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Chapter 10.0: Play Time!

Shellington Football Field

On some level, I was grateful that the white dye on my fur didn't wash off with saliva. Dev and I spent a lot of time licking each other clean that morning and the better part of the 'before training time' was spent kissing passionately. Did I mention I drooled when he flexed for me?

It also stopped me from having to make constant jumps back home to spend a good hour or being dunked in a bathtub full of white fur dye and having my eyes stung by the hellish chemicals.

Dev mentioned I even looked good in white.

Chad said it would make cleaning up in the morning easier.

You know, because cum is white?

Anyway, with Dev in the loop I had another pair of eyes looking out for any potential drug dealings. He figured that since his leaving was basically well-known to upper management, the dealers would eventually know about it as well. What better target for a shady performance enhancing drug than the would-be replacement of the star quarterback? Young rising star trying to fill in some big shoes would naturally want every edge he could get, right?

Even if it was illegal.

Dev made it clear that he and I were quick friends. During breakfast he and I ate together and during afternoon practise, he gave me a lot of pointers.

And I mean a lot.

"Jake, stop using your powers," he whispered in my ear as jogged back to the benches to grab a some generic sports drink.

"What? I'm not using my powers."

I was lying, of course. The guys on the field were good and I tried to throw that ball without manipulating gravity and I'm pretty sure a blind, lame, mute and uncoordinated half-deceased corpse of a wild mongoose could've thrown the ball with more accuracy and strength.

Dev rolled his eyes at me, swiping the drink from my paws. "It's obvious, you know. After your first throw, you just stand there and stare at the ball like you're willing it to go where you want it to."

That's because I was.

"Look at the other guys."

As the other players passed their pigskins around, they were moving and shuffling. Those that remained stationary would shield their eyes from the glare of the sun and wag their tails when their throw was caught. I imagined that I must've looked like a stiff statue, robotically waiting for my next command.

"I can't throw, Dev," I muttered softly. "You know I suck at ball games."

"Not all ball games." For emphasis, he squeezed my nuts.

I walked right into that one.

"These muscles aren't just for show, right?" he continued, squeezing my bicep next. "Trust your body instead of just your mind. You're more than just brains."

And Dev clearly was more than just brawn.

Encouraged by his words, I jogged back out into the field and gave my body a bit of a test run. My muscles burned like they never burned before. I spent years training under my dad but the body I got from that came as a by-product of that training. I didn't train specifically to get ripped, big or stronger. I just trained to become better. I didn't push myself unless it was necessary. If I could beat my dad's simulations then that was a win for me.

But these guys... A 'win' for them was if they dropped dead from exhaustion. My arm moved with what I imagined was like a rusty hinge every time I threw that damnable ball. My exhaustion was rapidly cutting into my performance and while I seeped my powers every now and then just to keep up my physique I came to realise that I really wasn't cut out for this sport.

A new sense of respect filled me as Captain Bosch called us in at the end of the day.

The big lion personally came up to me and slapped me on the back. "You've got real potential here, kid." He narrowed his eyes at me for a second. "You know... You sort of remind me of someone... If he was a real man, though."

I bristled internally but had to keep my weariness from letting my disguise slip. "Who's this guy?"

"Eh, some writer. You've got his face, kid. Real tough. Strong. Eyes like lasers. If he had a body like yours and the guts, I bet he'd make a damn fine footballer."

Boy was he in for a surprise.

Despite my weariness, I imagined how I'd actually reveal to the world that big, bad, superstar quarterback Samuel Wolfe was actually Jacob Reaper. I suddenly had some insight into my mother's earlier life where she played an average geeky student, a superhero and a male football player.

How she did it, I could never understand.

I made the cut, thankfully and when I got on that bus, I practically curled into a ball and wanted to sleep. The trip back to the team building was a blur of similarly exhausted men and my constantly spinning head.

When I closed my eyes, I dreamed about my blind encounter with those Chaos Lords... For some reason, I imagined them all to be wearing the faces of baby seals. They were plotting the downfall of modern civilisation through sleeper agents. Baby seals, naturally. The instant they activated the 'kill signal', every baby seal in the world would become a ravenous, raging machine of destruction.

Someone tapped me on the shoulder and I awoke with a snort.

"We're here, sleepy," Dev announced, planting a wet kiss on my cheek.

"Dev!" I cried, twisting my head around, my eyes searching my surroundings. Instead of the crammed bus filled with huge, exhausted football players that still oozed testosterone, I found myself in Chad's car. Chad himself sat in the front driver's seat. I was in the back, a blanket wrapped over my shoulders and Dev's arm around my waist. "Whut...?"

"You're surprisingly very submissive when you're sleepy," my big, football playing wolf chuckled. He leaned down and pecked my nose before shuffling to get out of the car. "Come on, today is movie night!"

"Movie night?" I repeated.

Chad flashed me a grin from the front seat. "Yep! We made a few modifications to Dev's place while you were out."

Huh... It occurred to me that I hadn't visited Dev's warehouse apartment since I had been released from the hospital. My mom wouldn't let me out of the house. I was curious what kind of changes they had made.

Though some part of my mind conjured up the image of a 'Trap Rape Machine' that would ensnare me the instant I walked through that door. Probably tie me up with leather straps, lift my tail and prime me for constant and crazy rape.

The other part...

For some reason I imagined walking into that warehouse, all the lights were out... and then only a single spotlight would shine down on myself... and one other. A cute and yet menacing husky plushie sitting on stood. Dev and Chad would then ask me to join them and their 'master'...

Tony.

I was starting to think there was a reason why physical exhaustion and I didn't go so well together.

Thankfully, when Chad opened the door for me, there wasn't a murderous, magically animated plushie with a god-complex sitting on a swivelling egg chair stroking a cat waiting for me.

Instead, I was met by a rocking bachelor pad.

Do people still say 'rocking'? How about 'bitching'...? 'Bitchin''?

Well, it was awesome beyond words.

The warehouse was simply huge and you can just imagine what two, hormone-charged, gay, macho men like Chad and Dev would've stacked the place with while I was tucked asleep in my coma. All the gym equipment that Dev had stockpiled now had brothers and sisters that could rival a complete gym and that was just in the far left corner near the stairs to the bedroom!

The kitchen had been refurbished to look less like it had been lifted out of some house and dropped in the warehouse. It actually looked pretty modern. The stove didn't have those burners that would stop the pans from slamming into the flames. It was one of those electric stoves with a smooth, black surface that heated up the pan instead of a more traditional looking one that used raw, naked flames. Each cupboard was carved from marble or granite and there some exhaust fans that had actually been installed so there would be no case of smelling last week's dinner. The breakfast bench was carved in a crescent shape with a decent angle of the lounge set that sat directly in front of the kitchen.

A full couch, two separate chairs and even an ottoman sat atop a rich, velvety rug that I noted had some discoloured sections already on it. I guessed that was from someone trying to wash up some 'evidence'. The TV was less of a TV than it was a full computer hooked up to a TV. The console's cooling tower sat right beside the monstrous flat screen and as if that wasn't enough, there was another screen hanging from the far wall with several game consoles hooked up to it.

Did I mention there was also a bar.

They build a goddamn bar in the warehouse!

I wasn't sure how smart it was to have alcohol within reach of gym equipment but just spying the beanbag chairs had my inner child squealing in delight.

"Hey Jake!" I glanced up towards the upper level where Dev waved at me. "Check this out!"

Dev gripped two handle bars that hovered in front of him and swung down. To my surprise, the bars travelled down a cable, carrying his weight effortlessly and brought him right next to the door. My jaw dropped when he pressed a button right next to the door, causing a mechanism to drag the bar back up to its starting position.

I was dumbstruck.

Practically and entertainment all merged into one and this house came about.

"Who's hungry?" Chad exclaimed, clapping is paws together loudly. "The roast should be just about ready!"

"Roast?" I echoed.

Chad slipped on a pair of mittens and bent his cute butt over the oven. A wave of hot seasonings, herbs mixed with the delectable flavour of roast pork stirred my stomach awake. My exhaustion was set aside and replaced with the desire to ravage that huge chunk of meat that Chad pulled out of the hot fan-forced oven. My husky set it on the kitchen bench, grabbed a serving spoon and began basting the juices of the pork that had seeped out back over the crackling, crisp skin.

"God I'm hungry..." I muttered. Quickly, I lifted a finger, pressing it against Dev's half-open lips. "No 'meat' innuendos or I swear you'll be sore tomorrow."

"Who says that's not what I want?" Dev replied with a devious grin. I gave him a sharp look. He just smirked and opened a pot sitting on the electric stove. With a satisfied nod, he pulled the pot off, switched off the stove and poured the strange, yellow, grainy contents into a waiting bowl.

"Couscous?" I asked, curious.

"Yep!" the wolf answered eagerly. "Chad's been teaching me how to improve my cooking."

Chad snorted and hiked a thumb over his shoulder. "This big lug's definition of 'cooking' is raw eggs in the morning, protein shakes and slabs of barely cooked meat at night and during lunch! No vegetables! Can you believe it!? How he got any fibre in his body is beyond me."

"Supplements, man!" Dev exclaimed, flexing a bicep. I drooled for a different kind of meat when I saw a network of veins pulse past this fur.

"That can't be good for your liver." Chad sliced the ham and my eyes were directed to the juices that seeped from the hunk of pork. I think there was a pool developing at my feet and I desperately needed to change my shirt. "Okay, now for the vegetables. Get the lasagne, would you, Dev?"

"Aye, sir!" the big footballer answered cheerily.

Another delectable aroma flooded my nostrils. Pasta sauce actually bubbled beneath a thick layer of cheese right before my eyes. From the thick specs of green amongst the red of the tomato, I realised this was a vegetable lasagne. While I was mildly disappointed at the lack of meat, I knew that if there was a lack of meat in a lasagne meant there would be an excess of something just as good.

Cheese.

Chad snapped my muzzle shut. "Don't drool all over the food, babe. Don't wolf it down either. We've still got dessert."

"Please," I begged. "Can we please just eat already? I've been running around a football field all day flexing muscles I never knew I had, sweating like it's the middle of summer, I stink, my spine has been crushed multiple times by big, hot sweaty men and I'm pretty sure I lost a couple of brain cells just for wearing that uniform. Please, I need nourishment!"

My husky smirked at me. "I could so corrupt that right now but knowing you, just by saying this, you're already corrupting it yourself."

Unfortunately, he was right.

I was imagining getting a healthy source of 'protein straight from the tap'.

Good thing there were two 'taps'. I was starving.

"And that's the look I'm looking for," Chad sniggered, poking my nose. "Come on, 'Sam', let's get the budding football star fed. And you too, Jake."

We sat down on an antique dining table that looked too expensive for Dev's tastes. Expensive plates were laid out before us and silverware that looked like they had been fished out of the ocean from a galleon that had sunk centuries ago. It almost seemed a shame to dirty them with the grease and spices from the succulent pork that was laid out before me.

I don't even think I chewed. I also lost track of how many serving I had.

By the end of the meal, I was sitting contently in my cushioned chair, patting my slightly inflated belly and belching loudly.

"God... I needed that..." I sighed.

"Hope you still have room for desert," Chad chuckled. Both he and Dev sprang from their seats and went to the kitchen. They came back with a heavily decorated mud cake and a lemon meringue cake. Both looked delectable but I just couldn't take another bite.

"They both look good," I murmured, my eyes drooping heavily. "But seriously, guys, another spoonful and I'll pop."

Chad just grinned as he set down his cake in front of me. "Did I mention we have crème caramel?"

Sold.

I'm a sucker for anything with caramel in it. Getting the sticky, sweet candy stuck in my fur was always a pest but the good thing about being lupine was that I could basically use my very flexible tongue to go almost anywhere.

The next few minutes were a blur of sweets, flying food bits and muffled, 'More please'. I have no idea where I put all that food. But this time, I savoured the creamy, sweet texture of the crème caramel mixed with the contrasting sweet-sour tang of the meringue and the strong, cloudy feel of the mud cake.

By the end of it all, I was so overloaded with sugar that... well... Let's put it this way... What happened afterwards can be summarised in the following equation:

A + B x C + 2D = E

Where A is equal to the amount of Sugar.

B is a Mentally Exhausted Jacob Reaper.

C is 'Pent-Up Sex Drive from Hanging around huge, muscular, sweaty football players all day'

D is the sexiness of my mates.

Oh... and E...

E equals 'sexsplosion'.

Chapter 10.1: Call Boy!

Devlin's Apartment

I've had my fair share of hangovers. My regeneration usually got rid of all the alcohol long before I could drop unconscious but occasionally, I would drink too much and I'd be out like a light.

Let it be said that coming down from a sugar-high is just as bad.

When I opened my eyes, the blazing sun scorched my retinas with burning lances of fire that dug deep into brain. A groan escaped me as I rolled onto my back. I tried making a mental note to remind myself never to binge on so much sugar ever again. I didn't know whether or not it was the exercise from the field or simply last night's 'exercises' that had my entire body sore but just like a hangover, regret loomed over my head.

Sandwiching me between their hot, muscular forms were both of my mates. Chad slumbered peacefully with one arm curled over my chest. Dev snored quite loudly in my ear even with his back turned away from me. White splotches decorated his back.

I guess he was warming over to the idea of being a bottom.

After being crushed under so many men over the years from football tackles, I really shouldn't be surprised.

I lifted my right paw into the air and smiled at the glimmering sapphire ring that Dev had gotten me. It fit so well there. My eyes drifted to my other paw... more specifically my watch...

"Yarf!"

I bolted out of bed, instantly regretting the sudden movement. Dev snorted away while Chad opened his eyes sleepily.

My husky let out a loud yawn and nuzzled my belly affectionately. "What's up...?"

"I'm late for practice!" I cried. I never thought I'd be uttering those words but there I was.

I vaulted over a shuffling Dev and scrambled through the piles of clothes for something to wear. I noticed that despite the refurbishment, Dev's room was still a mess. I did notice Chad's favourite pair of red underwear lay amongst the pile.

That... and a ball gag...

I picked up the little, red, rubber ball attached to leather straps, holding it out at arm's length. "Just what did we do last night?"

Chad's bright laughter was the rooster's crow that I needed to truly wake up. The husky leaned on top of Dev's semi-slumbering form as the big football player rolled onto his back, giving Chad ample space to rest on his broad, muscular chest.

"Actually, I don't really remember!" His grin outmatched the brilliance of the sun. "We had a lot of fun though!"

"I'll bet..." I tossed aside the ball gag and hurriedly pulled up a jockstrap. I wasn't even sure if it was mine. "I've got to head off to the field. Bosch will kill me if I'm late. A guy actually got booted off the team just for being a minute late."

Again, Chad's laughter brought my attention away from my hurried clothes scavenging. "Look at you stressing over a football game. Talk about a 'geek to muscle jock' story."

"Funny," I muttered sarcastically. I threw on a shirt that looked vaguely familiar and a pair of shorts that I presumed were mine. I messed with gravity just a little to make sure that my muscles were still toned enough. The last thing I wanted was for my team mates to start telling me I looked smaller.

"I guess I should be heading off too," Chad said, patting Dev's chest as the big wolf let out a soft rumbling groan. "Grim is a surprisingly talkative dude. The stuff he talks about is depressing but he talks a lot."

I checked myself in the full-body mirror that was in the room. I looked semi-presentable. I just prayed that I didn't smell too much like sex and cum. There was no time for a shower. Since I had cut my hair, the shortness prevented any sort of bed-hair so I was good on that aspect. My fur, however, was still quite ruffled.

What was a good excuse?

Lack of sleep?

Late-night training?

...

Was out with a girl...?

I couldn't think properly.

"Tell Dev where I've gone. I hope he's not needed on the field."

Dev lifted a paw and waved at me lazily. The other paw wrapped around Chad's shoulders and pulled the husky down into a tight embrace. "I'm good. Best part about being the star quarterback is that I get to come in any time I want especially when they're training the new recruits."

Chad giggled as the two shared a passionate kiss. I didn't know whether or not they were trying to tempt me or this was how they usually started their morning. Either way, I dearly wished to jump in between them and get rid of the tent in my shorts but I had a job to do.

"You two enjoy then," I muttered bitterly. "In the meantime, I'll go out and save the world from a potentially destructive magical symbol."

"Hey, at least if we die, we'll die happy," Chad answered.

I rolled my eyes and quickly hurried out of the large bedroom. As much as I was tempted to try the zip line, I had no time for life's little pleasures. I jumped off the top stair and altered gravity to cushion my fall. I felt my muscles hardening and growing a little. I curled my fingers into a fist, watching the veins pop against the back of my paw.

Flashing to the door gave me that little bit more muscle that I needed to make the illusion all the more compelling. Part of me wished that I could have this body naturally if only to avoid the constant need to use my powers in measured strokes.

A rapid series of barks and laughs erupted from behind me. I was about to turn around when I remembered that if I was so much as a second late, my chances of making the team and uncovering who was really behind the plot to ruin the football league would go down the drain.

It took a lot of willpower I never thought I had to twist that doorknob and step out into the clean, fresh air. I jumped into Chad's waiting car...

... and remembered I didn't have his keys.

"Goddamnit!" I howled into the air.

"Want me to hotwire it for you?"

That voice chilled my bones and froze my blood. Cliff hopped into the passenger seat of the convertible, casually buckling himself up. My jaw unhinged but before I could even utter a word of confusion, Cliff lifted a small remote no bigger than his thumb and pressed the big, red button. The coat, hat and sunglasses he wore hid his features well but there was no denying his scent.

Chad's car instantly roared to life.

"How did you...?"

"Magic," Cliff answered with a cocky smirk. "Now you better hurry up, Jake. Don't want to be late. Your entire plan hinges on you making the team, right?"

I got the feeling I really didn't have a choice in the matter. I half-expected the car to explode as I rested my paws on the steering wheel and revved the accelerator.

No explosion... yet.

As I drove back towards Shellington Stadium, I kept one eye on the road and the other on Cliff.

"What do you want, Cliff?" I growled.

"Don't tell me you forgot," the coyote replied, lazily reclining in the seat. "I promised you I'd come up with the name of the guy that's behind all this in exchange for getting me out of prison, remember? Well, I'm here to deliver."

I snarled at him, baring my fangs. "An honourable crook. How admirable." My snarl instantly faded when I realised something was wrong with this conversation. "Wait a second... How did you know I'm me!?"

My former-boyfriend gave me a sidewards smirk. "Apart from that little outburst you mean?" He tapped me elbow playfully. "I've got tabs on you, Jacob Reaper. Plus, come on! 'Samuel Wolfe'? Anyone with half a brain would realise it was you. You middle name is 'Samuel' and you're a wolf. That, and you boned Devlin Reaper and had sex with Chadstone West and the very same Devlin Reaper last night."

I bristled, trying to keep myself from crashing Chad's car into the sidewalk. "You saw that!?"

His green eyes rolled to the side. "Get the hint, Reaper. I've got tabs on you. When you went 'missing', I watched Devlin and Chad. When I saw you there, it was obvious who you were." He appraised me critically. "Good disguise though. How did you put on all that muscle? Are they implants?"

_"No,"_I growled viciously. "My powers let me grow in muscle mass every time I use them."

"Interesting." He didn't seem at all interested. "Well, suffice it to say that I'm impressed and that's not something that's very easy to do."

He didn't seem impressed.

"Fine. So tell me who the bastard that's trying to ruin Dev's career is so I can kill them in the worst possible way imaginable. I'm thinking I'll stick countless syringes of drugs into their body and steadily pump tarantula venom into their bodies."

"You realise, of course, that tarantula venom isn't fatal."

I gave Cliff a chilling grin. "Exactly."

The coyote stared at me for a few moments... before letting out a bright laugh. The shadow of a friend played across his face. "Nice. I like that."

"Trust me, when I'm done with you, that'll seem like a mercy."

Cliff laughed again. "Oh, I'm positively frozen in terror, Jake."

"You think I'm incapable of tormenting you?" I snarled, ears folded against my skull.

"Yes," he answered bluntly. That cocky smirk on his face taunted me, tempted me to snatch it in an intense gravitational grip and send it flying into outer space. Or maybe have it fly at my anus that way he could 'kiss my ass'. "You're not a killer, Jake. I can see it in your eyes. You want to murder, maim and burn but you're just too good.

"Now me, on the other hand, put a gun in my paw and point me at a little old lady and I'll be in heaven." He formed his fingers into a gun, levelling it at the side of my head. "I'd shoot her then I'd shoot you until it stopped being funny. Afterwards, I'd pile your naked body on top of hers just to add some more humiliation."

He was such an ass.

But... he had a point.

I don't know if it was just from exposure to Cliff's world and attitude but I was suddenly aware of the fine line between justified killing and murder. Many times before, others have died at my paws or died because of my actions. I had comforted myself by reasoning they were corrupt because of their Seals.

But now...

Dev had asked me if all Seal users were inherently evil... He never accused me of just making that as an assumption but the question had been asked... and I couldn't get it out of my head.

All those people that died because of me... was it truly justified?

"So here's my offer, Reaper," Cliff said, crossing his arms behind his head absently. "Tonight, meet me at the stadium. I'm going to make sure you get a front row seat when I blow the brains out of that asshole that's been framing the Vipers."

"You don't think I can kill him?" I snapped.

"Frankly, no." The coyote's smirk boiled my blood. "You make threats, Jake, but you're all bark and no bite. You're more dog than you are wolf. God knows, the number of times Chad pumped cum into you last night, that's not surprising."

Bad enough I had him looming over my shoulder constantly but with him flaunting his knowledge about my private life just really irked me. He was obviously trying to get under my skin and it was working.

His tone suddenly turned very solemn. "I'll kill him, Jake."

"I don't suppose you're doing this out of the kindness of your heart, are you?"

"What kindness?" he chortled. "This bastard has exposed the Vipers, practically throwing the entire government on our tails and our 'allies' in the Dark Nexus turning on us like rabid dogs. You're lucky, Reaper. You had some panic attacks and maybe a bullet in the brain but in the end, you get your 'happily ever after', getting not one but two boyfriends who love and cherish you more than you'll ever know."

My anger at Cliff faded slightly. There was a tinge of jealousy in his voice that I just couldn't ignore. Maybe he continued to watch both Chad and Dev even after I was knocked out. He proved that he could escape from jail easily and I doubted it was above him to have levelled a gun at my mates more than once.

That said, though, I could imagine him peering down the barrel of a sniper rifle at Dev and Chad as they lay in each other's arms. As his finger closed around that trigger, he hesitated... then cursed. He lowered his gun and turned away. Night after night, he would try to take the shot but every night, he would always fail, incapable of destroying a love so precious.

Why couldn't he?

Wasn't this the same Cliff Thornton that held a personal vendetta against the world for using him?

What happened to that Cliff?

I parked the car in front of the stadium, killing the engine.

"You know," I began, knowing I would regret this offer later on, "you could leave the Dark Nexus. We've got a place for you. You'll have a superhero protecting you, a mad scientist, an avatar of the gods, a football players and me. You won't have to fear them anymore..."

Cliff's bitter laugh shot down any possibility that I could convert him to the side of good. "You think I fear the Dark Nexus? Jake, I could've joined the bloody mafia or gone over to some other continent where they accept gays with welcome arms. Maybe Minteroca. I chose the Dark Nexus because deep down here, Jake" - he tapped it chest - "I'm an asshole. The Dark Nexus is the perfect place for guys like me."

He turned away, arms crossed firmly across his chest. "You can keep your ideals, law, order and offers of peace. I don't belong in this world anyway. Never did."

Odd... More and more, I was feeling exactly the same thing. When others looked at me, they saw what my parents wanted them to see. They saw a 'Jacob Reaper' that underwent extreme makeovers and then had a thick veil cast over him. I fit in only because of that veil.

Would I still be able to fit if I left?

"You know Dev, Chad and I were planning to leave Rillotia," I began softly. "After this season is over, we were going to head over to Crescenta... you could come with us. The Dark Nexus isn't present over there, right?"

Cliff's green eyes softened slightly. "No Dark Nexus there... but their sister underground organisation is there... Forgot what it was called... Tempting offer, Jake, but wherever you run, you still have to run on a road. Every step you take is a step you can't take back."

How miserably true.

I could see the regret in his eyes and I think I understood his situation. He was angry at the world and chose the Dark Nexus to get his revenge. But now, all the things he had done was starting to weigh down heavily on his heart. One part of him just wanted to leave it all behind but the rest was locked on the same path until the end of the road.

Where that end was, I don't think even he knew.

"Unless you fly," I offered, smiling slightly.

His eyes flicked towards me, daring me to finish off the sappy sentence I knew was coming up. "What?"

"You don't leave any tracks in the ground if you fly," I answered, reaching out and gripping his shoulder tightly. "Why don't you fly with us, Cliff?"

He rolled his eyes, knocking my paw away. "Just like you to spout out some sentimental crap."

"What's so sentimental about it? The fastest and cheapest way to get to Crescenta is by plane! I don't think you want to walk the entire length of the ocean, do you?"

His eyebrows shot up as he regarded me one more time. Then he broke out into bright laughter that melted away the dark facade he wore and let the Cliff Thornton I knew shine from within.

"We could always take a boat," he suggested.

"Are you kidding? Remember that time we went sailing during a high school excursion? You were bent over the railings the entire time!"

"Maybe the better alternative would be you just teleporting us over there then."

I broke into a grin. I could tell it was infectious as his lips curled upwards into a smile. "You just want me all big and buff, don't you?"

"You certainly do look better with a bit more mass on you," Cliff answered, shamelessly appraising me. "If you ever needed any drugs to get a body like that permanently, you know who to call."

"And if you ever needed a 'get out of jail free card' you know where I live."

This time, he really laughed and it brought a spark of joy into my heart. "Be careful what you offer, Jake. I might just take you up on that offer."

"Well how about this offer?" I answered, reaching out and gripping his paw. "That bed at Dev's place is big enough to fit another person."

His fingers closed around mine for a moment... Then they unclenched and he slipped out of the car.

"Tonight, Jake," he said firmly. "Eight o'clock."

Cliff Thornton turned and left, his tail swaying from side to side.

A smile touched my lips.

Perhaps there was hope for him yet.

Just like my counterpart said, no matter how bad things are in the past, nothing was stopping you from starting again.

Maybe we all just needed to start again.

Chapter 10.2: Balls, Boys and Bullets!

Streets of Shellington

Bosch let us out of the field pretty early at about 5:30. He told me that I was a 'monster' out there, complimenting me on my 'earthshaking tackles' and speed. Dev arrived halfway through practice and I only kicked up the effort by another 50%. I think I really wowed my teammates and I didn't even use my powers... much.

I made the final cut so I was officially in the team. Dev voted that we celebrate with more homemade sweets but I refused, telling him that we did have a big game tomorrow. Still, he was eager to welcome me to the team - even if we were going to leave it after the season was over.

"So what do you want to do?" Dev asked eagerly, bouncing in the passenger seat excitedly. "No bars or alcohol, though. Bosch would kick our ass. Beer is off the menu ever since the whole drug scandal."

"We don't have to do anything big," I answered with a faint smile as I drove through the streets of Shellington. "I mean, I'm just happy to spend the rest of the day with you and Chad."

Dev's ears lowered. "Chad can't make it... He's either off on a mission for the gods or filming."

"I've got an idea."

Dev saw my devious grin and shied away from me. "Uh oh..."

We stopped by my parents' mansion. Both my mom and dad were there, cheerily congratulating me on my big success and entrance into the world of football. I thanked them both and handed the erotic jockstrap back to my father.

Thanks to a special solution that my father made, they got the dye out of my fur and hair. Pumping out the extra muscle mass from my body was a little difficult but I managed to toss aside enough crystals so that I actually looked like plain old Jacob Reaper. Still had some muscle on me, however.

When I was dressed and back to my old black and gold fur, we jumped back into my car and zoomed off towards what was known as the 'Silver District' of Shellington. Even from several kilometres away, we could see the big, silver ball that sat at the centre of the movie-making section of Shellington. Running across the surface of the ball was a black screen that advertised up and coming movies with rolling letters.

Chad's movie set was easy enough to find. There was a big poster of himself dressed in football gear with black face paint drawn under his eyes and clutching a football in one paw. He stood dramatically next to his co-star, Linda Deumont, who looked incredibly severe in her beige suit and glasses.

Getting past the guards was easy.

I just told them who I was.

There are advantages to being famous.

I parked the car and with Dev in tow, we stepped into the studio. They were filming a scene for out in the green pastures but in reality, it was just a carefully crafted Styrofoam hill with some fake grass pressed up against a green screen. Chad and Linda lay on their backs, staring at a gap between two spotlights while reciting their lines.

"You can be whoever you want to be, Shaun," Linda said softly, her voice thick with emotion. Her paw rested on his chest. "I believe in you."

I could see Dev start to groan but I seized his cock through his shorts, making him shut his muzzle very quickly. We sat in silence as the two continued their scene.

"Thanks Liz," Chad answered in a sexy whisper. "But I need more than just that... I need to make the team... I need to make a name for myself..." He clutched her paw tightly, staring into her eyes. "It's gonna be tough, babe, but if we stick together, I know we can do this."

"I'll be by your side no matter what. I love you."

Their muzzles drew close... And Chad whispered something. Their lips touched... and the sex began.

I turned away and let out a breath of relief when the director shouted 'Cut'.

Chad practically pushed Linda off him as he leapt to his feet. He quickly removed the shirt he wore and Linda did the same.

"What are they doing...?" Dev asked, partially horrified and partially fascinated. I could feel the blood rushing to his cock. Realising I still held his member in my paw, I quietly pulled my paw away.

"They're setting up for the sex scene," I whispered. "They don't do it like we do."

"Actors," he muttered in disgust. "Maybe we should show them how it's done, huh?" he added with a giggle.

"My intention exactly."

Dev went rigid. "Wait, what!?"

I ignored him and strode boldly onto the set. "Chad!"

My husky's ears perked up, his beautiful, hazelnut eyes spinning to greet me like two shining beacons. "Jake?"

The entire movie crew began murmuring to one another as I approached. Linda did not look at all pleased. Her paw practically tore the towel from the grip of an assistant, her tail slamming against the poor guy's legs and tripping him.

Chad's arms wrapped tightly around me, compressing me against his chiselled chest.

"I made the team," I whispered into his ear.

Just like the perfect actor that he was, he didn't show any outward signs of excitement or surprise. Instead, he just whispered back. "Awesome. We'll have to 'practice' tonight." Just as quickly as the hug came, it left and he held me at arm's length.

"Should you be out of bed?" he asked loudly.

I had forgotten I had just come out of a month-long coma a few days ago. Hard to tell when you're breaking you're back trying to make it into a major football team.

"I'm fine," I answered with confidence. "Just wanted to see you shine on the screen."

"As you can probably tell, darling," Linda said, sauntering up to us with an exaggerated sway in her hips. Her voice made my skin craw and my fingers want to dive into her throat and tear out her vocal chords. Better she be mute than let anyone endure that ridiculous, inflated screech she called a voice. "Chadstone is simply dazzling on set. His acting abilities have greatly improved ever since you slipped into that week-long coma."

"It was a month," I replied, trying to keep myself from testing my 'weasel-in-a-black-hole-theory'. The theory is simply: Weasel goes into Black Hole, Black Hole spits Weasel back out. She's that abhorrent.

"Truly?" she answered with mock innocence. "It seemed to go by so quickly."

I heard Dev's knuckled pop.

"And who is this?" Her arched eyebrows rose slightly, tugged upwards by the same distain that curled her lips. "You have that... odour about you... A sportsman, per say?"

"Footballer," Dev growled. "Devlin Reaper." He didn't offer his paw.

"Oh. So you must be the 'reference' that Chadstone mentioned so often." She waved her paw absently in front of her nose. "Ah, it is apparent that Chadstone has much to learn about the craft of football."

Dev's ears folded back.

The rest of the movie crew stood back, knowing full well this confrontation was more than just a friendly visit. The sparks were seriously flying between us and Chad's stance beside me and Dev did not pass by Linda's notice. She was a bitch, that much was certain, but she was cunning. I could see that the longer we threw our superior numbers at her, her cause grew.

Chad would have to slip back to her side soon. His career rested on this movie and Linda Deumont was not someone you wanted as your enemy.

Time to make my move.

"I'll let you two get back to it," I said, patting Chad's shoulders. I took a few steps away from him but still kept my paw firmly on his shoulder. "If you don't mind, we'll just be sitting over there" - I hiked a thumb next to the director - "watching. I've got an idea for a book involving the creation of a movie."

"If you're sure..." Chad replied warily. He could sense I was up to something and I gave him a half-smile to reassure him. That had the opposite effect and he swung his head from side to side, trying to dissuade me.

"I am." I turned my gaze towards Linda. "It's a pleasure to meet you again, Linda. You are certainly a convincing actress. That kiss is very compelling."

She fanned herself, boredom in her eyes. "Well, I perform to my best. I only hope that my teachings will impress upon Chadstone."

"Of course. I'm sure you can teach him a lot about fake-kissing."

"There is nothing 'fake' about it, darling. It is acting."

"My mistake."

Lightning fast, I curled my arm around her waist and pressed my lips against hers, thrusting my tongue deep down her muzzle. A muffled cry rippled out of her throat as I dipped her backwards, holding the back of her neck to keep it steady. My lips gyrated against hers, my tongue rolling up and down her muzzle as for a few seconds, we shared the same breath.

Her claws dug into my fur and her hips bucked into mine.

Gotcha.

I immediately pulled my muzzle away from her, leaving her gasping for breath and her tongue protruding ridiculously into the air. Both my paws left her admittedly curvaceous body. She hit the floor with a soft whump, her eyes dazed.

I straightened, wiping the sides of my lips absently. "How was my acting?"

There were a few seconds where she just muttered a few incoherent words. Then she said, "Surprisingly very compelling."

"Good to know," I answered with a smirk.

I walked past a stunned Chad and shut Dev's jaw with a finger. Tail raised high, I swaggered over to the director and struck up some idle conversation that I think he was only partially interested in.

By the time 'action' was called again, Chad and Linda were back on the grassy knoll trying to make out. Chad was very convincing but Linda was quite wooden and distracted. While Dev couldn't stomach the sight and had to excuse himself, I watched the entire thing with a cocky smirk on my features. As the two rolled on the ground, I caught Linda trying to catch my eye every chance she could get.

Every time we locked gazes, I gave her a wink.

She moaned the loudest when that happened.

At about the fifth time, the director shouted 'cut' and that it was time to wrap things up. Good timing too as it was already seven fifteen. Linda bolted out of the studio without her clothes. She stopped at the door, realised her nudity and spun around. I caught her gaze and she froze there for a long moment, big, green eyes wide. Like a hunter to his prey, I lifted my paw, twisting my fingers into the visage of a gun.

I fired.

She spun and left.

Still without clothes.

"You are one sadistic wolf, you know that?" Chad sniggered as his arm wrapped around my shoulder.

"What?" I replied casually. "I thought it was kind of unfair to you that I get to spend time in Dev's profession and not enough in yours."

He grinned and nuzzled me briefly before turning us towards the door back to the car. In hushed tones, he said, "Jake, you're already in my profession, remember? We both fight Grim, walk in the realm of the gods and all that crazy stuff. I'd say between Dev and I, you're pretty much evenly divided. You risk crippling spinal injury with him and with me, you risk getting your soul devoured by some monster hiding under your bed."

Way to encourage me, Chad.

I gave him a nervous laugh but I knew he was right. I think I did find a nice equilibrium between my mates though I never thought it would be possible. Maybe once we transferred over to Crescenta, it would be less of a delicate balancing act and more a way of life. I was still aware that a tip in one direction or the other would throw what we had completely into chaos.

Though, that was why we all intended to start again.

No need to fight for balance because we would start from zero.

Chad's pros wouldn't negate Dev's cons and vice versa. My paranoia wouldn't subtract from the peace nor would my secrets divide our relationship in two.

We'd start from the beginning and when you start at nothing, you can only grow.

"You think I should keep playing football?" I asked with a smirk. "Maybe play alongside Dev and then moonlight as a superhero."

Chad sniggered as we jumped into my convertible, Dev already in the back seat. "No need to put yourself in danger or anything, Jake. We already got enough of that here."

Speaking of which...

"Well, hopefully by eight tonight, that will all be done."

Both my mates froze and regarded me with equal parts curiosity and confusion. I started my car and pulled out of the studio, heading straight back towards Shellington Stadium.

"Tonight?" Dev asked. "What's happening tonight, Jake?"

I grinned and there was no amount of humour in it. Sadism and satisfaction, yes, but no humour. "I talked to Cliff this morning. He's going to bring the guy who's been messing with us to Shellington Stadium. We're going to end this tonight."

I saw Dev's panic from the rear view mirror. "Jake... Cliff? Are you sure? I mean, the guy's a psycho! How can you trust him?"

How could I justify trusting the guy that's been trying to kill me not to mention actually succeeded at one point?

"It's... complicated," I answered quietly. "The first time we fought, Cliff spared me. He told me that whatever we had before just went into him walking away and leaving me there with the fallout. He gave up our past. But now, it's my turn."

"What?"

"This is Cliff's last chance," Chad clarified for Dev. "After this, they'll be enemies. Whatever feeling Jake had for Cliff is going into this." His paw reached out and seized my shoulder. "Okay, Jake. I trust you."

"This is still crazy!" Dev exclaimed, throwing his paws into the air. "We're going to watch someone get murdered!? What happens if we get arrested?"

I hadn't thought about that... But I couldn't back down now. I wanted to finish this. I wanted to start again.

My path needed to be refreshed.

My road paved anew.

I wanted to once again walk a street that started at zero.

"We won't," I assured him.

"Jake..."

Chad closed his eyes and nodded firmly. "Dev... We need to do this. This... Whoever has been haunting us will finally be put to rest. If we can shut them down, there's nothing tying you here anymore. The Vipers will be off our backs, I assume?"

I nodded firmly. "Yeah. And if not, I won't be holding back against them anymore."

"I won't either," Chad replied with a faint growl. "They'll know the true meaning of 'gods' wrath' if they ever dare to show their faces to me again. Especially Cliff."

"That's all fair for the two of you," Dev blurted, his voice reaching a near-panic as I parked in front of Shellington Stadium. "You've got superpowers! I've only got -"

I turned around in the driver's seat, reached out and seized his paw, squeezing it tightly. "You've got us."

Chad took his other paw and then grasping mine, forming a trio of clasped paws. "We've got each other."

Dev switched from my eyes to Chad's. The panic was still there... but so was the trust. He nodded slowly. "Okay... I know you've got my back no matter what. Thanks guys."

I checked my watch.

7:55.

"Show time."

We got out of the car and in the darkness, strode into the stadium. The entrance straight to the football field was wide open and it didn't seem like they were forced. My heart beat faster and faster with every step I took, each breath growing ever more shallow. Down the tunnel towards the field, I could see the big stadium lights were wide open, giving merit to the old 'light at the end of the tunnel' saying.

I could see it now...

My zero street.

We broke out into field...

A lone figure stood in the middle of the field.

"No way..." Chad whispered.

I just growled and stormed towards the lion standing in the spotlight.

"Bosch!" I roared.

The captain of the Thunder Phoenixes spun, eyes wide as he saw us approach.

"Jacob!?" His eyes flicked towards Chad and then Devlin. "Chad!? Dev!? What are you three doing here!?"

I stood a good distance away from him. Cliff no doubt was going to snipe him again. Part of me wanted a dramatic moment where Cliff would emerge from the shadows, utter something really cool and evil before slicing Bosch's throat.

"You're the one?" Chad asked, his fists quivering.

"The one...?" Bosch repeated. "I don't understand... I was told that..." His eyes suddenly widened. "Oh shit... Shit, you're going to kill me, aren't you?"

I grinned. "Not me. But I've got a guardian angel with a bead on you right now."

The lion threw his paws up into the air while falling to his knees. "Please, don't do it! I was desperate! I was cornered! It was either hand out the drugs or... or..."

"Do you have any idea the kind of misery you caused me, Dev and Chad!?" I roared, sweeping my arms wide. I wanted to strangle him but I knew Cliff had to make the shot. Part of me was grateful that I wouldn't be bloodying my paws... sort of. "You killed two people at the start of this mess! You gave out drugs that sent the whole football league into strife! You framed the Virulent Vipers and had them come after me and Dev!"

Bosch's eyes lifted to meet mine. "What...?"

"Didn't you just admit to giving out the soma that was imbued with a Seal!?" I barked.

"A what?" he asked. "Just what are you accusing me of?"

Something was wrong here...

Wasn't Bosch...?

Oh shit...

BANG!

Bosch went rigid...

... but he didn't fall.

Dev did.

My big, strong, wolf dropped to the ground, clutching his arm and roaring in pain.

"Dev!" Chad cried.

BANG!

I threw my paws up into the air, pushing all my strength outwards in a titanic gravitational field. A bullet froze a few feet from my forehead and I cursed myself for a fool. I heard the scrambling of feet. Bosch bolted for the exit.

"Bosch! Stay -"

I was too late.

BANG!

Blood and brains erupted from the side of his forehead.

Shit.

"Chad!" I cried.

"Way ahead of you!" Chad replied, hoisting Dev to his feet. They hurried towards the exit, myself trailing behind them with my gravitational field protecting us.

We jumped over Bosch's fallen body. A faint apology ran from my lips.

Once we reached the tunnel, Chad set Dev down out of view and ripped his own shirt, making a crude bandage for Dev's shoulder wound. Blood dribbled all the way down Dev's arm, soaking into his shirt. His eyes were glazed over, staring into some distant world.

My vision blurred. The tears stung.

"Fuck..." I cursed. "Fuck!"

I spun around.

"Jake!"

I ignored Chad's cry and marched back into the stadium.

"CLIFF!" I roared at the top of my voice. "You want me you asshole!? Here I am!" I threw my arms into the air, challenging him. "Come on! Shoot me! Grow some balls and shoot me!"

...

Silence.

Just silence... and regret.