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Disclaimer: Star Wars and Sarlacc is copyright George Lucas. Dune is copyright Frank Herbert. Super Sailor and Negaverse is a play on Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuichi.

Chapter 17: Mother Dearest

Nathanial felt Ella making her way carefully through the trees toward them. He focused and felt a very refined scrying spell watching them. It was very faint, and hard to detect, even when he was searching for it. He studied it as Ella moved closer. Geoff gave Nathanial a panicked look and was about to run off, but Nathanial just shook his head. Ella stepped gracefully over a fallen log, her gold eyes gleaming in the dim light as she looked at them over her glasses. "Thank you for waiting, Geoff, Faelen." She nodded at them in turn. She stepped up, paw extended. They shook. The Wolves looked nervous. "Calm down. I'm Agent Ella. My team and my supervisor are the only ones who know you've moved here, that I'm aware of. I'm letting you know that we know you're here, so you don't have to be as overly careful as you have been since Nathanial has been staying with you. I do ask that you continue being cautious. I thought you should also know that my team is responsible for Metro Halifax. We're the only Mages keeping tabs on the activities of the Hidden World in this area, which is why we never detected the attacks over the last few days. Three Mages for this area are far too few. We keep the exact number quiet, so the reputation of the Society keeps people in check, but the Hunters have become strangely bold. Let me give you my number, so if you run into problems you can give me a call. I can't guarantee I'll be able to show up immediately, but I will try."

Geoff looked extremely suspicious, but he input Agent's number into his phone, as did the others. Nathanial knew the Spirits wouldn't give their number to her so he gave his own. She smiled at him as she took it. Geoff's ears twitched at that, "Agent, why are you telling us this? While the Society and the Spirit Clans are able to work together, we're not exactly friendly. We rely on you to keep the Hunters and Knights in check, otherwise we'd deal with them ourselves. If you're saying you can _'__ t_ do that..."

Her tail began twitching. "Money. There are enough Mages to enforce our will, but most of them are like Garret. They resent the dues required to keep the limited number of Agents we have, on staff, but should the status quo become threatened, by, say, open war between the Hunters and Spirits, they'd quickly react. Sides would be chosen, some despise the Hunters, some the Spirits, and..." She grimaced, and cut herself off, "It's Society politics, I won't go any further into it."

Nathanial frowned, "You've described the situation for civil war, along with interspecies war. Unless you've got a strong enough leader or council to unite the Mages in a peace keeping role, it'd cause a schism in the Society. I know almost nothing about the Society, other than that Garret hates paying his dues, but it sounds like an almost leaderless bureaucracy."

Ella's ears flattened back as her tail went from twitching to lashing the air, "I won't discuss politics any further. I warned you, Sprits, because it's in all of our best interests to keep this situation under control, and quiet. There are those in both of our peoples who'd use this to escalate the conflict. Now, other topics. Nathanial. You are aware that the Society doesn't condone_..._ ah, physical relations between Spirits and Mages? Never mind the fact that you're both male?"

Geoff and Nathanial both blushed. Nathanial spoke first, "Um, yes. But I'm not a member of the Society." Ella's eyes narrowed, "I know Garret is, and as an underage Mage, I'm protected and bound by his status. B-but, um, I don't care. You'll call me an immature pup, but I love him. I've never been happier in my life than these last few days, since I've met him. Even with everything else, I wouldn't change anything if it meant losing Geoff. I don't know if I could put Nick through that again, but everything that happened to me, I'd redo. I know why the prohibition is there, now, and I know how to protect myself."

Ella was smiling as Nathanial professed his love, and smiled even wider at Geoff's love struck expression as he listened to Nathanial. Her smile dropped at the last thing the nervous pup said. "You continually surprise me. I really need to get you to tell me everything that's been going on, preferably in a lab where I can run some tests on you." Geoff and Faelen snarled and jumped between her and Nathanial, manifesting as they did, "Whoa, hey. I'm not threatening him. I want to help. He wants to know what's happening to him more than I do." Geoff suppressed his Spirit and relaxed slightly. Faelen suppressed his, too, but didn't relax. He did stop snarling. "Thank you." She sighed and rubbed her temples, "This is probably another futile question. How do you know the origin of the prohibition? And what was it? No one seems to know, and while I've never put much thought into it, I've never been able to find out why. I just thought it was speciesism."

Nathanial stepped up to Geoff, and inserted himself between Geoff's arm and side, so that Geoff's arm was over his shoulder. He wrapped his own arm around Geoff's waist, "Um. The Healer that removed the Demon taint from us? That person figured it out after giving me some exams over the last few days. Are you familiar with Chi and its duality, Yin and Yang?" Ella shook her head, so Nathanial gave her a brief rundown of Liam's theory, including his theory of Faelen's birth, albeit with no names. "Thus, if we're careful, and I get tested frequently, we can be together safely. I may see if I can get a prescription to boost my Yin levels, if necessary. But it sounds like they'll naturally ramp up if I stay around Geoff. Which I will."

"Why do pups always think the rules don't apply to them?" Nathanial wasn't sure if she was serious, or joking. She shook her head, "I'd like the name and contact information of this Healer. We're always desperate for good Healers to deal with magic based problems, and I'd like his or her help to get this stupid rule off the books. I hate enforcing rules I disagree with. In the interim, I can't allow you to do this." She wiggled her finger at them, "I will have to recommend discipline, or something, if I see it. Fortunately for you I had something in my eyes for the last little while. Now, I've just about got it out." Geoff and Nathanial stepped apart, "Ah, good. Much better. I can see again. A warning, homophobia is still legal under Society law, as it is in Spirit law. I find it inexcusable, since we are Olympic and Zeus' cupbearer, Ganymede, got the job because he was a cute kid that Zeus raped. Not that that is a story commonly told anymore. He's the constellation Aquarius, now." She snorted, "One of the most famous constellations was the ancient symbol of gay love."

Nathanial smiled, "I never knew that! I'll have to read up more on him. But we should get back to Garret, it's almost lunch time. Nicholas will be gnawing on the furniture soon. I'll call you guys, soon, once I know what's happening." The Wolves made their goodbyes and ran off.

Ella turned back to the wall, "The Healer, Nathanial?" She started walking.

"Oh. Right. Nope. Can't do. I gave my word. I will give the Healer your name and number, but that's the most I can do. I will recommend this person talk to you, but I can't guarantee it."

Ella's tail twitched, "You are incredibly annoying. I'm lucky to get a single complete answer out of you that isn't 'can't do' or 'I don't know'. Now, I'll see you to your father, then I'll be leaving. I have lots of work to do." Ella made a section of the wall vanish as they approached, and reformed it behind them. Nicholas and Garret were sitting at the table in uncomfortable silence, but Nick jumped up as soon as he saw Micah and ran to hug him.

Nathanial smiled at Garret, "Where are your three sons going to go eat, Father? Micah is your son. I talked to his grandfather, and confirmed it all." Garret scowled in disgust. "Let's let Micah decide." Nicholas smiled and nodded in agreement.

Micah looked excited, then frowned, "I don't know. I've never eaten 'out'. What is there?"

Garret said, peremptorily, "We're going to 'da Maurizio'." Ella's eyes widened in shock, Garret didn't notice, "Don't complain_,_ it's one of the most expensive restaurants in town. Many of my associates eat there. I want to talk to them, and I'll even introduce you." He rolled his eyes, "All of you. I'm still getting the paternity test, but Fey don't lie. Mislead, yes. Lie, no. So, I need you all to get dressed in the best clothes you have, and clean up. What is that cloak you're wearing, Micah?"

"A gift from Granddad! He hugged me and put it on me! Isn't it cool!?" Micah was obviously delighted by the gift, and even more excited that Garret was going to take him out for lunch and introduce him to people as his son. "And, look!" He spun around in a circle, the cloak wrapped around him and hid him from view, before he stopped and made a pose he saw in one of Nathanial's anime. He was spotlessly clean, fur shiny and smooth. The clothes were replaced by a perfectly fitted suit, a light grey jacket and pants, white shirt, and a tie the same colour gold as his eyes. The cloak had shrunk into a leaf shaped beryl pin on his lapel. "Tada! Super Sailor Micah!" He punched at an imaginary foe, "Pow! Zap! Take that Negaverse scum!"

Nicholas burst out laughing and grabbed Micah before he began running around, "Okay, okay! It's cool. Now calm down. Nathanial and I still need to get changed. Who do we talk to to go downstairs to get our suits?"

Nathanial 'looked' around, "There's no one outside. There are a few police in the kitchen, but it seems like most of them have gone for lunch. I'll get one. But actually, I think my school uniform fits better and is nicer than my suit. That's over at the McDougal's." Garret scowled and said he wasn't going to be making extra stops. Nathanial shrugged and opened the door to the sitting room, "Hello!? May I please speak to someone?" A police officer came out and Nathanial explained the situation. An escort led them downstairs, via the back door. They weren't allowed through the kitchen. Nicholas and Nathanial quickly got changed and cleaned up. They took their regular clothes up with them so they could change back later.

Garret dropped his sons off at Geoff's around half past three. Nathanial was trying very hard to not become hopeful and excited like Micah had. Even Nicholas seemed really pumped by the afternoon. Garret had taken them to the restaurant, a very fancy and expensive place right on the Halifax waterfront. True to his word, he introduced all three of them to the people he knew, which seemed to be most of the clientele there. He then took them to get fitted for suits for the funeral, which was a little grim, but it still meant he was paying attention. After that he took them for gelato and they walked along the waterfront looking around. It was a bit chilly, but they all enjoyed themselves. Even Garret seemed to have a bit of fun. It made Nathanial nervous. He could see Garret abandoning them again, and the hurt it would cause his brothers. And him. Nathanial couldn't fool himself about that. He knew it would hurt after seeing that his father could be a dad if he wanted to, but chose not to. Thus, he was in a funk. Geoff opened the door as Nathanial raised his paw to knock. He saw Nathanial's face and instantly looked concerned, then saw Nicholas and Micah chatting excitedly and became confused. "Come on in, guys. Nathanial, what's wrong?"

How could he answer he was upset because he had a great afternoon? "I. It's nothing, I guess. The afternoon went great. We had a wonderful lunch. Garret treated us well. We got fitted for our suits, he paid attention. He even took us to get gelato and walked with us along the waterfront. None of us had been down there before, except Garret, and he showed us around as we ate. He talked, he listened, he even laughed with us. It was great." He knew his voice sounded like he was about to cry. Micah put his paw on Nathanial's chest and stared up at him.

Conor stood up from his chair in the living room, and looked past the broken railing to Nathanial. "You're afraid you'll start to forgive him and love him, only to have him leave you again." He walked over to, and down, the stairs. "That's the price of love and family, Nathanial. It leaves you open to pain." He pulled Nathanial into a hug. "But it's worth it. Be wary, but don't refuse to give him a chance. Take it a day at a time." He let Nathanial go, and ruffled Micah's ears. "You had fun, Sprite? Everything straightened out?"

"Yeah. I had fun today. It was a little scary when Nats tried to feed Dad to a Sarlacc, and then when Dad said I wasn't his. I thought Nats and Nick would hate me. But it all worked out. Dad didn't get eaten, and we had lunch. I even got to go in a car! And not just across the neighbourhood, but all the way downtown! We saw boats, and, and the water! Then there was the stuff! The, um, y'know, stuff!"

Nathanial couldn't help but smile, "The funeral is Monday. I hate missing so much school. I think I'll try to make it in tomorrow. May we stay here tonight? Dad is staying at a hotel, and he said he'd rent a room for us, but I feel more comfortable here. It's also a lot easier to get to school. Dad'll be busy with funeral arrangements until the evening. He said he'd call when he's done."

Conor clapped him on the shoulder, "As I said before, you're always welcome here, Son. Dirk is preparing Tea, right now. You're probably not very hungry, but you can have some food. We have supper closer to eight, so you can still go eat with your father, if you want. And Sarlacc? Isn't that the sand creature in Star Wars? How'd you almost feed Garret to a movie creature?"

"Thanks, Daddy." Nicholas rolled his eyes as Nathanial continued, "And, um, he was being an ass, so I got mad. I tried to send him away. To Tartarus, I think."

The Wolves looked horrified; Micah didn't notice, he looked confused, "Isn't Dad your Daddy? He's mine, now. If Mr. McDougal is your dad, does that mean we're not brothers, after all?"

Nathanial laughed, "No, silly. We just started this when he talked about me possibly becoming his son-in-law. It's a joke."

Conor looked at Faelen as he mouthed, "Tartarus?"

Geoff looked offended, "What?! You think marrying me would be out of the question? Laughable? I thought... you said y-you loved me."

Nathanial felt his insides drop, mortified, "Oh, Geoff." He turned from Conor and hugged him, giving him a deep kiss, "Silly Wolf. I love you. If you asked me to marry you, I'd say 'yes' in an instant. Calling each other those things is the joke, not the potential behind it."

Geoff gave a huge grin, "I was joking, silly dog." He kissed Nathanial, "But were you serious? I'd love to marry you, too. But, really, I just met you four days ago. That's moving a bit fast. I'm still happy you said that." Nathanial blushed. So did Conor.

"Geoff, Son? The whole kissing in front of Daddy thing? I said that was a no-no. Break it up. But I guess I can't get upset, considering... ah, forget it. Kiss away. But no getting married until you graduate. No getting engaged until grade eleven. Now, Geoff, Faelen, go get cleaned up. Avery will be here in a half hour." Conor's ears drooped, and his tail started curling up. He looked at the busted railing, and shook his head. He looked at Nathanial and slunk up to the main floor, tail completely between his legs. He began heading for the stairs to the second floor.

Nicholas huffed, "What was that about?"

Nathanial thought he was going to get sick, "Um, the, um. The thing earlier today. When I needed more Yin."

"Oh! Right! You gave him a blowjob! How big was he? Bigger than Geoff or Faelen?" Nicholas was grinning, and wrapped his arms around Nathanial's waist from behind as he looked over Nathanial's shoulder at his brother's face.

Nathanial blushed and turned away, shaking free of Nick, "Gods, your sick! None of your business! What is it with you and Micah and your fascination with my sex life? No, he's identical to Geoff that way."

Micah piped up, "Oh? So you could take his knot, too? I can't believe you got that thing inside you! It looked huge! I wonder if I could get a knot in me? Not one that big, yet, but still. You seemed to like it, I want to see what it feels like."

Nathanial buried his face in his paws, "Hera, goddess of family, give me strength. Why must family be such a trial? Have I not followed your teachings, and tried to raise my brothers properly?" He sighed, and began slowly making his way into the basement, before stopping, "Micah. You've barely started puberty. Please, please, don't go looking for sex. Triple please, don't go looking to have anal sex. You could really get hurt. Both from the sex, or someone kidnapping you or something. Promise me, please!"

"Okay, Nats. I promise I won't go looking for sex with strangers. Can I ask you or Nick?" Bang! Nathanial smacked his head against the wall, and then a few more times for good measure. "Nats! Stop! You're going to knock yourself out!" Micah ran down, laughing, to pull Nathanial away from the wall. Geoff followed and picked up his distraught boyfriend.

Geoff carried Nathanial downstairs, then turned to Micah. He sounded half serious, "Sorry, Sprite. If you go asking to have sex with my boyfriend, I'll have to beat you up. That's the rules."

Micah looked innocent, and peered up at Geoff through his lashes as he hugged his tail, "Could you just spank me instead? I wouldn't mind if I got to sex with Nats, and then you spanked me while I was still naked on your lap." Nathanial saw Micah's pants tenting up. He banged his head on Geoff's shoulder.

"Ow! Hey! That hurts! And no, Micah! I'm not going to spank your bare ass! Or clothed ass, either!"

Nicholas was sitting on the stairs, laughing so hard he wasn't able to stand up. Faelen looked like he was going to burst at any moment. Nathanial wriggled his way out of Geoff's arms. "Micah. Go to... um, Gwen's room. Stay there till tea. No games, no phone, NO SEX! I don't know what I'm going to do with you. If this is how you act at school, I'm going to be accused of sexually abusing you. Or Nicholas will. You are way too sex crazed for an eleven and a half year old. Do Fey get hyper sexualized during puberty? I need to ask Fellwedyr if this is normal, or if there's something wrong with you."

Micah was cowed, and slunk over to the stairs, "I'm sorry, Nats. I don't want to get you in trouble. You guys just seem to really like sex stuff, and I liked it when Nick played with me before the troubles started, y'know by the pool? And earlier when you hugged me. It just makes me feel good and loved. Like the way you seemed to be when Geoff was stuck up inside you. I'm sorry." Nathanial just couldn't stay mad. He ran over and hugged his brother.

Nathanial licked his ear, "Fine. I can't stay mad at you for some reason. If I couldn't sense magic, I'd accuse you of Charming me, but it must be your natural cuteness or something." He licked his brother's muzzle, "But no spying on me having sex with Geoff. Or Nick if he has sex with someone. Or Garret, or, well, anyone. It's wrong, and illegal. And tone down your overt sexual desire and curiosity. That goes for you, too, Nicholas. The size of people's genitals is none of your concern. I know it's natural to compare yourself with others, but just relax. You're a good size for your age, and you'll probably be close to my size when you're fully grown."

Nicholas stopped laughing and grinned evilly, "How big is that? I should look again to find out." He stuck his tongue out at Nathanial, before getting up and carrying his clothes to the entertainment area. He began to get changed out of his suit.

Geoff nodded as he watched Nicholas for a moment. "You should change, too, pup. Mom doesn't care for people wearing suits in leisure time. I think it has to do with all the time she spends with politicians and business people. She thinks they're pretentious. Once you're changed, could you brush my fur? I think I'm shedding more." Nathanial's tail began wagging as he nodded. He ran to Geoff's room and changed quickly.

As he walked out, Nicholas was just pulling on his pants, his boxers were slightly tented. He was blushing a bit, "Nats. Could I... ask you, eh, something? All this talk of sex, fu... um, anal sex. You were saying it could hurt if not done right, or something. How...?"

Nathanial cut him off, "Not now. I'll tell you later, I promise. Avery will be here before long, and it takes a while to explain properly. It'll also get me, us, worked up, most likely, and I really don't want to have a raging boner when she gets here. I'm really nervous about this, I'll likely have to... tell her I'm, um, dating Geoff. I'm... scared. What if she hates me?" Nicholas walked over and hugged him, "What if she blames me for turning Geoff gay? I-I feel like I'm going to get sick."

Geoff stepped out of the washroom, naked, "I know how you feel, pup. I think Da is feeling queasy, too. He's the one that fucked you earlier, remember?"

"You what?! Conor fucked you?! Gods! You lucky mutt! He's so hot! I..." Nicholas stopped abruptly, realizing he said that out loud. He continued calmly, "I thought you were just going to give him a blowjob. I can understand why you're all so nervous, now." He chuckled, "She's going to find out her darling boy is gay, he's got a Mage boyfriend, and that her husband fucked that boyfriend earlier today. Glad I'm not in your spot. Yeah, you can explain how to have anal sex, later. Sounds like you've gained a lot of experience this week." He went back to the couch, still snickering.

Geoff and Nathanial clutched their stomachs and swallowed heavily. They walked quietly and slowly into the washroom, and pushed the door to, so it was dark. Nathanial grabbed the brush and began brushing Geoff's head and neck. He spent ten minutes working his way down, without any teasing or playing. Sex was on their minds, but not in a desirable way. They were both thinking of that morning and how Avery may react.

---

Conor had Geoff and Nathanial join him when he went to greet Avery at the portal. Everyone else waited in the rec-room. Nathanial had asked why he was there, but Conor said he wanted Nathanial to examine the portal while it was in operation. Geoff understood that, but it'd probably start the questions, the awkward ones, early. He wished he knew how much Da had told Mom already. Then he would know what should wait till after tea, or what could be said before or during tea. This was going to suck. Big time.

Right at four o'clock the portal flickered to life, creating a large ball of purplish light over the circle of runes on the floor. It was almost seven feet (two point one metres) high. The light flickered out after a second, leaving a tall Wolf standing there. Avery was five foot eleven (one hundred seventy-seven and a half centimetres), she was very fit, she ran for an hour every day, and her reddish-grey fur was sleek and shiny. Her eyes were a brilliant gold, almost always sparkling in curiosity or from her temper. His mom wasn't the most patient person. He just hoped Da could get her to listen before lighting up. She was wearing her greenish-brown slacks, never a dress, and a goldenrod blouse. She wasn't wearing jewellery, not that she did often, but it did mean she was feeling relaxed. Her eyes glanced around the room before settling on her husband. Geoff noticed she tensed slightly. She could tell he was feeling guilty. "Hello, husband dearest." She stepped up and put her paws on his arms, they kissed each others cheeks. "Geoff." She did the same for him.

Conor placed his paw on her arm as he gestured to Nathanial, "Avery, love, this is Nathanial. He is the one having problems with the Hunters. He and his brothers are staying here for a few days while the police are doing their investigation." Nathanial snapped back into himself, he had looked very unfocused until then.

She repeated her greetings with Nathanial, he seemed a little uncomfortable. "Investigations? They aren't done yet? I hope the Crats are dealing with things, if they don't want us to protect ourselves properly, the least they can do is keep the vermin off our backs."

"Dear, please don't start with politics and derogatory terms in front of company. Let's introduce you to the other boys." He led Avery out to the rec-room and introduced her to Nicholas and Micah.

Geoff sidled up to Nathanial, "Sorry 'bout that. She hates us having to submit to investigations by the mundane police. Especially when it comes to Hunters."

"Crats? Vermin?"

Geoff flinched, "She, well most Spirits actually, don't like the Arcane Society and regular Furs much. The Society imposes their rules on the rest of the Hidden World, and they're horribly bureaucratic. Ella referred to it, they'd have enough money, easily, for more Agents if they didn't spend so much on their bureaucracy. Everything is all about the paperwork, regulations, forms, and so on. It's ridiculous. The regular Fur thing is about how they are destroying the planet. The Fey and us draw most of our strength from Nature. As it's destroyed and weakened, so are we. It also makes it easier for the Demons to break through, the more pollution there is in an area, the weaker the barriers the Fey made are and the stronger Demon magic is."

"You can't blame Furs for that, really. They don't know what the consequences are, because the Society won't let them find out about the Hidden World."

Geoff snorted in disdain, "They wouldn't give a ...darn. Destroy the world purely through pollution, or destroy it through a Demon invasion. The world is being killed by them, regardless, and they know they're destroying it. They just don't care as long as they make money doing it. Comfort now, for certain doom later." He knew it'd bother Nathanial, he really was kind and sweet, but the Furs were coddled too much. They had to change, and change now.

Conor's voice was sharp, "Pups! I said no politics! Dirk has tea ready. Let's go." They all trooped up to the table. Conor sat in his chair, Geoff was on his right and Dirk on his left. Faelen sat next to Geoff, with Nicholas beside him. Nathanial was next to Dirk, then Micah. Avery sat at the end of the table. Conor tried to keep tea casual and light, but Geoff could tell his mother was getting impatient. Conor would have requested her presence, telling her he needed to speak to her in person on an important matter. She hated to wait, but she was also used to diplomacy and etiquette.

Half way through tea it began to rain, Geoff felt like complaining to Zeus. His mother was a Storm Spirit, and he really didn't want her powers boosted. Not that he expected her to become violent. Avery was engaging the Marks' in small talk, "So, Micah, what type of Spirit are you?"

"Oh, I'm not a Spirit. I'm a... Fage? Mey? What do you call a half Mage half Fey? I think Faelen and Geoff are cool, though. They go all 'whoosh' in mist and darkness. It's neat! I like being able to go all sneaky."

Geoff saw Avery tense, and her tone became chilly, "I assumed when my husband invited you into the home he bought to protect my son, that you were all Spirits that had run into trouble with Hunters."

Nathanial frowned at the tone she used to address Micah. Geoff flinched, 'Please. Please, don't get angry.' "So, Mom, how is work?"

"Good. Nathanial, are you also half Mage? I was under the impression Fey and Mages didn't marry."

Nathanial's tone was cool, "No, Mrs. McDougal. Nicholas and I are Mages. Lily was a regular Fur, before she was shot by Hunters. I am in debt to Conor for his assistance through this difficult time, and I'm pleased that he extends help to those in need without prejudice."

'Damn. He's mad.' Avery's eyes narrowed, and a tight smile grew on her face. "Nathanial! More tea? What about some more of this lovely salad? Mom, another bit of wine? There are supposed to be some very good vineyards in Canada."

Avery nearly purred her answer, "No, thank you, dear. But judging from the way Nathanial's been looking over the table, I believe he'd like some meat. Some white Wolf meat. It's a good thing there isn't any available here. Correct, Geoff?"

Conor's glass broke in his hand, "Avery! Stop. Now. We will discuss whatever you wish, in private, after tea. I will also talk about what I called you here for, after tea." Dirk cleared up the broken wine glass.

Nathanial was ridged, eyes narrowed, and fur bristling. He was struggling very hard to control himself. Micah wasn't sure which way to move. Geoff could smell a bit of ozone coming from his mother, she was pissed. "Very well, Conor. Geoff, have you finally found a nice Spirit girl to date? There is a good sized Clan in the area. I'm sure if you don't fancy any of the girls back home, you should be able to find a respectable one here. I don't think there are any Elementals or Incarnations, but someone of our calibre should be available." She had gestured at Dirk, Faelen, and herself when she said 'our'.

Geoff could feel the table vibrating, he shot a warning look at Nathanial, but he wasn't paying him any attention, "No, Mother. I'm not interested in any of the girls around here."

A small arc of electricity leapt from the back of her paw to the knife on her plate, "Indeed. I had hoped your fascination with Faelen was a passing phase. It seems it was, but I believe I find your tastes to be getting worse, not better. At least Faelen knows his duties to the Clan. A lesson you could learn."

The light bulbs in the chandelier over the table exploded, making the room go dark as shards of glass fell onto the table. A peal of thunder disrupted the sudden silence. Geoff saw flickers of movement in the dark corners of the room, and heard faint noises. It sounded like the distant breathing of large dogs. Many large dogs.