairs and into Serenity's room. Electra glanced around for a few moments, impressed with what her sister had done with the room, before she sat on the thick rug on the floor and patted the place before her. "I know you didn't mean to, but earlier you used influence when you ordered Thais outside." Serenity sighed and sat, "I didn't mean to, I was just... angry." Electra nodded in understanding, she understood more than her sister might know. The first few months after she mated Mayhem had been an eye opener for the family, thank Luna her parents were powerful Alphas and could tolerate her and Mayhem's mistakes. "Emotions make controlling your influence harder, more so when you are new to it. Have you spoken to ma or da yet? Told them it has awoken?" "Spoke to da when it first awoke inside me." Serenity explained. Electra nodded again pleased that her sister had told her father, "how are you doing with the focusing exercise?" Serenity glanced away before speaking, "not very well." She admitted honestly but it felt as if she had to tear the admission from her throat. Electra knew what it had cost her sister to admit that, Serenity was a dominant Alpha while she wasn't, admitting a weakness; a failing wasn't what those kinds of Alphas did, unless it was to a mate or their parents. "I know how hard that was, especially considering I am a lesser Alpha to you." "You are my sister, it shouldn't have been so hard to tell you that." Serenity replied. "You are a Dominant Alpha, admitting defeat, weakness, or failings... it isn't in your nature, but a good leader knows when to admit it, not only to others but to themselves... da's words not mine." Electra explained. Serenity sighed and rolled her eyes a little, of course her father had said those words, he rarely if ever used his influence. "It doesn't listen to me; it won't do as I want it to." "What you want doesn't factor in to influence; it has a mind of its own, trust me. No one gets it right when they first start. Da told me stories about ma's struggles when Mayhem and I had problems. Her issues were compounded by her beast's predisposition towards strong emotions." Electra explained, "Besides you aren't like them, you are doing this virtually on your own, without anyone to guide you through the problems. How long was your talk with dad?" "Ten... fifteen minutes maybe but it wasn't his fault, it wasn't a really good time to have a long talk, he had a Beta meeting." Serenity explained. Electra nodded, "hazard of running a pack, and sadly fifteen minutes is not nearly long enough for him to show you how to control your influence." Serenity nodded. Electra gripped her sister's knee, "so I'll show you how to focus and feel your influence but it will be up to you to practise until the control becomes subconscious." Serenity launched herself at her sister and wrapped her up in a tight hug. Electra hugged and comforted her sister, knowing it was what Serenity needed. Electra leant back until they were both lying down, Serenity on top of her older sister. Electra shifted into a more comfortable position and just let Serenity get what she really needed, comfort from someone who knew what she was going through. "Ready?" Electra asked after a few minutes. Serenity nodded and went to get up but Electra pulled her back, "like this is fine." Serenity settled resting her cheek against Electra's right shoulder and together they closed their eyes and started to breathe deeply, settling into a meditative state. Electra waited for Serenity to allow her in, this type of merge was dangerous if she didn't have permission, as they would be going deeper than normal into Serenity's mind. Pass the special wall inside their minds, which guarded their inner minds from intrusion from all bar the most extreme telepath. Electra felt the touch of Serenity's mind and followed her in. For the first time Electra fully understood how closely her sibling's minds were bound. It was similar to the mates bond, only it seemed to go much deeper. The three very different people were in fact three parts of one collective whole, and to control one would be to control them all. Now, show me your core, Electra asked, but stilled as she came face to face with the beast within Serenity who had come to investigate the presence of a different mind within its own. Inside of Serenity's mind the beast was fully grown and only marginally smaller than Amy, it was big and strong, and completely confident. She sniffed at Electra for a moment, with a gentle purr she rubbed her face against the small human as it recognised her as a family member, a moment later the beast was over next to her human counterpart and a moment after that it vanished into the darkness. Forgive her, she is protective, Serenity said as she approached her sister. I can understand now that I have seen inside your mind, I've been inside a lot of minds over the years but never one as well protected as yours, but it is necessary because your mind is a gateway to another two. Electra answered. So... your core? This way, Serenity said as she led the way out of what she considered her staging area. She moved towards the 'power centre' where all her powers, both current and to come were housed. It was a large semicircular room that had pigeon holes running up the walls to the ceiling, each pigeon hole represented a power or aspect of a power. Sitting in the middle of the room sat a heavy wooden box bound with iron fixings; its lid was resting partially on top. Making the box was easy, trying to get my influence into the box, I haven't managed it. It is never easy, the influence never wants to get into the box, it is there to be used not to be hidden. But once you have it in there it will go back so much more easily. The really good Alphas don't need to use their influence, they learn to lock it up and depend on their strength, character and honour. Those leaders don't control their people and because of that they are the best leaders. Electra explained. Now you should feel your influence. Electra continued as she walked over to the box. Yeah, that is what I am having problems with. I don't know what it feels like, just that it is there. Serenity explained. Electra knew that as there was simply no time for their father to show her any of this. Okay, no problem. Electra gestured her sister forward. When Serenity was before her Electra turned her around and hugged her. Using her sister's senses, she showed her sister exactly what her influence was, it tried to hide and disguise itself but it was no match for someone who knew how to control their influence. Now that Serenity knew what her influence felt like she started to call it to her, and as it came she placed it in the box. Once it was all finally in the box she tried to close the lid, but no matter how hard she pushed or willed it the box wouldn't close completely over. It won't completely close, what you need to learn is to feel when it starts to creep out and put it back. Serenity turned to her sister, So I have to watch it? Afraid so, Electra answered, but as you come into yourself it will be easier because you will know when you influence starts to creep out. So, we should go now, lots of things to do. Serenity said a little hesitantly, as she suddenly felt uncomfortable with her sister this deep in her mind. Are you confident you have this? Electra asked knowing the true reason for her sister's unease, if it was Temperance or Thais Serenity probably wouldn't mind so much, but she had been hiding her true potential for a very long time, hiding the full scope of her powers. Are all three of you hiding this much? Electra asked. Every time we showed a new power or new aspect ma would get concerned and start to worry, so we've kept a lot of what we can do to ourselves. We have control of them if that is your concern. Serenity said as she led her sister from the power room. If you didn't have control ma would have learnt just how much you can do and how much you have kept from her. But you do realise that ma and da need to know what you can do so that they can use your assets. Electra said as they came back to Serenity's staging area. Does ma know even what she is completely capable of? Serenity asked. Yeah but that's ma, she's a freak and she's the first to say that when she comes up with something new. Electra said before they both came out of Serenity's mind. "I think ma already knows that we have been hiding what we can do." Serenity said as she got up off her sister. "Probably, doesn't mean you shouldn't tell her though." Electra said as they both go to their feet. "Well I'll leave you to your packing. See you at thanksgiving." Electra said before she vanished. Serenity took a deep breath before she remembered that she hadn't thanked her sister, she grunted but shrugged as that was sometimes the way in the family, you didn't need to say the words for them to know you've thanked them. Turning she left her room. Temperance was waiting and the moment she saw her sister she wrapped her arms around her. Serenity pressed her face to her sister's shoulder and just held her tightly. "Why didn't you tell me?" Temperance asked but she had already guessed her answer. "Just because I have other obligations doesn't mean I have been unaware of your struggles. You are my sister, you are always important to me." "I'm sorry." Serenity said. "Don't do it again, if I could have helped I would have." Temperance replied as she rested her head against her sister's. Bastion hesitated when he saw the twins, he didn't want to break them up as he knew Serenity needed the comfort, but they had a lot of work to do and not much time to do it in. "I am sorry, we have work to do." He said gently, "I won't fuss if you want to curl up together this afternoon." Temperance and Serenity pulled apart, Temperance turned and glared at her mate a little. "I promise, no fussing if you decide to curl up and nap together." He held up his hands hoping to reassure her. "Okay, you better go, you know how Crystal is with packing." Temperance conceded as she turned to her sister. Serenity chuckled, oh she knew how Crystal packed as she had helped setup Crystal's room, books in with clothes, clothes in with ornaments and electrical. Hap hazard packing was the best way to describe it. Serenity vanished to help where she could. **** Sky walked from her room a few hours later, the house was quiet, eerily quiet and after the night before it left her unsettled. She had just finished unpacking, in fact it had been a really easy move, what with Serenity willing everything into boxes or suitcases, all neatly folded and padded. Once everything was packed it was willed away to its new home and once all their personal items were gone it was but a simple thought later and the room was spotless. It had taken an hour to pack their lives up and move, once they were in their new rooms they had been left alone to unpack and arrange their rooms as well as come to terms with how their lives had changed. This time yesterday they were normal and carefree. After unpacking Sky had become restless, she was ahead in her studies and assignments so she didn't even have that to take her mind off her problems. She knocked gently on Serenity's door, hoping she was in as she wanted to talk to someone. When she got no response she gently opened the door and popped her head in and her eyes scanned the room. Serenity, Thais and Temperance were curled up around each other and napping. "You can join them," Crystal said making Sky jump as she hadn't heard her approach, "they won't mind, they won't even ask what you were doing in bed with them. They would know, after last night, that you need comfort and cuddling up like that is what Were do for comfort." "Does that happen often?" Sky asked as she gestured to the three sleeping siblings. Crystal nodded as she closed the door gently, "not uncommon to find them curled up around each other, Serenity's been under a lot of strain this last week so... this is kind of like therapy for Serenity. But don't be surprised if you see them curled up together like that again, they do it often, before Temperance mated it wasn't uncommon for them to all go to sleep at night together." "Is that normal?" Sky asked as she followed Crystal into the kitchen. Crystal frowned as she got to the fridge, opening it she glanced inside, "you know for someone who has grown up with Were being loud and proud, you are every naïve about them. You should have learnt all this in your non-human studies classes." She came out of the fridge with a beer and everything to make sandwiches; she placed it on the centre bench and slid the bread box over to Sky. "You forgot what I told you earlier, my parents' home schooled me and by the time the state stepped in I was almost at the end of my formal education." Sky opened the box and pulled out a homemade loaf of bread, she cut several slices and handed them to Crystal. "My Aunt knew the principal so with the State's approval managed to get me out of the Non-human requirement for graduation. The state didn't want to stress me out because my parents had brainwashed me from childhood to fear non-humans." Crystal started to construct a sandwich as Sky packed the bread away. "My aunt is responsible for getting me here at this level, when I graduated she asked me to have a gap year and spent nine months getting me to lose my distrust of non-humans." Sky explained as Crystal halved the sandwich and offered half to Sky before gesturing her to follow. Sky grabbed a plate and followed Crystal back up stairs and to her room. "Ignorance breeds fear." Crystal stated firmly and gestured for Sky to grab a chair. "The best way to not be afraid is to know what you fear. Your aunt did wonders, it is sometimes very hard to make someone trust when they have only been taught to fear and mistrust." "It took a very long time," Sky said as tears formed in her eyes. Crystal offered her a hanky, "What happened to her?" "She was killed..." Crystal's eyes closed as she knew what happened to Sky's aunt now that she had a time line; it had made a lot of people very angry when the HSL attacked a teddy bears picnic. Fourteen children were killed, nine of them human; thirty children were injured; twenty critically, four were orphaned, and twelve helpers, who had used themselves to shield children from bullets died. It was a black day and put the entire HSL on the terrorist group list. People could have accepted if the HSL had attacked a bunch of adults, a building or a monument but children... that was the line which shouldn't have even been approached let alone crossed. "The Picnic," Crystal said, showing she had made the connection. Sky nodded, "my aunt was very big on integration and cohabitation with non-humans, she had organised the picnic. It wasn't until after her death that I learnt she had made a provision in her will that if something happened before I turned twenty one. I was to live with her closest friend, a Centaur." "His name?" Crystal asked. "Nhor," Sky answered. Crystal went still as she couldn't help but recognise the name, "Nhor? He hasn't by any chance offered to give you a tattoo?" Sky nodded, Nhor had in fact offered to ink her skin when she was ready, he said he already had the designs for three tattoos but she didn't understand why Crystal had asked that. It simply didn't seem important or relevant. "Honey... can you introduce me to him... please... pretty please... I'll beg," Crystal promised. Sky frowned, "I don't understand." "Your guardian, Nhor, is the greatest tattoo artist the Centaurs have ever produced; a legend." Crystal explained. "I was told that that he sees the design your body wants displayed on your skin, it's there and all he has to do is trace what he sees." Sky shrugged indifferent to the awe in Crystal's voice. "I know him as the man who held me as I cried myself to sleep those first few nights." She took a bite of her sandwich, it was yummy but she wasn't much in the mood to eat. "I really should call him and tell him what's happened." "He is your guardian." Crystal agreed as she stood and took the plate from Sky's hands. Nodding to the phone on the table Crystal took her seat back and finished Sky's half of the sandwich. Sky took the phone and dialled the number she had memorised at Nhor's request, at first she had wondered why Nhor had got himself a brand new phone before she went off to college and only given her the number. Now she knew it was for times like this, when she called from a strange number. Nhor's answered on the second ring his voice a little furry, "Sky, I thought you were going to call tonight?" "Yeah, sorry for waking you from your nap, I think you should know, things kind of went pear shaped last night." Sky said trying to play down what actually happened. Crystal gave her an amused look, pear shaped? That was an understatement. Sky snorted a little as she realised what Crystal was thinking. "Do I need to bail you out?" Nhor asked as little grumpy, he had known his fosterling was going out with friends last night to celebrate. He hadn't seen any harm in her going out and in fact he was pleased that she was making friends with, from what he gathered, a mixed group of human and non-human age mates. To his mind she had come a long way since he first met her nearly three years ago and didn't want to jeopardise her standing with her friends by suggesting she shouldn't go. "Gosh no!" Sky stated a little shocked that Nhor would think that of her. Crystal pressed a pillow to her face to keep from laughing as she listened to both sides of the conversation. "Good," Nhor said relieved. "So what do I need to know about?" "Um... I'm going to give you to Crystal, she'll explain better than I can." Sky said. "Are you in hospital?" Nhor asked before Sky could hand the phone over. "No! Nor have I been. Crystal will explain." Sky said and almost threw the phone at Crystal. Coming of Age Ch. 05 Crystal cleared her throat and lifted the phone. "Hi I'm Crystal, to cut a sort of long story short, Sky has been marked by a rogue vampire tribe." Silence was all Crystal heard. "Crystal... you wouldn't happen to be Crystal St Claire Beta of Wolf Haven pack?" He asked his mind ticking. "That would be me," Crystal answered wondering about what Nhor had heard about her. "Are you protecting her, or some stupid FBI lackeys who have no idea how to fight Vampires?" He asked. "I am taking responsibility for her and the other two tagged, there are seven of us protecting them, we have two enforcers, four Betas and one next Alpha. We have placed an intent ward around the house and will be having a night watch." Crystal answered knowing he would want to know. "Aren't you and two other enforcers looking after the triplets, Amy and Wolfgang's cubs?" He asked. "Yes and they are involved in Sky's protection. They are fully trained and capable," She answered trying to reassure him. "Amy wouldn't let them move that far away if they weren't". He answered with a slight chuckle. Crystal chuckled, "Yes, your fosterling will be safe here with us." "Crystal... Sky is all I have left of... one of my closest friends, her life is in danger... I would feel more comfortable if I was there to help." He explained. "You are free to do as you wish, if you choose to come we will make arrangements." She said already thinking of what would have to be done. "I will be there in two days." He said firmly, "May I speak with Sky." "Of course." Crystal said before she handed the phone back to Sky. "You don't have to come," Sky explained. "Your aunt gave me her greatest treasure to protect, I doubt she meant this way but I will protect you." He told her earnestly. "I will be there in two days, be safe." He told her before he hung up. Sky turned to Crystal, "He's coming." She said as she placed the phone down. "Knew he would when he leant you were in trouble." Crystal answered as she walked over to a set of book shelves. "Okay," she gestured Sky to come over. When Sky joined her Crystal started to tug out books. "Were and Other History 1, 2 and 3, A guide to Were Culture, A guide to Centaur Culture, A Guide to Fae Culture, A guide to the creatures of the Other World and Myths and legends." Crystal finished as she put the last book on the stack now resting in Sky's arms. "These will help with your... gaps. I'll get one of the triplets to copy them for you so I get my books back." "Where do I start?" Sky asked as she shifted the stack. "Start with A Guide to Were Culture, it'll help you understand what you see around here and definitely you need to read A Guide to Centaur Culture; that will help you understand your foster father. After you've read them I suggest you then read the history books because it will explain history in a way you've never read it before." Crystal started. "What do you mean?" Sky asked. "It is un-biased history written by Ancients who witnessed the events first hand," Crystal answered, "the good, the bad, the ugly, it's all there. Humans don't recognise these books as being true history because there are things in these books that they never knew happened or have evidence of happening. But when it comes to history Ancients are... meticulous and it corresponds with either a races written records or verbal ones." "So all non-humans are aware of these books?" Sky asked. "Yep... in fact it is a part of their learning, I know Were have to have these book memorised before they turn ten and pass a test on their knowledge. Most of the Others have the same kind of rules. Amy said to Gwynt when he started reading them, "how can we look to the future when we do not understand our past." Crystal replied as she went to the door and let Sky out. "Happy reading." **** Crystal walked outside as she spotted Thais through the window early that evening; the others were busy getting dinner ready. She glanced up as the last of the sunlight faded into the darkness of night. "Thais," she said to gain his attention. "Sky's Centaur foster father is coming in two days I know." He said as he finished stretching, "I think I need to sleep on the ground tonight, my back is just one knot." He added as he twisted his body backwards and forwards. "Napped in an odd position?" She asked and he nodded, it was sometimes the hazard of sleeping with two cats, they instantly sought out those odd positions and it didn't harm them, he on the other hand was a wolf, odd positions did not suit him. "We'll alter the internal proportions and doors after dinner." He said before he glanced off, "Rayven will be here in a few minutes." He added before he turned and walked inside. Crystal followed him into the house and sat as dinner started to be served, Thais went to get the door and a few minutes later he returned with Rayven. Like all true vampires she was pale, although not sickly like people once thought, she just appeared to have alabaster skin with the occasional vein visible. She was long and lean and walked with the grace of a predator; her short black hair was streaked with blue and red giving her a very un-Vampire like look but it suited her. Dressed in what she considered standard Death Walker attire she was dressed in black to blend with the shadows and darkness, however unlike what people believed she and most death walkers abhorred wearing leather or latex, tight black jeans encased her legs with heavy black combat boots on her feet, a tight black shirt covered her chest and over that she wore a long black trench coat. On each thigh was a pistol and on her back rested a pair of Kukris knives. Her face was classically proportioned with a heart shaped bone structure, small slender nose with a slight cleft in her chin. Intelligent honey brown eyes scanned the room quickly taking in every detail, you simply didn't live long in the Vampire world if you weren't careful. "Everyone this is Rayven." Thais introduced as he offered her a seat. "Can I get you something?" Bastion asked as he started to get up. He had been dealing with Vampires for a long time, Death Walkers had a closer interaction with humans than normal Vampires and needed to blend in so had taught themselves to drink liquids other than blood and to even eat normal food, although to them it tasted rancid unless it was a blue steak. Since Rayven was a well-known Death Walker she had probably developed those habits. Rayven took a deep breath as she considered his question, desire coursed through her as the scent of the three humans filled her nose, however her thirst was under control. "Coffee, black please." Bastion nodded and went to get her a mug of coffee. Bastion returned with a mug of coffee and placed it down before Rayven had a chance to take her seat, "are you sure coffee is all you would like, we do have some blood if you would like a cup." He asked just to be sure. Rayven again considered his question, weighing her need for blood against her will power. Crystal considered the woman before her, "when did you last feed?" She asked in a conversational tone but it was far from an idle question, she needed to know if Rayven would pose a threat to her friends. If she did than Crystal would quietly take her outside and they would talk there. Vampires drank blood regularly, if not daily, to control their thirst, however sometimes they needed to go further than a simple drink to appease the beast that was within them. When they did need more than a simple drink it was called a feed, in the days of old a feed was draining an adult male of every pint in their body. "Five weeks," Rayven answered and watched surprise flash in Crystal's eyes, most masters could go maybe three weeks without a feed, four weeks if they drank more than two cups a day but five weeks was a stretch. Rayven had managed to go for six weeks before succumbing to a feed and was slowly trying to stretch it further but she was always careful. To her it was a testament to self-restraint and it was that self-restraint which had slowly gained her back her humanity. "Wow," Crystal said a little stunned, "is there a reason you are putting off your feed?" she asked. Rayven shook her head, "no, I am just... testing myself. But I assure you I have it well in control and have gone longer than five weeks." Seeing Crystal's slightly calculating look she went to reassure her. "Your friends are safe, I am in control." Taking several deep breaths she kept her eyes locked on Crystal's, "see... nothing. Tempting they are, but I am not interested." "So you have drunk today?" Crystal asked. "Sadly no, my supply went off but again I assure you I am fine." Rayven answered honestly. "Rayven I would feel a little more comfortable if you had something to drink, I trust that you have your thirst in control but I feel it unnecessary to test your control. I have plenty of blood here, more than enough to share if you don't mind horse blood." Crystal said knowing Rayven's true reluctance was not out of good manners but because most, if not all, Vampires closely guarded their blood supply as it was their lifeline and their sanity. They would not offer their own blood stock, so Rayven didn't really know how to react in this situation. "If it will not deplete your supply then a glass would be nice." Rayven said with a smile. Crystal blinked as Bastion went to get the blood, the smile seemed real, not a carefully constructed façade. "Who turned you?" She asked a little suspicious, the self-control Rayven was displaying was unheard of among Vampires... however, that kind of restraint was inherent in both Destiny and herself. "Tamor," Rayven answered. Crystal snorted, no wonder Rayven was such a good Death Walker, Tamor had a knack for picking those with the potential to become great fighters and surrounded himself with them. "Of course the paranoid old fool made you. I take it he wasn't pleased when he released you and you became an agent of the conclave." She stated. "He accepted it because technically my allegiance isn't to the conclave but to Destiny." She answered. "Personally I believe Destiny talked him into it, he didn't have any intentions then he suddenly released me. See I had been the messenger Tamor used to communicate with Destiny and the conclave when he was in one of his paranoid, never leave the crypt phases, Destiny and I got a long really well. The moment I was free I went to work for her." "Which explains your humanity," Crystal surmised, Rayven showed her emotions which other masters would not have allowed if she worked under them. Rayven nodded, "Destiny encouraged it and none of the masters wanted to lose her influence at the time. Learning to control my more volatile emotions became easier when I started showing some of my other emotions and started to prolong the period between my feedings." "And by the time they started to notice how emotional you were, you were a master yourself," Crystal stated as she had heard of a scuffle between Masters, and now that she was before the woman she assumed it had been Rayven against some of the others. Rayven nodded, "Yes... but they learnt quickly that I was too strong, too good a fighter to take down. Tamor may be a paranoid freak but he really knows how to teach someone to fight and use all of their assets. Most Masters know little to nothing about what they are truly capable of." Bastion returned with two glasses of warmed blood and placed them before Rayven who gave him a startled look. "I'm Bastion, I normally run the Alphas home in Wolf Haven Pack, I am used to dealing with Vampires who have no choice but to hold off their feeding. Two glasses is the normal amount when holding off a feeding, correct?" "Yes I was just..." "Bastion makes it his personal mission to make sure everyone's needs are catered for in the central den." Temperance explained. "Including the vampires when we have a few over although now days only Arianna braves our corruptive influence." "Oh," Rayven drank the first glass of blood, pleased that Bastion knew just how to warm blood, the second one quickly followed as she didn't want to freak out the humans in the room. When she glanced around after finishing her blood she noticed that the women seemed to either not notice or think of it as something completely normal, with a glance at Crystal she assumed the latter. She picked up her coffee and took a sip as everyone settled down to eat. Rayven frowned as she glanced into her mug, there was something else in her coffee, some kind of flavour that she wasn't used to. She was really partial to her coffee, almost addicted, she had taught herself to drink all manner of drinks but coffee was something she took to immediately. "Is there something in this coffee?" She asked. Bastion swallowed what was in his mouth, "yes, nutmeg, I made the pot and I am partial to nutmeg. Why, is it not to your liking? I can make a fresh pot." Rayven held her hand up, "no it's fine... I just never knew you could add things to coffee." Everyone in the room chuckled, "there are many flavours you can add to coffee." Serenity said. "Which you would probably never get in a road side diner," Thais added, as he knew Rayven had only bought coffee in diners and / or gas stations while she was tailing people. "Yeah like, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, chocolate, caramel and much more." Temperance added. "So why are you still working for the conclave if your allegiance is to Destiny?" Serenity asked curious. "Well, because she asked. When Amy told her she wasn't a Vampire and all the stuff with Judas and Vlha and Crystal she knew she couldn't just quit the conclave. So she slowly handed leadership to Arianna as she was the most level headed and open minded of the Masters. Then Destiny finally handed over when you were like nine, and I agreed that the conclave would keep my services for a decade, after that I was never working for them again and since I am a master they can't order me around as long as I obey the rules and stay out of trouble." "So this is literally your last case, once it's done your free?" Myth asked. Rayven nodded. "What will you do?" Crystal asked before she sipped some water. Rayven shrugged, "I would like to catch up with Destiny, but my request to go to the central den hasn't been approved yet." "If you like I can talk to my parents and I am sure Destiny will vouch for you." Serenity said as she reached for another slice of bread. Rayven chuckled, "I had heard the Alphas were indulgent towards their children but that indulgent?" Serenity shrugged, "they kind of have to at least listen to me." She said a little evasively, she didn't think she would ever get her mind around the whole Next Alpha thing she had going now. Ash as an adopted child, even though he has the Alpha influence, would never be the Alpha of Wolf Haven Pack because she was the legitimate heir. However it was all a moot point since her parents were immortal and as such couldn't die. "She is the next Alpha, heir to Wolf Haven Pack," Crystal explained, "As a leader in training her parents have to listen, consider and explain if they agree or disagree to help with her training." Rayven nodded. "Now that I have answered your questions I think it's time you answered mine." Crystal nodded, "What would you like to know?" "Your impressions?" Rayven asked as she sipped at her coffee. "Young, none are older than a decade, they have a leader of sorts, he is the oldest, more than likely he turned the others." Crystal answered, "no respect for their elders, no regard for the rules, they are completely rogue." "So who made the leader?" Rayven mused aloud. "More than likely it was a rogue who fed too deeply and left them thinking they wouldn't turn then the conclave takes out the Maker leaving a Junior with no guidance." Crystal said simply. Rayven closed her eyes, Crystal was right and she even knew the rogue in question who likely turned this rogue leader who then created a rogue tribe. An Elder only a decade shy of becoming a Master had gone Rogue, which was the vampire way of saying insane. Basically they were slowly losing their higher reasoning and devolving into their beast. If left unchecked the Rogue vampire could go Feral and a Feral vampire was something Rayven didn't ever want to deal with. "Sounds about right, I even know who might be responsible." Rayven lifted her mug and took another sip of her coffee. "Why not a living Maker?" Bastion asked as he pushed his plate away. "If a Maker is alive the Junior would have been compelled to go to them, they wouldn't have been able to do anything but get to their Maker." Rayven explained. "It's a bit like the Haven compulsion placed upon those who have been forcibly turned." Crystal added, because she knew they all understood the theory behind that compulsion. "But Destiny wasn't compelled to find you, and you have a Maker bond." Temperance stated. "And you can resist the Haven compulsion," Myth added as there had been a case of that happening. "Well, we aren't technically Vampires, of course the maker bond is bound to be different." Crystal answered Temperance. "And that incident is different," Bastion told Myth before he continued. "That person was scratched when they were angry so it overrode the compulsion, normally when someone is scratched they are frightened and when that happens running is the common reaction, the compulsion just gives them the direction to run in, it drives their fear, ups it and makes them go further." Myth frowned as she considered Bastion's words, she hadn't understood the Haven Compulsion (as it was called) when she read of it in Amy's primer books. However the way Bastion explained it made absolute sense. "So what is your plan of attack?" Crystal asked as she sat back, having eaten enough. "I've been stationed here for five years, I know every Vampire that lives here and they know not to mess with me. When I heard about the rogue tribe last night I made several calls out to the two tribe leaders and several nomads. They weren't aware of any new groups but will inform me if they see anyone new. If this rogue tribe is smart like I think they are, they will know about me being the 'law' in this area and a probably enjoying the whole cat and mice game they think they have going." Rayven answered. "So tonight I am going to shake down the four people I couldn't get a hold of, wander around and generally make my presence felt. Before dawn however I will be back..." "But if you are asking questions you'll lead them straight to us!" Jasmine said a little startled. Rayven chuckled, "I am not an untrained Junior like they are, I am a Master, I have lived two and a half millennia in a hard knocks lifestyle where so much as a wrong move will mean my death. Once vampires get to a certain age they become stronger, more deadly and more importantly we gain powers and abilities that no young vampire has. They won't be able to track me because I can... I can make myself invisible, my scent, my body, if they are following I will sense them and duck behind a tree, become invisible and walk away." "So you'll be back this morning to..." Han asked in a leading manner. "Check, sniff around, generally make sure no vampires have come near this place." Rayven answered. "Well Serenity and I are doing the dog watch so we'll keep an eye out for you." Crystal said, she had already organised the rosters and when Nhor came he would be included rounding the numbers, with careful planning one paired group would get to sleep the whole night at least once a week. "And we'll have a new flavour of coffee waiting." Serenity added. **** Crystal paced in the lounge room as Serenity did one of her random circuits of the ground floor. Serenity made sure to not use the same route twice or go at regular intervals, sometimes she crawled around so that no one observing the house could see her pass a window but she could still see out and hopefully spot an unaware observer. Crystal checked her watch again but her eyes could pick up the first rays of sun light. Coming of Age Ch. 05 "Rayven is old enough to know better than to be out this late, she is probably curled up in her crypt. She probably just ran out of time, it happens, and she doesn't know a contact number." Serenity said as she came into the room, she could feel Crystal's anxious energy. "I hope you're right." Crystal said even as her eyes searched the front of the house. "Come on soon we can go back to sleep for a couple of..." "Shit," Crystal said, before she raced to the door. Serenity grabbed a thick blanket and followed. Crystal threw open the door and dragged Rayven inside, slamming the door shut. Serenity flung the blanket over Rayven knowing it would protect her for a little while. "Of all the hair brained... stupid... why didn't you get back to your home?" Crystal demanded. "Watch broke... lost track of... time... too far..." Rayven said, already feeling the pull of the sun. "Serenity, do you know how to do that thing your ma does to protect Arianna?" Crystal asked. Serenity nodded, "it is simple enough." She said her mind already at work, going over every square micron, every place so much as a beam of light could get in she sealed with a special barrier which let the light in but not the UV rays that vampires were allergic to, every window and door was sealed, no UV could get in but light could. Serenity reached into the blanket and pulled out one of Rayven's hands, she placed the pale hand in a direct beam of light, nothing happened and even the watery beams of a new day were deadly to vampires if exposed for too long. Crystal stood and lifted Rayven up in her arms before taking her down stairs to the basement. Thais was already tucking a thick blanket into the narrow window, he knew his sister had included this window in her mind so it was safe, but Rayven's eyes were not used to natural sun light. Crystal held Rayven up as Serenity removed her trench coat then carefully removed the pair of Kukris on her back. Once those were off Crystal laid Rayven down on the sofa and started to remove Rayven's weapons laying them neatly on the coffee table. Serenity took care of Rayven's boots and found two hidden daggers in each boot. Crystal also found a dozen throwing daggers hidden all over. After removing the last weapon Crystal finally loosened the belt and a few moments later Rayven was completely still but comfortable under the blanket Thais had tucked around her. He put a pair of sunglasses down for when she woke up. "The sun's up I'm going to bed." Serenity said and raced up stairs, she knew what Crystal was feeling and knew that at the moment nothing anyone said would calm her down. You got this? She asked Thais silently. Yeah, I'll look after her, can't keep you from your beauty sleep can we kitty... Thais teased and got a growl in reaction, he knew he was going to pay for that. "Crystal... you aren't responsible for Rayven; you don't have to kick yourself." "She could have died!" Thais wrapped an arm around Crystal and walked her up stairs. "But she didn't, she knew here was safe for her, knew we would be able to protect her while she was at her most vulnerable." He told her as he walked them into the kitchen. "She met us yesterday evening, was only in our company for an hour, but she had learnt enough to know that we were good people, people to trust." Crystal smiled, "I like her." "I know." Thais offered her a cup of coffee. "But you aren't her Maker, you aren't bound to her, you do not need to worry about her." "I'm a Beta... it's my job to worry about those in my group." Thais grinned, Crystal had nearly freaked out, when Amy told her she would be a Beta in their pack, she had not been responsible for anyone except herself for a very long time. She told the pair she would fail, she wasn't the Beta type, hell she had still been trying to wrap her mind around Amy and Wolfgang accepting her as pack, they didn't know her, let alone giving her a high position within the pack. However, Crystal had flourished in the pack, first as an Enforcer as she learnt pack life and how to be a Beta in this large odd pack and now as a Beta in the central pack. "And you consider Rayven a part of your group." Thais surmised easily. "Is that a bad thing?" she asked before she sipped the coffee in her mug. He shook his head as he perched on a bench, "no, you've always been a good judge of character, you like Rayven because she reminds you of yourself, she has a true core and a strong ethical code which you admire because as old as she is she hasn't been corrupted by time, by what she has been forced to do and the other master's influence." Crystal paced a little, "when I first met her... for a few moments I thought Judas had lied, that there was another." "We know he didn't, Arianna and four other Masters have spent the last fourteen years combing through his records. He didn't continue his experiments after Destiny and his hand in Vlha's imprisonment, he was too afraid to." He stated firmly. "What will she do when all is done, if she doesn't have something to do... she could turn feral, I don't want to kill her." Crystal said the last bit to herself. He grinned, "that won't happen, she won't let it." "What is in store for her?" Crystal asked hoping that Thais would open up and let slip that Rayven would be fine. He chuckled and shook his head, "you know better than to ask, it's Rayven's future not yours." "That's not fair, I just want to keep her safe." She complained. "Don't ask questions you know you won't get an answer for." He told her firmly. "Wanna wrestle?" He added playfully. Thinking about it for a moment she nodded, wrestling would help work off some of her anxious energy. She nodded as he hopped off the bench already knowing she would say yes, "just a hint?" She asked as she followed Thais outside. "Nope." "I'll beat it out of you." She promised. "You can try." He answered with a cocky edge to his voice. **** Rayven woke slowly several hours later; her mind woke before her body did which gave her a good few minutes to mentally kick herself. How on earth had a two and a half thousand year old vampire nearly get herself killed by such a simple thing as forgetting the time. It was stupid mistake, a mistake a Junior would make, in fact a good percentage of Juniors were killed by simply losing track of the time and getting caught out. "So what happened?" Serenity asked startling Rayven, who thought she was alone. "Oh I could hear you upstairs so I popped down." Rayven opened her eyes and squinted at Serenity who was still dressed in her pyjamas. "Let me guess, perky morning person?" "Not really," Serenity said and made a mug appear in her hand which she offered to Rayven. "But I've had coffee." Rayven sat up and took the cup, she sniffed at the brew before taking a sip, frowning at the flavour. "Go on guess," Serenity prompted. "I don't know, I've smelt it before, I just..." "French Vanilla." Serenity slipped in knowing they would be here a while if she didn't give Rayven the answer, besides breakfast was ready and she was hungry. "Come on up." She said in a prompting manner, she handed Rayven the sun glasses as Rayven got up. Rayven didn't bother to get her weapons or shoes she just followed Serenity up out of the basement. She paused at the top of the stairs as beams of light cut through the shadows. Fear shot through her as she viewed the light. Serenity paused, "it's quite safe, I willed the house, no UV can get in but light can. You were pretty out of it when I tested it, place your hand in the light." Rayven hesitated but she knew these people were good and to trust them, she lifted her right hand and placed it in the light and waited. After a long minute of nothing happening she stepped into the light and squinted, before remembering the sunglasses and putting them on. She walked into the dining room just as Bastion put down a glass of blood before a chair. Rayven sat and studied a world she had long been denied. "Seeing it on TV just isn't the same as seeing it with my own two eyes." "The curse of the Vampire is to want the feel of the sun on their skin but knowing they can't because it will kill them." Crystal explained to the humans in the room. Sky frowned, "is there a guide to vampire culture?" she asked. Rayven chuckled, "no, the masters would never allow one to be written." "Actually," Crystal slid in, "Destiny has written one at Amy's request." Rayven shook her head, "the Masters would never allow it, humans knowing all their secrets... they prefer the mystery." "Destiny would never put something on paper that the Masters wouldn't mind humans knowing, just enough for humans to understand the inner workings of the Vampire race. Nothing more." Serenity said firmly. "Besides, she will be giving it Arianna and she will decide whether or not to push it in the conclave." Crystal added, "it won't get published without conclave approval, Amy and Destiny would never do that." "We are confusing the humans," Rayven said as her eyes took in Sky's perplexed look. "Of course we are and personally I think they, more than anyone else, need to know and understand just what has happened to them. We all get it and speak in terms we understand but they do not." Crystal said firmly, "We need to explain a little more than we normally would and if you don't like it, too bad." "I agree with you, the more they know the more they will understand just how safe they are here." Rayven said agreeing with Crystal. Crystal turned and took a deep breath, "firstly you need to know that Vampires are ranked by how old they are, the older the vampire the higher the rank. There are three ranks, Junior, Senior and Master." "There are two levels to the Junior rank, the first is Junior Bound, which is anyone still bound to obey their Maker, generally the Elder who turned them." Rayven began. "So a Junior can't turn someone?" Jasmine asked, fascinated despite her fear. Rayven pulled a face, "yes they can turn someone, however most Juniors are watched strictly by older vampires when they feed off a living host, if someone is accidently turned by a Junior the bond which is forged between Maker and Junior will go to the Junior's Maker." Crystal nodded, "such turnings were rare to begin with and now they are non-existent since vampires no longer feed off living sources." "Human living sources," Rayven corrected, "some still prefer their blood fresh so they breed animals." "Don't they consider humans mere animals?" Sky asked. "Some," Rayven agreed, "but the conclave has defined that any humanoid and or non-humanoid race able to be turned into a Vampire and or has higher reasoning is to be left alone. There was some contention with this rule as Arianna and several other Masters wanted this ruling to be without any loop holes in the future, hence the whole humanoid and Non-humanoid as well as the higher reasoning wording." "Effectively," Crystal continued, "cutting the legs out from under that a view. The conclave has also put in guidelines for suitable duties of a Familiar." Rayven gave Crystal a shrewd look, "that was only done a few years ago." Crystal nodded, "benefit of knowing Arianna, she keeps Amy abreast with what's going on inside the conclave and Amy and Wolfgang keep the packs Betas informed, since our territory has six tribes calling it home and about a hundred nomads." "That many?" Rayven asked surprised, six tribes, even in an area as large as Wolf Haven Pack, was a large number, each tribe had at least twenty five members and up to fifty, any more than that and most groups became unstable. Add the hundred nomads and that meant there were close to four hundred vampires living in close proximity, which was almost unheard of. Crystal nodded, "Yep, you have to admit it, Wolf Haven Pack needs to be renamed as Everyone Welcome Pack. The leader of each tribe has to consider the requests of the Alphas and not interfere with the pack or its enforcers. If they are found operating outside of the conclaves rules they are gone." "Off track people." Han said. "Right," Rayven agreed. "Ranks and Ages," she reminded herself. "So Juniors are the weakest of all vampires, oh they have speed and strength and all the things that make vampires so deadly, but they don't know how to truly use it, they act purely on instinct, a good Maker will develop those instincts until those instincts become conscious actions." "Some makers are better at training a vampire than others." Crystal added. "After about a hundred years the Maker generally releases their charge if they feel their charge is... trained and controlled." Rayven continued. "They can stay with their maker or go off on their own. These vampires are still Juniors, only they are Free Juniors and no longer bound to obey their maker." "A little over half of Free Juniors don't make it to Elder status." Crystal added. Rayven nodded, "mind you only ten per cent make it to Free Junior status." "Why?" Jasmine asked. "Not everyone is cut out to be a Vampire, some can't learn to control their thirst, others their emotions, some just go insane and others refuse to feed. They are weeded out during the bound part of their Junior status." Crystal answered. "See Vampires have always lived in secrecy." "But there have always been stories, myths and legends about Vampires," Rachel contradicted. Rayven nodded, "Yes, the dreaded stories, all of those legends and myths can be traced back to out of control Juniors." "Was there really a Van Helsing and Dracula?" Jasmine asked with excitement clearly on her face, she remembered reading Dracula years ago. "That's pure fiction," Rachel said before she turned to Rayven, "right?" Rayven sighed when; would they ever get out from under that shadow. "Thankfully all of it is fiction, Vlad the Impaler, who is the inspiration for Dracula, was in fact just a very cruel sadistic human." "So what is truth and what is myth?" Sky asked. "Vampires predate Christianity so, holy water, crosses, churches, consecrated ground... all false, Garlic... false, no reflection... false. However, stake through the heart, beheading and sunlight are all true, fire is kind of true but you would have to weaken and chain a vampire to kill by fire and even then it is a long shot." "Now..." Serenity said to cut off any more questions, "how about we get back to explaining Vampire hierarchy." Rayven nodded, "okay so after Free Junior there is Elder." "How old does a Vampire have to be to become an Elder?" Sky asked. "Five hundred years," Rayven answered. "Which explains why only half of Free Juniors make Elder status, they die in fights over territory, feeding rights, simple arguments and politics. Only the strong and smart survive to get to Elder status." "What happens when they reach Elder status?" Sky asked as she sipped her coffee. "Nothing much," Crystal stated, "they have gained their strength and their ability to survive, it makes them perfect leaders and most will start forming tribes and carving out their own territories." "So let's say a hundred people were turned," Rayven continued as she nodded. "Of those hundred only ten will survive until they get freed, another five will die before getting to elder status and of those five only one might... and I do mean might make it to Master status." Rayven said stressing the word as it was hard to get to Master status. "You have to be two thousand years old to become a Master." Crystal explained. "There are... fourteen?" She turned to Rayven who nodded. "Yes, if you don't include, you, Destiny or Vlha, there were fifteen but... Judas was killed for his crimes against Vampires and the conclave." Rayven said agreeing. "I thought Vlha wasn't included because he is the Source." Serenity said as she waved her hand making the empty dishes vanish and more pots of coffee appear. Rayven nodded, "true, besides you three aren't Vampires." "You're doing it again talking in terms we can't understand. Conclave? Source?" Jasmine said a little annoyed. "The conclave is the ruling group over all Vampires, eleven vampires sit on the conclave, all of them Masters." Thais explained. "Of the eleven one has all the power, or the deciding vote. Arianna holds that spot and she holds it uncontested." "Why?" Jasmine asked. Rayven grinned, "over two thousand years ago a very strange, controlled new born..." "New born?" Sky interrupted. "A Vampire less than a year old, the most dangerous time for a new Vampire is in that first year." Rayven explained. "So this new born Vampire came to the conclave, and was involved, it was the first time the conclave ever managed to work together. The model Destiny created has worked ever since so when she stood down from the conclave there was a power shift. Five wanted her place but the conclave couldn't unanimously agree to anyone. So Destiny stepped in and made her own ruling, Arianna, who hadn't even nominated herself." "They accepted Arianna because she wasn't political and was the most even headed person in the conclave." Crystal continued, "See, all those Masters are high strung, impressed with their own power and generally concerned with how much power they could get. But when it comes to the Conclave, Arianna holds all the power, nothing can be decided without her affirmative vote, nothing made into law, no disputes settled or rulings made." "And a good leader never wants power." Rayven added, "It was why Destiny was so good at it." "Okay that explains Conclave, Source?" Sky asked. "Okay, so Vlha... he is the Source, the... father of all Vampires but he isn't a vampire." Rayven said finding it a little hard to explain. Serenity chuckled, "Okay so there are a lot of similarities between Were and Vampires, bite to turn and so on. What most don't know is that Vlha the Source of all Vampires is actually Were. He has a twin brother who is Were but two opposing genes makes him... the Source. See some Were are born without the ability to shift, they have what we call the dormant Were gene. Vlha was born with a dormant Were gene but he was also born with the active Immortality gene." "Wait so immortality is genetic," Rachel stated, "if that is so, why aren't there more Immortals and why hasn't some pharmaceutical come up with a pill." Temperance chuckled, "That's because they don't know which gene it is and it is elusive. Besides, immortality isn't an easy life and the big pharmaceuticals don't want everyone to be immortal because then they would lose a lot of money. We don't get sick and we don't age, in the long run they will lose a lot of money if they have a lot of immortals running around." "But why aren't there many Immortals?" Rachel asked. "We don't know, Were believe that an immortal needs to be spiritually mature to cope with immortality and that is why there aren't many of us." Thais answered with a shrug. "Although some believe it is the will of the gods." He added. "All we know is that female Immortals don't come into their season very often and the older they get the wider the season cycle becomes." "Back to Vlha," Sky prompted knowing they would go off on a tangent, and she wanted to properly understand this before they moved onto other topics or more interesting conversations. Serenity nodded with a grin, "yeah well the active immortality gene combined with the dormant Were gene conflicted and woke the dormant Were gene slightly, enough to create a beast and some physical changes but not enough to be considered a true Were. It is that 'defective' Were gene which makes someone a vampire." "I don't get it." Jasmine said. "Okay, the reason Vlha isn't a true Vampire is because, one he isn't allergic to sunlight, two he isn't allergic to silver..." Thais said starting to tick off the differences. Coming of Age Ch. 05 "Wait so the silver thing is real, I thought that was a myth." Rachel said. "It is real and I totally forgot to mention it earlier," Rayven said, "if you want to restrain a vampire silver is the only thing that will do it." "Why?" Sky asked. "Long story short, a Junior fed from an Angel..." "S'ephalim," Serenity corrected. "They probably understand the term Angel better than S'ephalim." Rayven explained. "So these Angels have silver laced blood, to keep their people safe the gods made Vampires allergic to silver." "We don't know why vampires are allergic to sunlight though." Serenity slid in. "Now back to vampires, there are very few Masters, in fact of the fourteen, ten were turned by Vlha himself and so long ago that it was easier to get to Master status because there weren't so many vampires. The other four Masters were turned by the one of the other ten and survived to make it to Master status and only one is a Death Walker. Masters are... never to be messed with, they are faster, stronger and more deadly than any other vampire, they aren't so easily controlled by rage, they have learnt to take the long road, to plan and how to surround themselves with Juniors and Elders." "My Maker is a prime example, Tamor, he was a Master before I became a Vampire, as a Human he had been a king, a bad one, his family was constantly plotting to over throw him, and it made him very paranoid. In a last ditch effort to retain his thrown he made a deal with Vlha not knowing it was futile, that it is written in the book of glass, no Vampire may rule over man." Rayven explained. "Book of glass?" Sky asked. "The divine rules of the cosmos as ordained by the gods, supposedly etched in a book made of glass," Serenity explained. "The actual rule is the dead my not rule over the living and since Vampires are living dead the rule applies to them and them alone." "And you know this how?" Jasmine asked and the room went silent. "Hard to explain," Crystal said after several long moments. "See, non-humans see the world very differently to the world humans see. Some believe that when Atlantis was lost humans lost the ability to see the world around them, denied the knowledge that accompanies that ability to see." The three humans blinked in silence, unable to do anything else. "Atlantis was lost because of humans, they did something to piss the gods off so the gods tried to wipe them out, however one god made the first Ancient and he was entrusted to save the world but to save the world he had let his home be lost. He is the only living Atlantian, a relic of an era that has been wiped from traceable history." Temperance explained. "The gods decided once Noah did what he had to do to let humans live but without the knowledge they once had and without the ability to see. The Non-human races retained it and the knowledge, it has been passed down, generation to generation, first verbally then in written format." "For now the gods have forbidden this knowledge to humans." Crystal added. "So we can know of it just not what it is." Sky asked, "that is stupid." Rayven shrugged, "be that as it may. So back to Tamor, he was turned and only then did he learn that the dead cannot rule over the living. But his paranoia ran deep, to this day he surrounds himself with warriors." "That's right the FBI said that you were the best," Rachel said. "Second best," Rayven corrected. "Okay then who is the first." Sky asked. Rayven glanced to Crystal, "although she has never worked for the conclave or is even a Vampire, Crystal is considered the best Death Walker ever." Crystal grunted, unimpressed with the title. "Why is she the best?" Myth asked curious "Because she has taken out at least a thousand rogues and six feral vampires in the last three millennia," Rayven answered. "Alone she has the highest kill record." "What is your record?" Thais asked knowing the others would want to know. "After I was freed and went to work for Destiny, five hundred and forty two rogue vampires and none were feral." Rayven answered. "What's the difference?" Han asked. "Rogue is the process of devolving into the beast, you can still reason with a Rogue. A Feral is when no one has stopped the devolving at the Rogue stage, no humanity, no reasoning, just a killing machine. There have only been seven Feral vampires, the last one was about a hundred years ago. Twenty Four of the best Death Walkers against one Feral, I wasn't included I was busy taking out a rogue pair who were getting close to Feral stage. Of the twenty four who went to take out the Feral, only two survived, barely, they reported the death of the Feral then together they turned and walked outside to witness the rising of the sun." "Is it hard to take out a Feral?" Serenity asked Crystal. "It isn't easy to take out a Feral, I am not surprised they chose to end their lives. If I had the luxury I would have killed myself after I took out that first Feral. They got a chance to look at the beast that lived within them, see it in all its gory glory, they probably felt a shift in what remained of their humanity and knew that they were destined to go that way. Better to end their life their way then to subject the curse of that knowledge on some other death walker." "You didn't lose yourself," Sky stated. "I am not a true Vampire and at the time, I hated what I thought I was, I took out my rage on those who couldn't live by the rules. Then I met Ghan and it became about keeping the world safe, because keeping the world safe meant keeping him safe." Crystal stood and left. Rayven watched her go then turned to the others, "I like her." "So... you're moving in." Thais said as he stood. "Am I?" Rayven asked a little surprised as Serenity stood and went to follow Crystal. Thais smiled and walked off. Bastion chuckled, "let me show you a room, it is the spare room in the basement, I think you'll like it." * Serenity walked into Crystal's room and up to the woman who was staring absently out the window, she rested her head on Crystal's shoulder and hugged her from behind. "How long have you known?" Crystal asked only just realising how Serenity's seemingly innocent question had opened up all the pain and hate. "Since I met you, some emotions leave wounds when they are as strong as the ones you had. Some of your wounds have been slowly healing." Serenity explained. "The first Feral I took out... we trained together..." "You loved her," Serenity surmised as she could feel Crystal's pain, had felt it when Crystal had answered her question. "Yes." Crystal said after several long minutes of silence. "I loved her and I killed her." "What happened?" Crystal looked up trying to keep her tears at bay. "Before my mother died I met her, her name was Jewel and she was turned just as I started my training." Crystal paused. "We learnt together, we laughed and played. Judas suspected that there was more going on than just friendship. He ordered her away before he released her, he didn't want me to find love, he wanted a weapon." She took a deep breath, "a week later he killed my mother." "I tried to find her sooner, but she was young when Judas released her, the beast within her took over. I started hearing about a Feral a Vampire consumed with blood lust, I went to investigate. At first I couldn't believe it I had found her, but that joy turned to dread, she was the feral, she was the blood crazed vampire." Crystal took a deep breath as her eyes closed. "I tried to... reason with her," she continued quietly. "Tried to bring back her humanity... it didn't work. But I couldn't... I loved her." "What changed?" Serenity prompted her arms tightening around Crystal. It took several minutes before Crystal answered, Serenity didn't rush her, letting her talk when she was ready for which Crystal was grateful. "I tried to contain her, to control her, I thought I was finally getting through to her, but one night she broke free, I got to her just as she started to slaughter a family." Crystal swallowed and took several deep breaths. "The father and older son tried to fight her off while the mother and the little girl tried to flee. Jewel took out the father and son quickly and started after the mother and daughter. Something snapped inside of me, as much as I loved her, I couldn't let her kill the mother and child." She panted as her emotions came further forward, tears welled in her eyes and started to run down her face. "I hope... I hope that you never... have to kill someone you love." She said as more tears rolled down her face, the events of that night ran through her mind. Serenity gently probed Crystal's mind and was surprised that Crystal let her in. As the memories played through Crystal's mind Serenity saw them and felt them, she felt Crystal's pain as she ended the life of the woman she loved, having no other choice and conceding that the woman she had fallen in love with was gone. A daemon resided within her body, she may have looked like the woman she loved but this wasn't Jewel. "She... as she died... she thanked me, the beast was gone and she was dead." Serenity placed the side of her face against Crystal's and tightened her arms further, almost to the point of being painful, but to Crystal it felt as if Serenity were literally holding her together as the grief she had long suppressed came forward with a vengeance. Slowly Serenity felt another of the deep wounds on Crystal's soul began to heal. "You did what you had to, and in a way you didn't kill the woman you love, you saved her, freed her to be reborn, to find you again or her true soul mate if you aren't that person. But you have to forgive yourself for that, and everything else you have been kicking yourself for. You are immortal, you need to let it go, accept what happen, it is done, the past, you can only live in the now." Serenity said, the last bit were the same words Ghost said to Cass when he was trying to draw her out of her grief. Crystal closed her eyes and silently said goodbye to Jewel. Serenity smiled a small smile as the wound healed over completely, the two deepest wounds were healed, her mother's death and Jewel's, now all that was left was the multitude of small scratches on her soul. Serenity slid out of Crystal's mind and rubbed her cheek against Crystal's. "For a long time I've wondered what had left such deep wounds on your soul and how to help you heal them. To help you like I knew you needed." She carefully released Crystal, "It wasn't until I was older and I listened to Nathanael tell Eric that his bite wounds needed to be aired so that they would heal better. That I thought the best way to help you heal is to air what had caused the wounds to begin with and that would mean getting you to talk about it." Crystal chuckled a little, "let me guess, you've been looking for the right opening for years." Serenity nodded. "But unlike my sister I have patience, eventually everyone tells me what troubles them, I don't know why, even as a child people would tell me things." "Because you know when to just listen, you don't judge, you never judge anyone for what they tell you, you accept it and by accepting it you help them accept it." Crystal said. Serenity turned and walked to the door, "I still think shooting lasers from my eyes would be a much more wicked ability than reading and controlling emotions." Crystal snorted as Serenity quit the room, leaving Crystal to her thoughts. Coming of Age Ch. 06 Author's note: All characters and companies mentioned in this story have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone or anything bearing the same name or names. Events portrayed in this story are pure invention and have not been based on any events that have happen in real life. All the characters involved in any sexual acts if their ages are not mentioned beforehand; are over 18 years of age. Enjoy. Hi everyone, I hope you all had a happy holiday season. I hope you enjoy the latest chapter and I will warn you now... there is one of my signature cliff hangers... sorry... too good a place to let go. Thanks as normal goes to my editor and to you the reader. Have fun Coming of Age Ch. 06 "But as this group doesn't conform to the conclave these Familiars are probably being exploited." Crystal added. Rayven stood and started to pace, "damn it!" she cursed. "I saw a group the night my watch broke." "The night you were almost caught out by the rising sun?" Serenity asked as she willed the desert, a bread and butter pudding and cream, onto the table. Rayven nodded, "I had simply thought they were wannabes, it was how they acted when I questioned them. So I just overlooked them." "So... should we be worried?" Myth asked. Rayven thought for a minute then shook her head, "No... in fact unless they do something really drastic we should hope the tribe send their Familiars, they are easier to deal with." "Oh... by the by... who has plans for thanksgiving?" Thais asked. "You already know the answer," Jay complained. Thais grinned, "Yep... Sky, Jasmine, Rachel, Rayven and Nhor you're all invited to Thanksgiving and Ma won't take no for an answer." "Hey just curious..." Rachael suddenly asked because she was genuinely curious. "Why doesn't your mother do the sparing of the turkey, why is it always the vice-president who does it?" Everyone who knew exactly why blushed and ducked their heads. Serenity however was the one who met Rachael's eyes. "Ma... let's just say she sucked at delegating, more so when she was in her first year as president. See she still had her Alpha Female duties and Gwynt's powers were acting up so she was helping him with that and on top of that she was working on the standardised laws of each race and the new law which would, if the crime wasn't one punishable by general law, link in the standardised laws." She explained. Rachael nodded, she was following. "Yeah so ma was stressed out, not getting a lot of sleep and doing just far too much for one person. All that extra stuff meant that she hadn't let her beast out very often and if she did it wasn't for very long. To put it mildly her beast was pissed. So anyhoo, ma was doing her duty sparing the turkey but the moment she saw it her beast went yum and... yeah." Serenity rubbed the back of her neck, she didn't really need to tell them that the beast took control, shifted and gobbled that turkey up. "Only good thing out of that was that it never went to air, the two camera men filming were Were and they noticed the flash and just... stopped filming. Ma hasn't done it since because her beast really enjoyed that turkey." Serenity finished and the room went silent. "Hey Temp," Gemma said to break the silence. "Have you come up with your idea for your oral report yet?" "Why, need an idea?" Temperance asked as she served herself a big helping of bread and butter pudding. "Yeah, since our Professor said we weren't allowed to use your mother as an example of the effect of one person on history it's narrowed what we can do." Gemma answered choosing to avoid the pudding. "No it doesn't." Temperance answered. "Here's an obscure one, I doubt anyone else will do it because again it is very obscure the only reason we know about it is because we know the two men involved. Lupa," She leant over and offered Gemma a little blue book which had appeared in her hand, "son of Luna, befriended Ghan and suggested that he ally himself with the packs that surrounded him to defend against a group of strays. Lupa was the seed of an idea which began the Alpha gatherings." "Yeah but I have to be able to reference it," Gemma added. "And you can, although it is in Were and Other History 1, it is also in the private records of the five packs involved, you can verify what is in Were and Other History 1 by cross referencing it with the early pack records of the Moon Bane, Falling Stone, Dragon Nest, Fire Strike and Painted Cave packs." Temperance said as she willed the books first into her arms before offering them to Gemma. "Those are mine I want them back." She added. Gemma nodded, "So what are you doing your assignment on?" "The destruction of the Dephalim, which was caused by the actions of one person," Temperance answered with a grin. "What's a Dephalim?" Gemma asked. "A sub race of the Da'Vaila," Thais answered. "What's a Da'Vaila?" Jasmine asked. "Ah fuck... I guess I have to explain that... look instead of explaining it now how about I organise my assignment and I test it on you guys?" Temperance asked and got nods in agreement. Coming of Age Ch. 06 "Not the point..." Crystal said feeling her anger rise. "Actually it is..." Thais said firmly, "Everything happens for a reason Crystal, this had to play out this way, any other way would have ended in death. Seeing the future isn't easy, I see things and have to let them happen, to not let them happen might change the future too drastically, might cause more damage than good. When I am given the option to change something I do but if I don't have the option I let it go, in time you will understand why this had to happen this way." Jasmine nudged Crystal, "Come on, we survived with little to no permanent damage and in the process a dangerous rogue tribe was caught. That's a good thing." Crystal frowned but silently conceded that things had turned out well. "Who were you on the phone with?" "The FBI, they will be here in a few moments... in fact..." Thais tilted his head, already he could hear the sirens. "That is them." Coming of Age Ch. 06 Gently she lowered her mate to the bed and let her recover, Crystal held her tightly and waited, while she waited she cleaned her fingers and tried to decided what tasted better, blood or juice and couldn't make a decision. Serenity pulled Crystal close and kissed her the moment she had recovered. That was... Crystal grinned, and we have all night. Coming of Age Ch. 07 Author's note: All characters and companies mentioned in this story have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone or anything bearing the same name or names. Events portrayed in this story are pure invention and have not been based on any events that have happen in real life. All the characters involved in any sexual acts if their ages are not mentioned beforehand; are over 18 years of age. Enjoy. Hi guys Here is chapter 7, I hope you enjoy it. As normal thanks goes to my editor Kittyhawk and to you the reader. All feedback is welcome. Have fun Coming of Age Ch. 07 Rayven paused as she remembered that first week, "the first week was brutal, three killed themselves, another two were put down, we were put through hell, physically and mentally broken. Then his generals rebuilt us, starting from scratch. I was taught how to use every aspect of my Vampire abilities. Out of the group I was the only one without dark skin, and with pale skin and black hair it singled me out." "I don't understand," Jasmine said. "Getting there," Rayven said, "part of the training involved... I guess the easiest way to explain it would be to call what we did Parkour, free running, learning to move through every landscape with ease and more importantly without making a sound or leaving a trace. One of the Elders watched as I seemed to glide from roof top to roof top, when he caught up he said, You're a Raven, or at least you glide like one. He told me. It became the nickname the others called me. As I was coming out of my first century there were nine of us left and by then we all had nicknames. At our hundred year mark we were lined up in front Tamor and one by one we were told to step forward and introduce ourselves, a first and last name. I was the last called forward and the only woman in my group. I had thought about it long and hard, I liked Rayven but what would be my last name. I chose Swift Strike because that was what I was, I was fast and always won my battles." "But you spell your name funny," Sky replied. Rayven nodded with a slight blush, "yeah... I didn't learn to read or write until six hundred years later when writing became an essential skill required to be a Death Walker and the first time I wrote down my first name I sounded it out and came up with Ray-ven. I was told it was incorrect, I replied it was my name I would spell it however I wanted and my name has been spelt that way ever since." Crystal chuckled, "let me guess, the one who told you that was younger than you?" Rayven nodded, "by almost four hundred years. It was about a year later that I started to work for Destiny." "What did you do for her?" Nhor asked before he started to munch through a large bowl of rolled oats. He was surprised at the very candid way Rayven explained her life to her friends, showing them and him a very different world to the one he knew. "I was her... agent... I did whatever she needed of me, most of the time I just acted as a body guard. She sent me out a couple of times to look for Vlha, and sometimes to take care of Rogues." Rayven explained but paused as Bastion took her plate and started to put a little bit of everything on it. "You may be able to survive on blood but your body will crave food." He told her as he put the plate back down before her. "Eat." "You didn't answer my question," Crystal said firmly as she watched Thais. "Why St Claire, come on... it's because you are the source of whatever you are." Thais answered. "That's stupid, I only took the St Claire name to keep reminding Judas of what he did because that was the name he chose to be known as." Crystal explained. "I mean for fucks sake after everything he did, after he murdered my mother in a fit of rage he had the balls to call himself a saint... what a load of crock." Thais shrugged. "Be that as it may that is what you will be unofficially known as." Crystal rolled her eyes and focused on the food before her, there simply wasn't any reason to argue unless she chose to change her last name. However she liked her full name even if shared a common part with Judas, she was however pissed that Judas would, indirectly, still get credit for her and her sisters. Amy had suggested Daughter back when Destiny and her relationship was still in its early stages, but she hadn't like it, Serenity had suggested sister and she had liked it more than daughter. Everyone finally settled down to eat the feast Bastion and Temperance had prepared. Rayven played with her food for several moments, unsure if she was ready to take the step back into a more normal life. "It's not going to attack you," Sky teased. "I haven't eaten in over two thousand years, I have to wrap my mind around this." Rayven argued. "No you are meant to wrap your teeth around it... that is the purpose of eating." Jasmine added with a teasing grin. "I know what the purpose of eating is," Rayven snapped which caused others to chuckle. "Then eat." Everyone chorused back at her. "Fine," Rayven said as she took a slice of steak, popped it into her mouth and chewed. She closed her eyes and groaned as the flavours exploded on her tongue, it was almost better than blood. Crystal grinned, "good isn't it?" Rayven nodded as she tried something different on her plate. Every bite was a revelation, she reached for her coffee and took a mouthful, by the gods she thought coffee was good before, she was wrong, it was more than good it was great! Rayven swallowed the food she had in her mouth and pointed her knife at Thais, "I am still not changing my name." She told him before digging into something new. Thais chuckled, "you don't have to. You'll still be known as a St Claire..." "Again I think that is stupid..." Crystal said firmly. "Well that will teach you for asking a question about the future." Thais replied, the room lapsed back into silence as everyone ate. "Sky, today I would like to touch up your tattoo." Nhor suddenly said as he realised that her body had healed enough for him to go over the lighter places. "Okay." Sky answered before she bit into a bit of crispy bacon. Rachel frowned a little as a new very random thought occurred to her, over the last few weeks she had seen almost everyone in the house fight or wrestle, the exceptions being Nhor who obviously couldn't fight the way the others did and Bastion, who had always been busy doing something else when the others trained. She turned to Bastion, "why haven't we seen you fight, we've seen everyone else?" "I have thousands of years of practice; it isn't something you are likely to forget." Bastion replied. Rachel's frown deepened, that made no sense to her, Crystal was older than Bastion but she still practised religiously. Myth was old, she didn't know how old though, and she was just as dedicated to her craft. "That doesn't make sense, Crystal practises daily as does Myth and Rayven." Bastion watched her for a moment before he grinned, "ah... I get it now... you want to see me without my shirt on... why didn't you just ask?" he asked playfully but it caused his mate to growl in a threatening tone. Rachel's eyes went wide as the others chuckled, "that's not... I didn't say that... Temp I don't have eyes for your man." "Bad move," Thais said gently. "Why... he is handsome isn't he?" Temperance snapped. Rachel's eyes went wide and she suddenly didn't know what to do or say to not make this worse. Suddenly however the room was full of laughter as Serenity and Temperance cracked up laughing. Thais soon joined them as did Han and Crystal who were used to the way Temperance sometimes teased people. It took Rachel a moment before she realised Temperance was pulling her leg. "You're a bitch Temperance." She stated as she relaxed. "Come on I thought that was funny," Temperance replied when she finally stopped laughing. She turned to her mate, "Wanna go beat each other up?" She asked in both a playful yet completely serious way which she had somehow mastered before she reached her teen years. "NO!" Thais said loudly, his eyes wide with horror, "no hanky-panky in the gym, or kitchen, or dining room, or any other communal area of the house." He said firmly and quickly shook his head to get rid of that image. Crystal chuckled before she went serious; now that Rachel had mentioned it, in all her years at the manor and being a member of the central pack she had never seen Bastion in a battle ring, not even on fight day after thanksgiving. "She's right, I've never seen you fight." Bastion sighed as he rolled his eyes, "I long ago got over the need to show my battle skills, but if you must test me... let's go." He said seriously as he stood. Crystal tilted her head to the side, "You versus me?" Bastion arched an eyebrow up, "here I thought college students were meant to be smart." Crystal stood, "I was only questioning it because you've seen me fight and those who challenge me." "You don't think I know, I've been studying you, I know what is in store. But you need to realise that I have lived in the central pack for over a thousand years, I've had a chance to learn from the very best our pack has to offer." Bastion explained. "Now... let's fight." Thais picked up his plate and almost ran to the gym, he wasn't the only one. Rayven hesitated at the door frame, she glanced at some of the others as they ran into the gym to get out of the cold. She sensed someone behind her the moment before Serenity shoved her out the door. Stumbling a little it took her a moment to right herself and several more before she realised that her skin wasn't blistering, that it was still as perfect as ever. "See, now come on." Serenity prompted and together they went to the gym. Nhor was the last into the gym and like the others stood around the wrestling mats. Both combatants went to start stretching but little curtained boxes appeared around them. "You don't want to fight in your normal clothes," Thais said reasonably and waited for them to change before removing the curtains. Bastion wore only a pair of cut off sweats showing off his build. Temperance purred as her eyes roamed over his body. Like most male immortals he was all firmly packed muscles, his build wasn't as big as Wolfgang's but it was still quite impressive. Rachel had to give herself a little shake to make herself drag her eyes from Bastion's body, to keep Temperance from tearing her head off for looking at her mate that way. Crystal was also in a pair of cut off sweats and a sports bra, her mating wounds were still fresh on her skin and Bastion winced when he saw them. "You let her bite you in Sabre form?" He questioned. "No... hybrid, and... she just did it." Crystal replied as she tested her range. She was actually surprised that she had pretty much regained complete movement, mind you Serenity was in complete control when she bit her and didn't shake or move her head while her teeth were in Crystal's flesh. Bastion considered her for a moment, "will fighting aggravate it and do more harm." "The internal wounds are healed, the surface wounds haven't. I should be fine." Crystal explained. He nodded accepting that she knew what was best when it came to her body. Myth stood between the two combatants and glanced between them. "Let's not get blood all over the place, fight to yield." She said effectively listing the rules of the battle. Crystal and Bastion both nodded and started to circle slowly, Crystal was in more of a crouch while Bastion stood straight but was no less ready to attack. There was no signal but suddenly Bastion and Crystal were grappling, trying to get the other into a hold that would force a yield. Crystal kicked his legs out from under him and threw him over her body and onto the matts, as she went to follow up her advantage, Bastion shifted and his foot connected with her stomach. Serenity growled a low warning, and only just managed to control herself from going in and beating Bastion to a pulp. Crystal grunted as she corrected herself and kept her feet, grabbing his foot before he had a chance to pull it away, she slammed her elbow into his thigh. It was Temperance's turn to growl. Bastion hopped a little to get away and let his hurt thigh to heal, both fighters turned to their mate, "Stop growling we aren't going to kill each other." They said in tandem before both moved back into their fighting stances. Bastion attacked first this time with a wild left hook, as Crystal started to move to avoid it Bastion came in with a right upper cut, that she just managed to avoid both blows. "Nice," Crystal complemented. Bastion grinned, "just getting warmed up." "This should be interesting," Myth said. Crystal and Bastion started their deadly dance, each landing their fair share of blows and performing some amazing blocks and avoidance moves. Crystal had decided at the beginning not to use her preternatural speed so winning would come down to skill. After trading a dozen blows Crystal started to understand Bastion's style, he was primarily a boxer/wrestler and knew only a little of mixed martial arts. She started to use that against him, using moves that his style couldn't easily counter. Finally she got him; it was while using a leg choke hold, which had forced him to the mats and once she had him on there she held him firmly. Bastion tried to shake her off and even tried to peel her legs from his neck. Lightening quick she trapped the arm closest to her, twisted the wrist and pulled it to the point of pain. "Ah... yield!" Bastion called out and was suddenly released. Crystal got up and helped Bastion to his feet. He shook his arm once he was on his feet and grinned as Temperance raced up to him and threw Crystal a dirty look before she wrapped her arms around her mate. Crystal grinned as she watched Serenity who just made a come here gesture. Hey, shouldn't you be checking to make sure I'm not injured? Crystal complained as she walked to her mate. Serenity grinned when Crystal finally reached her. No need, I knew he wouldn't get close to hurting you. You are after all a Next Alpha female. He is just a Beta. She wrapped her arms around her mate and gently kissed her neck. Crystal groaned. "Oi! No hanky panky in the gym," Thais told both pairs firmly. Crystal turned around in Serenity's arms, "you had some good combos but you really need to update your style and learn some mixed martial arts." Bastion sighed, "I was just getting told that by my miss-know-it-all mate." "Be here tomorrow before breakfast and I'll start teaching you." Crystal said before Temperance tugged her mate out of the room. "You are going to pay for that comment," Thais called out at Bastion's back. Serenity and Crystal chuckled as did the others, quickly they all went back to the main house. Coming of Age Ch. 07 Crystal considered her outfit before she turned and started to rummage through Serenity's clothes picking out a pair of black bootleg jeans and a nice green top. "Put these on and some boots." "Okay... do I want to know why I am getting dressed up?" Serenity said as she stripped out of her clothes and changed into the outfit Crystal had chosen. "What part of surprise don't you get?" Crystal asked as she was also changing into a pair of black skinny leg jeans and halter neck top. Serenity whistled as she sat and pulled on a pair of boots, Crystal just chuckled before she walked into the bathroom to take care of her hair. Serenity just ran her fingers through her hair and styled it like she liked before she walked in to add a little make up. Crystal was brushing her hair to try to get the kink from her ponytail out. Serenity finished putting on a little eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss then went out to her bag and found her wallet, checking to make sure her ID, cards and cash were in order before she stuffed it into her back pocket. Picking her dress watch out of her side of the vanity she read the time before slipping it on, it was just before they would normally have dinner. "Are we going out for dinner?" She asked as she slid a bracelet on. "Yes," Crystal said as she walked out of the bathroom and to her side of the vanity, she quickly put on a necklace and a few bracelets and a delicate watch. Serenity went to reach for her keys, "am I driving or you?" "You are," Crystal replied as she grabbed her wallet and put it in a little handbag. "I never knew you could scrub up so well." Serenity complimented. "I want this to be special, don't expect it all the time." Crystal glanced around wondering for a moment. "Okay let's go." Together they went down stairs and pass the dining room, there whistles and playful teasing as they passed. "Have fun!" Thais called after them. "So..." Serenity said as she mounted her baby, she loved her chopper, the chrome and emerald green colours and just the roar of the Harley engine. "Where are we off to," she asked as she started her bike. Crystal mounted up behind her and wrapped her arms around Serenity for balance and purchase. "It's this nice Italian place in town, I'll direct you when we get closer, than I thought we might go bowling or watch a movie." Crystal explained, she knew it wasn't exactly the most ingenious first date but she had never actually dated before and Serenity had not been specific about how she wanted them to get to truly know each other. So yeah, they might end up doing some really lame things, going and playing mini golf, going to the carnival and more but... hey... they were trying to get to truly know each other. Temperance and Bastion were pretty content with the relationship which had just appeared but Serenity was an Alpha, she had to know her mate, they had to have a partnership that transcended the mates bond. Coming of Age Ch. 08 Author's note: All characters and companies mentioned in this story have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone or anything bearing the same name or names. Events portrayed in this story are pure invention and have not been based on any events that have happen in real life. All the characters involved in any sexual acts if their ages are not mentioned beforehand; are over 18 years of age. Enjoy Hi Everyone I hope you enjoy this chapter as it is the second last one of Coming of age. As normal thanks goes to my editor and to you the reader for following this story. I apologise to anyone who sent me an email and who I didn't get back to it hasn't been an easy month. Have fun and all feedback is welcome. Coming of Age Ch. 08 "You'll find out in thirty seconds." Thais said firmly and turned to the stairs. Amy walked down the stairs rubbing her hands on a towel; she smiled at everyone as she came to stop half a dozen steps from the bottom so that she was raised above everyone. "Ghan?" A path was made for him and he walked forward slowly wondering if he had upset the Alpha. Amy smiled at him which dispelled his fear. "Congratulations, a little girl and a little boy, both healthy and mother is fine." Shock was the emotion on his face; he was a father... finally. He didn't know what to do, his mind was blank. Amy walked down a few steps and rested a hand on his shoulder. "You can go up, she's waiting for you." Amy told him. Haley appeared with a small offering of food, it wasn't a lavish feast that would normally go up after a birth, merely a token as they knew Keira would be okay to come down for the feast in a few hours. Food and a gift was the mate's way of saying to both natures that they would care for their cubs and their mate. Wolfgang came forward with the gift Ghan had put in his care, Ghan took the tray and Wolfgang placed the gift on it. Amy stepped out of his way and gestured for him to go up. Everyone clapped, encouraging him to go, which he did. Thais turned to his friends as the group started to hug and be merry. "Cubs are always celebrated; they are new life, the future." He explained. "The non-whelping mate isn't allowed to be in the room during the whelp, even if they are also female, it's something that will never change, once the whelp is over the mate then goes up with food and a gift. The food to appease the beast's need to protect its young, by giving them food it means you are willing to protect the cubs, back when they were more animal then man the parentage of cubs wasn't always as definitive as it is now. The food meant that regardless of who actually sired the cubs the mate would take responsibility for their protection and up-bringing. The gift is for the human side, something personal and a symbol of their love." He finished knowing that this wasn't in any book that Sky had read. "What does your father give your mother?" Sky asked. "Little gold hearts," Amy said as she had walked over during Thais's explanation, "one for every child with their name and date of birth on them, they then go on my waist-let." "Hi ma, this is Sky, Rachel, Rayven, Jasmine and Jay." Thais introduced. "Mrs President," Sky said as she bowed her head. "Amy," she corrected as she held out her hand, "I don't stand on formality around friends and family, especially here, this is my home, not the white house." Sky nodded and shook her hand, the others followed but Amy had managed to save Rayven for last. Rayven quivered as her eyes locked with Amy's for a moment then jerked them away knowing that eye contact could be dangerous when dealing with an Alpha as it could mean a challenge. Amy wasn't as self-conscious; she was a powerful Alpha who no one messed with on even on a good day. Her eyes roamed over the woman Crystal had given her gift to, Destiny had already vouched for her but Amy wasn't as trusting, her concern was for her family and her members. "Ma..." Thais said, "You'll like Rayven. Crystal would never tie herself to someone she didn't like and didn't share her ideals." "I know that," Amy told her son, "I just wish you hadn't told Crystal to turn Rayven until after we had met her. Do you know how dangerous this situation will become if it becomes common knowledge that Crystal has perfected the process of creating her own kind of juniors?" "She has a point," Wolfgang told his son, "it means Crystal can re-turn Vampires, Were even, as long as they don't carry the mystery gene. Like you she can create true immortals, do you know what would happen if that were to fall into the wrong hands?" Rayven turned to Thais, "your parents have a point, I could have been a psychopath." "You all forget I see the future, I would not have asked Crystal to turn Rayven if Rayven had a single bad bone in her body, as long as we tell Arianna the truth she will help us keep it from the other Vampires and once..." he paused. "And once?" Amy prompted. "Never mind that... but eventually Arianna will join the St Claire's and by then it won't matter." Thais said editing what he was going to say. He would not give that part of the future away until the right moment. Amy took a deep breath, "regardless, it is too late now." "How will Arianna help cover it up?" Rayven asked curious. "She will inform the other Masters that you have changed a change that effectively changed you in to a being like Crystal and Destiny. She will go on to lie and say it took a combination of blood from both women, that you had been hurt and had no other option, remember they heard Judas say biting doesn't work so they won't consider that something like that has changed. She will also inform them of our little revelation that the Maker's bond has come back into effect and that no matter how Crystal or Destiny word it you are still bound to them." Thais informed. Rayven snorted, "I can just see those high strung masters first eager for the change then vehemently against it. They would never put themselves in a position to be controlled even if it came with true immortality." Thais nodded, "they also won't go broadcasting it either. Instead they will start putting around that you are another of Judas's experiments that they had no idea about, that you came across this revelation while hunting the rogue tribe." "But Tamor turned me," Rayven said finding a flaw in that reasoning. "A plant by Judas to be trained to the high standards of Tamor's warriors but meant to be loyal to him and turned by Destiny before he had her mind erased," Thais replied. "When he later found out that he had no control he left her alone and when he learnt that she went to work for Destiny he became the slightly paranoid man he had become in the last thousand years." "Oh fuck..." Rayven said, "you know that actually makes sense." Thais nodded, for the thousand years leading up to Judas's death he had slowly slid into paranoia and exceedingly distrustful of anything and everything that came from Destiny. "What about Tamor?" Rayven asked "Tamor will back it up if only to keep his enemies from the knowledge of gaining true immortality." He answered. Rayven nodded, she could see Tamor going along with this; he wasn't as paranoid as people made him out to be, oh he distrusted everyone and everything but he had his reasons as he had made a lot of enemies in his long life. "And you are pack now; no one will divulge the secret of your change." Amy added; she still wasn't happy with how this had played out but she trusted Thais enough to not endanger his friends. "You and I will have a chat first thing tomorrow." Wolfgang informed Rayven before he turned and wrapped his arms around Cass. She hugged him back which caused him to kiss her temple, "welcome back." "I'm sorry," Cass replied her eyes glancing down to the linked chains now tattooed around her wrists. "You had every right to act the way you acted." He told her, "You know if you need help that Amy and I will do all that we can, you just need to tell us." He took her right hand and studied the markings. Cass nodded, she knew that they will always be there to help her and she appreciated it. "I know; you sent Ghost when you knew I needed him." "Serenity succeeded then?" Amy asked and Cass nodded in reaction. "Good." She hummed as she studied the wrist that Wolfgang held. "It seems that when Serenity does what she does it leaves a physical imprint." Cass nodded as her eyes traced the pattern. Coming of Age Ch. 08 Go... Amy told her daughter. Serenity didn't need to be told twice, both minds the beast and the woman focused on their mate, on claiming her properly. She ran off into the night with good natured laughter and encouragement following her. She ran hard and fast and within fifteen minutes she was back at the manor. The house was dark but the doors had been left open just in case someone wanted to come back. Silently she padded into the house and made her way to her room where she and her mate rested. The door was before her; the beast growled at the obstacle and urged the human side, which was in control, to bash it down. No need... we will scare her. Serenity changed her shape, shifting smoothly into her hybrid form; once the shift was over she willed her body into the room. Crystal was naked on the bed; a black satin sheet had been kicked down to the bottom of the bed leaving her exposed. She appeared to be fast asleep and laying on her belly. Serenity didn't move; her great head turned from left to right until she spotted the box Mia had given her earlier. Willing her surrogate into her hands she studied it for long moments before placing it where it was meant to go. Silently she stalked to the bed, gently she leant down, placing her hands either side of Crystal's body she growled and licked her mate's back. Crystal hummed, "I've been waiting for you to get your arse in here." Huh? Serenity said even as she started to groom her mate. "I heard you shift," Crystal explained squirming a little from the rough tongue. How? "Shut the flap and lock it please." Crystal asked as well as explained how she had heard her mate. All the rooms in the house were soundproofed if the windows and doors were shut. Serenity turned her head and willed the flap shut and locked it as well as the door. I hope you've slept... because you won't get any more tonight. Serenity warned as she moved Crystal to lie across the bed. Serenity growled gently before she snaked her tongue out to lick the crease between arse and left thigh. Crystal tried to squirm away but Serenity placed a paw on Crystal's back and just held her down. Serenity growled a gentle warning, to stay still, she would have to get used to the rougher texture of her shifted tongue, because the beast would not live with tasting her just once. She moved her head and lapped gently at her mate's centre. "Fuck," Crystal said as she tried to get free, the texture of Serenity's tongue was painful against her sensitive sex. Serenity growled again but Crystal didn't stop, Serenity moved away from the delightful smell of her mate's core and carefully trapped Crystal's neck with her teeth. Crystal stilled instantly, she hadn't been aware that Serenity could use her teeth like this, it made her feel defenceless. I won't hurt you. Serenity told her firmly, you are my mate, the other part of my soul. Hurting you would be like hurting myself. But you must come to realise that both aspects of my personality want you, want to be with you, want to love you and mate you. You need to get used to this or it will place a strain on us. "This... fine no tongue." Crystal said firmly. Serenity growled and Crystal suddenly found her arms and legs restrained leaving her spread out over the bed, she tried to break the ropes but nothing happened, they remained whole. "What are you doing?" You will learn to love my tongue. The beast within Serenity told its mate its voice was a deep growling sound. I will not hurt you... trust me. "Undo these ropes and I won't stop you." Crystal said. There was a sneeze in response to that, I didn't believe that any more than you did when you said it. Serenity rubbed her face against Crystal's back. If Destiny hadn't liked Susan's beast she would have warned you. Relax... please. "Easy for you to say, you aren't tied up!" Crystal snapped. Serenity ignored her and started to groom her mate's body with slow long swipes of her rough tongue, Crystal squirmed trying to get away from Serenity's tongue but Serenity met every movement, every squirm and when she came to a particular spot which caused serious squirming she exploited it until Crystal stilled. "Please... no more," Crystal begged as Serenity licked at her left underarm. Magic words? Serenity asked. Fuck me, Crystal said starting to quiver, she was surprised, Serenity had been slowly licking her body for at least half an hour, she didn't think that she would be aroused by Serenity's tongue slowly moving over her body, she was wrong, very wrong. There had been nothing sexual about the licking, in fact Serenity hadn't gone near her sex, but her body was dripping, she knew Serenity could smell her but she hadn't taken advantage of it. Those aren't the magic words, Serenity replied even as she moved into position to join their bodies. She knew this would be a very different feeling for Crystal and hadn't wanted to rush this. "Please... I love your tongue but I need more." Crystal begged hoping that those were the magic words. The beast growled deeply as her arms hooked around Crystal's hips and lifted them to make joining their bodies easier. Crystal tensed as she felt hot breath on the back of her neck but relaxed a little the moment she felt Serenity's tongue against the skin of her neck. Crystal relaxed further after a second lick, she felt a poke as Serenity tried to bring their bodies together; she missed and tried again. Crystal groaned as she felt Serenity finally find her mark, Serenity shifted slightly then pushed forward. Crystal didn't seem to mind Serenity pushing forward, she did however mind when Serenity pulled back. The small barbs on Serenity's surrogate pulled painfully on Crystal's core. She cried out but could do nothing but accept Serenity's cock. Serenity was being as gentle as she could keeping her thrusts short, she had spoken to Susan about this and Susan had explained that as long as she was gentle Crystal would find pleasure. Crystal bit the blanket beneath her to help with the pain but she couldn't keep back her cries and grunts as Serenity moved. After a short while Crystal's cries were not of pain but of joy as her body adjusted to the barbs and the motions. Serenity grunted as she felt herself climax, she held herself tightly to Crystal who groaned in disappointment she was so close to her climax. Serenity jumped back suddenly, tearing her body away from Crystal's. Crystal cried out in bliss as that movement triggered her orgasm. "Fuck." Crystal said as she collapsed on the bed her body a quivering mess. Serenity chuffed and crawled back onto the bed, she started to lick the sweat from Crystal's already sensitive body. Crystal moaned and wished she could roll over, her nipples needed attention and she suddenly had the thought that Serenity's rough tongue would be perfect for the job. "I want your tongue on my nipples, my stomach... everywhere." She begged and a moment later the ropes which had bound her for the last forty five minutes were gone. Serenity raised herself up and using a paw turned Crystal onto her back. I told you that you would come to love my tongue; Serenity said as she leant down and started the pleasurable process of grooming Crystal's front half. Crystal arched up giving her mate the clear message to play attention to her nipples. Serenity took her time getting to where Crystal wanted her. "Yes I love your tongue, I want your tongue." Crystal said her voice a little rough from all her crying out. She was actually glad the rooms were sound proofed as she was sure they would have attracted everyone in the house by now. Her hands gripped at the fur around Serenity's neck, tugging her to where she wanted her. Serenity huffed in annoyance but let Crystal lead her to her nipples but didn't lick them, no she licked all over her breasts before finally stroking her tongue over the nipple. Crystal felt as if electricity had been shot through her body, she cried out when the second lick hit her other nipple. Serenity growled and hooked her arms back around Crystal's hips, lifting them up to the perfect height for their coupling. Crystal panted and wrapped her legs around Serenity, "tie them," she ordered breathlessly as she wanted her legs to stay around Serenity. Serenity did as she asked then licked at Crystal's throat. Serenity found Crystal's entrance and slammed home causing Crystal to scream as she came almost instantly. Serenity purred as she started to move, jerking her hips in and out as her own pleasure started to build. There was nothing gentle about this, Crystal's body accepted hers now, needed it and wanted it, letting Serenity's beast and cat nature take over. Don't forget to bite her, Serenity reminded the beast before the beast pushed their human side back, this was her time. Coming of Age Ch. 09 Author's note: All characters and companies mentioned in this story have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone or anything bearing the same name or names. Events portrayed in this story are pure invention and have not been based on any events that have happen in real life. All the characters involved in any sexual acts if their ages are not mentioned beforehand; are over 18 years of age. Enjoy. Hi everyone; Here is the last chapter of the Coming of Age. I hope you all enjoy it, the next story in the series is Winds of Change. Just a heads up though, there may be a delay getting the first chapter of the new story up because I am moving, I will keep you up to date with my bio page. As normal thanks goes to my editor and you the reader, all feedback is welcome. Have fun. Chapter 9 Wolfgang spotted Rayven before she walked into the dining room that morning, catching her eye he gestured her over. Rayven swallowed visibly and moved towards him. When he knew she was following he started to walk to the grand library. Rayven followed him in and was pleased to note that there were two covered trays waiting on the table for them and a pot of coffee. Wolfgang sat and gestured for her to take the seat across from him. "Temperance said you have an addiction to coffee." He stated as he poured out two mugs. "Yes," Rayven answered as she reached for the mug Wolfgang offered. "It seems everyone is addicted in this house, at least it's not an evil addiction." He said with a grin trying to get her to relax. It didn't work which caused him to sigh. "Look... Rayven... whatever you've heard about me... is probably true." He took a deep breath, "however, once I decide someone is a friend, I don't get swayed." Rayven watched him for a moment, looking directly at him but she kept her face devoid of expression, on the inside however she was a bundle of nerves. She took a sip of her coffee and frowned as she tried to place the flavour. "Is there a problem with the coffee?" Wolfgang asked. Rayven shook her head. "No... but what is the added flavour?" "That would be cinnamon," Wolfgang answered, "It's my favourite." He added as he lifted a cover to see what was for breakfast, it was a selection of left overs that had his mouth watering. "Rayven, I'm not going to bite you, I would just like to get to know you. More than likely you will be staying at the central den and I make it a point to know everyone who calls this home." He explained. Still Rayven said nothing, she wasn't doing it on purpose; it was just how she was trained. Wolfgang rolled his eyes, "this is starting to grate on my nerves, Rayven, we, as in me and Amy are not out to destroy you, we named you as pack yesterday, we won't kick you out unless you seriously break the rules." "What would you like to know?" Rayven asked as she picked at her tray of food, more than anything she wanted to answer his questions and be open to him but old habits, training that had been drilled into her, were hard to overcome. "Whatever you feel comfortable enough to tell me." He explained just as Amy walked in with her own tray. "Don't mind me," Amy said as she sat next to Wolfgang and started to tuck in. Destiny was the next to walk in with her own tray of food, "so have you managed to get her to really talk yet?" "Only about coffee," Wolfgang said slightly amused. Destiny chuckled as she sat next to Rayven, "thought as much, Rayven was trained never to speak in front of her leader unless it was to confirm an order or answer a direct question. I couldn't get her to speak for months when she first came into work for me. It took an explanation from the envoy who replaced her that I finally understood. Give her rules and she'll obey." "Just like that?" Wolfgang asked. "Yes but once you make the rules you can't change them. Rayven has been a trained weapon almost her entire life." Destiny explained and Rayven was relieved that Destiny was here to explain to them. "She talks to Crystal," Amy stated. "Yeah but Crystal takes her orders from you two, you are the leaders and she is one of your officers." Destiny explained. "She talks to Serenity for the same reason." "What rules did you give her?" Wolfgang asked curious. "I only gave her one, Speak freely, I want your opinion, don't be afraid to give it." Destiny explained simply. Wolfgang nodded. "Well there are several house rules you have to be aware of as well. We have a no fighting policy in the main house, take your fights outside or to the gym. The libraries are open to everyone, return books and they can't leave the house." He paused, "that's it for house rules, you don't need the others as they apply only to cubs." "The rule about speaking that Destiny gave you applies from now until you die and no one can change it." Amy said firmly. Rayven blinked in shock, Amy had just wiped away Tamor's conditioning with that one rule, she would be able to speak freely in front of her Alphas. "Thank you." Amy shrugged, "now you just need to learn when to speak and when to keep silent." "No... I've learnt that skill. I had to learn that with Destiny, when to speak and when to wait until we are more private before voicing my mind." Destiny explained as she ate something. "We shall see how well you have absorbed that lesson later, tell us about you." Wolfgang prompted. **** Crystal rested her head on Serenity's shoulder, her injured arm was between them, her eyes were closed. They were in the gym which had been transformed into a battle arena for the day. The group photo had been taken shortly after breakfast and had been a chore to organise all those people for only a minute so that the photos could be taken. It was slowly filling as people got ready for a day of physical fun. "Gee you really did a number on her." Nicky said as her eyes skimmed over Crystal. She checked her watch, 11 o'clock. "Hey Vampire did you forget something." She said to goad Crystal. Crystal opened her eyes and glared at Nicky as the last of people in the den moved into the room. "I forget nothing Nicky and I warn you, once I kick your arse if I hear you call me vampire again I will dismember you and scatter your pieces." "You wouldn't!" Nicky exclaimed, dismemberment wouldn't kill her, but it would leave her very uncomfortable until someone put her back together again or she pulled herself back together again. "Call me Vampire again after I kick your arse and you'll find out." Nicky watched her but there was something in Crystal's manner which screamed the truth at her, she wasn't lying. "Well are we going to fight or what?" She demanded of Crystal. Crystal nodded and stood, even though her arm wasn't healed enough for movement she didn't need two arms to beat Nicky. Vivian stood between the two women, "Immortal combat, no blood rules." She turned and left the ring. Nicky and Crystal bowed then they were off, Nicky never stood a chance as she simply could not counter Crystal's speed. Nicky went flying only moments after her bow was over. She didn't get a chance to get up before Crystal had the claws from her uninjured arm and hand digging into Nicky's throat, Crystal's knees pinned her arms down keeping Nicky pinned to the floor. "Yield," Nicky said as she felt her blood roll down her neck. Crystal's nails retracted, "remember my warning." She warned before she stood. "I will... you know you could have at least pretended I stood a chance." Nicky said and held out her right arm to get a hand up. Crystal moved her injured arm forgetting for a moment that it was hurt. She gasped and hugged her arm to her side. "Are you alright?" Nicky asked as she stood and went to help Crystal, the wounds on her neck were already healed. "Fine... Serenity's teeth do damage when they bite." Crystal explained. "Oh great, not only do you beat me but you literally do it with one hand." Nicky complained which caused some people to laugh. Destiny walked down with Susan who went to inspect the damage to Crystal's arm. Susan tried to move Crystal's arm but didn't get much movement. "Have you had any blood today?" Susan asked. "No not thirsty," Crystal answered. "Serenity's blood will heal you faster but you should always drink if Serenity bites you in hybrid or full sabre form." Susan explained and walked Crystal over to Serenity. "You need to change where you are biting her. I know your instinct is to bite her shoulder but your teeth cause too much damage there, your teeth won't cause as much damage if you aim for the chest." She continued, this time speaking directly to Serenity. "Susan makes sure my shoulder is at the back of her mouth, which means she always gets my chest." Destiny explained. "We'll do that from now onwards." Serenity said as she tugged Crystal back to her seat. Susan and Destiny returned to their seats as Ghan and Ash walked into the ring. Serenity offered her wrist to Crystal but Crystal was interested in a more intimate feeding place. Using the hand attached to her good arm she turned Serenity's head and gently kissed the sweet spot where the blood ran close to the skin in strong bursts. Crystal took a deep breath before she sank her teeth into Serenity's neck. "Get a room!" Sage called out which was met with chuckles. Crystal and Serenity each gave her the finger which caused more laughter. * Nhor tapped Sky on the shoulder, she glanced away from the fight that was in progress. When Nhor gestured for her to come, she nodded and sighed as she stood, she had been hoping to see Amy and Rayven in action and had been immensely impressed with the skill that she had seen so far. When she got back to the house she might hit one of the triplets or one of the others up for some self-defence classes. Thais watched her go with a smile, Sky followed Nhor from the gym and back into the main house, in almost no time they were back at his room and she was in the chair. "So where is this tattoo meant to go?" Sky asked. "Forearm," Nhor answered as he tilted his arm and showed the hidden pattern of a griffin in amongst the lion and the phoenix. "Eventually we'll hide the griffin in amongst other tattoos. Centaurs will see it and understand you are of my house." "House?" Nhor grinned, "This is why we didn't do this last night, most of what I will be telling you isn't in a Guide to Centaur culture, most of the races kept things back from those books. Humans don't need to know everything about us even if they want to." Sky nodded and leant back, "okay tell me about houses." Nhor chuckled as he prepared his equipment. "there are a hundred houses or clans going back to the first hundred Centaurs that were created by the gods, fifty female, fifty male. The male children were marked with their father's mark, the females with their mother's." "To prevent inbreeding," Sky surmised. Nhor nodded, "However their sire or dam are also represented in the tattoos. My mother was of the Phoenix house my father the Griffin house. "And the Lion?" Sky asked. "Was the flight I was born into." He explained as he turned her arm over, the griffin will go on her inner forearm. "So if generally only your son would gain your house, why am I gaining it and not your mother's?" She asked as he prepared her skin. "You will become my daughter and since I am mate-less there is only one house you can be brought into." He explained as he used a knife to prick his finger, he let two drops of blood fall into the ink, he mixed it as he sucked his finger. "If my aunt hadn't died which house would she belong to or would she not have one?" Nhor took a deep breath, "she would have gained my house, because she wasn't genetically a part of our gene pool." Sky hesitated, she knew how much it hurt her when she spoke about her aunt so she knew it hurt him as well. "Go on... you have a question, ask it." He prompted. "Would you have... could Sara have..." Sky just couldn't spit it out. "Could Sara have born a centaur child?" Nhor supplied which caused Sky to nod. "Sadly no, her body was not designed to carry a centaur child, we knew we had the option to adopt and foster so it didn't really bother us that we didn't have that potential." "Oh," Sky said to fill the void, she didn't know how to respond to that. "There haven't been many matings between male centaurs and human females and of those matings only one conceived a child, both died." Nhor added as started to bring forward the griffin hidden beneath Sky's skin. "So we don't take the chance. Sara was on centaur birth control before she died." Sky blushed a little which made Nhor chuckle, "she wasn't a nun." "Don't go further... I don't need to know." She said starting to get uncomfortable. "Sadly it is a part of your education. We have to go there, you will meet other Centaurs and you need to know this for your own protection." Nhor explained. "They will see that you are a centaur by adoption, and looking human won't protect you." Sky nodded, "okay... but please... be gentle on me." "I'll do my best." He answered, "Now... if a male centaur is interested in you..." "Why would they?" Sky interrupted. "Because you are my daughter," he explained, "I know it is a stupid reason, it doesn't matter they will still wonder why I have adopted you, wonder if there is something special about you." "There isn't," Sky answered. Nhor pulled the gun away from her skin and caught her chin and lifted it. "You are special to me and that is all that matters." He stared into her eyes, willing her to believe him. Sky nodded slightly and he released her chin, he went back to where he stopped and started tattooing again. "Where were we..." he asked. "When a male Centaur is interested in me," Sky replied. "Ah yes, they will not be as cautious as they would be if you were still human. They will be blatant, they will brush up against you, touch you and even get sexually aroused." Nhor said bluntly as there was simply no other way to explain this. "And how do I combat that." Sky asked a little stunned about his admission. "Centaur females buck, but you don't have that luxury." Nhor answered. "Self-defence classes it is then." She replied, "beat them back." Nhor chuckled, "I was going to suggest it." "Okay what next," Sky asked almost oblivious to the needle piercing her skin. "However if you decide that you want a Centaur male you need to be aware of what is expected of him." Sky took a deep breath, "I can't believe we are having a sex talk." Nhor chuckled, "I know but it is important," he explained, "He is not allowed to mount you without permission, he isn't allowed to hurt you." He took a deep breath, "he must prepare your body to accept his, he can't just..." "okay I get it... you don't have to go further." She said just as uncomfortable as he was. He studied her for a moment, "Sky... I don't want anyone to hurt you, you need to know this, I spent months preparing..." "Nhor! I get it... I swear." She wanted to move to get away from this conversation but she knew to stay still or ruin the artwork he was creating. "Just so you know." He replied effectively ending that part of the conversation. "Now... since we are members of a pack not a flight you don't need to be aware so much of Flight laws." "I thought there wasn't much difference between the laws of Were and the laws of a Flight," Sky replied. "They aren't but there are small differences in structure..." He began as he went back to work on her tattoo. ** Gabrielle trotted to catch up with the triplets shortly after lunch, before the next round of fights started later that same day. "Hey you three," she called forward and the group the triplets were amongst paused and turned to her, "Temp, Ren, Thais... I would like to speak with you..." The three nodded and left the group to join Gabrielle as she walked into their mother's office. Amy was waiting, leant against her desk and her arms were crossed like she wasn't too happy about what was about to happen. Gabrielle closed the door and nodded to Amy who waved her hand, a thin film covered each wall, the ceiling and the floor, sealing it so that no one could get in or hear what was about to happen. Amy moved from her desk and over to the coffee table, her hands were now in her pockets. Gabrielle joined her and gestured for them to come forward. Temperance, Thais and Serenity walked forward and stood before Amy and Gabrielle. The coffee table had a wrapped bundle on it, Gabrielle opened the bundle and unrolled it, three swords were exposed, they looked almost identical and were quite plain but still were works of art. "I made these shortly after Mryddin got his act together and asked me out. I knew they were for you but when I showed them to Amy she said that it would be best not to give these to you until you were adults and at the time I agreed." Gabrielle explained. She stood up and gestured to the swords. "Pick one," she encouraged. Serenity was the first to move and she grabbed the sword closest to Temperance as Thais grabbed the sword before Serenity, Temperance waited for the other two to get out of the way before she reached for her sword which had been before Thais. All three shut their eyes as the name of their swords entered their minds. "And now you know the reason we decided against giving them to you earlier." Amy stated. "You have to give them fake names, keep their true names to yourselves, with us it is okay because I believe these three swords, plus your sword, Amy, are bonded by their very nature." Gabrielle explained. "Because of their true names," Thais stated which caused the other two women to nod. Amy made Monster appear in her hands and nodded to Serenity who held her sword out, "Past," she said causing the blade to glow a little. Temperance rested her sword on top of Serenity's, "Present," she stated and almost immediately the blade started to glow. Thais placed his sword on top of his sisters, "Future," he declared and the sword started to glow. Amy rested her sword on top of her children's, "Fate," she said firmly and all four blades shone brightly forcing everyone to turn away from the very special blades. When the glowing stopped everyone turned back to the blades, expecting that they had changed only they were as plain as they were before. Gabrielle handed out sheaths for the blades before she sat, Amy joined her after willing her blade back to its rack. The three siblings sheathed their blades and willed them away before they sat together on a couch. "How many swords out there are that powerful?" Serenity asked. "Swords, weapons... there aren't too many, besides your four swords there is Excalibur, Discord and Mayhem, more commonly known as the Chaos blades, the spear of Destiny, Clarent..." "The cowards blade?" Temperance asked, "That's real? I thought it was a myth." "Clarent was the original sword in the stone, it was also known as the sword of peace. It gave Arthur his title as king. While Excalibur was given to him by Vivian, the lady of the lake, they are two separate blades each with their own power." Gabrielle explained. "You named some true names," Thais queried. Gabrielle nodded, "there is a special vault, back on Sogol where special weapons are kept, the weapons go in but they never come out. Once they are in they also lose their power so using their true name is okay. The spear of Destiny is a prime example, it was broken into pieces, Hitler had the smallest piece and look at the damage he did." "Please tell me none of the fragments of the spear are still out there," Temperance said a little pale. "D'Artagnan hunted down each piece and delivered them to me, I put them in the vault." Gabrielle reassured. Coming of Age Ch. 09 "So... what will you call your swords." Amy asked which caused the three to stop and think, they knew they had to choose names that had nothing to do with their true names, with their mother it had be easy, she had called it a monster when she first saw it, for them it would be a little harder. "Come up with names you can live with, strong names." Gabrielle prompted. Amy took a deep breath and stood, "Well I think Rayven's nerves are stretched to the extreme, time to fight." "I told her to relax, that it wouldn't happen until after lunch, that you wanted her to study the fighting styles of your children because you had trained them all or at least had a hand in their training." Thais explained as they all started to move back to the gym. Sky ran forward with Nhor, "Did I miss it?" "No." Serenity replied, "Ma generally prefers to fight after lunch, most of the stronger warriors do." "Excellent!" Sky exclaimed while Nhor followed with an amused smile. "I get the excitement around a fight, but for your family it is almost religious." Nhor stated. "We are all strong warriors, and we all enjoy a good fight, and for us, the best fights are against our own kin." Temperance explained, "mainly because we can't kill each other." She added as an afterthought. "There have been some good Monty Python moments." Thais said with a chuckle as he remembered watching arms getting accidently cut off, even a head, and Ghan had even been eviscerated once, but they didn't need to know specifics. They all made it to the gym and quickly raced to their seats, Destiny was beside Rayven giving her a few words of advice before the fight started and trying to get her to relax. Amy grinned as Wolfgang scooped her up into his arms and gave her a long passionate kiss which caused people to laugh, wolf whistle and do cat calls. "GET A ROOM!" Terri called and got more laughter. "Hey I thought we were meant to fight not F-," Sage started to say but the rest of her sentence was cut off when Anna slapped the back of her head. "Ow." "Mind your language," Anna told her firmly. "Yes Anna," Sage replied as she rubbed the back of her head. Wolfgang finally released Amy and gave her a playful whack on her behind as she made her way to the fighting ring. Amy turned and glared at her mate for a moment before she started to stretch. Rayven seeing what Amy was up to started to copy her and stretch in the way she had been trained. Amy bounced when she was done and shook out her muscles, "Okay... how do you want to do this? Hand or weapon?" "You're letting me decide how we fight?" Rayven asked a little surprised as generally the person who issued the challenge decided how they would fight. Amy grinned, "either one it makes no difference." That had Rayven's guard up, the way Amy had said that sentence made Rayven believe that Amy truly had no qualms about how she fought. Which meant she was as confident with weapons as she was with her hands, or that could just be a bluff, however, Amy didn't feel like a bluffer to her. Which left her with a choice, weapon or hand, either way she knew Amy would be more than able. It was just a question as to how badly did she want to get hurt, did she want to be bruised with a few broken bones or did she want to be hurt further and have to be put back together again. The answer was no, she did not want to be hacked at by Amy. "Hands," she declared and got a cheer. Amy nodded as Vivian walked out, she generally was the referee for the fights in this house. "Have I missed it?" Ash asked Electra as he sat next to her. "Nope... just about to start," Electra replied. "Alright, rules for immortal battle will be in effect." Vivian declared. "Better explain them to her as this is a first for her, immortal on immortal battle." Amy stated. Vivian nodded and began, "Alright then, immortal battle rules are simple, incapacitate your opponent to the point they cannot fight, or fight to the point of a yield. Do you understand these rules?" Rayven nodded, "fight to disable or fight to yield." Vivian gave her an encouraging smile before stepping back to give the two fighters room to move. Since this was immortal battle the normal rules weren't in play, eye gouging, groin hits and normal dirty tactics were allowed simply because it took a heap to down an immortal. Rayven took the stance that best suited her style while Amy remained as she was completely relaxed. She frowned as she watched Amy, it wasn't a stance she was aware of. Crystal shook her head, Don't let her relaxed state fool you, she told her friend. You think you're fast? Think again, your vampire speed, she can match it. Lightning fast and with no dominant side, she is a foe you need to be careful of. Rayven finally made her move although it was still a cautious move. Amy was suddenly not where Rayven expected her to be and just as suddenly Rayven felt her legs fly out from under her. She landed with a painful thump. "Come now Rayven I thought you were fast," Amy taunted a little as she stepped back to let Rayven rise. With a huff Rayven got to her feet, if that had happened during her training she would have been beaten. I told you she was fast... now... show her what Tamor taught you, be the Death Walker who is second to me. Crystal goaded. Rayven focused, letting her beast rise to the surface. Amy smiled; finally... this should be enlightening. Rayven moved in a sudden burst of speed, coming in close for combat, Amy side stepped her and went to kick Rayven's legs out again. But Rayven was already moving out of the way and going into a spinning kick. Amy caught her leg and smashed her fist into Rayven's thigh then quick as lightning threw Rayven down. Rayven was back on her feet but tried to keep her weight off her leg, it should be healed in a few moments but that was all that Amy would need to kick her arse. Amy however didn't take advantage of Rayven's injured leg but backed away to let Rayven heal. I told you, she is not out to humiliate you. Thais told her silently. Any hints on how to win? Rayven asked but she didn't expect and answer. Speed will not help you, nor brute strength; your mind is your greatest weapon. Amy told her. Everyone... get out of my head! Rayven demanded before she again started to advance but in the back of her mind Amy's words had taken root, speed and strength would not help her, she had to try to out think Amy in this fight. Again and again Rayven attacked, varying each attack looking for a weakness in Amy's defence and if she just so happened to find one and land a hit she knew it was because of two factors, the first being Amy had let her and second sheer dumb luck. Amy was a natural warrior, she hadn't spent hours, days, months, years or decades learning her craft, for her it was as instinctive as breathing and blinking; something she didn't need to consciously think about. Rayven panted gently as her latest attack had been thwarted and she was now pinned to Amy's chest with her own crossed arms to keep control of her. "I think we've seen enough." Amy told her before releasing her. There was sudden applause by those whose eyes could follow the fast and complicated moves that the two women had used. Rayven turned to Amy a little confused, was the fight over? But Amy had not made her submit. "It's over?" she questioned. "Yep... no need for more, you are at least a Beta rank enforcer but that is not my decision to make, that lies solely in the hands of the head enforcers." Amy gestured first to Ash and then to Sammy who was being cradled gently by Drifter, his hands rested protectively held over her rounded stomach. Wolfgang walked down and clapped Rayven on the shoulder and gripped it tightly. "No one expected you to beat an Alpha, let alone Amy. But you did good." Thais skipped up to his friend and wrapped an arm around her, "told you, she wasn't out to humiliate you." Crystal grinned as she joined them, "So... what did you learn from that?" Rayven considered the question for a moment, "that I still have much to learn when it comes to fighting." **** Wolfgang watched his family the next night, just as they sat to celebrate the bonding of his daughters to their respective mates. The family was loud with good natured teasing and conversation. His eyes came to rest on Temperance who was feeding Bastion something, he was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that the man who had basically helped raise him was now his son. Amy leant into his body and rubbed her cheek against his arm. For a hastily brought together ceremony it had been just as beautiful as some of the well planned matings. Wolfgang turned and kissed her forehead, now with those two mated off that leaves Sage, Ash and Thais... Amy snorted, I pity Sage's mate... he or she is going to be in for a rough ride. Wolfgang tried not to laugh as he agreed with his mate, Sage's nature would drive anyone up the wall if they couldn't cope with it. Wolfgang stood and charged his glass, "to the new couples, may they laugh, love and fight each other for the rest of time." Everyone seconded their view and some even chuckled at the fight part of Wolfgang's comment as they knew Temperance and Bastion would fight as they were both stubborn people, although they knew that eventually Temperance's impulsive nature would rub off a little on Bastion and his carefulness would rub off on her. But no one knew how Serenity and Crystal would develop. Wolfgang sat and watched as yet another feast started to get devoured. Sky reached out for bread, Sage tried to beat her but Sky got there first. Sage pulled a face at her, "pass the bread please." She asked. Sky got her bread and handed the bread to Sage, Sage caught her wrist and gently turned her arm over to look at the new bit of work on her forearm which had been steadily growing as Nhor added a little bit each day. "So that is a Centaur adoption tattoo... looks cool." Sky nodded, it really did look cool, it wasn't even red or anything, it looked like it was weeks old not a day. She frowned as something shifted beneath Sage's skin. Sky caught Sage's hand and turned it over, Sky blinked looking at blank skin, but still seeing something beneath her skin, wondering if she was going mad. "Don't be afraid," Nhor said as he rested a hand on Sky's back, "I see it too. There is a tattoo under her skin begging to come forward. I didn't think my talent would pass on to you." "Because generally female centaurs don't do body art." Sky replied. Nhor smiled and nodded, he turned his attention to Sage, "after dinner come to my room and I'll bring it forward." "Excellent!" Nhor turned to Sky, "and we'll start your apprenticeship." Thais stood tapping his glass to get everyone's attention, the room went silent, "I already know my sisters and their mates will be happy together so I have no need to give them advice only congratulations. I would also like to congratulate Alanna and Tarval." "On what?" Ash asked a little confused. "They're pregnant!" Thais answered. The room was silent for all of a moment before people clapped and congratulated the couple. People stood to hug Alanna or shake hands with Tarval. Dominic and Michelle were the exception, they hugged Tarval with joy. "You could have told them privately and let them declare it." Amy said to her son after she hugged Alanna. "I thought about it but she wouldn't have declared it, she would have waited until she knew for sure, this was the perfect time to inform the family." Thais explained. Amy hugged him, "And when are you, Sage and Ash going to find your mates." "Ash has a couple hundred years to wait, I'm not so sure about myself and Sage, let's just say it won't be too much longer for her... I pity the... man." "Why hesitate?" Amy asked. "He isn't human, Were or Other... I can see his face... but I cannot make out his race." Thais answered. "Before Gwynt comes of age or after?" Amy asked. "Sage will meet him just after Alanna gives birth." He answered. "Good, she needs a calming influence in her mind." Amy responded before she turned and was scooped up by Wolfgang who kissed her deeply. **** Temperance woke with a groan and glanced around, they had returned to school the morning after Thais's declaration, they had assignments to finish and mid-year finals to study for. Bastion was still fast asleep which caused her to smile, yep... she wore him out. She crawled out of bed and into the shower, she wasn't alone for long before Bastion joined her, his lips seeking out his bite as he wrapped her up in his arms with his chest pressed to her back. "My little monster..." he said into her ear before turning her head and kissing her deeply. With a groan she melted into his body as his hands roamed over her. She tried to turn but he growled and pressed her forward until she was pressed into the slightly warm tiles. "Are you ever going to let me live down my childhood?" Temperance asked even as she felt warmth spread throughout her body. "You don't like being my little Monster?" He asked as his hand found her warm moist core, "evidence suggests otherwise." Turning his head he bit her ear as he lifted her a little, letting his member slide between her folds. She groaned and rubbed herself against his cock, needing it within her. "Play with your nipples," he demanded. Temperance didn't question him she just started to play with her nipples, tweaking them until they were almost diamond hard. Bastion watched and got even harder watching her enjoy playing with herself for him. He lifted her just a little higher and slid all the way home on his first thrust. Temperance growled a little at the sudden intrusion and turned the taps off so as not to waste water. She pressed her hands against the tiles to brace herself. "You are meant to be playing with your nipples." He said telling her off a little even as he pumped into her. "I can't brace myself if I am playing with my nipples." She complained. He pulled her tight to his body and pushed the glass screen away, striding into the room he lowered them both to the thick rug next to their bed, managing to do it without leaving her body. With gentle force he got her on her hands and knees, she glanced back over her shoulder and watched as he fought for control, her cat was eager to experience their mate. She asked the cat to share and the cat agreed, they started to shift into their hybrid form. Bastion hesitated for a moment but quickly joined her in his own hybrid form. I am happy I don't have early classes today, she told her mate before losing herself in the pleasure building between them. *** Serenity woke when she felt a gentle tug on her new collar, "Come on, we promised Sky." Crystal prompted. "I'm up... and we'll be making breakfast this morning." Serenity said as she rolled to the edge of the bed and onto her feet. Crystal probed Serenity's mind wondering how she knew that and what she saw there instantly had her retreating. "You do always know what the others are doing." She stated. Serenity nodded, "even when I don't want to know." Not bothering to shower Serenity just pulled on a pair of sweat pants and a tank top. "I still wonder why Sky wants lessons." "I think it has more to do with defending herself against male Centaurs then human males." Crystal replied as she stretched. "I'll wake her." Serenity said and went to open her door only to realise that Sky was standing there. "How long have you been there?" "About the time you crawled out of bed... you know... that whole modesty thing I had going a week ago is gone." Sky explained as she leant on the door jam, she was dressed in much the same clothes as Serenity was wearing. "And you are right, this is more about male Centaurs, but I had decided on getting one of you to give me some lessons before Nhor explained what would be coming my way from the males of my new kind." Serenity grinned and wrapped an arm around Sky, walking her downstairs and was followed by Crystal, "So, ma said she would push the adoption papers through a get your new identity card to you in a few days." "Yeah... morning Nhor..." Sky said as she spotted him in the kitchen. Nhor waved but continued eating his oats and slowly flicking through a newspaper. They went out the back door and raced to the gym to get out of the cold autumn air. "Should have put on shoes," Sky complained. Crystal chuckled, "Okay we'll start with the basics, how to block a hit, how to throw a hit and how to break a hold." Sky nodded, "okay where do we start?" "At the beginning, with your stance," Serenity answered, "some of it will be instinctive, Nhor's own battle training filtering through but you don't have four legs so you will have to come up with better techniques." Crystal moved Sky into a stance, "Since your dominant hand is your right you should always have your left shoulder forward, it will give your right arm more force than if you are square to your opponent. Hold your left hand in front of your face, you'll use it mainly to block but if you get the chance jab with the left then hook with the right." Serenity demonstrated the moves. Crystal walked around Sky and adjusted how her hands were fisted, "try to hit with the first two knuckles, it will hurt but not nearly as much if you hit with your other knuckles." She paced around Sky before nodding. "Okay attack Serenity." Serenity grinned at Sky and gestured her forward. Sky threw out a left jab which Serenity blocked, Sky followed quickly with a right hook. Sky didn't expect for either of her blows to connect and was thoroughly surprised when her right hook connected with Serenity's jaw. "Fuck!" Sky swore as she cradled her hand. "Um... Ren?" Crystal said just as surprised as Sky that she got a hit in. Serenity glanced to Crystal, "huh?" She replied. "My hand is broken and you don't even feel it?" Sky complained. "You try keeping your mind focused when you have two siblings NOT BLOCKING." She answered as she focused the last two words directly at Thais and Temperance. When the links to her siblings muted to a bearable level she touched her jaw. "Not enough force, throw your shoulder into it." She added. "My hand... is... broken..." Sky reiterated. "Nah... just bruised." Crystal explained, "I didn't hear anything break." Nhor joined them to see what Serenity and Crystal were teaching his daughter. "Believe Crystal, she would have heard a break." "You know I think we are going about this the wrong way at least for the moment, at the moment it is important to teach her how to fend off male Centaurs if she doesn't want their attention." Serenity said more to herself then to the others, she turned to Nhor. "Would anyone object to dirty tactics since she has two legs and is smaller?" "I believe others will admit that she needs an advantage to even the playing field, dirty tactics gives her a fair chance." Nhor answered, in fact he knew no one would begrudge Sky a fair chance. "Okay..." Crystal said as she paced over to Nhor and nudged him further into the room. "Look at Nhor, what do you think his weak points are." She asked Sky. Sky flexed her hand as she paced around Nhor, okay... she thought to herself, her hand wasn't broken but how do you find a weak spot on a person who was part man part horse? Nhor stood still so as not to give her hints. "I don't know." Sky answered, her mind hadn't been trained to pick out weaknesses in an opponent. "Okay, Nhor has a big body, supported by four very spindly legs." Crystal explained. "His legs are his weak spot, a downed Centaur can find it hard to get back up again, bruise the tendons in his hocks and movement can be difficult and can even go down again as their leg can't support their weight and they can't move effectively with only three legs." Serenity added. Coming of Age Ch. 09 "Have you been analysing me?" Nhor asked. "Nah, Kim Sure-Foot, Langdon's second is a centaur, she gave us pointers when Da held a mini gathering with the flight and drove leaders back when I was like six." Serenity answered. "Wolfgang asked Langdon for his pack member just to help Wolfgang out with terms and behaviours, in between talks she took an interest in the triplets training." Crystal added. "The front hocks are more vulnerable than the hind hocks, there is a lot of power in those hind legs but when they go to get up they use their front legs to stabilise themselves." Crystal continued, "Ren can you make some fake Centaurs for me." Serenity made a couple of illusions appear, they would act how a centaur would react but nothing more. "When you go for the hocks the easiest way to do it is to kick." Crystal said as she demonstrated the right way to kick the leg of a centaur. "Don't kick using your toes or you won't be able to get away. Use the blade of your foot. Now you try with a side kick." **** Jay sat with a bowl of popcorn, he didn't see the point in this, so what if Temperance wanted to test her oral assignment, she didn't need to test it on all her friends. The only good thing about this was the food and that all of the triplets friends were present. "So this is what you guys consider a good night, man I would rather be at a club." Jay complained aloud. "Tomorrow night we are going out to reclaim our lives." Sky promised. "Excellent!" Jay exclaimed as he popped some popcorn into his mouth. Temperance dimmed some of the lights so that she could use some of her visual aides to help with her talk. "Ready?" she asked the group who settled, most of her friends were intensely interested in what Temperance was going to say as she had given them ideas for their own assignments. "Okay. There is a race of beings called the Da'Vaila who live on another world called Sogol. Created by the gods to do their bidding, the Da'Vaila are spilt into three races, the Gephalim who are war mongers have wings as black as night and history has painted them as the Angels of death for their utter destruction. The S'ephalim who are the gentle messengers with wings as white as snow and which have been painted as the Arch Angels. And finally the Nephalim, neither good or bad, neither black nor white they have wings which are white interspaced with grey and are known as the warrior angels of God in human history." "However what most people don't know is that there once was a fourth race, the Dephalim, the wingless sons and daughters of the other three races. It was the actions of one person which so enraged the gods that they nullified an entire species and this is what I am going to talk about. How the actions of one person destroyed and entire species." Temperance gestured and a render of the destruction appeared. "This is called a render, a visual representation of the event kept in hall of Renders in Phoenix Keep. Even though the Dephalim lacked the wings of their parents they still had some of their divine powers and the gods decided to use them and peppered them throughout time at least until the early dark ages." "I will be referring to three particular Dephalim who were all born to one keep, the Phoenix Keep, who keep extensive birth and location records. The three are Sage, Jayzus and Rah. Sage was the Second Ancient chosen by Fate, with a brilliant mind he wrote the book of Ancients from which all Ancients receive their basic learning. Jayzus was seeded as a child to a poor family during Roman rule in the middle east..." "Wait... Professor Jackson is very religious, you can't just rock the foundations of his faith, he'll fail you." Gemma said as she realised that Temperance was treading on dangerous ground. "If he does I'll take it up with the Dean, I have referenced and cross referenced these events in records kept by both the Phoenix keep and the Ancients, he can't refute these events." Temperance replied. "Let her finish... it was just getting interesting," Jay complained as he threw some of his popcorn at Gemma. Gemma gave him the finger and turned her attention back to Temperance. Temperance grinned, "Jayzus became more commonly known as Jesus, a man who spoke of freedom and brotherhood, who spoke out for the down trodden and gave them hope. Gave them something to stand for. The Romans, thinking the best way to stop his rebellion was to kill him, only they didn't know that no normal means would be fatal to a divine being. They crucified him and when they thought he was dead they let him be entombed. Three days later he rose from the dead and went back to preaching his message. Only to vanish shortly after making contact with his friends." "But Jayzus and Sage were not the cause of their species demise, they were good influences on humanity and never claimed to be anything that they weren't. Rah on the other hand, was different, it was his actions, which destroyed their race. See he claimed to be a god, and by raising himself to a station he was never meant to have; he caused the god's wrath. His actions so inflamed the gods anger that they chose not only to take it out on Rah, but on all Dephalim, regardless of whether they were good or bad, or useful. They didn't want the idea to corrupt other Dephalim and the only way to truly do that was to wipe them out entirely. So the gods chose to de-create them, nullified their existence, it is the reason Sage and Jayzus vanished into thin air never to be seen or heard from again and since the gods decree no Dephalim has survived long after conception." As Temperance spoke paintings and renders appeared to help illustrate her presentation. "And that was how, one person, destroyed an entire race." She finished, she turned to her friends and waited for their verdict. Gemma clapped, "wow..." "But... do you think it needs more, to be explained more or is it good?" Temperance asked. "Hey... I'm no history buff but even I found that to be enlightening," Jay told her. "And the pictures rocked. Where did you get them from?" "The hall of renders, it is a long curving hallway in Phoenix keep; it holds a visualisation of the written history, each render represents an important event, there are hundreds of them." Temperance explained. "That would be so cool to see." Jay stated. "I don't get how something done in ancient Egypt can affect something that takes place thousands of years later." Jasmine said. Serenity chuckled, "It wouldn't make sense if you believe that time is linear. Time doesn't travel in a straight line, you just have to look at Thais to know that. Past-present-future, all exist at the same time. Think of time as a tightly coiled string, a circle that continuously loops back on its self." She gestured and a representation of what she was saying appeared. "constantly moving forward but staying in perfect sync with the what happened in the past. Easiest way to explain why Sage and Jayzus were affected by something that happened in the past is to draw a straight line down the coil, Ra was destroyed and the decision made that the Dephalim should be no more, all Dephalim vanished along that line regardless of where they were in earth's history." "It all exists at the same time, it is just our conscious perception if it, which changes." Thais added. Temperance sighed, "I guess I need to add that too then." **** "Hey guys," Jay said as he joined them in the line for the club that Saturday night. "Hi Jay... what took you?" Rachel asked. "Trying to find just the right shirt, how do I look?" He asked. "By the gods you're such a metro." Sky answered as she scratched at her arm, her healing rate had sky rocketed so Nhor had been able to do more work on her arm, spending almost three hours a night for the last week working on the intricate artwork snaking up her arm and joining the artwork running up her side. "Yeah let's just hope we don't have a repeat of last time we went out." Jasmine said as they finally got to the front of the line. The group chuckled and silently preyed that there wasn't another vampire incident. They went through the whole process of checking ids and scanning a hand print into the system, the legal adults were given special coloured bands so that they could get alcohol, then the entire group were given VIP bands. "Crystal?" Serenity questioned. "No... I didn't do this," Crystal answered. "We did," said a lady with long flowing red hair who came to stand by the bouncers. "Hi Carmen, how have you been?" Crystal asked as Carmen gave her a brief hug in welcome. "Good, this is compensation for the last time you were here. They snuck in, our security was lax and it put your friends in danger." Carmen replied, "Your tab is on us tonight," she added and handed out another bracelet to everyone in the group. "Have fun." "You didn't need to do this," Crystal told Carmen. "I know, but we've prided ourselves on creating a safe place to socialise." Carmen responded. "it is the least we can do for upsetting the triplets coming of age party." Crystal chuckled as she realised it wasn't that long ago that Serenity was still a child. "What's this?" Carmen said as she spotted the edge of Crystal's collar, she pulled Crystal's jacket collar aside to better examine the new piece of jewellery. "Oh shit... you're mated and to an Alpha?" "Next Alpha," Crystal corrected. "Wow! Who?" Carmen asked as they moved to check their coats. "Me," Serenity said as she took off her jacket and handed it to the coat girl and received a number in return. Her fingers slid beneath her own collar and gently tried to tug it loose, growing up she had always chuckled when she saw her mother do this but now she understood. The collar was a symbol of love but it was also a reminder that she had an obligation to the pack. Carmen's jaw dropped, "when did this happen? And why weren't we invited?" Crystal wrapped an arm around Serenity, "it kind of happened really quickly, Amy decided that the binding ceremony she was preparing for Temperance could be turned into a double simpler than organising a second ceremony. I found out when Serenity force fed me some of her blood and I went to take out the rogues..." "Don't need to force feed you anymore," Serenity interrupted. Crystal kissed her cheek then took off her jacket and checked it. "Yeah... I'm kind of addicted to her blood, it is the only blood I have ever craved." Carmen clapped, "congratulations, I will have a couple of bottles of non-alcoholic champagne in your VIP room in a few minutes." "Thanks Carmen," Crystal said and followed her mate into the club. They walked over to the same VIP room they had before which was more like a cleared piece of area with a booth and chairs, inside the space the music seemed quieter and they didn't have to yell to be heard. In moments bottles of champagne and glasses were placed on the tables, Bastion did the honours but it was Nhor who made the speech, "to new friends and new love, may our bonds be strong." Nhor charged his glass and everyone followed sipping down the bubbly brew. "Come on let's dance," Temperance told Bastion as she snagged his glass and put both on a table, she caught his hand and dragged him out onto the floor. Crystal was the next to drag her mate out onto the floor and eventually everyone but Nhor was out on the floor. He watched with a smile but didn't join them as he knew he would step on someone. A few other Centaurs stood on the outskirts of the floor and near the tables. Sky broke away from the group and worked her way to the bar, she rested her arms on the bar and waited to be served. "Wow, who did your ink?" The Centaur barman asked as he came to a stop before her, he knew art when he saw it and the artist who did her work was a master. Sky felt a body press up against her and glanced back to see another Centaur. "My Sire, water please." Sky asked and pushed back on the body pressing against her. "Ah come on, just being friendly," said the pushy Centaur at her back. "Anything besides water, beautiful?" The barman asked but what he really wanted to do was hit the idiot who was pushing against the woman before him. Sky pointed to her wrist and the free drink band, "no, just water please," she replied and felt the other male press up against her again. She turned to the man behind her, "Quit pushing up against me or you'll regret it." "Come now, you bear the marks of a Centaur, can't you take a little Centaur attention." The man behind her said. Sky took a deep breath, "back the fuck off..." she warned but the man at her back wouldn't quit and more male Centaurs were coming to investigate. "Who is your Sire and Dam?" The barman asked curious, his eyes scanned her arm looking for the information then stilled as he realised the device on her forearm declared her as being related to Nhor and that he was the only person marked as her parent. The barman glanced up and saw a large older Centaur watching the unfolding scene, his arms were crossed and he watched intently but was not going to interfere until he needed to. "My Sire is standing over there," Sky said as she pointed as she watched the barman get her water, she braced her body against the bar to keep from being pinned to it, as the pushy Centaur at her back kept nudging her. Carmen came over to investigate the slight disturbance, but when she noticed the tattoos running up Sky's arm she backed off as this was nothing to do with her and she didn't mess with other races. "Are you sure water is all you want?" the bartender asked. "One moment," Sky told the bartender and turned, "I told you to fuck off, I told you to quit pushing me... what part of that don't you understand?" The pushy Centaur turned to one of the other males jockeying for a closer position, "Hey... back off!" He told the other male. "Why don't you all back off," Sky said firmly but it seemed to fall on deaf ears. Stamp your independence on them, Nhor said into her mind. Sky turned to the side and lashed out with a firm kick to the right fore hock of the pushy Centaur. He went down like a tonne of bricks, much to Sky's amusement as the other Centaurs her side of the bar backed away. Sky turned to the barman who was giving her a round of applause and a gentle smile. "Thanks." Sky said as she took the bottle and walked around the downed Centaur who glared at her. Crystal had been watching carefully but not interrupting, as Sky needed to make her own away amongst the Centaurs. Crystal rested her hands on her hips, "I can't take you anywhere, you just seem to attract trouble." "Hey I think I did well, I didn't expect him to go down like that. But it made all the others back away." Sky replied. "Yeah, they now know not to crowd you and to take no for an answer." Crystal replied and returned Sky to the VIP area. Nhor leant down and kissed Sky's temple, good work. He told her silently. * They decided to call it a night shortly after two in the morning, most had things to do later in the day and they really needed to sleep in order to achieve them. They left the club in high spirits; it had been a fun night of dancing and socialising. Rachel and Jasmine had a pocket full of numbers each from the guys they had met while dancing. Sky had attracted just as much attention but the male Centaurs kept scaring them away. "Stupid male Centaurs," Sky muttered. Nhor chuckled and rested a hand on her back. "This is Flight land; once you are back on pack land you'll see there is a difference with how Centaurs will treat you." He explained. The group split in two, one group started heading back to the dorms while the other headed back to the house, they didn't get very far when they were surrounded by a half a dozen male centaurs led by the one Sky had downed. "What do you want?" Sky snapped, "didn't I make myself understood earlier that I didn't want your attention." "You fought dirty, you attacked my legs," the pushy Centaur declared. There was the sound of hooves as yet another Centaur came up; joining Sky's group this time, the barman crossed his arms. "What are you doing?" The barman asked, he had seen the group of younger stallions follow Sky's group out and had decided to follow, young stallions were high strung and didn't know when to quit. "She attacked my legs..." the pushy centaur repeated. "Yes... and... you stand almost four feet taller than her and weigh hundreds of pounds more, she doesn't have four legs so she can't buck, how do you think she can defend herself? What we consider normal tactics she can't use. Ask the Lead Stallion he'll tell you that she is allowed to use those tactics as it equals the playing field." "Yeah well the Lead Stallion isn't here." The pushy Centaur said. "We are guests here," Serenity said, "we are all members of Wolf Haven pack..." "I don't care where you hale from," The pushy Centaur snapped. "I demand restitution for the humiliation she dealt me." "You humiliated yourself, you and your friends need to go before I call the Lead Stallion," the barman said firmly. "This doesn't involve you." The pushy Centaur said angrily. "Well I am making myself involved, there is a difference between friendly interest and outright harassment. Now go back to your stables before I call the Lead Stallion," the barman said having already put the call out for help, as he knew these idiots wouldn't leave without causing trouble. "We don't fear him," the pushy Centaur declared but the others were already getting nervous. The Lead Stallion wasn't someone to cross, ever. "Stupid thing to say," the barman answered. "You can be cast out for that." "Curtis is an old fool, someone should challenge him." The pushy Centaur said with false bravado. "If you want to challenge me then do it," said a deeper more authoritative voice, as yet another Centaur moved almost silently into the scene. Others came from the shadows making almost as little noise as the Lead Stallion. Curtis was as tall as Nhor and as deeply muscled across his chest, the horse half of him was deeply muscled and covered in a deep chestnut coloured hair. "Now let's find out what is going on here, Khayal?" Curtis said addressing the barman. "I was working the bar when the girl," he nodded to Sky, "broke away from her group to get a drink." Curtis held up his hand and studied Sky for a moment then the group, "Nhor, long time no see." Nhor bowed his head, "Curtis... how is the tattoo I did?" "Good, a little faded, mind if I come to get a touch up?" Curtis asked and got a nod from Nhor, "I take it the girl is your fosterling..." "My daughter, I officially adopted her." Nhor corrected respectfully. Curtis nodded and turned back to Khayal, "continue." "So I saw her tattoos and showed friendly interest, just a little teasing nothing much, she was good about it until Mr Bold over there wouldn't back off even after being told a few times. So she kicked his right fore-hock and he went down. I thought it was all over with until I watched him and his group follow Nhor's group. I chose to come and make sure nothing bad happened." "She used dirty tactics," the pushy Centaur declared. Curtis turned to him, "And just how was she meant to buck? She has two legs, she is allowed to use 'dirty' tactics, it is the only way she can even the odds. You should have backed off when she told you to, just because she is a Centaur it does not give you the right to harass her." The lead stallion said firmly, "now... I heard the last few bits... I am an old fool?" The pushy Centaur went a little pale, he suddenly realised he was in deep shit. Curtis watched the young man, "get him off my lands. I want him gone in two hours." His men nodded and used their bodies to direct the foolish Centaur away. "The rest of you better be gone or you'll follow him," he said as his eyes roamed over the other young stallions before he turned to Nhor. The stallions bolted the moment Curtis had turned away from them. Curtis grinned as he heard the retreating hooves. "I'll warn the stallions to be respectful to your daughter. But I doubt any of them will want to be downed like that." Coming of Age Ch. 09 "Yes... Serenity and Crystal are training her, they are both very high ranking in Wolf Haven Pack." Nhor commented. "Of course the Next Alpha and her mate need to be strong warriors." Curtis agreed, Wolfgang had called the moment he knew Serenity's influence woke and explained that they hadn't known when petitioning for their children to be allowed on his land. Curtis had seen no harm in letting the young Next Alpha remain, and got a second call to warn him of Bastion coming and that he was mated to his other daughter and finally that Serenity and Crystal were mates. He was secretly pleased that Wolfgang had taken the time to call himself to inform him of each change, knowing that the Alpha was a very busy man. Curtis generally had a low opinion of Were Alphas but he was really starting to like Wolfgang and his family. **** Serenity was curled up in the bay window reading a book with Crystal's head in her lap. The house was quiet and its inhabitants had finally settled into a relatively normal college life. Temperance walked into the room, "Hey... anyone want to go to the park and fool around?" She asked hopefully. "Bored?" Crystal asked although she didn't open her eyes. "A little itchy," Temperance replied. Serenity looked inside her mind, her beast wasn't as impulsive as her sisters, but it would never give up a chance to be in its skin. "Have you asked the others if they would like to come?" "I'll go ask," Temperance was suddenly out of the room. "I am so glad she isn't my mate," Crystal stated. "hey that's my sister," Serenity complained. "And I am so glad I got the sane twin." Crystal added before she opened her eyes, "do you blame me? Your sister is on the nuts side." "Says the woman whose idea of cutting loose is to mix spirits with her blood," Temperance stated as she re-emerged crossed her arms. Crystal glanced to Temperance and glared. "If I remember correctly it was you who spiked my blood." Temperance shook her head, "Nope it was Sage." "I still bet you put her up to it," Crystal sat up. "Are we going to the park or not?" Sky raced in after pulling on a sweater, "Hell yeah. I would love to see you guys up close." "I'm in," Thais stated, "as is everyone else. We are going to have to hook up the trailer for Nhor." "I'll go back the SUV up to it." Han said as he grabbed his keys. It took half an hour to get to the park which was only ten minutes away. Bastion had insisted on packing a basket with hot thermoses and snacks and now that they were out here those who felt the cold were glad. The park was an area where Were could go to let their beasts out if they didn't have the time to go out to the forests, most if not all towns and cities had at least one 'park' dedicated to Were although humans and other non-humans were more than welcome to come. There were rules of course to prevent dangerous fights but play fighting was common as it let the beast expel built up energy. There were special stalls so that people could strip down and change, the triplets headed straight for them with Bastion and Han following. The others set up on a set of benches as Nhor went for a good gallop. Temperance and Serenity were the first out of the changing booths, both in their hybrid forms as they knew their animal forms wouldn't be able to fit in the booth. Their brother followed them out also in hybrid form, once outside all three shifted into their animal forms. "How do you tell them apart?" Sky asked. Crystal studied the twins as they stretched, a few months ago Crystal would have said by the markings on their faces now the difference was more noticeable. "Serenity is bigger than Temperance." She said pointing to each twin. Myth nodded, "that is the Alpha in her, they are always bigger. Before you could only tell the difference by looking at their foreheads. Temperance has three stripes two thick one thin and Serenity has two thick stripes." Thais was off sniffing at everything and scent-marking over other scents. Temperance bounded off playing in the last of the autumn leaves. Bastion raced off to play with her as Han ambled over to the trees. Serenity went up to one of the hardwood posts that was concreted into the ground and started to sharpen her nails against the wood. The posts were for just this purpose and were to protect the trees from cats and bears destroying the parks wood land. Sky turned to the basket, "I hope Bastion packed coffee or hot chocolate." She started to rummage around in the basket but stilled when she felt a hot blast of air against the back of her head. Turning she came face to face with Serenity. "Very funny, what do you want?" "Probably a scratch, cats love it," Crystal explained and started to scratch roughly at Serenity's body causing the big cat to start purring. Sky started to scratch as well as did Jasmine and Rachel. There was a growl and suddenly Temperance was wanting the same attention and managed to nudge her sister out of the way. Serenity growled and went to push her sister out of the way. "Jasmine, Sky, Rachel, hands up... if they are going to fight over you they don't get scratched." Crystal said firmly to her friends. Serenity chuffed and head butted her sister's side basically saying, see what you did. They moved away from their friends and started to play fight. People stopped and watched the two big cats as they playfully wrestled, it wasn't often that people got to see Sabre tooths since there were only five of them. Other Were in the park got down wind of the twins and sniffed the air to get their scents. Thais playfully joined the fray and with Temperance, ganged up on their larger sibling. Serenity playfully swiped at her brother and when he was down she covered his body with hers and yawned widely, showing off her teeth. Temperance did the same, it was nonverbal communication and basically meant, look at my teeth aren't they big, and since they were no longer cubs their teeth were very impressive. "How do they hunt with those teeth?" Jasmine asked. "Hey Ren, open wide," Crystal called out. Serenity turned to her friends and opened her mouth all the way her bottom jaw almost unhinging to a 180 degree angle. "Comparative to other big cats their bite strength isn't as strong but it is considerably stronger than that of true sabre tooth tigers according to palaeontologists. They go for the neck and once their teeth are in, they lock their jaw and hold on tight; since they are big their prey can't fight. Generally their prey dies from suffocation or blood loss." Crystal explained as Serenity closed her mouth. "They are ambush predators, they generally find a spot, a tree that can handle their weight, a ledge, hell I even saw Ash use a gully. They wait and wham they attack." Myth added. "How did Amy even turn into one?" Rachel asked as the triplets went back to their mock fight. "A question even she wants an answer for. The same palaeontologists say that although they have pronounced eye teeth like Smilodon; that is where the similarities end." Crystal explained. Rachel had her tablet out and was quickly googling so she could see what Crystal was talking about. "Tail is too long, body too long, they were believed to be covered with spots rather than stripes." Crystal nodded. "But I thought Were were meant to look different to their animal cousins." Jasmine stated. "Look at Thais and Bastion, disregard their size, if you knew they weren't Were and saw them in the wild you would see wolves, only an expert would be able to tell you that they weren't wolves but back in the day they would have assumed that the reason was the local wolf population had bred with domesticated dog breeds." Crystal added. "Back in the day... before the great reveal," Sky assumed. Myth grinned, "which one, there have been two." "The first one in the 1900's," Sky stated as if it was a given. "Yep, and since then Were worked on getting their non-Were cousins protected and getting their own Were cousins out of captivity and back to their homes." Myth added. Sky shivered, "If I knew it was going to be this cold I would have stayed at home, who wants a hot drink." "Yes please." Rachel agreed eagerly. Sky opened the first thermos and took a deep breath, "Hot chocolate." "Ick..." Crystal said as she grabbed another thermos and opened it, "Coffee." Rachel put out cups, "I'll have hot chocolate." She said as she offered a cup to Sky. Crystal grabbed a cup and poured herself a coffee. Once everyone had their hot drinks they huddled together and watched the Were play. Nhor joined them after a good long run. "Any left?" He asked as he gestured to the two thermoses. "Bastion packed six. Two hot chocolate and four coffee." Jasmine answered, "What's your poison?" "Coffee," Nhor answered and was handed a whole thermos. They chatted about little things as they watched their friends play. Sky grinned and laughed with her friends, a few years ago she would never have believed she would be in this situation. Having grown up in a HSL compound she had been conditioned to believe anyone who wasn't human was evil and they were out to get her. The government stepped in and took her out of the compound nearly three years ago as well as all the children. They had raided the compound because there were allegations of child sexual abuse, confirmed when they found out that girls as young as fifteen were being married off to men twice their age. Sky herself was to be married to their compound's leader. At the time she hadn't minded, now however she was glad the feds had stepped in and saved her from that fate. The leader and many others including her parents had been put in jail between the teddy bears picnic and the sex crimes convictions. Laughing and joking with friends who actually could relate to her outside of the whole 'compound' was refreshing and a hell of a lot more rewarding. She just wished her aunt could be alive to see how far she had come. Sky suddenly frowned as she felt as if she were being watched, since the adoption her fight and flight senses had become sharper, slowly like Crystal had taught her to do she let her eyes scan the parked cars and people slowly. "Sky... earth to Sky..." Jasmine said. Sky made the same hand gesture Crystal had shown them for silence. Crystal's eyes suddenly went up and started scanning, her eyes couldn't pick up the threat but since she wasn't feeling it she had to trust Sky. "When did they get out of jail," Sky said gently as her eyes focused on her parents who were less than fifty feet from them. To the best of her knowledge she had an iron clad restraining and no contact order on both of them, that wasn't meant to expire until after she turned twenty one. Myth's bow was suddenly in her hands as was Crystal and Rayven's weapons. The triplets, Bastion and Han came to stand protectively before their friend. "I still have FBI credentials, I might be able to get them to go," Rayven said gently. Won't make them leave, trust me. Call the cops. Thais replied. "Jasmine call the cops," Crystal said softly, "tell them there are parolees breaking their parole, HSL with guns at the park, children are present." Slowly she stood as did Rayven and Myth, Myth's bow was loaded and both Rayven and Crystal carried guns at the ready to start firing. "You should leave," Rayven told Sky's parents firmly, at this distance Rayven could have them all dead in seconds if needed. Nhor turned the bench over and pushed Sky, Jasmine and Rachel behind it for cover. Han stood up and roared a warning as his eyes had noticed the people with guns coming in from their left. Han behind the bench, trust me. Thais stated firmly. Han moved behind the bench, he knew better than to disregard any of Thais's warnings. Serenity growled even as her sister showed off her impressive teeth. Two people approached but they stilled stayed about twenty feet away. "We've..." The man started to say. "We know why you are here." Crystal interrupted. "Perhaps you should ask Sky if she wants to go or stay, she's a legal adult to human law, capable of making up her own mind." Her words were careful, they needed to stall for time for the police to get here. She could hear the hushed tones of Rachel's voice as she relayed everything to the 911 call responder. Stall for time Sky, Nhor projected into her head. Slowly Sky stood, but she wisely stayed behind the bench. "You got out?" "Model detainees and prison overcrowding," he replied. "Time to go." He made a gesture that back in the compound days meant if she didn't obey she would be beaten. "The law says I can make my own choices." Sky said firmly. "You are a sworn member of the HSL." The woman stated. "I was twelve... a child when I regurgitated that stupid oath." Sky shot back. Easy Sky... stall don't anger. Nhor cautioned. "You have a duty to the human race..." knowledge seemed to dawn in his eyes. "Oh... your aunt managed to brainwash you into believing that garbage that Were are harmless and just want to be our friends. They want to rule us... just look at our once proud country, run by a she daemon who probably magicked her way into office." The triplets growled in unison at the slur on their mother. "Of course the daemon spawn stand up for their mother." The man spat. "Regardless of what you currently believe we can put you back onto the right path. Carlton even says he'll still marry you... once your mind is back in the right place." Sky saw police and SWAT cars pull up but there were no sirens, no shouting out until they were all in position. She no longer had to stall. Deliberately she took off her sweater leaving her in just the black singlet she wore underneath. "I'm no longer human... and you are no longer my parents." "You defiled yourself," the woman screeched and lifted her gun. "FREEZE POLICE!" "FREEZE FBI! PUT DOWN YOUR WEAPONS!" Shouts came as Police, SWAT and FBI raced in and placed themselves between the HSL and everyone else. Parents had put themselves between children the moment they saw the guns, quickly they got their kids away. Once the police had everything in control Crystal finally turned to Sky and glared at her. "Can't... take... you... anywhere." Sky rolled her eyes, "do you know what I would give for normal? Do you think I like getting my life threatened every other week." She told Crystal. "I want to go to school, become a kick arse tattoo artist and have fun with my friends, is that too much to ask for." Crystal turned to Thais. "Is it?" Thais shifted, making sure to be in a set of sweats so as to not embarrass the humans. His sisters raced over to the booths to get back into their clothes. He grinned, "all is good now, no more death threats... at least for a while." Crystal sighed, she could live with boring, live with normal. "I like the sound of that." "Hear... hear..." Rayven said as she tucked her gun into the back of her jeans just like Crystal had. Crystal sighed, "Let's go home, I need a coffee." She wrapped an arm around Thais. "Are you sure? No more death threats?" "Remember... I'm never wrong..." He replied confidently. Crystal gave him a shrewd look. "Honest... no more threats..." he said honestly. Crystal went to question his wording. Leave it... please... Serenity asked her mate and Crystal sighed letting it slide. You know, normal might actually be fun? Serenity added as she nudged her mate. Crystal snorted; normal... didn't she even know what that was.