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**Chapter 11: What Fools these Mortals Be

Corona Hospital**

Soft, high-pitched beeping filled the private ward. The doctor was speaking softly Agent Tara and Dan while Jason stared numbly at Chris as the Blue Wolf lay in the bed covered, in bloody bandages and with one of his wings missing. It was heartbreaking to see someone who was so strong crumple to such a weakened state.

Devries apparently had thrown subtly out the window.

No more of throwing patsies in the line of fire or escaping on a technicality. The mob boss had decided to dig straight to the root of the problem.

... and plant a bomb in Chris' car.

"It's a miracle he survived at all," the doctor said, an aging skunk with almost all his fur turned grey. "Maybe it's the fact that he's a super but he is very lucky."

"Is there any way of knowing when and if he will awaken?" Tara asked.

"Unfortunately, no. There's been extensive damage to his entire body. Severe burns everywhere and he's lost his entire left wing. As far as we can tell, there has been a degree of brain damage as well. We can't predict anything right now..."

There was a part of Jason that was burning with rage but another part was painfully empty. What vexed him even more was that all possibilities of convicting Devries went up in smoke along with half of Chris' body. Chris had large bunch of the evidence necessary to pin Devries in his possession when the car exploded. No one could pin the bombing to the mob boss either. Apparently, it was an 'engine failure'.

He was unsure how to feel... Chris was going to be his step-father...

There was a large chunk of him that kept repeating, 'My life is a soap opera' over and over again in his head but he remembered that he wasn't the one in the most pain here.

It was Dan.

"Thank you, doctor," Tara said softly. "We'll be in touch."

The doctor nodded and left them all.

Sam had headed to his second job despite being a little late. While he was unofficially part of the family, no one had told Dan yet and he admitted he'd feel a little awkward if he was just suddenly in the same room as Dan's comatose boyfriend. Jason was doubtful his 'brother' could put a bright spin on the situation but maybe just having the black and gold wolf around would help lift spirits.

"There goes all chance of convicting Devries," Tara said with a shake of her head. "I guess we'll have to find some other way of putting him in jail."

That might as well have been the match thrown into the gas tank for Jason. He flung around, summoning Genesis and levelling it directly at Tara's nose. The partially metallic woman didn't even flinch. "The Blue Wolf is in a coma and all you can think about is putting Devries is jail!?"

"He would have wanted us to pursue Devries with all our might," Tara replied coolly. "I am merely fulfilling his wishes. Had I the resources or the evidence to convict him now, I would march into the Distant Roads Hotel, go up to the penthouse and personally handcuff him. I'd even kick him for good measure."

"What Chris wanted was for his family to be safe from guys like Devries!" Jason growled. "Ever since supers became exposed to the public, all supers are in danger especially with guys like Devries running around blackmailing people and distributing drugs that give people powers! He just wanted to make sure that we were safe! Devries was just the target!"

Brett rested a hand on his arm, pushing it down slightly. "Jase, yelling won't help."

He refused to let Tara go so easily. "You're going to do what you can for Chris," he threatened, "or so help me, I'll throw you right in front of Devries' next car bomb!"

Tara's eyebrows rose coolly and she twisted away to make for the door. "Threatening a government agent? That is an offence, Jason. I would hold my tongue if I were you. Should Devries realise you are, in fact, working against him, you might just be the next target."

A chill ran through him at the threat. It almost sounded like she was telling him to back off or she'd personally...

A thought entered Jason's mind.

Could Tara... Could she have planted the bomb?

But it was impossible... right...?

Remembering Sloth's rant about how the Malefactors would corrupt the government he couldn't help but wonder if Tara was an insider... An agent working for Devries who found those loopholes, those twists and escapes so that the mob boss could get off with little more than a slap on the wrist as she destroyed all evidence.

Nah... She wouldn't...

Would she...?

He turned his gaze towards Dan who was staring straight at Chris...

Jason lowered Genesis and moved to comfort his father.

"We can fix him," Dan said suddenly and fiercely.

"Huh?"

"The No Ones," Dan replied resolutely. "We can fix him. I can repair his body even given my limited powers. V10 or I5 can fix his mind. Hell, if I can get R3 to jump in here and click his fingers, Chris will be back to normal."

Jason was taken a little aback. He had never considered that thought before... Glancing over at Chris, he realised that with all the powers the No Ones possessed, it would be entirely possible to have Chris out of that coma and jumping joyfully for life in an instant. There'd be a lot of explaining to do but still...

"How will we tell the public that?" Brett replied. "The bombing on Chris has been widely publicised. The entire cafe practically froze up when it came over the news."

"At the rate people send texts and talk on their phones plus with the speed of the internet," Robin murmured glumly, "the entire world must now know that the Blue Wolf has suffered grievous wounds."

Given her mood, Jason guessed she had already pretty much guessed that she had no chance with Sam...

Damnit... I should've thought this through...

I end up continuously stealing her boyfriends from her!

"We will have to play this safely, then..." Dan murmured. "Slow... Gradual healing." His eyes narrowed. "But Tara was right on one point... None of this matters if Devries is still out there. We have to stop him..."

"All the evidence we were going to use to pin him to the Descent-Tech in the warehouse was destroyed in the blast that took Chris!"

Regarding his father's eyes, Jason had never before seen such a bright flash of determination and urge for vengeance. Dan's fists tightened, the bones popping loudly and the muscles across massive arms tightening.

"You're not talking about arresting him... are you, dad?"

Dan shook his head grimly. "If you're right, Jason, and Devries is Pride, then he's at the core of everything that's happened here. He's responsible for infecting Kyle and ruining Jen's life, infecting Brett and Dominic... He's responsible for turning the world against us, bringing so much hatred and darkness to the world...

"He's at the core of R3's deal. If we kill him, more Malefactors won't be able to emerge, assuming that not all of them have been released. It will put a hamper on the advances of the darkness."

Robin looked up and a devious smile touched her lips. "If the public sees you two" - she pointed at Jason and Brett - "being the ones to actually bring Devries down, your name will be cleared. The government won't be able to admit to the existence of Descent-Tech but if you can get Devries to admit that he drugged you somehow, you will able to win back the favour of the people."

Jason was already formulating a plan, using his talents as a 'manipulator' to conceive a way he could somehow convince Devries to tell them everything... The old 'recorder under the shirt' seemed a little too clichéd and they'd probably be discovered... None of the No Ones could interfere either unless it directly involved them.

Wait... Okay, if Devries is Pride... then...

"I think I have a plan," he said softly. "We should get Warren there as well. He deserves the chance to clear his name as we do. And we need to get Devries to come somewhere nice and public."

"Sea4," Brett suggested firmly. "He'll feel safe there. In his own element. He'd be almost untouchable in Sea4."

A grin was slowly forming across Jason's lips. "That's perfect."

A plan had formed in his head and as he gazed out the window at the afternoon sky of the oddly sunny day, he was refining that plan. There was time yet to get some things straightened out... Particularly introducing Sam to where they would be living and settling things with Robin.

"Now, all we need is to get the message to him somehow..."

Robin straightened and turned towards the door before he could protest. "Leave that to me."

****

"Robin! Wait!"

But really, she did not want to. Truly, there was no reason to be mad. Every bit of Robin knew that Sam was gay. It was a little funny that she had an even better 'gaydar' than Jason but she was hardly laughing. More like kicking herself.

Was she really that desperate for companionship?

Or was her taste for men just so pitiful that she always ended up finding the ones who preferred testosterone?

"Jason," she replied, never stopping her rather stiff march out of the hospital, "I must act now. We know where he is at this moment. Your plan may fail if we cannot give him the message."

Dan's son lashed out and seized her arm fiercely. It did not hurt but it still agitated her to no end. More than anything, she wanted to snap out and hit him. Yell at him for taking every man she had ever been interested in.

Why could he not just let her continue her existence in blissful ignorance?

She honestly would have preferred to live not knowing about her 'boyfriends'' true orientation than living with the crushing loneliness.

Everyone around her was finding their partners. Jason and Brett... Dan and Chris... It seemed like the world was not only telling her she would be alone but insulting her further by saying that gay guys had a better chance of finding happiness than her.

"I just want you to know that I didn't want you to get hurt because of what happened back at the cafe with Sam," Jason said, his big, sapphire-blue eyes were pitifully expressive. She did not care what he claimed, for a wolf, he could pull off the puppy-dog eyes annoyingly well...

"I have no idea what you are talking about," she answered, trying to prise her arm away but he held onto him tightly.

"Look, I know you were starting to fall for Sam. He's a nice guy. Really smart. He's like this earth-bound mini-sun whenever you're around him. He shines and makes all the darkness go away but, as he would put it, he doesn't over-saturate us. He lets us just show our true colours."

"I was not falling in love with Sam," she answered, trying to tug away again but once again failed.

"Yes you were," Jason accused. "I could see it in your eyes. And no, we're not planning on sleeping with Sam. Brett and I were going to adopt him."

That was definitely a surprise she did not expect.

And, just like with every time she was surprised, her bitterness got the better of her.

"So you can sleep with him later, correct?"

She instantly regretted her words but was unwilling to show it past a slight twitch in her left index finger that she thought she had trained out of herself when she was twelve.

Jason instantly looked hurt which was the last thing she wanted to do. It was obvious that all he wanted to do was to help. It had been a truly kind and caring gesture when he took her to see Sam. That oddly-coloured wolf had an amazing talent with words and, as Jason said, a bright light in an otherwise dark world.

If anything, he had brought that very same light back into her world after she thought she had it lost with her relationships with David and Dominic. Some incredibly desperate and innocent part of her thought that dating guys with names that started with 'D' was the problem and perhaps Sam - who's name started with an 'S' - was a possible fit... despite being only sixteen.

Unable to retract her statement, Robin took the moment Jason was stunned to pull her arm from his grip and headed out of the hospital. She left him stunned and speechless which made her just feel terrible. He was her one true friend in this world. Her relationship was Dan was marred with the professionalism he used to use when addressing her and Brett was just someone she knew by acquaintance.

Jason was her one friend in the world...

... and, irrationally, she blamed him for everything.

... not to mention he was actually her ride...

As soon as she left through the hospital's sliding doors, she held back a wince and dreaded having to turn around asking Jason to take her to the Distant Roads Hotel. The drive to the hotel would be even worse.

Hopefully he would come chasing after her...

... hopefully...

She felt someone tap her shoulder.

"Need a ride?"

Not only was that possibly the worse pick-up line in history but she was not even at a bar or somewhere you usually pick up someone. Was this some pervert looking for hot, desperate, weeping women to comfort?

There was some degree of flattery that she would be the target of such a pervert but...

"You're really down, huh? Because of that, I'll let that 'pervert' comment slide."

Robin went rigid and turned to the man she was addressing. The human was quite stunning in appearance. Definitely handsome but with a roguish edge to it. His square jaw was streamlined and square, proud and heroic. He was fit, athletic as was accentuated by the tight-fitting leather ensemble he wore to compliment the helmet he had slung under one arm. His hair, however, was pure-white which oddly accentuated his sapphire-blue eyes.

She was expecting to see those pupils to be shaped like eight-pointed stars but they were not.

Thus, she dismissed the thoughts of this man being another of R3's little manifestations.

"Right..." the man said, rolling his eyes. "You didn't know I could switch those off..." The man shut his eyes for a moment. "Just give me a second..." Slowly, he opened them... and those pupils were those familiar and alien eight-pointed stars.

Robin leapt back in horror. "R3!"

"Call me Jacob." He held up another helmet. "Want that ride now?"

She glanced back towards the hospital just in time to see Jason running towards her.

"Yes... Please."

"This way then."

R3 - Jacob - guided her to a large, sleek, black motorcycle with a definitive wolf-motif on the design. The front of the vehicle was actually shaped like a wolf's snarling head and there were rather beautiful designs etched on the sides in the shape of two wolves dancing around each other, one white and the other black.

She slipped on the helmet just as Jacob took the helm.

"Hang on tight," Jacob warned. "I drive pretty fast."

Robin was hesitant to wrap her arms around R3 lest she suddenly fall for him. However, her doubts were dispelled when Jason stepped out into the open. She wrapped her arms around his chest and felt the tight muscles there. Without another word, Jacob pulled the motorcycle away from the curb and drove right into traffic at high speeds. She was astonished to find that it ran completely silently.

Winds whipped past her and the chill caused her to pull up a little closer to Jacob, feeling his muscles through that leather.

"How is it that this runs so silently?" she asked.

"What? You mean Scythe?" Jacob replied over his shoulder. "It runs on Dual Tritoscositite Engines."

"What?"

She had never heard of 'Tritoscositite'.

"Trito is an artificial energy crystal from my origin reality. It stores raw energy proportionate to its mass. A single gram is enough to power an average Alderonian household for millennia. It was used in huge proportions to power starships."

Robin pulled back a little, surprise that R3 was actually telling her about his origin reality. Did any of the No Ones even know? In fact, R3 not to have existed at the very start of creation?

Jacob sniggered. "Every story has to have a beginning, Robin. Even mine had to start somewhere. I wasn't born the Writer of Reality though some would argue otherwise."

Thinking about starships, Robin realised that R3 could not have his origin reality as Enria... or at least not yet.

"Got that right," Jacob answered as they stopped at an intersection with the lights turned red. "My origin reality is known as 'Mortaelis'. There was a massive war long before I was born. Much like the Hero Wars but a little more insane. See, where I come from all things in the reality comes from Chaos, the primary element of all existence. There was some nutjob that decided it'd be a brilliant idea to try and harness the power of Chaos.

"Everyone hated the idea and they fought against him. To counter the power of Chaos, people made powerful symbols that epitomised Chaos' opposite, Order. They made the Seals."

"Seals?" Robin asked.

"Magical symbols that bound the Mind, Body and Soul of any object and turned it into a weapon. People had 'Seal Weapons' which were powerful weapons that were aspects of themselves. Some people were even capable of manifesting their Seals into the physical realm and using it to destroy others."

The lights turned green and Jacob zoomed through traffic, weaving between cars and bringing angry honks from other motorists. Robin had to hold on a little tighter.

"Anyway, back to Trito, Seals were used to create it and it was used in the starships that was used against Chaos. When the tech of Seals was locked away, Trito became a rarity. Especially since people discovered that if you put Tritoscositite in a bomb and let it go off, you've got one hell of a disaster on your hand. It's a clean explosion so no radiation or fallout but it's a big explosion. What's worse is that when Tritoscositite is depleted, it starts deconstructing matter around itself and converting it into energy to refill itself."

Robin sat back in a bit of shock. "What? How did they recharge them in the first instance?"

"The Seals. Some genius got it into their heads that they can recharge Tritoscositite with the Seals. Created by Seals so recharge with Seals."

Her curiosity was getting the better of her but that was quickly put aside as Jacob pulled up at the front of the Distant Roads Hotel. He pulled off the helmet and set down the brake and stand of the motorcycle Scythe.

"Bet it feels weird having someone talk to you like you're just another person huh?" he said, smiling.

She stepped off the motorcycle and removed her own helmet. "I do not know what you mean..."

"Robin," he replied, giving her a sly, sidewards smile. "Seriously, how can you expect people to treat you with love and affection when you act like you have a stick shoved up your ass?"

"I most certainly do not!" Robin replied incredulously.

"There you go again," Jacob pointed, indicating that they enter the hotel. "No one speaks like that, Robin. I know it's a pain in the ass to keep it up. I also know you're more afraid of changing yourself, of 'losing your identity' to someone else in a relationship. But even you have to admit that as the people around you find their significant others, they are changing.

"Have you noticed that Jason is becoming less and less panicky? Brett has become far less cheery but more genuine? Dan has grown to be very affectionate, cherishing those that he loves. They've all been changing to suit the ones they love. I've noticed you've been changing too. But all your changes are shallow.

"As soon as your relationship ends or that person you care about isn't around, you instantly snap back to 'Triple B'."

She somehow had the eerie feeling she would regret her next question. Still... "Triple B?"

Jacob smirked as they pushed through the revolving doors. "Ball-Breaker Bitch."

She regretted it. "What!?"

"Face it, while you change, the changes are superficial. People can see that. Your chance of happiness rests with not only another person but within yourself as well. When you enter a relationship and even when you leave it, you should come out different not the same person you've always been." He indicated the reception desk. "You shouldn't have a 'default setting'." He rolled his eyes. "Trust me, a world like that is just boring as hell." He rubbed the back of his head with a slight wince. "It adds a new definition to 'meaningless sex'."

That just confused her even more.

All thoughts were thrown aside as R3 stepped up to the receptionist's desk and leaned casually across it. The woman there looked up and frowned at them.

"Can I help you?" she asked in a stern voice.

"Yes, I'm looking to get into the penthouse," Jacob responded casually.

Robin panicked.

What was R3 doing!?

Devries probably had agents everywhere! If someone just came up and asked to get into the penthouse he was sure to send someone to kill them!

"I'm sorry," the woman responded coolly. "The penthouse is reserved for special guests only and is currently occupied by a very special person."

"That's perfectly fine," Jacob replied, reached into his leather jacket.

Robin almost thought he was going to pull out a gun. Thankfully, he was just taking out an envelope and slipped it over the counter to the receptionist.

"Please sure that Mr. Maximillian Devries gets this," Jacob said.

The woman clearly froze up as Jacob turned around and gestured to Robin that she follow. Walking a little stiffly, she followed R3, focusing her power to make sure that all attention was diverted to him instead of her.

Once they were outside, R3 reached into the pocket of his jacket and tossed her a set of keys.

Robin stumbled with it but eventually managed to catch it.

"What are these?" she asked.

"The keys to Scythe."

"You're giving me your motorcycle!?" she blurted.

Jacob winked at her. "Yep. And that's the kind of Robin that'll attract the guys. Notice how you 'used' 'you're' instead of 'you are'? Just little things like that will make you seem more approachable. More human."

Robin just stared at the keys in her hands while blushing... and then the motorcycle parked a few feet away. She had to admit... she liked it.

"Thank you..." she gasped. A smile crawled onto her lips. "Need a ride?"

Jacob grinned back but shook his head. "Nah. I'm good. Devries is about to send his goons down. I'll get beaten up, get my middle finger cut off on both hands and then get thrown into a dumpster to bleed to death.

"I'll be at the club tonight though! See you then!"

****

"Jason... Calm down..."

"I can't," Jason growled back as he stormed through the streets of Newroads, eyes fixed on the walkways.

He was driving through light traffic since it was well into the night. After seeing Robin leave with that mysterious man with the motorcycle, he had spent the rest of the day searching for her. He knew he should be preparing for a raid against a Malefactor but he needed Robin to be there with them. Her power to alter the attention of her target and cast illusions was invaluable.

That...

... and she's my friend...

"You know Robin is probably back at the apartment, right?" Brett said. "It's the last place you'll look."

"Then again, she could also be in a dumpster somewhere with her middle fingers cut off and bleeding to death!" Jason snapped. "I bet Devries knows she's with us and she's probably in danger! What if that guy that she drove off with was actually one of Devries' guys?"

"Don't you think you're overreacting?"

"Aren't you being a little dismissive?"

Brett rolled his eyes and threw his hands up into the air. "Jason, Robin is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Besides, she has a phone. If she's in trouble, she'll call us."

As if on cue, Jason's phone rang. He pulled over to the side, the hard rain pouring down upon the convertible's roof. The sunny day had faded long into the night and a massive storm had hit. He snapped out his phone. There was a message from Robin.

"'Am fine'," he read. "'Will meet you at the club. Sorry to worry you.'"

"See?" Brett said. "She's okay."

"Or that could just be her captor impersonating her to try and throw us off!" he replied, panic rising into his voice. "I mean, if she was really okay, she'd call, right? They send a message because they can't fake her voice!"

"You're being irrational."

"I'm being a friend!" Jason snapped, seizing his door.

"Where are you going?" Brett demanded, lunging for him.

"On foot!"

"Right. That's really rational."

Jason growled. He knew he was being stupid but seeing Robin go off like that... He just felt so guilty... Not to mention afraid. That guy... He just screamed trouble... The last thing he wanted to do was to have to fight and kill her too...

He flung open his door -

WHAM!

"Ow! Hey!"

... and hit someone.

"Oh damn..." he gasped, shutting his door to aid the one he had hit. "Sorry, I just -" He froze. "Sam!?"

The oddly coloured wolf, soaked to the bone, twitched his muzzle, a bit of blood dripping from his nostrils. His umbrella was on the ground.

"What are you doing out here?" Jason demanded.

"Heading home," Sam answered, swiping his umbrella from the ground. He wasn't grinning but it seemed like the rain eased up a little when he got back to his feet.

"You're walking in the rain?"

"I'm not old enough to drive and at this time, public transport is terrible." Grinning, Sam shook his head and said, "Train plus Rain equals Pain."

"How far is your place?"

Sam gave him an exasperated look. "You are not going to drive me home."

All thoughts of Robin faded from his mind. Sam was soaked because of him and from the looks of it, the poor guy was miserably exhausted. Just thinking about how Sam had to work two jobs just to get by made him realise just how lucky he was that his father was putting him through college...

He had to do something.

Okay... manipulator mode again...

"Come on, it's the least I could do," he offered. "I mean, I just gave you a bloody nose and you're soaking wet. Plus, is this really how I should treat my brother?"

"Are we seriously going to do this?" Sam asked, smirking slightly. "I mean, really, we don't know each other. We've had... three conversations together. You don't know what movies I like, what sports I like playing or even my allergies."

"You have allergies?"

Sam scowled dangerously. "Yeah. To bad puns and jokes. It causes me to go on a blinding rage that end up with someone grievously injured."

Funny thing was, as soon as Sam brightened again, Jason wasn't very sure if the oddly-coloured, soaking wolf was being serious or not...

"Um... Okay..." Jason reached out and grasped Sam's shoulder. Brett poked his head out from the window and blinked in surprise. "Look... Just take the ride, okay? It's your mission to make me feel better right? This will really make me feel better."

Sam gave him a sly look. "I bet if I started calling you 'papa', that's make you feel a lot better huh?"

Jason winced and shoved Sam towards the rear of the convertible. "Just get in there."

"Is that was you say to all the guys you meet?"

He bristled and jumped into the car just as Brett was ducking back into the vehicle, sniggering quietly.

"I'm grateful, really," Sam said, hanging outside the door. "But come on, can't you just admit that the only reason you want me to live with you is because you two would love it that when you guys 'exchange vows', so to speak, you have a 'son' around to call you 'daddy'?"

Brett coughed suddenly and Jason was a little surprised that his mate was hornier than he was. It was obvious that his Rottweiler was thinking about it... While he had to admit, there was a part of him that wanted to feel what Dan felt when the two of them slept together, it was not the only reason he wanted Sam to live with them.

"Is it so hard to believe that I'm doing this out of the goodness of my heart?" Jason replied.

"No," Sam admitted, sliding into the rear seats, his wet fur soaking into the upholstery. "But... It's just I don't think either of you are being honest with yourself. If you're going to adopt me, I'd at least ask that you do it because you want me and not just some twink-sex-toy that you'll toss out when I grow too old."

Wait a second...

Jason realised that he had no idea what Sam's story was... For all he knew, Sam might have murdered his parents... both sets. Somehow, all this nice-goody-goody, logical, advice-giving intelligence didn't seem so nice when he considered it could all be a facade to get them to let down their guard so that Sam could kill them.

Is that his preferred method of killing...?

He lulls us into a false sense of security, tells us that he loves us and then kills us?

Or perhaps the brilliant, radiant, sunny disposition was all some psychosis caused by the death of his parents that compelled him to repeat the patterns of the past just to be happy?

"You're thinking I'm a total nutjob right now, aren't you?" Sam asked.

"No..." Jason answered, his voice having risen two octaves as he started the car and began driving.

Sighing, Sam said, "I'm sorry... It's just that when I look at this world, there's a lot of people who will jump at me and treat me like their 'cute little man-slave' because of one of two reasons, sometimes even both. Either it's because I'm gay or that I'm 'severely traumatised' that I'd do anything for a 'father'.

"I'm fully capable of taking care of myself," the black and gold wolf said firmly. "But... I will admit that it'd be nice to have some real parents..."

A thought entered Jason's head and he glanced at the wolf in the rear view mirrors. "Your previous parents... the two guys... they didn't treat you... poorly... did they?"

Sam straightened and looked like he had been slapped. "What? No! My dads were great! Best parents ever. Just that because I had two dads - three if you consider my biological father - everyone thinks I'm a horny, slutty, easy puppy that's looking to make it through the world either as a porn star or for five hundred credits an hour."

"Porn doesn't really pay that well," Brett said. "Trust me, I've been there."

Sam sniggered. "Actually... That doesn't surprise me. Really, you two seemed like the 'porn star couple'."

WHAM!

Jason stomped on the brakes and felt like a massive stamp had been slammed against his forehead. In big, red letters, the words 'Porn Star' were printed on him to match Brett's.

"I mean, when you think about it, it kinda makes a lot of sense if we take appearances alone into consideration," Sam continued, gazing out the window innocently. "I mean, you're both built. Gay and like doing it in public places. I mean, that's where all those porn movies start off right? All you really need now are a nipple piercing or two, maybe a fur-tattoo and a stage name like... I don't known... 'Derek Howler' or 'Max Cox'..."

WHAM! WHAM!

Two more stamps slammed against him. These ones marking him either as 'Derek Howler' or 'Max Cox'. He could just imagine himself as a porn star now... Standing up on that stage in Sea4 in tight underwear, tweaking his nipple ring and flexing his biceps just to show how that fierce, tattoo of a wolf pack on his arm bulged and moved with his muscles...

The horrible thing was...

...That's pretty hot...

"Well, I'm the porn star," Brett said, grinning over his shoulder. "Had to make a couple of movies just to make it through college. Jason here is innocent. Well... Sort of..."

"My point is," Sam said, "I need to know you two are going to go through this not because I'm going to just be one of your escapades. I'm not saying I want you to love me or anything... Just..." He growled and shook his head rapidly, ruffling his short, golden hair as he did so. "I don't know..."

Reaching over, Brett turned in his seat and took Sam's hand, holding it tightly. "I get it. Your entire life, you've always been loved. But you're not naive enough to expect that sort of love from everyone. You just want to make sure that this 'adoption' isn't a farce."

"Pretty much..."

Brett smiled and rubbed the back of Sam's hand with his massive paw. The size difference between the two was quite vast. The Rottweiler's almost completely consumed the black and gold wolf's. "Maybe we did rush into this adoption thing a little fast. I mean, there are really only three things Jason wants in this world. Me, a stable lifestyle and a kid.

"I guess in the wake of almost losing the chance at all three, he sorta panicked and dove for the last one he could possibly get. Or..." Brett gave Jason a sly grin. "Knowing that all three were almost at his grasp, he became impatient and tried to get the last one quickly."

Jason stared at his mate incredulously. "What!? How'd you know about that?"

"Remember how you used to write out the plan for your entire life in the back of your book right next to the 'My Life is a Soap Opera' mantra you always have?"

He did. There had to be at least five books worth of 'My Life is a Soap Opera' somewhere in the apartment. Volume 1 and 2 were written before he discovered he was gay and while he was living with his dad. Volume 3 and 4 were written during his life with Connor and the fifth volume was finished just recently.

"Yeah..."

"You still haven't stopped, Jase," Brett said, releasing Sam's hand and grinning. "Seriously? You want a double-storey house with a loft, a walk-in pantry, an open shower area for the master's bedroom, an entertainment room and a lounge room, a big backyard with a pool and a skylight over an indoor rock garden?"

Jason straightened and said rigidly, "Our marriage hinges on that rock garden."

Brett rolled his eyes and turned back to Sam. "You're right though, Sam. I was ecstatic at the idea I might actually get a son at such a young age. Not to mention a perfect, mature and independent son such as yourself. But maybe we are rushing things a bit. We can hold off until we get things settled."

Jason exchanged glances with his mate, a quiet message swapping between them. Neither of them were just thinking about getting a house, job and finishing their education.

"I'd still like it if you lived with us, Sam," Jason continued. "Given how Robin and I parted this afternoon, I get the feeling she'll be moving out. We need someone else to help pay the rent so we can get that house..."

That brought a smile onto Sam's lips. "Yeah... I think that'll work out. Living by myself really puts a strain on my income... This might work!"

Jason parked the car and turned to Sam with a smile. "I know it will."

The black and gold wolf suddenly realised that they weren't at his home... or that he had never informed Jason where his home was.

Sam looked out the window. "This isn't my place."

Jason unbuckled his seatbelt and got out of the car. "Nope. This is ours. Come on."

"But -"

There was an advantage to being over a hundred pounds heavier than the younger wolf especially when that difference was in muscle. He flung open the door, slipped his arms under Sam just as Brett hit the seatbelt's release button so that Sam was freed. Jason pulled Sam out of the car, the black and gold wolf giving a cry of pure shock as he scrambled to regain his balance and only managed to wrap his arms around Jason's neck.

"Whoa! Hey!"

Grinning, Jason just headed up the stairs to their apartment. Brett flung open the door, grinning just as broadly as Jason. Once he was through, he let down Sam and shut the door behind him.

"Come on, you can use our shower," he told Sam, pushing him towards the bathroom. "I'll get you some spare clothes."

Sam stared at them dubiously. "Um... I'm about ten sizes too small for you guys..."

Jason leaned over and pressed his nose against Sam's. "You'll fill out especially when you're living with us."

The young, shorter wolf stared for a moment and then pressed back just very slightly. "Um... Okay... I'll go take that shower now..." Sam quickly spun around and bolted for the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind him and nearly pinning his tail.

Brett came up beside Jason, arms folded and grinning broadly. "Wow... I think you're enjoying this."

No doubt about that. It was fun acting all 'gay' around Sam and pretending that he wanted to rape the young wolf's ass. Besides, in the back of his head, he was playing some ridiculously sub-par porn script in his head. He was tossing up either offering Sam the extra large clothes while the wolf was in the shower while adding some corny line about not needing them anyway to sucking off the guy under the table under the dining table.

"Sam is a good kid," he replied. "Whether or not we actually do end up adopting him, it won't matter because right now, he needs our help. He won't admit it. But he needs our help."

His mate nodded and patted his shoulder, heading towards their room. "I'll get our 'boy' some fresh clothes. You get dinner up and running."

Jason mildly wondered if it was wise to have dinner before they went to Sea4 and raided Devries... but, above all, Sam needed at least one night where he didn't have to worry about shelter and food.

He headed towards the kitchen and sorted through their supplies. Wok-tossed noodles and beef sounded quite appetising since he guessed Sam was a prevalent meat-eater. Most wolves were. He pulled the marinated beef slices he had set aside on the weekend for just an occasion and pulled the vegetables from the fridge. As he spun the knife in his hand expertly in his hand, he heard the shower start.

Part of his head went into thinking what Sam looked like 'down there' and he expected Horndog to pop out at any moment and play some generic gay porn music to 'get him in the mood'. However, that didn't happen. He was both a little saddened and disappointed but R3 had been right when the No One told him he wasn't just a person who could be typified into three aspects.

Brett emerged from their bedroom carrying some clothes. "I'll just give these to Sam and then I'll be over to help."

And by that, Brett of course meant that he'd stand about looking cute for about five minutes as he slowly drifted to the couch where he'd flick on the game. Jason didn't mind. Hell, the nightmares about him being the 'wife' in the relationship had all but gone. Most of the people in the crowd were still calling him an 'abomination' and a 'freak' but Dan, Chris, Robin, Brett and even R3 and the No Ones were standing around to protect him from that. He could barely see the terrible, accusing crowd.

Once he finished slicing the vegetables, he caught sight of the little roasted peanut shaker that he had set aside.

Sam mentioned he had allergies...

... but I'm not sure if he's being serious or not...

I'd make one hell of an impression if I poisoned him on his first night with us...

Asking was the best way of finding out so he headed over to the bathroom.

"Oh yeah... Put it in there..."

Jason froze.

"Mmmmm... Wow... That's a big bone you got there, Sam."

His jaw dropped.

No way... They can't be...

"Heh-heh... You're not so small yourself, dad. Wanna bury that bone somewhere?"

He heard a loud, wet slap and a mental image of Sam bending over in their bathroom, slapping a wet, tight ass filled his head.

They wouldn't!

Jason made to pull the door open.

"WAIT!" every ounce of his subconscious cried.

"Are you nuts!?" Pessimist shouted. "You want to come off as a horny wolf!?"

"Think about it! This contradicts everything you said in the car!" Optimist shouted.

"Sam's a good kid," Horndog reasoned. "You don't want to screw him like this! Trust me, I'm the horny one remember!?"

He pulled his hand away but his heart leapt to his throat and began beating rapidly when he heard a loud, wet exchange saliva as two, hot lips merged and wrapped around one another. He heard Brett moan and Sam give an answering moan.

His lips were quivering... and he felt his knees go weak. As much as he wanted to fight it, all he could think of was Sam and Brett in that shower, wrapped around each other... kissing, screwing... That tight, athletic body pressed up against the huge bodybuilder's build... Black and gold fur intermeshed with brown and dark brown... Hands crawling everywhere...

Jason swallowed and the sheer effort made him fall to his knees.

I - I should get up and c - cook dinner...

He should... but his body wasn't obeying. His left hand was fumbling for his pants while his right was slowly pressing up against the bathroom door. Blood was quickly rushing to his cock, engorging his sheathe and building heat in his groin.

"You like it when I call you 'daddy', don't you, big dog?" Sam said smoothly.

"Hell yeah," came Brett's reply. "And love it when your papa loves you like this, right?"

Jason's cock came free and he seized it viciously, holding his hot, thick, nine-inch member in one hand and shuddering. He pressed his ear right next to the door, using his right hand to support him so he didn't slip. He could hear them on the other side, their feet and claws tapping across the tiles as they slipped out of the shower.

"Hmmm... You taste good, papa."

"You're addictive, son."

Jason gave a shuddering gasp.

This was too much...

He should burst right in there and stop them!

... and tell them to get in bed...

Oh damnit...

"God, I love your fur..." Brett moaned, louder. "So full... so thick..."

"And I love how big you are... Take me in your arms, papa. Your big, strong, muscular arms..."

Jason began drooling, both from his mouth and his cock. He realised he had stopped breathing and took a deep breath, taking in the scent of his arousal. His eyelids fluttered as he imagined Brett mounting Sam... Mounting their 'son'... He imagined what it would be like to be in bed with Sam and Brett at the same time... Hell, why not get Dan and Chris in there as well...

One big, happy, family orgy...

A goofy grin crossed his features.

"Oh... I feel cold, papa," Sam moaned.

"Then let me warm you up, pup..."

"But I need something more... Or someone..."

Jason's eyes widened.

"Then let's get him in here..."

Suddenly, the door flung open and Jason crumpled to the ground, his muzzle bouncing off the wet tiles. For a second, he saw stars... then he saw two pairs of feet... Slowly... he traced those feet up a pair of thick, muscular calves... to large, tree-trunk-like thighs concealed by red and white shorts... that had a white muscle shirt hanging over it... Then he traced the other set of feet up some thick calves that abruptly ended in a brown towel...

He skipped the rest and gaze up at Sam and Brett who were both smirking at him, arms folded.

"Busted," Sam accused.

Both of the canines in the bathroom were dressed - or partially dressed. Jason was the only one with his cock out.

Oh crap...

"Um..." he began, his mind reaching the point of overloading. "Are you allergic to peanuts?" he asked, scrambling to his feet.

"No," Sam replied with a sigh. The black and gold wolf suddenly moved with such speed that all Jason saw was a blur of colour. He felt Sam's wet hand wrap around his balls, making him give out a slight eep. "I love nuts."

Before he could even reply, Sam leaned over and their lips locked. Jason felt himself instantly melt and he gave faint moan as his cock pressed up against Sam's firm, athletic body. Slowly, Sam pulled away, their lips lingering millimetres from one another.

"I don't..." Jason began.

"Just let it happen, Jase," Brett said, closing in behind Sam and wrapping his arms around them both, sandwiching the smaller black and gold wolf between their enormous bodies. "We both agreed. There's really only one way to get to know each other intimately." The Rottweiler bent down and nipped at Sam's neck, causing the wolf to moan softly and nuzzle Jason's neck.

"But... what happened to taking it slow...? No... Sex toy...?"

Sam licked his neck, causing him to shudder. "Would it help if I called you, 'dad'?"

Jason went painfully hard, a large spurt of precum spraying across Sam's freshly cleaned chest.

"We have a winner," Sam chuckled. He slipped out from between Jason and Brett, taking Jason's hand and slowly leading him towards the bedroom with Brett taking Jason's other hand. "Come on, dad."

"But... You..."

Several things jumped into Jason's mind.

The first thing was that they barely knew each other... but another argument countered that. It felt like he had known Sam all his life. He could see a bit of himself and Brett in the kid... There was Brett's bright, insightful intelligence and his own little bit of neurosis. The two merged into one to make a wise, cheery young man who was innocent... but not naive.

The next was that Sam was technically a minor... but then again, considering how he was having sex while he was still in the 'minor' status, that really didn't matter. The instant someone became a teenager, the only thing on their mind was 'sex'. If someone went through their teen years without at least masturbating or experiencing one orgasm - whether with a partner or not - puberty had ripped them off.

The last thing was that Sam was a virgin. Was he really asking them to...?

Jason's thoughts were interrupted when he was pushed onto the bed, Sam hovering over him still in that towel and still with his fur dripping wet from the shower. It occurred to him that he and Brett probably had a long conversation before he had started to eavesdrop and the two had put that spectacle for him.

Slowly, Sam bent over and their lips twisted into each other's. Sam was awkward... unsure. His hands were tentative and doubtful. Whenever their tongues touched, his entire body would tense and his tongue would twitch back... before gently rubbing against Jason's.

Gently, Jason pulled them apart. "What changed your mind?"

Brett came down to lie beside him, wrapping those thick, muscular arms around his chest. "I just asked him if he wanted this or not."

"And...?"

Sam gave them both a shake smile. "I do... I really do. Just... I've heard stories and I know you guys aren't like that... But I just have to know... Life isn't about sex..."

There, Jason smiled and pulled Sam closer, the younger wolf's fur soaking his shirt. "Yeah... I learned that the hard way. You were the one that ultimately taught me the lesson, Sam. That's why I want you to be part of this. I can't explain it... You're just special to me."

I think... it's because there's a part of me that was ready to have a kid when Envy offered that deal...

... and you, Sam...

I just get this feeling you're the universe telling me that I may have lost one child but I might get another shot at this...

"There's just something there," Brett chimed in, turning Sam towards him and licking the young wolf's nose. "Maybe it's the fact that you never judged us like everyone else or that you always knew what to say to help us through our problems. But Jason is right... You're special to us, Sam. Time means nothing... I feel like I've known you my entire life..."

Sam's eyes wavered. Jason wasn't sure if he was afraid, unsure or just confused. However, all doubts were cast aside as the black and gold wolf bent down and kissed Brett passionately. Smiling, Jason felt something poking his leg and he glanced down, noticing there was a significant bulge in Sam's towel.

He wrapped his arm around Sam, pulling the wolf right between himself and Brett so that the heat from their bodies could encase Sam in their loving warmth. It just felt so right that they should protect this rare, dazzling diamond in the rough, bleak world. Jason had thought he had lost his light to Envy and so did Brett but it had been Sam who had showed them the world of colour.

Now they would stand together and protect Sam with all their might.

Pulling away from Brett, Sam shuddered as a breeze from the still-broken window cut through the room. Jason slid his arms around the younger wolf, pressing his massive chest against Sam's back. He felt the young wolf's developing back muscles press against his large pecs and abs, his cock and balls resting on the small of Sam's back.

"I've never... I've never done anything like this before..." Sam admitted, shaking. "I... Umm..."

Brett cupped the young wolf's chin gently in a hand. "But do you want to do it?"

For a second, there was doubt in Sam's sapphire-blue eyes... Then he nodded. "Yeah... I'm still scared... but... I guess if it's with you guys... I know I want to."

Jason nuzzled Sam's neck, licking at those big, triangular ears and feeling the heat of passion and arousal rise from the young wolf. His arms crossed Sam's chest, his left slipping under Sam's left arm and crossing over that defined chest to the wolf's right shoulder. His right arm slowly ran down Sam's thick, golden, heart-shaped chest-fur, along that treasure-trail of gold, over the ridges of those abs and finally to the knot in the towel.

"Just tell me if you want us to stop..." he murmured into Sam's ear.

There was a soft nod and Jason undid the tower in one hand, throwing it aside.

"Whoa..." both he and Brett gasped.

Sam had an impressive foot long-erection bouncing between his legs, the thick, black cock dripping with precum. Brett bent down and buried his muzzle into Sam's golden-blonde crotch fur. The Rottweiler shuddered and drew a long, loving lick from the base of Sam's cock to the pointed tip, causing Sam to grunt.

Ever so gently, Jason turned Sam's head to face him and they looked into each other's matching eyes. Sam's eyes were searching... looking for something... He seemed to find it as those eyes sparkled and an smile crawled onto his lips. Their lips met and all hesitation left his kiss, his tongue drawing lovingly into Jason's muzzle and exploring every inch meticulously.

Jason felt Sam try to get that tongue between every tooth and fang, pressing their tongue together and probably attempting to memorise where every tastebud was. At the same time, Sam was drawing long, sucking kisses from him, yearning for more and more of him inside. Jason wanted to comply but he was dealing with someone who was inexperienced in the fashion... who was still so young...

Sam's eyes were shut but Jason watched him carefully, his heart pounding in his chest and filling his entire being with a sensation he didn't think possible for such a short relationship. He was truly falling in love with Sam. Not the same love he shared with Brett... but the love one would give a son, father or brother. The same love he held for Dan.

With every beat of his heart, his drew Sam closer and explored this new wolf's body. That thick, black and gold fur was a new sensation from the short fur of his mate and father. It was smooth, silky and just so luscious. Despite the shower, he could smell Sam's arousal, noting how the black and gold wolf had such an alien smell. There was the normal saltiness and musk of male arousal but there was an odd, tingling sensation with the scent... It made him think of tiny, sweet, ice crystals that danced against his nostrils.

Brett pulled away from Sam's incredibly impressive cock and kissed each of the wolf's abs, making Sam flex instinctively and buck his hips. Bit by bit, Brett drew up Sam's body and worked his way to Sam's right nipple, suckling the flesh nub gently. Jason reached over and held his mate's head to that square pec, his cock aching with need at seeing his Rottweiler suck on that chest.

Sam moaned softly and Jason broke their kiss.

"How do you want to do this...?" Jason asked softly, nuzzling Sam's cheek.

Breathing heavily, Sam let out a soft moan as Brett worked to the other nipple. "M - M - Mount me..."

"You sure?" he asked softly.

"Yeah..." Sam whispered. "J - Jason... I want you in me." He offered a shaky grin. "You've offered me a home. The least I can do is put my ass on the line for you."

Jason chuckled and slowly guided his thick, precum-covered cock down into Sam's round, bubble-like ass. "Just tell me if I'm hurting you."

"I don't think you'll ever hurt me..."

That's right...

... I'd never hurt you Sam...

I'd never hurt something so precious...

He felt Brett suddenly shift over them and his mate wrap those huge arms around him. His Rottweiler nuzzled his neck, kissing his jaw. "You okay for a little train ride?"

Grinning, Jason said, "All aboard."

Slowly, Jason felt the tip of his cock slip between Sam' ass cheeks. The younger wolf clenched instinctively, squeezing a bit more precum out of Jason. Sam's ass ring felt soft, smooth, hot and hard. Jason took his time, prodding the hole with his cock and bringing small gasps from Sam. At the same time, he reached down and gripped Sam's huge member, taking it in one hand and licking Sam's neck. Behind him, he felt Brett's familiar, comforting cock probe his ass.

As Brett drew deeper with his slow thrusts, Jason was pushed into Sam, the smaller wolf shaking at the sensations. The instant the tip of Jason's cock slipped into that ass, Sam arched his back and let out a loud moan. A large burst of precum spray out of the wolf's cock.

"Ah! God..." Sam sank back and speared himself on Jason's cock. "Ngh!"

Jason held the young wolf tightly kissing his cheek lovingly. Sam turned into his kiss, their lips closing in around each other. The wolf in his arms had his eyes closed and was thrusting back into his cock, pushing Jason's dick further and further into that ass as well as pushing Jason into Brett. Suddenly, Jason realised he was being compressed from two sides!

Brett was pushing him from behind and Sam was pushing him from the front!

And he loved it.

Here... sandwiched between the man he loved and the teenager responsible for that love. He spared no time, holding Sam tightly and thrusting into that ass while running his hand over that long, black member. It seemed like that cock would go on for eternity and when he reached the tip, so much precum spilled out that it was quickly soaking the bed.

Brett's amazing, hot rod entered him and he felt that heat radiate from his insides, filling his entire being and fuelling him to push himself further and further into Sam. The ass was incredibly tight, tighter than anything he had felt before. It was a task to push himself through and with every thrust, he was driven closer and closer to the edge as Sam's tight ass squeezed more of his precum out of him.

He felt Brett's lips hover over his shoulder, that tongue lolling out. His mate was getting ready for that beautiful, completing mating bite. Those warm, soft hands ran over his abs and tweaked his nipples, driving him wild with sensation. Jason felt the base of his cock press up against Sam's ass bringing a loud moan from the young wolf.

Sam broke the kiss panting hard and moaning wildly. "Oh god... Damn..."

"Are you...?"

"Don't stop!" Sam begged, grinding back and twisting Jason's cock inside him. "Please! Ah!" Sam's eyes suddenly rested at his own, black cock.

Brett thrust from behind, forcing Jason to thrust into Sam.

Sam's head jerked towards his own cock...

Whoa... He... Can he...?

Jason glanced over his shoulder and saw Brett was watching as well. His mate thrust again and the rippling move pushed Sam closer to his own cock. Sam licked his lips as Jason drew a long stroke along that thick, foot-long black cock and caused a large wad of thickening precum to drop out of the tip.

Brett thrust.

Jason ploughed.

Sam jerked, his nose just hovering millimetres away from his own cock! The young wolf's eyes were wide in awe and amazement like he was staring at something alien and a fascinating at the same time. Sam's tongue slowly drew out from his lips, licking the tip of his own black member.

This time, it was Jason who thrust and Sam jerked suddenly forward, his cock driving right up his muzzle.

Oh god that's hot...

Sam's eyes rolled into the back of his head and he sucked himself off. Jason began thrusting in tandem with Brett, pulling his hand away from Sam's chest and behind the wolf's head, guiding him down into that member. He heard Sam moaning and sucking at the same time, saliva dripping down that black member. At the same time, he was stroking Sam's cock, feeling it continuously growing harder and harder in his grip.

D - Damn... I'm... I'm...

The heat was building in his cock and he could feet the temperatures rising inside him as well as Brett reached his climax. Brett began letting out soft barks with every thrust. Each one managed to make it in between Jason's own softly building howl and Sam's moans. Like a well-oiled - or lubricated - machine, the three of them were working perfectly in synch.

G - G - Getting close...

Jason grunted as he shoved his knot right into Sam, tying with the young wolf, feeling the young wolf's own knot pop into existence in his grip. Brett's pace intensified and with a loud bark, he shoved himself completely in Jason, knot and all. Not a second passed before his Rottweiler became feverishly humping him, his claws digging into Jason's fur and his fangs digging softly into his shoulder in that glorious mating bite.

I'm... really... close...

Jason mirrored his mate's thrusts into Brett, his strokes becoming lightning fast as he thrust wildly into Sam as the young wolf's turned from pleasurable to desperate. He pressed down on that hot knot, bringing a sudden gasp from the black and gold wolf.

I'm gonna...

Sam pulled his head back and let out a loud, intense cry of sheer ecstasy as his cock jerked and sprayed cum all over them. Just seeing the wolf explode sent Jason off the edge. He arched his back and threw back his head, letting rip with his trademark, blissful howl of release, emptying himself into Sam's ass. Brett's bite suddenly began hard and the slight pain squeezed more cum from Jason as Brett exploded inside him, feeling his mate's warm seed fill him.

Cum splattered all over them. What seemed like bucket loads coated Jason's face and - to a lesser extent - Brett. Sam was jerking with his cock, his cry having died and his body overcome in the lustful spasms of their lovemaking. Even as Jason's own howl died and Brett released his shoulder, Sam continued jerking and cumming.

The weariness and blissful exhaustion of afterglow slowly every came Jason and he rested onto Sam to feel the young wolf still wrecked with spasms and more and more cum spraying out in what seemed like an everlasting torrent of salty, white seed. Sam's entire chest was covered in white and some of it was seeping down his back, gluing both Jason and Sam together.

Eventually, Sam's orgasm eased and the young wolf stomped shaking. Occasionally, he would jerk and there would be a small spray of cum but otherwise, he snuggled into Jason's arms, smiling contently to himself.

"Are you alright?" Brett asked softly, reaching over and taking Sam's hand gently.

"Never better..." Sam whispered back, obviously exhausted but still glowing. "Thanks..."

"It was our pleasure..."

Jason thought there was still one thing he had to do first... He leaned in and ran his tongue over Sam's cum-covered face, cleaning the younger wolf's features of the salty brew. He didn't swallow and once he was done, he wrapped his lips around Sam's, rubbing the collected seed on his tongue all over Sam's tongue. The wolf in his arms melted.

Pulling away, Jason grinned at his wolf and pressed his nose against Sam's.

Sam pressed back.

"You're a Wolfe now, Sam."

****

Sea4 was crowded as usual. Powerfully built males rubbed against each other, drank and had raunchy sex on the dance floor. Some group of strippers was on the stage, alluring men up to them and driving the crowd wild.

Jason didn't care.

He wasn't interested in the meat market anymore.

He now had everything he wanted. A loving father, a dedicated husband and, in effect, a brilliant son... sort of.

Now, he just had end the Malefactors' reign of darkness and he would get the last thing on his list.

A stable lifestyle.

He couldn't have that with all the chaos around him.

He, Brett and Warren stepped up to where two large guards stood in front of Devries' private booth. They didn't say a word and neither did the guards. However, after one second, they stepped aside and he took the lead, heading up to the semi-circular booth where Devries sat out in the open with probably the only two women in the entire club swooning over him and four other guards standing at attention behind the couch.

Jason took a seat as far away from Devries as possible.

It was the first time he saw the crime boss in person. He had seen pictures of the gaudy, scrawny, almost skeletal man. Devries honestly looked half-decomposed already with his completely bald head, sunken features and deep, red eyes. There was no use hiding the fact he was a Malefactor. Everyone knew why they were here. No doubt the guards were his pawns as well.

"I take it from my letter you have come to give me the child?" Devries asked in a raspy, slimy voice.

"The child is that important to you, huh?" Jason responded coolly.

He was unintimidated by Devries.

While he had yet to see Robin arrive, Dan was in the crowd. His father would be their trump card. When things got ugly, Dan would come out and lend a hand. His first priority was to get the civilians out of this place and when he was done with that, he'd come to their aid. The last thing they wanted was more pawns for Devries to play with.

This is where it ends.

"The child is everything," Devries answered. "With him, we can end the No Ones and cover all existence in our darkness."

"Existence in total darkness might be pretty dull," Brett answered.

Devries sighed. "Ah... So this is not a surrender. It was an attempt to bring me out into the open and assassinate me, correct? Foolishness."

Jason got ready to summon Genesis. "You're pretty cocky."

"In a place such as this?" Devries replied, gesturing at the club. "It's hard not to be. However... I am not without my resources..."

****

Dan watched the booth where Jason, Brett and Warren were speaking with Devries from the bar of the club. Even from his distance, he could detect that Jason was getting ready to draw Genesis and end this fight now.

He prepared to get everyone out when -

"Buy you a drink, stranger?"

He went rigid and spun.

Tara leaned against the bar, regarding the booth.

"Tara!?" he exclaimed. "What are you doing here!?"

"Did you honestly think that anything involving Devries or Warren for that matter can slip through me?" she answered with a slight frown. "Honestly, Dan, I am disappointed in you. Then again, this was perfectly expected. Given that your boyfriend was attacked by Devries, rationally, the only thing you could think of was to strike back."

Dan thought about those words and relief washed over him.

"You have reinforcements?"

Tara nodded. "There are several agents hidden amongst the crowd as well as a full battalion of troops outside. If things get out of hand, they can be in here within a heartbeat to end this conflict once and for all."

A shaky smile crossed his features. "Thank god... I wasn't sure how you'd react to this..."

"Like I said," Tara answered, turning her eyes towards him. His heart was gripped with a flash of fear when those eyes turned a bright, burning red. "It was expected."

****

"What are you talking about?" Jason growled.

"Do you think I would come here unprepared?" Devries chuckled, slowly rising from his seat. Jason got up as well, growling softly and his fingers twitching, readying to summon Genesis. "I have troops in the crowd! My bodyguards are my pawns!" His chuckles turned into a vicious grin. "And, one of your own is a traitor..."

His heart froze.

What if...

... What if it's Sam...?

No... I couldn't... He wouldn't...

Would he...?

"Jase!"

WHAM!

Jason saw stars as he crashed into the small table on the booth.

He spun around -

No...

"Warren!?"

The big, red dragon - now with burning red eyes - growled fiercely at him.

"This is all your fault, Jason."