Chapter 25

Remy twirled his staff making feints and attacks at an imaginary enemy. Jumping back and weaving easily; focused as he trained. From a corner of the cave Daken watched fascinated as his step parent trained. Already the Cajun had begun to sweat yet he did not let up in his training. Ever since morning had come, he had picked up his Bo staff wondering if he would remember how to use it. He was sick and tired of this easy life he was leading with his lover. Gambit was a man of leisure, but not to be kept as a pet.

"I think you've killed him already." Daken drawled lazily. Remy made a stabbing motion with his staff. The Cajun stopped; glaring at him for breaking his concentration. Rivulets of sweat ran down his scarred body where Sabretooth had dug his claws in so many years ago. Out of half of his clothes, the Cajun looked every bit as fierce as his feral lover. His eyes glowed like coals as he dared anyone to challenge him.

"Probably, but I wanted t' make sure he wouldn't get back up." Remy replied calmly as he sighed, letting his staff fall to his side. Ever since Wolverine had announced they would be having what constituted as a wedding among the Lupines, he had been unable to rest. It was Asgard and Loki all over again. Daken chuckled, glancing back down at the mountain lion skin he was working on. Already it had become soft and supple from his work. Only now he sewed string onto the two front legs so they could be tied together when Remy put the skin on. The top part of the skull of the lion would be drawn over the Cajun's head.

"Dad will be impressed. Maybe you should challenge him to a fight." Daken suggested, stopping to study his handiwork. He frowned and turned the skin around to inspect the skull. Smooth black river stones had been found to be placed in the eye sockets of the skull. A dot of red paint in the middle of each one mirrored Remy's eyes.

"Heh, your father t'inks he can beat anyone. What will he be wearin' during de ceremony?"

"A grizzly bear hide. He killed it last week when it attacked a hunting party."

"Why am I not surprised?" Remy said with a tired sigh. He gazed outside towards the trees. Below the Pack had been busy preparing for the celebration. Hunting parties were out all hours of the day as they gathered food. Women rushed about with full baskets of vegetables, berries, and one with fish which still flopped around now and again. At its center stood Remy who had no control over the whole affair.

"Is there any way to get out of here? Remy can hardly stand it anymore. He's tired of all dis wilderness. I love your father but… He's not de man Remy fell in love with."

"That's where you're wrong. He's not a man at all." Daken responded quietly. He raised his head to look at his step parent. Remy gazed back at him unflinchingly, a silent question burning in his eyes.

"We could try to escape, couldn't we? Get word out to someone on de outside?"

"To whom, Mom? Besides, that would require access to technology, which would mean finding a phone, and last I checked the only one to be found is a hundred miles from here in either direction."

"Surely dere's someone close by?"

"Maybe, but I have no idea whom nor where they are. Dad would never let you leave. You know how he is." Daken responded calmly as he shook out the skin. Remy frowned as he sighed, straightening up to stand braced in the entrance to the cave. Rivulets of sweat ran still down his naked back while his smoldering coal black eyes gazed down at the Pack.

"Let's go find your father. I need t' talk to him."

"Alright Mom, but he's going to say no. Romulus has been with him a lot of the time." Daken warned. Getting up he set aside his project and walked outside with his step parent. Once Remy had on a pair of boots, they went down together and out among the trees.

Daken led the way, tracking his father's scent. He was surprised the Cajun did not hide his scars by wearing a shirt. After seeing so many Lupines walking around, the males mostly, ditching their shirts he had finally decided to join the party. The pair turned quite a few heads as they made their way through the crowd. Many of the women paused to touch Remy's shoulder and congratulate him. Daken smirked whenever he saw the thief nod his head, say a word, and once in a while have a brief conversation with one of the women on what to do. It seemed more and more each day the man was becoming a feral.

It wasn't long before they managed to find Wolverine at the edge of the camp. He had been spending a lot of time with the various hunting parties. Daken and Talon had begun to see it, but neither of them thought Remy had realized it yet. While Wolverine had established control over the males, he left the Cajun to oversee things at home. In his own subtle way the feral was making sure half of the power went to his mate. This way there would be no question who was in charge.

Unlike those who stayed close to camp, the hunting parties were practically a pack all their own. Many of them had families they looked after. There were more than a couple of single males who always eyed the Cajun when he walked past. Daken had said nothing, but they were many unwritten rules. If one of them could woo the current Alpha, no matter who it was, they stood a chance of being able to establish control over the Pack. It was Talon's and Daken's job to fend off these unwanted suitors.

When they appeared, many of the older males eyed the Cajun warily. Most bowed their heads in respect to their Alpha's mate. One even silently offered Remy a rabbit skin as a gift. He accepted it, thanking the hunter quietly as he walked past. Daken didn't make eye contact with any of them. But a subtle rumble of a growl came from him just in case. Warning them he wasn't scared to fight should any of them who would try to challenge Remy.

He was glad his step parent had decided to at least bring his Bo staff along. Corded muscle covered the hunters as well as various tattoos they had put on themselves. Quite a few had self-inflicted scars to show their power. One in particular missing an eye raised his head when he saw Remy approach. Seeing who it was, he nudged Wolverine beside him who had been talking with another hunter in low huffs. He turned around with an annoyed expression on his face until he saw who was coming towards him. While he didn't smile, it was obvious he was pleased to see his mate when he got up.

"Mate, what are you doing here?" Wolverine asked he rose to greet them. Daken fell back behind Remy as his father came over. Reaching up, Wolverine leaned closed and kissed Remy on the neck, inhaling his scent as he nuzzled him. Remy let out a tired laugh as he gave the feral a one armed hug.

"Remy wanted t' see you. And he has t' talk to you about somet'ing." Remy explained gently. Wolverine frowned at this as he pulled back. His brow furrowed as he tried to understand what it was his mate wanted.

"Why?"

"Because it's important, mon glutton. Is dere somewhere we can talk in private?" Wolverine gave him a measured look. After a moment he made a gruff sound to the one eyed feral who had been sitting next to him. The feral nodded as he rose up slowly. All he had to do was growl before the others rose silently and melted into the trees disappearing from sight.

"What is it?" Wolverine asked once the last one had gone. Daken quirked a brow, waiting patiently as he watched. Remy paused, suddenly nervous as he took a deep breath. Despite knowing Wolverine loved him it was still hard to look him straight in the eye.

"Remy needs to take care of some business on de outside. He wanted to know if you could take him to de nearest small town so he could make a few phone calls."

"No."

"But Logan-"

"I'M NOT LOGAN!" Wolverine roared. His voice bounced off the trees, making the Cajun flinch. Wolverine glared at him growling, bristling all over as he spoke again. His gruff tone was dripping with displeasure.

"Mate, I've told you before he's gone. Go back to the cave. I'll be there in an hour."

"But cher, you need to-"

"No. I don't need to do anything. You on the other hand, Mate, need to learn your place." Wolverine grunted. Remy stared, gaping at the feral as his lover turned around and began to walk away in the direction he had sent his hunters.

Daken had no time to stop him. Only the next instant a metallic clang sounded in the clearing. Wolverine jerked his head around, a look of complete shock on his face. Remy glared at him, holding his staff in a white knuckled grip. A mask of fury had come over his face as he tried to keep himself from snarling in turn at the feral.

"Don't turn your back t' me, you bloody bastard. Remy is talkin' to you. Stop bein' a coward and face me like a man." Remy spat. Daken saw several emotions flit over his father's face as the feral attempted to come to terms with what had just happened. Then he began to growl as his stance shifted, his dark blue eyes glaring at his mate.

"Go back to the den."

"Non."

"Go away, Mate."

"Make me." Remy snapped.

Wolverine's eyes narrowed then he stormed towards the Cajun. Remy raised his staff in silent challenge as he shifted as well. Daken hesitated as he watched the two wondering if he should interfere. Then without warning Wolverine shoved the Cajun back. Daken caught Remy who staggered back, a look of astonishment on his face.

"I said go back, Mate. The ceremony isn't for two days. I understand you're scared, but now is not the time. I have plans to make." Wolverine growled. Remy straightened up, glaring daggers at his partner. He was more than furious now.

"Bullshit, I need t' go into town. You can't keep me here!"

"Mom, don't do this. Just listen to Dad. Let's head back."

"Non, Daken. Listen, Carcajou, Remy needs to-"

"What did you just call me?"

"You is a wolverine, aren't ya? Dat is what de word means."

"What happened to mon glutton? "

"Funny you ask. Since dat means my wolverine, but you is not mine. You stopped being mine de moment you kicked Logan out."

A silence fell between the two. Wolverine stared at Remy, his expression blank. For a moment Daken thought his father might cry. Then the moment passed. Wolverine's expression became hard as he reached out with blinding speed and grabbed the Cajun's wrist which held the staff. With a sharp twist, a pained gasp escaped Remy and he automatically dropped the staff. When Wolverine twisted further to the point where he could have broken his mate's wrist, Remy fell to his knees. With his other hand he clawed at the vice like grip but could not break it. Daken began to come forward, but one look from his father made him stop. If he interfered, his father really would break Remy's wrist.

"Now, Mate…" Wolverine growled. He had bent close, whispering into Remy's ear. His breath was hot and smelled of fresh blood to the Cajun. Remy's heart began to pound as the Lupine's breath stirred his hair.

"I'm dealing with my warriors, trying to keep them in line. The last thing I need is for you to start making a fuss. Now, go back to the den, and I'll be back there to pleasure you later." A second later he released Remy's wrist, straightening up as he stepped back.

"Take your mother home. He's tired." Wolverine ordered Daken. Almost as an afterthought, he grabbed Remy's Bo staff and tossed it at the Cajun's feet.

Daken rushed to Remy's side as the other man straightened up, rubbing his aching wrist. Wolverine had already disappeared among the trees after his warriors. Glaring, he snatched up his staff and made to go after him. A hand on his arm held him back. He turned to glare at Daken's brooding gaze who jerked his head back in the direction of camp.

"C'mon, we really should head back." Daken hissed into his ear. He could sense the tension in the air as the hunters watched from the trees. Remy glared at him, glancing again in the direction Wolverine had taken. After a moment he muttered under his breath in French, jerking his arm from Daken's grasp.

In silence they headed back to the cave. Daken went back to work on his project, saying nothing to his step parent. After an hour he told the Cajun he would be back and got up, leaving the finished skin on the floor. Wolverine did not make an appearance until a few minutes later. He came in and the first thing he did was to go over to Remy. When he attempted to nuzzle the Cajun, he was rejected. Remy glared at him coldly, smacking the feral's hand away when he reached out to touch him. After that the feral left him alone, going into their shared bedroom. A few minutes later he heard snores as the feral fell asleep.

It wasn't until the middle of the night Remy had fallen asleep himself, still in the main cave. His mind disturbed him with images of Wolverine destroying Logan. The limp body of the human side of his partner limp on the claws of the feral one. When he tried to move towards them, his feet refused to move. Looking down Remy saw he had got stuck in quicksand. He opened his mouth to call out to them, but nothing came out.

Hands wrapped around his throat and he felt the prick of claws. Around him the surroundings changed and he was chained to a bed. Standing over him with a sadistic grin on his face was Sabretooth. Panicking he yanked at the chains but they had no give. In front of him, Sabretooth laughed at his pain.

"Sorry Mate, seems like you're stuck with me here." Then the face transformed into Wolverine's as the feral bent his head to bite him on the neck.

"Mom, wake up!" Remy heard a familiar voice in his ear. He awoke with a jolt. It was still dark out. There were indeed hands on his shoulders shaking him awake. For a second he thought it was Sabretooth, and then he realized it was Talon when he spoke.

"Remy, come on, we have to go." Talon whispered urgently. Blinking at the two dark forms he reached for his cards but he was practically yanked to his feet. The two were exchanging urgent whispers as the two moved about the cave. There was a soft rustling then Remy felt his staff pressed into his hand. A second later a shirt and his trench coat were pressed to his chest in silent urgency for him to get dressed.

He dressed quickly, not having to go far to find his boots. Talon and Daken circled him constantly worrying as they waited for him. Once he had laced his boots they hurried him outside and down the pathway. Instead of going all the way down however Talon grabbed a ledge and hefted himself up. Turning around, he reached down and helped Remy get up with Daken behind him.

Once they were clear of the camp Remy felt the two let out a breath. They still went along in silence with the two ferals continuing to hurry him along with a touch on his shoulder or pulling him along by his arm. Above them the moon had begun to sink down. Already the sky had grown a tad lighter despite them hurrying to beat it.

"Remy, are you hungry?" Talon whispered. When he nodded his head the feral pressed a piece of jerky into the Cajun's hand. He ate it happily, accepting a skin filled with water which he drank greedily. In turn Daken had his breakfast in the same fashion as well with still no explanation.

"Where are we going?" Remy asked once he was done. He heard Daken give a heavy sigh behind him as if it weren't already obvious.

"I heard what happened with Wolverine. We need to get you to the nearest town right away. You need to warn the people that they have to leave immediately."

"I thought they weren't any towns around here."

"Not any major ones, but there's one small one. It's a retreat almost. Only fifty people live there altogether, but you need to get them out of there."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"I just heard it last night. Wolverine and his warriors are going to kill them. It's a training exercise to prepare for when they take on more people."

"Those people won't stand a chance." Remy said grimly. He felt his blood go cold as he imagined the slaughter which would ensue from those helpless people. Talon nodded as they continued, constantly sniffing the air as he glanced back the Cajun. He was making sure they were not running into any border patrols.

"Exactly, which is why we have to get you out of here. You're the only human whose been allowed to live among us. The rest were… Disposed of." Remy felt a cold shiver go down his spine. He had never thought to question his good fortune. If it had not been for Wolverine, he would have been long dead by now. His body dumped out in the woods for the flies and wild animals to feast upon.

As they walked Talon handed a phone to Remy. He explained it was a satellite phone he could use to call for help. The Cajun nodded, his heart pounding at they walked. By now he was able to make out colors around him. He could clearly see Talon walking in front of him as Daken stuck to his side loyally.

"What about Carcajou?"

"Wolverine? I slipped something into his drink to make him sleep. He'll be fine, but by the time he wakes up he'll-" Talon stopped.

He had stopped in his tracks so suddenly that Remy walked right into him. Pulling back he frowned at the feral, wondering what had made him stop. By his side Daken shifted, a low growl echoing from him as he brushed Remy's side. After a moment the Cajun saw them as well standing all around them.

They were Wolverine's warriors.

Their eyes glittered in the pale morning light. Hidden by the trees it was hard to spot them. They were dark shapes holding completely still. A few sneered, showing off a glint of razor sharp fangs. In front of them stood the old warrior with the one eye his gray hair catching the light. Talon planted himself right in between the grizzled hunter and Remy growling in warning.

"What are you doing with Alpha's mate?" One Eye asked. Talon glared at him as by Remy's side Daken bristled.

"None of your damn business. Now get out of my way. Alpha's orders." Talon snapped. One Eye didn't even blink as his gaze fell down to the two behind him. He snorted reaching up to brush back a lock of his hair.

"I see no Alphas here. I see a bastard, a rogue hunter, and a human pet. Get them. If Wolverine asks, we tried to save his mate." One Eye declared.

All around them there were roars as the warriors descended upon them. Talon let out a roar of his own which shook the trees. Turning he engaged the first three hunters to come down on him, tearing at them with claw and fang. Daken's eyes glinted as he smirked, unsheathing his own claws as he spun on his heel. Driving them through the skull of the first warrior to dare to come to close to him.

Staff spinning in a blur Gambit ducked the first swipe aimed at his head, smacking his staff over the feral's head to send him stumbling back with a groan. They were completely surrounded as they fought. Back to back the trio fought for their very lives. Without even thinking, Gambit jabbed, punched, and hit any piece of bare skin he could. Managing to slip out a card he threw it out into the wave of hunters coming after them. It exploded on impact temporarily making a path.

Talon snarled as he fought with One Eye, trying to keep the warrior from reaching the Cajun. Daken stabbed for all he was worth, a mist of blood rising around him. Even as they fought Remy saw in dismay that the warriors they had injured fell back amongst the trees. They were keeping a silent vigil as they waited to heal before rejoining their comrades. Turning his head he yelled into Daken's ear.

"We can't keep this up! They'll just keep coming until we give up!" Remy shouted. Daken pulled back his fist and punched a feral in the face, his claws coming out of the back of his head with a sickening crunch. Nodding his head, he put his foot on the chest of the limp body yanking his bone claws out with a wet sucking sound. Gray brain matter stained his blades as he gazed warily at Remy.

"Talon, make a path!" Daken roared as he lunged at the next warrior.

Gambit spun to engage another foe. Despite his training he had begun to tire as well. Already his Bo staff was slick with blood. He had to grip it extra hard to make sure it did not slip from his grasp. As he was fighting, he felt was seemed like a soft click as the metal of his staff suddenly shifted. He felt the end of his staff sink into something soft and the next instant he heard a howl as a Lupine staggered away. He looked no older than twenty, gripping his chest as blood gushed out. For a second Remy didn't know what was wrong with the scene… Until he realized the wound was not healing.

Glancing at his staff he saw on either side blood red blades had sprouted from each end of it. They were six inches in length each. He noticed a piece of paper had fluttered to the ground at his feet. Dumbfounded, he snatched up the paper as he lashed out with his staff again. When the blade cut another feral he too jerked away as if burned.

He glanced down at the paper. Remy recognized Logan's handwriting right away. The messy scrawl scribbled across a slip of paper. The message was simple and to the point.

I can't give you claws, but now you'll always have fangs. –Logan

Staring at the red blades Remy felt an odd sense of relief flood through him. With a burst of determination he lunged at the nearest warrior, his staff spinning in an angry red blur. More cuts appeared gushing blood as the ferals hissed and pulled back. He wasn't sure what kind of modifications Logan had made when he had given him the adamantium staff so many years ago, but he silently thanked the man.

Seeing a break in the tide, Talon shoved One Eye out of the way and barreled past the wall of warriors. With Daken at his side, the two ferals managed to beat a path just big enough for the Cajun to get through. Tossing charged cards left and right, Gambit was just able to slip by but paused to look back at his two companions.

"Go! WARN THEM!" Talon roared. Grabbing Daken's arm he all but tossed the smaller feral in the general direction Remy was going.

They fled.

Gambit felt his lungs burning as he ran flat out with Daken. Logan's son was barely able to lead the way as he would jerk his head for them to go another direction. Neither knew exactly where they were going. Only that they had to stay ahead of the warriors. In the distance behind him, they could hear snarls and roars from the trees.

They did not stop until the sounds had died behind them. Remy had lost track of how many creeks they had crossed in an attempt to hide their scent from the ferals. By now the sun had risen to shine down its light upon them. Even Daken was winded; his chest heaving as he staggered ahead of Remy, his claws still drawn as he stopped sniffing the air. Then he began to curse as he leaned against a tree, hanging his head.

"What's wrong? Are we almost there?" Remy asked him. Daken raised his head, his baby blue eyes dark as he gazed up at the Cajun.

"No, I've completely lost the trail. I have no idea where the hell we are." Daken answered crisply. Remy stared at him in disbelief then turned around in a full circle trying to determine where they were. After a few minutes he too gave up, sitting down heavily next to Daken who had collapsed against the tree.

"Fuck." Gambit growled. Daken laughed at the curse, wiping sweat from his brow as he gazed up at the sky.

"If we stop now we'll get caught. We have to keep moving. Eventually we'll have to come to a road or something." Daken pointed out. Remy nodded his head distracted as he tried to think of what to do. Then he froze.

Reaching into his pocket he slowly drew out the satellite phone. Daken frowned staring at it as Remy stared at it as well. He had the phone. He could literally call anyone he wanted in the world. Him and Daken gazed at each other knowingly.

"You gonna call your boyfriend?" Daken asked warily. Remy paused, hesitating. Then he dialed a number and held it to his ear. He heard a click as someone picked up.

"Jarvis speaking, Mr. Stark is slumbering at the moment."

"Hello Jarvis, dis is Gambit. Can ya wake Tony up fo' me cher? I need his help."

"May I ask why, sir?"

"A bunch of people are about t' die. I can't save dem without de Avengers."