A/N: Wow! Didn't think I'd get to 20 reviews that fast! You guys are really awesome. Thank you for all the reviews, it really means a lot! As always I don't own nothing but Lupa and the story.

Chapter Eleven

Crossing Paths

The reinforced steel door opened slowly, gradually revealing a ferocious looking Victor apparently guarding an empty cement room. Silence reigned. The mutants entering finally noticed that behind the beast standing before them, was a wire cage half hidden by the signature black coat. Logan could hear a fourth heartbeat in the cell.

"What you doin' here Runt?" Creed was ignoring Dukes who stood mute next to Jimmy.

It was said quietly, but in a warning tone Jimmy'd heard his older brother use many a time over the decades. This was the first time he'd ever heard Victor direct it toward him though.

This was Bad. Time to diffuse the situation. "Is she as bad off as Dukey says?" Silently he tried to will Victor to understand him. Now is not the time. Later. Not in front of her. More important shit ta take care of now.

Miraculously it seemed to work. The Sabertooth relaxed his stance a bit. But he seemed coiled to pounce, possessive protectiveness in every trembling muscle he forced still.

"Wouldn't rightly know, now would I, little brother, seein' as 'Dukey' went to you an' not me."

OK, maybe it didn't work, the Runt idly thought.

"Victor."

Her voice was soft but firm in its appeal. Not pleading or scolding or admonishing. She'd only said his name, yet it seemed to do something to the enormous feral. He retracted his claws as far as he ever did and stood straighter, a hint of a smirk on his face now too.

"'M not so sure 'bout Dukes, but I know you weren't born in a barn, Jimmy. Close the fuckin' door behind ya. Want an audience or somethin'?" Once the great steel door was again shut, Victor moved his body a bit to allow the other two men to have a look at the woman in the cage.

"How you doing?" Dukes didn't wait for an answer from the woman before he continued on, "We're gonna get you out. Me and Logan and Creed. Don't worry Wolfgirl."

Before the only non feral in the room knew what was what, Creed had him by the throat and off the ground by at least six inches.

"Her name's not Wolfgirl. It's Lupa." Victor snarled.

oOo

A/N: Previous chapter thank you's:

Mandya1313- I know, right? Joking. ;-]

Tulip Tea- LOVE your reviews! Your questions give me ideas! It's awesome!

Kathalla- You'll know soon enough my pretty!

Gothicpug- Here are some answers, can't give em all away at once, right?

Kerributterfly17- Hope you stay hooked!

Benezuela- Hope you like the update

Marauding Vampire- I'll be getting in more detail regarding Vic and Lupa's relationship soon.

ReprimandedAngel, NightStalkerBlade, JadedDeviant, thisrottenkiss, kikikiki, iamnotcrazy, and Coffeelvr72 for putting this on your alerts and/ or favorite lists!