Amara and Charles decided to get to work on her mental barriers as quickly as possible. Now that they knew the wolf's goal, they couldn't let it spread the virus. Charles told Amara about the entire conversation that he had with her wolf and how the wolf had its eyes set on turning Tony. Amara became very distress at that knowledge and decided right then and there to never see Tony again.
"I don't think that you have to go to such lengths, Amara."
"Yes, I do, Charles, I can't risk my brother getting hurt. I should have known the wolf was especially vicious towards him when she attacked him the first night I changed. If it hadn't have been for Hulk I don't know what would have happened."
"But he was there, Amara, and you didn't turn Tony. And I will help you make sure you never do."
"Thank you, Charles, for everything."
"You're welcome, My Dear, shall we get started?"
It wasn't easy for Charles and Amara to figure out a way to trap the beast in Amara's head. It was a matter of trial and error. Slowly, Charles started to figure out what they needed to do was basically cage the beast, and trap it behind walls. He started helping Amara build the cage in her mind that would eventually trap the beast in. It was a slow going process.
It took an entire year for them to finally seal off the wolf from Amara's mind and give complete control of her body back to Amara. Within that year, every full moon Amara would spend it locked up in either the Danger Room in a simulation of a forest or with Tony in New York in the Hulk's containment unit. There were times when Tony and Bruce had to study Amara and obtain samples in her werewolf form. On those occasions, Tony would tranquilize Amara then rush in to gather the samples that they needed, under the very watchful eyes of the Hulk.
During that year, Amara got to know the X-Men. She found that Scott was strict and a little stiff but that his heart was always in the right place. He was very protective of Amara once he understood why she was there. Scott had a tendency to view her as a little sister. Storm was a pleasure to get to know. She and Amara would go shopping together and would have long conversations.
But the person she got along with the best was Hank. Since they were both geniuses, they could have in-depth conversations about anything. He understood her the best, knowing what it was like to feel like a monster.
And then there was Jean Grey. Amara honestly had no idea what her problem was but it was obvious to everyone that Jean did not like Amara. NOT. ONE. BIT. Amara could only chalk it up to Jean being petty and jealous of her. After all, Amara hadn't given Jean a reason to hate her. So to avoid problems, Amara avoided Jean like the plague.
Jean didn't like Amara for the simple reason that she was a danger to the school just because she wasn't a mutant. But deep down she actually was jealous of Amara. Jealous of her beauty, of her talent, of her intelligence and the fact that her life was so easy. Jean had it in her head that because Amara was one of the super-rich she had no problems and therefore could never understand the problems of others especially mutants. So, Jean decided early on that she was not going to like Amara no matter what. She never even bothered to find out why Amara was there in the first place.
Once Amara had gotten her beast fully under control and Charles gave her clearance she decided to finally go work at New York-Presbyterian Hospital to be close to Tony and Bruce. But every year on the anniversary of her attack she would go see Charles so that he could check and make sure that the cage and the barriers were still intact.
For seven years Amara remained in control of the beast, never once having a relapse. But she never once let her guard down, she lived in a state of paranoia just waiting for the other shoe to drop. She lived her life as a hermit only going out to work and to visit Tony and Bruce. She didn't even associate with the other Avengers. She stopped talking to her friends, going out and dating.
"Why, Mara, why are you tormenting yourself? You've been in remission for seven years, don't you think you can have a life now."
"No, Tony, I can't take that risk of flipping out and infecting someone. This is a terrible curse and I refuse to expose anyone to it that doesn't have to be. Until you and Bruce find a cure this is the way it has to be."
"And if we never do?"
"Then I'll live out the rest of my life like this."
"It isn't healthy!"
"It's the only way, Tony."
And that's how she lived for those seven years. It wasn't so bad, really. Amara was lonely at first, but she eventually got used to it. But on those rare occasions when she got to spend time with other people, she cherished every moment.
The year she turned 30 she got a call from Hank asking if she could come up to the school. She was more than happy to go visit her closest friend. When she arrived she was greeted warmly by Scott and Storm. After saying hello she made her way to the medical wing to talk to Hank. She walked in and saw her favorite mutant typing away on the computer.
"Hello, Hank."
"Amara, it's so good of you to come, how have you been, my dear."
"I've been good, keeping busy, and you?"
"The same though I have also gotten involved in a little bit of politics."
"Have you? How interesting. What sort of politics?"
"I am advocating for Mutant rights."
"That's wonderful, Hank is there anything I can do to help?"
Hank smiled and his eyes twinkled, "As a matter of fact there is, I'm going to be going to Washington for a while and I need someone to fill in for me here."
Amara laughed, "I don't think I qualify to be an X-Man."
Hank chuckled, "That wasn't exactly what I had in mind."
Amara eyed him warily, "What exactly did you have in mind?"
"I would like you to sub for me for a while."
"You want me to teach math and science?"
"Among other things."
"What other things?"
"I want you to be the school medic as well."
"Why, don't you have Jean for that?"
"Yes, we do but she is a full-time X-Man and she does go out in the field. Also, you are better qualified than her."
"To do what, hand out band-aids to a bunch of kids?"
"No, you have a certified in emergency medicine, chest and thoracic surgery and psychology."
"How often am I going to use that here?"
"You'd be surprised how often it comes up."
"What about my problem?"
"Mara, you haven't had an incident in 7 years and even if you did I'm sure we could handle it. It'll only be for a little while, please?"
"How long is a little while?"
"A month, three tops."
Amara sighed, "You better be glad I have a shitload of vacation time coming."
"So you'll do it?"
"Yes, but on one condition."
"What?"
"That Jean does not interfere with me running the med bay and that she stay as far away from me as possible."
"I don't see a problem with that, but we should talk to Charles first."
"That's fine."
"Shall we go up then," Hank asks as he holds his arm out, Amara giggles and takes his arm.
They went to talk to Charles and he told them that he would talk to Jean and tell her what was going on. In the meantime, Amara went back to her apartment to pack up, she called Tony and told him what was going on. He was actually very happy for her.
"That's good that you're doing this, Mar, you need to be out with people."
"Yeah but I'm scared that something might happen."
"Mar, you can't live your life in fear. You deserve to be happy."
"I don't think so, Tone."
"But I do, so go have fun at Xavier's. If you need anything just call."
"Okay, love you, Tone."
"Love you too, Mar."
"Give my love to Bruce, will you?"
"Of course, I'll love him up for you."
"Ew, Tony, that's gross!"
Tony laughed and hung up. Amara finished packing her stuff, puts it in the trunk of her car and takes off back to Westchester. Meanwhile Jean was having a meltdown in Charles' office.
"Why does it have to be that woman, I'm more than qualified to run the med bay."
"Because Amara is has certified in emergency medicine. She can also teach my science and math classes. She is not prejudiced against mutants. She's also a friend and I trust her completely," Hank tells Jean.
"Also there is the fact that you don't have the time to teach your own be a mentor to the younger mutants, be an X-man and run the med bay," Charles explains.
Jean crosses her arms, "Fine, as long she stays away from me."
"Funny you should say that she asks the same thing. I'm glad you're both in agreement about that."
Jean crosses her arms and storms out of Charles' office, "Do you think we'll have a problem?" Hank asks.
"No, I won't let anything happen, Hank," Charles reassures him.
"Good."
Amara arrives back at the mansion little after 6:00 in the evening. When she got there Scott met her at the door. He smiled when he saw her, "I heard you were coming to stay with us for a while."
"Yep, I hope your finaceƩ doesn't mind."
Scott pulled her into a hug, "Even if she does, she's going to have to get over it. Charles said you can stay and there's nothing she can do about it. Here, let me help you with your luggage."
"Thanks, Scotty."
Scott carried her luggage up to her room. He put everything just inside the door and told her that dinner was at 6:30.
"Okay, Scott, I'll be there."
After Scott left Amara set about putting her things away. She hung up all her clothes and put the rest in the drawers. The put her makeup and toiletries up in the bathroom. By the time she was finished it was 6:30, she made her way down to the kitchen to serve herself dinner then went into the dining hall and sat down next to Hank. Unfortunately, she and Jean were seated at the same table, but they just ignored each other.
As she began to eat she noticed a new face sitting at the faculty table. Smiling brightly Amara introduced herself, "Hello, I don't recall seeing you here before."
Hank looked up from his plate, "Oh my stars and garters how could I have forgotten to introduce you. Amara this is our newest teacher, Kurt Wagner, he teaches drama. Kurt this is Amara Stark."
Kurt smiled at Amara, showing off his pointed teeth. It didn't phase Amara in the least bit, "Hello, it a pleasure to meet you, Amara."
"The pleasure is mine, Kurt."
"Amara will be taking over my classes while I'm in Washington."
"Really? Have you ever taught before?" Kurt asked.
"No, but I do have a masters degree and I'm a whizz at science and math."
"So, teaching is not your profession?"
"No, I'm actually a doctor, a chest and thoracic surgeon to be exact."
"Oh, I see so then you will be in the med bay with Jean."
Hank started coughing, "Actually she'll be running the med bay, Amara is also certified in emergency medicine."
"Wow, how old are you if you don't mind me asking?"
"I'm 30, I entered med school when I was 15."
"What school did you go to?"
Amara blushed, "Um, Harvard."
Jean scowled at Amara and abruptly got up from the table.
Kurt watched her go then turned to Charles, "What's wrong with her?"
"Jean has a slight problem with me, I'm not sure why. But I have the distinct feeling that she thinks I bought my way through school."
"Why would she think that?"
"Kurt, Amara's brother is Tony Stark." Hank clarified.
"Oh, so she thinks since you have the money you did not earn your degree," Kurt tells her.
"At least that's my theory."
"Oh, I see."
"I do not believe that is true, you strike me as highly intelligent."
"Thank you, Kurt, I appreciate that."
They continued on with dinner talking about this and that. When dinner was over, Amara helped clean up then she went upstairs and got ready for bed. She wasn't in the mood to hang out with anyone and the next day Hank was going to introduce her to his students and show her the lesson plan that he had so far.
When Amara woke up the next day Charles summoned her to his office. She got up, took a shower and got ready then headed to his office. As she made her way up to his office she greeted by a few kids and stared at by others. When she got there she knocked on Charles' door.
"Come in, Amara."
"You wanted to see me, Charles?"
"Yes, before you start teaching today, I wanted to discuss with you your salary."
"Charles you don't have to pay me."
"Of course, I do it wouldn't be right for you to work for free."
"Um, Charles in case you've forgotten, I'm a doctor and a billionaire, I don't need the money."
"But still, you should get some compensation."
"You want to give me something, let JARVIS patch into your system so I have direct contact with Tony and Bruce."
Charles smiled, "That's fine, Amara."
"Great because he already did," She said with a cheeky grin
"I know," Charles said smiling at her, "There is also another reason I called you, I wanted to see how you have been feeling."
"I've been okay, I've haven't felt the beast in a long time. But just in case Tony has tranquilizers on standby and the containment unit ready. Of course, I'll need you to take a look to be sure everything is still okay."
"Tony told me you have isolated yourself from everyone except him and Bruce."
"Yeah, I think it's safer that way. I don't want to take any risks. If they ever find a cure then I go back out into the world again."
"You know that isn't healthy."
"I know, but it is what it is."
While they were talking, a man on a motorcycle was making his way up the drive toward the mansion. Logan had been gone for two years and was glad to be home Charles was finally able to help him recover some of his memories so he went out to search for the rest. He was finally successful. He discovered that his name was Jame Logan Howlett that he was born in 1832 in the Northwest Territories of Canada. He discovered that the person he hated most in the world was actually his half brother and was the source of most of the misery in Logan's life. With all this information Logan had to get away for a while, but now he was back home.
*Welcome home, Logan.* Charles told him telepathically.
*Thanks, Charles.*
It had been a long and grueling ride and Logan was dead tired. All he wanted to do was grab a beer go to his room, shower and relax. Maybe if he was lucky enough he would see Jean. He smirked at the thought of seeing Jean, Logan didn't know what it was about Jean that he was attracted to. Maybe it was the fact that she was unattainable, or maybe he really was in love with her, either way, he loved the chase.
Logan parked his bike the garage and made his way inside. He was hoping to make it to his room without running into anyone. But when he looked at his watch he realized it was still early, he let out a sigh of relief. As he made his way upstairs, Logan was suddenly hit with the most incredible scent he had ever smelled in his entire life. He froze and took a deep breath, his eyes slid shut as the scent filled his nostrils.
It was a sublime scent, it smelled like chocolate and vanilla. The scent was both calming and arousing at the same time, the more he smelled the stronger the feeling got. Then it dawned on him, that the only thing that could be affecting him so much had to be coming from a woman. Not just any woman, but his mate.
All thoughts of sleep or anything else went out the window. The only thing that mattered to Logan was finding the source of that scent, finding his mate. Logan sniffed the air, trying to concentrate on where the scent was coming from but it was difficult. He wanted to melt every time he smelled it. He shook his head to clear it, with great concentration Logan began to track the scent.
Jean had just come out of her room and was about to go downstairs to breakfast when she spotted Logan heading her way. She had to admit to herself that she found Logan incredibly attractive and a little exciting, but she would never seriously consider having a relationship with him. She thought he was too much of an animal and her heart belonged to Scott anyway. She only liked to flirt with Logan and string him along. She enjoyed watching Scott and Logan fight over her, it was a good ego boost.
As Logan drew closer, Jean plastered her best smile and struck her most seductive pose. When Logan didn't look at her, she stepped in his path making him stop abruptly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and said in her most seductive voice, "Logan, you're back, I'm so glad you're home."
Logan barely glanced at her, he pushed past her and mutter a quick hello, "Yeah, hey Jean kinda busy right now gotta go," And he continued on his way.
Jean huffed as she watched Logan walk away, 'What's wrong with him,' She thought.
As Logan got closer to Charles' office the scent got stronger and he started getting more aroused. He suddenly came to an abrupt halt, 'Oh god, what if she's a student?' He thought in horror he really hoped not.
When he got to Charles' door he paused before knocking on the door. He tried to compose himself before walking in. He took a deep breath to calm down which was the wrong thing to do. The strong scent of his mate nearly floored him and he almost rushed into the office.
Then he heard a voice in his head, *Logan, for god sake control yourself before you come in this office.*
Logan started pacing and breathing through his mouth, it seemed to be helping. Now that he was calm he knocked on Charles' door.
"Come in, Logan."
Logan walked in not looking at the young woman sitting on the sofa but concentrating on Charles, "Hey, Charles, just wanted to let you know that I'm back." It was a lame excuse but that was all he could think of.
"Thank you, Logan, welcome back. Allow me to introduce you to a good friend of mine and Hank's Amara Stark."
Logan turned around and for the first time laid eyes on his mate. His eyes widened slightly when he saw her, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He stood there for a moment dumbfounded A ghost of a smile crossed Charles' face.
"Amara this is James Logan Howlett."
Amara stood up and approached Logan. She gave him a dazzling smile, "Hello, Mr. Howlett, it's nice to meet you."
Coming out of his daze, Logan gave her a charming smile and took her hand bringing up to his lips, "It's nice to meet you, Darlin'" Then he kisses her hand.
Amara instantly blushes and pulls her hand out of his grasp, "Amara will be staying with us for a while. She will be substituting for Hank while he's away in Washington. She will also be the physician in charge of in the med bay."
Logan raised an eyebrow, "Why isn't Jean covering for the fuzzball."
"Probably because I'm more qualified than her," Amara mumbled but Logan heard.
Charles cleared his throat, "Amara is a Harvard graduate and is certified in emergency medicine and chest and thoracic surgery. She can handle any situation that could possibly come up. And since Jean is a full-time X-Man she won't have the time to teach and run the med bay."
Logan nodded, then something occurred to him, "Your last name is Stark, right? You wouldn't by any chance be related to that self-centered egomaniac Tony Stark would you?" Logan asked with a laugh.
Charles cringed and shook his head. Amara's eyes flashed with anger then she glared at Logan, "As a matter of fact, Mr. Howlett, I am. He's my older brother."
'Ah fuck,' Logan thought.
