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Chapter 31

The morning came sooner than either Kendal or Marcus wanted. But as the sun rose, the two slowly unraveled their intertwined bodies and began saying their goodbyes. Marcus gave a last hug to Lewis and Anders. Extending his arm to Kendal, the two walked toward the helipad. As they walked, the Red Wolf flew overhead. They watched the engines pivot and flare downward.

As they cleared the top of the stairs, Marcus saw Matthew standing by the Red Wolf. He squeezed Kendal's hand. "I guess this is where I say goodbye, Kendal," he said. "Looks like I have another goodbye up on the helipad as well."

"Matthew, the human," Kendal said knowingly. "He's been doing very well, Marcus." Kendal grabbed the wolf and turned him around. He watched the wolf become his match and leaned in for a long kiss. When the kiss ended, he smiled. "You take good care of yourself, Marcus. I'll see you soon."

"I hope so," Marcus said with a smile. He let the hug go and shifted back into the Iberian wolf. He turned and waved to Matthew. The boarding ramp lowered on the Red Wolf, and Marcus stared as the little red fox stepped into the sunshine. He walked down the ramp, and when he touched the landing pad, he smiled at the Iberian wolf. "Hello, Marcus. You're looking well today," he teased with a grin. "But then I've always thought Will looked too hot for words."

"You look well today, too, Jason," Marcus said uncomfortably.

Jason walked over and hugged the wolf, which instantly became a fox. "Get used to the hugging, Marcus," Jason said. "You're a part of a family now, and we have expectations."

"What of my expectations, Jason?" Marcus asked.

The fox didn't let go of his hug. "That is a fair question. Is one of them to be loved?"

The twin fox nodded against the other's shoulder.

"Then understand that those of the Were Nation show our love by holding each other. Are you having any difficulty with this hug?"

"I am getting hard, and I need to say goodbye to Matthew soon. That will be awkward."

Jason pushed back. "Well then, we will forgo the kiss. I'm sure that will leave us both aroused."

Marcus sighed. "You would know, Jason. I am you."

The little fox let his grip go, and the gray wolf returned. "And now you are not." Jason stared at the wolf's crotch and smiled at the head peeking out from the sheath. "It is more obvious now that you're a wolf."

Marcus groaned. "I'm aware of that, Jason."

"Think about biker nuns with skull tattoos. That seems to work for me."

Marcus laughed, but his face changed quickly. "I am sorry, Jason. I'm sorry for everything."

"My original comment still holds, Marcus. Treat my family well, and I will hold no grudge."

"Thank you," the Iberian wolf said.

Jason waved toward the human standing away from them. "Well, go. I came here to visit Matthew today. I can't do that until you're off to the highland."

Marcus turned and walked over to the human while Jason waited. "So, is that what happens when you touch another person?" Matthew asked. "You become them?"

"That's what happens, Matthew," Marcus said with a nod. "That's why I wore the gloves when we first met."

"That has to be tough."

"It's not the easiest thing in the world, but I'm trying to learn to live with it," Marcus replied. The wolf looked at Matthew. "You look a hell of a lot better than the day we met."

"I'm feeling better," Matthew said. "They told me you were going back to the highland. I wanted to tell you I was wrong about the things I said. Turns out, you weren't the reason the Sight came back. In fact, you were the one it was trying to get me to bump into." Matthew waved his hand outward. "It was trying to get me back here. I was too drunk to see it. You weren't. You're a good man, Marcus."

"I've got a long way to go before I'm that, Matthew. But I'm glad it worked out well for you."

Matthew hugged Marcus and felt him shift into his naked mirror image. He pulled away and watched the human become a wolf again. "I'm sorry about that, Marcus."

"It's okay, Matthew. The hug was worth it."

"Do right by them, Wolf. You've made your mistakes. Now go out there and find a way to fix them."

"I'll try, Matthew. Be happy."

"You sound like Oliver," the old man said.

"I hope one day I can make him proud the way he would be proud of you."

"Tell him I said hey if he wakes up," Matthew said, waving to the wolf.

"I will," Marcus answered, turning and walking toward the Red Wolf.

As he neared the boarding ramp, Marcus heard the voice of the human. "Marcus," Matthew yelled.

Marcus turned. "Yeah?"

"You be happy, too."

Marcus smiled. "I'll do my best."

Matthew smiled in return. "That's all we ever ask of you."

Marcus walked up the ramp, and Matthew watched as the ramp rolled up and the door closed. He crouched down and put out his hands, and the little fox ran into them. The human took the fox into a tight hug and spun the little mammal around. "It's good to see you, Jason," Matthew said.

"And it is good to see you, Matthew."

Matthew extended the fox out. "On my shoulders or holding my hand, Fox?"

"On the shoulders, I think today. I'm feeling frisky."

The human glowered. "You won't get wood from this, will you?"

"I might. I'm a fox, Matthew. We're kind of that way. But it's not as if I'm going to hump your leg or anything."

Matthew laughed. "Okay," he said, flipping the fox up onto his shoulders. "Let's get off this pad so the twins can take off." The human walked down the stairs carefully. At the bottom of the helipad, he saw Kendal watching as the Red Wolf lifted off. He stared upward until the ship had disappeared into the clouds and walked over to the wolf. "You two have something going on?" Matthew asked.

Kendal smiled. "We might. We'll have to see how it goes."

Matthew grinned. "Yep. I wish you both the best. I know you guys have a convoluted way of expressing affection, but I hope it works out well for you and Marcus. And Will, too," Matthew said. He paused. "Hell, I hope it works out for all of us."

Kendal put out his arms. "Got a hug there for me, Human?"

Matthew smiled. "Yeah, Wolf, as a matter of fact, I do. Hold on, Fox, I'm going to hug another beast." Jason laughed as Matthew grabbed the wolf and hugged him. When he let the hug go, he looked back toward the hospital. "Well, I have a lunch date with the guy on my shoulders, and after that, it's therapy with Dr. Kong. But I wanted to make sure Marcus had a good send-off."

"Thanks, Matthew," Kendal said. "You want company later tonight? Maybe grab a bite to eat?"

Matthew nodded. "That would be nice, thanks. You're Kendal, right?"

"That's me. I work with Lewis on the lighthouse."

"Bet there are stories to be told there."

"We can discuss them over dinner tonight. Around seven?"

"When you heading out, Jason?" Matthew said, looking up.

"I just dropped by for lunch and a checkup on the construction work over on the south side, Matthew. You're free and clear from my end."

Matthew thought for a moment. "Make it seven-thirty, and you've got a date." Matthew thought about his words. "I probably shouldn't say date, huh?"

Kendal laughed. "I knew what you meant. Besides, I pal around with Lewis and Anders. Lewis is over two thousand years old, and Anders is close to a million years. You're nice and all, Matthew, but you're way too young for me to find you interesting in that way."

"Okay, cut me some slack," Matthew said with a laugh. "I'm trying to make friends on an island where friends are a lot friendlier than I'm used to."

"Understood, Matthew. I'll see you at seven-thirty." He stared at the human for a bit. "I probably shouldn't try to kiss you, right?"

Matthew grinned. "Not on the first date, Wolf."

Chapter 32

"We'll be landing in a few minutes, Marcus," Tiff said, looking at the werewolf anxiously pacing in the back. "Time to buckle up. If you don't, the auto-restraints kick in, and you don't want to deal with those."

Marcus looked up from his pacing and sat down in the aisle seat. "Thanks for taking me back to the highland."

"Our pleasure, Marcus," Tuff said. "We love taking folks home."

"Is that what I'm doing, Tuff?"

"I think so, Marcus. You act like a beast who's heading home, but one that is not sure if he's doing the right thing."

Marcus pulled the shoulder harness and clicked it into place. "That would be me."

Tiff smiled. His hands reached out and set the landing gear as they coasted into the highland. "I know it will do no good to tell you not to worry, Marcus, but you're going to a home you will one day realize is the safest place you have ever lived."

"The highland can be a lonely place, Tiff," Marcus said.

"I wasn't talking about the highland, Marcus," Tiff replied. "I'm talking about finding out who you are and who your family really is. Once you know that, you'll find home. And home is a very, very big place."

As the Red Wolf touched down, two temple dogs gathered around the base of the landing site. The boarding ramp lowered, and the two dogs moved forward to welcome the returning wolf. As they hugged, the wolf became a dog and the three temple dogs smiled at each other. "How are doing, Marcus?" Katashi asked.

"I'm well, thank you," Marcus said with a bow. He looked at the two dogs. "Where is Noboru?"

"We have finished the planting of the rice fields. He has returned to his home in Tibet," Katashi answered.

"But he is alone."

"He will not be alone for long," Zhuang said with a smile. "The dragon babies are nearing the time of their first molt. When they fledge, they will need new homes suitable for their needs. Tibet will be one of those homes, and Noboru will be their guardian. While he waits for that day, there is a great deal of preparation that needs doing. There are gardens to attend to, the observation of sacred rituals, and so many other things to occupy his time."

"But his contact with you..." the new born dog said with a sad face.

"Of necessity, we curtail it for a time," Katashi interjected. "But he has his family, and they visit him frequently."

"So, they take good care of him?"

Katashi bowed. "Very good care, Little One. And what of you? Are you well taken care of?"

"This is awkward. I returned here to learn by your side. I am hoping there is a secret to controlling my changing. Yet, all I can think about is how much I want to take the two of you out into the woods and find a sturdy tree that we can hang from."

"Then we have taught you at least one thing, Marcus," Zhuang said with a cheerful laugh. "We have taught you the importance of family in the Were Nation. We do not let the desires of our family go unfulfilled if we can take care of them. Let us go play. There will be time enough for work in the days to come."

Donovan and Eric stepped from the cave and watched the three temple dogs running off into the forest.

"Marcus is home," Donovan said with a smile.

"Yeah," Eric nodded. "Probably won't see him for a week."

Donovan laughed. "It's good for him. He needs to learn what's important in life."

"That's true," the polar bear agreed. "You have your work cut out for you, Husband."

"So, it seems. But if I understand the situation, nothing serious comes into play until after the family returns."

"He appears to be a Channeler, Wolf. He will need to be trained."

"He is more than a Channeler, Old Bear," Donovan said. "He will eclipse us all."

The Old Bear sighed. "Then I am glad he has my husband as a teacher."

"I am grateful he has so many teachers, Husband," the Armbruster's wolf said. "He will have much to learn before he becomes the wolf he is meant to be. Knowing those who will teach him leaves me confident in his future."

"Speaking of the future, do you have anything planned for the week?"

Donovan looked out toward the forest. "I was thinking there are three temple dogs out there. Without Noboru's skills, at least two are bound to fall out of those trees at some point."

The polar bear nodded. "I was thinking the same thing."

"Did I tell you that the old wolf taught me how to climb up there with them?"

Eric laughed. "No, will it work for a polar bear?"

"Sadly, no. But if I might offer a suggestion. I will join the dogs in the trees. Whoever falls from those trees is yours if he will agree to it."

"Sounds reasonable."

"I expect I will fall many times throughout the next few days. I'm not skilled at dealing with moving objects in midair, and my tail is not prehensile."

The bear leaned over and grabbed the wolf into a tight hug. "It sounds all the more fun because of that, but I have a different suggestion."

The Armbruster's wolf looked at the polar bear. "What is that, Husba...." His jaw dropped as the bear's fur turned golden yellow and his body grew outward.

"I never thought about that," Donovan said as his grin became that of a temple dog. "This way, we can welcome Marcus home without confusing his body."

"When in Rome, do as the Romans," Eric said, grinning back. "And when in the trees..."

"Oh, we are going to get in so much trouble if our husbands find out we did this."

"Yeah. But it will be so worth it." With a nod of their heads in agreement, the two temple dogs fell onto all fours and raced off toward the forest.

It would be three days before the first tree fell. All five temple dogs were eager to point out to Gaia that was a record for the safest sex they had had in over two thousand years. Fortunately for the five, she agreed.

Chapter 33

Matthew watched under his umbrella as the Red Wolf surfed in on the clouds and landed on the helipad. He paced anxiously, waiting for the face of the young fox to appear in the disembarking crowd. When Jason stepped onto the covered ramp, Matthew waved. Jason waved back and stepped to the side as two wolves came out. He pointed toward the human, and they both nodded and waved. Matthew was confused, but he waved back to the threesome.

Jason and his cohorts came bounding down the ramp, and Jason ran to Matthew, where he got a welcoming hug from the human. "So, we finally get to see what the new building on the other side of the island is all about?" Matthew asked.

"Indeed you do," a wolf with piercing green eyes said as he extended his hand to the human. He looked at the human's hesitancy. "Unless you prefer to hug. Although, we're kind of wet here. You know, wolves and rain. We're not the best combination," he said with a smile.

Matthew nodded shyly. "Actually, I prefer hugging even if we're soaked."

"Well then, hugs it will be," the wolf said, grabbing the human and pulling him into a tight hug. "My name is Clifford, but everybody at this press conference today is going to call me Dr. Wells. Media people think it sounds more impressive, although everyone I love calls me Clifford."

Matthew laughed. "What should I call you?"

"Clifford. Never call me Cliff, unless you want to incur the wrath of a Clifford who hates anyone calling him Cliff. Trust me, it's unpleasant."

"I will remember that," Matthew replied with a smile. "I see you all the time down by the new building."

"Yeah, it's the first building on the island to use a previous hospital's footprint, but built with a modern architectural design. There's a placard to remind people that a smallpox hospital once stood there. Beyond that, there are some memories best not memorialized by a building, don't you think?"

Matthew nodded. "Yeah, that's a hospital best left in the past. Who thought to change the status quo?"

The wolf nodded toward the other bulkier wolf. "That would be my husband's doing," the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf said, tugging at the arm of the black and auburn wolf by his side. "They're going to be saying all sorts of boring crap about Mr. Kahue, and how he's so remarkable; like a young Frank Lloyd Wright. I won't sound bitter one bit."

His mate laughed. "The good doctor turned me when I was twenty-seven. He was fifty-two when he turned, and he has never stopped bitching about people calling me his son or the younger one," the other wolf said with a laugh.

"You're married?" Matthew asked.

"We're celebrating our twentieth this September," the gray wolf answered. He grinned. "We're practically newlyweds in werewolf terms. I'm Kirk," the other wolf said, extending his arms. "I'm a hugger, too. We have that in common."

Matthew entered the hug and felt the warm, wet fur of the dark-haired wolf. "I'm a Yukon wolf," Kirk said. "Our coats are thick. We're great fun to hug right up until the middle of August and then stay away from me if we're not in a pool."

Matthew laughed again. "It's nice to meet you both. The building is remarkable. You can't even see it until you're right up on top of it."

"It's the mirrors," Kirk said. "They reflect the gardens on the other side."

"But the roof goes right back into the park above it," Matthew said. "And the waterfall over the front, and the pond... it's all so beautiful. The door is practically invisible until it changes when you get close to it."

The Yukon wolf grinned. "Well, well; you have been following its construction."

"Oh yeah. I came here halfway through the construction. Watching it go from a hole in the side of a hill to what it is today is incredible. It's so peaceful after the crews head home at night. It is amazing."

Kirk looked at Clifford. "There, you see? I'm amazing."

"He said your building is amazing. He didn't say you were."

Matthew shook his hands. "No, no, you're both amazing. I mean, you're beautiful wolves. Kirk, your fur is about the most beautiful I've ever seen on a wolf. You're right up there with Derrick. And Clifford, your white, black, and gray patterning is perfect." Matthew pulled up short. "Did I tell you I was straight? I'm straight. I probably should say I'm straight before I start sounding like I am hitting on you." Matthew slapped his forehead. "Now I just sound like some insane guy. That's an improvement."

Kirk reached back and hugged the human again. "I think you're absolutely wonderful." He pushed back. "Should we head off to the press conference? Jason got you front-row seats."

"Me? I don't belong there. I'm just a drunk in rehab who likes Jason."

"He told us you were his date."

Matthew stared at Jason. Jason's fur appeared to blush a deeper red than it already was. "I probably said that. It's awkward coming to these things alone."

"You're married to two husbands."

"Who are both occupied with other matters in Montana. Come on, Matthew. Be my date. I promise I won't hit on you. I only want a trophy human by my side."

Matthew laughed. "You could pick a much better trophy human walking down any street."

"But I know you, Matthew. And besides, now that the building is complete, I won't be able to come here as often."

Matthew's countenance fell. "Why not?"

"Because this was a pet project of mine. I took responsibility for it. But it's not my full-time job. I'm in charge of travel and communications for our family. I spend my time behind a ComLink communications hub, remember? That's how we met."

"I remember. I guess I thought... I thought... I won't be seeing you again?"

"Of course you'll see me. There are our family gatherings. You know us. We can't stay away from each other. And I'll try to make it out to visit. I just won't be here as often."

"Damn," Matthew said, the disappointment in his voice clear.

"But we will," Clifford said. "We've moved into the McGowan place. I hate moving, but we both realized it's time we lived closer to my work. So here we are instead of Boston."

"That explains why I see you both around so often," Matthew said.

"Yeah, we moved in permanently last week, but we still have lots of trips to make sorting business and home out. Kirk is moving his architectural business to the mainland in Saint John. Boston is pissed," Clifford said with a laugh.

Kirk smiled at Matthew. "You'll be okay dropping by now and then to say hi, right, Matthew? Now that you know where we live?"

Matthew nodded. "That would be nice. I don't have many friends on the island. I seem to scare most of them off."

Jason laughed. "You're not scaring me off. I'm going back to work. And Li Wei is visiting his brothers, so Marcus can take a breather from his training and spend some time with Kendal."

Matthew frowned. "Sorry, guys. I'm feeling sorry for myself," he said. "And I'm being a total putz, ignoring Greg and Mike from the list in my head. And Carl and Frank; they treat me like gold every time I walk through the Midnight Diner's doors."

"We're family, Matthew," Jason said. "We never leave each other, but sometimes the configurations of who we are closest to change because of circumstance. Embrace the change. It's always going to be the way of your family now." The fox tugged at the human's sleeve. "Come on, let's go get our seats. I'll buy you a milkshake afterward."

"You trying to bribe me, Fox?"

"Sure."

"Okay, it's working. But don't you dare introduce me as your boyfriend."

"How about sweetheart?"

"No."

"Love slave?"

"No."

"Stud muffin?"

"I'll think about that one, but for now, no."

Jason laughed and took the hand of the human, and they walked toward the building.

Inside the main foyer, Tyler tapped his ComLink. It made the traditional microphone tapping noise that turned all heads toward him. "If everyone could grab a seat or find a wall to lean against, we'll begin. I want to thank the Saint John council members, our esteemed mayor, our guests from the Saint John Regional Hospital, the press, and everyone else who made the trip out here in the rain. I think you'll agree that this opening is unique in our history.

"For the first time, we created a building that honors the natural heritage of the Northeast Atlantic coastal islands. In doing so, we can welcome our community and so many others to a state-of-the-art facility. We purposely left you in the dark as to the exact function of this building. It has been a labor of love for a wonderful couple and a young man here in the front row who we love and whose presence here on the island we cherish.

"The name Kirk Kahue is synonymous with an architectural style that seeks to integrate the surrounding landscape into the building itself. His buildings around the world garner accolades from so many that I won't cite them here. But what you see surrounding us is a gift to his husband. A gift to house the dream a doctor and a young man created the day they met.

"Jason is a young man with the soul of a centuries-old sage. He saw a need, and he reached out to a doctor to create a way to help a group of individuals that we so often overlook. This building is the culmination of their work. With the generous financial help from the philanthropic wing of Bear Paws Enterprises and the First Class and Second Class Hospital teams, today we unveil their efforts.

"Inside these walls is the doctor's dream waiting to come true for nearly half a century. I would like you to welcome the man who will open this building to its first patients. I give you all, Dr. Clifford Wells."

There was a round of applause as the gray wolf stood up. The visiting crowd saw a tall, thin human with dark brown hair that showed just a hint of gray around the mustache and throughout his trim beard. It was the illusion of the man they saw on the inside cover of his bestselling books. "I want to thank Tyler for the warm introduction. You know it's a slow news day when we see MicroLink News show up here instead of the White House Lawn looking for a story." The wolf waited for the chuckling to calm. "But I hope they find what I hope you all find here today; a story of hope to slip between the fires, the floods, and the accidents out on our highways.

"For those of you who don't know me, I'm going to give a bit of history beyond what you find on the inside of my books' dust covers. I was born here in Saint John. My father was a soldier, making this was one of many homes. He was a big man, a decorated hero, and a father of three children. His oldest son, my brother, was born with a terrible speech impediment. He stuttered uncontrollably and his words would slur sometimes to the point you couldn't understand him.

"Even before his first day in school, the military base children would torture him for his inability to do one of the most common of activities. He couldn't speak clearly. Life denied him one of the most basic tools of communication afforded us."

Matthew fidgeted in his seat and started rising. Jason's hand came down firmly on his. "Stay," Jason commanded quietly, and Matthew sat back down.

"Anthony was an incredible boy. He was so much smarter than anything he could say. He was so much kinder than his words ever expressed. And he was braver than anyone I have ever known."

The wolf paused, and everyone could tell he was reliving memories that were hard for him. "You need to understand how strong you have to be to never let constant teasing break you as a child. We need to acknowledge how difficult it is to rise stronger after every insult, after every shove, and after every taunt. Anthony was like that. No bully ever fazed him. They tried so hard to break his spirit, but I am here today to attest to the fact that they all failed miserably. He was brave in the face of those bullies. And he was braver than I could ever be the day he told my dad to stop beating his wife and children.

"This island is home to so many that listen to my words and understand this story by heart. We experienced the same horrors. We feel the same pain. But we stand here able to articulate that pain. We can tell our story without stuttering through it. We can exorcise those horrors through their retelling. And we can do so without people losing interest because of how long it takes to get out the words. Those of us who suffered from child abuse tell uncomfortable stories, but we don't make you uncomfortable simply by trying to tell them.

"Anthony never had that advantage. He couldn't tell his teachers, because they grew tired of waiting for the child to express himself. But even in the face of total indifference to his plight, he never let the bullies win. My father, our family's own personal monster, was relentless in his abuse. And it was only Anthony who stood up to him. Everyone else looked the other way, preferring to see the war hero.

"You don't know Anthony's story because he didn't live long enough to tell it. In his fourteenth year, Anthony came between our mother and a drunken monster with a gun. The papers would read that fourteen-year-old Anthony Wells committed suicide. They would talk about the bullying of those with disabilities and how the system needed to change.

"What they wouldn't talk about was what war did to a family when their father came home broken from battle. They didn't talk about a system that made a man who needed help feel weak for asking for that help. No one talked about what a man becomes when a battle he should never have fought raged on inside him even after he returned home. And they never talked about a system that found it more important to prop up a fallen hero than to keep him from falling in the first place.

"Anthony died of a gunshot wound in a scuffle with my father. For the sake of a war hero's reputation, they fabricated a story about his death. A mother too weak to fight. A five-year-old brother too young for adults to believe. And a two-year-old sister who had no words. All our inability to articulate the truth lead to this being my brother's obituary." On a sheet of glass directly behind the wolf appeared a newspaper article all too familiar to Matthew: "Child of War Hero Dies in Tragic Suicide."

"Ten years after my brother's death, my father committed suicide. In my family's case, trying to cover up the truth took a toll equal to the lie. I can't tell you whether my father meant to kill Anthony, or if it was a horrible, horrible accident caused by too much alcohol and rage. I do remember that the last words my brother heard were 'You fucking retard. Can't you get even one word out without su-su-su-stuttering?'"

There was a silence in the room so thick everyone could hear the only sound in the room... a man in the front row sobbing. The wolf looked up. "Today we honor that young man for standing his ground, for never letting the disability he had change who he was. No bully could stop him. No challenge could turn him. He died as he lived, defiant of his disability and defiant of any who dared to threaten his family.

"Anthony was, and to this day remains, a brilliant light to his younger brother and sister. My sister is Karen Campbell. She was the lead soprano of the Metropolitan Opera in the New York Lincoln Center for eleven years and as a Mezzo-Soprano for another six. Her voice is a gift to us all that I wish Anthony could enjoy. The press likes to call her a Diva. I call her Scooter. Gratefully, she's going to sing after my words here so you can go home with something beautiful to remember beyond our story. Just realize that a stuttering kid helped give voice to the song you hear to today.

"Me... I'm a doctor who not coincidentally specializes in speech pathology. I've had some success in my field, but the accolades were never why I chose this field of study. Since I was five years old, I dreamed of giving a voice to children who cannot speak. With the help of individuals so close to me, I call them my family, we created a place of refuge for those children. Today we dedicate the 'Anthony Wells Memorial Center' to the study of speech pathology and the treatment of those who suffer from those afflictions." The wolf's hand extended out behind him and the Center's title lit up along a light green panel of glass. "This is where a child without a voice will find hearts and hands willing to search for a way to heal one of our last great prejudices.

"There has been so much progress worldwide over the last fifty years. The end of our warring has brought our soldiers home and saved so many of our military from the terror of battle crushing their souls. But we still find it difficult to wait patiently for the stutterer to finish his sentence. We are ill at ease with people who cannot express themselves in a way that we clearly understand. We must continue to grow as humans to embrace all who walk beside us. However, for those children that can benefit from medical intervention, speech therapy, or any of several disciplines that give a child a chance to be heard, this home will be here for them.

"Again, thank you for coming. We have a great group of people to answer questions and guide you around the center to show you where our work will take place. We hope you enjoy your stay. And to the news media, we hope our story will find a way onto your screens so that those who need our help can find their way here. They don't need to worry about the cost. This is a dream, and like all dreams, they come to us free. We only need to get the word out so that those who need us most can find us."

"Dr. Wells, Dr. Wells," a reporter called out. "I have a few questions I'd like to ask."

The green-eyed wolf nodded to the reporter. "I will be happy to answer questions a bit later. But my speech today has distressed someone I care a great deal about. If you will excuse me, I need to attend to that first." Clifford stepped down off the podium.

"But, Doctor," the reporter pressed.

The wolf's glowing green eyes went past the illusion that the reporter saw of a human doctor in a lab coat and silenced him. "My family comes first," he said with a growl that the reporter sensed more than heard.

"Yes, Sir," the reporter said as he sat back down.

Tyler stood up quickly. "As Dr. Wells said, he will answer questions later. But for now, we'd like to take advantage of the fact that his sister Karen is here with us today. We love her to pieces every time she comes to visit her brother, and today she has graciously offered to sing. In a break from her usual repertoire, she's going to sing a song released all the way back in two thousand ten. I suppose for an opera star, that is cutting-edge modernity. It was first sung by another diva... Cher." The wolf took a deep breath. "This, of course, means every gay guy on this island probably knows the song by heart." The group laughed, and Tyler smiled. "The song is You Haven't Seen the Last of Me, and I believe that speaks volumes about this family."

A beautiful, lithe woman with white hair stood up and smiled at the group gathered in front of her. "If I had known Tyler was going to call me a diva, I would have brought my tiara. Instead, I brought deviled eggs, because he told me our family was having a potluck after this. I hope you enjoy the song because I'm pretty sure my brother and Kirk won't let you get anywhere near the deviled eggs."

As his sister talked, the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf rubbed Matthew's hand. "Come on, Matthew; let's go somewhere private where we can talk."

Matthew looked up at the wolf. "Did you tell the truth, or was this only for me?"

"A bit of both, I suppose," the doctor wolf said. "It's all the truth, Matthew. And this center is in my brother's name for a good reason. But yes, Jason brought you here and kept you here so I could tell you something I knew you would turn from if I didn't have a way to pin you down. Forgive me for that. But his story is something you needed to know. Our story is something I needed you to hear. We are kin, Matthew. We were born into a family of abuse. Were it not for our greater family stepping in to change your life, your story would have ended the same way Anthony's did."

Matthew looked up into the green eyes of the wolf and saw nothing but concern. "Can you get me out of here without me ruining what you've worked so hard for today?"

"Oh, that's easy," Jason said. He motioned to a wolf standing on the sidelines and ran his palm like a sled through the air. The wolf nodded and his foot stuck out as a waiter walked by with a tray of hors d'oeuvres, sending the waiter flying into the air. Every head in the room turned when the sound of a metal tray hitting the floor startled them. The waiter looked up. "REALLY, BILL?" he yelled.

"Oh goodness, I'm so sorry," the wolf said, instantly solicitous, as he bent down to help the waiter up. "Sorry," he whispered. "Jason needed a distraction to get Matthew and Clifford out of here unnoticed. You were it."

"You will so be making this up to me, Bill," the waiter whispered as he stood back up.

The wolf, who everyone saw as a well-dressed waiter, brushed himself off and turned toward all eyes on him as the side emergency door closed. "Sorry folks, I didn't mean to be part of the entertainment." He picked up the large silver tray and tapped his ComLink. "Clean up on aisle four," he said with a smile. Three little vacuum devices came out from the kitchen area and sped around the scattered hors d'oeuvres. In a flash, the food was gone and so were both wolves. When the first chord struck on the piano, all heads turned back to Karen Campbell as she started singing.

Outside, the three ran through the pouring rain. "No one will follow us," Jason yelled. "I guess that's one advantage of a normal day on Partridge Island."

"I suppose if I don't catch pneumonia," Matthew said.

"Come on," Clifford said. "Our home is over the hill by the beach. We'll get you a towel and some dry clothes." Clifford tapped his ComLink. "On our way home, Babe. Can you have the heat cranked up? We have a hairless ape coming home with us."

Matthew looked up at the wolf and squinted his eyes. "That's specist, you know. I've got plenty of hair."

"Well then, you're better than me. My ape suit is like an ad for men's underwear."

Matthew laughed. "You know, I really want to hate you both for what you did to me today, but I'm grateful."

The gray wolf stopped running, and Matthew and Jason stopped as well. He turned to the human. "I'm sorry, Matthew. Blame me, not Jason. The center was my dream and Jason saw a way for it to come true and a chance to help you make peace with a part of your life. But it was me who insisted I be able to tell you the story where you couldn't run. He knew you well enough to know you wouldn't cause a scene at such an important event."

"Okay, I blame you," Matthew said. "Why did you do it, Clifford?"

"Why did I make you stay there, or why did I build the center?"

"You know what," Matthew said, his eyes narrowing.

"Because my brother would have done it that way, Matthew," the wolf said, pushing the rain from his brow. "You tried to make his life hell, but you didn't. You only made him stronger. If he had heard your story today, he would have laughed in your face at the thought that you could ever hurt him enough to make him commit suicide."

"I would have deserved it, too," Matthew said, looking down at the puddles forming around his feet.

"Yeah, you would have. You were a dick kid, Matthew," the wolf replied. "But then he would have taken you in his arms and hugged you, and told you how sorry he was that you have hurt for all these years. He would have cried alongside you for losing your wife and baby girl, for her husband and your grandkids."

The wolf knelt in front of Matthew and picked up his lowered face. "He can't be here, Matthew. Anthony can't be here, and I hurt so much because of that. But I also know he would never leave you in so much pain for something you didn't do. So, here we stand in the rain, both of us hurting for the loved ones we have lost and the pain we can never seem to let go. Today, I opened up a center in Anthony's name. My brother won't haunt me anymore. I'm letting him become something more than a horrible memory. He is becoming something healing and life-affirming. I'm asking you to do the same, Matthew. I'm asking you to let my brother go. Let him be something other than a pain that will never heal. Please don't let my brother die without ever bringing you home."

"I don't have a home. I lost it when Olivia and Sophie died."

"You have a home," the wolf said. "Don't let their death kill you. You're broken, but you're stronger than this. Lean on your family and get back up."

"My family is dead."

"Your family is all around you, damn it," the wolf said angrily. "Do you have any idea what it feels like to reach out to someone you love and get your hand swatted away? Stop it now. This isn't island rehab, Matthew. This is your family trying to bring you home."

Matthew looked up into the eyes of the wolf. He said nothing. His thoughts were so confused he couldn't find words.

The paw of the fox pushed against his shoulder. "Come home, Matthew. Don't sit here with one foot in the door wondering what life is like on the inside. We'll be with you every step of the way, but that first step has to be yours, and every one of them afterward."

"I don't know if I can," the human said.

"You can," the gray wolf countered. "Trust that we see more than you at this moment in your life." The wolf pulled the human into a hug. "Come home, Matthew."

"I'll do my best," Matthew whispered.

"That is all we ever ask of you," Clifford said, smiling. He pushed gently back. "Now, can we get out of this rain?"

The three ran off down the path towards the houses near the beach and ducked under the porch of the McGowan house. Kirk was standing at the door with a towel out. "Okay, you three. You're not getting by me looking like that." He shoved the towel toward Matthew. "Dry off your hair, Matthew."

Matthew grabbed the towel and rubbed his hair. For a moment, he thought he saw the little fox's feet become human as the towel flopped around his head. But when he looked up, the wolf and fox were still there... perfectly dry, with their feet resting in puddles. "How... how did you two do that?" he asked.

"Wolf... human... wolf. It's like a squeegee for beasts with fur."

"Oh, that is so unfair."

"Yeah... well, you're the one who turned down Oliver when he asked you to turn," Jason replied. "Don't bitch to me about the perks you didn't get."

"Come on inside," Kirk said, laughing. "Let's get you some dry clothes."

Inside the home, Kirk pointed toward the bathroom. "I put out some of my clothes for you," he said with a nod toward his husband. "That guy's a beanpole."

Matthew went into the bathroom. In a few moments, he yelled out, "Just how tall is your human, Kirk?"

"I'm six foot eight," Kirk yelled back in response.

"Good god, were you a basketball player?"

"No, I was on the college rugby team. I'm also three hundred and eighty pounds. We Samoans like our food."

Matthew came out tightening the sweatpants around his waist. "That explains this," he said, holding out his arms. The sweatpants and shirt both looked like a child wearing adult clothes.

"It's the best I could do on short notice," Kirk said. "I'll go get your clothes into the dryer. You'll have them back in no time. Make yourself comfortable, Matthew."

Matthew sat down on a recliner and looked around. "You guys have a nice place, Clifford," he said.

"Thanks," the wolf responded. "We like it. We didn't change much from what Trevor designed. He was like my husband, an architect with a pleasant sense of style."

"I remember Trevor. I'm glad to see that Greg found someone new."

"Werewolves' lives are usually long ones. If we love a human, we will have to deal with grieving their loss. But we eventually find our way back to our family."

"So, Mike is a werewolf?"

"Yeah, you don't see him that way?"

"Not yet. It usually takes me a while before I see you in your beast forms."

"Well, that's part of being human, I guess."

"I saw you and Kirk as wolves, though. It might be because you were next to Jason."

"Or because your Sight is letting you know that you've found new protectors," Jason said.

Matthew looked over at Jason. "What do you mean?"

The dark wolf came back into the room and sat down next to his husband. "Matthew, you're ready to leave the hospital, but you're not exactly ready to leave the island."

Matthew nodded. "I know that. I was hoping they'd let me live in one of the gunnery apartments."

"We'd like to make you an offer, Matthew," Kirk said, leaning forward. "Come stay with us. It would be good for you to have someone in the house with you. It's easier to stay sober when you have someone close by that you can talk to when you need help."

"That's true, but I'm straight, Kirk," Matthew said almost apologetically.

"Yeah, so I heard. No one is perfect. Look, our home has a mother-in-law apartment of sorts. It's in the basement. There's a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room. It has at least as many amenities as the apartments, but all the comforts of home. You'd have your own exit, but you also have a stairway up the inside to us anytime you need it. We've had the house pretty well soundproofed, but I can't promise you won't hear things from time to time. We're wolves, after all."

"You're asking me to move in?"

"Yeah," Clifford responded. "The same way our family asked the two of us to move here. It was Jason's idea to build the speech center here on the island instead of in Boston. But this day has been decades in coming. It only took Damien and Darius a few months to track me down. And well..." the wolf rubbed his grey mottled fur, "This body of mine is an outcome of that meeting. I became what I needed to become to be there for the children I believe I was born to protect. Four years ago, Jason asked me to come to the one place your family was sure you would return to one day. We have been waiting a long time for you to come home, Matthew."

"My being straight doesn't bother you?"

Clifford shrugged. "You want to know the truth? You being human worries me more. Is it true you can't lick your balls while watching hockey?"

Matthew laughed out loud. "Yeah, can't do that," he said, still chuckling.

"Well, that's going to make inviting you up to watch the game awkward, isn't it?"

"You really don't mind?" the human asked, shaking his head.

"You are our family, Matthew. We want you by our side. We love our life here. I love my job at the hospital and now I have the clinic. Kirk loves his job on the mainland. We have a good life. Come share it with us until you find a life of your own."

"What if I never find that life of my own?" Matthew said, looking up at the two wolves.

"We will outlive you, Matthew," Clifford said. "Wherever your heart tells you is home is fine by us. There's no pressure to stay, no pressure to move on. Just don't walk away from a home because of some ingrained ideas that the world out there has taught you. Stay here with your family," the wolf pled, extending his arms.

Matthew stared at them and reached forward into the hug.

Chapter 34

On the morning of the third day, two temple dogs staggered from the forest and headed toward the cave. "I have to admit that when I told the temple dogs we could keep up, I was sincere in my belief," Donovan said. "But as these days go on, I confess our morning visits with our husbands provide a much-needed break from their unending energy." Donovan shifted and became a wolf. "How about you, Husband?"

"Your husband is with Zhuang," the temple dog said as he rose upright and continued to walk beside the werewolf. "I am Katashi. He asked me to join you so that we could tell the husbands of our activities."

"I'm sorry, Katashi," Donovan said, shaking his head. "I can't tell you apart."

"It is quite easy actually," Katashi replied. "Your husband and you are the only temple dogs without scars. Marcus's scars shift based on who he is holding, but you two share only new wounds."

Donovan laughed out loud. "I am sorry, Dog, that will be of no help to me."

"Then feel free to kiss us. I know you recognize the kiss of your husband."

Donovan stopped his walking and turned toward the temple dog. He reached up and kissed the dog and played with the dog's ear until he felt the rapid thumping of the dog's foot against the ground. "That actually works," the wolf agreed. "It is a method I am happy to employ, Katashi."

"And we as well," the temple dog said with a sigh. The two began their walk toward the cave once more. "We are grateful that you two are so willing to let us play in the manner we once did when our temples still stood. It brings back joyous memories."

"I'm amazed that with your appetites, your pack ever found time to build anything," Donovan said with a chuckle.

"It was easier back in the day. We could take turns with the responsibilities of building and maintaining the temples while meeting our obligations to each other. Our numbers no longer allow such flexibility."

Donovan put his arm around the shoulder of the golden dog. "I am sorry for your loss. I didn't mean to make light of their deaths."

"And you did not. We miss our brothers, but we honor them and our lives by being who we have always been. A significant part of that is our passion for life, for sex, and for Changelings willing to take on our form to share their bodies with us."

Donovan walked through the mouth of the cave. "It has been one of the exceptional moments in my life to hang from the trees with you. I can tell Marcus is so much happier having spent these days together. And Kendal, well, Kendal is in heaven. He loves big beasts, and now they surround him." Donovan stopped and leaned against Will's work desk. "Katashi, they have completed the restoration of the temple in Tibet. Aren't there ceremonies that need performing to make the space sacred and the surrounding area hallowed?"

"Yes, but it will be a very long time before our numbers grow back to where we can perform those observances."

"Must the temple dogs that perform those acts be sworn to their path as you are? Would it be a sacrilege if a Changeling shifted for a time to become a temple dog to ensure you move back into your homes with the ordinances and traditions honored?"

"Are you saying you would learn our ways?"

"You learned ours," Donovan said. "Altogether, there are nine Changelings, Katashi. I know I speak for all when I say it would be an honor for us to learn the rituals. You have done so much for our people and for this world. Nothing would bring us greater pleasure."

"There is a four-day festival in the forest after the temple consecrations. It symbolizes the union of the Dragon Changeling, his dog and dragon children, and the dragons we protect. One day for each of the pillars that formed our lives. In symbolizing that union, there is what some may see as an inordinate amount of interpersonal unions taking place."

Donovan smiled. "Okay, that will probably bring us greater pleasure, but I am offering this as a complete package."

"You are fortunate that we did not choose our original idea of one hundred and eight days as our festival length. It is the Buddhist number that symbolizes all the senses."

"I doubt we would survive, Dog," the wolf said with a laugh. "But we are forever grateful that you are by our side."

"As am I, Donovan," Katashi said with a bow. "Let us talk to our families and determine where we will go from here. But it bodes well that nine is a sacred number to our brotherhood."

"Oh really? What does it symbolize?"

"The number of Changelings willing to become temple dogs for our benefit," Katashi said with a smile. "Come, let's go talk to your family."

"And my husband?"

"I am sure that by nightfall, Zhuang will finish with him, or he will finish with Zhuang. We will let your family know his visit will be later this evening. We temple dogs often lose track of time. It is such an ephemeral thing."

"Are you sure it's wise to tell our husbands what we have been doing?"

"I am sure, Donovan. We must keep nothing from them, especially such a joyous act as our copulation." The temple dog ducked to get under the entrance to the cave. "Do you remember your husbands' conversations with you during the dark times?"

Donovan laughed. "I do. I loved hearing their voices. It wasn't until my thirty-second year I could actually tell what they were saying to us. Eric said it was because until then our ears hadn't formed, but I think he was trying to be kind about how inexperienced I was at the merging."

The wolf's paw reached out and touched the bridge between the two stones. "Hello, husbands. Hello, sons. I brought Katashi with me today. We were talking about how much we should tell you about what goes on in our life. He's rather insistent that we tell you everything.

"I believe he's right. I remember when I heard you talking to me, how happy it made me. This might sound strange to you. I loved you when we mated, but I fell in love with you through all those years where you stood, where I stand now, and you talked to me. I have never known a love like that, and it bound my heart to you forever."

Katashi's paw rubbed the glowing crystal. "It must be glorious to be so close to one's mate. My brothers and I have long wondered if our vows of celibacy didn't keep us from experiencing a greater joy than were we to marry."

Donovan chuckled. "Katashi, you and your brothers are far from celibate. Everyone in our family has been with you in ways that we never imagined possible, and we all appreciate your sexual prowess."

"You are thinking of clerical celibacy, Donovan," the temple dog corrected. "We are celibate in the sense that we do not marry or take mates. The temple dragons were sexually abstinent and had taken vows of silence. However, to be truthful, I believe they abstained from sex because there were no other beasts able to tolerate their sizable genitalia. And dragons have no vocal cords, so by default, they did not engage in conversation."

Donovan snorted a laugh through his nose. "Oh god, I'm sorry. I mourn their loss, but that is funny."

"I agree. But if the dragons had been willing to take each other as mates, I imagine they would have been happier. The longer we live, the more we realize how important our relationships are. Life is not meant to be esoteric and detached. We must dive into it and embrace all that it offers. We are only now learning that the Noble Eightfold Path of our human counterparts is woefully inadequate for these bodies we live in."

Donovan nodded in agreement. "Life can be messy, gooey stuff. Best be willing to wallow in it from time to time."

Katashi looked at the wolf. "Your adjectives are somehow oddly arousing."

"Did you want to get all messy and gooey with me, Katashi?"

"It would be an honor to as you say, wallow in it with you. But should we do so in front of the impressionable young ones being sired even as we speak?"

"They are born billions of years old with the collective memory of my husbands. Do you think there is anything we could do that will shock them?"

Katashi smiled as he pulled the wolf down to the cave floor. Rolling over the top of the wolf, he leaned in and kissed the spotted beast. "It might be fun to try and find something," he said.

Donovan shook, and Katashi stared into the eyes of another temple dog. "Go for it, Dog," the newly made beast said with a lecherous grin. "Let's give them something that encourages them to come back sooner."

"The Kama Sutra describes sixty-four unique positions for two to couple. We found four hundred and thirty-six satisfying sexual positions for a temple dog over the years. I admit that the last two hundred require at least three partners to accomplish. That might preclude them from inclusion in the Kama Sutra. And without a prehensile tail, ninety-three are impossible to perform."

Donovan grinned. "I have a prehensile tail. Let's try one of the ninety-three."

Katashi nodded. He slipped his tail up and under the armpits of the other dog and pulled him in close while his front paws cupped his face in a kiss. "Position three hundred fifty-nine is particularly enjoyable," he said as his muzzle rubbed against the dog's chest. "I apologize in advance for the sore muscles you will have tomorrow."

Chapter 35

"Focus!" Katashi yelled as his khakkhara slammed against the wolf's shoulder. "Use the khakkhara as an extension of yourself, Marcus. Block!" The carved staff sped toward the wolf. The wolf lifted his khakkhara behind him and felt the resounding rap of wood on wood as he blocked the thrust. "Again!" the temple dog yelled. Again, Marcus blocked the blow.

As he successfully blocked blow after blow, Marcus smiled. He was finally getting the hang of this; he thought. The force of the staff sweeping under his legs lifted him up into the air and he slammed down on the ground. Katashi leaned over him. "The moment you think you are doing well is the moment your ego has let down your guard. You are at your weakest when you lose focus, thinking you are in control. Those with true control have no time to sit back and appreciate their skills." The dog's paw extended. "Let me help you up, Marcus."

Marcus shook his head and took the paw in his. His gray fur grew yellow as he rose, and by the time he stood, he was a temple dog. "Thank you, Sensei," he said. "How is it that monks so committed to peace are such formidable fighters?"

"We know all too well the dangers of believing that those we greet in peace will always return that greeting in kind."

"Can I tell you the truth, Sensei?"

"I hope you tell me nothing else."

"Martial arts seem so far removed from real life. I mean fine. If a guy comes at me with a knife, I can smack him with a stick, but only if I have the stick with me. In today's world, a khakkhara will not stop a bullet, and they're useless against a bomber with a payload overhead."

"We are not training you to stop a jet fighter or even a bullet, Marcus. You are being trained to fight against your own thoughts. We are teaching you to conquer your fears. The khakkhara is merely a symbol; our sparring is a metaphor for your life. Control the staff, and your life will follow."

"I don't know if I can do that," Marcus said, rubbing the smooth finish of the khakkhara in his hand. "I don't even know if I'll ever control my transformations."

"That is what we are here to find out," Katashi explained. "Like our fields of rice, you hold the potential to be something that can give so much comfort and nourishment to this world. You want the rice to be in your hand now. But before you can even plant the seed, you must first prepare the ground. We are here to prepare you, even as we prepare the fields each year. Those who come after us will teach you how to control the change."

"I guess I had hoped for something quicker," Marcus said with a sigh.

"Come with me, Marcus," the temple dog said. Marcus and Katashi walked toward the cave where the family rested in their green chrysalises. "Donovan!" the dog called out. "I have need of you, Wolf."

Donovan stepped out from inside the dark opening of the cave. He stared at the dog with the staff in his hand and huffed. "I was hoping to find you aroused, Dog. Attending to that need interests me more than what you appear to have planned."

"When our lesson is over today, I will be happy to spend time with you aroused," Katashi said with a smile. "But for now, I need a skilled warrior to teach my pupil a lesson." Katashi turned to Marcus. "Your khakkhara, please." Marcus handed him the staff and the temple dog tossed it to the Armbruster's wolf.

Donovan caught the staff, and he rotated the khakkhara between his two alternating paws until the staff became a blur before him. Without slowing, the staff moved to his side, then behind him, and with a toss, it flew into the air. On the descent, the wolf caught it, slamming it down onto the ground below. He rose from his crouching position and smiled. "Impressive, Dog. The balance is incredible."

Katashi bowed. "I am happy you find it adequate. I need to teach my pupil about failure today. He needs to learn to see beyond what stands in our way when we strive but fail. For that, I need one as skilled as you."

Donovan laughed. "Are you telling me you want your pupil to watch you fail?"

"No, Ancient One, I am having my pupil watch a most worthy opponent fail."

The wolf's khakkhara pulled back in beside his waist. His arm raised parallel to the ground. "Then I will have to disappoint your student today, Noble One." The wolf's fingers flipped back toward himself twice, taunting the temple dog to attack. "Come at me, Dog."

The rotund dog set stance. He held his staff forward with both paws, one in front of the other. "Come at me, Wolf. Hold nothing back, or Marcus learns no lesson here today."

"Are you sure, Dog?" the wolf questioned. "If you ask, I will oblige you."

The dog pulled back the khakkhara to his side, matching the wolf's stance. The free arm shifted, and the paw's flat palm extended. Slowly, each finger of the dog folded until only the twitching middle digit remained extended, taunting the wolf to begin the fight.

Donovan growled, "Defend yourself, Dog," he yelled as he thrust the khakkhara forward. What followed only confused Marcus as he tried to follow the two staffs as they slammed repeatedly into each other. Ten minutes in, the two combatants' staffs collided, pushing up against each other as both canids stared into each other's eyes. "You are truly gifted for one so large," Donovan said, trying to catch his breath.

"Lesson one, Marcus," the dog said, keeping the pressure of his staff against the wolf's khakkhara.

"Never let the appearance of your enemy lull you into a sense of false security. That which is beautiful is not always good. That which is ugly can be righteous. The smallest of us can overpower the greatest. When you assume what you see is the truth, you have already made your first mistake." The dog smiled at the wolf. "Have I given you sufficient time to rest, Wolf, or would you prefer a longer break?"

Donovan growled once more, and the fight began anew. Fifteen minutes later, Marcus's jaw dropped as he watched the temple dog begin what he thought was a backflip. Instead, the dog jumped against the wolf's chest. As he backward somersaulted off the wolf, the dog's khakkhara flipped under the chin of the wolf. The staff carried the wolf into the air with the somersaulting dog. At the top of the spin, the dog dropped to the earth, his arms pushed out the khakkhara, and the wolf flew out into the field. The wolf rolled out and onto his feet. He turned back to the dog. His eyes grew tight as he stared at the yellow dog that set stance once more.

"Lesson two, Marcus," Katashi yelled. "Find your opponent's weakness by acknowledging their strengths. Use every tool at your disposal to set them off guard. Make them think they have the upper hand. Make them overconfident. Use their arrogance against them. Anger and pride both come before a fall." Katashi's open palm extended once more, and the wolf charged the dog when he saw the middle digit wave.

The fight was ferocious, and Donovan's attack was unrelenting. At every move, the dog was there to counter, but neither seemed to make headway toward a victory. But what angered the wolf the most was that Katashi continued to offer suggestions to Marcus as he fought; never taking a moment to catch his breath. Finally, when Donovan sensed he was getting the upper hand, he pounded again and again against the dog's staff until Katashi dropped to one knee.

"Yield, Dog, and I will spare you the humiliation of losing in front of your pupil."

"Lesson nine," the dog yelled. "Never yield. Failure comes when we back away from the fight. If you choose to engage an enemy, you do so with no quarter and no retreat. You win or lose a battle, but you do not walk away from it."

"So, be it, Dog," Donovan snarled as he lifted his staff up and brought it crashing down. At that moment, the dog rolled into a ball that pushed into the wolf, tumbling him over the top of the spinning ball of fur. By the time the wolf regained his balance from the flip, he was staring at the dog set in stance once more. Donovan charged the dog. Katashi's khakkhara spun around in his hands. A moment before the two were about to collide, the dog raised the staff and slammed it into the ground. The shock wave that hit the wolf sent him flying through the air, finally smashing into the highland cliff face.

Donovan wiped the sweat from his brow. "No fair, Dog. That was not your khakkhara in play. You used powers I did not know you had."

"And that, Marcus, is lesson ten," the golden dog said as he walked toward the Armbruster's wolf. "You will never fight an opponent out in the world who will not use everything they have to defeat you. You must never be afraid to do the same. When you hesitate to use all the skills you possess, you put in jeopardy those you are entrusted to defend."

The Armbruster's wolf laughed as he rubbed the back of his head. "He is right about that, Marcus. I came into this fight thinking I would win this sparring easily. He had every right to kick my ass to teach you the lessons you have heard today. Take them to heart."

The hand of the yellow dog extended to the wolf. "May I give you a hand up, Ancient One?"

Donovan groaned. "I feel like an Ancient One today, Dog. Thank you for the lessons."

"Gaia has been kind enough to route the thermal waters from a spring close to here down to where we live. Perhaps it would do you good to rest in them for a while. I am grateful for your help today. You are magnificent."

Donovan finally righted himself and rubbed his shoulder. "I have never seen better than you, Katashi."

The temple dog bowed. "I am honored by your words. Noboru tasked me with Marcus's training because my skills are the weakest in our Order. I tend to be slower than my brothers. We believe Marcus will learn more quickly if we teach our moves slowly."

Donovan laughed. "Katashi, would you be willing to have an arrogant old wolf train by your side?"

"No, but I would be willing for you to train with me. There was a move in the forty-third minute of our fight that I would love you to teach me."

"You kept track of all my moves and the moment I made them?"

"Of course. How else is one to learn?"

Donovan shook his head in disbelief. "Where are these springs you told me of?" the wolf asked.

"You can find them inside the second cave on the right side of the rice patties. Would you prefer to be alone? We can hold our bathing if you prefer."

"No, if you're there, I am fine. These sore bones won't hurt any less so by being alone."

"Enjoy your soak, Donovan."

Donovan turned toward the far side of the highland. "Thank you again, Dog. I will remember this day for some time to come."

Katashi bowed as the wolf walked off. "We have finished your training for the day, Marcus," the temple dog said, turning to the Iberian wolf. "The martial arts will prepare you for what lies ahead. Even the simplest life can benefit from learning control. Think upon that tonight."

"I will," Marcus said with a nod. "Thank you, Sensei."

"It has been a pleasure. Shall we meet again tomorrow morning?"

"Would it be too much to ask to meet you later tonight?"

"Would you like to share our bed, Marcus?"

"Yes, if that's okay with you."

The temple dog smiled. "Of course, Marcus. Kendal and Lie Wei returned home today. Nothing is quite so lonely as the unused side of a large bed. Tomorrow, Noboru will return to Tibet, and the emptiness will seem even greater."

"You do not mind my reasons, Sensei?" Marcus asked, embarrassed that his motivation was so transparent.

"Not at all, Little One. We all share a sense of loss when the visits of our brothers end. Share our bed tonight and help fill the emptiness that Li Wei's return home leaves in our bed. Help soothe our longing. Is midnight suitable for your needs? That will give you a few hours to spend with the rest of your family."

"I will see you at midnight," Marcus said as the two parted ways.

Donovan let his eyes grow accustomed to the low light. The steamy air didn't help matters, but the candles were pleasant and cast a warm glow on the wet cave walls. He moved forward and saw a temple dog soaking in the water, surrounded by rocks. The dog looked up and smiled. He extended his yellow paw. "Join me, Donovan. You look exhausted."

"You don't know the half of it, Dog," the wolf sighed as he stepped into the water. He sat down next to the enormous beast and gave a contented groan as the warm water soothed his aching muscles. "I made a fool of myself in front of your brother today."

"I doubt any of us would think that is the case, Donovan."

"No, it was entirely my fault. I need to work on humility."

"It is a hard trait to master," the dog replied, shifting his position. "Come, Ancient One, sit in front of me. I will massage your shoulders."

Donovan moved and let the thick paws push into his tight muscles. "That feels so good," he said. The kneading continued as the warm muzzle of the dog kissed the top of his head. "I have been gone from this world too long, Dog. I have forgotten the simple graces you carry off so well."

"You are too hard on yourself, Donovan."

"No, I need someone to point out when I'm out of line. Your brother did that today. I appreciate what he did. I need friends who will tell me when I have stepped over the line and when I need to be bolder. My internal compass seems all wrong."

"Not all wrong, Donovan. It might only need a bit of tweaking now and then." The temple dog paused. "Although one cannot tweak a compass without destroying it. So, my metaphor may be inappropriate."

Donovan laughed. "I love how you brethren think." He looked up and willingly accepted the kiss offered by the dog above him. "And I love how you feel," he said when their lips parted. "I am sorry, Dog, whose cock am I playing with now?" the wolf asked sheepishly. "I really need to learn how to tell you apart."

"I am Katashi, Donovan. I promised you I would spend time with you aroused after our training. This is that time."

Donovan spun around and looked at the massive dog in front of him. "How? How did you get here before me? I saw you talking to Marcus when I walked away from you."

Katashi extended his arms. "Do you wish to discuss matters of no consequence, or do you wish to be aroused together?"

Donovan smiled. "I wish to be aroused." He pushed forward and let the warm, wet arms of the dog wrap around him as he pushed up against the golden-furred chest.

"Find my nipples under all that fur, Wolf, and I assure you, one of us will be aroused."

Donovan lapped at the chest, grateful for the long tongue of a wolf.

Chapter 36

Eric looked up from his computer to see Marcus watching him. "Hello, Marcus," the polar bear said. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"For five years, the temple dogs have taught me of their ways. They say it will help me become prepared for when my next teachers arrive. I'm afraid they're talking about William and your family inside the stones."

Eric nodded in agreement. "That's a fairly safe assumption. I hope they are teaching you patience. Donovan and I took forty-two years to return. Our family is only in their thirty-second year. To be honest, none of us know how werebeasts might affect the merging or the timeline for their regeneration."

"I'm not sure how well I am going to cope with their return."

"It can't be easy being in love with two wolves, both of whom love you independently of the other."

"I am amazed at how easily your family sees my every emotion, Eric."

"You're easy to read, Marcus," the polar bear said as he pushed back from his desk. "That's not a bad thing. We've shared five years with you on the highland. One should expect we would sense your emotions. I think even the most unobservant can tell that Kendal is in love with you. At some point, the two of you are going to realize how deep that love goes."

"And what of William?"

"Don't concern yourself with Will for the time being. We don't know how long it will be before he returns. This is a time for you and Kendal to figure out exactly what you're going to be to each other. Whatever you decide, the old wolf will support both of you."

"How can you be so sure?" Marcus asked, the concern clear in his voice.

"I've been his mate for hundreds of years, Marcus. I know him. He's strong enough to love without conditions. Few of us can do that. He can."

"It's not easy being in love with a wolf that has saved the world so many times."

The polar bear chuckled. "Tell me about it. I'm married to three of them, a badger, and a bear. I seem to have more than my fair share of protectors of humanity." Eric moved a few blocks on his computer screen. Marcus watched, realizing that fortunes were rising and falling with each swipe of the bear's paw.

Marcus paused, trying to understand what he had heard. "But you've been there by their side. You've saved humankind just like them."

Eric looked up from the screen. "Never in the history of this world did I try to save the human race. In fact, of the entire family, I am the one that was closest to wiping them all out."

"But Tiff and Tuff," Marcus corrected.

"Individuals, Marcus. I saved individuals. The same as I did in the wartime field hospitals. I didn't care what humans did to each other on a global scale. I only wanted to save those few that had no choice when the war machine threw them into harm's way. You look at a twelve-year-old drummer boy who has lost his leg in the battle, and it doesn't matter which side he's on. You step in and try to save his life. He should never have been there, but I couldn't stop that. I did what I could, and it was never enough. The human propensity for war only grew in its ferocity."

Eric swiped his paw across the screen again, and the blocks moved. "The old wolf talked me out of destroying the entire human race. Will stood by Derrick and Oliver's side when the fate of humanity was on the line." The polar bear leaned back. "There's a big difference between what I have done and what the Old Wolf has done."

"But you were there on the Day of Transformation. You gave the command to go all in."

"Not to save the humans, Marcus. My family was trying to save a species. I was trying to save them. I acted to save my family. It has always been about saving my family."

"Then humans?"

"They seem to be doing better, but all in all, I'm not terribly vested in what happens to them. Our children have suffered at their hands for too long for me to be anything but indifferent to their evolution. My husbands love them, and so, by default, I watch over them." The polar bear stopped his work. "But I have lived so many more years in their midst than my husbands. I have seen so many I love die for no other reason than humanity's inability to be humane."

Marcus dropped his head. "I'm sorry, Eric. I hadn't realized the cost to you being a part of this world."

The polar bear looked up. "My son, Chet. His entire species is extinct; killed by humans. Will and Derrick and the entire pack would be dead at human hands were it not for Kris. Oliver suffered through a crisis of conscience that humankind should never force on another man. And for what? Because of hunters wanting not food, but a trophy?" The bear shook his head. "A trophy that they would willingly kill two children to procure. The red wolf pack -- killed. The temple dragons -- dead. Only four surviving temple dogs. And the Brotherhood... those poor wretched souls who stood between hell and the humans, dead at the hands of the creatures they sought to save. Pardon me if my love for humans isn't as strong as my husbands."

"I understand," Marcus whispered.

"I don't think you do, Marcus," the bear retorted. "I have given my heart to five humans over my lifetime. Their own kind killed all five. I knew humans die when we mated. I was prepared to be by their side until old age took them. But to see every one of them die at the hands of other humans..." the bear grew quiet. His head dropped into his paws. "Nothing prepares you for that. And each time, it only gets worse."

The bear grew quiet again. Eventually, he looked up at the wolf. "You live with unspeakable pain for your loss and uncontrollable fear of what will come if you love again. Until the day you love a human so much, you give him to your best friend to turn him into a beast. You let him turn, because you can't stand the thought of him dying in front of you at the humans' hands. You realize there's nothing you can do to protect him because you've seen what happens to the humans you love. To save his life, you ask a wolf pack to protect him and keep him safe. And you make a deal with death to let it take you instead of the man you love.

"I couldn't walk away from him, Marcus. My father had to protect him when I couldn't even be there to do that. When his life was on the line, the way it always is with those I love, I wasn't there for him. I loved Derrick too much. I should have walked away that first day and let him lead a normal life oblivious to the world around him."

"I don't think that's what he wanted," Marcus disagreed. "You and William gave him the family he always dreamed of. And it's been growing since then. Hate us, Eric. Hate all humankind, and rightfully so. But don't second guess the gift you gave Derrick to become what he always dreamed of being."

The bear wiped a paw across his eyes and looked up at the wolf. "You're right, Marcus. I don't regret my love for Pup, or his turning. But as much as I try to drive it out of my mind, I still live in fear that the humans will one day take everything I love away from me as they always have."

Marcus put his hand on the bear's knee as he knelt down. The two polar bears sat quietly for a time when one finally spoke. "I'm sorry, Eric. I'm sorry for your history and how it haunts you."

The polar bear leaned into the newly formed bear. "Every time my family steps into the fray, I feel so helpless. You've seen them, Marcus. They never hesitate. They just dive in without a thought except to save the unworthy humans. And all I can do is try to throw myself between them and the terrors they face, and it's never enough... It's never enough."

"That's what comes of loving humans," Marcus said as he reached out and hugged his fellow polar bear. "It doesn't matter that they've turned, or that they're beasts. You've fallen in love with the complete package, and that includes their human side. Short of loving only Donovan and Kris, there's no workaround for the men you love, Eric."

"And what of you, Marcus? What of the men you love?"

Marcus made a small laugh. "I guess there's no workaround for me, either, is there?"

"As Oliver would say, 'we's one fucked up family.'"

"I'm not so sure, Eric," the newborn polar bear responded. "I think we're about as un-fucked as we can get, all things considered."

"Un-fucked isn't a word."

"It might be for our family."

The bear tugged his twin in even tighter. "So, you're ready to say 'our family'?"

"Yeah, Eric," Marcus replied. "I'm ready to say our family. My family. Give me enough time and I'll figure it out. Forgive us, Eric. Forgive humans for what we've done to the ones you love. Embrace what humans gave you in the bodies of two wolves and a badger that are amazing."

"I forgave the humans centuries ago, Marcus. You know that because they're still alive. But I can't forget. I can't let my guard down enough to let my affection for them grow."

Marcus let the hug go and became a wolf again. "Then do as you always do, Eric. Let your affections grow one individual at a time. You're immortal. You have time to let it grow slowly. Maybe one day we humans will be worthy of the love you give to those you call family. But until that day, so many individuals rely on your love. Don't let fear step in front of that love because we're human."

The polar bear looked at the wolf. "I love you, Marcus. You have nothing to worry about." The bear snorted a laugh. "No human does. I cannot violate my code without losing everything I love. I am the protector of humankind by default because the men I love require it of me."

Marcus smiled. "You would be their protector regardless of your husbands," the wolf said. "You would simply protect one individual at a time, as you always have. That is more than we deserve from our history with you."

The bear smiled back at Marcus. "Thank you, Wolf."

"A term of endearment?" Marcus asked. "I'm not worthy,

but it's nice to hear."

"You're more than worthy, Marcus. I know why Will loves you. He has a talent for recognizing the special ones."

Marcus pulled up a chair and sat beside Eric. "I would love to see what he sees in me someday. For now, I trust my family when they say that I deserve to sit at the table with them."

"One day, you'll see the bigger picture, Marcus. It unfolds slowly for each of us."

"So, who knows, perhaps one day a polar bear will love the humans?"

Eric smiled. "Stranger things have happened."

Marcus laughed. "I suspect in this family that's an understatement." The wolf's paw reached out and rubbed the polar bear's forearm. The white fur crept up the thickening arm until the two bears sat side by side. "Would it be too much to ask you to step away from your work and lie with me on the bed for a while? I feel as if I met a man I never really knew, and I don't know how to tell him I love him without wanting to do it in his arms."

The polar bear reached out and hugged the white bear. "I would like that," he said. His paw stroked over the computer screen, and it went dark.

Chapter 37

"Be on your guard," Donovan said warily. "He ran into here. Keep looking for the glint of his gold fur. He can't hide that."

There was a crack of a twig, and the two wolves looked up as the golden behemoth hurtled down toward them. There was no time to raise their staffs before the khakkhara of the temple dog slammed across their shoulders, throwing them to the ground.

Donovan shook his head. "I always forget their ability to climb trees. Something that big should not be able to climb trees."

Marcus groaned. "I know. I thought the two of us would best him easily, but I am learning once more how much I have to learn."

"You two need to work as a team," Katashi said. "You were both working on trying to find me without sharing the responsibility. Had one of you been looking around you and the other above you, you would have seen me and been able to ward off my attack."

"We are trying," Donovan said. "You seem to know our every weakness."

"And that should be your goal as well," Katashi said as his hand extended toward the Armbruster's wolf. "You need to practice more together. There will come a day when it will serve you both well to find unity in your partners."

"Are we talking in a fight or in love here?" Donovan asked as he took the temple dog's paw and pulled himself up.

"Both have equally complex needs for unity in their implementation," the dog responded. He reached back down and pulled up the wolf that became a temple dog.

Marcus looked at Katashi. "Then why is it we spend so much time with khakkhara in our hands instead of your cock? Couldn't you teach us these lessons on a bed instead of on a battlefield?"

"Your skills in making love are not in dispute. Anticipating each other's needs beyond where your skill set lies is what I am trying to teach you. Five years together has made your sexual intuition highly attuned. And yet, you still struggle to blend those skills with the world outside your passion."

Marcus rubbed his shoulder. "We are trying, Katashi," he replied.

"And you are doing very well," the temple dog said, smiling at the wolf. "But soon I will turn your training over to Noboru, and I hope to have you ready for that day."

Marcus's eyes widened. "It's going to get tougher than you, Katashi?"

Katashi nodded. "Oh, much more difficult. The Tibetan temple comes with not only a skilled abbot but a difficult and unforgiving training terrain. If it is any consolation, the difficulties ahead will be buffered by much more passion as well. Noboru trained under Master Bai back when the temple was still standing. His training has continued under the tutelage of Li Wei. Noboru taught Zhuang and me while Li Wei watched and gave guidance. But all that Noboru has taught us is only a fraction of what he knows. We still learn at his hand, even as you learn at mine."

"Then if he will have me as well, we will both try to be worthy of his guidance," Donovan said. "When is this day to come?"

"Soon," Katashi said with a bow. "That is the purpose of his visit today. I cannot stress enough how important it is for you two to work together. You are formidable warriors in your own right, but up to now, you cannot meld your skills with another. Come, let us begin again out in the field."

"Does it matter who we learn to fight with?" Marcus asked.

"No, the goal is to teach you to be one with all that surrounds you. We simply start with the easiest of relationships for the human mind to grasp. That of a couple."

"Then why don't you train Kendal and me to work together?" Marcus asked.

Katashi tilted his head. "Because Kendal has no need of my training. He is one with you, Marcus. It is you who struggles to be by his side."

Marcus looked down at his feet. "That is true, Sensei."

"Don't despair, Little One," Katashi told the temple dog he held hands with. "Your training here is helping lay the foundation for what you two will share. You will learn in time that every lesson learned on this glade will find expression in the real world at some point in your life."

"I don't intend to smack Kendal with a khakkhara, Sensei."

Katashi laughed. "I would hope not. But learning to see through another's eyes, to anticipate his needs, to know instinctively the man beside you; you can learn all that through the wielding of a simple staff beside Donovan."

"I would rather he learned those lessons by mounting me," Donovan said as he twirled the khakkhara in his paws.

Katashi smiled knowingly. "It would appear that our training on the glade has ended for today. Would you two like to continue our lessons on a bed or soaking in the hot springs?"

Donovan's grin was instantaneous. "Finally, Dog, some training with you I truly enjoy. I recommend I turn..."

The yelling from across the glade broke Donovan's train of thought as he looked back toward the cave. He and the two temple dogs listened carefully to the approaching dog as he yelled. "They're coming back. Quick, Little Ones, the ones you love are returning."

Donovan's surprise was unmistakable. "It's only been thirty-three years."

"It would seem that the number of individuals involved in the regeneration process speeds up their return. Or maybe the old wolf and badger are too impatient to wait any longer to come back." Noboru stopped and took a few deep breaths to calm himself. "At any rate, their return has begun. We need your presence in the main hall of the cave."

Marcus let the hand of the temple dog go and became the Iberian wolf. He dropped to all fours and began running toward the cave with the Armbruster's wolf close behind. The two temple dogs alone in the field looked at each other. "You smell like desire, Katashi," Noboru said, grinning.

"I was about to teach my students position two hundred and sixty-three. It requires a great deal of mental preparation before the act."

"It does that," Noboru said with a nod that was as much a bow as anything else. "Perhaps when this is all over, you could let me watch your technique. With your training of the wolves and my days in Tibet, it has been some time since you and I shared ourselves together. I miss our closeness."

"As do I, Noboru. To have you by my side guiding my movements would be an honor."

Noboru smiled. "Then we shall attend to that as soon as we ensure the safe return of our family." The two dogs bowed to each other, and dropping to all fours, raced off toward the cave.

Inside the main hall of the cave, the family watched as the crystals began liquefying. Marcus looked on with both excitement and trepidation. "I'm scared, Noboru. What if he doesn't remember me?"

"That is not possible, Marcus. Heraclitus once said that the only constant in life is change. William Gentry's love proves the exception to that teaching. The wolf's love is unchanging. If he loved you enough to turn you, he will love you the same when he steps from that stone."

"I wish I had your conviction," Marcus said as he reached out to the temple dog's paw and held it. Soon the two temple dogs continued their watch as Noboru did his best to calm Marcus.

The group watched as the stone and liquid formed around individual shapes. As before, the bodies of the crystals took time to regenerate into something recognizable. Eventually, three shapes formed from each crystal as the temple dogs, the polar bear, and the Armbruster's wolf watched. "There's no child," a disappointed Marcus said.

"They are always the last to form. Wait," Noboru said. "One may yet appear."

As the rock and liquid of the broken crystals moved throughout the six figures, one by one they rose, taking on the shape of their avatars. As the individual animals became recognizable, the creatures stood on their hind legs.

Oliver was the most easily identified because of his diminutive size. His proximity to an enormous beast growing beyond the others identified Nathaniel. Martin's bulky shape and short wagging tail made him an easy guess as well.

The three from the other chrysalis were harder to differentiate. Kris's bulky body was a given, but the two wolves took on no color other than the pale green of the stone. Marcus struggled to determine which wolf was the one he had been waiting to see for five years. In his mind, he tried to rehearse an apology that he knew would never come close to being enough for the old wolf to forgive him. And then, with a jolt, one wolf pushed upward, glowing bright blue. The other followed, turning bright red as the body grew more bulky and muscular. In moments, the features of the pup and old wolf were coalescing into recognizable individuals.

Will's eyes opened and he looked down at his body as it took shape. There was still a red glow to what looked like drenched fur. "Damn," he said as his muzzle separated into a dripping maw. "I was hoping to lose that in the merging." The dissatisfaction was obvious in the wolf's voice.

"Don't bitch," the cat with the yellow glow said. "You got your arm and leg back."

"That's true. My eye seems to be working fine. And I'm pretty sure I can bite your ass pretty hard with this new jaw if I don't hear something a bit more sympathetic in a few seconds, Cat."

The saber-toothed cat laughed. "I am sorry, Old Wolf. But if there needs to be one who must carry the power of the warrior class, it is best resting on the shoulders of one who never wishes to use it."

Will struggled to lift his feet but found them still pinned to the rock and oozing liquid below him. He looked up to see the smiling face of the polar bear and the Armbruster's wolf. He grinned. "Be with you two as soon as I can. Sort of stuck here making some feet, it seems."

Eric's silly grin of anticipation spread across his muzzle. "We can wait, Old Wolf. Don't rush this."

Will looked over and saw the four temple dogs standing together. He turned back to the polar bear and Armbruster's wolf. "Would it be okay if I let the others say hello to you first? There is a temple dog I need to say hello to."

Donovan nodded. "Of course, my love. We have plenty of time to renew our acquaintances. We will renew our vows later if you're up to it."

Will rubbed his neck. "All our vows?"

"I will go gently this time, Old Wolf."

"You better. Because I know Oliver won't. I have promises to keep with that badger, and I'd like to keep this new neck in one piece for a while."

Will shook his leg and the last of the red glow faded as he lifted his foot from the remaining stone and liquid. He tapped the wet shape forming next to him. "Be back soon, Son, you're doing a fine job. Pay attention to your dads, and you'll be whatever it is you're going to be in no time."

Will stepped out onto the cave floor and stared at the temple dogs. He took a deep breath and stretched. "Hello, Marcus. I like that look on you."

Marcus's eyes widened. "You recognize me?"

"The man I turned? Of course. I mean, you were a wolf to start with and now you're not. That proves to me you're Marcus. I fuck-up every turning I do." Marcus frowned and Will laughed. "It's a joke, Marcus. You know my history. I joke about them, but for all the times I thought I fucked up a turning, the most beautiful beasts I have ever known were born. I have never changed my mind about that." He extended his arms. "Do I get a welcome home hug and kiss?"

Marcus smiled. "I've been waiting here for five years to hug you, William. Of course you do." The temple dog's hand reached out and grabbed Will's.

Will watched as the bulky golden arm of the temple dog began to thin and turn the mottled gray of a wolf. "Hurry, Marcus. While I still have the time to kiss a temple dog and an Iberian wolf in the same breath."

When the kiss ended, Will looked into the eyes of his mirror image. "And how long has this been going on, Marcus?"

"I think it happened the day I left the highland."

"That can't be easy."

"No, it's not. The temple dogs are trying to help me get control of it. So far, I suck at not turning as much as you say you suck at turning."

Will laughed. "It's so good to see you, Marcus. I don't care what you look like. We'll figure out what's going on."

Marcus nodded. "I hope in time you will forgive me for not returning."

"But you returned," the old wolf said. "There's nothing to forgive."

"I promised I would return in four years," the twin corrected.

"Then I forgive you for having no sense of what time it is. You're here, Marcus. Let's not waste time in the past when I have so much catching up on the present to do."

"But you deserve to know why."

"I already do, Marcus. Did you think I wasn't listening to all those times you talked to me? I was a rock; it doesn't mean I was deaf."

Marcus bowed his head. "I'm so sorry, William. I am so sorry for everything."

"Me too, Marcus. I should never have let you go. I should have trusted my instincts, but it's not in my nature to force someone to stay anywhere their heart doesn't rest."

"I think sometimes I left my heart here on the highland when I walked away. It's taken me so long to find it again."

"I'm glad you have," Will said. "Kendal is a beautiful werewolf, both inside and out."

Marcus looked at Will. "You're not upset?"

"Why would your being in love with Kendal upset me? I just told you I thought he was a good catch."

"But I left you in the lurch and then fell in love with someone else."

"I have five husbands, Marcus. I'm sure I'll find some way to cope."

The badger came walking up to Marcus and kicked him in the shin. Marcus howled in pain. "That's for makin' my husband hurt so bad, bastard wolf." He looked at the wolf as he hopped up and down, holding his leg. "Well, bastard wolf, gives me a welcome home hug."

Marcus looked down at the badger. "Are you serious, Oliver? You just kicked me."

"You deserved it. I deserves a welcome home hug. Seems I'se the only one of us who's got any notion of what's right and proper." The badger stretched out his arms. "Come on, Wolf. I ain't upset with you no more. Well, not much at least."

Marcus lowered his leg. "No more kicking?"

"Not from me. Pup is pretty pissed off at you, though, so can't actually say how safe you is in this cave."

"I'm sorry, Oliver. I'm so sorry for what I did to William, and to everyone who waited for me to come home."

"Well, you'se home now. Gives me my hug."

Marcus knelt down and hugged the badger. Oliver pushed the other badger back. "You'se changing way faster, Marcus."

"Yes, I am."

Oliver smiled. "At least you finally found someone cute to turn into. Come on, Badger. I ain't done hugging you yet." Marcus leaned forward into the hug and closed his eyes as his chin rested on Oliver's shoulder.

From inside the border of the two crystals, the bulky bears encouraged their newborns. "Come on, Sons," Kris said as he watched his arm slowly becoming more fur and less crystal. "We've talked all about this. You can't stay inside the crystal forever. Choose what you wish to be and concentrate on that image as you grow."

Nathaniel turned as he listened to the two voices inside his head. "You can be whatever you want, even a gummy slug. You know we love you. We'll love whatever you choose." The short-faced bear laughed. "Sure, you can be giraffes, but keep your heads down. The ceiling is only a skosh over twelve feet."

"You go turning into giraffes, and you'se gonna be doing each other on Saturday nights. Not no one big enough in the Were Nation to reach up and kiss you boys," Oliver said. "But no matter what you chooses, do it because it's what you wants. Make a you that you'se gonna be happy being."

Oliver smiled. "Yeah, I hears you, boys. All your daddies hears you." He paused. "NO!" the badger said emphatically. "You boys ain't never gonna talk like me. I wont's have it. And don't talk all polite and flowery like them temple dogs or the old bear; nor gruff and formal like that Armbruster's wolf. You gots a fine black wolf who talks right pretty and your bear daddies and the old wolf speaks fine."

Kris looked at Oliver. "Really, Badger? Those are choices they should be making."

"They can does whatever they wants. I ain't gonna bitch. But if they wanna get laid, they better listen to their daddies' advice. They's new to this world, and all that book learning you gave them ain't gonna help them one lick to become beasts that makes their life easier."

Nathaniel shook himself, and dropped to the ground avoiding slamming his head against the ceiling. His newly formed fur moved across him like waves of brown grass on a windy day. "He's right, Dad. Our sons need to at least weigh their options. Even if they can change their minds down the line, it would be nicer if we didn't have to deal with them changing every week trying to find the right match."

"I can attest that changing frequently in the company of other werebeasts isn't a great idea," Marcus said.

Nathaniel looked up. "Sorry to hear about your dilemma, Marcus. But pay attention boys, he knows of what he speaks."

The two blobs of stone and goo continued firming up. They bent upward off the cavern floor. Kris reached over and pulled the black wolf in close. "You freed up there, Pup?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm good," the wolf said, shaking his foot. The bear picked him up in a hug and stepped out from the ebbing liquid. Nathaniel and Martin stepped away as well. The family leaned back and watched to see what was becoming of the two blobs of glowing green slime pushing up from the last of the chrysalises. One of the liquid creatures turned from green to red, followed by blue, and back to green. The second shifted from green to yellow and back again. Lastly, in tandem, they shifted to white.

As the heads and bodies took shape, one of them waved. "Guess what we are, Dads?" his fathers heard in their minds.

"Well, you're not following in your bear daddies' footsteps, at least size-wise. Something smaller for sure," the old wolf said.

"I think they're bears, though," Derrick guessed. "General size and shape remind me of the boys. Less the wings, of course."

"OH," one white blob said as his color shifted to yellow. "We can have wings?"

"If you want them. But it will take you quite some time to learn how to use them," Nathaniel said.

"Okay," the other blob replied without a word spoken. "Maybe later," all heard him telepathically as he turned red.

The heads grew rounder, and the muzzles were shorter than that of a black bear. Oliver watched with curiosity. "Best grow a gut if you wants them Partridge Island Chaser wolves to look at you," he said casually.

Instantly, huge guts appeared on the blobs that rolled over their legs. "Not that big, boys," Will said. "Think akin to your bear dads. Nice round guts, heavy chests... that sort of thing."

"Or like the pup when he's human," Oliver said. "Get yourself an ass like his, and them wolves won't leave you alone."

Derrick laughed. "And all these years, I've been trying to turn their heads as a wolf."

"Oh, you is a beautiful wolf, Pup," Oliver replied. "But them boys is becoming bears. Gots to work with an entirely different body as bears. And your human is a right proper bear's body for them boys."

The two bodies reconfigured again, their guts growing smaller, their chests wider, and their butts more rounded. "Sons, are you going to be the same?" Kris asked.

A mouth spread apart from the muzzle, trailing blue slime over the lips. "Yep. We're twins," he said, using his voice instead of telepathy for the first time. "The same as what happens in the nurseries on our homeworld."

"That was my homeworld, Sons," Kris said in a corrective tone. "This is your homeworld."

The one who spoke nodded as his color shifted to green. "Sorry, Dad, you're right." With a firm shaking out, the body became even more bear-like. The other blob followed, and soon the

two bulky bears of some sort became even more defined.

"I don't know what you're going to be, boys," Will said as he watched. "But if you can make it about a foot taller, you'd be better off among your family."

"Pandas are only about five feet, Dad," the second bear replied as his mouth became mobile. "Oh, crap," he said. "Now you know."

Derrick laughed. "What a wonderful choice, Sons," he said, giving a nudge to the gray wolf next to him. "Your dad is right, though. Throw the zoology book out the window here. You're better off being over six feet."

"They's both right," Oliver said. "I'se been small all my life. You gots choices... go big." The bears shot up to the ceiling in an instant. "Not that big," Oliver said with a growl. "You boys is playing with us, ain't you?"

The boy's heads lowered. "Yes, Sir," they said sullenly as their size dropped to six and a half feet.

"Ain't no reason to pout, sons," Oliver said. "We's good here. We wants you to be happy. Just don't spend all day making us wait. Them temple dogs have a hefty appetite for Changeling's affections and you is stirring them up with your being born."

Both bears looked up. "We can have sex with the temple dogs?" one asked. "Dad didn't have sex for days after he was born."

Nathaniel grinned. "I was a late bloomer, boys. But my family was there for me when I needed them. You are born into a family who is ready to embrace you as soon as you're ready."

Noboru nodded. "It would actually be a kindness from both of you if we could share your affections upon your birth."

Katashi also nodded. "Your fathers are sure to want to renew their mating vows. We cannot be with them until they complete those vows. You could help distract us while they attend to that task."

"And possibly for a time while we wait for the badger's muscles to heal," Zhuang added. "The Kodiak is eyeing him with a hungry look, and I'm afraid the badger will find a regenerated beast is often clumsier than normal."

"I can wait, Badger," the Kodiak said as he reached out to hug Oliver. He took a step and tripped over a last bit of stone from the chrysalis. Arms flailing as he tried to regain his balance, he crashed on top of the badger.

Oliver pushed up on the chest of the bear he lay under. "I'se a dead badger for sure," he said, laughing.

Kris pushed up, and the badger freed himself. Nose to nose, the badger looked at the fallen bear. "We's making our vows today, Bear. And you is gonna have to decide where you wants to be in line. The old wolf promised to take me first. And then Nathaniel is next 'cause I promised him. And Martin is after Nathaniel, of course. After that, I'd like to do the old bear and the wolf, 'cause they's been waiting so long. The old wolf is gonna take me again last of all with Pup, 'cause I knows they's gonna tear me up together. We gots to find a time to squeeze you in all that fucking somewhere. Don't matter to me what comes of you and me 'cepting you knows I loves you."

The Kodiak smiled, kicking his legs in the air behind him. "You could take me now. I'm sort of ready for you to bite my neck. My butt is already in the air."

Oliver laughed again. "I loves you, Bear. Can we waits for our boys to be born?"

"Not much longer, Dads," one bear said. He made another shake, and black fur covered his body. Soon enough, the patches of white began appearing on both. When at last the remaining liquid soaked up through their feet, the family cheered and welcomed them with hugs.

The temple dogs looked at Eric and Donovan. "Do we wait now for you to mate, or do we take the pandas and teach them why we do what we do?"

Eric looked at the two pandas. "You boys have names?"

"I'm Raymond," one said.

"I'm Samuel," said the other.

"You might notice that there are three temple dogs here that look exactly alike," the polar bear said. "And Marcus and Will are twins for the moment. We have a family that seems to enjoy identical beasts. You two will fit right in." Eric shook his head in disbelief. "So, is there a way to tell you apart?"

The two shook their heads no. "Father told us to tell you that one of our dicks leans to the left and one to the right, but he was mistaken. In your company, they both stick straight up."

Will smiled when the polar bear glared at him. "They're my boys, Old Bear. Nothing matters except they have dicks that are straight up for a reason. I'm going to be busy with my other husbands and Nathaniel with his. Can you please make sure the dogs are gentle with them?"

"We can try, Husband," the polar bear said. His face softened, and he smiled. "Welcome home, Old Wolf. I've missed you."

"As have I," Donovan said. "Be aware that our promise to plow your ass upon your return is still in force. No amount of sex with your other husbands frees you from your obligation."

Will grinned widely. "I was hoping to hear that, Wolf. I'll see you in a day or two."

Donovan shook and became a temple dog. "Your boys will need at least six dogs to keep them safe in the trees." Donovan grabbed Marcus's hand, and the wolf turned into a temple dog.

Will laughed. "Go ahead, Old Bear," he said, looking at Eric. The polar bear shifted, and the temporary temple dog reached out to an eager panda. Will's grin widened. "I guess we better make that three days."

"You are wise, Old Wolf," Noboru said with a bow. He turned to the free panda. "Come, Little One. There is much we have to teach you." The panda smiled and jumped toward the open arms of the temple dog.

"Are you sure this is a good idea, Family?" Derrick asked.

"They's babies, Pup," Oliver answered. "Babies plays with their bodies. We's only sending them out with teachers who's gonna educate them how to play with them bodies proper."

"They will have their first scars before they're halfway through the week, Oliver," Derrick complained.

Oliver smiled. "Yeah, they will, and then them dogs will teach them about healing. And when they curls up at night together with the dogs, them pandas will learn about family, and what loving when they ain't having sex feels like. Eventually, them dogs will teach them about planting rice and taking care of this planet. Before long, they's gonna get taught tai chi, and controlling them new bodies of theirs."

Derrick nodded his head. "I guess there are far worse things one could learn than to behave like a temple dog."

Oliver nodded back. "And ain't many things better, Pup. They's in safe hands for now. 'Cepting when they get in the trees, and they'll heal fine from that."

Derrick smiled at the two pandas, who sat anxiously waiting for their Papa Wolfy to voice his consent. Derrick made a wave out toward the front of the cave. "Go boys; have fun. Welcome to Terra."

Chapter 38

"Okay, Susie, I'm going to show you some cards, and you're going to tell me what you see. Are you good with that?"

The four-year-old nodded her head. "Wasss d...d...dis haf t...t...to d...d...d...d...do wid my t...t...talkn'?" She asked.

"Dr. Wells thinks you might have a part of your brain that hasn't quite woken up yet. You know how you feel when you wake up in the morning and everything is a jumble?"

Susie nodded. "Yeth."

"It's like that. Normally, as you wake up, your brain wakes up with you. But if Dr. Wells is right, a little part of your brain stays asleep all the time."

"C...c...can h...h...h... c...can he figs it?"

"Yes, he can. But first, we need to make sure he's right. That's where I help him. I'm a technician here. That's a fancy word for a guy who shows you lots of pictures while you tell me what they are. Just ignore the cameras and all those buttons stuck on you as best you can and have fun, okay?"

Susie nodded. "Ok...k...k...ay Mat...t...t...t...ew."

Matthew smiled and held up a picture of a bird facing to the right.

"Okay, what is it, and what direction is it facing?"

"B...b...burt," Susie said and pointed to her right.

"Perfect," Matthew said. "Next one," he said, holding up a new picture.

From the outer window, Jason watched Matthew. "He's doing a fine job," Clifford said as he leaned over and kissed the top of the fox's head. "He has a way with the kids."

"He looks happy. How are his studies going?"

"He'll be certified in six months. Until then, he can do what he's doing just fine with the training he's had so far."

"There's so much that happens here that anyone who cared could do, isn't there?"

The doctor nodded. "It takes a lot to keep kids occupied when they're not seeing the trained staff. It's why we need so many volunteers. All it takes is patience with most of our kids. We appreciate all those who step up and lend a hand. It's great for the kids and it's great for our community. Saint John has really rallied around the center."

"How's the home life?"

"Matthew still spends a lot of evenings with us."

"It's been five years. Is that turning out to be a problem?"

"No, not at all," the wolf replied. "He's good at taking a hint when we need a bit of alone time. I just look at him and say, 'Mind if I sniff my husband's butt? It's kind of a wolf thing.' He's out of the room in seconds." Jason laughed, and the doctor leaned his paw against the window. "Susie saw me yesterday. I think Matthew is wearing off on her."

"Was she okay with it?"

"Oh yeah. More than okay. She thinks it's great having a dog for a doctor."

"And her folks?"

"She's four years old. She also has an imaginary friend who's a unicorn."

"You sure the friend is imaginary?" Jason asked with a laugh.

"You know, I guess I don't," Clifford said, chuckling. "The test is at least an hour, Jason. Matthew always takes a break in the middle of it to share cookies and milk with the kids. Can I interest you in a cup of coffee while we wait for him?"

Jason's face scrunched up. "Hell, no. I hate the stuff."

"Wanna grab the hubby and have at him?"

"You said an hour, right?"

"Yeah, nothing serious. We'll get you back in time to enjoy lunch with Matthew. Promise," the wolf said, crossing his paw over his heart.

Jason smiled. "Sure. I'll race you back to your place." The two dropped onto all fours and raced out the front door toward the McGowan House.

Li Wei watched as the wolf and fox ran down the pathway toward the beach. "They are going to copulate with Clifford's husband, Kirk," he said matter-of-factly.

"Do all werebeasts engage in so much sex?" the panda asked.

"Not all, but most," the temple dog responded. "We are a nation of creatures that rely on tactile memories to bond our hearts together, Samuel. And that bond is important above all else."

"We learned the history of the humans," the other panda said. "I think we understand why it is so important to us. It has been so rare on this planet."

"Indeed, Raymond," Li Wei agreed. "It was only through your family's interventions that humankind even exists today. Love... truly unconditional love... has never come easily for humans."

"Was it worth it what we did? Are they worth saving?"

Li Wei nodded. "Of course. All life is precious. One day, given time, humans will find their core. They will find that which defines them and frames their lives. For now, they struggle with trying on so many options, searching for that truth."

"And what about you, Li Wei? Are the temple dogs finished trying on the options?"

Li Wei smiled. "No, Little One. We learn and grow with each day. To stop growing is to cease to exist." The golden dog looked at the two pandas. "But you are aware of all this, are you not? Why did my brothers send you here?"

"They said we needed to experience the world, and our father said he would be happier if we started with this little corner of the world," Samuel replied.

"That would be Nathaniel, I suspect," Li Wei said as he stood up.

"Yep," Raymond said. "He seems to be the most concerned about our proper upbringing."

"There will be no greater task before you than to become what your father hopes you to be one day."

"What are we supposed to become, Li Wei?" both pandas asked together.

"What you were born to become. Your father does not care what that is, but he wants you to be ready when you find it. There will be a day when you will see it placed before you. Some call it destiny. Whatever you choose to call it, it is the goal of your family to prepare you for that day. This is not only so that you can recognize it, but so that you can embrace it and make it your own."

"Are you a part of that family, Li Wei?" Raymond asked, looking up at the temple dog.

"I hope you see me as such," the massive dog answered.

"Then are we supposed to create tactile memories with you?"

Li Wei laughed. "I would like that very much, Little Ones."

"Can we start now?" a panda asked.

"I promised your fathers that your time with me will leave you with no scars. If you do not object to sharing my bed instead of the trees, we can start now."

"Both of us?" the other panda said happily.

"You are twins. It makes it easier if I do not need to keep track of which of you I am with," Li Wei said with a smile.

"Do we run to your home like the wolf and fox?"

"No, Little Ones; we walk. We will not waste our energy on something as frivolous as running today. You are newly born. Your stamina has not reached its full potential. However, mine has, and I am not sure that the two of you alone will be enough to sate me if you exert yourselves running."

Samuel looked at Raymond. "Priorities. Father told us about priorities."

Li Wei smiled. "And the old wolf is wise to teach you of such things." With a forceful pull, the temple dog opened the heavy metal doors of his home and welcomed the two pandas in.

From the upper window of the First Class hospital, Nathaniel stared out, watching the three enter Li Wei's home. "They grow up so fast," he heard Tyler's voice say as wolfen arms wrapped around his waist.

"They're four billion years old," Nathaniel said, trying to not sound too much like a doting father.

"Yeah, but they're your babies, Bear," the wolf said. "Go on, you can be a father around me. I have a son myself, remember?"

Nathaniel smiled. "That's right. It's so hard for me to think of JP as a child anymore. He's so grown up."

"I know what you mean. Now and then, I get a twinge of nostalgia when the three of them come up to make a run with us. I love that boy so much."

"And I love our boys."

"So, you opted not to sort out who gave birth to who?"

Nathaniel continued to stare at the temple dog's home as he held the curtain back. "Dad and I held hands for our entire merging. I think there is a part of each of us in them. It's why they're twins. It's second nature for them. They could choose to be different, but neither of them wants to be."

"They really are beautiful boys."

Nathaniel sighed. "And perpetually horny, like their dad. It's strange to see that part of me reflected in them."

"It's not a bad thing, Nathaniel," the wolf said. "Between you, your dad, and all the rest of those horny beasts, it was bound to transfer. Hell, if you weren't as horny as you are, I'd probably file some kind of formal complaint."

Nathaniel spun around and kissed the wolf. "I love you, Tyler," he said. He turned back and took one last look out the window through the curtains. He sighed. "I best get back to work. Oliver and Martin are coming to take me to lunch today."

"Sounds nice, Bear. Give them my love." The wolf reached up and gave the bear another kiss, and the short-faced bear sauntered down the hall. When the bear had turned the corner, Tyler tapped his ComLink. "Museum House," he said. He waited patiently. "Hey, Oliver," he said cheerfully. "Look... I was just talking to your hubby, and he's feeling kind of down about your babies growing up too fast. Any chance you and Martin might take him to the woods instead of lunch today?"

The wolf paused and listened to the badger. He smiled. "No, I can't get away, but I'll free up his schedule. Don't even worry about bringing him back. Frankly, you're all too much of a distraction in your current state, but right now, he needs the sort of distraction only you two can give him. He wants to be helpful and do his rounds, but dang, you guys are messing up my administrator's job something fierce. I need to get Nathaniel out of the hospital." Tyler nodded a few times. "I love you, too, Oliver. Give my love to Martin, will you?" Another pause. "Okay, we'll get over to your place one day soon, I promise. Talk to you later, Oliver. Bye for now." He tapped the ComLink and stared out the window. "Ah, crap, Nathaniel," he sighed. "Now you've gone and made me miss my boy."

"We gots ourselves a sad bear, Cat," Oliver said as he tapped the ComLink on his chest, ending the call.

"Yeah, I'm aware of that," Martin said, frowning. "This merge

of ours has pushed the Sight to the forefront with me and my family."

"Bad like?"

"Remember how I told you about what happens when you and Will are together?"

"Yeah. I wish I coulds change that, but I ain't giving up sexing the old wolf."

Martin laughed. "And I don't want you to. It's okay. Now and then, I learn some pretty fun techniques from you two. But the Sight is pushing forward for me to see my entire family on a much more intimate level. We're not talking only about sex. I see so much more than that. But when sex pushes forward, it can be awkwardly embarrassing. And we're talking about our family. Sex pushes forward frequently."

"You gonna be okay, Cat?"

"I'll be fine, Hon," the saber-toothed cat replied. "I just need some time to adjust to the change. The Sight in me does what it does because it sees a need. I have to figure out what that need is. I do that, and I should be able to control what's happening."

"Bastard Sight. Can'ts live with it, but can'ts protect our family without it."

Martin leaned down, letting Oliver guide his face into a kiss. "So what are we going to do about our sorry, handsome bear, Badger?"

"Tyler says we gots the rest of the day to cheer him up. He suggested we takes him down to the woods so he can stop bothering everyone at the hospital."

"And how do we keep you quiet enough that we don't scare our visitors to death when you come?"

"I can'ts scream if I gots a big cat dick down my throat when I comes," the badger said with a smile.

Martin leaned in and kissed the badger. The kiss lasted, and when the cat's paw rubbed up against the badger's swelling cock, the little mammal giggled. "I gots to go with you to the hospital, Cat. Let's me go before I get a boner too big to hide."

Martin released his hold, picked the badger up, and placed him on his shoulders. "There. Your hard-on is hidden, and no one will be the wiser."

"I likes the way you thinks, Cat. Let's go get our husband."

As Martin and Oliver exited out the garage door of the Museum, Anders, Lewis, and Kendal looked down from the lighthouse gallery. "There they are," Kendal said, pointing eagerly. "Take a deep breath as they walk by." The three all breathed in deeply as the saber-toothed cat with a badger on his shoulders walked by.

"He's right," Lewis said. "Oliver has his own scent when he's aroused. I mean the Cat you can tell from the wolves because he's so large, but Oliver has an unmistakable scent. That badger has Changeling pheromones kicking into overdrive."

Anders looked at the two. "That's because they're all newly born. It will fade with time. Be patient and they'll level off a bit. Pretty soon, you'll need to be on top of them to sense it."

Lewis smiled. "You could be on top of me, and I bet you'd sense something."

"Okay, you two," Kendal said. "If you're going to start something, I'm heading out."

"Why would you do that, Kendal? You're always welcome to play with us."

"I'm dating Marcus."

"Oh? I didn't realize that was a factor," Lewis said. "Has Marcus asked you for exclusivity?"

Kendal smiled. "No, no... not at all. Neither of us would ask that of the other. My comment didn't come out the way I hoped it would. I'm nervous. I'm heading back there again this weekend and I want everything to be right. It was going to be a simple weekend visit. Now suddenly, the whole family is back. Two adorable chubby pandas are running around, Nathaniel is back looking as stunning as ever, and my god, did you see how cute Oliver looks? He's got the same cowlick that Will has."

Anders laughed. "It is cute, isn't it? I may be wrong, Kendal, but it doesn't sound so much like you're nervous about visiting Marcus, as you're aroused by who's visiting the island. There are a lot of newborn beasts here and they come with pheromones that are pretty powerful until they grow into their new bodies."

"But these are all my old friends. It's awkward wanting to say hello to them, and instead, I get a hard-on when I'm ten meters away. They're driving me insane. I haven't even been able to say hi to Nathaniel, Martin, or Oliver... let alone whoever those pandas are."

Anders put his arm around the young wolf. "They can't help it, Son. This is what being reborn is like for a Changeling."

"I realize that, Anders," the Newfoundland wolf whined. "I just want them all so bad."

"Then go out there and tell them so. They won't say no."

Kendal shook his head. "I know they won't. But it's Thursday. I've got plans with Marcus for the weekend. If I do what I want to do today, I'll be totally spent by the time I get to the highland."

"Ahhh... now we see the dilemma," the white wolf said with a laugh.

"Lewis, it's not funny," Kendal said.

"Actually, it is," Anders said, pulling the wolf in close. "Come on, Son," he said, rubbing his muzzle up against the wolf's neck. "Let us take you to bed. You just need to take off the edge. Struggling to avoid the feelings is only going to make them worse."

The Newfoundland wolf nodded. "I guess you're right." He looked at the white wolf. "Would you be okay with that, Lewis?"

"Have I ever said no to you, Son?"

"No, but I always need to ask."

The white wolf climbed up on the gallery railing and jumped. He hit the walkway below and looked up. "Come on, Son," he said, extending his arms. "Come to Papa."

Kendal smiled at Anders. "I love you both so much."

"And we love you, Son," the bear replied. "Now, jump unless you want me to go first, so you have somewhere soft to land." Kendal vaulted over the side of the lighthouse and landed next to the white wolf. He had scarcely started his hug when the grolar bear pounded the ground behind him and joined in on the hug.

Derrick and Will came walking up from Old Street Road. "Good morning, gentlemen," Will said. "You're looking especially fetching together."

"Well, thank you, Old Wolf," Anders said with a smile. "We need to talk, boys."

Derrick's face took on a look of concern. "What did we do now?" he said with a sigh.

The white wolf laughed. "So, you've already heard?"

"We seem to be causing a great deal of distraction around here," Will said.

"You're driving our boy here crazy," the big bear said gruffly.

"Ahhh, Anders, no... don't tell them," the Newfoundland wolf moaned.

"Son, you either talk to the men you love, or you walk away from this with blue balls. I know which option I would take," Anders replied.

Derrick nodded. "He's right, Kendal. I've spent way too many years thinking it was embarrassing to talk about my needs with my family."

"Well, I still have a few more years before I figure that one out, Wolfy. I'm totally good with not talking about it."

"Then I'm not too shy to push for him," the grolar bear said. "You men are newly born after spending thirty-three years gestating inside a bath of Changeling hormones. Those Changeling hormones flowing through your bodies will most likely be there for the rest of your lives. That includes the pheromones that you both are pumping out with no more control than that Kodiak husband of yours. But at least he keeps his in check until he's aroused. Yours are there twenty-four seven."

"Is that what's causing this?" Derrick asked. "Wolves are walking into walls, orderlies are dropping med trays, and Tyler is trying to push Nathaniel and us out of the hospital. He told us to get back home to the highland."

"That's the problem, boys," the bear said with a nod. "You're going to need time to rein them in. Your sons are, at least for the moment, sidetracked by Li Wei. I trust him to begin their training before he lets them back out of his home. But until you beasts can settle into your new bodies, you are literally a painful distraction to many of your family."

Will shook his head and reached out to hug Kendal. "I'm so sorry, Kendal," he said as the young wolf wrapped his arms around the old wolf. "I wasn't aware of your dilemma."

"It's okay, Will. I mean... my cock can't get any harder now than it was with Anders and Lewis hugging me."

"I would take you right now if I could, but we're actually on a deadline. We're supposed to pick up Jason. The two of us are heading back to the highland per Tyler's demand. Jason was going to tag along when we left this evening, but they're upping the hour of our departure."

"That's alright, Will," Kendal responded. "Anders and Lewis are going to take me home with them. They get me through so much, I'm sure they'll get me through this."

"You're lucky to have two who love you so deeply," Derrick said as he put his paw on Kendal's shoulder.

Kendal looked at the black wolf and smiled. "I realize that. I try not to abuse their friendship."

"Which is such a disappointment to the two of us," the white wolf said with a laugh. "We'd enjoy the abuse we get into with him more frequently."

"You get what I mean, Lewis," Kendal said, bumping the white wolf from the side.

"Okay, we've got you men taking care of each other; all we need to do is get Jason and get gone before we stir up any other hornets' nests."

"We would appreciate it, Old Wolf. The highland temple dogs and your Changeling husbands should be able to help you burn off those pheromones without upsetting an entire island."

"We're sorry, men," Will replied. "You enjoy the day. Kendal, we'll see you this weekend. Marcus is looking forward to seeing you."

Kendal smiled. "I'm looking forward to seeing him, too. Any chance I can get you two to be less of a distraction? We don't get that much time together."

"I tell you what... We'll commander the Black Rhino to bring you out to the highland this weekend. They can load up everyone but Marcus and take us to Montana. We'll ask the dragon family to lie low for a few days, and you can have the highland to yourselves."

Kendal's face beamed. "Really? You'd do that for us?"

"Of course, Kendal," Will said. "Give us a kiss and we'll be out of your hair."

Kendal leaned in and kissed the old wolf. "Jeez," he groaned. "I was wrong about it not being able to get any harder."

"I'll kiss you later," Derrick said with a smile and a little wave. Kendal waved back.

"You wolves ready to go?" the fox asked as he crested the hill beside the lighthouse.

"I thought you and Matthew were having lunch today."

"I got stood up," Jason said, laughing. "He got invited to share his lunch with Dr. Khatri."

"Maira?" Anders questioned. "She's like what, a third his age?"

Jason laughed. "That led to a bit of confusion the first time she asked him to share a lunch. She thinks of him as a lovable grandpa. However, she's human. There's a bond there that Matthew needs. Anyway, she's here today on special rotation, and she asked him if he was busy. The poor guy looked at me and I said I'd see him again next week."

"That was kind of you," Derrick said.

"The two of them only have a lunch hour to visit during the three days a week she visits the island. She didn't expect to be called in today. But that means he won't see her on Monday. She's getting a three-day weekend out of her shift change."

"And what about you, Fox?" Will asked

"I'm good. I'll see him next week. Besides, he's having a ball catching up on old times with Oliver. The two of them never expected to see each other again, so it's been great for both of them. He's even getting used to the fact he has a hard-on the whole time they're together. He thinks it's funny." The fox's nose twitched. "In the meantime, Old Wolf, we need to get you two back to the highland. I'm getting hard already."

"Yeah, we should get out of here," Derrick agreed. The young wolf looked to the east, into the cloudy sky. "Wait for it," he said. His paw reached up and pointed to the clouds pushing forward. "There..." he said. The Red Wolf broke through the clouds and the landing gear extended.

"Oh, by the way, Kendal," Jason said as he turned toward the helipad. "I saw Nathaniel and his husbands running off toward the woods. I'm pretty sure they would love to see the three of you. They could certainly use a few extra hands out there."

Kendal smiled. "You think?"

"They won't be able to burn off those newly minted pheromones by themselves," the fox said with a grin. "The easiest way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it."

Kendal felt the bulky arms of the bear squeeze him tightly from behind. "Let's go, Son. The woods are calling us." The three shifted as they dropped to all fours and, with a nod to the wolves and fox, they were making a dash toward the forest.

"Well, that is going to have every beast on this island changing their plans about what they're doing tonight," Jason said with a laugh.

"It's Thursday. They only need to hold it together for a couple of days before the weekend," Derrick said, giggling. The three walked toward the heliport and the waiting Red Wolf.

"Yeah. I pity the poor guys working the weekend shifts," Jason agreed.

Tuff stuck his head out the boarding door, "Come on, men. Tyler has reiterated his request to get you two off the island as quickly as possible."

"Wait a minute," Jason said with a pout. "I had more sex than those two in the last hour. How come they're not kicking me off the island?"

Tuff laughed. "Maybe because this isn't about who's having sex on the island, Fox. No one is going to complain about that. It's about those raging teen hormones inside the wolves spilling out all over the place. They're not having sex; they're just causing every beast around them to become aroused to the point of distraction."

Will sighed. "True that," he said as he bounded up the ramp. "And now you get why Tyler wants us off the island. There are hospitals here where everyone needs to be on top of their game. Nathaniel and his husbands are causing enough problems on their own without us adding to it." The wolf sat in a seat, pulled the harness over his shoulder, and buckled it. "Change of plans, though, Son. We need the Black Rhino to bring Kendal to the highland Friday night. With Jean Pierre's permission, we'll clear the highland and spend the weekend at the ranch to give Kendal and Marcus a bit of much-needed time alone."

"You want to spend the weekend in your current state with forty-two werewolf ranch hands?" Tiff asked from the pilot's chair. "Forget Jean Pierre. You try to convince Chet to let you land once he knows the disturbance you're going to cause."

"Well, you'll be picking up the husbands and the temple dogs when you drop Kendal off at the highland. They can help take up some of the slack."

"Oh yeah, tell Chet you're going to be starting a bonfire, but you're bringing kerosene to toss on it to keep everything under control," Tiff said with a laugh.

"Those two boys need a bit of time alone," Will pressed. "It's important."

Tiff spun his chair around and stared at the three buckled into their seats. "Well then, it's done now, isn't it? We'll make it work. If we give Chet a heads up, maybe we can figure out a way to get everyone into a rotation so they can visit sometime during the weekend." Tiff paused. "And the human ranch hands will need to be as far away as possible. Don't need any of them trying to figure out why they're suddenly attracted to beasts."

Tuff sat down next to his brother. "Well, there is a lot more acreage in Montana than Partridge Island has. There has to be a point where those pheromones dissipate. Let's get these two out of here and sort it out once we get everyone back to Montana." He turned and stared at the two wolves. "That's some seriously powerful stuff, you two."

"So we've been told. How come it's not affecting you the way it does all the wolves on Partridge Island?" Derrick asked.

"Because our father is a polar bear Changeling, remember? We grew up around those pheromones. They have their desired effect, but we're able to handle them better than most."

"And we've been swimming in them for the last thirty-three years, so we seem to be fine," Will said.

"And I have a Changeling husband," the fox added, "so, I may be sitting here with a hard-on because of you two, but I can still stay relatively focused."

"Well, you know it's hard for us to stay focused with you looking that way, right?" the black wolf said with a snicker.

"Whatever," Jason said with a laugh. "If I have to be the in-flight entertainment for you two, that's fine with me. Nathaniel assured us it will be short-lived. It's what's left of a hormonal surge like any gestation. Your inexperience with the hormones is causing most of the problems. Unlike Kris, who chooses not to control his, it's in your best interest to learn how to control them in the company of your fellow beasts."

"We'll do our best. It's not like we have any teachers for this sort of thing," Will said.

"What about the temple dogs?"

"The temple dogs?" Will said, laughing out loud. "They can't even control their own. What good will it do to ask them to help figure out a way to control ours?"

Jason shrugged. "I don't know. I figure they always have the answers."

Derrick nodded. "Me too, but this one might be out of their league. We're in uncharted territory, and we're producing pheromones in overdrive. I'm pretty sure the temple dogs will be too distracted to want to think about the philosophy of hormonal management."

"Well, then have fun with the sex for the time being," Jason said. The fox paused, thinking for a moment. "I have a thought. This would be a great time to make your formal announcement to the Were Nation that the newborns will greet visitors. We snag everyone from the merging and plop them down in Montana for the weekend. We'd have hundreds of visitors helping burn off those pheromones faster than even the forty-two ranch hands."

"And Kendal and Marcus could spend at least five days together alone," Derrick said with a laugh. When Jason looked at him, confused, the black wolf smiled. "I'm being a realist here, Jason. There is no way a gathering will end at only a weekend."

Jason shrugged. "I guess you're right. Still, I need a day to get the word out." He looked to the forward cab. "You men going to be okay asking your team to fly all weekend?"

Tuff turned toward the two wolves. "If you newborns promise us a bit of time with you after everyone has gone home, we're on board."

Will smiled. "Of course, Son. How about we all spend next weekend together on the highland with all the pilots and see what kind of mischief we can get into?"

Tiff laughed. "We're on approach, men. Lean back." His hands moved over the controls. "Clear it with Jean Pierre and Chet, Jason. If you get the go-ahead, you have your pilots for the Black Rhino. We can let Faraji and Talib enjoy a bit of quality time with their pack and the newborns."

Jason tapped his ComLink. "Jean Pierre," he said. He waited patiently until he heard the voice on the other side of the line. "Hi, Husband. We seem to have a change of plans. Everyone on the highland is coming to Montana for the weekend." Jason paused, listening. "Yeah, all the newborns, Donovan, Eric, and the dogs. We're thinking it's best to bring all the newborns to the same place for a while. Tyler is asking us to give Partridge Island a break." He paused listening for a moment and then laughed with a nod. "You read my mind too well. Is it okay? I'm sure the Were Nation won't mind sleeping out under the stars for a few days." He nodded in agreement again at what he heard. "I love you so much, Husband. You're the greatest. We can discuss the details when I'm back home in a few minutes. I wanted you and Chet there at the landing site so you can get a hint of what we're in for." Jason listened carefully and then laughed. "Yeah, it's going to be that bad."

Derrick looked at Will and shook his head. "I never thought there would be a day when turning heads had a downside."

Will laughed and nodded in agreement.

Jason tapped his ComLink and closed the call. "You men are going to be fine. I'm only getting the ranch ready for your visit. There's definitely going to be a worldwide run this weekend, regardless of what phase the moon is in."

Will put out his paw and Jason took it. "Thanks, Fox," the old wolf said. "You're the best."

"I intend to make you think so after everyone else has had you, Old Wolf," Jason said with a smile.

The Red Wolf coasted into the Montana ranch as Jean Pierre and the winged family waited by the landing site.

Chapter 39

Marcus rolled over, his large brown bear body stretching as he wiggled out from under Kris's arm. He crawled over Donovan, becoming an Armbruster's wolf for a moment. As he tried to negotiate around the polar bear, Eric reached up and pulled him into a morning kiss. When the kiss ended, the two polar bears smiled at each other. "Good morning, Marcus," Eric said.

"Good morning, Eric," the polar bear responded.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, thanks to Kris holding onto me for the night. I didn't shift once."

Eric grinned. "Well then, we have a way to keep you from shifting and still keep our family together at night."

"It seems to work. Although having Kendal and me sleep in our own room would work as well."

Donovan shifted into a polar bear and reached over, touching the white bear on top. "That is true. But it's important to keep family together, and frankly, I enjoy the two of you in our bed."

"I appreciate you all giving us the week alone together," Kendal said as he stirred from his curled-up position next to the black wolf. "I hope you enjoyed your days at the ranch."

"They were pretty amazing," Derrick said with a giggle. "We went into some seriously fun overtime."

The badger waddled into the bedroom. "You boys decide to sleep late?"

"We did," Eric said with a nod. "But now that Will is back home, I'm enjoying taking a break from the job of CEO while he takes back the reins."

"You started them companies, Old Bear."

The bulky white bear rose and hugged the badger. He threw the little mammal up on his shoulders as he walked out toward the front of the cave. "That is true, and that's why I'll be spending the better part of today helping Will get back up to speed instead of plowing his butt."

"I heard that, Old Bear," Will yelled from behind his desk inside the antechamber of the cave. "If you want me to take this job on again, you better make sure you budgeted a lot of butt-plowing time."

Eric walked into the room and, slipping Oliver from his shoulders, he stepped behind the old wolf, staring at the monitor. His paws reached out, and he swiped twice across the screen. "Here... and here..." he said.

"Really?" Will said with a mix of disbelief and admiration. "Why do you need me to come back?"

"Because you've always been a better negotiator. And because I love you. With the two of us working on this, we'll finish in half the time," Eric replied. "You already said it. I've budgeted a lot of butt-plowing time, and that includes makeup sex for two wolves and a bear." The polar bear looked where Oliver stood by the bedroom door with crossed arms, tapping his foot. "Sorry, Oliver, I don't mean to exclude you, but you're heading back to Partridge Island with Kendal today, right?"

"That's right, Old Bear. So, you best get in your sexing of me before I'se gone for a month."

Eric laughed. "This afternoon, right after lunch. I promise."

The badger grinned. "I was afraid you was going to say you was too busy."

"Family first, Oliver."

"Yeah, and today we works with one family in particular," Oliver said as he turned toward the kitchen. "I'se already fed our kids, and they's off playing at the creek. Them boys are going to be friskier than even Nathaniel. They can'ts keeps their hands off each other or anyone else who gives thems a willing smile."

"Well, that's not surprising, seeing as Dad, Nathaniel, and Will are their fathers," Eric said, chuckling.

"You're forgetting Derrick, Old Bear," Will said with a laugh. "His libido is seriously ramped up beyond most of ours. Only he's too shy to press for what he wants."

Eric nodded in agreement. "So, what are we going to do with your kids?"

"Ain't nothin' we need to do," Oliver replied. "I sent them temple dogs over to say hello. I figure they're all gonna be busy for weeks if we don'ts interrupt them. Them rice fields ain't gonna need much attention until harvest time."

The badger turned and looked at the Iberian wolf that was trying to look inconspicuous next to Kendal. "Okay Marcus," Oliver said, "Today you starts to get control of your changing."

"You can teach me what even the temple dogs can't?"

"They is philosophical. Temple dogs is all about controlling the mind to control the body. They weren't trying to fix you. They was getting you ready to take on the chore you gots to do. You was training to listen to what's inside you. This ain't a lack of mind control, Marcus. You lack control 'cause you's not paying attention to what your body is telling you."

"I didn't know it was telling me anything."

"That's 'cause you didn't come back," Oliver said, crossing his arms. "You fucked up your life like I warned you not to. Nobody listens to the badger."

Derrick came by and grabbed Oliver, pulling him up into a hug. "I listened to you last night. I did exactly what you told me to do."

Oliver thought a moment. "Oh... that's right. And it was wuuunderful." The badger giggled as the black wolf kissed him.

"I listened, too," Will said from behind the monitor screen.

"Me too, as I recall," the polar bear said, looking up from over Will's shoulder and smiling at the badger.

"Okay, I was wrong," Oliver corrected himself. "Husbands pay attention when they's in bed." He pointed to Marcus. "You, on the other hand, you don'ts listen when you shoulds."

Marcus lowered his head. "I didn't. But I will. I learned my lesson."

Oliver smiled and walked over, hugging the wolf that became a badger. "You's okay, Marcus. You came home. That's what I told you to do. The runnin' away we coulds have done without, but we all makes mistakes. I can'ts point to that one without it pointing back at me."

"I'm trying to learn from my mistakes, Oliver. So what do we do with this?" Marcus asked, pointing to his badger body.

"You's like a sponge soaking up whatever is around you. That ain't necessarily a bad thing."

Will looked up from his work and nodded in agreement. "It makes you an incredible lover because you tap into what your partner wants and needs."

"He gots that from you, Old Wolf," Oliver said, grinning. "Nobody knows what a man wants the way you does. It's instinct for you. And 'cause Marcus is you, he's got the gift."

Marcus laughed. "Okay, finally something you call a gift that I would agree is a gift."

Oliver smiled. "It's a good gift to be sure. But it comes from the other gift. The one that makes you change into the rest of us. Because of that gift... and it is a gift, Marcus... you don't just senses their needs and desires, your body pushes ahead past that and becomes them."

"Fair enough, I can't disagree with you there, because you're right about every werebeast I have been with. I'm wired to try and please them. Apparently, my time with William gave me that."

Will looked back up from his work with Eric. "I don't think so, Marcus. That's your own nature coming through. That's the guy behind the ComLink trying to help people out. You were born wired with that desire to put people at ease, to please them; but more significantly, with a desire to help. I might have helped you fine-tune your abilities when you're with another man, but everyone benefits from the man you already were before we met."

Marcus smiled. "Thank you, William. I'm trying to find that man again. I think he got a little lost along the way."

"He'll come back to you, Marcus," Donovan said as he entered the room. "This is a group that brings their family home. I know that from personal experience. Trust these men surrounding you, Wolf. Love them, enjoy their passions, share your life with them, but more than anything, trust them."

Marcus nodded. "I'm trying to learn to let my guard down. For most of my life, I relied on making every choice myself. I think I've forgotten how to trust in others."

"Well, you grabs a bit of everyone you touches, Marcus," Oliver said. "Try and grab the part that lets you knows we can be the ones you turns to when you needs help. And maybe a bit of us that teaches you that none of us can does everything alone. We has to know when to asks for help."

Kris lumbered into the antechamber from the bedroom, scratching his balls. "I've been thinking about those changes, Badger. The way Marcus shifts when he touches us."

The Kodiak looked at Marcus. "Perhaps that's why you shift the way you do, Marcus. We spent a lot of time together as a family at the start of this. That included being with me... the only real Changeling in that group. In the beginning, your changing was minimal. But the more time you spent with us, the more you gained our characteristics. You grabbed Will's gift for knowing what pleasures another man craves. You grabbed mine for changing into whatever you needed to put them at ease."

"But I don't put people at ease, Kris," Marcus protested. "I do exactly the opposite. I freak them out."

"You don't freak us out, Marcus," Derrick disagreed. "You surprise most of us the first time. But if you could control it the way the Changelings do, Kris is right. It might comfort the people you meet if you can become the very thing they need to see. Think about when Kris first met us as Santa. He knew instinctively what we needed to see so that we weren't afraid of him. It wasn't a perfect match for Santa. It was even better. A Santa with a big dick dangling between his legs was going to keep us occupied long enough to find out who he really was. By then, we were good."

"So, you absorbed talents and physical abilities that made you better. You just haven't learned to control them yet," Kris said with a smile.

The two winged bears and their angel husband entered the dining area from their bedroom. Max waved to the group. "Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We can make him better than he was. Better, stronger, faster."

"Harder, firmer, deeper," JP said with a laugh.

Chet waved to the group. "Morning, men," he said. "This has been an interesting week, to say the least. I sure hope your pheromones balance themselves soon. I'm not sure how long the Were Nation can go without sleep.

Will looked up from the computer screen. "But I bet you're willing to test the limits, right, Chet?"

Chet smiled and gave the wolf a kiss. "Yeah, Old Wolf, I'm willing. But why not leave us in Montana with the rest of the family? Why bring us here, Oliver?"

"I has some questions to ask of your boys, Chet," the badger replied.

"Thought that was what it was going to be about," Max said.

Tiff and Tuff walked through the front of the cave and hugged their father bear and wolf. Will smiled at the two. "Nice to see you, Boys," he said. "Where are the husbands?"

"They're back at the ranch helping to straighten things out," Tuff said with a smile.

"It got a bit out of hand on Saturday and Sunday," Derrick said with a look of embarrassment.

"Well, Monday through Friday were more sedate only in the sense that we broke fewer things," Tiff said, hugging the black wolf and giving him a kiss. "But that's pretty much because we broke everything that wasn't nailed down on Saturday and Sunday. After that, it seemed to level out."

After the family had shared their hugs, Max sat on the couch and leaned forward. "I have a suggestion, Wolfy," the blue bear said. "We're about to talk about some seriously boring stuff, and I don't have the heart to ask my husband to stay here and listen to it. Do you think I could impose on you to take Chet out and visit with your kids and the temple dogs?"

JP looked at Max. "Really, Hon? You tell Wolfy that and you ask me to stay with you?"

"The sacrifices we make for the family, Hon. But here you stay until later in the day."

"You sure I don't need to be here?" Derrick asked.

"I'm sure, Wolfy," Max said. "We will catch you up on everything later tonight. You have a date with the three of us and your husband."

Kris looked up from his bowl of cold cereal. "Husbands, Max. I know you're fond of the wolves, but there are bears here that are fond of you."

Max nodded. "If you ever doubt how fond we are of the bears in our lives, Kris, you need only wait for night to fall."

"Good, then I will stay behind and listen to what Max and JP have to say. The pup will need to have someone bring him up to speed, and it might as well be me."

Will stood up and shut down the computer on the table. "Go, Husband, I will keep notes on the day, and you can help keep our sons and the temple dogs entertained in my absence."

Kris smiled. "Are you sure, Old Wolf?"

"I'm sure," Will replied. "Your pheromones are already kicking up with the thought of Derrick and Chet together. Tiff and Tuff are on call here until Kendal and Oliver are ready to head home. So, I won't ask them to stay here inside when they can be outside enjoying our new family members. Keeping you here will be a distraction to you and the temple dogs we don't need."

Marcus and Kendal watched what was transpiring and smiled. Marcus shook his head and chuckled. "Do you realize this family negotiates who's staying and who's going out to play the same as you do when acquiring some new business?"

Kris reached out and pulled Marcus into a hug. The two Kodiak bears sighed happily. "That is because this family is our only business. All the rest is so that we can stay together. Today is about keeping you in our family. Helping you be at peace with the choice you made to return. But we're not all needed to make that come about, and Chet has given much to have his husbands by his side. As a family, we decided these conversations are one sacrifice he needs no longer make."

Marcus laughed. "Okay." He turned to the angel and smiled. "Have fun out there for me."

Chet's face took on a look of concern. "I have no clue what you think is fun."

"Ask the temple dogs. They'll show you."

"Does it involve the trees?"

"Yeah, most of it."

"I have Pup with me today. We will avoid the trees. You can enjoy the dogs later tonight after Kendal has returned home. For the time being, what are your feelings about sex in the creek?"

"Oh, Kendal and I both love that."

The angel's wings flared out and the right wing wrapped around Derrick's shoulder. "Fine then. Pup and I will have fun on your behalf." He tugged at the black wolf with his wing. "Come on, Pup. It has been too long."

Derrick laughed. "We were together last night."

"That's what I said, Pup. It's been too long." The two turned and were out the door.

There was an uncomfortable quiet for a moment before JP broke the silence. "So, we're trying to figure out how to keep Marcus from changing every time he touches someone new, huh?"

Marcus looked at the blonde bear. "How did you know that? Oliver's call didn't tell you why we asked you here."

"We both have the Sight, and the old wolf schooled us in its use since we were babies. We are pretty much permanently linked to our family twenty-four-seven. If you're hurting, we're going to know it."

Marcus turned his head away from the two bears. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to be a bother."

"We understand, Marcus. You're no bother. Your happiness is as important to us as any other family member's."

"You all accept me so easily."

JP smiled. "You'll get used to it, Marcus. One day, it will feel totally natural to you." The blonde bear waved at Kendal. The Newfoundland wolf waved back. "It's nice to see you here, Kendal. It should help make things a bit more informative."

"Whatever I can do to help, JP," Kendal said. "I would like to find an answer to Marcus's dilemma as much as anyone in this room." He reached out and hugged the blonde bear.

Marcus took a step forward toward the blonde bear, following Kendal's lead. JP's paw rose. "As much as it pains me to say this, Marcus. Please don't touch me or my husbands."

"I'm sorry," Marcus said as he stepped back with a saddened expression.

"This is not the rejection you thought came from others. It is, in fact, exactly what happened when you first met the Were Nation out in the real world," Max explained. "We are obeying the laws the Nation has taught us. When you touch another, the basic configuration of your bones alters to meet the new animal. Have you noticed that before your body learns the configurations of each new contact, there is a certain amount of discomfort?"

Marcus nodded. "Yeah, with the bears, especially so. But the pain goes away quickly if I stay with them. And once learned, the shift is much easier."

"We are not only bears, Marcus," Max continued as his wings flared out. "We are beasts of the air. Those wings have no human counterpart. They are a mix torn from our human bodies and from the surrounding atoms. The change is painful every time any of the three of us shift. This is not learning simply how to be a beast. It is a sheer force of will to become something impossible. It is why you will rarely see us as human, and why our husband only infrequently becomes a hawk or Mutwajigwan.

"In time, when you have more control, if you wish to join us in the air. We will welcome you making the change. But until that day, changing back and forth between a winged beast and wolf within seconds will take too great a toll."

Marcus nodded his head. "I understand. If you promise that I can hug you one day, I will wait willingly."

Max laughed. "You know," he said, looking at the Kermode bear, "This all sounds very familiar. We had difficulty controlling our wings when we were young, Marcus. Chet used to say, 'Learn to control the wings and I'll lose control with you.'"

JP grinned. "We've had to struggle with these lessons in our lives before, Marcus. Learn to control your body, and we promise we will lose our inhibitions around you."

Marcus smiled as he nodded. "Yet another reason to find an answer to this jumbled mess I call me."

"Okay," JP said, "Let's play doctor."

"Oh, I knew there was a reason Oliver called you two to help," Will said with a low growl. "Where are you going to put that tongue depressor, Doctor?"

JP laughed. "Later, Old Wolf. But for now, can each of you touch Marcus? I hope this won't be too painful, Marcus. If it is, you let us know, and we'll stop."

Marcus nodded. "What you are hoping to accomplish?"

"We're trying to get a feel for the changing," JP answered. "Do us a favor. Before each touch, we want you to concentrate on staying in the body you have right now. After you change, and they let go of you, we want you to hold on to that body as long as you can. Make sense?"

Marcus nodded again. "Yeah, I can do that."

One by one, the men in the room touched Marcus. With each touch, the shift was almost instantaneous. His ability to control the change back was better. Some incarnations, like the polar bear, stayed for almost a minute before the Iberian wolf reappeared. It was only when Kendal touched Marcus that all saw a clear winner. Instantly, the Iberian wolf shifted to a Newfoundland wolf. When Kendal withdrew his paw from Marcus's shoulder, he did not change until ten minutes later when he heard Will laugh.

"Oh god, men, I'm sorry. The change was taking so long, I was thinking it would be funny to say 'Get a changing room.' I didn't mean to break your concentration, Marcus. I am sorry."

"That's okay, William. I was losing it anyway. And for the same reason. It was so long that felt guilty taking up too much of your time. At least we got a joke out of it."

"Fucking lame-ass wolf joke," Oliver said grumpily. "Best not make no noises when I touches him, Old Wolf."

"I promise, Oliver. I said I was sorry."

"Okay, ain't my place to chew you out anyhow. If it's okay with Marcus, it's fine by me."

"It's okay with me," Marcus replied. He squatted down and put out his hands. "Come on, Oliver, give me a hug." When Oliver hugged Marcus, the wolf sat holding on to the little badger for two minutes before he became a badger. When Oliver pulled back from his touch, Marcus's shift was instantaneous.

"You don't's like me?" Oliver asked, crestfallen by the outcome of his hug.

"No, no, Oliver, I love you. I don't know why that happened."

"I believe we do," Max said as he looked at his husband, who nodded.

"What is it?" Marcus asked.

"We think your body is responding exactly the way a true shapeshifter would if the body was trying to learn from the people it comes in contact with," Max replied. "The gift you have, Marcus, is the one that you had even before your turning."

"What gift is that?"

"For most of your working life, you become the orphans you tried to find a home for. You learned everything you could about the lives you were going to affect even before you reached out to help them. It is your nature to help others, to make their life easier. But you start that journey by finding out who they are and what they need. We think your body is trying to do the same thing."

Kendal looked at the wolf he loved. "That actually makes sense, Marcus. The more time you've spent with one of us, the longer you could maintain the link."

"But why would it work the opposite for Oliver?" Marcus asked. "I love him to pieces. Why wouldn't my body want to stay and learn?"

"Well, if you're agreeable to another test, you should know the answer in a couple of days," JP replied. "We have what we hope will be a pleasant challenge for you. We have time to sort this all out. So, for right now, we want you to spend tonight and tomorrow with Oliver."

Oliver grinned. "I likes this one already."

"We thought you would," Max said with a smile. "We want you two to head over to Partridge Island."

"But the family is here right now," Oliver protested. "You's all here and you's gonna be fuckin' come night time. We wants to be here with you."

Max laughed. "I know, Oliver, but that's why we're sending you to Partridge Island. We want to remove most of the temptations that might sidetrack you. So for tonight, you go straight to the gunnery apartments, and you spend the night there. You can go out to the forest to play if you want to, but no contact with the other wolves on the island, clear? And no visiting your husbands. I've already told them to leave you two alone." The wolf and the badger both nodded their understanding.

Kendal looked at the blue bear. "What about me? Am I returning to Partridge Island?"

"Would you mind staying another couple of nights here?"

"No, if you think it will help," Kendal said.

"We know already where his affections are, Kendal," JP said with a smile. "Keeping you here is for the best. But we also don't want either of you two distressed by what we're proposing."

"No, I'm good," Kendal said.

"Me too," Marcus agreed with a nod.

"I'se fine, too," Oliver said with a frown. "Not that nobody is asking."

"Sorry, Oliver," Max said apologetically. "We're not forgetting you, but we do need to acknowledge Marcus and Kendal's relationship before we move ahead." Oliver gave a nod and Max continued. "On the plus side, Oliver, your job is to have fun. Both of you. Marcus, do your best to stay a wolf while you're with Oliver. But if you change, when you separate for any length of time, I want you to stay a badger until you shift back involuntarily."

"It will be a lot of shifting back and forth more than likely, Marcus," JP added. "Don't feel bad about that. We want you both to have fun. If any of the rest of this starts taking over your thoughts too much, give it up and enjoy each other's bodies."

"I can does that," Oliver said happily.

"Well, great then," Max said as he tapped his ComLink. "Tiff and Tuff," he said. He paused. "Hi guys, can we impose on you to take Oliver and Marcus back to Partridge Island?" There was a pause while Max listened. He snickered a bit. "No, there certainly isn't any rush." The pause. "No, I don't see why the rest of us can't meet you down at the creek." The blue bear tapped his ComLink again and smiled. "All set," He said. "As soon as we take care of our family down by the creek, we'll get you two heading off to Partridge Island."

Oliver laughed. "Okay, boys. Let's go take care of your husband and our babies. Marcus and me has gots experimentin' to do."

Later, as the sun dipped over the city of Saint John, the Red Wolf touched down on Partridge Island. The boarding ramp lowered, and the two guinea pigs stepped out into the rain.

Chapter 40

Oliver looked at his mirror image and shook his head. "You knows that's weird, don'ts you?" he asked Marcus.

"Yes, I know."

"I wants the wolf to play with me, not some other badger."

"And I want that too, Oliver. I'm still not sure I agree with Max and JP about why this is happening. But, I'm doing better than earlier this evening. I didn't change this time until you climbed on top of me."

"You's gonna be fine, Marcus," Oliver said trying to be supportive. "Gives it time. I guess I don't mind fucking another badger now and then."

"Oh? Is that what you're going to do?"

"Unless you gots something else you wants to do. Me being fucked by a badger ain't such a bad idea neither."

"Can we do both?"

Oliver laughed. "Of course we cans," he said, leaning in to kiss the badger. The kiss lingered for a time as Oliver's paws roamed over the tiny body next to him. His eyes opened. Without ever letting go, Oliver spoke. "You know you's glowing, right, Marcus?"

Marcus pushed back. "Oh, not again, damn it." He stared at the glowing white fur.

"Does this happen a lot?"

"Sometimes when I am intimate with a beast with a unique power, this happens," Marcus said, waving his glowing arms.

"Does you gets our powers?"

"No, it's more like I learn how they work. I know how to use them, but I don't have them. I'm just some damn nightlight for a few hours," the exasperated twin badger fumed. "I mean, it's so bad that I hesitate touching Martin for fear of it happening. And I really, really want to touch him, if you know what I mean."

Oliver laughed. "Yeah, I knows. He's gots a body that sez 'do me', don't he?"

Marcus nodded his head. "And so do you, Oliver. I'm so sorry. I didn't want this to end like this."

Oliver tilted his head. "Why woulds this be ending?"

"Because I'm glowing."

"So? You's also turning into a badger. Most folk don't does that either. You's just a different sort. Don't mean we gots to stop. I mights have to close my eyes when I sucks your dick, 'cause you're kind of bright down there, but that ain't a deal breaker is it?"

Marcus looked at Oliver. "Really? You still want to be with me?"

Oliver smiled. "I loves you, Marcus. We's family. Of course I still wants to be with you." Oliver reached out and pulled Marcus back into an embrace. When Oliver lifted his legs and put them on his twin's shoulders, Marcus penetrated him. Oliver smiled, closing his eyes. "You feels good, Marcus," the badger said with a giggle. "I could gets used to having a badger with benefits in my life."

"You make this so easy, Oliver," Marcus said, flashing the yellowed teeth of the badger. For a short time, the two badgers intertwined, Marcus's thrusting growing more heated. Then his eyes closed tightly, the glow left him, and he cried out in pain.

Marcus pushed back away from the one below him, and Oliver rose quickly. "What's wrong, Marcus?"

Marcus staggered up as he grabbed his head and screamed. "Get that out of my head! I have no right to be there, you sons of bitches. He is my friend. Those are his and his alone to reveal."

Oliver stared at the badger, puzzled by the voices Marcus seemed to hear that weren't there. When Marcus fell to the ground clutching his head, Oliver grabbed him and pulled him close. "I don'ts know what's happening, Marcus. Does you need a doctor?"

Marcus looked up and tried to push Oliver away. "No, Oliver, don't touch me. The bastards have gone too far. If you hold me, I will only see more. I have no right. You've never said I could."

"Never said you coulds do what, Marcus? What's happenin'?"

"I see your life. Every moment of your life. Even the parts you have never told another."

"How? How can you sees that?"

"The voices are forcing it on me. I swear I would never..."

Oliver suddenly realized what was happening, and he grabbed the badger and hugged him tightly. "You stays with me, Marcus. I needs you to be here with me. You stays here with me."

"No, Oliver," Marcus pleaded. "I have no right."

"Ain't nuthin' you's gonna see that I would hides from you, Marcus," Oliver said. "You let it comes. We will sort it all out later."

"Forgive me, Oliver," Marcus said. "I would never..."

Oliver pulled the head of the other badger to his shoulder and patted it. "I knows, Marcus. I knows you would never. Now, let it be. You gots nuthin' you need asking forgiveness for. Excepting maybe pulling out before we both came. But you can fix that later."

Marcus laughed weakly. "How do you do that, Oliver? How do you make me laugh even now?"

Oliver leaned over and kissed the top of the badger's head. "Ain't never had another who had the Sight as bad as I got. I can'ts go letting you think you's alone."

"Is that what this is?" Marcus asked.

"I'se so sorry, Marcus," the little badger said. "I didn't have no idea you would catch it from me. I only wanted to make loves to you. Ain't had no idea so much of me would become you."

"It hurts, Oliver. It hurts like hell."

"That's 'cause it is hell, Marcus. You gots to stay with me until you finds the way out of it. It's there inside me, you gots to let it become a part of you. You's already seen the awful. Now stay with me long enough to see the rest."

"How?" Marcus said. "I can't invade your mind like that. It's wrong."

"Then you invades my body like you was doing and you don't stop until you's done. No pulling out this time, Marcus."

Marcus looked at the badger. "Are you serious? Sex at a time like this?"

Oliver reached down and grabbed the other badger's cock. "You's still hard as a rock, Marcus. Same as me. We don't go down until we's spent. Fuck me, Marcus. And don't lets go when you start to hear them voices and sees the images. Stay with me until we's one. You backs away now and you won't never be the same." Oliver leaned in and kissed the badger.

The badger twin began kissing back. When the two separated, the badger stared at Oliver. "You're sure about this?"

"We boths got the same Sight now, Marcus," Oliver said. "You know we gots to do this to make you whole again. Might as well be as fun as we can makes it."

"Yeah, I see that now," Marcus said, his smile widening. "But, you know, I think it's your turn to be on top." Marcus kissed Oliver and added, "you won't stop until we're both spent. You're like Will, Oliver. You're fearless in love. I need to be like you, but I'm not. I need you to take me where I can't go."

Oliver returned the kiss. "We both goes there together, Badger. We keep the connection you gots to have. And this time we don'ts stop until you's home."

"Home?"

"Next to your family. Next to the ones who loves you."

Marcus smiled. "I'm ready to go there, Oliver."

"Yeah, you is," Oliver said as he rolled Marcus over and pulled the little mammal's legs up onto his shoulders. He pushed forward. "And we goes there together, Badger."

Hours later, the two badgers walked out toward the field, watching the clouds float by the moon. Marcus sighed. "You're very good at that, Badger."

"You ain't half bad yourself, Badger," Oliver said with a laugh. The badger's face slipped from a smile to a frown as he said, "I'se sorry it had to be this way, Marcus. I wants every time you's with your family to be a happy thing. What we did was as good as it gets, but I still hads to give you whats I don't never want to give no one. I'se sorry it was you. I'se sorry it was me."

Marcus paused in his walking. "I'm glad it was you, Oliver. And I'm sorry it was you." He shook his head. "I'm not saying this right."

"You'se fine, Marcus," the badger comforted. "I understands exactly what you'se saying."

"How do you do it, Oliver?" Marcus said, reaching over and putting his paw on the badger's chest.

"I'se a lucky one, Marcus. I has family that led me to where I is today. And now, they is what pushes me forward. I ain't nothin' without them."

"But born and raised in a brothel by a madam, who thought of you as little more than slave labor; and then to watch her killed by your father..."

"And I watched them hang him. The town made sure I had a front-row seat. Humans is so fucked up. They thoughts an eight-year-old kid woulds want to watch his father hang for killing his mother," Oliver said without passion. "I ain't talking about them two. They birthed me, but they never was my family. My family is out there on the highland wondering if they should come get us 'cause Pup is sensing something in the Sight is changin'."

"And me?"

"The offer is there, Marcus. When you ain't a badger no more and you's all alone with your own thoughts and not someone else's, you decides."

"I don't need to wait, Oliver. I want a family. The whole thing you have. The good, the bad, I see it all, and I know what I want. I see you with your husbands, and I want that so badly."

"But you's like Donovan."

"Yeah, I can't see myself ever marrying with what I see coming now."

"Marry anyway."

"Really? Do you see what I see?"

"Most likely in bits and pieces, same as you sees. Marry anyway. Don't make the mistake Donovan made. He thoughts he could never love because he would die and it would hurt the ones he loved."

"He's right, you know."

"We all gots reasons to hurt, Marcus," Oliver said, looking up to the sky. "Missing a loved one is a hurt like no other, but it only comes because we loved deep enough to miss the one not there."

"And that love is worth the pain?"

"Yeah, Martin and Will taught me that. We cant's turn from love because of what we fear it will do to us or the ones we love. We gots to grab it and hold on to it."

Marcus grabbed the badger and rolled out onto the wet grass. "So, how about we start now with me holding you?"

Oliver smiled. "Sounds good to me. What was awful is now over, Marcus. We gots done what needed doing. It ain't gonna be easy for you going forward. But we gots this moment when the universe ain't pressing at your door. What say we gets our badger bodies all hot and bothered again and go at it until we's spent?"

Marcus smiled. "Well, I'm already hard, so that's pretty much the only option for me."

Oliver looked at the badger above him. "You's one seriously horny critter, ain't you?"

"I'm making up for lost time, Oliver," Marcus said with a grin. "And you're so damn cute."

Oliver laughed, looking up into the eyes that perfectly matched his. "Yeah, I guess I is. Come on and kiss me, Marcus," he said, pulling the badger to his mouth. "We only gots fourteen hours before the family will be coming to pick us up."

"That's okay," Marcus said with a smile. "Badgers can go at it for hours."

The sun was rising over the two badgers cuddling in the grass before they separated. Their bodies were matted with sweat as much as rain. Marcus kissed Oliver. "Thank you, Oliver. Thank you for this time together."

"I'se sorry I gave you the Sight."

"It was going to happen by whatever means necessary. I can see that now. It means a great deal to me that it was you. I've learned so much about how to deal with it from your history."

"Both good and bad, I suspect."

"That's true. But I'm grateful for both. Sometimes the way to avoid problems is to see what they look like in others' lives."

"Then when you sees them bad parts, I will try not to be upset. If it helps you, I will let you see them."

"You don't realize how much so, Oliver. Your whole family is a wonder."

"They's your family, too."

Marcus smiled and squeezed Oliver's hand more tightly. "I hope I'm as good at being family as you six... or eight. I guess it depends on which family I'm talking about."

Oliver laughed. "Yeah, we's confusing, that's for sure. But I thinks you's primarily concerned about my four husbands who married the old wolf."

"You're a part of both families, Oliver. But William is the one I find most confusing."

"You knows I sees it, don't you?"

"Yeah, I am sorry. But I'm your family, I promise I will be there when you need me."

"And we will be there to fight by your side."

Marcus turned and looked into the eyes of the badger. "You see that much?"

Oliver waved his hands. "Form feet and legs. Form arms and torso."

Marcus nodded. "And you form the head."

Oliver looked at the other badger. "No, Marcus. I can't do that. I figured the head was gonna be Kris or Eric. They's the smart ones."

"No, Eric and Kris form the feet and legs. They are your foundation. Will and Donovan form the arms and torso. They're the warriors who defend. You and Derrick. You two form the head."

"The pup and me?"

"Don't look so surprised. Who was it who helped you find peace with your human side after so many years? Who was it who held your hand when the world was on the brink of ending? No other husband loves you the way Derrick does. You even told him all those years ago that you were your husbands' protectors. You're the guards who defend and watch over the family."

Marcus looked up in thought. "I believe the exact words were ''Cause we don't enter into nothin' without thinking first.' You told the pup it was because it was his nature to watch and figure, and you because you were afraid of ever becoming the awful again. Remember Oliver? It was you who told him, 'you's the best of us, Pup. You's got the kindest heart. It ain't fair, but they's asking you to help me keep our husbands in line.'"

Oliver glared at the other badger. "I hates the Sight," Oliver said bitterly. "Don't likes hearing my words coming back at me from my own mouth."

"I'm sorry. That was insensitive of me," Marcus apologized. Marcus pulled his hand away from the badger. "I don't think this discussion will go any better as a wolf, but at least you won't think I'm making fun of you if I say something you've said in the past."

"I didn't think that in the first place, Marcus. You'se fine being a badger. I just hates that the Sight makes us see so much that we don'ts want to even know. I hates that we sees our past come back so many times. I hates that we sees so many futures and has to pick one we thinks will work."

"I wish it were different, Oliver. But there are so few out there that can do what your family does. And even if you don't want to think about it, you and Derrick will one day be the head of that body. The head holds the memories. It will be up to you to do that."

"Ain't gonna be no damn robot. Stupid-ass cartoon."

"It's only a metaphor."

"Fancy words, Marcus."

The badger's twin leaned in and kissed Oliver. "Sorry, Oliver. It's just a symbol. You will never be inside a robot, nor any of your family. But there are reasons our modern mythology is full of robots and beings that turn color to show their gifted powers. There are reasons the stories tell of humans bonding with extraterrestrials to gain their newfound powers. And there are reasons why, in the middle of a crisis, those stories tell of how the humans and aliens forge their powers together as one through a central leader. And you, my handsome badger, are married to seven of those reasons."

"You'se saying that them damn robots is Changelings and beasts?"

"They're the legend of the Changelings retold by beasts for a human audience. There have always been beasts that are so bonded to the human world that they continually try to unite us through the stories they tell. We have children's stories where the protectors of our world manifest their powers as colors. It's one attempt to make young minds comfortable with the idea that they might one day meet such a being. Those modern-day myths are teaching younger generations that we can work together to protect the innocent. There is a hope the lessons will teach them we can use our powers wisely, instead of squandering them on warring among ourselves. The truth of the Were Nation lies hidden inside those stories."

"Ain't workin' all that well."

"Baby steps, Oliver. They're trying to chip away at the blindness inherent in humans and fortified by your Kodiak bear husband."

"So we ain't gonna be inside no damn robot, or them stupid outfits them kids wear battling rubber monsters?"

"No," Marcus replied with a laugh. "But your family will grow closer together over the centuries. One day, you will act as one in a way that goes even beyond what you've already done. But it doesn't matter to me. You already amaze me."

"I don'ts see all that you sees, Marcus," Oliver said sadly. "Is there ever a day when we is gonna get to stand down? Is there ever a day when the universe tells us we's done enough?"

"I promise that day will come, Oliver."

"Is we gonna be dead when it happens?"

"You're going to be together. Life and death have such a narrow definition for us on this planet. There are so many ways of living that you and I don't even know of." Marcus looked at his badger body and smiled. "Oliver, I just realized something. We've been here the better part of a day, and I'm still a badger."

Oliver looked at his twin. "That's right. You ain't changed once. And we's been apart that whole time we was staring at the stars and talking. And you'se still a badger now."

The badger remained. "Oliver I'm not changing."

"Tries to, Marcus," Oliver encouraged. "Tries to become the wolf." Marcus closed his eyes and with a simple shake became Will's twin. The grin on Marcus's face spread wide. With another shake, he was the badger again. Oliver smiled at the badger. "You'se learned what you needed to learn from all that shifting, Marcus. You'se your own self now. You makes the choice of what you'se gonna be."

The badger in front of Oliver frowned. "What if what I'm going to be is more than I think I can become?"

"That's why you'se been fighting it all along, ain't it, Marcus? That's why your body has been turning you into everyone else. You wants to be anything or anyone but what you is becoming."

"It's only taken me thirty-seven years to figure that out, huh?"

"Seen worse. Took me hundreds of years before I figured it out," Oliver said with a grin.

"I'll miss the old me," Marcus said with a sigh. "His life was simpler."

"Yeah, it was," Oliver agreed. "But that damn universe out there is gonna push on us whether we wants it to or not."

"Oliver, is it the right thing to do? I know you didn't have a choice, but I do. If you could choose, would you say yes to that power resting on your shoulders?"

"I hates the power, Marcus," Oliver replied. "But I loves my family. The power I gots protects my family. It saved the humans. I can'ts be who I is for my family without accepting the very thing I hates."

"Then, yes?"

"Yes, Marcus. If I had the choice, I would say yes. I would still hates every minute it were inside me, but I would say yes."

"That's why I'm here with you instead of any other member of the family, isn't it, Oliver?" Marcus said as he shifted into his human form.

"That's why you is here. I'se the one you'se afraid of becoming most of all," Oliver said with a nod. "I'se the beast that fights the awful and don't never stand down. I'se the beast that will take whatever that damn universe says I gots to take to protect my family and I don't flinch. 'Cause it ain't easy for a badger to find family and when it does, it's got claws, and it holds on tight to that family."

"And me, Oliver? What am I?"

"You'se you, Marcus. You'se the most wonderful thing that was ever born, 'cause you can be whatever it is you needs to be."

"Even what I don't want to be?"

"Yeah, that's the peculiar part of it all, ain't it? We both is becoming what we never wanted to be because we wants to protects the only thing we ever wanted to be. You gots a family now, Marcus. It's what you always dreamed of having, but it don't come without a terrible high price for the likes of us."

Marcus frowned. "I guess that's what you meant when you said I wouldn't be able to control this body until I realized what it was trying to teach me."

"Sometimes it sucks to be us, Marcus," Oliver said with a halfhearted smile.

Marcus rocked uncomfortably, rubbing his human chest. "I won't get to keep this body, it appears."

"Yeah, some things we gots to lets go of to hold on to what we truly loves."

"The family is waking up," Marcus said, looking up into the morning sky. "It's not even daylight there, and they're already anxious about how this turned out. I don't think they're going to wait until this evening to come back here."

"Go sez your goodbyes, Marcus. He ain't never going to get to see you again."

"You have something that will fit me over at the Museum House?"

"Yeah, you can grab some of my stuff. I ain't much taller than you as a human. Stays away from my buckskins. They's not much, but they is full of memories."

"I don't want to do this, Oliver," Marcus said with pleading eyes, trying to find another way.

"And we does it nonetheless. 'Cause we gots no choice. We can'ts never turn our back on family. You knows that now. You knows how it tears you apart, Marcus. But we both knows what you gots to do. Just know that there's a badger that loves you and understands."

"Will that be enough to get me through?" Marcus said as he hugged the badger.

"Nah. That's why you gots the rest of your family. And one day you and that wolf you love will be together, and this will all make sense."

"William?"

"You know he ain't the one, Marcus. Only one wolf you didn't turn from being. You loves Will, but you is in love with the boy."

"Kendal?"

"Yep," Oliver replied. He pointed toward the bay. "But for now, you gots your goodbyes to say, and that Red Wolf is gonna fly back here as soon as they's had breakfast." With a gentle nudge, Oliver pushed Marcus toward the path leading back to the museum house.

Chapter 41

The old man looked up from his seat on a large piece of driftwood and tried to make out who was walking toward him. His eyes lit up when he realized who it was. "Marcus!" Matthew yelled with a wave. Marcus crossed the beach and the two men hugged. Matthew pushed the other human back and stared at him. "You didn't change."

"Seems we've found the reason for the changing," the corpulent Middle Eastern man replied. "I've come to say goodbye."

"You're leaving the island?" Matthew asked.

"For a time. I'm returning to the highland. This is the last time I'll be Marcus the human."

Matthew's face looked confused. "Like Li Wei? You going full-on beast?"

"Yeah, like Li Wei. Part of what I have to become to protect my family requires that I give up my ability to change for a time. I have obligations on the horizon, and being more than one beast will confuse everyone involved."

"That's got to be tough. There are so many options to choose from."

"I'm pretty sure it will be easier once I totally commit to the idea."

"Are you still struggling with whatever it is you're going to do?"

Marcus sighed. "You know me, Matthew. I have commitment issues."

"You've never had them taking care of the children at New Home. Maybe it's time you realized your family and those kids are the same. They need you. You need to step up and do what you think is right."

Marcus nodded. "The future I see has a lot more gray in it than working with the kids ever did."

"Well then, it's lucky that you have the family you do, isn't it?" Matthew said with a chuckle.

"Yeah, it is," Marcus said with a nod. "And that includes you, Matthew."

"Ah, that's kind of you to say, but I'm not family so much as a drunk you took home one day."

"You're mistaken, Matthew. Everyone, including you, thinks I brought you home. I see it the other way around. You and Jason brought me home. The two of you gave me something to pay attention to that was bigger than my fear. Jason made me realize what I had turned my back on was still waiting for me. You were what I needed in my life to turn it around. In doing what you did, you helped me back home."

Matthew smiled. "I guess we both helped each other out. Perhaps that does make us family."

"I hope you think so. It would mean a great deal to me."

Matthew looked out across the ocean. "You going anywhere in particular after the highland?"

"Off planet."

Matthew shrugged nonchalantly. "Big change indeed."

"You don't seem all that shocked."

Matthew grinned. "I live with two werewolves. I play chess with a big yellow dog. My therapist is a Chow. My best friend is a badger that has an extinct bear and a saber-toothed cat for husbands. And those are just the husbands on this island. I'm losing count of the others he has stashed away around this planet. I've got a bromance going on with a fox, and now, apparently, a family member is becoming an astronaut. Not that big a leap, Marcus."

"It is for me," Marcus whispered. He looked out at the ocean, watching the waves roll in. "It is for me."

Matthew extended his arms. "Come, give me a hug. You have quite a few trips ahead, it would seem." Marcus hugged Matthew and when the hug released, Matthew smiled. "How about a kiss goodbye?"

"Are Clifford and Kirk finally convincing you to give that alternative lifestyle a try?" Marcus asked with a laugh.

"I'm still straight," Matthew said with a smile. "And if Oliver hasn't been able to convince me to turn after all these years, I'm sure not doing it now when I'm one hundred and eight years old." His arms reached out and pulled Marcus in. "But I've learned sometimes you let your preconceived notions of what is proper go for the sake of telling someone you love them. And if I'm saying goodbye to you, I want you to know how much you mean in my life."

"And kissing says that?"

"You haven't seen how good I kiss," Matthew laughed. "I'm kidding," he quickly corrected. "You try to slip me the tongue and it's all over."

The two slipped into an embrace and kissed. When they separated, both were smiling. Matthew pointed out to the ocean in front of them. "I come here every morning. I know I don't have many more sunrises, Marcus. Thank you for helping me find home. Thank you for giving me a reason to look out on this world and smile."

"Thank you, Matthew," Marcus said as he put his hand on the other's shoulder. "I need to go."

"So, how about a peek? I promise I won't tell anyone else."

Marcus smiled. With a shake, he became the beast. With another shake, he stood in front of Matthew, a naked human surrounded by torn clothes.

"I forgot about the clothing ripping off part," Matthew said, staring at the chubby man Marcus became. "But it's a hell of a beast, Marcus. If I had to choose one, the man or the beast, I'd choose the beast. Go out there and do your family proud."

Marcus nodded. "I'll do my best."

"That's all we ever ask," Matthew said as he gave the pudgy, naked human a gentle push toward the houses that dotted the beach toward the north. "Come on, Handsome. I'll walk you back to my place. I'm sure there is something in my closet you can put on until your family returns."

"I'm good," Marcus said as he shifted into the Iberian wolf. He picked up the torn remnants of the clothing and laid them over his arm.

Matthew pulled up on Marcus's arm and grabbed his cane. The old man took a few faltering steps before he found his balance in the sand. "I should let you know it's going to be a long walk back home," he said with a grin. "I move like the Sixty-Billion Dollar Man; always in slow motion."

Marcus clung tightly to the other human's arm. "I love you, Matthew."

"And I love you, Marcus. Lucky us, huh?"

Marcus closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to block his visions. "Yeah, Matthew. Lucky us."

Chapter 41

Kendal kissed the Iberian wolf. "You know, I kind of miss all the changes," he said as he playfully toyed with Marcus's cock.

Marcus gave him a shove. "Don't say that. I've gone to all this trouble. The least you could do is pretend you like me being one wolf."

Kendal smiled. "I do, Hon. You know that. But I have a suggestion."

"What's that?"

"Become your own wolf."

"Not the one I am now?" Marcus asked.

Kendal rolled over on top of the Iberian wolf and kissed him. He ground his hips into the other's groin seductively. "You do what you need to do. You've known what that is for a very long time. We're finding our own path, you and I. I'm happy with where we're going."

Marcus sighed. "Here comes the but."

"But you need to go to him, Marcus. You need to figure out what you two are going to be to each other. You don't find that out by avoiding him."

"I'm not avoiding him. It's just that he spends so much time in Montana and I'm on the highland training with Donovan and the dogs. Your visits to the highland are only on the weekends, and I look forward to your visits."

"The dogs aren't prison wardens, Marcus. If you ask for time away, they will give it to you. Tell them you need to go to Montana."

"Why is it that everyone pushes me to figure out what it is between William and me?"

"Because you avoid conflict, and you see your feelings for Will as conflicted."

"Sometimes I hate that you're right about these sorts of things."

The Newfoundland wolf grinned as his grinding began again. "Get used to it, Wolf. I'm going to be a part of your life forever."

Marcus laughed. "Oh, you're so sure about that, are you?"

Kendal's face turned serious for a moment. "Yes, I'm absolutely sure." His smile returned, and he lifted one leg of the wolf below him up onto his chest and pushed Marcus onto his side. "And not only because I'm the best sex you've ever had."

Marcus smiled at the wolf above him. "You're right about that, too."

"Sex is always better when you're crazy in love, Marcus."

"Is that what we are?"

Kendal moved his body into position and pushed his hardened cock into Marcus. Marcus gave a contented sigh as the Newfoundland wolf pushed deeper into him. "That's what we are," Kendal replied. "One day, you're going to be my mate, but not until you figure out what's going on with you and Will."

"What if William wants to mate with me?"

"I'm game," Kendal replied. "I don't mind sharing you if you don't."

"There's nothing I can do to keep you from forcing me into this meeting with William, is there?"

"Nope."

"You'll lose out on this weekend."

"I'll cope."

"I really, really don't want to do this, Kendal."

"And that's why you really, really have to, Hon." Kendal slowly pulled back and then pushed forward. "You just take it one..." another pull back and thrust, "step..." and another, "at..." another, "a..." another, "time."

"I'll go. Please, don't stop."

Kendal smiled. "Oh, Wolf, I'm only getting started." He leaned into the wolf below him and began the pounding Marcus craved from the wolf he realized he was crazy in love with.

Chapter 42

As the Red Wolf approached the landing pad, Tiff turned around. "You all buckled up, Marcus?"

"Yep. This is getting to be a routine with me and the two of you."

"Well, we're glad to see you, no matter the reason. Are you going to stay long enough to play with the pack?"

"I'm not sure. I'm kind of here because of a promise I made to Kendal."

"Oh? Are you finally going to have that heart-to-heart with Will?"

Marcus snorted. "How is it everyone knows what I need to do but me?"

Tuff laughed. "That's the way it always is, Marcus. Everyone always thinks they know what we need to do better than we do."

Tiff nodded in agreement. "The trick is learning when to listen and when to ignore it all."

"I wish I had a knack for that."

"This family makes it pretty easy," Tuff responded. "We usually find it's best to listen. We learned that over the years."

As he felt the landing gears lock into place, Marcus sighed. "Yeah, I'm learning the same thing."

"Don't let this frighten you, Marcus," Tuff said as he dropped the Red Wolf down onto the landing pad. "Our father is a good man. You two will find a place where you both belong. Try to be open to the idea that it might be far different from what you thought it would be when you started all this."

Marcus unbuckled his harness. "I'm already so far beyond anything I imagined when I first said hello to William. I can't remember what it was I thought was going to happen."

"Did it involve finding love?"

Marcus chuckled. "Yeah, I guess it did."

"And did you find it?"

Marcus looked at the two pilots looking at him. "Yeah... yeah, I did. Every time I look into the face of anyone in this family. But there is still so much I need to sort out."

"Father can help. Ask him."

"You sure about that, you two?"

In tandem, the twins said, "He's our father. We trusted him with our lives and never regretted our decision. He will not let you down, Marcus."

Marcus smiled. "I love hearing the two of you talk like that."

Tuff laughed. "Well, that makes one of you." He flipped a switch and the passenger door opened. "Well, see you later tonight at dinner, right?"

"I hope so. Is casual dress okay?" Marcus said, trying to smile.

"What you wearing will be fine," Tiff replied. Marcus got up and walked to the door. He looked out onto the Montana prairie and watched as the herds of bison moved slowly toward the river far off below the plateau. He felt the arm of a red wolf wrap around him. "Who you are will also be fine, Marcus. Don't worry."

"I can't help it," Marcus said, stepping out into the sun. "It's who I am." He looked down at the bottom of the ramp and straight into the smiling face of the Iberian wolf. "Hello, William. It's good to see you."

"It's good to see you, Marcus. Kendal finally convinced you to visit?"

"You as well?" Marcus said as he walked down the ramp. "Do you two share some sort of link everybody knows about?"

"Actually, yes. We're both in love with you, Marcus. It means we care about what you're feeling. And we both sense you're not happy with where you're at."

Marcus shook his head. "It's not that I'm not happy. I'm just confused. I thought loving the two of you would be easy. You make it seem so easy to love multiple partners, William."

"It is for me, Marcus. That doesn't mean it will be for you. I believe you're going to find that you give your heart to one mate at a time."

"Monogamy? After what your family has done with me? You really think I'm going to be monogamous?"

"They're not my family, Marcus. They're our family. Don't forget that. And there are levels of monogamy. I know you're going to reach out and be with other beasts. That's the nature of beasts. But Kendal is something special to you. He's what you were dreaming of when you thought you would marry a quiet man with two pugs."

"But what about you, William? Where do you fit in?"

"I'm a guy who loves you enough to realize where your heart has landed. The important part for me is to help you realize it."

"I guess I'm already there," Marcus said as he looked out at the sprawling ranch house. "Is there somewhere where we can talk that's a bit more private?" he asked the old wolf.

"Sure," Will said as he took his twin's paw. "Let's go get a truck and head out to one of the range yurts. If it gets too late, we can even stay the night together until we sort this all out."

Soon, the two were on the far side of the sloping plateau overlooking the plains where the bison were drinking at the river. The sun was slowly setting behind the mountains in the distance. "It's beautiful, William," Marcus said.

"I love coming here," Will replied. "I can be myself. Quiet, noisy, calm, crazy; it doesn't matter. It accepts me the way I am, and it doesn't change. For hundreds of years, I have watched the seasons come and go here, and still, it stays."

"You realize one day it will all erode away, right?" Marcus asked.

"Yeah, I do," Will replied. "But that's the beauty of it. It's always changing, but it's so gentle that it gives me time to adjust. Few things in our lives do that, Marcus."

"I'm afraid of the changes coming."

"I get that. But you will meet those challenges and you will make it through them."

"Are you so sure?"

The old wolf nodded. "I'm sure. Otherwise, all the challenges that come after those will squash you like a bug."

Marcus snorted a laugh. "God, you are so encouraging."

"I never lie, Marcus. Sometimes it helps to hear the truth. But what I said didn't mention that your family will be beside you when those challenges come. You won't be alone. That's why I believe you'll be fine."

"Eventually?" Marcus asked.

"Eventually," Will replied. "I can't promise it's always going to leave you or any of us that happy in the interim."

Marcus pushed against the dry dirt at his feet. "I've always tried to find a solution that leaves everyone happy for so long. It's difficult admitting to myself it might not always work out that way in the future."

"Welcome to the real world, Marcus."

"I'm in love with two werewolves. Two Santas fucked me in more ways than I ever fantasized about, and I fantasized about that a lot as a kid. I finally stopped changing into a different animal every time I touch someone by having an all-night sex marathon with a badger. William, my world is anything but the real world."

Will laughed. "Yeah, that is true. Our real world is pretty unreal, but those are only details. What's important is what's behind all those details. You love Kendal. He's crazy in love with you..."

"Those were the exact words he used," Marcus interrupted.

"Boy knows what he knows," Will said. "I love you, Marcus. I always will. But I'm realistic enough to realize you need to finish what we're starting here."

"Are we saying goodbye, William?"

"No, Marcus. You and I aren't saying goodbye. Changes are coming. You're learning who it is you really are. And when that moment comes, you're going to need your family around you. I will never leave your side. When you told us you were our family, you accepted a bond that we will not break. One day you'll find yourself, and when you do, you need to realize you won't be alone. You'll never be alone."

"You see it?"

"I see something. Don't know what the hell it is, but I see it."

"Oliver gave me his Sight. I see a lot."

"Oh god, Marcus, I'm sorry. What I have isn't even a fraction of what that badger has."

"I'm aware of that. I have your Sight, too, William, remember?"

The old wolf shook his head. "Fuck, Marcus. I don't know what to say. Telling you I'm sorry doesn't seem adequate."

"My changing hasn't stopped, William. I'm still becoming everyone I touch. I can control my outward appearance because I'm accepting the changes. But they're still taking place anytime I touch another person. Do you remember how your family has always said the Sight was like a puzzle? Each of you had a part of it so that when you were together, it started making sense?"

"Yeah, I remember."

"I see more of that picture than any of you. It's the reason I've never played with Martin. I look at him when he walks by and I think, 'Oh, Cat, if it weren't for what's inside you, I would so love to play with what's on the outside.'" Marcus sighed. "And Chipo and Anders... damn, William. The whole yellow clan is like a walking wet dream."

Will laughed. "Why, you horny little devil, Marcus. I'm shocked."

"That I'm the same as the rest of my family?"

"Yeah," Will said as he reached out and hugged his twin. "Don't be afraid of them, Marcus. Of all the clans, they gifted the yellow clan with the ability to discern the truth and make wise choices. The Unity may have compartmentalized their powers, but understanding the yellow clan is the most important thing you will do. They are the key to using all the other powers wisely."

Marcus nodded his understanding. "I would like it to be Martin if he will let me be with him. The Sight keeps pushing me to be with the one who created a compass for life from what drives others insane."

"Then when you go back to the island, take Kendal over and spend some time with Martin and Nathaniel. He's a good man, Marcus. I can't help but think there are things Martin's Sight can teach you. His Sight is unique to him, and, if I'm right, you're beyond a place where you can fight the change. You're in a place where you need to embrace it or you'll actually make your life more complicated than it already is."

"I agree with you. Trying to accept what is happening isn't easy. I'm trying to understand it, but is it unreasonable to say it scares the hell out of me?"

"Nope, that seems a reasonable appraisal of the situation."

"Why me, William?"

"Because you're the only one who can make that leap."

"Even if I don't want to?"

"I'm afraid so," the old wolf said. "Oliver is right, Marcus. We do whatever we need to do to protect our family."

"He calls it the needful."

"So do the temple dogs. They do what is needful. And now that you've said you are our family, the universe is coming at you the same way it does for the rest of us." Will sat down on the dry earth and patted the spot next to him. "Do you have all the powers, Marcus?"

Marcus sat next to the old wolf. "No, I'm the same old Marcus you've always known. I'm not sure why, but I've yet to absorb any actual powers other than the Sight. I guess you could say I possess book smarts. My body taught me everything about the men who have the powers without ever transferring them to me. I'm still the same old Marcus sitting in his apartment learning everything from a screen without ever actually putting it into use.

"I have a great understanding of most of the powers. I understand the channeling of them as well as Oliver, but what Donovan knows..." Marcus paused a moment in thought, "... that still hasn't happened. Perhaps it's because I've only been with him as a dog or a bear. He's never actually been with me as his own avatar. But that day is coming. One day I won't only be learning about the powers. I'm going to need to learn how to fuse them together into one."

"Beyond what Donovan does?"

Marcus nodded. "Way... way beyond what Donovan does."

"You realize I will tire of saying I'm sorry," Will said with a sigh.

"It's who I'm becoming, William. Don't tell me you're sorry. Tell me you'll be there for whatever comes."

"That's a given, Marcus."

"Then that's good enough for me. I will be there for you, too, William."

"I'm glad to hear that. Although it would be nice if you never had to use any of those powers."

"I don't think that's in the cards, William. I'm struggling with what is left for me to do. Two powers of the Unity remain a mystery to me. The yellow clan; because I have never been with one of them. And the red clan; the warrior class; I never learned a thing about the power of the man who brought me into this world."

"Because I don't want you to learn about it."

"You can block what no one else can?"

"Yeah, I can. Oliver hasn't got a thing on me when it comes to burying things deep and keeping them hidden. I will do whatever it is I need to protect my family, Marcus. You're my family. I don't want you to understand what is inside of me. That understanding will force you to use it one day."

"I must learn about the power, William. Your family helped me look at who I am and what I'm becoming. I may not like what I see, and I'm still scared by the thought, but if you really are asking me to step up and become this..."

"Perhaps I'm like you, Marcus. I hope if I turn away from it long enough, you won't need to become anything but the wolf I love. Maybe it will be enough for you simply to settle down and love a lighthouse keeper." The old wolf paused. "Well, you could also have a few family members visit you now and then with the sole intent of banging each other's brains out." Will stared out at the plains. "I want for you the life my family has never had."

"We both know that won't happen."

"So, we've all been so good about telling you what you need to do..." the wolf said, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. "Tell me what I have to do."

"Bed me, William. Lay with me right here in the dirt and take me. And when this body of mine asks, let it learn what it must from you."

"I don't want to do that, Marcus."

"But you will because you have the Sight. And it tells you what you have to do to protect your family."

"I hate the fucking Sight," the old wolf growled angrily.

"But I love the wolf with the Sight," Marcus replied.

"And I love the wolf with the Sight, too," Will said.

"It will come to me one way or another, William. Please let it be at the hand of someone I love."

Will sighed and rose. He extended his hand to the Iberian wolf below him. "Let's go to the yurt. If you're going to ask this much of me, at least let's be comfortable."

"What about our family?" Marcus asked. "They're expecting us for dinner."

"They know we won't be there tonight. They always know when my heart is breaking."

"I'm sorry, William."

"Self-inflicted wounds, Marcus. I realized this day was coming from the first day I kissed you."

"And you still let it happen?"

"And still I let it happen."

"Why, William? Why?"

"Because I kissed you. And loving you was worth whatever it cost."

Marcus hugged the old wolf tightly. "I love you, William Gentry. Now and forever."

"Now and forever," Will repeated. The two turned back toward the yurt and began their walk.

An hour later, inside the ranch house, the five husbands sat around the kitchen table trying to convince the others they were eating dinner. "It's begun," Derrick said, wiping back his tears.

"Ain't no turning back, now," Oliver said sadly. "Ain't right for a wolf to give what he hates to another... not by laying in a bed and loving on him. It ain't right."

"Was it any easier for you?" Eric asked.

"No, Old Bear. It weren't no easier. That's why I know it ain't right."

Half a continent away, Martin jolted from his bed. "No!" he cried out, tears streaming down his face.

Nathaniel rolled over. "What's wrong, Babe?"

All Martin could do was shake his head. "It's not right," he finally whispered. "It's not right."

Chapter 43

Marcus sat by the side of the bed, staring at the red glow slowly fading from his body. "Don't worry, William. It's a vestigial memory. The power isn't there. It's only a sort of ghost image fading away."

"I'm sorry, Marcus," Will said.

"I am too, William," Marcus replied. "I have never wanted us to be together when you weren't happy to be with me."

"I am still happy to be with you, Marcus. I will always be happy to be with you."

"But it's not been easy for you. I can understand how you're not pleased with what has happened."

"I'm not happy with the outcomes," Will agreed. "But I still love the man I'm sharing this bed with."

Marcus turned around and smiled at the old wolf. "Take me, William. Let's not think about these last few hours. Can we start all over and this time be the lovers we dreamed of being?"

Will smiled. "Yeah... yeah, we can do that," he answered. "In fact, I would really like that." Will leaned in and kissed the wolf, letting his paw run up along the other wolf's thigh. The Sight pushed forward in his mind and Will saw the bright, exploding light. He pushed back involuntarily.

Marcus smiled. "You're stronger than that, William," he said. "Tell the Sight to go fuck itself the way Oliver does. You have it in you to stay here in the moment with me. I sensed you blocked it when it tried to dig through your memories. You have more control of the Sight than any man I know."

Will smiled back. "I'm sorry. Had a bit of a slip there. I get easily distracted by you, Marcus. The temple dogs tried to teach me to stay in the moment the same as they did for you. But I got too distracted by them as well. I might regret never learning the lessons they try to teach me, were it not for the fact that it feels so good where we go instead."

"Then go to that place, William. That works for me," Marcus said as he leaned in for another kiss. "So, I'm thinking two bottoms like us are complicating matters."

"Well, you are me. It's tough to have a workaround for that, and I'm sure as hell not grabbing a double-headed dildo and trying to call that good."

"I have an idea," Marcus said. "I was saving this as a surprise for the whole family, but I'm thinking the two of us could use a bit of help tonight."

"No dildos, right?"

"No dildos," Marcus laughed. Marcus gave himself a vigorous shake and a new wolf appeared.

Will smiled at the change. "You're still a gray wolf. Bit of a jumble, it would seem, but it looks nice on you."

Marcus looked down and rubbed his hands over his chest. "Well, I realize Oliver doesn't like squids, so this was my fallback choice." Marcus gave Will a gentle smile. "The men I love are both gray wolves, William. What would I be if not a gray wolf? "

"I still think it looks nice," Will said as he reached out and hugged Marcus. His paws moved along the back as he stroked the newborn wolf. "You opted for wings, I see."

"Yeah, JP told me you like them, and, well, I like their family. I figure it won't hurt to have one more winged beast in the family. At least for a time. I'm pretty sure changes are coming in the future that will alter all of this."

"Well, for now, they'll appreciate it. And it will be nice to have a wolf represented in the winged ones." Will rubbed the ridges. "Well, let's see them," Will said, pushing back.

The dusty brown wings unfurled, full of the same patterns as Marcus's fur. "I kind of went with a different fur pattern. Overall, it's like Donovan's Armbruster's wolf, with lots of spots along the side and hind legs. There's russet on the legs to remind me of Kris and a smattering of red along the rib cage to honor Tiff and Tuff. My tail has a white tip to remind me of Jason. The belly and under my neck are white to remind me of Eric. The two black stripes on top of my head and down my back remind me of Oliver." Marcus tousled the hair on the top of his head. "I realize it's not even vaguely historical, but I think it's kind of fun. Now Oliver can be a skunk bear and have a skunk dog that loves him."

Marcus's arms moved about the body, trying to make sure he pointed out all the differences between his fur and Will's. "OH... and lots of gold. Gold everywhere. I can't forget my senseis."

"I love the blue eyes."

"I love the black wolf who taught me to see this world from a kinder perspective."

"And what part of you is Kendal?" Will asked.

Marcus smiled and tapped his chest. "That's in here, William. Kendal is right here in my heart."

Will nodded. "That's good to hear. That's where he belongs." Will took a deep breath. "You're beautiful, Marcus. Your family will be honored by your choices."

"And I'm pretty sure I'm a top. It's all about being what my family needs."

"Even better. What say we give your new fursuit a trial run and find out how well you top an old wolf?"

"I think that would be a great idea."

Marcus leaned in and once more kissed the Iberian wolf. "You feel nice," Will said between kisses. "It's like meeting you all over again."

"Do we need to worry about your husbands?"

"Nope. They're already snuggled up in the master bedroom."

"And your broken heart?"

"It's healing, Marcus. It always heals."

"Then we're not encumbered for the next few days?"

"I'm calling Kendal in the morning," Will replied.

"Why?"

"So the three of us can set our relationships straight. You two both need to understand I stand by the choices you're making. I am thrilled to see that look in your eyes when I mention his name. I don't want you two ever to hold back."

"Kendal told me that the first time we met."

"Kendal is an amazing werewolf, Marcus. You two find your path and revel in it together. Don't let your feelings for me get in the way."

"How do I do that? Do you have any idea how confused I am by my feelings for you?"

Will nodded and smiled. "Yeah, I do. But as you said, stay in the moment where you love me, and don't worry about trying to put a label on it. Let it be enough that we have something amazing." Will grabbed the winged wolf and rolled over onto his back. As he rolled, he placed his legs on the other wolf's shoulders. "Take me, Marcus. This is who we are. We're two who will find a way through this by letting what comes come. If we don't fight it, if we simply love our way through it, one day we'll be exactly the lovers we were always meant to be."

"Lovers... we're lovers?"

"Haven't we always been?"

Marcus smiled as he pushed himself forward, his swollen cock searching for the willing hole he knew he would find. "And it doesn't bother you that Kendal might become my mate one day?"

"Not a bit. I'm easy."

Marcus pushed deep inside the Iberian wolf. "Oh, I'm aware of that. It's one of the reasons I love you." The two found their rhythm quickly and soon lost themselves in the moment they wanted so desperately to capture.

In the ranch's master bedroom, the husbands rearranged themselves as Oliver began wiggling free from the black wolf's arms. "They's finding their place," he said happily. "They's gonna stay together. Ain't like biting their necks staying together, but it's gonna be closer than most."

Derrick reached out. "That's good to hear, Badger. Come back to bed."

"What's I gonna do with my boner? Marcus is sexing the old wolf, and if I don'ts do something, I'se gonna be seeing them all night. Ain't no way I'm sleeping through that."

Kris rolled over the top of the black wolf and grabbed Oliver. "Come on, Badger. Let's see what our two boners can do together."

Oliver smiled. "I loves you, Husband."

The polar bear rolled on his back. His thick, black cock slapped up against his belly. "And the two of you can watch me take Pup. Oliver told me if I don't take care of this thing, it can cause all manner of complications."

"I seen it on the Internets."

"Well, then it has to be true," the white bear said with a laugh. He took the black wolf in his arms and pressed him close. The jaws of the polar bear opened and bit into the shoulder of the black wolf. The sigh of the wolf told the bear what he needed to know. With one smooth motion, he rolled the wolf onto his stomach and penetrated him.

Oliver stared at the two as the white bear on top began his thrusting. "Damn, they is such a fine couple."

"Bottom or top, Badger?" the Kodiak asked. "We can't be watching those two without giving them something to look at in return."

Oliver shifted, becoming the werebadger. "I'se thinking feeling you inside me would do me right fine for driving out what the old wolf is doing inside my head."

Kris rolled over on his back, grabbed Oliver, and rested the werebadger on his ample belly. "Take it at your own pace then, Badger."

Oliver pushed up and grabbed the Kodiak's hard-on in his hand, guiding it inside himself until his body rested again on the bear's belly. "This is a fine place to be, Bear. What's been such a sad night is finally happy again."

The polar bear looked over at the badger that was wiggling himself into a position that took full advantage of the brown bear's girth. "It's the way of our family, Oliver," Eric said. "We work through the bad so that we can find the good."

"It's taken me years to realize it, but it's what makes us family," Donovan said. He slipped off the bed and knelt, waving his cock seductively in front of the black wolf. Derrick needed no more encouragement than that to take the shaft into his mouth.

Oliver smiled as he watched the threesome find a rhythm that allowed both Changelings to thrust their bodies into the happy pup below them. "We's the most fucked up family in the world," the badger said, laughing, "but we is something special."

"Universe," the black wolf mumbled correctively. "We're the most fucked up family in the universe."

Oliver laughed as he bounced up and down on the shaft inside him. "You'se right, Pup. We's the most fucked up family in the universe."

The Sight pushed itself forward into the badger's mind, and the universe began unfolding. Oliver shut his eyes tightly. "Not tonight, you don'ts," he said as he pushed back. "We's here, and we's staying here, and you ain't invited."

The Kodiak's heavy paws reach out to steady the badger. "Tell the Sight to go fuck itself, Oliver; because tonight I'm fucking you, and I'm not sharing."

Oliver smiled. "I done that already, Bear. You gots me all to yourself tonight."

"I would like to take issue with that statement," the white bear interjected. "I intend to have you before this night ends, Oliver."

"Nope, Old Bear," Oliver replied. "You ain't having me until morning. I'se using this bear to pleasure my butt tonight. We ain't gonna finish that 'till long past daybreak."

The polar bear gave a casual nod of acceptance. "Fair enough. Tomorrow morning it is."

"Which is only a few more hours away, Papa Bear," the black wolf said, enjoying the thrusts deep inside him. "So, I suggest you keep up your pace, or by morning, I won't be ready to let you go." The family laughed, and the conversation ebbed as the physicality of their unions grew.

Out on the edge of the plateau, the two wolves curled up together inside their yurt. Both were happy to have found a place for each other that allowed them to stay together and grow toward where they hoped one day they would be. The winged wolf began glowing, first red, then blue, then green. When the white flowed over him, the light faded back into the wolf. Marcus sighed. "It's pushing me to learn the last lesson of the Changeling powers."

"You're going to have to spend some time with Martin," Will said sadly.

"I know. He knows," Marcus responded. "But tonight, I discovered a way to make it less painful for both of us. I'm learning how to stay in the moment that has the good." The wolf behind him pulled him in tighter and smiled.

"Get some, rest, Marcus," the old wolf encouraged. "You have a long day with Martin tomorrow."

The winged wolf sighed. "I've never heard of this word 'tomorrow'. What does it mean, and how could it possibly affect the way we feel right now if it's not here?"

"Thanks for the reminder, Lover," Will said as he kissed the neck of the wolf. "I'm back. I'm here. All we have is now."

Marcus rolled over and kissed the old wolf. "And right now, I have a craving to be big spoon," he said as he rolled Will over on his other side.

The old wolf gave a joyful bark when Marcus penetrated him. The large wing of the wolf unfurled and wrapped around Will. "Are you going to stay in there all night?" Will asked.

"I think it's time I returned the favor for you doing it all those years ago, don't you?"

"Oh, yeah... I'm good with that idea," Will responded. In the night's quiet, both adjusted to the simple pleasures of being together. Will cocked his head back. "Am I going to wake up with wings?"

Marcus shook the old wolf. "No... you're not going to wake up with wings."

"Damn," the old wolf mumbled and closed his eyes. "I was hoping you were going to say yes."

Chapter 44

Two days later, the midday sun shone through the museum apartment windows. The father bears and two of their wolf husbands stumbled through the side door and into the kitchen. Will looked up from the grill and smiled at the disheveled group. "Somehow, I knew you four would look like that by the time you got here," he said with a grin.

"It was another long night," the polar bear said drowsily. "And as nicely fitted for big beasts as some of the gunnery apartments are, they're still not home in our bed."

Will nodded in agreement. "Pardon me for choosing separate sleeping arrangements last night."

"How is Kendal?"

"He's fine. We muddled through the night, doing our best to distract each other. He'll be here as soon as he's seen to his chores."

"Well, the night is over, and our family seems to be intact," the polar bear said. "We have come in search of breakfast." He looked over at the kitchen island where three beasts sat on stools. "Good morning, Marcus, Sons. I hope you slept well."

Marcus smiled. "Thanks, Eric. I've had better nights, but I had my family to get me through it. Martin is amazing. I have learned so much."

"I agree that he's amazing," the polar bear said as he leaned in and kissed the saber-toothed cat and then the short-faced bear.

"I'm making breakfast for the family," Will said to the white bear. "I want to get you all fed before we wander out into the world."

"None for me. Thank you, Old Wolf," Donovan said.

Will looked at the Armbruster's wolf. "Oh? I've never seen you without an appetite."

"I lose my appetite under stressful conditions. We're returning to the highland tomorrow."

"We are?"

"Marcus, Eric, and I are returning," the wolf replied. "The rest of you are staying here."

"We don't get a voice in this matter?" Will asked casually as he flipped a stack of pancakes onto a platter and placed them in the oven.

"No," the ancient wolf replied. "I am reluctant to let anyone but Marcus and me to visit there. We moved the dragons off the highland yesterday, but the temple dogs insist on staying. For their safety, I am allowing Eric to go with us."

"Are we talking healing or shields here, Husband?" the old wolf asked, looking at the old bear.

"Maybe both," Eric answered. "Donovan is worried about the fallout from the change."

Will poured out another batch of pancakes. "Does anyone actually see anything but that exploding light to add a bit of clarity to what's coming?"

The family all shook their heads no. Marcus gave a long sigh. "It's like you told me, William. I'm going to do what I need to do to protect my family."

The old wolf turned and looked at the winged wolf. "Then I assume you see more?"

"I might have more information to work with, but more information doesn't necessarily lead to greater clarity."

"Fair enough," Will said as he flipped the new row of pancakes. "Tell me you'll be okay, and I will stay here."

"I will be okay, William," Marcus replied. "This is what you all encouraged me to work toward. You need to let me see it through."

"He's not trying to keep you from your destiny, Marcus," the white bear said. "He's worried that it might hurt the man he loves." Eric leaned in and kissed the winged wolf. Standing upright, the polar bear put his paw on the wolf's shoulder. "And I worry that two wolves are contemplating an action that might get them both hurt. We will let you see this through. But understand, you will need to let us worry about the outcome of something that blinds everyone with the Sight just to look at it."

Marcus nodded. "You have a point. Everyone, please feel free to worry," he said with an awkward chuckle. "I am."

"As am I," Donovan agreed. "But Marcus is right. The path for him may be unclear at the moment, but it is unfolding quickly, and the Sight is telling half the men in this room that whatever happens, happens on the highland."

Will began cracking eggs four at a time over the grill. "I'm still concerned about this. We men with the Sight are clueless about what's going to happen except that it's explosive. That's not exactly a comforting way to watch you leave this island."

Donovan looked toward the white bear. "You understand what's happening tomorrow. You may not see what those with the Sight see, but you know by the description what is going to happen."

Derrick looked over at Eric. "Is that true, Papa Bear?"

"Donovan's becoming a Channeler was... explosive. You remember the story, don't you? From everything you say, it sounds identical to the day he gained his powers."

"Weren't that way with me," Oliver said.

"You, Oliver, are unique in nearly every way," Donovan replied. "I used to think that you acquired it slowly from me starting the day I gave you the Sight. Perhaps it didn't drop on your shoulders in one lump the way it dropped onto me. But then I watched you and the boys on the Day of Transformation, and I realized that you three were something so far beyond what I ever was. Max time travels and holds souls inside him. That goes far beyond anything I can do. And JP... he's more than a Channeler, but he's told no one the extent of his powers. He might not even be aware of their limits himself. He's like you, Oliver... you never stand down, and you pull strength from places inside you I never believed existed."

"You saying me and the boys gots our powers, but without explodin' 'cause we're different?"

"That's what I believe, but you three are anyone's guess, though," Donovan said with a shake of his head in disbelief. "There are members of this family who are conduits of powers that go far beyond the gifts of the Changelings. I believe Marcus is another of our family, similar to you three."

The heads of the family all turned toward Marcus, who looked away shyly. "There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our philosophy," he said. "Donovan is right. What you so loosely call the universe is asking me to step up and accept something that everyone but me will call a gift. And even though I don't understand why; I will do it. I will do it because my family has taught me to never stand down; to never yield when protecting my family. And everything I learned since the day I was born is that my family extends so far beyond this room, or even this planet."

"So, the explosion we all see?" Derrick asked.

"I'm pretty sure it's not metaphorical," Marcus responded.

"And my husbands and the temple dogs?" Will said as he looked at Marcus.

"They are my family. I won't let anything or anyone hurt them."

Will shrugged. "Fair enough. Who wants sausage with their pancakes and eggs?"

Marcus shook his head and laughed. "I am constantly amazed by this family's ability to shift gears."

"You told me you'll watch over my family. That's all I needed to hear," Will replied. "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you're going to be exploding tomorrow, there's a lot of business to attend to today. It's important to have a balanced breakfast to help you take care of that business."

Marcus smiled. "Then I guess I will have your sausage," he replied as his grin grew more mischievous.

There was a quiet knock on the side door. Will looked toward the door. "That will be Kendal," the old wolf said, turning to Marcus. "I suspect the three of us will need to have a conversation before we eat breakfast." Will reached into the oven and pulled out the trays of food and placed them on chafing dishes. "Gentlemen, help yourselves. Marcus, come along with me. The three of us are about to take a walk."

Marcus nodded. "Yeah, we are," he said as he opened the door and kissed the soaking-wet Newfoundland wolf on the other side.

"Good morning," Kendal said with a smile.

"It's morning," Will said as he kissed the wolf, trying to get through the door. "Come on, Kendal, we need to go walking."

Kendal looked at both Will and Marcus. "Is this walking that kind of walking I do when I go walking late at night kind of walking?"

"Yep," Will said. He turned back to the group watching him. "Later, husbands. Later, sons. We'll be back soon, so keep some of that food on the warmer." With a gentle tug on Kendal's arm, the Iberian wolf was out the door, followed by the winged wolf.

"I probably should go with them," Oliver said as he watched the door close.

"You see something they don't?" Eric asked as he put some pancakes on a plate.

"I'se pretty sure I does."

"You're still going to stay here, Badger," Kris said as he put scrambled eggs on his plate. "This is between them. They have all that they need to make this work. They have each other."

"I knows," Oliver said. "Sometimes I hates standing on the sidelines wantin' to help when I can'ts." He picked up a plate and pushed it up toward the Kodiak. "Can I gets a sausage from you?"

Kris smiled. "Really? I'm supposed to let that go without rubbing my crotch and asking what kind of sausage you want?"

"Suppose so, iffn' you don't wants to have the whole family watching you gets your pecker sucked by a badger."

The brown bear stood in front of the tray of sausages, thinking for a moment, and looked at the rest of the family. The Armbruster's wolf slowly shook his head no. Reluctantly, the bear dug the tongs into the tray and put some sausages onto the badger's plate.

Outside, the three walked quietly in the rain. A few humans walked along the paths with umbrellas in their hands, but the island remained mostly empty of visitors. As they walked by the memorials, Will slowed by the large stone carved with the names of the fallen at Osogovo. He lifted his paw to his lips and kissed the paw. He placed his paw on the stone and turned to the two wet wolves. "So, are you two mated yet?"

Marcus frowned. "You would be aware of that, William. The Sight would have told you."

The old wolf shrugged. "I like surprises. Sometimes I just shut it off."

Marcus shook his head. "It doesn't work that way. Don't push us, William. You and Oliver are two of a kind."

"I don't know, Marcus," Kendal interjected. "I kind of like him pushing us."

Will chuckled. "Okay, so I'm a nudge. We three need to settle this. You two take all the time you need. You find the path that's right for the two of you. But I need you to understand that whatever you choose, whatever happens, it happens with my support. And it has to happen independently of me. Marcus, you can't use your feelings for me as a reason to not commit to what you feel for Kendal."

"It's more complicated than that, William."

"No, Marcus," Will corrected. "You make it more complicated than that."

The three started the walk again past the graves dotting the landscape. Will waved his hand toward them. "So many souls resting here, so many dreams cut short. We forget sometimes that this life of ours is short, even if we live thousands of years. Take it from a man who knows. You don't wait. You don't let the one you love run away from you in the night without going after him. You don't let him turn into a glowing green stone without telling him you are his, no matter what happens in the dark time. Neither of you can lie beside the one you love, thinking you can be content as a friend with benefits. Not when every atom of you yearns to feel his teeth on your neck. You don't wait. You dive in and hold on to every precious minute because one day you may turn around and realize it's all gone."

Will turned away from the two. The quiet lingered as his paw reached up and wiped across his eyes. Kendal took a step forward and wrapped his arms around the old wolf. "I understand, Will," Kendal said. "I know the price we pay for hesitating."

Will looked at the Newfoundland wolf. "I realize you do, Kendal. This discussion is for Marcus, our one common love, who sits on a fence of his own making."

Marcus sighed. "You two don't see what I do," he objected.

"And you don't see what you need to," William said, turning to the winged wolf and glaring. "You're still that man sitting behind a ComLink trying to do his job. You're still putting up walls to protect your heart. This isn't about protecting us, Marcus. It's about your fear of hurting us and yourself. You don't want to risk what you might gain for fear of what you might lose."

The old wolf pulled Marcus into a hug. "You can't be that little man behind the computer screen anymore, Marcus. You need to embrace the life that's before you. It's complicated and messy. It's going to be full of choices and dangers you can't even contemplate yet. But there is so much love out there as well. Stop sitting on the fence thinking maybe what you have is good enough. It isn't, Wolf. Trust me, it isn't."

The Newfoundland wolf came up behind Marcus and hugged him. "I realize you struggle with the emotions you have for the two of us. I get that we're complicated. But we don't need to be, Hon. You don't need to struggle with the two of us when neither of us is asking you to make a choice between us. Let go of your human learning. You say we don't see what you do, but maybe you need to see what we do. We see a man we love who won't embrace the very thing he needs to face what is out there. Do you foresee a terror out there in the night? We see the ones willing to stand by you in that night."

Marcus pushed away from the hug. "It's more than just fear, you two. I will change. I will become something so different from what I am even now. I can't ask you to stay with me when I don't even know if the man asking you to love him will be around in the days to come."

Will pointed back toward the graves. "Look at them, Marcus," he commanded. "How many souls are buried there whose last thought was 'what if?' None of us get the luxury of waiting on love. If you're going to change, if this world is going to become even more complicated for the three of us, then choose today to embrace fully what we can offer now. Because we could be the very thing that grounds you and keeps you from becoming what you fear the most."

"Hasn't my life taught you anything?" Kendal asked. "Marcus, we don't always get second chances. We watch our dreams crushed under a ship and the only thing that keeps us alive is the memory that we didn't hold back when we had the chance. And we survive because we took the love when they offered it to us and we dove into it. Like the ocean that surrounds us. You can float on the top thinking you're content with the beauty or you can dive in and become part of a world beyond your wildest imagination. To have it all, you need to risk it all. You can't dabble your feet in the tide pools and think you'll ever understand the ocean."

"I hate ocean metaphors," Marcus grumbled. "Mostly because they're always right, and because they always tell me to dive into what I fear the most. That ocean looks very dark from where I stand, Kendal."

"Then let a diver guide you, Marcus. I've been here before. You are standing next to the ocean I have known for years. I've learned of its dangers and how to navigate them. But I can also share the beauty... the indescribable beauty that lies just beneath the surface if you're willing to push beyond where you stand now."

Marcus looked at Will. "And you, William. What metaphor do you have for me?"

"I don't do metaphors all that well," Will replied with a laugh. "I do love really well because the best have taught me. See this world through those blue eyes of yours, Wolf. See through the eyes of a black wolf that has always yearned for love and never... ever... turned from it. I love you, Marcus. Tomorrow on the highland, something is going to happen. None of us understand it. We only glimpse that explosion of light. So it's big... really big. Take hold of the one thing that's bigger, Marcus. Grab onto the love we're offering you."

Marcus nodded and looked down at his feet as the walk began anew. When the three came up beside the hill, they stopped in front of the fence that surrounded the forest. He looked up at Will. "Is this where you were bringing us?"

"It's where you two need to be."

"And you, William?" the winged wolf asked.

"I need to be home with my husbands," the old wolf replied with a smile. "I told you once before, Marcus. I will be beside you forever, and now I make the same promise to you, Kendal." He reached out and hugged the Newfoundland wolf. "Now and forever, by your side, Wolf. Never between you."

"I never had a doubt of that, Old Wolf," Kendal said as he hugged back tightly.

"Good, then I would say this has been a very productive walk." The old wolf pointed toward the forest. "It's a rainy day. I doubt the humans will even hear anything that comes from this forest today."

Kendal smiled. "I love you, Old Wolf."

"I love you too, Kendal."

The old wolf felt the arms of the winged wolf grab him and hold him tight. The wings flared out and added another layer to the hug. "I love you, William. I promise I will try to do right by the love you've offered me." He paused a moment. "The love that you've always given me."

"We will have a lifetime to explore where that love goes, Marcus," Will replied, never letting the hug go. "We both are too much in love not to stick around and watch how this story plays out."

"But you don't mind if Kendal and I spend some time alone together?"

"That was my goal all along, Marcus."

"I love you, William."

"And I love you, Marcus," the old wolf replied. He pushed back through the arms and wings and watched as the wings folded back into the wolf. "You two do right by each other. I love you both."

The old wolf pushed Marcus toward Kendal and Kendal grabbed the winged wolf, hugging him tightly. When the two looked up from a kiss, the old wolf was gone. The two were quiet for a time, content to hug and sense the body of the one they loved pressed against them. Kendal gave Marcus another quick kiss on the lips. "Bite my neck, Marcus."

The winged wolf shook his head. "You know I love you, but you also know that I can't stay here."

Kendal jumped the forest perimeter fence and extended his arms. "I know. Bite my neck anyway."

"I can't cause you that kind of pain," Marcus said as he jumped the fence. His hand reached out and rubbed the muzzle of the Newfoundland wolf. "You need to stay here. Don't let your life slip by you waiting for someone that might never return."

"I won't, Marcus," Kendal said, looking into the eyes of the winged wolf. "I once told you to love like you have never loved before and live a life where you will never look back in regret."

Marcus nodded. "I am trying to live true to your advice."

"As am I, Marcus. I have loved deeply, and I watched my love die in the service of others. The only consolation I have is that when he died, he knew I loved him. He did not die alone in the darkness. The darkness couldn't take him because we were one. And now, he lives in me. I would trade everything I have for another day with him, but this is my life now."

"I hope not to die anytime soon," Marcus said with a smile.

"And I hope the same. But wherever you go, you need to realize there is a home for you to return to. Let it be a home where a husband will be there to greet you when you return."

"I told you, Kendal. I can't ask you to wait."

"And I told you I won't. When you return, you might find you need to share your husband with another husband, but you've seen how easily we make that work. I will love again, and again, and again. It is who we are, Marcus. It is what we do. I turned away from that life when Steve died, but it has come back to me in the shape of a winged wolf I love."

"And I love you."

"Then bite my neck. Let me bite yours. Let us tell the universe that their champion has a mate; that he will never look into the awful without the knowledge that there is one who loves him. The universe and you will know a keeper guards the light that will always show you the way home."

"You make a convincing argument," Marcus said, reflecting on the words.

"Don't bite my neck because I convinced you to, Marcus. Bite it because you love me and you want me in your life as much as I want you in mine."

"Even though we are apart?"

"Even though."

Marcus lowered his head, exposing his neck. "Give me the courage I need to leave your side, Kendal. Make me your mate," he begged. When he felt the teeth bite deep into his flesh, Marcus's eyes closed and he breathed in the change. As he exhaled slowly, he let the Newfoundland wolf mount him. He embraced the change and yielded his heart to the one on top of him, knowing that their lives would be only brief moments shared in time. In time, as he sensed the warmth of the wolf coming inside him, he smiled, knowing that would be enough.

Chapter 45

The dawn came too soon for the two wet wolves still intertwined deep in the Partridge Island forest. The call of seabirds in the distance and the cloudy light of another rainy day woke them. Kendal rolled over and kissed the wolf below him. "Let's do that all over again," he said with a smile.

Marcus returned the smile. "I would like that, Husband," he replied.

Kendal's smile widened. "I enjoy hearing that word, Husband."

Marcus's countenance changed. He looked away. "I doubt we will have time. I'm leaving at ten this morning."

"Then we still have time for a bit of snuggling before you go."

Marcus reached up and hugged Kendal tightly. "That's why I need you. You ground me, Kendal. You make me stay here beside you when every part of me screams about what is coming."

"Damn," the Newfoundland wolf replied. "I was hoping you needed me for the incredible sex I offered you."

"What do you think grounds me?" Marcus giggled.

Kendal's face took on the same seriousness that Marcus had a moment before. "Understand this, Marcus; my one goal in life is to keep you by my side. I will do whatever that takes. Are you totally clear on that?"

Marcus nodded. "I am. It seems so much to ask of you."

"But it's not asking, Hon. It's given freely. Forget the rules you learned throughout your life. This isn't about what we're supposed to do. It's about you and me. This is a wolf that loves you, telling you that there is no greater joy for me than resting here with you. If the day ever comes that you must face the awful, do not push me away. Don't deny me the right to be by your side. I am in this... no reservations, no doubts. I am more than happy to take all the joy you offer me. But I am also willing to take whatever else life might throw at us, but only if I am sure you're beside me all the way."

"You realize it won't be a simple life," the winged wolf said, pushing up on his elbows.

"I never thought it would be," Kendal replied. "It's never been an easy life for the Were Nation."

"It's going to be tougher than that," Marcus added.

"Then we will have to cling to each other even more tightly."

Marcus smiled. "I love you so much. Now and forever, Husband."

Kendal returned the smile. "Now and forever, Husband." The Newfoundland wolf looked around, searching.

"What are you looking for?"

"Our family," Kendal answered. "This is where they always show up. Right at that moment, when you think you're alone, they come in and add something to the conversation. It's peculiar how they have a knack for it."

"They're home playing together. Nathaniel woke up with a hard-on and the panda twins couldn't resist."

"The Sight?"

"Yeah, I'm afraid so," Marcus answered. "It's going to take some time to figure out how to control it. They're bordering on flooding my mind now."

Kendal laughed. "So I was right. They showed up. Only this time inside your head."

"I guess so," Marcus agreed.

"On the plus side," Kendal replied with a widening grin, "you're hard as a rock."

"Yeah, I am. Another family trait, I guess."

"Shall we play with our family traits?" the Newfoundland wolf asked, grinding his hard-on into the winged wolf's belly.

"Oh, yeah, Husband," Marcus said with a happy sigh. "Let's play with our family traits. You'll find them right next to the family jewels."

The wolf on top slid backward and engulfed the swollen cock of the wolf below. "Kind of figured that's where they were going to be," he mumbled, as his sucking began.

Ten o'clock came too soon for all the family. Rousted by the twins' arrival at the museum door, the husbands and their sons tried to clean up quickly. They pointed Tiff and Tuff toward the forest to find the newly mated pair. When the twins found them in the forest, they were in the arms of Li Wei, who gave the twins a guilty smile. "They are newly mated," he said, sounding like an apology.

"We're aware of their condition," the twins replied together. "We could smell them as soon as we stepped off the Red Wolf."

"And they are most energetic."

"Then we are sorry to end your revelry, Dog," Tiff said. "Stay with Kendal, will you please? His husband has other obligations, and it would help ease our frustration separating the two if we could rely on you to watch over him."

Li Wei looked at Kendal. "Is that an acceptable path for us to take?"

Kendal hugged the temple dog. "You're still hard, Li Wei. Family takes care of family. Of course, it's an acceptable path to take."

"But you must first say your goodbyes," Li Wei said as he pushed the Newfoundland wolf toward the winged wolf.

The two husbands embraced and kissed. Marcus giggled halfway through the kiss and pushed back. "It would appear that Li Wei isn't the only one with a hard-on, Husband."

"It's a burden I will have to live with," Kendal replied with an overdramatic flourish. He pressed close to the gray wolf and felt the wing ridges along his back as they hugged. "I can still come with you, Husband."

"I get that you want to be by my side, but the furthest you could be from me on the highland is still too dangerous. It would make it so much easier for me if I knew you were here, safe in the arms of Li Wei."

"Have you seen how this dog fucks? I don't think one can exactly call that safe," Kendal said with a chuckle.

Marcus smiled. "Safer than on the highland, Hon."

"You will come home?"

"Always," Marcus replied. "I learned a lesson about leaving home many years ago. I will never forget what I learned."

"Then go with the understanding that the apprentice lighthouse keeper will leave the light on for you."

The two kissed, and Marcus turned to the twins. Tiff and Tuff each extended a paw between them, and Marcus grabbed both as they walked back toward the helipad and the waiting Red Wolf. Li Wei and Kendal watched until they were out of sight. They stood quietly holding hands until they saw the Red Wolf rise into the sky and disappear. Kendal began crying and buried his head in the thick chest fur of the temple dog.

"He will return, Little One," Li Wei whispered.

"I know."

"And you will find a way to love what he has become."

"I know that, too."

"Then why do you cry, Little One?" the temple dog asked, pulling the wolf in closer to his chest.

"Because I just married the wolf, and I have to say goodbye to that man forever after today."

"No, Little One," Li Wei responded. "You are mistaken. You will never have to say goodbye to that man. Marcus will never leave you. He will change. He will be different. But he will always be the same."

Kendal snorted a laugh. "Marcus is right. You temple dogs really are confusing when you get down to it."

"So I have been told," Li Wei said as he lifted the face of the wolf and kissed him. "But one day you will understand."

Kendal smiled. "I know that, too." He reached up and kissed the temple dog again. "Thank you for staying erect."

"It was far more difficult for you, Little One. You are newly mated. Staying erect in your company requires little effort."

"I wanted him to think the two of us would be playing the moment he was out of sight."

"It was a kind gesture to help calm his fears."

"Do you think it worked?"

"He has the Sight, Little One. You both try to be so brave for the other, but you cannot love as deeply as you two do and not read the truth in your eyes even without the Changeling gift."

Kendal let out a deep sigh. "I guess I know that, too. I thought it was worth a try."

The dog's arms wrapped around the wolf. Gently, kindly, Li Wei brought the wolf into a place where all that was in the moment was a dog and a wolf waiting for his husband to return.

Chapter 46

"We're two minutes out, gentlemen," Tiff said, turning to the three on board.

Eric sighed. "I still think we should insist that the dogs let us move them to the Tibetan temple."

Tuff's eyes never left the controls as he leaned back in his seat. "It's not happening, Father. The dragons are still in the area. They may not be on the highland proper, but they're down on the valley floor worrying about what's going to happen to their home. Face it. Zhuang and Katashi accept the dragons are their responsibility, and the dragons accept the highland is their home. Noboru has offered them sanctuary in Tibet, but staying next to the dragons and their home is an obligation they will not relinquish."

"They could be in danger," the white bear protested.

"All the more reason for them to insist they should stay, Father," Tiff replied. "They feel the same way about the three of you. They will not leave if they think they may need to give aid."

The polar bear shook his head. "I'm trying to keep everyone out of harm's way, and everyone is insisting they need to stay by me to keep me out of harm's way. I will not win this one, will I, Son?"

"Sorry, Father," Tuff replied. "I wish it were different. We can ask one more time, but I think we're leaving the highland on our own today." His paws shifted over the controls, and the landing gear dropped into place. "Hang tight, gentlemen. We'll have you on the ground in a moment."

The temple dogs watched the Red Wolf coasting toward the highland. There was a shift of the engines as the airship dropped gingerly onto the landing pad of stone. Marcus stepped out into the sunshine. "So much different from where we were twenty minutes ago."

"It's a big world," Donovan said.

"No..." Marcus said, shaking his head. "... no it's not."

The bear's white arm wrapped around the winged wolf. "No, it's not. Do you want to talk to us about all that's pressing on your shoulders today?"

Marcus shook his head. "No, Eric. This is a choice I need to make myself."

"When I became a Channeler, I had no choice," Donovan said, rubbing the winged wolf's shoulders. "It came to me in the middle of battle. It turned the tide at Osogovo, but it was never something I planned." Donovan paused. "There appear to be options given to you that were never given to me."

Marcus sighed. "Only one path protects my family. There are no options; only the flexibility to decide when I will accept a change that I believe I am totally unqualified for."

"The universe seems to know what it is doing," Eric said, still clinging to the wolf.

"The universe has never cared one bit about what happens in it, Old Bear. The universe isn't pounding on the door wanting to be let in."

"I know. We use the word to mean fate or opportunity, but of a kind that challenges our very being. It is the universe of infinite possibilities coalescing into one choice that we must either accept or turn from. Know this, Marcus. Whatever you choose, our love for you remains. If there is a choice where you can turn from this, then we will be there by your side, supporting your path away from this day."

"I know, Eric. And I love you all the more for it. But you taught me about duty and obligation. It's so far removed from the human concept. When you come at it from a simple extension of the love you have for another, the path is clear. There is no turning from today. There is only acceptance; because to do anything else is to turn away from what I feel for the ones I love."

Donovan knelt in front of the winged wolf. "Then tell us what we must do, Marcus. Tell us what our duty and obligations are to you. You will not do this alone."

Marcus looked up, watching the twins and temple dogs approaching. "They will not yield, Papa," Tiff yelled. "This is their home. The dragons are their charges. The wolf is their brother."

The bear shrugged. "We had to try, Katashi, Zhuang."

The two dogs bowed. "We understand your desire for us to leave the highland," Katashi replied. "We are grateful you accept our decline."

Marcus tried to smile, but it was more than he could muster. "You asked what I need from my family, Donovan." Donovan made a nod. "Katashi, Zhuang, fight your instincts to help me. Trust that you taught me what I need to know and stand apart from this day."

The two dogs bowed. "As you wish, Little One," Katashi answered. "You need only call for us, and we will be by your side."

Marcus looked at the white bear. "Eric, protect the temple dogs." Eric made a single nod to accept his responsibility. Marcus turned to the Armbruster's wolf. "Donovan, Don't let me turn from what I don't understand. I am asking you to stay by my side and be my guide."

Donovan nodded. "Of course, Wolf."

"I don't know why it chose me. I don't know why it thinks I'm so important."

Donovan rubbed Marcus's chest, ruffling the fur. "Because it recognizes in you something you do not yet recognize in yourself."

Marcus looked down at the Armbruster's wolf. "And you have no curiosity about who it is?"

"Oh, I am curious," Donovan replied, "but I wait for the day you decide it is time to tell me."

"I thought wolves were impatient."

"We are; but only about our husbands returning from a merging or getting dinner on the table. Not about something you've already told me you don't wish to discuss."

"You're certainly showing a very non-human side of yourself. Humans love to pry into things others don't wish revealed."

"In our entire relationship, Marcus, have I ever done anything to make you believe I was even remotely human?"

Marcus shook his head. "I suppose not. You don't even possess a human avatar, do you?"

"Not really. I once appeared as a human to show the Were Nation that I stood by them in solidarity, but like most of my brothers, I have no chosen human avatar. We are the beasts you see. If there is a need for a human form, we accept that and change. But only those that mated with the humans possess a true human avatar."

Marcus sighed. "That's why I'm asking you to stand by me. You are not human. I need your strength of will to help push me past my human fears."

"You are stronger than you believe, Marcus. Don't let your own reluctance to accept who you are block your way to becoming something even more remarkable."

"I have never thought of myself as remarkable," Marcus uttered under his breath.

The old bear came up behind the wolf and rubbed his shoulders. "Then learn to trust those who do."

Marcus turned back toward the bear. "And you never lie?"

"I never lie, Marcus. You were an amazing human. You're an amazing beast. Let this day take you to where you were heading your whole life."

Marcus snorted a short laugh. "I thought that was a quiet little life with a husband and two pugs. Where along the line did I stray so far afield from that dream?"

The bear leaned down and kissed the wolf. "The day you realized that wasn't your dream."

Marcus looked up into the air. "It's coming." He turned to the bear and gave him a gentle push toward the temple dogs. "Protect the innocent, Eric."

"My life before theirs," the old bear replied as he turned toward the temple dogs.

The two temple dogs grabbed the paws of the polar bear, turned toward the cliff face, and began walking. They stopped near the front of the cave and turned to watch the two in the middle of the grassy field. "Ancient One," Katashi asked. "How dangerous is this day to be? Were we wrong to entrust our khakkharas to Noboru?"

"Haven't you noticed there's not a bird singing on the highland? They were smart enough to fly away from this place, Katashi. I wish you were safely far away as well," Eric replied. "But as you are not, stay behind me. I made a promise I intend to keep."

"We will do all that we can to ensure you keep your promise," Katashi said as he took the hand of his brother and stepped behind the white bear.

In the field, a gust of wind moved around the two wolves. "It's starting," Marcus said to Donovan. "You might want to stand back a bit."

Donovan took the suggestion and stepped away from the other wolf. What seemed to be a strong wind at first began closing more tightly around the winged wolf. Eventually, what was unseen turned into a swirling copper light coalescing around Marcus. The more tightly woven around the winged wolf's body the light became, the more intense it grew. Soon, a familiar white light encased Marcus. Donovan watched and thought to himself that nothing of this moment was familiar to him. His acceptance of Marcus's plea to guide him through the day seemed now to be overconfident.

As with the transformations of human to beast, the changes happening in Marcus didn't take long before they wracked him with unbelievable pain. He doubled over, unable to stand. Donovan drew closer and felt the whirlwind of energy around the winged wolf pushing back against him. He pushed forward until he dropped to his knees in front of the other wolf. "Don't fight this, Marcus. Commit to the path. You have a choice, but don't fight the choice you know is right. It does no good to hesitate out of fear once the path is clear. You mustn't turn back now, Brother. Accept what is. Accept all that is happening."

The gray wolf looked up, pleading. "Isn't there another way? Why must it be like this?"

Donovan wasn't sure that Marcus was talking to him, but he tried to find words to soothe the gray wolf. "I have nothing to do with this. This is beyond me, it is beyond the Unity. This is the universe choosing a champion."

Marcus rocked his head and looked up at the Armbruster's wolf with tears of pain in his blue eyes. "But why me? Why ME?"

"Because you are who you are."

"I'm nobody. I'm a lonely little man who sat alone with his books. Look at me. I'm nothing."

And at that moment, Donovan saw the universe unfolding inside the white light. Everything in Marcus's growing vision he saw. There in front of the two wolves lay all the burden of responsibility, all the challenges, and the fear that the winged wolf struggled with. He watched a lone wolf stand as the only guardian between the innocent and terrors beyond imagining. But beyond that darkness, Donovan saw what Marcus could not. He saw the family that Marcus was too young to see by his side, and as the darkness faded, he recognized the truth. He saw hope in the shape of a winged wolf where no hope could exist.

"You are everything, Marcus," Donovan said, shaking the winged wolf into the present. "Don't you see? You were a blind man who knows what it's like to struggle with a disability. You're a man born into a family whose people, beliefs, and color were persecuted without cause, yet you still held nothing but charity toward those around you. You're short and fat. You know what it is to be shamed and ridiculed for something as insignificant as your body size and shape. And you're a gay man who remembers the fear that comes with knowing some would kill you for even daring to love who your heart tells you to love. Marcus, you are a man who has lived alone for so long. You know the pain of the lonely, the outcast, the homeless trying to find a home. You have taken all that the world shuns and forged it into a love for all that surrounds you."

Donovan put his paws on the shoulders of the gray wolf and steadied him. "Look at me, Marcus," Donovan commanded. Marcus looked up, his eyes blazing white. "You are its child. The universe has watched you forged in the crucible of life. It has seen one who understands the pain of every creature on this planet and so many, many worlds beyond our sight. It is asking you to be their protector, their guide. You are mythos born into life." Donovan paused, gathering his thoughts and words. "You are an Empath. A creature so rare and precious that the universe must share you with galaxies beyond measure for your scarcity."

"I'm not worthy," Marcus cried out.

"We never are, but the universe shapes and molds us to our calling. It provides us with a way to become what we know we must become."

"No, please no," the winged wolf whimpered as he crumpled to the ground.

"Embrace the change, Marcus," Donovan begged. "Let it become a part of you. Don't fight what you were always heading toward. Trust me on this. Trust your brother. Let it be."

Marcus looked up into the eyes of the Armbruster's wolf. Donovan's eyes were blazing with the same white light. "I'm afraid," the winged wolf said as the pain inside grew.

"I am too," the Armbruster's wolf confessed. "And that is why you have family beside you today. A fear shared is a fear diminished. Trust that I see what you cannot. Trust that there is an end to the pain."

"You won't leave us?" Marcus cried out.

"No, not now; not ever," Donovan answered. "We are brothers, you and I. I will stay by your side until the ends of the earth."

"It may be further than that," Marcus said as he doubled over in pain.

"I will not leave you, Marcus," Donovan said as he pulled the sweat-soaked beast back up into a hug.

"I can do this if I know you will be there when I call you," Marcus said, looking back up at the Armbruster's wolf.

Donovan noticed a glimmer just beyond his sight, surrounding the wolf in front of him. It only seemed to appear when he didn't look at it directly. "Are you talking to me or it?" Donovan asked, pointing to the light that disappeared the moment he tried to see it.

Marcus tightened his hug around Donovan. "Both. I'm talking to you both. There is a transformation, a joining," Marcus choked out through the pain.

"This is more than becoming a Channeler, isn't it Marcus?" Donovan asked as the white glow intensified.

"Yes, so much more," Marcus said. "I can't do this alone, Donovan."

"I will be by your side now and forever, Wolf."

"It is beginning. Don't let me turn back," Marcus begged through his pain.

"Do what you must, and know that in the end, I will still be beside you. This is your life, Marcus; embrace it." The ancient wolf leaned in and kissed the gray wolf. The white light that emanated from their two bodies melded as it intensified and expanded slowly outward in a pulsing, blinding orb.

"Gaia, you better do something, or the temple dogs and I are about to be in a world of hurt," Eric yelled over the growing din. He looked back at the temple dogs. "Stay behind me, dogs," He commanded. "Shield going up." He lowered his head and thrust out his hand. The light pulsed only feet in front of the bear into a large shield of luminescent green. It became a blue-green dome of light as Gaia added her strength to the protection.

When the white light exploded across the highland, nothing stood in its path. The temple dogs and polar bear woke to find themselves thrown up against a shattered rocky wall. The caves, the rice fields, the glade -- all that was once the highland was no more. Only a scarred mountaintop remained. A new crag jutted up from the highland a hundred yards away from where the mountain face once was. They looked out to see the two glowing white bodies kneeling in a field of stone. "Stay here," the polar bear said to the temple dogs. "I will see to our family."

The polar bear dropped to all fours and ran toward the two over the dust and rock of the field. Moments before he reached them, Donovan raised up his hand and the force of the white light pushed the polar bear backward. "It is not done, Husband. Don't come any nearer."

"But, Husband..." the bear protested.

"No buts," the wolf interrupted. "Look at what's left of the surrounding forest. I won't have you become one of the fallen today."

Eric stared at the highland. Even with all Gaia's power in play, whatever happened leveled the forest. What wasn't dirt or rock was scarcely discernible as once being plant life. Where the forest once was, were the remnants of uprooted trees tossed onto the ground. Stripped of all their vegetation, they didn't appear to be wood and bark anymore, but the same black and gray stone as the rock surrounding them. There were no leaves, no grass; nothing green remained on the highland. "Are you both safe?" the bear asked.

Donovan looked up at the bear standing in the distance. "We will be fine. Do not attempt to stop what is unstoppable." Marcus lay on the ground, still writhing through the transformation. Even Eric could see from a distance that what was happening was nothing similar to the stories told by Donovan.

Donovan reached out and pulled the winged wolf close, and held the shaking beast. He looked back at his mate. "And what of you and the dogs, my love?" Donovan asked of the bear as he helped steady the now glowing winged wolf.

"We are safe as well." The bear backed up a few steps. "What has happened here, Donovan?"

"I believe the humans call it a miracle."

"And you? What do you call it?"

"My brother finally accepting his calling. He has been to the ends of the universe and found his way home."

Marcus still clung to Donovan, but his shaking slowly steadied. Donovan noticed the change and pulled the remnant energy swirling around the two inside himself. With a shake, his light faded and his coloring shifted to that of the Armbruster's wolf. Gently, he lifted the glowing wolf to his feet. "It is almost done, Brother. Breathe deep. Let it in."

"Damn, how this hurts."

"Only for a while longer."

Marcus looked at Donovan as he repositioned himself. "Don't let me go, Donovan."

Donovan smiled. "By your side, forever, Marcus. This is who we are."

When their heads pressed together, the two wolves kissed. "You know," Marcus said with a groan. "I can think of a few things that can distract one from pain."

"Really?" Donovan said with a laugh.

"Couldn't hurt. At least not any more than it does now."

Donovan grinned and dropped to his knees, still clinging tightly to the glowing white wolf's butt to steady him. "One thing is for certain, Marcus. You are definitely a child of the wolf that turned you." His muzzle moved over the glowing wolf's sheath and tongued the cock from the fur. As Donovan sucked on the growing phallus, Marcus whimpered happily. The pain for both began slipping away as the light faded slowly back into the winged wolf.

After a time, the temple dogs started rocking anxiously. "It seems that the wolves are out of danger now," Katashi said, panting. "The winged wolf still smells of the newly mated, but even more distracting is the smell of the newly born. The wolf is not the wolf that was here before."

The polar bear laughed. "No, he isn't, is he?" He put his paws to his mouth and yelled, "Wolves, do you need any help now? I have two dogs in distress over what you two are doing."

Marcus looked up, slightly dazed by Donovan's skills. "We have three holes that are currently not in use. Surely the three of you could help us and yourselves at the same time by filling them."

Katashi rolled forward and bowed. "We are grateful, Marcus," he said.

"I have nothing to do for a few days," Donovan said with a laugh as he lifted his cum soaked mouth off the winged wolf's cock.

Katashi rolled forward and looked at the polar bear. "Why is it you Changelings are always in such a hurry?"

Eric smiled. "Let us see if we can slow things down this week. Would you mind if I called the family?"

"Should we wait for their arrival before sharing our affections with the newly born?" Zhuang asked the bear as he, too, rolled forward.

"No, I won't be asking the family to make their way out here. This place is too painful to view for a family that remembers what it looked like this morning. I'll have Jason notify the family that we'll have a gathering to celebrate the newly mated and newly born in Montana. It would appear we are going to need some room to spread out for this welcoming."

"And what of our human family?" Katashi asked.

"Once we've burned off a few of their pheromones, we can let the human family welcome them on Partridge Island."

In the distance, the family saw the enormous claw of a dragon slip up over the drop-off from the highland. With a shove that broke away portions of the escarpment, the dragon hefted himself up onto the rocky field. The female followed as both surveyed the damage. Their dark green mottled color that shifted to gray told everyone looking at them that the dragons were terrified of what had happened. Katashi and Zhuang ran toward them and stroked their sides. "The cataclysm is over, Little Ones," Katashi told the two. "Marcus has undergone a change. It is one that required a great deal of energy to complete. Unfortunately, the energy spent had to find release. This is the outcome. We will restore your home in time."

The two dragons' color shifted toward emerald green, and soon the translucent blue-green color of their scales returned. Katashi smiled as the dragons spoke to him in images that flooded into his mind. "Yes, that's it, exactly. We certainly don't want him to try and hold all that in. Marcus is family. We can restore the highland. Replacing Marcus would never be possible."

Eric approached the dragons, and his paw reached out to rub them. "Let's see if we can make the best of the situation. Jiao-long, LanYing, you've complained that you never see your family. What would you two say about making a trip to Partridge Island? I'm sure it will thrill your parents to see you again."

The polar bear looked out on the field of rock and gravel. "Gaia? Can you clear a few of the boulders away for a landing site?" The largest boulders from the shattered cliff face rolled awkwardly out toward the perimeter. "Thanks," the bear said. He turned to the two dragons. "I'm calling in the Black Rhino. It will be a tight fit, but we can load you two on board. But to visit your parents, you will need to fly in the ship on your own. There will be no room for Katashi and Zhuang." He stroked his chin while looking at the two young dragons. "Are you two old enough to fly on your own without your guardians beside you?"

The two dragons nodded happily. The bear smiled. "Splendid." He turned back toward the highland and surveyed the damage. "About your home, you two. We will need access to the highland. You can either stay for a time in Tibet or return here when the welcoming celebrations are done. But if you return here, it will be to live in the valley until we can get the highland back to being habitable."

The two dragons turned their heads toward their guardians. Katashi bowed his head. "It is your choice, Little Ones. We will be beside you, no matter what you decide."

The young female dragon pushed up against the palm of the white bear and the images flooded his mind. Eric smiled. "I had thought as much. This is your home. We'll see to creating your guardians some temporary shelter in the valley until we can figure out exactly what we're doing with this place." Eric pointed his paw out toward the edge of the highland. "Until then, can you please return to the safety of the forest below? Katashi and Zhuang will come to tuck you in later tonight."

The dragons nodded once more and turned back toward the edge of the highland. When they had slipped over the side, the polar bear signaled to his husband and Marcus. "Okay, you two, you can go back to what you were doing." He smiled at the two dogs. "You go be with Marcus and Donovan until we can get the Black Rhino and the Gray Wolf rerouted here. I'm sure it will be at least a day."

"Should we wait for you, Ancient One?" Katashi asked.

"No, enjoy yourselves, brothers. I will join you soon enough," Eric replied as he watched his husband return to his fellatio. "We have all the time in the world." In one motion, the temple dogs hit the ground, racing to the wolves, their tails wagging in anticipation. The white bear smiled. "Or any number of worlds in so many other galaxies it would appear." He turned toward where the cave once was and found himself a seat on a flat stone.

Eric tapped his ComLink. "Will," he said. He paused a moment. "Hello, Old Wolf," he said to the voice on the other side. "We have a birth in the family." He nodded as he listened to the wolf on the other side of the call. "Me too, my love. But it is what he wished. We'll find a way to support his change, whatever it turns out to be. It would mean so much to him to have you and Kendal here by his side. This place looks like hell, but having the ones closest to his heart could make it heaven." Another nod. "That's the spirit, Old Wolf. Do you want me to talk to Kendal?" A pause for the answer. "Okay, then find the boy and tell him the news. I'm sure it will be easier to hear it coming from you."

The bear shifted his butt, trying to find a comfortable position on the rock. "I will talk to Jason later today about announcing to the family that we have a mating and a newborn. There is a lot of healing that needs to happen first." He paused another moment, listening. "I love you too, Old Wolf. Now and forever."

The bear adjusted himself again on the broken rock and gave up searching for comfort. He stood up and stared at the aftermath. "Damn. What have you done, you two?" he asked. He felt the wind flow gently around him and closed his eyes. "They ask too much of us, Mom. They ask too much of Marcus." The air felt almost like a caress that held the old bear in the moment. "I know... I know," he whispered, "but he never even had a chance to live a normal life." The bear looked at the gravel pit that had once been the highland glade. "I guess it will be up to us to give him that life as best we can."

Eric sat in the quiet, hearing a voice that floated on the wind. It felt as soft as the morning mist along the highland in early spring. It felt warm and cool at the same time; like laying down on the grass on a summer day. Gaia's voice always felt like life being born; like nature renewing itself. Eric smiled and nodded in agreement with what Gaia had said. "Thanks for being there today. And thanks for being here now. I'm really sorry about the highland. I will have a crew out here to replant tomorrow. It's the least we can do."

The bear heard the voice of Gaia like the sound of the creek that was no longer there, the sound of wind through the grass that no longer covered the highland. "Mom, I don't want you to tax yourself any more than you already have. This world needs you. You can't give it all. You need to hold some in reserve to regenerate."

The bear listened to the voice on the wind and nodded in agreement. "Okay, I'll give you a few weeks to prepare the soil, and then we'll get a crew out here to replant the forest. As long as you promise me you're up for it, I'll try to not worry." The bear heard Gaia's response and laughed. "I'm not the mother hen. You are. But just this time, let your son worry about you since you never seem to do it for yourself, okay?"

The wind picked up around the stone where the polar bear sat and then was gone. "This is all so bittersweet," the polar bear sighed. "So much to sacrifice for a birth none of us ever wanted." He tapped his ComLink. "Jason," he said out loud. He waited for the fox to answer. "Stay in the good, Bear," the bear whispered to himself. "Stay in the good."

Chapter 47

Partridge Island's weather almost cooperated with the party taking place on the fields. The cold, late autumn weather required the humans to be bundled up. The staged tents allowed everyone to mingle and dine together, but an occasional gust of cold air crept past the canvas walls. Everyone took comfort that at least the rain so common for that time of year seemed poised just off the coast, waiting to move in later that evening.

The family moved about the area, but the celebration seemed decidedly low-key. There was plenty of food for the milling crowd, and everyone was busy catching up with each other's lives. The children were happily running about to the various carnival booths set up, playing games, and testing their skills. There were even a few presents carefully stacked for the newlywed couple. What was missing was the boisterous laughter from children battling against each other with pool noodles on the backs of the temple dogs. There were also some very familiar faces missing from the gathering.

Every Changeling was in Tibet with Lei Wei and his brothers. They were practicing the consecration rituals of the temple to be held in the spring. The hopes of their return for the celebrations on Partridge Island met an abrupt end. An extreme Arctic cold front dumped six feet of snow on top of the temple. Digging out wasn't an option, but digging in was. The family understood that fifteen temple dogs cuddling up together for warmth would derail the ceremonial practices for at least a week.

But what was transpiring in Tibet interested the rest of the family. There was a certain mystery that brought speculation about what was to occur in the spring. The ceremonies to consecrate the temples involved a great deal of incense and chanting. That much they were aware of. But for every beast in the Were Nation, the true fascination lay with what was going to happen during the four-day festival that would follow. Trying to imagine what it would be like to let fifteen temple dogs free to greet the Were Nation boggled the mind. Few beasts had made the pilgrimage to stay with the temple dogs before the war. Those who had, when queried, would only smile and tell the others it would be worth the trip.

"So what are you and Gaia going to do about the highland?" Will asked as he picked up a hot dog and swallowed it whole.

"What? Me?" Derrick blurted out. "What would I have to do with the highland?"

The surprised look on the young wolf's face told Will all he needed to know. "She insisted you see it. You sat there staring at that gravel parking lot for hours while everyone else went off to play with the newborn and his mate."

"You saw it, Will. It's completely destroyed. I sat there, unable to do anything but stare at it. I'm not sure why she wanted me to even see it. It hurt so bad to be there," Derrick said. He waved to Martin as he walked by with Oliver on his shoulders. He took a bite of his hot dog and sighed. "It's not like I can do anything to fix it."

"You're Blue clan, Pup. There is something you can do to fix it."

"I've never used my powers independently, Old Wolf. That place is like a rock quarry now. There are a few bits of fallen trees left, but did you see them? They're not trees anymore, Will. They're rock. That blast fused them into petrified wood."

Will rubbed the shoulders of the black wolf. "Maybe that's exactly what Gaia thinks you needed to see to get you to use those powers of yours, Pup. Me, I'm a warrior. I never want to use my powers, but you're the builder clan; the bringers of order from chaos. Besides, you're not alone. I'm sure Max and Kendal will be happy to help."

"Well, there's nothing out there but chaos, that's for sure," Derrick groaned.

"Try to keep an open mind about how you might help, Pup."

"I'll try, Old Wolf," the black wolf said with a halfhearted smile. "I'm sure Gaia will let me know what she has in mind one of these days. If nothing else, I'll be a part of that planting crew they're setting up."

"That's the spirit, Pup," Will said. The old wolf leaned in and bit the black wolf's neck.

"What was that for?" Derrick said with a laugh.

"Because I love you," Will said. "Because I don't bite you near enough."

Derrick pivoted around and kissed the old wolf. "You do fine, Husband," the young wolf replied. He looked into Will's eyes and smiled. "Try not to worry, Old Wolf. I love you more now than the day you mated with me."

Will smiled awkwardly. After hundreds of years together, Derrick realized he was still learning how to read his husband's expressions. "You do fine showing your love to all your family," Derrick said, poking his finger gently on the old wolf's snout. "He still loves you. He knows you love him, and he's over there in Kendal's apartment figuring it out. Marcus will be fine. He had excellent teachers. He's an amazing student. Trust that this will all work out."

"There's so much Marcus doesn't know," Will lamented.

"And so much we don't know about Marcus," Derrick added. "That's what really worries you, right?"

Will smiled. "You know me too well, Pup. He's changed. I'm not sure in how many ways, but he's different."

"He became a Channeler, Old Wolf. That's enough to change anyone."

"It's more than that, Pup. Donovan said he's much more than a Channeler."

"I realize that, but I'm also the patient one in our family, remember? I can wait for him to figure it out. When he's ready, he'll tell us."

Will rubbed the black wolf's chest fur. "You realize I'll never stop worrying about all of you, right?"

Derrick smiled and nodded. "I realize that. It's an occupational hazard of being in our family. I'm the same way."

"Well then, what say you and I try to make the best of this party?"

"That won't be easy with only one husband here, and Martin clinging to him."

"Yeah," the old wolf said with a sigh. "No Changeling husbands until after they become themselves again."

"That's an occupational hazard of loving Changelings, I guess," the black wolf said, smiling.

"I guess we could try mingling again," Will said, pointing toward the tents.

Derrick smiled a wicked grin. "Or we can always go find Oliver and Martin. Both of them are missing a Changeling husband as well. They headed over to the carnival tent. They have a shift manning the fishing booth."

Will gave the hand of the young wolf a tug and they started walking toward the brightly colored tent. "It's a strange welcoming party for the kids when there aren't temple dogs to joust with." Will paused a moment and stared at a small crowd outside a tent huddled around a blazing fire. "I think it's confusing for our human family on many levels. This is the first time we invited them to meet the newly mated, and we haven't seen them all day."

"Give the two of them a bit more time. It's only been a week since they mated. The timelines here are weirdly skewed. It's difficult for those two to sort things out. And it is best if they do that wrapped up in each other's arms."

"True that," Will agreed. "I hope they're doing okay. Marcus couldn't have found a better man to help him through this than Kendal."

"They'll be fine, Old Wolf. And the three of you will be fine as well. We just need to give it time."

"So all my worries?" the old wolf asked with a nervous laugh.

"Oh, leave the worries be. They seem to find us without our ever looking for them," Derrick replied as he leaned in and kissed the old wolf.

When the two separated, Will smiled. "What would I do without you, Pup?"

"I don't intend on ever letting you find out, Old Wolf," the black wolf answered. "Now let's go find us a badger and a cat. I think we should help man the fishing booth with them. You can do some serious making out behind those screens without a single kid seeing anything."

Will laughed. "Okay, hadn't thought about that, but I'm up for the challenge of kissing you and hooking kids up with prizes at the same time." The two of them headed back toward the party. Soon they were behind a painted screen of brightly colored fish. Together with a badger and a saber-toothed cat, they secured toys to yarn fishing lines with clothespin hooks and made out like teenagers behind the bleachers.

On the far side of the island in a gunnery apartment, Kendal rolled off of Marcus, huffing to catch his breath. "Okay, that was fun," Kendal said.

"What is it usually?" Marcus questioned.

"It's always fun, but it's like you've learned some new things and forgotten others. When you said this was going to be a transformation, I figured perhaps a new body. I didn't think it would involve a new skill set," Kendal said with a laugh.

"I think a large part of Donovan's sexual preferences rubbed off on me when we were together," Marcus said, slipping to the side of the Newfoundland wolf.

"So where does that awkward fumbling like a kid on his first date come from?" Kendal asked. "You've had enough sex with me to know what I enjoy without asking." Kendal paused for a moment. "And coming all over me when we started kissing? How teenage boy is that?"

"I'm sorry," Marcus said. "There's a part of me that is sensing things for the first time."

Kendal hugged the winged wolf tightly. "I'm not complaining, Hon. It's kinda fun to realize I can get a man off by only kissing him." He pushed back gently. "It's all okay. The new techniques, the awkwardness... it's all good. Don't worry about any of it." Kendal smiled at the worried-looking wolf. "It's like I have my old Marcus with all the things I love about him and a brand new Marcus waiting to be discovered. It's actually very exciting. You are almost like two different people."

Marcus's face dropped. "Would that be a problem?"

Kendal shook his head. "Nope. I told you before, I'm willing to share you. But if that turns out to be the case, eventually I get to meet everyone I'm sharing you with, okay?"

"Agreed," Marcus said as he let his free wing unfold and

wrapped it around Kendal.

"I'm going to miss you, Marcus," Kendal said.

"Then you know?" the puzzled wolf with badger stripes asked.

"You're antsy. You get that way right before you have to leave me."

"We haven't been together long enough for you to know me that well," Marcus replied.

"I'm like you, Marcus. I pick up on things pretty quickly, and I have a better knack for the emotional signals of others."

Marcus smiled. "Another reason I love you."

Kendal leaned in and rubbed his muzzle across Marcus's chest. "Let's go out there and be a part of that party they're throwing for us, Hon. Let's be newlyweds for the day. If I have to say goodbye, I want it to be here with my family surrounding me."

"But we will have our time alone before I have to go, right?" Marcus asked.

Kendal grabbed the winged wolf and kissed him. "Of course. I intend to spend a lot more time in bed with you after everyone has gone home. But for now, we have a cake to cut and all manner of other traditions to uphold." He pushed back. "The two of you aren't on the clock, are you?"

Marcus looked away shyly. "No, we're fine."

Kendal resumed the hug, pulling the winged wolf in tight. "And we'll be fine, too, Husband. I love you, now and forever."

Marcus closed his eyes and hugged the Newfoundland wolf, not wanting to let go. He saw all of time and space spiraling around the two and realized forever was never truly an option. But for a moment, he pushed past the reality of his world and embraced his husband's. "Now and forever," he whispered and tried desperately to believe it.

Chapter 48

Will heard his ComLink chime. He looked up from his bookkeeping. "Hello, Marcus. Did you enjoy your honeymoon?"

Marcus laughed. "I had a wonderful time, William. Thank you for the wedding gift. We never imagined they made lube in a bottle as big as that."

"I realize you two probably don't need it as soon as you're together, but they say it's the thought that counts."

"It is, and we had fun using it at Carl and Randy's place."

"Oh, now there's a video I'd like to see," the wolf said with a lecherous snicker.

"Well, you won't see it anytime soon, William," Marcus replied. He was quiet for a while and then added. "Although the two of us would love to show you what we did one of these days when I come home to visit."

Will smiled. "I would like that, Marcus. Have you said your goodbyes to Kendal already? Is it time for us to say goodbye?"

Marcus laughed. "You know me too well, William."

"Where are you?"

"I'm on the highland; in the middle of the glade where we first met."

"Ah... A romantic, it seems."

"I was brought into this world by one. It's only logical that I would learn to be one," Marcus replied. "The place still looks like crap. Gaia has had barely enough time to regenerate the soil bed."

"Well, we know who to blame for that."

"That's cruel, William."

"Nah, I'm blaming Donovan. He can take the teasing."

"So, will you join me here? I have to head out soon."

"Give me an hour to wrap things up here, and I'll get Tiff and Tuff to give me a ride there."

"I already called them a few minutes ago. They're on their way from Partridge Island in the Red Wolf. They should be here soon."

"And how am I supposed to get..." Will's words ended as he found himself on the highland staring at a glowing white wolf gently flapping his wings. The old wolf watched the light play off the fur sparkling in the sunlight. "You look like a damn Christmas tree ornament."

Marcus laughed. "Right? Isn't this the dumbest thing ever? You can tell the universe isn't gay. No decent gay universe would ever dress one of its champions in this outfit." He shook and became a gray wolf with black and white stripes running down his back. "That glowing stuff is my traveling outfit. I don't need to be that when I'm home, thank god."

The wolf squatted down and touched the parched soil below him. The grass sprung up from his fingers and spread out across the highland. In the distance, the forest lifted from the dry earth and spread out toward a creek that broke through the rock wall of the crag. Marcus lifted his hand. "I'm sorry Gaia, I never meant for that to happen." He listened to the wind moving through the newborn forest. "I understand you had plans for Derrick. But there was no way I could leave here with it looking that way. Leaving William alone on a lifeless slab of rock and dirt was never an option."

The trees settled in the distance, and Marcus tapped the grass below him. "There, that's done," Marcus said as he stood back up. "Maybe in time, she will forgive me. I certainly took a toll on her."

"She's already forgiven you, Marcus," Will replied. "There are no stones in your way tripping you every time you take a step. She understands growing pains. She's the Unity; the core of all that brings us together. Every day, she teaches us we must learn to love what our family becomes."

Marcus pulled back the floppy striped mat of hair from his brow. His wings gently folded back into him. "You'll be happy to know there are no scars. Inside or out. You've taught me well. I heal, William. I will always heal. Even from today."

"So what now? You become the savior of the universe?"

The wolf with his coat of many colors laughed. "That's Flash Gordon. I'm not a savior. It takes a total narcissist for someone to think that he alone can save the world, let alone the universe."

"So what? A protector?"

"Not even that so much, although they are aware that I will protect this planet and its inhabitants. It's non-negotiable."

"They?"

"There is always a 'they', William. There is always someone above you who is stronger, smarter, and bigger. The universe is expanding, and so are the creatures who live in it. We just have to hope we bump into the loving ones."

"So, what did you make of all that they gave you, Marcus?"

"A fat little guy sitting behind a desk trying to help kids find a home."

Will laughed, but his smile turned serious almost instantly. "I worry about you, Marcus," Will said, reaching out to the wolf.

"Absolute power corrupting absolutely?" Marcus said with a nod as he took Will's hand. "It occupies much of my thinking, William. The histories of the gods on this planet don't bode well for creatures with power. They're pretty much egotistical human effigies that think they're the only one true God." The glowing wolf sighed. "Or they're self-serving arrogant asses with contempt for everything weaker."

"I don't care about the myths, Marcus. I care about you," the old wolf said. "You have a responsibility to be better than all those gods. You can't be them. We need you to be smarter, kinder, and more forgiving. This family needs someone to walk beside us, not rule over us."

"I will never rule, William. It has never been my nature. I was serious when I told you what I became. When it gets right down to it, I'm still only a guy calling people on my ComLink trying to get donations for New Home. It's what I do. I try to help lost souls find home. I try to make life better for those around me. That's who I am, but I have a bigger area to call on now."

The old wolf reached out and hugged the winged wolf. Marcus leaned into a kiss. When the kiss ended, Will looked into the blue eyes of the other wolf. "Don't kill, Marcus. Never kill. Not even to save the life of an innocent. Find another way. You have so much power. Even one death changes us, scars us in ways you may never heal from."

"Avoid the slippery slope, Father?"

"Oh jeez, I'm going to be your father?" the old wolf fumed; stomping his foot on the ground as he turned away. "The old bear warned me about this." He turned back with pleading eyes. "We can't be friends with benefits? Star-crossed lovers?"

"I can be them all for you if you need me to be, William. But if you want a glimpse at the relationship I dream of, it's something far beyond any of the words you or I have for what the two of us might become."

"Promise me..."

"You know I can't promise that, William," the winged wolf responded. "I promise I will do my best to never kill, father... friend... lover," the wolf vowed. "With great power comes great responsibility. Book of Spider-man," he said with a smile. "I've read my scripture." The striped and spotted fur of the wolf fluoresced to white. "I will never do anything that will keep the wolf I love from looking back at me in love." The white, glimmering wolf leaned in and kissed the old wolf again. "I need to think of a less complicated way to say that, don't I?"

"Where are you headed, Marcus?"

"I'm not sure," the iridescent wolf said, waving his hand toward the sky. "Somewhere out there, I suppose. The Unity wants me to visit, but I'm not sure how comfortable I am right now melding into a sea of blobby colors who want to chat."

Will laughed. "Yeah, I like our Changelings much better. They're nice and squishy in all the right ways."

"I might tool around the galaxy a bit. Remember all those years ago when Kris told you the universe holds more horrors than you can possibly imagine?"

Will laughed. "Yeah, I do, but I didn't realize you did."

"I am all that I have ever touched, William. But of all those who have left their imprint on me, you are foremost in my mind and my heart. It's not over between us, William. It's only starting. To tell you the truth, one reason I need to go is to get a bit of perspective. My thinking is a tad too conventional for what I want you to be to ever understand what you will be."

Will smiled. "As long as I'm not one of the horrors out there, I'm good."

The white wolf waved his hand upward again. "I realize the bear is right, and I see things on the horizon. I might visit a few worlds and pass along the news that someone protects Terra and her inhabitants. A reminder of sorts for those who need reminding."

"But no killing."

The glowing wolf laughed. "No, my insistent love. If they come at me, I will simply throw them into another galaxy and let them try to figure out what happened." He paused. "But understand this, Old Wolf. I am bound to you in ways you can't imagine. When I say you know what I will do to protect my family, you know; because it rests there in your heart as well."

The white wolf paused and looked up. "Terra has changed; and when things change, others take notice. What our family has done to save this world has shifted it from being an obscure blip on the radar to a..." The wolf looked at himself and waved his paw over his glowing chest and belly. "... to a world that requires this to be out there watching over it."

Will stared into the blue eyes of the wolf in front of him. "Will I ever see you again, Marcus?"

"Of course. This is where my family lives. I have a mate on Partridge Island who would miss me if I never returned. And I believe the wolf before me can find a way to track me down and make me regret staying away too long."

"I guess you can also be prophetic," Will said with a grin.

"I have two wolves I love for so many different reasons." Marcus paused and grinned as he stared down at Will's crotch. "And for so many reasons that are the same." The glowing wolf grabbed Will and hugged him tightly. "I will always come home to both of you. This is where my heart will always be. Please forgive me if I don't write." Marcus let Will go, and his smile faded. "William..."

"Yes, Marcus?"

"Please take care of Kendal."

"He's our family, Son," Will replied. "Of course, we'll take care of him."

"Never let him forget I love him."

"I will do my part. Don't forget to do yours."

Marcus's smile returned. "You are the air that I breathe," Marcus said. He paused and shook his head. "No, that doesn't work. I don't actually need to breathe anymore." The glowing wolf mumbled half to himself as he tried to find the words. "Don't eat or drink, so that shoots Oliver's analogy to hell..."

The two looked across the glade as the Red Wolf's engines pivoted and it lowered onto the restored landing rock.

"Tell me you love us and that will be enough," Will said.

"I love you, William Gentry. And I love Kendal Johnson. I love you both more than you will ever know. But we will spend a lifetime learning how deep that love goes."

"Then we're good here. I believe you have somewhere else you need to be."

Marcus looked out across the glade at the little badger standing beside the Red Wolf's lowered landing ramp. "I knew he would come," Marcus said with a smile. "Come, Oliver!" the white wolf yelled. "Your husband needs you." He turned back to the old wolf. "I'm sorry I am breaking your heart. At least it's clear that you are not alone in that."

Will forced a smile. "You're not breaking my heart, Marcus. It broke when you promised to return all those years ago and didn't. But now I've learned you will always come back. You just totally suck at coming back on time."

"I'm gay," Marcus laughed. "I'm always fashionably late, but it looks different when you're an immortal." The wolf stepped back. "So, what do you think would be more dramatic? Rocket up into the sky in a bolt of white lightning, disappear in a blaze of swirling light and smoke, or one last kiss, and I'm gone?"

Will looked at the winged wolf with tears in his eyes. "I always go for the long kiss goodbye."

"Forever the romantic. Then a kiss it is," the glowing wolf said as embraced the old wolf and kissed him. Somewhere in the middle of a passionate kiss that he would remember forever, Will realized he was alone in the middle of the highland.

He looked up into the sky, wondering where the wolf had gone and how many light-years away he already was. The old wolf shook his head. "Damn," he sighed. "First time in my life I get to say goodbye to someone the way I wanted to, and it still sucks."

"It will always suck," Oliver said, walking up to the wolf.

Will reached down and grabbed the badger into a tight hug. "So, what do we do to make it less sucky?"

"You has family waiting back in Montana, Old Wolf. They's naked and horny, and we wants ourselves some hot Iberian wolf butt to plow."

Will laughed. "That's the answer? Dive into a group orgy and call it good?"

"Nah, Old Wolf; nothin' will make his leaving good. But you's a beast. We survives by being together, and you survives by loving your family. He's gone for a time, and that's sad. But we is here, and that is good. You stays in the moment that has the good."

"What would I do without you, Oliver?" Will asked as he twirled the badger around.

"Well, for one thing, you'd have to look mighty hard to find your minimum daily requirement of badger butt," the little mammal answered. Oliver threw up his hands and leaned back into the spin.

The old wolf pulled the badger back into a tight hug and kissed him. "I'm ready, Oliver. Take me home."

"I'se in your arms, Old Wolf. You's already home."

The wolf smiled, realizing his husband was right. He threw the badger up over his head and pulled the tiny legs around his neck. With a deep breath that he let out slowly, he turned and began walking back toward the Red Wolf.