A Father's Wisdom

I could tell Lucian was upset and confused as well. I knew he wanted things to go one way but I was too complex and needed time to soak in all of this new information and experiences. I told him I needed a few hours to myself to check in with my kids and work and he said he would leave. I could tell he was assuming I was leaving and going home soon, but after talking to my oldest daughter, I decided I needed more time for discovery and to get my head on straight. I had more questions than answers and could not return home and work without knowing. I contacted my job and requested an extension, I knew my job wouldn't mind as I worked so many hours I would lose vacation hours every year. I called Codger and he sent Christopher to come get me. Chris pulled up in a sports car of all things. He started yelling out the window as he pulled up, "Whoohoo, there she is! Hey Sis!" He made me belly laugh! He was the most obnoxious person to be around but I always found myself craving to be around him more. Charise and him were two peas in a pod and always got into trouble. He looked good, despite just getting out of prison. He ran up to me and swung me around, "Whew, who have you been messing with?" This made me laugh as well, as the conversation is reverting yet again to me smelling. Although I was laughing I also almost starting crying, I looked at him and he pulled me in tight. "Come on Sis, its ok, this is a lot to take in. Let's get out of here." He pinched my chin and felt my hair. I missed him a lot, he was like an older brother, a protector as well. I realized so much more about my sister, Codger, and him through all of this and felt guilty I didn't pay them enough attention through the years. I nodded yes and we left. He said, "I'm staying with Dad until I can get my affairs in order, I have money just got to get it together."

I text Lucian I was staying the night with Codger and that I was staying longer but needed a break. He text back, "I understand" and responded "Take all the time you need". He didn't ask any other questions and I had a feeling he was watching me some how anyway, it kind of perturbed me a bit. I am so independent, that type of control is something I can't stand, but yet I couldn't help but slip into a fantasy at just the thought of him. Suddenly, Chris yelled "Yoohoo! Sis! You are a million miles a way!" What did that dog do to you?" Then he laughed hysterically and said, "You know I know, right?" Obnoxious, but it made me laugh. I wasn't used to Christopher's teasing, it had been a while. I usually saw him with my kids and he behaved. I knew Lucian would not be able to stand him and it kind of made me smile. I looked at Chris, rolling my eyes and said "Is my sister coming as well or is she working?" He looked back at me as if saying "What job?" I said, "Alright so she will be there." He said "Sure as shit and we are going to have some fun, no one is going to explain our messed up family correctly, but family!" This made me a little uneasy, but at the same time I felt strongly he was exactly right!

Chris pulled down a long road, winding road, and I could see smoke coming from a chimney long before we could see Codger's house. Codger had a huge old cabin looking over the river down past the old farm a few miles. It was secluded and always felt safe from everyone. We spent several summers there playing in the river as kids. The familar smells of smoke, forest, and river filled the air. It felt like I was home.

Codger was outside when we pulled up, he opened my door and motioned for Chris to leave. I wasn't sure what was going on and he took my hand and said "My little bear, there is a visitor to see you here. Once that business is over I will have supper for us, ok?" I felt uneasy, I didn't like it and he pushed me toward the cabin.

I walked into the door and I thought it was Lucian but he was bigger and bent over, his eyes glowed in the dim lit cabin. I felt my neck bristling and I walked toward him and I felt my eyes burning, he cleared his throat and said "Karina, is it?" I didn't answer as I didn't trust the situation, even though Codger said it was ok. He stepped into the light and this dark huge man appeared, his form casting a huge shadow over me. He pulled out a chair at the table and motioned for me to sit. I just stood there and looked at him and he said "Come on now, I know this is strange, but I promise you I mean no one any harm, quite the opposite." I sat down and I could tell he refrained from pushing in my chair. My emotions were already heightened and it pissed me off that he was even thinking about it. He sat down and said "My name is Marcross Abrose. I am Lucian's Father." I instantly snapped back and stood up "Did he put you up to this!" He looked surprised, and said "No, no, he doesn't know I am here at all! Please stay calm, I just want to talk to you." I sat slowly back down and was confused. He looked at me and put his hand flat on the table and said, "I am so taken back by you! You look so much like your mother, it is uncanny. She was a dear friend of mine and my wife." I was shocked, he could've slapped me in the face with a fish and I wouldnt' have been more surprised. I said, "Do you know I have been seeing Lucian?" Marcross replied, "Yes, but he doesn't know I know. Codger is also a good friend of mine". You don't remember me but you have seen me before in my true form. I protected you when your mother was taken. She asked me to protect you at all costs. You were so upset you transformed way before your age to and I kept you hidden." He stared at me the entire time, but I could feel my eyes calm down and he softened his voice. Even though I didn't remember a few flashbacks entered my mind, black fur and flashes of white light. I held my eyes close and said, "These last few days have been very confusing and overwhelming, but I don't understand why you are here?" Marcross tilted his head and said "Codger contacted me and knew you took an interest in one of my son's. Lucian is a good and strong leader, but my other son, although strong can sometimes have bad intentions and you need to be careful. I am traveling far North soon and the boys will be left to run the clan. We have gifts that influence others you need to be aware of." I said "What do I need protecting from? How did you know my mother? Has Lucian told you about me? Marcross chuckled a little from rapid fire questions but answered just as quickly. "From other clans who want your gifts. I grew up with your mother and she set my wife, Lucian's mother, up with me, she was also there when my wife died and took care of Lucian when he was an infant until I could take over, but that's a long story. Lucian has not told me about you but he asked about a translucent wolf and I knew it was you, besides, I could smell you! Sweet, sweet smell!"

I was speechless, Marcross put his huge hands over mind. His hands were almost hot and he looked me in the eyes and said "I will always protect you and I wanted you to know to be careful, my clan as the ability to send what we call "Black Charm" its a way to influence others. I doubted and said "What do you mean, "Black Charm" you can't influence me, and just then I stood up and walked backwards and sat on the floor. I looked up at him and realized I didn't do that, he did! I got upset and said "Has Lucian done this?" Marcross concerned said "Darlin', when Lucian sincerely cares for someone he would never use his charm. I have only known him to use it for the benefit of our clan or business, never for his personal life. I know he has claimed you for his mate and honey we don't do that for just anyone, it means a lifetime and beyond." My scar tingled when he said that. Marcross continued, "My other son is fighting for more territory and he will use it to gain control on anyone. Lucian has territory and most of the clan follows him because he is a good and strong leader, but both need a mate to lead the pack. My mate is long gone and it is time I go back to the far North. I wanted to see you and well I am so pleased to see you grown, you are a beautiful woman and I'm sure stunning wolf." I'm not one to handle compliments but he reminded me of my father in that moment and I started to cry. I missed my mom and dad and was this was so much to take in. I could feel my eyes start to glow and the hair on my back stiffen.