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Silver Kitsune Clan 01

By: maxd01



This is a pure work of fiction and all aspects are from my own imagination though some parts will probably sound similar depending on how much fantasy reading you have done. As in all my other chapters there isn't any sex between anyone under 18.

If you have any problems with what I am typing let me know but if you are only going to give crappy feedback as in 'it sucks' then go frost yourself and hope you need a new wanker... Now if you have some positive feedback please let me know.

This is a side story to the official Silver Moon series I am working on. Some parts of the dialogue will be the same, or in the beginning it will be. Most of it is going to be from Geoff's and Mari's point of view with the occasional third party pov. Other parts will be different as one remembers it differently than others. That is normal in life.

I would also like to thank Somaluna for the work she has been putting in on reviewing and suggesting changes to clarify sections or for it to sound better.



Chapter 1

Geoff looked at his mother and sighed. "And why do we care about some shifter pack? We control this section and all the packs in it. Why do we care about a pack further south?" Normally he was a good son, but at the moment he really didn't like the assignment she was giving him. It was to go and find out about someone new in the wolf packs and he had plans that weekend. There was a cute new kitsune that had recently come to the estates and she had darling ears and a really fluffy tail.

He could understand needing to know about changes in leadership, but they ruled the packs where they lived and how one more or less Alpha didn't really matter. Most of them were self-centered and dicks anyways. What did one more really matter and especially one outside their territory?

"Son I didn't really ask if you wanted to go, I informed you that you are going and that is it. You are going to go or you are going to deal with the elders." Her voice was firm and she was tired of arguing with him and wanted it over with.

Geoff paled and sighed. "Yes mother if it is what you want then I will do so. How do you want me to go and when?" Damn it all, since that might allow one or two of the other young adult kitsunes to enjoy flirting with her before him. Granted he would never force anyone, the clan bonds almost blocked that ability, but he was the clan heir and had his own harem. She would be a nice addition while she was here.

"You are going to leave in three days and take several vehicles. You need to try to impress and I think you will enjoy your time there." It had been several months since the spirits visited her and some of what she had heard had been interesting such as he would find someone of interest there. There was more, but all sort of vague, which was normal though there was a sort of excitement as well.

Geoff stood up and bowed to her. "I will take care of the arrangements and make sure that Sheliae approves of them and then submit them for your final approval." He turned and left the room and did his best to control his emotions or he would get yelled at again. Normally he was a good heir but occasionally things like a cute new female could lead him off track.

When he reached his offices he walked in and closed the door and then stomped over to his desk and flopped down in his chair. He was trying and he really did try not to broadcast his irritation and foul mood but it was hard.

"Good morning Geoffrey, I see the meeting with your mother went well." Her voice was light and cheerful and knew that it would get his attention.

He mentally reinforced his shields and turned to his assistant and smiled. She was tall for a kitsune, taller than he was and though she was almost lush, he had no idea how old she was and never once even considered trying his hand with her. Geoff had a feeling if he did, she would only laugh, pat him on the head and tell him to go play with someone else and that would crush him. "I suppose you could say that. We are going to be visiting some Alpha outside our territory so I am going to need an escort, you will be going with and we are going to be driving. I will get the plans in order and then let you review them."

"Understood Geoffrey and there are going to be a few things I will look at as well. I will see what we have as far as information in that area and let you know." She turned to her computer and started working with it.

Geoff gave her a nod and then turned to his computer and turned it on. When he did, several requests for joining some online games showed up but he simply closed the chat down. If he even considered that, Sheliae would know and he would be talked to probably by her, but possibly by his mother. Sometimes she would deal with major infractions and other times his mother would deal with minor infractions. He had a feeling it was to confuse him.

He pulled up a roster of all the security teams and did a comparison between those he dealt well with and those that had skills they might need. There was a two man team permanently assigned to him so they obviously would go. He selected another two man team he got on well with and the third team was a heavy hitter team. They were strong not only in heavy weapons but strong in magic as well. They would be responsible for slowing down anyone that considered attacking him and the others would protect him as needed and get him away.

Geoff kept going till he had the teams, recommended vehicles, potential weapons mixes as well as survival gear, medical gear, and a number of quick use magical wards to take with them. That had taken over a day since he had also called in his team and picked their brains as well. He was going to do a good job and hopefully appease his mother since he had managed to piss her off. He finally saved it and sent it to Sheliae for review. Now maybe he could get online for a bit of fun.

"I have the file Geoffrey but now you need to consider what you personally are going to be taking along. Clothing, reading material, study material and such. You won't be sitting around drinking soda's while being served hand and foot. This is a learning experience for you. You are going to be dealing with, from what I can find, a very strong Alpha who managed to take over the local territory in less than a month. You are going to need formal clothing, general use clothing, your personal weapons and the rest you can decide on. Please have the list to me by the end of the day." Her voice was smooth when she said that.

He groaned. "Can I take a break? Even a half hour game, go swimming, something?" Geoff knew better since she was a major slave driver at times.

"Certainly you can. Why don't you get with your detail and relax and talk to them and find out their opinions. They have been trained with this and you did a good job but I am sure they are going to have suggestions for you." She kept her eyes on the monitor as he rolled his eyes and gracefully stood up and walked out of the room. When he did, she couldn't help but grin. He would be a good leader and part of her job was to stress him and see how he handled it. Right now she was trying to sort of run him ragged and see how he responded.

~~~

Several days later they left, and as based on his mother's requirements, they chose cars over the planes they could have used. Why she wanted cars he wasn't sure but eventually, after sniveling some, he looked out the window and started enjoying the country side. What he would really love would be to run through some of the forests in his fox form and hunt down some rabbits.

Eventually they made it to the new Alpha's pack and pulled up in front of the house. Geoff had to admit that it was a pretty nice house and looked like it was well maintained. It was obvious that they had recently painted it and the grounds surrounding it were clean and tidy. They didn't have gardens such as the kitsune did but wolves like to run in forests and not necessarily want to stop and sniff the flowers. If he had been there even a month earlier he would have had a far different opinion. 

Granted, it wasn't near what the clan house was like but it was still a pretty nice house. When he stepped out of the car he noticed a man on the porch sipping on what smelled like coffee. He wondered who he was and was rather waiting for someone to greet him. They hadn't had any contact information for the alpha they had come to visit, so they couldn't send anything ahead, but when three large vehicles pulled up, something should have happened.

One thing he did do immediately was to sample the spiritual flavor and slightly narrow his eyes. There was an abiding sadness and also a sort of damage, but over top there was some tentative hope and a definite sense of home.

"Morning, can I help you?" Dan asked as he stood at the top of the stairs. He had heard the vehicles coming a fair time ago and right now there were several of his pack upstairs with some of the weapons he had salvaged and repaired. All the kids and the pregnant women were in the safe room till he said it was safe. He stood there at the top of the stairs looking relaxed yet alert.

"Good morning, I am Geoffrey Logan of the Silver Kitsune Clan and I am looking for the Alpha. My mother sent me to greet the new Alpha and see about opening up some lines of communication." It was hard not to sound grumpy since he still didn't see what the big deal was but she had ordered him to come and he was going to do his best.

"Well Geoffrey I am the new Alpha and I am pleased to meet you though I have to say I don't know who you are or why your mother might want to talk to me." Dan moved down the steps after putting the cup on the railing. When he stood it was obvious how muscular he was, and several of the guards tensed a bit. There was also a definite sense of controlled danger and power that emanated from this Alpha.

Dan couldn't resist smiling a bit at them before turning his attention back to Geoffrey and walked over and held his hand out. "Danilo Legarith, Pack Leader of the Alucian pack and pleased to meet you." His nose was working hard and he could tell that the young man in front of him was not human, but he wasn't sure what he was. The guards were definitely radiating danger and alertness. It wasn't a familiar odor, but there was still that hint of fur under the skin as well as something else.

Geoff's eyes widened slightly when he saw this alpha he had come to meet move. He wasn't all that much taller than Geoff, but he must have weighted at least twice his weight considering the heavy muscles that were visible. When his bodyguards tensed he sent a thought over the clan links to tell them to relax. He took Dan's hand and shook it. "I am pleased to meet you, and I would like to get to know you as well." Something was different about Dan and he could sense that.

"Well, have all of your people follow and we will go to my office. I will have Mari find all of you somewhere to stay and make them comfortable while we are talking." Dan grinned at him. "I am going to assume that you are going to be here for a day or two right?" He asked as they walked up the stairs and in the front door.

"Till my mother has decided that we have gained what can be usable for both of us." He walked alongside the man while his main security followed behind. Geoff could sense that the man didn't seem too worried about his security team at all. 

When they walked in Dan almost ran Mari down. "Hey, sorry little one. This is Geoffrey Logan and..." He didn't get to say much else before Geoff moved forward and held his hand out. Dan could tell that he was totally focused on Mari.

"I am very pleased to meet you Mari and..." She was beautiful and there was something that was pulling his spirit to hers and all he wanted to do was sit down somewhere to talk to her and get to know her. There was something else about her that was different but he wasn't sure what it was. They didn't approach their future mates the way wolves did. "...I am Geoffrey Logan, heir to the Silver Kitsune Clan." He leaned over and lightly kissed the back of her hand.

Mari froze when Dan walked in with the man and almost instantly blushed. He was one of the most handsome men she had seen. She loved Dan almost to tears, but this man was what she had been dreaming of for years. He wasn't as tall as Dan and had a runners build and long silvery looking hair and his face was a sort of blend between European and Asian and totally beautiful to her. "Um, pleased to meet you Lord Geoffrey." Darn it, the blush was getting worse.

"Mari arrange for somewhere for his pack to sleep and join us in my office." He grasped Geoff's elbow and gently led him off. "Relax son, you will be with her soon enough and we need to talk." To give them time to talk he sent to Angie. *Angie, Mari is going to come to you to arrange some rooms for some guests. Keep her busy for awhile.*

Angela blinked when he contacted her and sort of grinned before working on her expression. If Dan was telling her to keep her busy there were only a few things that could really mean. When Mari walked in she smiled at her. "Dan told me you need some rooms? Let's go and see what is available."

Mari almost groaned at the idea of taking some time to find the rooms and make sure they were presentable. Instead she nodded shyly at Angie and then at the men. "These are Geoff's people. Let's get them something to nibble on first and while they are eating we can find a place for them to sleep."

Angie nodded. "Welcome to pack Alucian gentlemen. Come in to the dining room and we will get you something to munch on." They were attractive for the most part and the woman with them drew the eye too. She grinned when she said that then became serious. "As the house mother, I am going to tell you that if you see someone you like, ask but if they say no, don't. Dan will deal with you if you don't listen." 

That got a nod from them and Mari couldn't help but blush since it had been hard to have Dan say no the first time she had asked. "He means that as well, and has enforced it across his territory." They had all watched him kill Nikoli for raping Julia.

As Angie was laying down the pack rules, Mari couldn't help herself but darn it, but she wanted to run to Dan's office and say hello to that really cute guy. He had definitely gotten her wolfs attention and wanted to get a bit closer to him and see why. Granted, Dan had gotten her attention but that had taken some time till he proved trustworthy to her wolf first and then second to her. When he turned her down flat, it had actually shocked her and then pleased her. He wasn't just going to take women and use them.

The men nodded and settled around one of the tables. Two of them had accompanied Geoff and the only female that had come with them was settled in the middle of the men. "We understand and respect your rules." It was sort of nice to know that someone else had rules like that. They had sort of enforced that in their territory, but to a certain extent the packs did their own thing. Kitsunes and wolves could breed and did occasionally but their power structure was totally different.

Angie went about getting some food for them while Mari was looking at the housing chart and decided where they would stay. She was chewing on her thumb as she was looking at the chart. "Angie I think if we opened up the former mates quarters that would work. There are enough rooms for them and there is enough room for all of them. Plus the old Beta room will work for Lord Geoffrey and there are no exits there so they would be secure and have to do less work to protect him." 

Mari glanced over at them. "Not that you really need to. Anyone Dan allows to stay has his personal protection and he will probably assign a wolf or two to stand outside the door to the quarters to ensure your safety. Those arrangements will be up to him." 

Angie couldn't help but smile. "While I am taking care of feeding them, since dinner won't be for a while why don't you go and get some people to open the rooms up and furnish them. Take some of the older pups as well. Once you are done come back here and see if anything else is needed."

Mari hurried off and quickly gathered up some of the women and a few of the men. "Our Alpha has some guests and we need to ensure they have appropriate accommodations. We are going to open up a number of the rooms in the second mate's quarters." One or two of the men grumbled and she looked at the floor. "I am only passing on the orders from our Alpha. If you think I am taking over his dominance please check with him and if so he will discipline me."

That got their attention and then they stopped grumbling and followed her and the pups out. No way in hell were they going to interrupt Dan with something like that. They followed and shortly there was a decent sized working party. Mari took over taking care of Geoff's section.

~~~

Dan led Geoff to his offices and looked at the two guards. "He will be safe in my office and I won't lock the door so you can gain access at all times." There were a few things he needed to tell Geoff once they were in his office.

Geoff nodded to them that it was okay and they took up position on each side of the door when he and the Alpha walked into the office. *I will let you know if there are any problems, but for the time being, remain outside.*

Once the door was closed Dan whirled around and grabbed Geoff's collar and lifted him off the ground. "If you hurt Mari in any way, I will kill you. I don't care who you are or what clan, pack or whatever you are from I will hunt you down and kill you." Once he said that, he let the young man down and sort of tidied his collar. "Sorry, but she is very important to me." Dan sat down in a chair and waved the boy to one of the others.

Geoff almost called out when Dan jerked him off the floor, but he automatically touched Dan's spirit and almost wanted to cry at the damage. There was definite loss of someone very close to him, or more accurately, several some ones as well as what felt like damaged clan bonds. They just sort of trailed off and didn't go anywhere and that was so very wrong. One thing he could tell was that Mari at the moment was in a way the center of his life. Not as a mate, but keeping him grounded.

Geoff tidied up his shirt and sat down as well. "How could I hurt my mate? I don't know about you but if she is my mate, and she is, she is very important to me and will never be hurt by me and I will protect her as much as possible." He was sort of rattled since the man definitely gave off some serious vibes. "I will take care of her as much as possible."

Dan nodded slightly. "She was badly abused by the previous alpha and I will do what I need to protect my pack. I don't give a damn if she is your mate, she is one of my pack and I will do what is needed." He looked away for a moment. "She is what I would call a submissive and is the heart of the pack. I can't help but try to take care of her."

Geoff bared his fangs but managed not to yip. "Glad you killed him." He silently snarled even more and had to calm his detail again. "We protect clan as well and when she becomes my actual mate she will not only be pack but clan. We would never force her to pick one over the other." He had never heard the term submissive before and had to wonder what it meant.

Dan looked away again. "When I came here, she helped me deal with the loss of my mate and pups." Tears showed. "She slept next to me and held me as I cried. For some reason, most of the pups ended up in my bed as well. She kept me sane till we, my wolf and I, started to recover. We have been lovers once but both know that it isn't going to lead to anything since I am an Alpha and she is a Submissive."

Geoff nodded at Dan. "I am not sure what you mean by submissive but she is..." it was so hard to describe, "...There is just something about her that draws me to her. I can't help but look at her; she is the most beautiful woman to me." Damn it he wasn't really sure what to say and especially after the threat. "My fox sees her as his mate and... My spirit feels her... Damn it I have a feeling I am getting it all wrong and you are going to beat me to a pulp. That and I have a feeling she might object to that." He was leaning forward and his long silver hair was covering his face.


Silver Kitsune Clan 01



Dan couldn't help but grin. "Just listening to you helps me somewhat. When I say submissive, in a wolf pack, a submissive is the bottom of the pack yet also the heart of the pack. They allow the dominant wolves to relax in their presence and it doesn't matter if they are male or female. Mari helped me deal with the loss of my mate and pups. She held me as I cried and keened for them. I don't want to lose her but want her to have some happiness as well."

Geoff's face tensed when Dan mentioned losing his family. "I am sorry that happened to you and it is always good to have one person in the world that you can trust and relax with. When I get home I will lite some joss for the loss of your family and ask the spirits to protect them till you are with them again."

He gave the young man a nod for his offer. "Thank you and I really appreciate it. One other thing you need to know is that she is carrying my child and I will not give up any rights." As long as they were raised in a good household with loving parents he could accept that.

He looked startled when Dan said that she was carrying his child. "If you don't mind my asking, how did that happen?" Almost as soon as that was out of his mouth he blushed deeply since he knew 'how' it happened but not with his mate? "I mean I thought you had to have a mate for them to..." He blushed again and sort of looked out the window.

Dan managed not to snicker as Geoff floundered. "Well, like I said she had been sleeping next to me at night and without my realizing it she had gone into heat and things just happened. It wasn't till after I realized why we did what we did. I don't regret it or that she is going to have my pups." He shook his head. "Getting back to the main subject, how can I help you? Oh, and what is a kitsune? Where I come from that is a fox spirit."

Ah, that explained it. The man's aura showed him to be good and he just couldn't feel him forcing Mari in any way. "She sent me with a letter for you to read, pardon but is a bit crumpled." Geoff pulled it out of a pocket in his jacket and handed it over. He even managed to keep his face straight when he said that. "We are sort of shifters similar to you, but we do it differently. Would you like me to show you?"

Dan couldn't help but grin at the comment since he was the one that crumpled it. He took the parchment from the young man and was almost ready to break the seal when he offered to show him. He gave him a nod and set the document down for a moment. 

Geoff stood up and moved slightly off to one side and shifted to his mid-form with his ears and three tails showing. What was different was that he was still wearing clothing. "This is our mid form and the biggest differences are the fox ears, larger canines, and tails showing." He turned so Dan could see his three fluffy tails. Once Dan nodded again he changed into his full form. That form was a fox the size of a regular wolf and again he had three tails. He strutted around for a moment or two before changing back to his human form.

"That must save on your clothing bill." Dan waved him back to the chairs and picked the letter up. When he opened it he was surprised to find that it was only a single page though it had felt like more since the velum was so thick. "I would say nice tails but that might be taken wrong. Very fluffy looking."

Geoff had to blink and he couldn't help but snicker. Dan didn't have any interest in boys and he could tell that. He tried and really tried but it was too much and he started snickering a bit more and finally had to cover his mouth. He didn't see the smile Dan gave him before he read the note.

Greetings and Salutations New Alpha of the Alucian Pack,

The spirits informed me of your arrival several months ago and also that you are not of this world. I was not informed of why you were brought here or what sort of impact you will have. One thing I do know is that my son is going to find his mate there and if as I expect by now he has met her. I personally vouch for my son and that we have raised him to be a good leader and heir and he has consistently shown this.

I could feel that you wouldn't be very happy with his mating though why not I don't know. What I want to accomplish with this visit is for him to meet her and to open communications with you. When the spirits get involved like they did that means something is happening and as a Spirit Animal we tend to be very sensitive to changes in the spirit world. I am feeling eddies and shifts like I never have before.

If you wish Geoffrey can stay there for several weeks so he can get to know you and so that you can see how he treats your pack member. Please give me a call at the number below when you get a chance.

Sincerely,

Alysson Logan

Clan Leader of the Silver Kitsune Clan

"Interesting." He put the document down on the table and contemplated it. "Well Geoff I am going to send for Mari. Have her show you around the house and nearby area. I am going to ask you not to be alone with her in any of the rooms for the moment." He flashed him a grin. "I remember what it was like when I met my mate the first time."

"I understand Alpha. I will tell you that foxes take it a bit slower. Not sure how her wolf will deal with that, but it is our manner." He tried not to say it and tried to keep his face serious but failed and commented. "If you want I can have my assistant show you some nice female tails..."

*Mari, come to my office please.*  He sent over the bonds and knew she would be there shortly. "I am going to give your mother a call and talk to her. If you have any questions or needs, Mari should be able to address them or get you to someone that can help you." Right about then, what Geoff said caught and he couldn't decide between amusement and a glare and settled for an inscrutable Alpha stare.

Moments later there was a knock on the door and Mari stepped in. She looked at Geoff and then down at the floor, her cheeks were painted a faint red. "Yes my Alpha? How may I help you?" Her hands were resting over her small baby bump and her fingers were sort of fluttering around.

"You can get this person out before I have to debate on laughing my ass off or throttling him. I would really hate to throttle him since you would probably try to poison me..." He was still giving Geoff his inscrutable look but there was just a hint of a twitch of his lips. "Seriously Geoff I don't mind a bit of teasing, but I will say, anything that challenges my authority I will shut down quickly. Good one though."

Mari looked slightly appalled at Dan and then the man that had caught her attention. "You can't hurt him... I mean it wouldn't look good my Alpha." She moved over next to Geoff and almost but not quite hovered over him.

"Show Geoff around, make sure his people have food if they are hungry, and make sure that everyone is settled. Once that is, done the rest of the day is yours." He smiled and flicked his fingers at them as if shooing them away.

Geoff stood up and held a hand out and waited for her to take it. "I am very pleased to have met you and please, just call me Geoff." Once her hand was in his he lifted his other to her chin and gently tilted her head back so she was looking at him. "Shall we go? I think Dan is planning on making a phone call."

"Go play, children, just be good. Maybe show him to the kids' room and see if some of them would like to go for a romp." That would allow the two of them to have time together but not alone.

"I believe the cubs are outside right now working on some hunting training. I think there is a piece of fresh bacon and some bad bacon out there that have been drug around. I will show Geoff where they are." 

~~~

Once they were out of the office he heaved a sigh of relief. "I would really hate to annoy him." He sent reassurance over the clan bonds to his men. *I am talking to my future mate. I will tell you if you need to react.*

Mari sort of giggled. "He can come across that way occasionally and especially when it comes to both his pack and those he cares for. Subtle isn't his middle name which I am sure you have noticed. I do love him since he saved the pack from", her mouth puckered and the vitriol in her voice could be heard, "those men. He isn't perfect, but for a wolf he is one hell of an Alpha." She had to stand up for him.

She glanced slightly at him. "I assume Dan told you?" What Dan had told Geoff about her pregnancy she didn't mention and waited to see what he had to say. He might be her mate but she was going to get the measure of the man since she still didn't trust strange men. Her wolf might be screaming MINE but Mari the human was a different story.

He nodded. "I can't say it is what I expected but I can sense that he is a good man and has helped you in his own way as you have helped him. Neither one of you are really or totally healed but that connection and love and care you feel is what is important." He gave her a brief smile. "Now, you mentioned kits learning to hunt?"

Mari gave him a slight smile. Later they would really talk and since Dan said not to be in a room together she was going to take him to the cubs' room later and that would be all the watching they needed. "This way Geoff. I have a feeling you are going to be a hit with the kids."

When they walked out there were pups everywhere trying to find the bit of meat placed there for them hunt down. It was enough for a few pups if they wanted big chunks but if all of them worked together they would all get a bite or two. Mari called out. "Come here cubs. I have a guest for you to meet and then you can go back to your hunt."

That got their attention and they froze for a moment and all of them came running over and settled down in a small line in front of her and then shifted. Since they didn't know how long it was before they changed back the girls pulled on long shirts and the boys shorts. Paulo was out there and was looking slightly frustrated since they weren't listening and he didn't want to yell.

Nancy stood there and glanced at Geoff and since she was just old enough to start looking at boys gave him a shy smile. "And who are you sir? Where are you from?"

Geoff smiled at her. "I am Lord Geoffrey Logan from the Silver Kitsune clan. This is, as you know, Mari and she is my mate. Please call me Geoff. When anyone says lord I think of my father." He remembered being her age and as bad as it sounded, having Sheliae letting him down subtly.

All of their eyes widened and looked at her and she couldn't help but grin. "Well we are discussing it..." It was terrible but she had to. "Now Dan asked us to come out and romp or help with the hunting. Geoff? What do you think?"

He smiled at all the kits and sat down on a step. "I am going to assume that everyone wants the bacon right?" When they nodded he pretended to consider. "Would it be better for one or two to get all the bacon or a bit for everyone? One or two be full or everyone to get some?" He looked at the pups and waited to see.

When they finally realized what he was saying, Nancy settled down on the grass next to him and with a slight look at Mari leaned against his leg. "You take care of pack sir. It is better for all to get a bite of food than for most to go hungry." She heard a slight growl and looked up at her and shook her head before looking back down.

Geoff looked at Mari and smiled. *She is cute but she is a child. You are for me. I am not an alpha but I am a clan heir and she is responding to that.* He curled an arm around her. "Very good and what is your name?" Once he got it he smiled. "I am not pack since I am a different type of shape changer but we still take care of clan. My parents live in a large house but we make as sure as best possible that all clan members have food, a good place to sleep and what else they need." 

He smiled at Paulo, though he didn't know his name. "Kit, I mean cub, how would you do this? How would you set this up to make sure that you found the bacon and everyone got a bit?"

Paulo gave him a close look and then Mari and frowned slightly. He had no idea who the man was but he was taking a very possessive attitude towards her. He did decide how to answer. "I would make three teams, each with an older cub and two younger cubs and start quartering the yard. It is going to be within 100 or so yards since the little ones can't go beyond that normally. We only have Nancy and me as the older pups and Nancy is just learning."

Geoff stood up. "Well I will take one of the small packs and you can lead us." He shifted to his fox form and damn near went down in a pile of cubs. 

Nancy looked at him in shock. "Oh god he's cute!!!" It was a young girl squeal and nothing else and she almost pulled him in her lap and started petting him. She looked at Mari. "Can I have a mate just like him when I am older?"

Mari simply covered her face and tried not to laugh. "I will go with Nancy's group just to make sure she doesn't go after my mate." There was gentle amusement there and grinned at Nancy's pretend pout. She shifted and her slight baby bump was noticeable. She could do this for about two more months, then no more changing.

Paulo sighed and started giving out orders to the groups. In the group Mari was in, she stayed in the back and only occasionally offered bits of advice but it was still their group that found the bacon and it was a pretty decent sized piece. When one of the cups in the pack started to shake it Paulo growled at him. *Pack shares. We are all mostly the same dominance so we will share equally. You will go last since you couldn't wait and didn't listen to what Nancy said.* The pup whined and then backed away. 

They were eventually called in for lunch and Geoff cheerfully settled with the kits, well that and his mate, and it had been an enjoyable meal. Once it was over they had gone back outside and while Mari watched he played with them and chased them around. The fact that Paulo was well over his size and Nancy was close he didn't mind. They were having fun and getting to know each other.

~~~

It was after lunch when Dan walked outside and couldn't help but grin. Geoff and Mari were again playing with the pups and Geoff looked to be having a great time as he tackled one and dodged another. His attacks were gentle and seemed to look like they were designed to teach and not hurt. He watched for a moment and then whistled. "Enough all of you, it is time for classes and such. Mari, Geoff we are going to the training center and work out. Geoff if you would like to invite your staff to join us that would be more than fine. I would like to see what type of training your security detail has."

Geoff stopped at the whistle and shifted to his human form and grinned. "I am sure they would like to get the measure of your training Alpha." Actually they were more than happy to and he mentally called them over the clan bonds. "They will be here momentarily, well other than those currently assigned to protect me." He nodded at two of them.

Dan tried not to snort since they were in the MIB outfit and he was sure they had more armament than really needed. "Understood, for today I am going to train my pack and you and yours can watch and do what you want. I have to admit I would like to know their training simply so I can evaluate it and offer suggestions. Where I come from I was in charge of a security company and rented bodyguards out to celebutants and such."

Geoff grinned. "We will see, and I have to admit that I can't want to see you do your thing Alpha." What the heck was a celebutant? He wanted to know but didn't want to sound ignorant.

Dan sighed. "Call me Dan or I am going to offer to spar with you young man." He wouldn't hurt him but would chase him around the ring for a while. He flashed a grin at him when he said that.

Geoff laughed. "Yes Dan, I will try to be good." They walked to the training hall and he nodded. There were some spots that needed a bit of work but much of it was in good shape. He moved over to where Dan asked them. Mari simply sat down and smiled at him. A short while later they were in the training building and Geoff was sort of surprised since most of the class were kits and not adults. He felt sort of odd being in there with most of his detail as well as his assistant.

Dan gave him a glance before addressing the pups. "I know I have said this before but the fighting style for me isn't necessarily the best one for you. I am ultimately a brawler. I am large, strong and can absorb lots of damage before I go down. For some of you that might work but others a different style might work best. Don't ever let what I can do overrule what you need to do." He looked around the room and smiled slightly.

"Nancy come up here please." The girl he mentioned was about 13 or so and was in that gangly early teen stage and even now the fact that she was going to be slender was obvious.

She moved forward and clutched her hands over her chest and bowed to him. "Greetings, Alpha." She said as she bowed and stood up with her hands by her side.

"Now look at her. She is slender and even when she reaches her full growth she is going to be slender and more of a runners build compared to my bruiser build. My fighting style simply won't work for her since I can absorb more damage than she can buy quite a bit. I am going to show you two styles of fighting, mine and what is best for her." 

Dan knelt down so he was on his knees. "Hun, I want you to hit me as hard as you can in my abdomen. You will not be punished for this in any way. Once you do that throw three or four hits as hard as you can at me. I am going to block all but the first."

Before he had really finished she had slugged him as hard as she could in his solar plexus and he actually grunted. "Good hit..." The next blows were blocked and absorbed without a problem. See how I didn't react too much other than the first blow? It sort of hurts but I have the mass to absorb it. Now throw some blows at me and I am going to block differently."

Geoff had to agree with that. He was massive and could absorb a great deal of damage. What he was saying was also very true. What would work for one person wouldn't work for another person. He and his detail kept their mouths shut as the training went on and he had to wince when Nancy punched him. She might be scrawny but she had rolled him over harder than intended outside and he could feel her feeling horrible about it.

She did that and each and every blow he deflected with a totally different style. "Okay, my style is brawler, the style for her is the art of using an attackers power against him." The training continued on from there and eventually he set the pups free.

Geoff and his team traded some serious thoughts as Dan was working with the pups and he definitely knew what he was doing. He was gentle but didn't hesitate to deliver a blow that would at least somewhat hurt if they messed up. By the time the kids walked out Geoff had a new respect for the man. Well that and confused. He was very gentle with the pups but there was still a hardness to him. Geoff could feel the killer inside and it was cold, hard, and wouldn't hesitate to kill to protect. It would kill any way possible to protect those he called his.

The next set was his senior wolves and was much different. With the pups he was instructing as well as teaching. With the older wolves he was flat out teaching them the best way to fight. He wasn't brutal but he was hard and growled as they screwed up. "Damn it I have been working with you for several months. By now you should be doing better. Look at Geoff's protective detail, they were working as a team and taking down the singles as a team. I have been trying to teach you this. There is a difference between a warrior and a soldier. Warriors do things on their own and soldiers work as a team I want you to work as a team and not individuals. I might just match a few of you up against them."




Silver Kitsune Clan 01



Geoff nodded to the senior officer not on duty and to keep from distracting Dan from his teaching they simply used the clan bonds for orders. Well that, and it was more impressive. Dan had been using something like them but they were trained to use them extensively. The moves were well practiced and skilled. Geoff did get tossed around a number of times and got several growls as well but this wasn't his specialty. It was theirs.

Finally he excused the class and chased them out. "Sorry Geoff, I am sorry if I used your team as a lesson but the previous alpha was a pos and as hard as I have been trying they are still thinking as individuals. I would like to use your protective team as something to train them with." Dan looked tired as hard as he tried not to.

"Danilo I can see how much you have worked with them and if it helps I don't have a problem. Tell me what I need to protect my mate and I will make it happen." He moved forward and looked down and then back up. "Well that and what I need to protect your pups as well. They are the future of all of us." 

Dan ran a cloth across his face. "Will do and I think I am going to my office since I am sure I have some paperwork piled up." He bowed slightly towards Geoff before turning and leaving. Having Mari leave with his cubs scared the crap out of him. He wasn't really trying to be a hard case with Geoff but he couldn't help it. He had been in the protection business for so long he couldn't remember when he wasn't. Letting someone he cared for that much out of his view was really petrifying.

Geoff looked at his assistant and then sort of nodded in Dan's direction. *He needs help Sheliae. I can't say exactly why but he needs help and you need to do something before we leave.* He could feel the pain and agony from his spirit even if Dan wasn't showing it. It was part of the reason he was so tired unlike a normal werewolf with his amount of work. The damage was draining him.

She nodded at Geoff and gave him a slight smile. She had sensed it as well and Dan was going to need to be somewhat healed in the near future and that was something she could do till they could convince him to come to the clan property where they could fix him permanently. When she reached his office she gently knocked on the door. "May I please come in Alpha? I would like to talk to you."

~~~

When the keening started Geoff knew that Sheliae was with him and would take good care of him. The keening was some of the worst he had ever felt or heard. People had lost family before but there was more loss then just family and he had to wonder what it was. His mother hadn't informed him he was from a different world. It was something he needed to figure out for himself.

Mari was with Geoff and turned to him and shivered in his arms. "God I hate listening to him Geoffrey. It breaks my heart every time he starts to cry. If it was only one or the other half I could deal but with both him and his wolf it rends me." She lifted her head and cried to the sky as well and to their mistress asking why it had happened.

Most of the cubs scrambled to their parents and the ones that didn't have any headed for Aiden or Mari. Mari had been a surrogate parent for as long as many of them could remember. Geoff's servants looked around and sort of gathered around him. They ignored the kits and included them into their protection.

*Stop, it is grief and nothing else. Relax and pay attention.* Geoff thought at them and they took their hands off their weapons and bowed their heads before really listening and felt the agony. Geoff urged Mari down and settled down next to her and gathered the kits in their arms. Though they were foxes they knew the feeling and lifted their heads as well and let out the fox version of the keen and joined in.

In Dan's office, Sheiliea held both of them as he cried out his pain again and the kit as she tried to give her Alpha some sort of comfort. Now she could do her work and help him. He had admitted his loss and the pack was supporting him as well as Geoff and the rest of his detail. She could hear their yips as well.  *Go kitten, I need to help your alpha. Tell who ever to have food brought to his room. This is going to take a bit of time but I will help him.* Sheliae gently stroked Giani's hair before she got off their lap and scurried out of the office.

~~~

Since Giani had asked to have food brought to his room, Mari had decided to take it up. Dinner had been quiet and subdued and she didn't blame anyone. All of them had heard the keening for Dan's lost mate and cubs and had joined in and god had it hurt. All of them, even the ones that still weren't sure about Dan had joined in. Geoff had held her for what had seemed like hours before letting her go. 

When Mari walked into the kitchen while Geoff went to get ready for dinner, Angie asked her to run some food up to Dan's room since he wasn't going to be joining them. She grabbed the tray and hurried up and knocked on the door before walking in. When she walked in and saw the other woman lying on top of him, she froze.

It was hard not to growl at her since she wasn't in the pack. Mari didn't belong to Dan and he didn't belong to her but he was her Alpha and didn't like this strange woman lying on top of him that way. "Here is the food requested." Her voice was slightly chill.

"You have been so very good for him little wolf but there are things I can do that you can't. I am not talking sexually but spiritually. If you hadn't been here for him he probably would have committed suicide. You should be proud of yourself." Sheliea slid off him and walked over to Mari and took the tray from her. "Go and enjoy your evening with Geoff and don't worry about Danilo. I will make sure he is okay." 

Once the tray was down and before Mari left Sheliae wrapped her arms around the smaller woman and gave her a good hug and Mari tensed up. With Dan and the cubs she didn't have a problem with the physical touch and closeness, but with a complete stranger she did. Geoff contacted her, *Trust her Mari; she knows what she is doing and would never hurt anyone if at all possible. Relax and come back here to me. I am in the kits room and will be waiting.* Mari was startled when Geoff was able to contact her and was going to have to ask. With wolves they had to be mated to communicate that way.

"I do mean that, and it has little to do with you carrying his kits, I mean cubs. The simple fact that you and your wolf trusted him enough to let him cry on your shoulder helped. He is a very strong man but sometimes it is the littlest things that make a difference." Sheliea stroked her hair. "Now go to my Lord Geoffrey and I will take care of your Alpha."

For some reason she almost felt like an alpha and with Geoff's assurance Mari couldn't help but nuzzle her chest and relax in her arms. "Please take care of My Alpha. He is hurting and damaged and I have done everything I can but I, the cubs and I, know that we can't really fix what is going on. It isn't just the loss of his family but also the loss of his pack." Her voice was quiet and soft as she spoke. "We need him and till he heals we can't totally heal either. Please take care of My Alpha and the father of my cubs." She knew somehow that this woman could.

"I will do my best hun and the rest is up to the spirits. What they decided they need they will choose. I am sure that they will take care of him and he isn't broken, just hurt. I can see that in how he takes care of the pack. Now go my lady and rest in Geoff's arms and relax. I will take care of Lord Danilo." She gave her another hug and urged her from the room.

~~~

Mari nodded and feeling slightly confused, left the room and slowly walked to the cubs' room. She wanted to run there and crawl in with her mate, but today had really thrown her for a loop. Mari had never wanted a mate and the feelings she was getting from her wolf were confusing her. From the day he had arrived Dan had been gentle, kind, compassionate and yet a killer who was hard and brutal. 

Geoff she wasn't sure of yet since she barely knew him but seeing him talk the cubs into actually working as a pack had been really interesting. She had growled at Nancy hugging him when he had changed but she was a pup. Now if it had been one of the wolves even though she was a sub she was pretty sure she would jump at them. She had never felt this way before and it confused her. All the women had talked about the mating bond and all of them had sort of hoped for it but not Mari. 

All it seemed to bring was pain to those that had it. The former alpha had been brutal and didn't care if someone was mated. If one of the wolves pissed him off he would kill him or her. Usually it was the male that was killed and he would take the other to his rooms and everyone would listen to the screams. Geoff thought she knew he would protect her and love her and take care of her, but the feelings scared her.

She ended up at one of the windows and was blindly staring out the back. Her wolf didn't understand why she didn't go and crawl in with him. Granted, in the cub's room all they would do was snuggle, but she wanted to be with her mate and inhale his scent. As she was standing there she heard a wolf come up behind her and knew it was Angie and leaned into her she wrapped her arms around her.

"Hey sweety, shouldn't you be with Geoff? I saw the calf eyes you were making at each other. I take it he is your mate?" She felt the younger girl lean into her and smiled.

Mari nuzzled at her shoulder. "He is, I should and I want to go to him, but I have seen what pain it can cause, and that scares me so much." She turned and wrapped her arms around her and tried not to cry on her shoulder.

Geoff could sense his mate. He slid out of bed and slowly walked out of the room and sighed when his detail followed. He was used to it but sometimes it was tiring. Geoff followed the bond till he found her and nodded at Angie and took over the hug. "Mari what can I do? My fox is upset because you are upset and so am I. What is upsetting you?"

She shook her head. Mari didn't want to explain it since she didn't want to hurt him. "Let's just go to bed. It has been a long day Geoff. I think part of it is I am just tired. I need to think about some things before I can talk about it." Her wolf didn't like it, but he was going to have to prove himself to the woman.

Geoff managed not to sigh and simply gave her a light squeeze before turning and with one arm around her shoulder, slowly walked to the kits room. He settled down in the bed and waited for her to change clothes. When she crawled in, he wrapped his arms around her and simply held her and tucked her head under his and went to sleep. 

~~~

When Dan walked into the dining room with her he got a number of odd looks from his pack as well as a few frowns from one or two of the woman. Geoff and Mari simply smiled at him and then Mari winked and he growled. "Damn uppity subs." 

Aiden snickered and mock whispered to Angie, "Well he seems in a good mood this morning... Wonder what got in his pants..."

The entire room went silent and Sheliae snickered. "Maybe a bit of a fox got him... But I ain't gonna tell." She smirked and then outright laughed when Dan covered his face with one hand.

Mari started snickering and traded looks with Aiden. "Being a sub has some uses right?" When he chose not to say anything she grinned and returned to her food and continued eating.

"I think I am going to go and shoot myself now." That was another growl though he continued to his chair and almost grinned when Saul offered her his chair. "Now can we get some food on the table please? My inner wolf is not happy right now. If it doesn't get food shortly I am going to have to toss you around the gym."

Another wolf snickered at that. "Um, boss, I hate to remind you but you do that already." Matt couldn't help but grin when he said that and snickered harder when Charles punched his shoulder.

"Don't egg him on you nit wit. All you are doing is encouraging him and I am still recovering from my bruises yesterday." He mock growled at the other wolf before turning to the tray that was placed on the table.

"Oh, while I am thinking about it Geoff is going to be shadowing me at his mother's request so expect to see him in the meetings, practices, and everything else I do." Dan told the room and everyone looked at him then Geoff and back at him and nodded. "Mari I am going to work your mate into the ground just so you know. He might not be much use to you at night and yes I know the two of you shared your bed in the pup's room and am not upset."

Mari frowned at him. "If you make him too tired for snuggling at night I am going to starch your underwear." Mari understood what he was saying and bowed down to him. "Take care of my mate sir and train him well so he can be as good as you." She felt acceptance of her submission via the links.

~~~

Later in the training room, Dan looked at Geoff and smiled. "You too kit, I am going to train the living heck out of you and if you can keep up with me, I will be more than impressed. Well that and I am going to be more than willing to accept you as Mari's mate."

Geoff's face hardened for a moment and then relaxed before walking over to the training rack and pulled out a training Katana and checked it and then walked over. He had been trained with that sword since he was little and was very good with it. He walked over to the circle and saluted Dan and took up a position. Normally the katana was for quick strikes and a few blows but he had been trained to use it as long as needed.

"Ready sir. Test me and I will prove that I am more than capable of taking care of your submissive." He glanced over at Mari and smiled. This was one weapon he was more than familiar with.

Dan kept the gladius and rushed Geoff. Before he realized it they had traded some blows and Geoff's sword was at his throat and he froze. "Well crap son, you are good with that thing. I think you can protect my submissive."

The rest of the students froze when Geoff and Dan attacked each other. Heck, his detail froze as well and nobody could believe that Geoff had managed to subdue Dan. Mari started to rush forward but was stopped by one of the agents. "Training, lady and nothing else. Blunted edge and dulled tip."



Silver Kitsune Clan 02



This is a pure work of fiction and all aspects are from my own imagination though some parts will probably sound similar depending on how much fantasy reading you have done.

If you have any problems with what I am typing let me know but if you are only going to give crappy feedback as in 'it sucks' then go frost yourself and hope you need a new wanker... Now if you have some positive feedback please let me know.

This is a side story to the official Silver Moon series I am working on. Some parts of the dialogue will be the same, or in the beginning it will be. Most of it is going to be from Geoff's and Mari's point of view with the occasional third party pov. Other parts will be different as one remembers it differently than others. That is normal in life. Most of this chapter is going to be from Mari's as she deals with her fear of men. I know that in the others I showed her as mostly not having troubles but many times people keep what they truly feel hidden.

Somaluna reviewed the rough draft but I decided I was in a sort of hurry due to the slow response to go ahead and post it before I had her review it again. I really am trying to get the chapters out in a reasonable time but shit happens you know. There is going to be one, maybe two more chapters for the Silver Kitsune chapters before I get back to the main series. I hope you are enjoying it as much as I have had writing it.

Chapter 2

When Dan contacted them and told them to make sure everyone was accounted for and safe Mari didn't really think. It was somewhat strange still to have the Alpha really care for the women and pups. She did her best to make sure the pups and all the females were in what was now the safe room as well as the pregnant females. She knew she was pregnant but actually having someone care for her and her babies was so strange that it didn't really cross her mind when she hurried upstairs to let Dan know that they were safe.

As she hurried upstairs to let him know she didn't even really consider she could contact him via the bonds since that was still as strange as actually having an alpha that cared for them. When Dan opened the door she had to freeze as she looked at the man who walked in with him. She liked his looks but with the scent of him waving past her nose her wolf stood up and howled. It was all she could do not to jump at him and howl her claim and desire. For the moment the wolf had taken control. Mari looked up at him and blushed slightly.

When he took her hand and lightly kissed it she damn near died on the spot and could feel her body reacting with a rush of feelings she didn't understand. He was such a handsome man with his long silvery hair. He had a slender build though he obviously did work out. She could feel the muscles in his hand as he took it and kissed it. Her wolf was more than pleased with his attention though Mari wasn't nearly as happy. Having Dan in her life was more than she had ever expected. Having such a handsome man obviously interested in her was almost too much. 

To be honest she was scared of male attention in general since most of it had been bad. Dan had started showing her that it wasn't bad to have some attention but other than that she didn't like it. Having her wolf perk her head up at a male and try to claim him as hers was terrifying. She had tried to avoid male attention since the former Alpha had claimed her when she was still a pup. "Um, nice to meet you Lord Geoffrey." It was all she could say at the moment and in a very soft voice.

When he left with Dan, well was pulled away by Dan, she almost growled and ran after them. Her wolf was not pleased that her mate had been taken away even if it was by her Alpha. Dan had commanded her to take Geoff's people to get some food and rooms. Her human half was scared silly but she had a job to do and it had been given to her by her Alpha and she had to obey.

Mari showed the five other staff of Geoffrey to the dining room and called for Angie. "We have some visitors and need to feed them and find some rooms for them Angie. Their leader is Lord Geoffrey Logan of the Silver Kitsune clan." She turned and looked at them and smiled shyly.

The group consisted of four rather large yet nondescript men who radiated and intensity. All were of different sized by a few inches but had similar hair colors and facial features. The lady stood out in that she had a sort of silvery blond look. By that anyone who knew could tell that she was related to the core of the clan. Some of the central clan were born with a silvery blonde hair and virtually every clan heir had full on silvery hair.

Angie tensed slightly when Dan contacted her and smiled slightly though internally she snickered. She had a feeling why Dan had asked for her to keep Mari busy for a while. "Welcome gentlemen and lady. Come have a seat and relax while Mari and I get something for you to nibble on to keep you till dinner." She lightly grasped Mari's arm and led her to the kitchen. "Find some rooms for them while I take a few minutes to feed them."

Mari's wolf sort of sighed and then settled down. She knew that her alpha wouldn't let them close to Geoff till he was ready even if that wasn't what she wanted. Mari nodded and walked over to the diagram that showed the house and who lived where. After reviewing it she turned to Angie. "I think if we clean up the old beta and mates quarters that will give them the room they need as well as the beta quarters only have one door."

Angie listened and then nodded. "Sounds like a good idea. Get a few of the pack and take care of that. I will take care of his staff as much as possible." She smiled at the men and then the one woman who was with them.

Mari bowed her head and then walked away from Angie. She was more senior than Mari was and she had to obey even though her wolf wanted to go and hunt Geoffrey down and take him as hers. It was so scary to even consider a male as being hers. Women didn't scare her but men did and the idea of having a mate really scared the crap out of her. She grabbed several of the pack and headed to the wing they had been discussing. It didn't take all that long to reopen the rooms and get them prepared for occupancy.

All it really required was clean sheets, a light dusting, and a few other things. The rooms were kept reasonably clean and were cleaned four or five times a year. The room at the end she took care of herself since it was going to be for Geoff while he was here. The thought of spending her nights in this room with Geoff did scare her and she simply wasn't sure how to handle it. When she spent the night with Dan she was now comfortable enough that she didn't even think when she crawled in next to him. He would curl around her and drift off to sleep and she, for the first time, felt safe in a man's arms.

As she was working she kept thinking. Now she had to learn a totally new way of thinking. Her wolf was trying to force her to go to him since only now and tomorrow mattered to her. Her human half was fighting it tooth and nail since she had no idea of whom or what he was like. Was he as nice as he looked? Did he have a mean streak that he kept hidden or was he a cold fish? She was going to have to learn all that just like she had with Dan. In Dan's case she had sort of been forced to begin trusting him when he had created the bonds. With Geoff there wasn't any. She briefly leaned against a wall and sighed.

The room was done and she could hear the others working in the ones assigned to be cleaned. Now came the big question, should she push it and have them go and help get the luggage or let Angie deal with it. The question was cut short when Dan contacted her to go to his office. She stopped in the kitchen. "The rooms are mostly done and when they come back maybe they can help get the luggage."

Angie waved at her and turned back to talk to the kitsunes. She knew of them but had never met one before and was taking the time to find out what they were like. If she hadn't been mated there was one or two she might have considered inviting to her bed but would let the other females have that fun.

Once at the office she knocked and then walked in. "You called My Alpha? What can I do for you?" She glanced up at Geoff and blushed slightly and then looked down at the floor. To keep from quaking she called her wolf a bit forward to give her strength to deal with him. Eventually she would be able to escape to the pups room and try to think. How long she would do that she wasn't sure since he was sure that Geoff would be looking for her.

When Dan sort of threatened Geoff her heart skipped a beat and her wolf forced her forward. "You can't hurt him... That wouldn't look good my Alpha." As soon as she stood up for Geoff her wolf snorted in contentment and backed off somewhat. "We have cleaned some rooms for them in the old mated wing and the beta quarters for Lord Geoffrey. They have been fed as well and I will go past the kitchen and make sure everything is done."

Geoff stood up and held a hand out and waited for her to take it. "I am very pleased to have met you and please, just call me Geoff." Once her hand was in his he lifted his other to her chin and gently tilted her head back so she was looking at him. "Shall we go? I think Dan is planning on making a phone call."

Mari slowly reached over and finally took his hand and as hard as she tried it was still shaking slightly. When she did finally take it she had to admit that it was warm and his hand was just large enough to cover hers. That in a way felt rather odd since she had gotten used to the mitts that Dan called hands and much like him made her feel tiny. The hand under her chin made her jump slightly and almost couldn't meet his eyes. When she did they his were so beautiful. A soft silvery gray that appeared to hold both compassion and strength.

"Go play, children, just be good. Maybe show him to the kids' room and see if some of them would like to go for a romp." That would allow the two of them to have time together but not alone.

When Dan spoke Mari jumped slightly and gave him a shy smile. "I believe the cubs are outside right now working on some hunting training. I think there is a piece of fresh bacon and some bad bacon out there that have been drug around. I will show Geoff where they are." 

~~~

Once they were out of the office he heaved a sigh of relief. "I would really hate to annoy him." He sent reassurance over the clan bonds to his men. *I am talking to my future mate. I will tell you if you need to react.*

Mari sort of giggled. "He can come across that way occasionally and especially when it comes to both his pack and those he cares for. Subtle isn't his middle name which I am sure you have noticed. I do love him since he saved the pack from", her mouth puckered and the vitriol in her voice could be heard, "those men. He isn't perfect, but for a wolf he is one hell of an Alpha." She had to stand up for him.

She glanced slightly at him. "I assume Dan told you?" What Dan had told Geoff about her pregnancy she didn't mention and waited to see what he had to say. He might be her mate but she was going to get the measure of the man since she still didn't trust strange men. Her wolf might be screaming MINE but Mari the human was a different story.

He nodded. "I can't say it is what I expected but I can sense that he is a good man and has helped you in his own way as you have helped him. Neither one of you are really or totally healed but that connection and love and care you feel is what is important." He gave her a brief smile. "Now, you mentioned kits learning to hunt?"

~~~

The rest of the day went decently as they played with the pups and Mari couldn't help but enjoy watching Geoff playing with the pups. When he managed to get them calmed down and starting to think on how they should be hunting she was impressed. In the training center she had been very impressed as well when he had actually gotten a blow in on Dan. That was a first from what she had seen though she didn't spend much time in here. She had entirely too much to do in the house to spend much time in the training area. 

Eventually the day was over and it was time for dinner and she was feeling sort of bushed. She had been asked to run a tray of food to Dan's room and had been more than startled to find the Kitsune woman using his back as a bed. Somehow she had a good feeling about the woman which was odd. Since Dan obviously wasn't showing any discomfort having her in his room she chose not to worry about it since she had her own concerns.

When she finally sat down for dinner she was more than startled when Geoff settled down at the pup's table with her. The rest of his staff was sitting at one table, other than the two standing behind which made her rather nervous and uncomfortable. It felt like it every eye in the place was on her and she hated that feeling. How he felt about both sitting where he was and having two people behind him at all times she didn't know and wasn't going to ask.

As they were eating Geoff kept up some light conversation both with her and with the pups. Nancy was still trying to take some extra attention and Mari kept having to tromp on her wolf. Nancy knew she was too young and so did Geoff but it felt like she was trying to poach on her territory. She might have to have a discussion with her later.

By the time dinner was over she was tired and ready for some quiet time. "Paulo, Shannon, Geoff and I are going for a walk. Please make sure to get the pups to the room. We will be back before bath time and I will take care of getting them into bed."

Paulo sighed. "Great babysitting duty. We will take care of it Mari." He was close enough to 18 that his wolf was starting to want to exercise his dominance and see where he would end up in the pack. The only reason he did obey was till he moved from pups section she was more senior to him. It was going to be strange to no longer have to obey her. She had been such a major part of his life since he was enough younger. 

Mari smiled at him. "Thank you Paulo. I see about sneaking you a nice snack later." She knew it would feel really weird for him to be senior to her She was only 7 or so years older than he was but she had raised most of the pups since they was even younger than he was. She was their mother, father, cuddler, and disciplinarian. When she saw Geoff's hand in front of her she realized she was wool gathering.

She took his hand and damn it her hand was shaking again. "Let's go out back where we can get a bit of privacy." Mari couldn't help but glance over her shoulders and rolled her eyes. "Well as much as possible." Maybe they could hang back and pretend to give them some privacy? Privacy was almost a moot thing with lycans since their hearing was so good. You would have to walk quite a distance before you couldn't be heard. *Can you ask people to stay away from the back Dan? I need to talk to Geoff.*

Once they were a fair distance from the house she found a small sitting area. They were scattered around for wolfs to relax and enjoy the outside. "Gentleman I know you need to guard your lord but could you please give us a bit of space. I know that you will still hear everything I have to say but some of it is very painful memories."

Geoff nodded at them and they gave a nod and moved in opposite directions. When he moved towards her and she flinched slightly he tensed up and then moved away to give her some room. He knew that sometimes things happened and Dan had hinted at a few but had a feeling it was worse than he thought. "Sorry Mari I am just feeling drawn too you and want to hold you. What do you want to talk about?" His voice was even as he was talking.

She could smell the traces of hurt when she flinched away from him but it was trained into her. "Sorry Geoffrey but strange men scare me. Hell half the men still here scare me." She had to clear her throat before she could continue. "I never wanted a mate because I could see how much pain they caused the other at times." Damn it she was making a hash of it.

"Let me try again. This was a broken pack run by an evil bastard who enjoyed causing pain. If he saw something he wanted he would take it. If it was a mate and the other complained he would at the very least beat him into a wreck before making him watch as he took the woman." She had to swallow since this was so very hard to talk about. Before she could continue she heard a noise and looked up and noticed Angie carrying a jug and two cups out.

"I figured you might want something cool to drink while you are talking." She put the tray down on the picnic table and gave her a hug and kiss before turning and leaving. Dan had asked her to bring it out though she would have done so anyways. She knew what Mari was going to talk to him about. 

Geoff could feel his guards tense up slightly when Angie walked out and then watched her pass. They were listening to what was being said since it would impact on their charge. They had heard some stories before but this was going to be the first that would directly impact on the Clan Leaders family. They were sure that Geoff would expect it but they were sending the story to the other guards as she was talking.

Geoff shifted slightly but not towards her so much to face her more. He slowly held his hand out. "If you want I promise if you pull back I will let go." It was held out halfway between the two of them and he simply waited for her to do something.

Mari stared at his hand and then looked up at him and very slowly reached over and finally grasped it. Holding his hand was hard enough but she could do it. "He killed my father when I was twelve and took me to his bed when I was 16..." She kept talking to him about some of what had happened though she didn't into details. She moved her eyes to the table as she talked since she didn't want to see the probably revulsion and disgust on his face.

As she was talking he lifted their hands to the table and with his other hand started stroking the back of hers. As she was talking he was sensing her spirit and was impressed at how strong she was. She might be a submissive but she was a very strong person. "I am sorry to hear that Mari." What he really wanted to do was to rage and scream and dig the bastard back up but that wasn't what she needed right now. "Nobody should have to have anything like that happen to them.

The guards had stiffened up though they didn't really show it. It gave them a better feel for what they had been sensing from both her and the pack. They might be muscle but they were also highly trained in the use of Kitsune spirit powers. Hopefully with what Sheliae was doing with their Alpha it would help fix the wounds.

Geoff reached over and again had to tuck his finger under her chin to encourage her to look up at him. When she finally did he could sense as well as see her expecting to reject her after what she had told him. "Such a strong little wolf, Dan calls you his little wolf and I think I might have to start calling you my little wolf as well." There was a sad smile on his face but nothing else.

Mari twitched when he touched her chin but it was a gentle touch and carried only a bit of force. It was just enough to encourage her to slowly look up at him. The last part was the hardest which was to lift her eyes to meet his and that seemed to take forever. When she finally meets his eyes she was actually shocked when all she saw was compassion and sympathy. Tears started trickling down as she tried to take her eyes from his.

Geoff slowly moved forward. "I am just giving you a shoulder to cry on and just pull back if you need to." She leaned towards him and though she tensed up she didn't pull away and he was pleased. 

It was stupid but though the tears were real and she was reacting to what was in his eyes it was still a test. Now he knew she was pregnant with Dan's pups and some of what she had grown up with. She was going to be watching every move he made with everyone till she was satisfied. She had to admit that he was warm and his wolf was enjoying the feel of his body. He felt strong but not bulky which was nice. 




Silver Kitsune Clan 02



"Mari what can I do to help you become more comfortable around me? My fox can feel the tension in your body and smell the fear and nervousness you are feeling. It is upsetting him." He kept his arms loose around her and when she started to show any movement he loosened his arms and leaned back. He did take one of her hands again and held it gently.

Mari rested her other hand on her lap and started playing with the material in her skirt. "I don't know Geoff, it isn't a question I have ever been asked before. All Dan did was to ask me to trust him and to watch his actions. You are asking for a hell of a lot more. It isn't just trust but being in bed with each other and eventually actually mating. That scares me even more than just trust." 

Geoff simply sat there and was sending encouraging feelings to her. It was sort of like what an Alpha could do but on a spiritual level. "I understand that which is why I want to know what I can do. I don't want to mislead you in any way so I suppose I should say watch me as well. I will try my very hardest not to push you farther than you can go or want." He was going to have to talk to Dan the next day about this and what suggestions he might have.

Her free hand started tapping on the table and she really tried to think about it. "Okay, here are a few things and I know it is going to be hard on you. Holding hands is okay, light kissing with warning is okay. If you get angry with me be honest about it. I don't expect you to but the moment you raise a hand against me I will turn away and you will never get me back. When we do go to bed it is only to sleep and will be wearing shorts and shirts." She swallowed hard because the next part really scared her. "If you want to sleep next to me it will be in the pups room." That wasn't breaking Dan's order.

Geoff listened very carefully to what she was saying and it all sounded good till she got to the last and he actually gawked at her. He hadn't expected to be in a bed with her for several weeks if not longer. It took him a few minutes to get his brain started again. "Excuse me what?" He wasn't sure if he had actually heard her rightly.

Mari almost snickered at him when he brain locked and waited patiently till he managed to start talking again. "I said that if you wish to sleep next to me it will be in the pups room with shirt and shorts. I know you won't be trying anything in there." And especially when he wakes up with several pups piled on the bed.

He had to scratch his head for a few moments. "Not really sure what to say about that Mari. I had rather expected to stay in the other room till we eventually leave and even then not then. I don't want to push you Mari."

She stood up. "It is time for me to go back and get the little pups to bed. Come with and you might do some things that you didn't being all high and mighty like you are." For the moment she had said her peace and now it was his turn to man up and show her what type of person he was. 

When she stood up she kept a hold of his hand and using her strength pulled him up and then strolled along to the back of the house and walked in. She felt somewhat better after talking to him but she had to keep an eye on him. If she did something stupid and then found out he was a different person she would hate herself.

He had to blink when she pulled him up and kept his hand and almost towed him along. From his security agents he was getting a hint of amusement at his reaction though it didn't show in their bodies. Geoff didn't mind getting a bit of amusement over the bonds as long as they were proper in all other ways. He finally caught up to her and gently tugged on her hand. "Try not to rip any of my parts off please. My mother might not appreciate it."

Mari was still feeling nervous and scared but not quite as bad as she had been. They finally made it to the pups room and she pulled him in. "Everyone this is Lord Geoffrey Logan and he is here for a visit. He has decided I am his mate though I am still debating on it." She gave him a sly look. "He prefers to be called Geoff and he is going to be staying here for a few days. Might be in here or in the rooms I cleaned for him. Ignore the big scary men at the door. They are just to make sure Geoff is protected due to who he is. No trying to kidnap him."

That got a snicker out of all of them including Mitzy. Mitzy was the oldest of the young pups and was about ten. The next oldest girl was Nancy who was just about ready to go to the older female pup's room "Is cuddling aloud? His fur was so soft compared to all of ours. I bet he is warm at night." She had squealed as loudly as Nancy had earlier and had been petting him for all he was worth.

Geoff rolled his eyes. "Why do I get the feeling I am going to be scared to come into this room in the future." That got a snicker as well and tall dark and scary at the door both smiled very slightly. The idea of a group of pups trying to kidnap him for a bunch of cuddling was amusing.

Mari turned and looked at the two men. "That door leads to the boy's bathroom which connects to the older male pups and they have their own door. The other door leads to the girl's bathroom and the older girl's room and it also has a door out." She stood to the side if they wanted to check it out. 

One of the men nodded and walked in and with a knock checked both rooms and then came back in and nodded at the other. They decided to have one inside and one outside just to make sure. They weren't really too worried about it.

In the room were 6 small beds and several larger beds with a single large that looked large enough to sleep all the pups and Mari. There were several small dressers as well as a few chests for toys. "This is how it works Geoff, the older pups take showers on their own, obviously. The pups get baths since they are so young. The tubs are large enough for all three so I alternate bathrooms. Tonight it is going to be the girl's bathroom. After we get them clean and dressed for bed then if they are good they get a story."

Geoff nodded. As he was taking in what she was saying one of the guards contacted him. *Would you like to have some night cloths brought to this room sir?* His tone was smooth and even when he asked but when Geoff mentally growled he mentally snickered. He sent to one of the others who were off duty to bring a loose shirt and shorts to the pup's room.

"Okay you three get your night clothes while I get the tub ready." She pulled Geoff into the girl's bathroom room and started running the water. "Towels are in that cabinet so get three out and put them on the counter there." As the water was running the three came scampering in and she helped them into the tub. "If you want to just sit that is fine but if you wouldn't mind washing Sammie's hair while I work on Giani and we will take care of Juan."

One of them splashed and Mari twitched back. "None of that or no story and you know it. Just because we have a guest doesn't mean you can act up." She was keeping half and eye on Geoff and he was looking rather unsure of what he needed to do. "Get over here silly, Sammie doesn't bite, well not usually. What you need to do is..." She walked him through getting the kids clean and dried off and dressed. She almost had to laugh at how unsure he was looking and shared a look with the guard that had taken a brief look in.

Geoff was rather hesitant since this wasn't something he had ever done before but did as she asked and started working some shampoo into the little kit's hair. Eventually they were done getting the three clean. When Geoff helped Sammie out and wrapped a thick towel around him Sammie wrapped his arms around him and gave him a good hug. Geoff was starting to look sort of lost. He had never helped like this.

Mari snickered slightly since it helped her feel slightly in control of something. "Relax Geoff he is just thanking you for helping get him clean." In the pup's room was listening and passed on the conversation and was resisting the urge to laugh. This was definitely not something their lord would have ever experienced.

Once done the three were dressed and ready for bed. "Okay, tonight is Juan's turn to pick a book and once I change we will start reading it." She gathered her things up and headed into the girls bathroom and was quickly changed since she normally showered in the morning. 

As soon as she was out Mitzy hurried in and was out only a few minutes later. "Mari Nancy asked if you would mind waiting a bit? She like to join in though normally she would read something herself." She tried to give her innocent eyes.

Mari and Geoff traded looks and right about then one of his other staff showed up with some night cloths for him and he growled at them again. "Fine and thanks. I guess you get to wait for a few minutes." Geoff grabbed the night cloths and some cloths for the next day and set the ones he didn't need on top of what he assumed was Mari's dresser.

Once he had what he needed he walked over to the boy's bathroom and after knocking walked in and quickly changed. He carried his old cloths back in and set them on the dresser as well. By now Mari was curled up on the bed with the pups around her feet. He walked over and carefully crawled on the bed and settled down next to Mari though not to close and was surprised when she moved a bit towards him and leaned lightly against him.

Mari was going to be testing him for quite some time and it might be cruel but every little thing she did while around him was to just his reactions. "So we are going to read the book that Juan picked out and then the little ones are going to bed." She handed it to Geoff and grinned at him. "I think our guest should have the honor."

Geoff mock growled at her and then started reading the story. He wasn't the world's greatest and he was getting more amusement from all of his guards that were awake. This was definitely not something he was used to but all the kits seemed to be enjoying it. Oddly enough this felt good though he wasn't sure why. Yes there were kits all over the clan but he rarely dealt with them and definitely never bathed one. God he felt so out of his depth. He had been trained to rule a clan, give judgments, sign treaties, arbitrate in the lower courts for civil cases but dealing with pups and scrubbing them down? Definitely not in his list of abilities.

Finally he was done with the story and gave the kits quick hugs before collapsing back against the headboard of her bed. "How the heck do you do this? I have done it for half a day and am beat." Before lunch was the hunt, then playing with the pups afterwards, then the training, and finally dealing with what Mari had told him and then the pups again.

She laughed. "I might borrow you from Dan for one of my days and see how you stand up. Try adding getting up early to cook, then laundry followed by more cooking and then cleaning. I enjoy it though since at the end of the day I get to come to my pups and give them love and then fall asleep with them around me." She slid down in the bed and wiggled under the covers. She actually had a moderate long gown on. "Come on silly crawl in or else."

Geoff slid down and settled on his side facing away from her. "Good night Mari and I hope you sleep well." He didn't need anything other than a sheet and was quickly asleep. His quiet snores were obvious to everyone in the room.

Mari didn't fall asleep quite as fast but eventually did and as expected several warm bodies crawled on the bed and settled around the two of them. Sammie had decided that since Geoff had helped him get clean he was going to curl up next to him and the other two with Mari. They all slept pretty well and Mari as usual woke up early.

She smiled at the pups and with a slight wiggle they were used to she climbed out of the bed and grabbed some clean cloths and silently walked to the bathroom and changed. Since her night cloths weren't dirty she simply hung them up and would take care of them later. She silently left the bedroom and snickered as she wondered how Geoff would handle waking up with a bed of pups.

As she walked out one of the guards stopped her and frowned slightly. "Is there some reason there are kits in your bed?" His voice was a low rumble that almost made her ears ache.

"I am the room mother and it is very normal to wake up with one or more pups in my bed. We find comfort in curling up at night, or well till we have mates. I promise they won't hurt Geoff." She smiled at him and then continued down the hallway. She felt something from the man but wasn't sure if he was laughing at her or Geoff.

~~~

Geoff's awakening wasn't quite as grand as it tended to be at times. He was starting to wake up when somehow a cold went nose nailed him in the tummy since his shirt had moved up while he was rolling around. Another nailed him in the center of his back and he eeped and tensed. "Gah, cold, wet, what the heck?" He looked down and there was a wolf pup curled up and he groaned. Against his back he could feel at least one more.

His guard came over and carefully scooped up the one pup and moved him to the other side of the bed. "Would you like some help sir? I might be able to help you escape from some stray pups." He had his game face on but had to smile down. "They are cuties. I remember mine being this small. Might have to talk my mate into another litter."

Geoff tried not to growl at him since it was so outside his experience. "Thanks for the rescue. I now know you are also trained to save me from sleeping pups. I will let mother know to add that to your resume." He gathered up his cloths for the day and stalked into the boy's bed room and was quickly dressed before quietly walked out. For a moment he wasn't sure what to do with the pups till Mitzy woke up. 

His guard smiled at him. "I would be more than happy to get a raise for being able to hold off a troop of sleeping pups sir." Again his face was professional and had to resist grinning. He was much older than Geoff but rather enjoyed the boy. He had a lively if somewhat twisted sense of humor.

Mitzy sat up and yawned and stretched. "I will take care of them Geoffrey. I normally do though it will be a little while since they normally sleep till 7:30 or so. If you spend any other nights in here just get dressed and leave and don't worry about it. We have it down pat." She rolled back over and started dozing again.

He looked confused as he walked out. The clan just wasn't run this way. Children in charge of children? Yes they ended up in the nursery during the day, the ones not in school, but the rest of the time they stayed with their parents. He was trying very hard not to look confused by all the new information that was being tossed at him.

When he walked into the kitchen he found Mari working on what looked like some biscuits and he walked over. "Morning Mari do you have any idea what I should do?" He said it quietly but didn't bother trying to hide it.

She paused for a moment and contemplated it. "Go find Dan since I have a feeling that he is going to have you sort of following him during the day." Mari hadn't even considered that Dan was going to have Geoff shadow him and how it would impact on her.

He nodded. "I should have thought of that myself and let me guess probably in the great room?" Geoff nodded and with a smile left the kitchen and followed the spiritual signature of Dan ended up outside what felt like his rooms and Geoff shook his head. "He can find us later if he wants. I am not going to disturb him if he is sleeping." He turned around and headed to the great room and after getting a cup of coffee he settled down in a chair next to Dan's and had to grin when some of the pups came in and head for some of the adults. Others headed for him and quickly snuggled up to him.

"Morning Geoffy." Giani said and gave him a winsome look and wondered what he would say about the Geoffy. She had tried that with Danny and had gotten tickling fingers out of it.

As he was glowering at her over the Geoffy one of the other wolves leaned over and whispered in his ear. "An easy tickling is an appropriate punishment for that sort of thing."

Geoff proceeded to do that but only for a moment and then set her down when Dan walked in. Moments later they were headed to breakfast and he was more than shocked when Dan informed him that he was going to be shadowing him. "Yes Dan I am honored." Moments later he turned back to seating and for some reason he was helping to make sure that Juan was getting enough food. That another thing he had never done.

As soon as breakfast was over he smiled down at Mari since she was still seated and slowly leaned over as he met her eyes and gave her a gentle pick on the lips. "I will see you later milady. I hope you have a good day." With that he turned and headed towards Dan's office.

~~~

Mari finished helping the pups eat and cleaned them up before turning them lose to go and harass their parents. That allowed her to have time during the day for her other jobs. Her jobs were actually staggered during the various days so she wasn't too overloaded. Once the kitchen was done it was time for laundry and she headed towards where the washers and dryers were. If you wanted your personal laundry done separately you used a laundry bag or you did it yourself. Since most, not all, of the beds were the same that was done communally unless you had special sheets you had requested.

She got to work on that and was trying not to be jittery since she knew that Dan was going to call her into the offices since she had broken pack policy. What made it worse was that it was one he had put in place. Mari wasn't going to deny it or try to give any excuses. Simple fact was that she had just forgotten about the pack bonds they had. She kept working till Dan actually sent for her. *Mari come to my office for discipline.*

Back at the office they had just finished the morning meeting and his staff had walked out. "Geoff stay here since I have an issue of pack discipline to deal with." He pointed off to one side. "Stand there and don't speak. I don't know how you deal with discipline issues but in the packs they are quick and pointed. Wolves are dense creatures and sometimes need a pointed lesson." 

Right about then Mari knocked. "Alpha you wished to see me?" She knew what it was going to be about but when she opened the door she almost froze but managed not to. Geoff was standing off to one side and he looked sort of shocked when she walked in. She walked around front and took up the submissive position.

"Yesterday I ordered all women, children, and especially pregnant women into the safe rooms. You disobeyed and came to the door to tell me all of you were there." His voice was hard as he spoke since it didn't matter if it was the submissive or the Father of his cubs. "How can you explain this breach of both my orders and pack instructions?"

Mari didn't shift one bit as Dan chewed her tail off. "I have not excuse Alpha. The only thing I can say is that I totally forgot the clan bonds in my fear. All I could think of was that if you didn't know that the others were safe you might worry. I am still not quite used to thinking I am pregnant Alpha."

Dan stared at her for a moment though his face was still hard. "Do you realize how you might have impacted on the clan submissive? You are pregnant and if Geoff's people had been aggressive many of the males would have been fighting over trying to protect you. That is why I have ordered my pups, females, and pregnant females to the safe room. I want you to think about this while you are dealing with your discipline."

He inhaled slightly. "I could technically order a whipping as long as it didn't impact on your pregnancy. Since you have not been disciplined before this is your punishment, bread, water, and fresh veggies during each meal in the dining room. That will start this next meal and each morning you will report to Sampson to ensure that it is not impacting on your pregnancy. Also at night you will sleep in a separate bed from your mate and by yourself. I will ensure the pups don't crawl in to try and comfort you. Do you have any questions?"




Silver Kitsune Clan 02



Mari kept her head down. "No Alpha and I accept your punishment. Do you have any other need of me or may I return to my work?" She had done wrong and she wasn't going to fight it. The idea of getting whipped made her shudder.

"No I don't have anything more. Go and continue your work as the pack Submissive." It was a clear dismissal. As soon as she was out of the office he turned to Geoff. "And?" He had a feeling that Geoff might not be very happy with what Dan had decreed.

Geoff was more than startled when Mari had walked into the office. For a moment he thought it was in punishment for his taking Mari away but the longer he listened the more he decided not. Dan laid out the charges and what might have happened for her disobeying and then the punishment. It was simple and straightforward for a group of this size though on the size of the pack it wouldn't work without the clan bonds and even then it wouldn't always work. 

Dan didn't say anything as Geoff appeared to actually be thinking since he didn't want to disturb him. In his own way Dan was teasing Geoff as much as Mari was. It wasn't mean in any way but being a leader required hard decisions and thought harder for lycan's he was sure that Geoff's could be as well.

Geoff finally spoke. "It was hard to see you disciplining my mate that way." He plucked at his lower lip. "But the fact is if one does break rules they need to be brought up and informed of what they broke. It will also require them understanding what they did wrong to hopefully educate them in how to act correctly in the future." He was still looking at the desk as he was thinking and his mind was working on it. "In my clan it is harder since there are far more than your pack. You can have personal knowledge of each and every pack member and tailor the punishment."

"For us we are more impersonal though we don't have quite as much crime as other species. It does hurt me to see my future mate disciplined and I am going to hate having her sleep alone but I understand." He finally looked at Dan. "I will do nothing to alter your punishment and ensure that the pups do not break it."

Dan nodded and then went back to work. 

~~~

Lunch was not fun for Mari since she had all the fun of eating her bread, veggies, and water. The pups looked sort of shocked as well as others but though others looked they didn't say anything. They had seen one or two others stuck with those but seeing Mari was shocking. That section of the room was quiet as they ate. Everyone tried to think about what she might have done to deserve that.

~~~

The following week quickly followed past as Geoff and Mari slowly continued working on their relationship. Once she was back in bed she found she was slowly moving towards Geoff and one morning actually found herself spooning with Geoff. One of his arms were curled around her side and when she woke it was all she could do not to scream. It wasn't that he was touching her anywhere that was wrong or sexual but it was just such intimate contact that she froze.

Before she knew it one of the guards was there and he moved his face close to her. "Relax Lady and you will be fine." He gently moved Geoff's arm from around her body and lifted her out. When she started to tense up he gave her a rather wry smile. "I won't hurt you any more than Geoff or your Alpha can. It is my job to protect."

Mari leaned into him and tried not to sob but waking up that way had brought back memories and with all the stress of trying to deal with Geoff and both her attraction and fear was too much. The man, sort of like Dan, exuded protection. It was too much and she started sobbing. "I will take care of it ma'am." *Sheliae Geoff's mate needs you. Do you have some time?"*

Sheliae had rather been expecting to be contacted. *Meet me in what would have been Geoff's rooms. They aren't occupied currently.* She stroked the pups and Dan to keep them asleep as she slid out of bed and pulled on a robe before leaving the room.

Moments later the three of them were in the rooms originally reserved for Geoff and Sheliae settled down on the sofa and took Mari from the guard. "Go back and I will send for someone. Thank you." She pulled Mari into a gentle hug and stroked her hair and back. "I have been expecting this for a couple of days. Dan has been good for you but you need some healing magic as well as but a different type."

Mari leaned into her and started crying again. "I just can't get use to the idea of a man in my bed even when there are pups to make sure nothing happens. I have tried and Geoff has been very careful but when I woke up this morning he was curled around me and I freaked out. It took someone else to get me out of bed. I am sorry but I am just too scared."

Sheliae continued stroking her back and hair. "Will you let me help you Marissa? It is sort of like I helped Dan but without the sexual component. We are both females and to really get you on the road to healing you need a male healer. It is the yin and yang aspect. A female needs to heal a male and the reverse as well. That doesn't mean you need to have sex, or sex with the healer. In the case of Dan and myself we don't have a mate but you do."

Mari was simply shivering as she was listening. Did she really want sex again or anytime soon? "I don't know what I want lady. I don't know. Being with Dan was wonderful but how do I know that Geoff will be the same? How do I know that he won't abuse me?" Why the hell was she talking to this woman this way?

"Mari please give me just a tiny bit of trust and I will tell you that Geoff is a wonderful young man. The person you grew up under would never prosper in the clan. To be honest I am not sure how they prospered in the packs but you won't have to deal with that again." A slow humming was starting in her chest and as it did she imposed a sort of tiredness into Marissa much as she had with Dan. Once she was asleep she laid in a sort of healing matrix over her spirit. In her case it was sort of a trust matrix so that she could really begin to trust Geoff and a matrix to help her hold off on her really having issues with her past till back with the clan.

Uncle would be the best one for her but if she couldn't wait till there then she was going to have major problems and it was going to impact on the pack. *Uncle I need your help. Geoff has mated with a hurt wolf and she is going to need your help. I have started the basic healing but she is going to need your touch.*

Back at the estates he rose from a trance and his spirit saddened with what Sheliae was showing him. *What you need to do till I can help her is...* He walked her through what was needed to keep her stable till Geoff could bring her to him. It was going to be some time since he couldn't help her there and once here Geoff had a week to introduce her to the clan elders. Once that was done they had three weeks till the clan wide ceremony and he should have some time before that. It all depended on the girl.

Once Sheliae was done with what he had told her to do she allowed the girls to awake. "Mari I am going to tell you this one more time. The spirits aren't wrong and Geoff is the man for you. I have done some healing on you till my master healer can actually help you. He will take care of you back at the clans. Some of your fears have been sort of mellowed since I personally know that Geoff would never hurt you. I don't want to do this but your fears are impacting on the clan and your pack and that isn't good."

Mari was trying to figure out what all had been happening and she was feeling sort of tired yet comfortable. "I don't understand Lady. I should be scared but it seems sort of distant. Did you do what Dan did to me?"

"Not really I have lain in a healing matrix on your spirit and it is going to make you sort of tired and hungry for the rest of the day. When you get to the estates there is someone sort of like Sampson who will continue your healing." Sheliae gathered her a bit closer. "I am working on Dan's healing and you will soon feel that though for you once we leave her it will take somewhat longer since the connection will be more faint."

Mari tried to understand but she was so tired and comfortable. She tried to say something but it came out as a mumble as she slid back to sleep. *Solomon please come and get Geoff's mate and take her back to her room. I have done what I can for her.* Any information that might impact on Geoff was passed between those assigned to guard him. Once back at the clan their memories of what had been said and seen would be shared with those assigned to protect him. She would also give Lady Alysson a complete over view as well.

Solomon came and carefully gathered the little wolf from Sheliae's arms and with a nod left the room. The inner guard in the pup's room helped him get her back in bed next to Geoff and they traded looks before Solomon left the room again.

~~~

When Mari woke up the next morning she was feeling better than she had for a while and the warm weight of Geoff's arm around her waist felt good. Her arm was resting against his and she lightly pressed her arm against it. Memories of last night came back and she tensed slightly and then relaxed. She clearly remembered being taken to see Sheliae and talking to her. She wasn't really sure what she had done to her but she did feel much more comfortable with the close contact with Geoff.

About then she glanced at the clock on the bedside stand and almost freaked out when she realized it was almost breakfast time. As she was starting to struggle to get up the guard spoke quietly.

"Relax Lady Marissa you have been relieved of your duties for the day. Sheliae talked to Dan and let him know that she had helped you last night. We ensured the pups were up and going at their normal time." As with the others the little wolf impressed them with her strength. All of them knew what she had gone through and all of them could see how hard she was trying to come to terms with having Geoff as her mate.

He squatted next to the bed. "Please relax Lady and give what Sheliae time to work. You have been trying so hard over the last week and that has to have tired you out. Food will be here shortly and then you will need to relax and will probably find yourself snoozing off and on during the day." Boyd smiled at her as he stood up and walked to the door and let Angie come in with a tray of food.

Mari was shocked when he talked to her and that was more words than anyone of Geoff's guards had said to or around her the entire time they had been there. One thing she didn't realize was that they were using the clan bonds most of the time. They also considered being 'stones that don't speak' to be intimidating which was a good thing. "Um, okay and thanks." She couldn't think of anything else to say.

Right about then she realized her bladder was complaining and carefully rolled out of bed and hurried to the bathroom. Since she was in there she took a quick shower since she was feeling sort of stinky with all the scents from last night. As she was toweling off she realized that she had forgotten some cloths and blushed deeply. Oh god this was going to be embarrassing. She opened the door a bit and peeked out. "Um, Geoff could you bring me some cloths? One of the shirts, a long skirt", oh god, "and a pair of my panties and a bra?" Oh god she was going to die of embarrassment.

Geoff rolled off the bed and looked at her and couldn't help but snicker at her. "Yes ma'am and I promise not to look very much at what is in the drawers." He knew that they were pretty much generic white undergarments and most of her cloths were the same style and pattern. When they got to the clan they would fix than by several trips to the clan seamstress. He gathered up what she wanted and walked over to the door and held one hand over his eyes while he handed them through the opening.

"You are going to die for laughing at me you oversized fox." She snatched the clothing and slammed the door shut and leaned against it. Even though she didn't have any use for them she almost wished that her undies had been at least a bit more interesting so she would have had something to really be embarrassed about. She quickly dressed and scurried out of the bathroom and found breakfast had been served.

Her stomach started grumbling and she felt really odd being served. Right about then Dan contacted her. *Mari you are taking the day off and that is an order. If you don't I am going to spank you and that goes for your mate as well.* She had to blink her eyes and sat down and shook her head. This was getting weirder and weirder. Last week she had been just a sub who took care of the pups and the house. Now she had a mate, was going to be leaving in a week, and now was ordered to take a day off. That was something that had never happened before.

Geoff walked out of the other bathroom and over to the table. "Smells good and what would you like to do today? Sheliae contacted me and let me know she had to do some healing on you and that takes it out of a person." He didn't seem fazed by it since his voice was normal and his scent didn't change. As he was talking he started filling two plates with food and handed the larger of the two to her. It still amazed him just how much she could eat.

Mari flushed and looked down at the table. "Sorry Geoff, I am so very sorry but this is harder than I thought." Her voice was sort of shaky and low as she spoke. Before she realized it he was next to her and holding her for all he was worth.

"Don't my love, don't even say it. I know how hard it has been for you, and Sheliae told me several days ago she was probably going to need to do something. She could feel your spirit crying out as you tried to get closer to me and accept me. We will deal with it my little wolf. I love you and will do what you need to fix this problem." He tucked her head into his neck and stroked her hair and back. Geoff hadn't meant to move over to her with her issues but his fox had sort of forced him to.

Mari threw her arms around him and pulled him close and tucked her head into his neck and slowly inhaled his sweet scent. His musk reached her wolf and caused her to howl in Mari's mind. It also helped to calm her down. "I hate this Geoff I truly do. I want you, I really do but just can't right now. Damn that fucking bastard for what he did to me." Whatever Sheliae had done was working wonders, though she knew it wasn't a permanent fix but she was going to use it; use it for all she was worth and she stroked his back as well and sighed. After a few minutes of being held, her stomach really growled.

Geoff relaxed when she started stroking his back and sighed. "That feels good Mari but don't push it. As I am sure Sheliae told you this is only a sort of band aide, though even once it wears off you will be better off. Just relax and go with the flow and we will keep doing what we have been doing." When her stomach grumbled he laughed and released her and gave her a good kiss before moving over to his seat and started eating.

For a few minutes all that could be heard was chewing and then a resounding burp from Mari which made her blush slightly. "I think Angie made that just for us since it definitely wasn't normal fare. I think since I have the day off, I would like to go out and sit under a tree, maybe cuddle a bit and relax and talk."

He nodded and kept eating. When she said she wanted to go outside, Geoff actually thought that was a really good idea since it would get her out of this room and into some fresh air. She didn't really get outside all that much. Maybe later he could convince her to change and go for a run. He had played with the pups but not really had a good run and he would love to hunt down a few rabbits and feed his mate. "Let's go then and I will tell you stories of my sisters and I when we were younger." He drew her up out of her chair and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

Mari smiled at that idea. "I would love to hear them since I am sure you were a stinker." She let him pull her up and wrapped her arm around his waist and they slowly walked out of the room. They were getting a few looks since that was closer than any of the pack members had seen them yet. When they reached outside, Mari drew him to a tree that was away from the house and urged him down before she settled down next to him and leaned into his shoulder and before she realized it, fell asleep.

It was something Sheliae had instilled in her at Uncle's request. She needed to be able to relax with Geoff without fear impacting on her. It would build good memories with him and not associate fear with his memories. As she was napping several of the pups came over and looked at them and Geoff held a finger to his mouth.

"Be quiet, she is sleeping. If you are really quiet I will tell you a story of the Lady of Light, the full aspect of the Moon." He wasn't a holder of knowledge but he had been taught the important stories of their deity. He waited a few moments and was more than surprised when all the pups came out. Paulo settled down next to them and Nancy curled up next to him. "It is said that the first Kitsune was blessed by her many years ago..."

As he was telling the story, one of his guards contacted Sheliae who went to gather up Dan. "You need to get your camera. I have a perfect photo op for you." She urged Dan away from his desk and what he had been doing.

When they came out the back of the house Dan couldn't help but stop and wrap an arm around Sheliae and smile. "Now that is a wonderful sight. You are right about that." He lifted the camera up and snapped several pictures. "So you did much the same to her that you did to me?"

She nodded. "One of the healers at the clan will finish it over the next few months though she is always going to have some issues about it. Geoff will be good for her as well since he is a gentle person." He could be a mean fighter if needed, but otherwise was very gentle.

It was a while later when Mari woke up from her nap and was more than startled to be leaning against Geoff. She was also pretty startled because they were surrounded by the pups and some of the pack and it sounded like Geoff was telling a story of some sort. She was comfortable enough she simply closed her eyes and listened to him for a while. The next time she opened her eyes Dan was laying there relaxing with Sheliae and almost the entire pack was listening.

Angie shook her head. "That was a very interesting story Geoff, but if I don't get one or two of my staff back it will be bread, water, and veggies for everyone." Her voice was amused as she was curled up next to Adrian. Once she had spoken she stood up and started towards the house.

That got a laugh from everyone and a growl from the pups since that was not something they would be willing to eat. Mari had to smile and sat forward and stretched. "Did you have fun Geoff?" She asked him before yawning. Dan was still there cuddling with Sheliae and Mari snickered. "Get a room you two..."

Sheliae laughed. "Why? Is there something wrong with seeing your O'Mighty alpha relaxing with a woman?" She looked at Dan and gave him a good kiss. "He is a man as well."

Geoff rolled his eyes at Sheliae's antics. "Yes I did have a great deal of fun this morning. I have never done anything like that before." He reached forward and lightly stroked Mari's back. "Since I have come here there are so many things I have done that I haven't before. I am going to sorely miss this place when we have to leave."

That got the pups' attention and Giani sat up and glared at him. "Why does she have to leave?" She knew that Geoff was her mate but had figured he would stay there with them. Vague pronouns

He smiled at the little girl. "I have to go back to my clan and keep learning how to be the next leader of the clan. Mari is my mate and she will be going with since she will be my co-leader and future mother of my pups." He couldn't wait to show her around the clan. He was sure his mother was going to love meeting her.




Silver Kitsune Clan 03



This is a pure work of fiction and all aspects are from my own imagination though some parts will probably sound similar depending on how much fantasy reading you have done.

If you have any problems with what I am typing let me know but if you are only going to give crappy feedback as in 'it sucks' then go frost yourself and hope you need a new wanker... Now if you have some positive feedback please let me know.

This is a side story to the official Silver Moon series I am working on. Some parts of the dialogue will be the same, or in the beginning it will be. Most of it is going to be from Geoff's and Mari's point of view with the occasional third party pov. Other parts will be different as one remembers it differently than others. That is normal in life. Most of this chapter is going to be from Mari's as she deals with her fear of men. I know that in the others I showed her as mostly not having troubles but many times people what they truly feel hidden.

I want to thank Somaluna for reviewing the chapters for mistakes and offering suggestions on better wording. All sex or sexual relationships are 18+. Enjoy.

@Anonymous: I do not appreciate what you had to say about Dan and or a few of your other comments. I am going to comment one time on my views of where I am getting some of the subject matter I have included in my story.

First off I am going to briefly touch on how I view wolves and then lycan's in general. Wolves and dogs tend to be very gregarious creatures. Have you ever seen dogs pile in a dog pile while sleeping? Walk past each other and randomly lick the others muzzle? The same could be said for cats as well. This is very normal for dogs and wolves. In winter it helps keep them warm. Now with Lycan's they have a wolf half and have much the same actions as normal canines or lupines.

Second how many of you have children? I have three though they are now all adults. I remember when my children were little and if they had a nightmare we would tuck them in with us for the rest of the night. Granted the pups weren't having nightmares but is their crawling in with him and Mari any different? Same goes for bathing them. My ex and I bathed our children till they were about 5ish and we were sure they knew to clean all of their bodies including their bottoms and groin. If that idea bothers you then I feel sorry for you.

Third lycans are very tactile in my universe. This does not mean that when Dan hugs a guy he is feeling him up or when he comforts a pup he is going for something sexual. If your mind automatically goes that way again I feel sorry for you. This is another reason for random touches as they walk past each other and all it means is they are keeping the pack bonds up. There isn't anything sexual to it.

Fourth I will say when it came to the shower scenes I did consider whether to include them or not. I finally decided that they added more than they might detract. Again going from personal experience I have known several people who did shower with their children till they were somewhat older. Mind you when I say older I am still talking 5 and under. 

Fifth when it comes to nudity again we are talking werewolves. They are trained from a very young age to strip before they change to keep from ruining their clothing. There is nothing sexual with this, simply common sense. To them it would be like going to a nudist beach and taking their clothes off before hopping in the water. There isn't any stigma or wrongness connected with it. Since some people did complain I did stop mentioning stripping and simply started saying they 'changed form' for the most part. If this still bothers you then I strongly suggest that you are the one with issues and not me. I do hope what I have had to say has some sort of impact on how those of you who have some issues view my stories but if not then I will politely invite you to read other stories that don't upset your little confined world.

Now having said all this above I hope you can see past what would be considered human notions and see that yes they have human bodies but they don't always react as humans. They are lycan's and some of their actions and reactions won't be the same. There isn't any underage sex or even vague hints of underage sexual relationships. Yes I did make a point of writing that Paulo and Sylvia are to be mates but I made a specific point of Dan saying they were not going to mate till they are over 18. 

*

The drive to the clan house wasn't really that long, but it was longer than Mari had ever driven and felt so far away from home, even if it was only a call away. The first night had been spent at one of the pack houses of a pack that looked toward Geoff's clan for allegiance. That had been interesting since the Alpha was named Apollo Granger and had been a rather boisterous outgoing male who seemed to drop jokes like they were going out of style. He had been more than a bit surprised when Geoff had shown up with a wolf as his mate and a submissive to boot.

The second night was at one of the small clan houses, small was definitely relative since it was larger than the manor she lived in, and that had been interesting since it was mostly Kitsunes with a few other species. That had been a small dinner affair which was again relative since there were probably a good 25 people at the table. Thank goodness the manners were fairly familiar and what little prompting that was needed Geoff did via their bond. The talk had been interesting but she had mostly been quiet since it was sort of overwhelming. If this was a small clan house, she was a bit scared to see what the main clan house was like. 

Geoff had explained that the main manor house was also the seat of government for the entire clan which didn't help much for her piece of mind. When they eventually reached the clan house right before dinner the third day they were on the road, she couldn't help but gape at it. The damn thing was huge!! There was a living area and clan area. She could tell the two sections apart, they were connected but very different. The clan side was three stories and obviously designed for business. The other section was two and a half stories but had large glass windows and looked like a residence but somehow the two were blended so they didn't look strange next to each other.

If she had the option she would have climbed out of the car and ran screaming. She was going from a rural girl who was bottom of a small pack to eventually a co-leader of a huge clan that was also a country in and of itself. She was scared to the bottom of her soul and was scared she would fail Geoff. It was a feeling she was trying not to project but had a feeling it was bleeding over since Geoff had his arm around her and was comforting her for all he was worth.

"Relax love, everything will be fine. I know you are tired but we are just having a small family dinner tonight and for the next few nights to give you a bit of time to settle in." He didn't mention that in a week they were going to have a formal clan dinner to introduce her to the local clan and another one in about a month and bring in the heads of the cadet branches of the clan as well as representatives of the other spirit animals they were aligned with to introduce her.

The dinner for the local clan members would happen after he introduced her to the clan elders as his mate. That was not going to be fun since several of the elders didn't like him and having him bring back a wolf and a country bumpkin was almost guaranteed to piss them off. There was going to be a screaming match and Mari was going to have trouble dealing with that considering her back ground as well.

Mari finally noticed there were several people standing by a large door and she assumed it was his family. The woman had long silver hair much like Geoff's hair. Her skin was a light golden color and her Asian ancestry was obvious thought there was the blending with a European race as well. The man had much shorter black hair and was pale and was a bit taller, so it appeared, than Geoff but she could see the resemblance. Both were dressed up and the man had something dangling over his left ear but she couldn't tell what it was from this distance.

Moments later the vehicles parked and Geoff climbed out and helped Mari out and wrapped one arm around her and walked with her over to his parents. When Allie and Ana weren't there, he was surprised but guessed they weren't back from their travels. "Mother, Father, I would like to introduce you to my future mate. This is Marissa Ryan of the Alucian pack. Mari this is my mother Alysson and my father Jonathon. This is our head of security and majordomo Jake." 

Mari gave them a shy smile. "I am very pleased to meet all of you." She looked up at Geoff and smiled. "He has told me so much about all of you and this place. I am happy to be here." Small lie but figured it would be ignored. It was rather obvious that she was not very comfortable as close as she was standing to Geoff.

Alysson watched as the two walked up to meet them and couldn't help but smile at the young woman. She was obviously scared but doing her best to hide it and her son was also obviously looking very protective of her. The young woman was a very petite girl but very attractive and she couldn't help but step forward and sweep her into a hug. "I am so happy to meet Geoff's mate. Welcome to your new home hun. Dinner is going to be in a few minutes but if you want to freshen up, Jake will show you and Geoff to your suite and bring you down when you are ready."

Mari was startled when she got hugged but leaned into it and smiled. She felt sort of like an alpha which really helped since it gave her a sort of sense of home and familiarity. As soon as she felt that, she started to relax slightly. "I would appreciate that ma'am. It has been a long trip and a quick shower and change would be nice." One last hug and she moved back to Geoff.

Alysson laughed when she was called ma'am. "Mari, may I call you Mari? Mari, call me Alysson please. Ma'am is for formal occasions and makes me feel old." She smiled when the girl leaned into her and Alysson rather liked her scent which usually was a positive indicator. "In that case Jake will take you up there and your luggage should already be there. Come down when you are ready and we will eat."

Mari's stomach rumbled when she said eat. "Won't be very long Alysson since my inner wolf is indicating lunch was some time ago." When Alysson had told her to call her Alysson, she lightly laughed. "You almost sound like Dan. He grumpily ordered me to call him Dan instead of Alpha. He really did have to order me to. I really wasn't comfortable with that..." She realized she was rambling and closed her mouth and stepped back.

Geoff smiled. "We will see you shortly mother. Suite? Do I have a feeling I have been moved while I was away?" He knew he had been and probably as soon as he had left the house since he knew now that he had been expected to find his mate.

Jake smiled and bowed to Mari. "Lord, Lady, if you will follow me I will show you to your suite." He turned and walked into the house and had to pause when Mari froze as they walked in and Geoff mentally grinned. The house was impressive and he had to admit it. The central areas were a mostly open design and close to two stories tall. On the far wall were tall clerestory windows that ran almost floor to ceiling and looked out over the ocean, pool area, and some of the gardens.

Geoff let her stop and look for a few moments. "We can wander later if you want, let's go and get cleaned up and eat." He gently urged her into the house and they quickly followed Jake to their new suite and even he was impressed. It was very spacious with a central sitting room, a smaller solarium for her, an office for him, several bedrooms, a small kitchenette as well as a large master bath and another shared bath.

"Good god, this is where we are going to live?" She almost squeaked when she said that. Her eyes were huge when she looked around. The bloody suite was easily as big as the combined dining room and main room at the manor house. God this place made Dan's rooms look old and worn and rather plain. 

Geoff couldn't help but smile slightly. "Where did you think we were going to live? Some fox house? It is going to sound bad but as clan heir our rooms are only going to be a few steps below mom and dad's. Let's go get cleaned up and ready for supper." He nodded at Jake who was standing next to the doors and would remain there till they were ready to go.

She slowly followed him to the master bedroom and this time managed not to freeze, though it was as nice as the main room. Her luggage was placed inside but she knew that most of her clothing was going to look really back country. "I wish I had something nice to wear to diner. Dan had me get some new cloths but your parents looked so nice."

Geoff grinned. "I might get yelled, at but I got your measurements from Angie and called mom and gave them to her as well as your favorite colors. I hope you don't mind but..." He walked over to the walk in closet that was hers and opened the door. "Mom said she didn't get you too much since you would probably prefer to do your own shopping."

Mari looked rather startled and frowned at him. "I suppose you snickered at my measurements as well right?" She knew that he liked her body but couldn't resist teasing him; well not after he opened the door into a large room that had almost more clothing than she had ever had in her life. Mari walked into the room and looked around and there were a number of shirts, blouses, and tops, along with skirts, dresses, pants and even a small amount of silver jewelry. "What should I wear?"

Geoff looked and pulled out a dark lavender skirt, lighter colored shirt and picked out some jewelry including a heavy silver chain with the clan emblem on it. "This should work though I will let you pick out your undergarments. Some things a man shouldn't do." He grinned.

Mari casually smacked at him as she looked in the drawers and found a number of different types and settled for a sinful looking red lacy bra and panty set that was guaranteed to make him start drooling when he saw her in it. "God this is going to be so hard to get used to. All this just for one person? Why do you have so much stuff?" She had enough clothing for just about one week of use and this was easily two weeks' worth and that wasn't even including what she had brought with.

Geoff rolled his eyes. "Get used to it. You will probably start getting fitted for formal clothing tomorrow since in a week you will be introduced to the elders as my mate. If you think this is fancy and all that..." "You should see what I have to wear, or even worse, Mother. By the end of the day, my neck and head are a mass of tension from the chains and what not that is braided into my hair and around my neck." 

Once she had her cloths he grabbed something equivalent for him out of his closet, which was far more occupied, and set everything on the bed and led her into the bathroom. "Shower or bath?" He asked her as he set his shower kit on the two sink marble counter top. 

"Shower or we will never get out of here. I think a bath later would be nice to soak away the tension in my back." The bathroom didn't bother her nearly as much as the rest of it since it wasn't that much larger than Dan's though it was nice and modern. The tub looked lovely and made for two and she couldn't wait to climb into it. She had grabbed her kit as well and started to clean up.

It wasn't that much longer before they were done, dressed, and headed downstairs. The dining area they were shown to was smaller than at the house but she figures this was just for the immediate family. They were met by a tall Kitsune woman. "Good evening Lord and Lady. I am going to show you to the dining room and we have planned on just a small quiet dinner for just the two of you and your parents Lord Geoffrey." She bowed slightly to them and turned to lead them to the side dining room.

Gertrude was really pleased that she had been given the honor of showing Lord Geoffrey and his new mate to the dining room. She knew that she wasn't the most intelligent in the house but she always tried her hardest to do her best and that was usually pretty good. She had tried really hard to make sure the private dining room was set up perfectly for a small quiet dinner and had made sure that all the dishes were just right and the silverware was shined and sparkling. The table had a white table cloth and red napkins.

When they walked in, Mari glanced at the table and started to shake slightly. There was two of everything it seemed, two forks, two spoons, plates, knives and glasses and she had no idea what to do with any of it. Tears started spilling down and she turned and clutched at Geoff. It was simply too much and she was simply overwhelmed by everything. "Oh god, Geoff I don't know if I can handle this. It is too much." That was a wail and she started sobbing into his shirt.

The moment she did that, Gettie started to shake as well since she had tried so hard to make everything perfect and she had obviously failed and tears started flowing out of her eyes as well. "I am sorry, I am sorry that it isn't good enough for you ma'am." She obviously didn't understand what Mari was saying and assumed that it was because she hadn't done a good enough job.

Alysson started and then her expression softened. She should have expected this but it just hadn't occurred to her since it was something they were simply used it. When Gettie started crying she moved over to the girl and gave her a hug. *Not your fault Gettie. You did a wonderful job and everything looks beautiful. Thank you for all your work.* She was easily upset and that was something she should have considered as well. *Mari is just tired and from a much smaller place. She is feeling overwhelmed with all the changes. Go to the kitchen and let Samantha know that dinner is going to be a few moments late.*

Geoff pulled his mate close and tucked her head under her chin but was at a loss for what to do. He hadn't expected this type of response since he really had no experience like that. Everyone at the clan house was used to this sort of stuff, or if they were sent there they were prepared for this level of service and living. While he was trying to comfort his mate he cast a glance at his mother begging her for help. "Hush lovie, everything is going to be fine. I hadn't even considered this and I am sorry, please forgive me."

Once Gettie was gone Alysson moved over to where Geoff and Mari were and she wrapped her arm around both of them and hugged them. "It's okay Mari. I didn't really think of it either but you have left your pack, your family, and everything that is familiar to you. I don't blame you for being upset and lost." She was stroking her hair and gently projecting comfort and welcome to her.

Mari slowly stopped crying though she still clung to Geoff. "I feel so lost. I don't know what to do or how to act. I am just a little submissive who took care of the cubs and house. What do I know about being some fine lady and leading and whatever else you do? I don't belong here. I don't belong in a house as wonderful as this." The tears started again.

Alysson kept stroking hair. "Mari, do you think I learned how to lead and everything overnight? Mom and Dad didn't step down till I was in my 80's, and I had already had Geoff though he was still pretty young. You aren't expected to instantly be a lady any more than we expect Geoff to instantly know how to be the next leader." She laid a kiss on her hair. "As far as belonging here, you do or you wouldn't be my son's mate. There is something you will bring to this clan and house that only you can. The spirits are rarely wrong." 




Silver Kitsune Clan 03



Jon walked over and hugged her from the other side. "You should have seen me when I was informed that I was Alysson's mate. I come from a fairly average middle class family. At least you grew up in a house that was fairly large and spacious. I assume it is large since most packs tend to live in the same house unless they are really large. My house was a relatively small house where I lived with my brother and younger sister and parents." He laughed a bit. "I don't have a large family and Alysson's shocked me since there are cousins and aunties and uncles by the bushel."

Mari turned her head and looked at him. "Really?" That was said in a tiny teary voice as if she thought he was pulling her leg.

He nodded. "Really. I don't know about you, but I actually tried running when they drove me up here. It scared me silly and I knew that I was going to embarrass Alysson to no end by using the wrong fork or dressing funny or even talking funny."

~~~

Gettie hurried to do Alysson's bidding about delaying dinner and when she rushed into the kitchen and over to Sam, she threw her arms around her and started crying even more. She mumbled something about not having pleased Geoff's new mate though her words were hard to understand. What Alysson had said hadn't made much of an impact.

Sam was rather used to this. Some days it was annoying, but Gettie really was a great worker and would do a very good job at whatever she was assigned so she took it with a grain of salt. "What happened sweetie? I am sure that you did a great job and it was a misunderstanding." She let Gettie explain what had happened and contacted Alysson. *Ma'am what happened please?*

Between what Gettie had told her and what Alysson told her she realized it was a misunderstanding as she had expected. "Why don't you have a seat for a moment and get a bit of tea. You did fine! It was a misunderstanding and nothing you did." She comforted the girl for several minutes before going back to check on dinner.

~~~

Once Mari was calmed down she found a hankie being handed to her and she used it to wipe her nose and tears. "Sorry, it just has been so much. Never wanted much else than to take care of the pack and cubs and maybe someday have a junior wolf as a mate. Never expected this." She waved her hand around the room. That was when she noticed the girl was gone and her memory reminded her that she had heard her getting upset when Mari had her melt down. 

"Did I upset the other girl? I really hope that wasn't my fault." She strained her ears and could hear some sobbing coming from somewhere and lowered her head. "I did upset her didn't I? Can I go and talk to her?" Now she felt ashamed for bursting out like that.

Alysson sighed. "You did but not for the reasons you might think. She is a gentle soul and easily upset." She looked away since she hated saying things that could be taken negatively about her staff. "She is sort of a simple girl and sometimes can be easily upset. That is why Sam is in charge of her. She is really good with her. If you want to go and talk to her you can but she might start crying again, just so you know."

Mari listened to what she said and nodded. "I think I understand and will be really gentle with her." She looked up at her mate. "Take me to where she is please." When he led her out of the dining room she leaned into him.

Once at the kitchen she moved slightly away from him. "Excuse me, can I come in please? I wanted to apologize for upsetting you." 

*Her name is Gertrude but we call her Gettie.* Geoff sent to her.

Both women looked up really quickly and stood before Mari walked in. "Please don't bother with that. I just wanted to talk to Gettie and explain what happened. Please sit back down Gettie." Her voice was soft and gentle, sort of as if she was talking to an upset cub.

Gettie finally did after getting a nod from Geoff and she kept her eyes down and didn't notice Mari getting close till she wrapped her arms around her and had to look up in astonishment. She didn't know what to do and started to tremble slightly and Sam had to rescue the cup of tea in her hand before she dropped it.

"I am so sorry if I upset you Gettie. Where I come from, I am at the bottom of the pack. Dan, my Alpha, calls me a submissive and that means I am the most junior of wolves, not including cubs. Back at the pack house I worked in the kitchen, cleaned, scrubbed bathrooms, and did laundry as well as watched the cubs. My bed was in the cubs room and that was the little bit that was mine." She could feel the other girl trembling and stroked her hair as she was talking.

"Just over two weeks ago, Geoff showed up on my door step and I discovered he was to be my mate. Three days ago I left the only home I knew, my family, and my Alpha to come up here and be his mate. There are only thirty six in the pack and I thought we lived in a nice house. We show up here and my entire house could fit in the main areas almost. The rooms we are going to live in are way larger than my Alpha's and I thought they were huge. When I walked in to the dining room it was just too much, why do you need two of everything just to eat a dinner?" She laughed slightly when she said that.

Gettie couldn't help but lean into the smaller woman's hug since she wasn't making fun of her like some people did. When she started talking, she listened really hard as Sam had taught her and was shocked when the Lady said that she had done much the same work Gettie did. Just looking at her she looked like a lady. She was pretty and had long beautiful hair that was so black it almost had a purplish sheen to it. "But you are a lady. I can't believe you did that stuff."

Geoff couldn't help but grin a bit. "Believe me Gettie, she did. When I arrived and met her, we spent most of two weeks sleeping in the kits room. Usually in the morning we had two cubs in bed with us. I have to admit it was a rather interesting experience waking up with a small wolf curled up next to me. Getting poked by a cold wet nose isn't a good way to wake up in the morning."

She looked at Geoff and then Mari and got a nod. "Really I am telling you the truth, and if your nose isn't telling you that you need to get it checked silly." Mari grinned at her when she said that. "Now Geoff and I are going to go back and will be waiting for dinner to be served. Thank you for working so hard to welcome me to the clan." She gave the girl a good hug before releasing her and walking over to Geoff and walking out of the room.

Gettie sat there for a moment or two looking totally shocked by what Mari had said and it showed in her expression. She was right in that her nose told her that Mari wasn't lying to her or believed she wasn't lying to her. Gettie was caught up in her thoughts enough that Sam had to clear her throat several times to get her attention. When she did, Gettie jumped up and looked really abashed.

"Well? Are you going to start taking things to the dining room? You heard her; she is waiting for you to bring the food in. Start with the salad bowls and then come back and help me get the next course ready." She pointed at the large tray that had four salads, several dressings, and a basket of bread and rolls on it.

She did that and carried it into the dining room and placed it on the side table and carried the salads over and quickly served all four before bringing the bread and dressings over. "Here you go Lords and Ladies. What would you like to drink please?" She was back to sounding like a professional. She might be sensitive but she usually recovered quickly.

They called out their drinks and Mari looked down at the salad and had to grin. "My wolf just grumbled about rabbit food. She said this should be fed to a rabbit and then the rabbit should be fed to her." She poured a bit of the oil and vinegar dressing on it and started munching on it. "Me personally, I enjoy the occasional salad."

Everyone snickered at her comment. "Thank god we are far more integrated with our foxes since we are essentially a fox that can change form. I am not sure I could handle having a second voice in my head." Geoff said and when Mari snickered at him he simply smiled and kept eating.

Eventually Gettie came in with the main course and Mari's mouth started really watering. It was some sort of fish with butter, capers, veggies, potatoes, and roast beef. She couldn't help but sniff the air and almost groaned. "Oh man that smells good and I can't wait."

Gettie served the other three first before coming over and putting two plates down in front of her. "We weren't sure if your wolf would be satisfied with just salmon so she cooked some rare roast beef as well. If you need more to eat, please don't hesitate to ask ma'am." Once she was done serving, she settled off to one side and as people finished their drinks she refreshed them.

Mari stared at it for a moment. "Oh my, I think this will be fine and compliments to the chef even before I eat." She started eating and the salmon had been fried in butter and was sitting in a dish that was partially filled with melted butter and the fish had capers on it. She took a bite and the flesh was delicate and flakey. It filled her mouth with a rich buttery goodness and she had to close her eyes and slowly enjoy the flavor.

The others noted how she enjoyed it and had to smile. Gettie was looking very pleased with Mari's reaction since she was obviously enjoying it. Maybe what she had been saying earlier really had been true. The others were enjoying it but were almost getting some amusement from Mari's reaction.

She started digging into the food and though she was trying to eat with decorum it was hard. She was hungry and the food was really good. "If you eat like this every night I don't know how you aren't round as butter balls. I think I would even end up round and I have a wolf's appetite." Eventually she finished eating and rubbed her tummy. "Goodness if I ate another bite I wouldn't know where to put my cubs."

"Cubs ma'am? I take it you are pregnant?" Geoff must have been a faster worker.

"Yup two of them and I am close to 6 weeks now." She burped slightly and murmured an excuse me.

Gettie blinked at that but had been trained well enough not to comment even though she was more than curious. "In that case ma'am I will inform Samantha so we can make sure that you are getting a well-balanced diet at each meal." 

Mari made a face. "You know what diet means to a wolf? It means die with a T... Thank you Gettie I appreciate the thought." She tried not to yawn though it was hard. "Sorry, is there any more?"

"Dessert ma'am and let me get the plates and I will be back in a moment." She collected everything and hurried out of the room for the next round. When she came back she had four plates of carrot cake with some ice cream and handed one to each of them. "There you go and I hope you enjoy it. When you are done, please feel free to just leave everything on the table and I will take care of it later." She hurried to the kitchen to help clean up.

Eventually dinner was totally done and Alysson smiled. "Sam outdid herself this evening. Mari, I would like to talk to you for a few minutes but we can go to your suite and talk in your solarium; I only need a few minutes." She stood up and waited to see.

"Yes Alysson and while we are talking Geoff can start the bath." She rubbed her tummy and had to let out another small burp with an 'excuse me' added on. "Please lead the way. I am still trying to wrap my brain around a house this size."

Shortly they were at their rooms and Alysson showed her into the solarium. "This could also be called a Lady's waiting room but I prefer the term solarium. If you want anything changed, let me know and I will see that it is taken care of. You are going to be part of the family and we want you to be as comfortable as possible.

Mari followed her in and had to smile. There was a large window overlooking the gardens and ocean as well as a large skylight. The walls were pale lavender with a darker magenta trimming. There was a small desk and a sofa and several comfortable chairs as well as two large built in bookcases already filled with books. Those she gave a wry glance at since she had a feeling that they were the books she was going to need to study. When Alysson settled in a chair, Mari settled in one across from her.

"One thing I am going to do is see about assigning you an assistant to help you with your day to day things as well as to teach you about the clan. She will do things like set appointments, help you pick clothing, dress your hair for formal occasions and more. Think of her as your right hand man sort of like Sheliae is to Geoff. She won't be your instructor or teacher since Sheliae will be taking care of that. Whoever your assistant ends up being, you need to be comfortable with her since she should become your confidant and friend since she will be with you for a very long time."

Before she could continue Mari smiled. "Well in that case, can I request Gettie? I like her and like the feel of her and know that we will work well together."

Alysson blinked when she asked for Gettie, since that hadn't been anywhere on her radar and really didn't seem like a good choice. "May I ask why? Well beyond that you like her?" 

Mari had to frown slightly and her brows beetled together. "Well, first we come from a similar background and are used to seeing things from the ground up. That is important to me since she will be able to explain things to me in a simple straightforward way. I am sure that Sheliae will give me the view from the top and all the complex clan structure stuff but that is only half the story. The other half is from how the bottom half sees it. The two don't always match and I want to know the differences."

Now she was lightly plucking at her lower lip. "Also I know that she won't lie to me. I am not saying that whoever you might help me pick would but Gettie simply wouldn't be able to shade the truth. That will make it easier for me to not take what I am hearing with a grain of salt." Mari looked up and locked eyes with Alysson and they were old and worldly eyes. "I came from a damaged pack that had a bastard of an Alpha running it. Abuse, rape, and even the random killing was common place and you couldn't take what anyone in the senior ranks told you at face value."

Alysson tensed since she had heard some of the stories from some of the packs. She tried to make sure the packs that owed allegiance to her were run better than that, but they were semi-autonomous and she didn't always hear about problems in them. "I am sorry to hear that Mari. I really am." One question showed in her eyes even though she didn't ask.

"Yes, I was and the single females were rarely asked before being taken to bed. Dan started to teach me the difference between a good pack and a bad pack, as well as how to start trusting and even believing that I might be both able to be loved and to love. That is one reason when he asked me to his bed I said yes. He was gentle, kind, protective, and never took advantage of me, even though he easily could have. I might not have wanted cubs before then but I will never regret having his or that one night we had together." She had to look away since her voice was starting to get brittle and if she spoke much more she would break.

Alysson met her eyes and listened to what she had to say and nodded her understanding. "I think I can see why you are asking for her. She won't try to play you, is a terrible liar, and has a huge heart. I will have her come to your rooms with breakfast tomorrow and after that you can talk to her." She gave her a warm smile and stood up. "I think you are making a good choice Mari and take good care of her. She might not be the smartest but she is a very valued clan member and is loved by most everyone in this house." She gave Mari a hug. "Now go play with your mate and have a good evening."

Mari had to take several slow deep breaths before she felt in control enough of herself to get up and go and see if the bath was fully run. The tub looked huge, but she didn't have any idea of how fast it might fill. When she walked in Geoff was standing there staring at the wall and she could see the muscles in his jaw rippling. "I guess you heard us talking?" She walked over to him and leaned against his chest.

"You could say that. Can I dig the bastard back up and kill him again? I would really like to do that." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. "Do you want some bath salts in the water?" Geoff personally didn't care but it seemed like most of the women did.

~~~

Shortly after they woke up and took care of their morning ablutions, there was a knock on the door and Mari hurried over and opened it. Gettie was on the other side and had a large tray with three breakfasts on it and looking slightly confused. Mari had to assume it was because of the third breakfast. "Please come in and put it on the table in the kitchen nook." She assumed the girl knew where it was.

"Yes ma'am I will take care of it." She moved towards the kitchen and Mari had to really look at her. She was close to Geoff in height but was sort of willowy but her dimensions were just slightly off and made it seem like she just didn't quite fit her body. She had short silvery gray hair that was in a sort of pixie cut and regular features that were just this side of plain. The one striking feature was her silvery gray eyes that had a wonderful warmth to them. "Do you know why they sent a third breakfast up ma'am?"

Mari had to sigh. "Gettie you are going to call me Mari unless it is a formal occasion. You are not going to call me ma'am or lady or lady something. If you need I will make that an order and yes I know why. You are going to be joining Geoff and me for breakfast." She waited for Gettie to be startled and got a gasp.

"Ma'am, I mean Mari, I am just a servant; I can't join you for breakfast. I will eat later." She was standing off to one side staring at the three meals on the small table.

"You are going to join us, and then after breakfast you and I are going to have a conversation since I have an important question to ask you. You are not going to argue with me about breakfast either since I am meaner than you are." She snickered when she said that and Geoff snorted.

"You had better believe her. She is a meanie alright. Please, have a seat and relax." He walked in and settled down at the table and held Mari's chair out for her as she settled down. "I have the fun and excitement of seeing what all piles of papers they have left on my desk in the three weeks I have been gone. Lunch is usually about noon in the larger of the two dining rooms and is usually a buffet affair since the staff get to eat at the same time as well. I will send to you when I am getting ready to go."

Gettie carefully sat down as if the chair was mined and looked rather uncomfortable but pulled her plate over before reaching for the pot of coffee. "Would either of you like some coffee?" Geoff waved at his cup and she filled it before hers after Mari indicated she didn't want any.

"Tea? Sam figured you might prefer something herbal and she also thought you might want some mint as well." She gave her a shy smile and after pouring her cup full set the small pot next to her. Once everyone was served she actually started eating though she did wait for the other two to dig in first.

The room was mostly silent as they were eating and there was also a feeling of discomfort as well as awkwardness from what Gettie was feeling. Mari's meal was much larger than the other two and she almost felt guilty but wolfed the eggs, hash, toast and sausage down. "Thank you for bringing the food up. I hate to admit it, but I am not sure if I am quite ready to face all the stares I am going to be getting during breakfast. Lunch maybe, but not my first breakfast."




Silver Kitsune Clan 03



Eventually everyone was done and Geoff patted his mouth clean. "Sam does it again and I gotta go love." He gave her a peck and tried to leave but Mari wasn't having any of that.

"Just a darn peck? I don't think so buster." She grabbed his shirt and pulled him back and gave him a good solid kiss before letting him go and both of them had a silly expression on their faces as he left the room. "Damn wolf is going to drive me nuts." She sighed and stood up after refilling her cup. "Leave the dishes for the moment and come to my room and let's sit down and talk." Mari waited for her to stand up and walked into the solarium and settled down in one of the chairs and took a sip of the tea.

Gettie settled down though she was still looking like she was on pins and needles. "What did you need to talk to me about Mari? I hope you weren't too upset with me last night." She looked down at the coffee table and sort of shrugged. "I know I can be easily upset and I always try my hardest and wanted to make sure that you felt welcome."

Mari set her cup down and moved over to the sofa. "Come sit next to me Gettie." She patted the cushion next to her and finally the girl moved. When she did Mari wrapped an arm around the bigger girl and leaned against her arm. "I am going to say this one time and one only. I was not upset with you or the table what so ever last night. The table and room were beautiful and I did feel welcomed by you and that is one of the reasons I wanted to talk to you."

When Mari moved and asked Gettie to sit next her, she slowly moved over to the sofa and settled down. When Mari wrapped her arm around her and leaned against her she was more than startled but didn't feel anything negative from her and curled her arm around the smaller woman and for some reason relaxed. There was a very comfortable feeling she was getting, sort of like she knew that Mari would never intentionally hurt her. "Thank you ma'am, I mean Mari. I am glad you liked the room. Since I am just a servant it was the only way I could really show you that I was glad Geoff found his mate."

Mari moved a bit closer and grinned. "I am going to warn you I love cuddling. That was one reason I loved working with the cubs. I could get all the cuddles I wanted. Anyways, I wanted to talk to you about becoming my assistant. Allysson says I need one and I would like you to become my assistant."

Gettie sat stiffly upright. "I can't do that Lady Ryan. I can't. You need someone who knows the clan and all the intricacies that you are going to need to know." It was all she could do not to say that Mari needed someone who was smarter than she was, though it was clear through the bonds even though Mari hadn't really formed them as of yet. With the close contact it would be felt.

Mari pulled the girl back to her. "Stop it Gettie. I will not have you degrading yourself. So you might not be a genius, that doesn't really matter to me since I am not the sharpest knife in the block myself. Now sit down and listen to me." Her voice was firm, much like she would take with a cub she was dealing with. "You are going to listen to what I have to say before saying anything else okay?" 

She turned to face the girl and reached up and cupped her face with her hands and forced her to look at her. "I asked for you since I know I can trust that what you are saying is the truth as you know it. I like what I feel of you. You are warm, caring, you try hard, and after watching the reactions of the clan leaders, Geoff, and Sam you are well cared for. All of those are qualities that I am looking for. Also you and I are from the same station, bottom of the household. You know how that feels and you can relate to me much better than some lady in waiting who has never had to scrub a toilet before."

Gettie was startled at the strength in Mari's hands before she remembered she was a wolf and knew they were much stronger physically. Her hands were small and warm and she felt compelled to look at her and melted at the kind look in her purple eyes. "I really don't know Mari, I really don't know. I just do my job and try my best as is expected of me. That is all I have ever known. I don't know if I will be the right person for you and you need someone who can help you with everything you need."

Mari smiled at her. "Well then I guess I am going to be getting you. You know how servants look at the clan and senior staff. You know the ones to keep an eye on and those that are nice people. I am sure you have helped more than a few ladies get dressed as well as possibly one or two of the men so you know what I will need for formal engagements. You know what clothes are going to be expected on a day to day basis. All the other stuff we can work out. Thank you for accepting."

Gettie was starting to feel a bit lost and when Mari told her she was glad she had accepted she started to cry. Other than Sam nobody had accepted her this quickly and her short comings. She had to admit that much of what Mari had said was true. She did know those things since she had been serving the clan for many years and worked in most areas of it at one time or another. She might come across as young but she was older than she looked and occasionally acted.

Mari tried to hug her and grumbled. "Damn being short." Instead she shifted over to her lap and then hugged her since that put their heads close to level. "Besides, for all the intricate politics and clan organization crap I have been duly informed that Sheliae is going to be starting to train me." She grimaced.

Gettie snickered through the tears. "Oh Lady of the moon you have my sympathy." When Mari had scooted over she had been startled but leaned into the hug and sniffled. "It is going to take some getting used to. I wonder if I get a pay raise."

Mari started snickering. "I will make sure you do. Now why don't you go and rinse your face off and gather the dishes. I have a feeling I am going to need to find an office to use since I will be damned if I am going to clutter this room with all kinds of books and stuff." 

Several minutes later they walked out of the suite and headed down to the kitchen. "Sam, I am sorry but I am going to be stealing your helper for part of the day at least since she is going to be my assistant. I will try not to keep her too busy since if she is anything like me she is going to want to keep busy with the stuff she is used to."

Sam laughed. "Alysson already informed me of that but thank you for taking the time to let me know. Jake passed the word that he wants to talk to you when you get a chance." She came over and gave the girl a good hug. "Congrats Kitten and I know you will make me proud."

"This way to Jake's." She led her to the clan office side and to his office and knocked. "Lady Ryan to see you Jake." Over here she was going to be formal and darned what Mari had to say. She wasn't going to have anyone chew her ass even if Mari was right there.

"Ah, come in both of you and congrats Gertrude and I need to update your security clearance as well as make some changes to the wards. Lady Ryan, I need to add you to the computer system and also add you to the clan wards. Being that you are Geoff's future mate, you will have fairly high access but I am going to limit some aspects since you simply don't have enough knowledge to deal with some things. As you learn, that will change."

Mari shuddered. "For all I care give me the same access she will have since I don't want to walk into a room and accidently end up with an extra ear or something." Or more tails, not that she objected to Geoff's but she had always had one and didn't want any extra's.

He laughed and turned to the computer and started tapping away and a few minutes later he appeared to be finished with that. "Can you please stand in that circle Lady? This will attune the shields to your personal spiritual signature so that you can come and go without setting off alerts for most places. It will also allow access to some parts that regular clan members don't have." Once he was done with that he pulled out a heavy folder and handed it to her.

"This is a basic guide to the clan estates and the various wards we have and where they are and what they are for. I know you are going to be busy, but please try to read it as soon as possible. Are you familiar with computers?" They talked for a while more before he assigned them an office the two of them could use and informed her he would setup some training with the computers and coordinate it with Sheliae.

She followed Gettie to the office and walked in, not sure what she was going to get and was pleased. It had several shelves that were already filled with a wide variety of books and there were two desks, a large well designed one and a smaller sort of plain desk. "Well I think I can guess which one is mine." She dropped the binder on it and found a note asking them to swing by Jon's office as well as a few other things she needed to deal with over the next day or two. It included going to the clan seamstress and get her measurements taken again to get fitted with formal cloths. There was also a note from Sheliae to see her that afternoon to set up a schedule of training and lectures. "Great, not even here a day and I am going back to school." Grrrr....

Gettie smiled at her. "I will show you to Jon's office and then we can get you some measurements." She gave her a sly smile. "After that I can show you around the gardens and near parts of the estate and then show you to the hot springs and maybe you can soak for a few before lunch."

Mari snickered. "Sounds like a deal to me. Let's go." She stood up and as they walked out almost ran over another female kitsune who was in her mid-form. "Oh, excuse me, sorry about that."

The kitsune managed to dodge her and then froze before relaxing and grinning. "You must be Lady Ryan, Geoff's new mate. I am Amarissa and I am glad you took him off the market." She traded a glance with Gettie since she had been the fox that he had been pursuing before he had been sent on his mission.

Gettie couldn't help but smile. "Managed to dodge that bullet didn't you Miss Rissa?" She returned the look and smirked.

Mari raised an eyebrow and glanced between the two of them. "Hmm, why do I feel I am missing something here?" She was concentrating enough Geoff felt it and she could feel him blush over the bond. "Oh, let me guess, you were the one he was chasing before he ran into me right? Well I am glad I was able to help you. I will tell you that if you run into my alpha don't tell him that or he might growl at you since he was not pleased to lose his little submissive." She started snickering. *So tell me, just how, um, busy were you Geoffy?*

He blushed even deeper and tried to be nonchalant when he replied. *Eh, one or two but none of them mean anything next to you. I am in a meeting and will talk to you later.* His father raised an eyebrow at his blush but chose not to say anything.

"So what are you up to Lady Ryan?" She asked as she continued in the direction they were headed. The girl was very petite and frankly one of the smallest lycan's she had seen.

"Getting settled in however unwillingly. I have to go to Jon's office next and then to get measured for more cloths and formal wear and then Gettie is going to show me some of the features of the grounds and then finally the hot springs before lunch." She even managed to say that with a straight face.

"Oh, can I come with? I could deal with going to the hot springs and there is a dress I want to see about getting before the formal dinner next week." Geoff had already mentioned it to Mari though she wasn't really sure exactly what all that day was going to entail.

"Sure, I would love to swap stories about Geoff." Moments later they were at Jon's office and Gettie knocked.

"Clan Lord, it is Gettie, Lady Ryan's assistant and she is here as requested." She called out and when he called them in she opened the door and held it for them and had to smile when she saw Geoff in there.

Jon grinned at them and waved them in. "You can come in as well Rissa and this is actually for Gettie though I figured it would be easier to leave Mari a note." He turned to Gettie and held out a paper for her. "Sign this please. It is assigning you as Mari's assistant and also indicates what your pay raise is going to be. Also since you are now her assistant if you wish to move to a room closer to her you are eligible for a nicer set of rooms. Actually if I remember rightly there is a small suite next to their suite you can use. It is for the personal assistant of one or the other."

She was in the midst of taking the paper when he mentioned moving and then mentioned the rooms next to theirs and she started stuttering. "I...I...Those a-a- are too nice for me. I can stay where I am..."

Mari snorted. "I don't think so Gettie, and while I am thinking about it, we are getting you measured for some new clothes as well. If I have to deal with this, so does my assistant. Jon could you please get one of the staff to move her things up there and make sure it is ready for her by dinner time?"

He grinned. "Can do and actually", he checked something on the computer, "about halfway done. Congratulations on your step up in the world and about time. I know you will do your Lady proud. Now if you will sign the paper I will take care of that for you."

She leaned forward to sign it and looked at the pay increase and gasped. "Lady of the moon that is a lot of money." Gettie wasn't poorly paid in any way but she went from essentially a low servant to the assistant for the clan heir's mate which was one hell of a step.

"Now if you go through that door, Alysson is waiting for you since she has something she has to take care of as well." He waved the three of them through the door to his wife's office and grinned as they went since Gettie was going to get a heck of a surprise.

Gettie knocked on the door and was called in. Alysson smiled and stood up and walked over when they came in. "Close the door and come here Gettie and let me congratulate you on your promotion." She took the girl's hands and kissed her forehead which gave her seal of approval and there was a surge of power in the room.

Gettie stiffened and then shifted to her mid-form with the surge of power and suddenly a second tail appeared and waved around with the first. It was nice and fluffy and matched the color of her hair and other tail. She tensed up when the power hit and then whipped her head around and looked over her shoulder as much as possible and gaped at the two tails waving around. "Oh, oh, I have two tails now. I have always aspired to have two tails." She burst into tears and wrapped her arms around her. "Oh thank you Lady Logan. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

"Well you didn't think I could have a single tail as an assistant to Geoff's mate now did you?" She chuckled at the girl's reaction. She would find a few other things changing over time now that she had more power and talent. She wasn't going to be as 'stupid' as some said. It wouldn't ever make her smart but each time she added a tail she would get a bit more since she had to be able to learn to use the increased powers. "You are going to have some training on being a two tail but that can wait. Today you need to celebrate. I think a visit to the hot springs before lunch would be a good idea."

All three of the girls blushed and then grinned. "Since you instructed us to we will ma'am," they all said together. When they walked out of the office she stayed in her mid-form since she had to show off her new tail.

They had to stop by the kitchens and show Sam the change and she got a huge hug from her. After that they headed to the seamstress and walked in. The lady in there actually looked older and Mari had to wonder just how old she was to have a few wrinkles. As soon as they did she grinned. "I see we have a new two tail and let me guess you would like to get some new clothes right?" She glanced at Mari. "And we also have the clan heir's mate for some measurements as well. Come in and lock the door. No need for random riff raff walking in."

She led them into a back room and Mari spoke. "Ma'am she is also my assistant and will need clothing appropriate for both her new station and her new job. I don't have any clue what she is going to need but I am sure you do. Please take good care of my assistant." Mari couldn't help but dimple at the woman and got a laugh back.

"I can do that young lady and call me Helda. If you ma'am me again I am going to fit your clothes wrong." She twinkled at them and Mari wrinkled her nose at her. 

"You won't have to worry about that. My expanding waist line will take care of that quite nicely thank you." She had to rub the tiny baby bump and since she had twins, they were showing a bit early. From what she had seen usually by the second month you usually showed but with twins it was usually a bit earlier.

"Congrats to you and Geoff, that is sort of a quick start..." Mari had to interrupt her.

"Um, actually they are my Alphas and happened well before Geoff ever showed up. I was in heat and we didn't realize it." She looked at the wall and waited for the shock to settle. "Just so you know he didn't force me and we both wanted each other than night. I am glad I am having his cubs even though it makes it sort of complex." She turned and looked at them all, they were looking rather startled. "No mentioning it to anyone please."

"Definitely not, and I will keep that in mind though for the dress robes. It won't matter for a few weeks since they are sort of a Kimono design for the women and you won't be the first who ended up being introduced to the Elders who is pregnant. Now strip all three of you since I am sure that Amarissa wants a new dress for the dinner next week." She gathered up the tape and some other tools she needed and turned back to the girls.

"Hmph, you need a bit of meat on your bones and the babies will put it there." She quickly measured the three of them and made notes before taking some extra measurements. "For your formal jewelry Marissa and you will need some new jewelry as well Gettie both since you are now a two tail and her assistant." Mari was a cute young thing and she had a feeling that Geoff was greatly enjoying being with her. He might love her as his mate, but being young other things were as important and being with a good looking young male or female helped.

Once that was done and they were dressed again they started working through samples of cloth for the dresses and base colors for a new wardrobe for Gettie. She kept trying to say she didn't need that fine of a weave or as fancy a design and most of the time the others convinced her otherwise. 

Mari could tell that she was starting to feel overwhelmed. "We are done here for the day and we are going to the hot springs and we are going to soak and relax." She wrapped an arm around her assistant and pulled her close. "Relax hun, this is sort of how I felt last night but I know you can do it. Now we are going to relax and tell stories about boys or men who are cute, trade stories about Geoff and talk about girly things."

While they were stripping now that they weren't at the seamstress's, they checked out each other's bodies and she could see why Geoff had been chasing Rissa around. She had a lush body that sort of demanded attention from most males and more than a few females. Hell, Mari could feel the draw of her body. Gettie wasn't bad looking and had nice if somewhat large breasts and broad hips and a slender waist. Both girls had what looked like fur instead of hair in their groins and she resisted asking to touch to see if it was soft.

Rissa couldn't help but smile at Mari checking her out. "I know, drives me nuts sometimes. I want to be a professional secretary but it is hard to be taken serious when everyone's eyes end up glued to my body." Mari was smooth in the groin and she was curious. "Why don't you have fur downstairs?" She didn't know anyone that shaved.