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Chapter XLI- Revealing Conversations

Ian didn't really pay much attention as he telekinetically slammed the door to his room. Even the locking and silencing spells were an afterthought. All that mattered to him was the adorable fox in his arms who he loved with all his heart. He still couldn't believe he had found Lucas. What were the odds he'd find his love in Canada of all places? Much as he missed Scotland he found that the move was definitely worth it and he didn't regret it in the least. Maybe he should send a thank you note to the Scottish Hunters that would have been funny wouldn't it? Sending a thank you letter to the assholes who forced him from his home. Either way he stopped thinking about them and began to focus on his beloved.

"I need you Lucas..." He whimpered into the fox's ear. "Need you so bad..." Lucas's face was flushed and his beautiful blue eyes were half-lidded as he basked in Ian's adoration. Gently he removed Lucas's uniform doing his best not to mess it up. Soon enough Lucas was lying naked on his bed blushing and looking up at him adoringly with his cock half-hard and dripping pre. Ian didn't even bother finessing taking of his own clothes ripping them off so he could join his lover in nakedness.

Once he was fully nude he pounced onto Lucas giving him a toe-curling kiss while his paw wandered around the boy's lithe body. Moving down he began to nibble lightly on Lucas's neck causing him to let out a aroused gasp. After doing that for a few moments he moved down to his tender nipples suckling on them like a pup to his dam's teat. Licking and gnawing which Lucas certainly seemed to be enjoying given his pants and moans.

Moving further Ian dipped into his navel causing the fox to giggle a tiny bit before Ian moved down to his real prize, Lucas's tasty cock. He took it down to the knot easily causing Lucas to give a joyous gasp as Ian took advantage of his long canine tongue to wrap it completely around it and heightening his pleasure even further. He was secretly thankful that Carson had shown him those tips, which reminded him that he could never meet Lucas ever, since such a meeting would be unimaginably awkward. Refocusing himself on Lucas however he kept on going until he sensed that Lucas on the verge of orgasm. Moving away he was greeted by a disappointed whine.

Smiling he just kissed the fox before bending him over and eating out that little pink hole, which he was met with happy moans for. Lapping on the tail-star, he just enjoyed the taste as he focused on driving his tongue deeper and deeper into the fox until he finally found that the fox was loosened enough to take his cock. Hovering over the fox he kissed him forcefully and told him in a Gruff aroused voice. "I'm going to fuck you Lucas!" He said surprised at how gravelly his voice sounded. "Gonna make you moan while filling you with my cum, and showing everyone who you belong me and only me. Any objections?"

Lucas just whined in a begging tone before speaking in such a slutty manner that he almost shot his load right there. "Fuck me Ian! Make me yours! Oh god please breed me hard! I need you in me!" He begged.

Ian obliged by forcing himself into the fox resulting in a chorus of 'oh god yes's and 'oh god harder'. He largely ignored them, but seeing Lucas's face made it quite obvious that Lucas was absolutely loving the rough fucking. He kept it up, revelling in how his cock felt inside the spasming hole, and how happy Lucas was during it which made his ego swell on how much pleasure he was giving his mate.

Ian could feel the sweat dripping off him while he continued fucking the fox, everything outside their mating essentially didn't matter to him. His entire existence revolved around the fox he was boning. Eventually it became too much for him to handle and he forcefully rammed his knot in tying the fox and cementing their tie as lovers once more. Lucas just let out an orgasmic howl so loud Ian was thankful they had a silencing spell as he sprayed his cum all over them, while Ian bit down on his throat and filled his ass with his own cum. After his orgasm ended he collapsed into Lucas resulting on a loud grunts Ian's much heavier frame weighed on him. Gently Ian just rolled over until they were spooning his cock still happily inside the fox.

"You enjoy yourself love?" He asked the fox while he gently lapped at his face trying to clean up any bits of stray cum which made Lucas giggle and try to pull away to no avail.

"It was amazing..." he said in a shy voice, "You give me so much love and pleasure, and I just felt so special... I love you so much and I still can't believe that you love me of all people." Ian just chuckled, he felt the same honestly. He never thought he would find someone like Lucas. He'd initially hated Canada, and hated the school he was forced to attend. He was so sure he would be completely miserable until this fox ran into him and changed his life forever.

"I could say the same. You are the sweetest most amazing person ever and I think Aphrodite every day for you. Also helps that you are a godly chef. Even Hestia would be jealous!" He said, thankful that Lady Hestia was a peaceful and gentle goddess who didn't mind such comments. Though he would give her an offering later after Lucas left on the family shrine as appeasement just in case. He would rather not risk angering the Goddess.

Lucas just blushed bright red, obviously happy about that praise. "Hestia is the Goddess of the hearth right?"

"Yes, she was the eldest of her siblings and thus the first swallowed by their father Kronos." He explained. He really did need to get Lucas brushed up on the Greek history. It wouldn't do if he inadvertently angered a God out of simple ignorance.

"Okay, so how did your Clans start worshipping the Hellenic pantheon? If I remember correctly Scotland was druidic before, right? They worshipped the Celtic Pantheon, so why did you switch to Hellenism? Scotland was never part of the Roman Empire."

That was an interesting question, Ian thought. It was quite the story and he had learned it from his Aunt Jerry when he was little. "A myriad of factors, funnily enough the same reason why Scotland became Christian. Conversions and gradual integration. English Mages had already switched Pantheons at that point, and it gradually spread until the Celtic Druids lost most of their power. There are a few miscellaneous worshippers in the outsider Clans, but their worship is almost non-existent within the Council controlled Clans." He answered as helpfully as he could.

"Tell me more about these outsider Clans." Lucas asked in an interested tone. "How does their political structure work? Like you said the non-outsider clans are ruled by the Council and each Clan has their head as a representative correct? Do they have something similar?"

Ian just gave a light shrug, he actually didn't know terribly much about the outsider Clan's. They weren't exactly the most open of groups, plus most strongly distrusted the Council and had several times refused contact with any member of the Clans within it. "Not much else that hasn't already been said really. Most are descended from people who were exiled from the Council for some crime or another. I do know that most outsider Clans are rather poor, and that is a large part of why the Cabal has such a strong foothold within them. Promise of not only a better life but a chance to get revenge on the people who had wronged their ancestors?" Ian noticed Lucas nod as he was taking everything in.

"So what exactly happens when a person is exiled?"

"Simple," Ian spoke in a rather awkward voice. It was weird, trying to teach Lucas about the political structures of the Council. "That person loses everything. Once exiled they are forced to leave any claims and the right to identify as a member of their old Clan. Kinda like how Mage's who sire Changlings are dealt with. With the exception that they keep their magic after swearing on the River Styx that neither they nor their descendants would seek retribution." He replied as he idly rubbed his paw over his beloved's tummy. He was actually about to start round two before he heard a knock on the door and a loud voice.

"Hey you two! Dinner is almost done! So get showered and washed up okay? Agent Wilson will take Lucas, Xander and Erin up afterwards okay?" He heard Richard's voice ring out behind the door. Ian just sighed and gently proceeded to untie Lucas moving his body until his knot was let free in a dirty pop as at least a gallon of cum rushed out of Lucas's hole.

"We better get going I think. I'm starving and I have no doubt you are as well." He said just as he heard Lucas's stomach rumble, which made the fox blush a vivid red which only made Ian laugh. "But yes, let's get showered okay?" He said before he got Lucas to move so they could both get clean.

~~~~

Xander just looked around awkwardly. Richard's room was definitely a lot more decorated than Greg's. In the centre was a small fountain, probably enchanted to recycle itself so no water would go to waste he guessed. The walls were painted a deep ocean blue and the walls were covered in musical memorabilia. From numerous band posters, to shelves full of various musical genres. He even saw a guitar and a cello sitting in one corner. He guessed Richard was a huge music buff. His focus however turned towards the dingo that was pacing around the room. Jonah looked every bit as awkward as Xander felt.

"So what do you want to talk about?" He asked curiously which made Jonah stop in his tracks. Frowning the dingo simply looked down towards the ground in a frustrated fashion as if he was drawing a blank on just what he wanted to talk about.

"I'm curious, you were involved in the sex trade weren't you?" He asked bluntly. "You have the look of someone who was forced into it against their will, skittish, quiet and probably ashamed am I right?" He asked staring right into Xander's eyes. The fox's reaction was immediate, his hackles rose and he tensed feeling trapped before Jonah frowned and sighed. "Guess that answers my question. It was against your will wasn't it? Some john found you, said he loved you, treated you nicer than anybody ever had before and then forced you into prostitution or be shot am I right?"

Xander's ears just drooped in a defeated manner as he quietly nodded. "Yes... his name was Derrick... I met him shortly after I got kicked out of my house. He ran this club which I now know was simply a front for his child prostitution ring. He took in vulnerable kids, mostly boys, but occasionally a few girls and buttered them up and making them completely dependent on him and then he made his move. His prostitutes were often locked up in filthy brothels and only let out when they had a job to do. Most of the clients were married men with children and sought special 'company'." He said remembering the sheer squalor he had stayed in, so very different from where he was now.

"If you didn't satisfy the costumer or you were thought to have short-changed Derrick, you were beaten and brutally raped, often by numerous people. I saw several of the boys literally beaten to death and later disposed of. When a boy turned eighteen they were sold to human traffickers and never seen again," he said while shuddering at the memory.

"And he did that to you, made you fall in love with him, made you feel special, that he cared for you before he revealed his true colours... Now I really feel like an ass...I was so focused on how much you looked like Chase I didn't even take notice of the fact you have had a rough go." He admitted rubbing the back if his head awkwardly. "So you got yourself out? Even without magic? Very impressive I must say! What'd you do?"

"One of Derrick's men was coming in. They made a habit of raping me and the other boys quite often. When the bastard forced his cock into my mouth I bit down and literally ripped it off before knocking him out. It was still early so nobody was awake and Derrick wasn't there so I ran." Xander murmured quietly. "I ran for I don't know how long and I was freezing since my clothes were pretty much filthy rags that barely covered me... I wound up getting lost and got myself into a dead end alleyway where I was attacked by Hunter's. Before that I had no idea about the hidden world," the fox admitted shyly, "Or any idea of what I truly was. But Monet, Greg and Erin saved me and took me here and well, here we are." Xander finished.

"So I'm curious. Richard and Agent Wallace said you knew a disconcerting amount of things regarding demons... why is that?" Xander asked, changing the subject and genuinely curious.

Jonah looked around reluctantly, and before saying anything Xander sensed Jonah cast a silencing spell on the room before he finally spoke. "That can come later, but first I have a question for you. If you had the option of knowing exactly how and when you are going to die, or living not knowing when you are going to die. Which would you choose?"

Xander was taken rather aback by that. What did Jonah mean by that? He had never actually thought of something like that, but in a way he figured it was a good question, after all would it be easier? Knowing when you are going to die? But at the same time... knowing just how much your days are numbered could be hard on most people. After all, it is something no mortal should have the right to know.

"Honesty? I would rather just spend my days not knowing because if I knew... I don't think life would be particularly enjoyable. Sure there are things like bucket lists and the like but I would still rather live my life in peace."

Jonah just chuckled at that. "Good answer, I was the opposite before I met Chase. My life before was misery after misery and I just wanted to know, but after I met Chase... things changed... I saw just then how much the weight of knowing he would die from his cancer wore on him, and how he said most Seers who try and see their own deaths either go mad or commit suicide, and thus trained Seers are told never to look for their own deaths."

"Tell me more about Chase... what happened after you two fell asleep? How did he get you to stay?"

Jonah just let out a friendly snort at that but he still smiled. "You really are a nosy fox aren't you? But very well, we should have enough time for me to tell you more about him." He said as he sat down on Richard's bed.

~~Flashback~~

The first thing Jonah felt when he woke up was an overwhelming sense of contentment. He had never felt like that before, so confused he looked around only to notice the sleeping fox curled up against him. They were both naked and he wondered just what had happened before things suddenly came back. The hunger, the fox... Chase letting him in and feeding him, offering him a place to stay. He had initially had other plans of course. The fox had given him a guestroom, but he had had it in his mind to seduce the fox, but those plans fell flat when Chase said he wasn't interested and just wanted someone to cuddle with.

It was a nice feeling, but he knew he couldn't stay here. They were still looking for him... the ones who had so brutally experimented on him and making him into... whatever he was now... He wasn't even sure if he was a normal Fur anymore. He couldn't let Chase get caught in the crossfire, it was why he always drifted between different guys. If he kept moving the harder he would be to find.

Making his decision Jonah gently untangled himself from the sleeping fox. Chuckling he kissed the fox on the forehead and went to his room naked and found his old clothes had been replaced with newer, much cleaner ones. Shrugging he put them on and then decided to look around. Chase said he lived alone for the most part, and he was genuinely curious on why that was. The fox was the same age as him he figured, fourteen, and the fact he was living alone so young was remarkable, but why didn't he live with his parents? Where were they and why did they leave their son alone?

Snooping around he found what he guessed was the master bedroom. It was a large and elegant room, though it looked like it hadn't been touched in months. That was strange, as while it was spotless, it just had an eerie almost empty feel to it. Leaving the room he went downstairs and went in the dining room and was surprised to see a large stack of papers sitting on the table. Looking closer he saw that those papers were numerous bills, credit card statements and other assorted things and everything bore Chase's name... so not only did he live alone he paid his own bills? He was about to look closer when he heard a gentle but firm voice speak from behind him.

"You do know that sorting through peoples private documents is very rude don't you...And also illegal?" He heard Chase say in a half-joking manner. "You are a nosy dingo aren't you?"

Jonah jumped and winced at that. How did Chase sneak up on him? How didn't he hear the fox come downstairs? As if sensing his confusion Chase cheerfully explained himself.

"I have a very light step, always have had. Always helped when I wanted to grab a few biscuits from the pantry when I wasn't supposed to. Always drove my mum mad, said it would ruin my appetite come dinner." He chuckled before sobering very quickly. "I know you want to ask, go ahead. I will answer you this time...I owe you that."

Jonah looked at the fox strangely. He could tell the fox was in deep pain but he did give him the go ahead... "Why are you living alone? And why are you paying the bills yourself? Where are your parents?"

"They're dead... they died back in May... They were on a little weekend getaway and they got driven off the road by a drunk truck driver when they were heading home. They were killed instantly..." He said, poor fox looked like he was on the verge of tears. "I actually had a bad premonition before they left. I should have told them about it... maybe I could have saved their lives."

"It's not your fault Chase..." Jonah stated gently as he started towards the fox before being blown back.

"I can see the future Jonah," he said sadly, "Or at least possible futures since they change so much, but I could have changed their future! If I had followed through with my premonition I could have told them to wait for a bit or come home the next day. I don't know why I didn't do it as I almost always check them when I have them, but I just didn't."

"Wait... you can see the future?" Jonah asked confused, as much as he hated to admit it he really knew nothing about his own kind. He had never met another Mage outside those assholes... They spoke about other Mages a lot, ones outside their little cult. All he really remembered though was a lot of them whining about something called 'The Council' and how they would pay.

"Yes, and the past and the future... I'm a Seer." The fox said calmly. "I actually saw you coming here actually. That pasta? I actually made it yesterday in preparation for you coming. I've been watching you for a while actually, ever since I first saw you in my future. I know about your parents, and I know you were experimented on for years by the Cabal and just what they did to you. I also know how you slept with men so you could have shelter, but never staying in one place for very long."

Jonah began to shake... who was this kid? Sure he felt sad he lost his parents but the fact he knew so much despite them never meeting frankly unnerved him quite a lot. "And I know about your hellfire and how you burned the entire building and everyone in it down in vengeance." That was too much... roaring he tackled the fox and slammed him against the wall by the throat while his other paw conjured the familiar black fire.

"Who are you!? What are you!? You are a Hunter aren't you? Answer me before I fry you!" he snarled out, but the fox didn't even flinch. In fact he didn't even look annoyed about the fact that Jonah had all but assaulted him since he kept that same calm look.

"If I was a Hunter wouldn't I have killed you right out? I could have poisoned your food, could have killed you in your sleep. If I were a Hunter we wouldn't be having this conversation now would we?"

Jonah growled, the fox had a point. He could have easily killed him several times over and yet he hadn't. In fact he was probably the first person to ever show him actual, genuine kindness. Sighing he let the fox go and gradually let the fire in his paw go out.

"Sorry... I'm just paranoid. I've pretty much been on the run my entire life, ever since my parents tried to kill me. So yeah I have never let myself trust anyone or get close... so you really can see all that... and... You know what I am... what they turned me into don't you an abomination?" The dingo asked hoarsely.

"Yes, what they did was horrible, but you aren't an abomination. What happened wasn't your fault." The boy said softly.

Jonah just shook his head, the boy didn't understand. He was normal. He didn't spend years locked up in that stinking hellhole being used as a guinea pig in those fuckers twisted experiments. He didn't feel the burning he felt in his veins when he used his powers too much, and how it was to be constantly afraid of losing yourself to darkness in your heart. The fear of being no different than the demons his father told him about in those old stories, the ones that even when he was a child he never took seriously.

Being able to conjure up the flames of hell at will might have been cool and useful at first, but it didn't make up for the fact that Jonah felt he lost something... He didn't know what, but he wasn't like other furs... That scared him because he still had no idea what he was... Not a demon, but not fully a fur either... Those bastards might have turned him into an abomination, but at the very least he stopped them from doing what they did to him to others.

"You have a brother you know." Chase spoke out catching him off guard.

"What? A brother? Why tell me that? Not like I could ever see him. I would probably be killed on sight, and he has probably already been indoctrinated into the Hunter's belief system."

"Because, I think one day your brother might need you. He is in danger. Why I cannot gather, but as he gets older it will be harder and harder for him to hide what he truly is from people."

Jonah just looked at the fox confused... what was he talking about? Was he a Mage like him? From what he gathered some Mundanes (what they apparently called people born without magic) still had a small trace of magic in their blood. Not enough to have magic themselves, but enough that if they were to have a child with someone who also had a trace of magic blood they could birth a Tahleno or a Mage born from Mundane parents.

"Is he like me?" Jonah asked the fox curiously.

Chase only shook his head, but decided to clarify things for the confused Dingo. "Not a Mage, but I think he might be Gifted... The Hunters are just as brutal towards gifted Mundanes as they are to Mages, but as to what that gift actually is? I cannot say." Chase told him bluntly. "But I was thinking... you have nowhere else to go. Don't say otherwise because I would see it, and I'm lonely here... so maybe you could stay here? With me? I've got enough room, and I would enjoy the company. The most I have are my tutors, but since Winter Holidays are in effect, they are off though I can let them tutor you as well if you want?"

Jonah was taken aback by the offer. He had been right about to say goodbye before this. Could he really agree to all this? As nice as it sounded he didn't want to inconvenience the fox. He had already showed him much more kindness than anyone before him, and he didn't have anything to offer back.

Chase seemed to catch this thought and simply rolled his eyes. "You wouldn't be an inconvenience. I have plenty of room to spare and you wouldn't have to worry about food or money. I have plenty of it, my parents and grandparents both set up a considerable inheritance for me and my brother Andrew. Besides as I said, it's not like you have anywhere else you can go.

"The Cabal could come after me, you know that right? You could get hurt."

Chase just rolled his eyes however before he spoke, his voice slightly annoyed in tone. "I'm a SEER remember? A damn good one. Trust me when I say that the Cabal would have a very hard time sneaking up on us, so we would be prepared well in advance. So no worries, next?"

"I..." Truly he didn't really have anything... Chase was right, being a Seer gave him a very good chance to be prepared well in advance. "Are you sure about this? I mean I am a complete stranger after all. We have only known each other for a few hours at most, not including us sleeping together." He asked, making sure that Chase was absolutely sure because he did kinda want to stay. He felt drawn to the fox for whatever reason, one he certainly couldn't explain.

Chase nodded and smiled. "Now, you know so little about me and I know just about everything about you. How about we rectify that over dinner later? I know a restaurant that my parents liked. It's a black tie kind of place but I can let you borrow my father's old suit if you want?"

Jonah considered the offer, it did sound fun and he was beginning to like Chase. "Okay... sounds fun!" He said as he reached out to shake the fox's paw. The kit had a surprisingly good grip but at the same time the fox still looked kinda tired, but he just waved it off as just waking up. Sealing the deal the two began to make arrangements for things until that evening.

~~End Flashback~~

"That was pretty much when I started falling in love with him." Jonah said as he lightly brushed Xander's face. Seeing you makes me remember how happy I felt that day. But now I realize you aren't Chase, you will never be Chase and it was stupid of me to hold how you looked against you." He said while he brought Xander close.

The fox just looked confused and was even more shocked when he felt Jonah's lips brush on his in a light, gentle kiss. Xander felt himself tense but he soon relaxed as he enjoyed the sheer warmth Jonah let out. Wrapping his arms around Jonah's neck he deepened the kiss even further.

He wasn't exactly sure why he was doing this, kissing Jonah. It was nice, but it still confused him he felt this odd connection to the dingo, as if he was drawn to him in some strange, magnetic way beyond his understanding. Backing away Jonah just sighed. "I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me... For whatever reason I just felt the urge to kiss you," the dingo said.

It was kinda weird, Xander thought...Seeing such a softer side but something struck him about the story. "Why did Grandpa call you an abomination? Why did you call yourself one? Just what did the Cabal do to you?"

"They changed me... During those years every day twice a day I was strapped into a chair while they pumped me full of demon blood," the dingo said as he obliviously gripped his right arm. "From when I was 7 until I got away when I was 13 they did this to me. I wasn't the first of course. The Cabal wanted to make the perfect soldier instead of making pacts with demons why not find a way to create a Demon Mage without making a demonic pact and basically selling your soul to them? Essentially a Mage who could innately use demon magic." Jonah muttered.

"The vast majority died in the first week because they couldn't handle the corruption. Others became lifeless vegetables as the demon blood damaged their body beyond the hope of even magical repair. I doubt even Monet could fix them. Others went insane and were forced to be put down. But me? No... Somehow I had an unusually high tolerance towards demon blood and lasted far longer than anyone expected."

"So you are part demon? I had an odd feeling because I could sense there was something off, but I couldn't grasp it. So you have demon blood in your veins?" Jonah just nodded and Xander just hugged him catching the dingo off guard. "It wasn't your fault. You aren't an abomination, you are a victim also. I know Chase thought that also. You don't need to run anymore. Let me help you find the guy you are looking for."

Jonah just held him closer but Xander could sense that he was grateful. "I really did misjudge you..." the dingo stated quietly before becoming somewhat serious. "This stays between us alright? I've got a reputation to maintain after all. Don't want to be known as a softy."

Xander just nodded and just as Jonah looked like he was going to kiss him again they were interrupted by loud knocks and Richard's annoyed voice. "Oi!? What are you two doing in there!? Dinner is ready!" Jonah just chuckled and stepped away to open the door showing Richard looking quite incensed at them. "What the bloody hells!? I was going to go into my room to grab something only to find it locked!"

"Me and Xander were talking and I wanted privacy Wolfie," Jonah told him calmly, "Hence the locking and silencing spell."

"Why MY room though? You could have gone anywhere else." Richard pouted.

Jonah to his credit just shrugged as he went towards the stairs. "Yell at me later, we got food!" With that he ran upstairs with Xander and a still darkly mumbling Richard behind him.

~~~~

Dinner was a relaxed affair Lucas found. Everybody was either laughing or talking amongst themselves. Greg had fixed some yummy meatpies (Forfar Birdies he called them, it reminded Lucas that he really should learn more Scottish cuisine Greg certainly excelled at it and he was always willing to learn new recipes) Ian and Richard were in a particularly heated argument some soccer teams, while Jordan and Rebecca simply talked amongst themselves.

Growing up he'd never really his seen parents show much physical affection, he just had always assumed that they just weren't the overly affectionate types. But seeing Jordan and Rebecca's subtle signs of affection like the occasional brushing of paws, the loving and gentle smiles and the occasional chaste kiss showed him how a truly loving couple was like. Even after nearly twenty years it was obvious the two were still very much happily married.

The two were talking about work. Jordan was still busy trying to seal a large business deal, apparently doing some expansion in Wales and trying to convene the Welsh Head (a man named Alwyn Jones apparently) to allow the Mansfield's business to expand into the country. They already had branches in England and Northern Ireland (and even the Republic itself though only through extensive haggling with the ruling McCleary Clan. Something about finally solving some dispute regarding Scotland's support for Irish Independence. Apparently there was also some huge debate regarding the Irish and Northern Irish Clans. While the three Northern Irish Clans mostly considered themselves independent from the other Irish Clans, while the Irish Council still considered them part of their Council and thus under their authority which resulted in major conflict during 'The Troubles'.

While he understood precious little in regards to the Clan system, he figured that the Mages themselves found comfort in the ruling body. The UK naturally had four Different Councils that served as their governing body in each part of the UK. They also had a much larger super Council which included all the major British Clans and worked to create organized the formerly chaotic Magical world of Britain. The Council itself was made up of two sub-councils. The Council of Elders which was in charge of the traditional rituals of the Clan as well as affirming the ascension of the next Clan Head. They were made up of the Former Clan heads who took power as they turned forty-five.

The second one was the Council of Britain and was in charge of legal and diplomatic affairs within the Country's border. He was honestly surprised at how complex the governmental system of the Mages were, very big on tradition and were slow to change which made sense. Mundanes lived rather short lives if one thought about it which was why Mundane society often had many quick changes while Mages lived much longer and thus their society stayed much more stagnant.

Moving his focus back to Jordan he saw the two lean in and give each other a gentle kiss. Though he and Ian had just made love not long ago, he felt jealous because they were able to be completely open while he and Ian had to keep everything secret because of the fact that Ian could lose his birthright because of archaic laws banning homosexuals from leadership. Sighing he looked towards Ian himself. He and his brother were still arguing about soccer which he sorta tuned out, since sports didn't interest him much. Jonah was mostly focused on eating. He and Xander had apparently talked for quite a bit before dinner and he was genuinely curious about what they talked about though he respected their privacy.

However dinner did come to an end and they were taken back home by Agent Wilson. The ride was rather quiet. Erin just looked at her phone while Xander was just looking out the window. After several minutes they found themselves home. Walking in he saw his father sitting with his sisters talking about something. Curious he just went to his room and used his seer-sight to snoop in. Sure he understood it was probably unethical, but he was curious because apparently they seemed to be talking about their brother.

"So neither of you have seen Lorcan? That truly is odd." The elder fox mumbled.

Aunt Daphne simply shook her head sadly. "I haven't seen him since he graduated. I thought he had started university but I found out he had left shortly after arrival and hasn't been seen since."

"So he basically dropped off the face of the Earth? Do you think he might have gotten into some trouble? People don't just vanish after all, there is usually foul play involved." His father speculated while Lucas got more and more engrossed in their talk. "I hope he's alright of course. He is my brother and I love him, but it is a possibility."

"I doubt any random Mundane would be much threat to him. But it is unlike him to just disappear especially after saying he would keep in touch during Uni. I had actually contacted Mum and Da a few years ago and they swore they hadn't seen them in years as well."

"You keep in touch with them? Even after what they did to us?" Aunt Rita asked in her shock.

"No, I haven't talked to them since I went to Uni. I haven't contacted anyone from the Clan actually, not even Granda Miach." Aunt Daphne stated gently. "I miss them but I can't bear any contact with our parents."

Lucas's Dad just sighed at that. "Knowing what would be waiting for you was one of the few things that I was grateful about the lack of magic in my blood. Though Samuel Hunt was a nasty piece of work and was always cruel, I know it could have been worse."

This caught Aunt Rita's attention. "Why haven't you ever moved up in the ranks? I know that Sergeant Kendrick is a very nice man and very capable. He had actually greeted us once we moved into the hotel saying he knew you and that he was the Leader of the British Columbian chapter of the Knights. Surely you are skilled enough to at least be vice-leader correct?"

His Father just snorted lightly at her question. "Don't be fooled by the jolly, gentle act. The man is one of the deadliest combatants I have ever seen. He might seem like a jolly overweight middle-aged badger, but there is a reason he kept his role as Chapter Leader. Absolutely no one is willing to fight him for it. Okay, the jolly, gentle thing is not an act but he is truly deadly fighter. I have fought alongside him numerous times and he is a completely different person than the man who typically forces you to look at pictures of his girls. As for your question I never had any interest I getting a position since it wasn't exactly a choice for me to join them." The older fox muttered bitterly. "I was forced into it because of the damn transfer law."

"Lord Mansfield declared the law invalid in Scotland nearly twenty years ago." Lucas heard Aunt Daphne opine. "It took a while but he managed to get the Scottish Knights to agree to it as long as Council kept tight watch on the Tahleno youth, and mandated at least ten days of magical training a month to make sure they wouldn't become a danger to their Mundane relatives. While Ahtan youths require the same amount of training in Knight controlled combat to help them against possible magic defence in case someone tried to take advantage of them. Though membership itself is up to the person." She explained.

Lucas remembered that Ian had stated the same thing a while ago, about how his grandfather had ended it and was trying to pass it through the British Council. Though he hadn't spoken about the compromises, which in hindsight sounded quite fair considering how dangerous an untrained Mage could be. Especially an Elemental Mage since their powers were even more potent. Though he stopped his thoughts when he heard his father give a gruff sigh.

"Lead it to a Brit to beat us in our progress. Has anything changed much in old Ireland? I haven't seen Cork since I left for Canada."

Lucas vaguely remembered that apparently the Mason Clan was settled in Cork, Ireland. Jordan had told him a bit about them when he had asked to learn about his birth Clan. Apparently they were the second most influential Clan in Ireland after the aforementioned McCleary Clan. And plenty of Mason's has married into the Mansfield's over the years.

"I don't know, I haven't been there since Lorcan's graduation which was years ago." Aunt Daphne replied while Aunt Rita gave her own input.

"I haven't been to Cork since before I married Aydin. Our parents took issue with the fact I was marrying a Mundane Foreigner," she said shaking her head, "Of course Aydin didn't know about Mages at the time, but he apparently got the feeling he wasn't much welcomed them." She said before looking upstairs where Uncle Aydin was grading test papers from his senior class. "Speaking of Aydin I am going to go ask him if he wants a spot of tea. Are either of you interested?"

Lucas noticed his father give a loud laugh at her question though it was a warm laugh. "Never been one to turn down a bit of tea, haven't had a proper cup of Irish tea in ages. Marie was never big on it, so we didn't drink it much."

Aunt Rita just smiled happily at that. "That's lovely! I'll go do it now!" She said before walking away.

Feeling the conversation was largely done with Lucas allowed himself to tune out of his sight and looked at the time. Seeing it as rather late Lucas just yawned, maybe it would be good to get some sleep early? Ian had worn him out and tomorrow was a school day after all, so after getting up and taking a shower and after saying good night to his family Lucas cheerfully crawled underneath his covers and allowed himself to begin to fall asleep.

He still was amazed at how much his life had changed. From having nobody sans his sister, to having a large group of devoted friends. He was still largely sceptical of the god thing, but since Allison took them quite seriously herself, he figured he ought to as well despite being an atheist for the most part. Letting out a large sigh he allowed himself to send a prayer to Hypnos and Morpheus for good dreams and a good night's rest and a tiny prayer to Aphrodite as a thank you.

Though he wasn't sure if those prayers were heard he felt himself drift into a peaceful slumber as he mentally prepared himself for what would definitely be a harrowing next few days... he just hoped the funeral would be quiet... he felt he deserved that much. With that Lucas fully allowed himself to fall asleep happy dreams of his time with Ian feeling his tired mind.

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