Chapter Fourteen

Still curled up on Peter's chest Neal tried to smile to help put his anxious friend at ease. He had hoped the expression would help him look more human but with his feline features it just ended up looking like he was baring his sharp teeth at him aggressively. Giving up on the smile Neal sighed. He had his own concerns about losing his humanity particularly since the appearance of the unnaturally large wolf. As disconcerting a the mythical form was at the same time it felt more natural to him than any of the others. He would never admit it to Peter as he barely wanted to admit it to himself but he wasn't sure he'd be happy back up on two legs now that he'd experienced the power and freedom that came from having four. The adrenaline he'd gotten during even his greatest heist couldn't compete with the rush he had gotten while taking down the dragon.

Being preoccupied by his thoughts didn't keep Neal's sensitive ears from twitching an alarm at the sound of an intruder in the hall. Instantly on guard and assuming a threat Neal switched back into the German Shepherd without thinking. Peter yelped in surprise at the sudden hundred pounds of dog suddenly on his chest.

"Neal, get off me!" Peter protested.

'Peter, someone…'

Neal was interrupted as Peter rolled over and shoved him off the bed. Neal got back to his paws and curled his lip over his teeth in an intentional snarl as he prepared to defend Peter from whoever was at the door. With his back legs in mid-spring Neal ended up tripping over his own front paws to stop his forward charge when the door opened and revealed their unannounced guest. With the door open Peter scrambled to sit up as he grabbed the edge of the duvet and pulled it up to offer him more cover than just the towel he was wearing.

"Mozzie, don't you knock?" Peter snarled.

"Wha…who…who are you?" Mozzie stuttered in surprise.

"What?" Peter asked confused.

'Peter, you're like twenty-five year old.' Neal remind him.

"Oh right."

"Wait a minute…" Mozzie said taking a step closer and squinting at Peter as he studied him. "Oh wow, does Peter know about you?"

"What are you talking about?"

'Peter, he thinks you're your son.' Neal chuckled.

"I'm never going to hear the end of this." Peter sighed quietly to himself.

"You really do look just like him. Where did Neal find you? I can't believe he didn't tell me. Where is he anyway? I've been calling him for two days. Why are you half naked?" Mozzie asked rapid fire questions without giving Peter a chance to explain. "Is Neal hiding? I heard you tell him to get off you. Wait…are you two…?"

"No!" Neal and Peter both said firmly in unison even though Mozzie could only hear Peter.

Mozzie took a step back fearfully before he eyed Peter suspiciously.

"What's going on here? Who's the mutt?"

'Mutt?' Neal barked indignantly.

"Did your dog just take offense to being called a mutt?" Mozzie asked incredulously. "Seriously, what is going on?"

"Mozzie…"

"I don't like that you know my name but I don't know yours."

"I'm…uh…" Peter hesitated not having been ready to give a fake name.

"Well whatever you tell me now I'm not going to believe you." Mozzie said matter of factly. "You need to be quicker with an alias if you expect anyone to take you seriously."

'This must be why all your undercover characters are called 'Peter'.' Neal rolled his eyes.

"I've never seen a dog roll its eyes before." Mozzie noted as he took a closer look at Neal.

Neal did his best to cover for the human like expression but Mozzie didn't look like he was buy his dog act. Furrowing his brow Mozzie shook his head in denial of what he saw in Neal's eyes.

"Man, if I didn't know any better…"

'Uh-oh, Peter, this is exactly what happened with Elizabeth. People who know me aren't as easily fooled by the fur.'

"Where is Neal? I want to talk to him right now." Mozzie demanded of Peter. "In fact give me one reason not to call the cops on you for being here? Not that I'd ever do anything like that, but I'd still like you to give me a reason just for good measure."

"Mozzie…" Peter growled in a weary tone.

"Man, you say that just like the Suit does. How strong are his genes?"

"Mozzie," Peter repeated with even less patience "I need you to do something for me. I can't deal with this right now. I need you to leave and just forget everything you saw here. Please."

Neal sniffed at the air as the bizarre sweet stench that had accompanied both the creature in the alley and the dragon suddenly wafted slightly on the air. Worried that the wolf might return while Mozzie was watching Neal pressed his shoulder against Peter's leg in hope that it would help keep him grounded. If he changed now they'd have a lot of very difficult explaining to do. Even as it was Mozzie was going to be a problem.

Looking a little dazed Mozzie suddenly turned around and left, closing the door behind him. Surprised by Mozzie's uncharacteristic retreat Neal tilted his head in classic confused German Shepherd fashion. Turning his nose on Peter Neal was surprised to find that he was the source of the sweet scent. Mozzie hadn't just decided to leave, he'd been ordered away.

"I have to admit I didn't think that would work."

'You're getting more powerful, Peter.'

"What are you talking about?"

'You told Mozzie to leave and forget what he saw…and he did.'

"That's not magic."

'You're kidding right? Mozzie, listening to a request from you? If that's not magic then it's a miracle.'