Updates three weeks in a row! I'm so proud of me! lol! Anyway, thanks for the reviews everyone! Enjoy!

Britany had just got back to her room when Maybree showed up. She turned around with a grin. "You made it."

The blonde grinned as she dumped her bag and a pile of clothes on the bed, "wouldn't miss it."

Green eyes glanced up at the clock, "Lilly's still coming right?" The vixen was late.

Maybree followed her gaze. "She said she was. I hope Kane is ok, he might not have wanted to stay with her mom."

"He's going to have to stay with somebody," Britany remarked, "it's not like he can come with us."

Lilly slipped in the room, "sorry I'm late." She was slightly out of breath, holding Kane on her hip.

The other two girls exchanged a look as she set him down on a chair and handed him his book and a plate with some cookies on it. "Everything ok?" Britany asked.

"Yeah." She stood upright and pushed her hair out of her face. "He got upset about leaving me." She lowered her voice so he wouldn't hear.

"What are you going to do about leaving for the club?" Asked Britany.

"Mom is going to meet us here at eight. I'm just going to have to leave him with her." She felt guilty about it, but she really wanted to go. And it wasn't like he was in danger.

Maybree nodded. "Are you sure he wouldn't feel better hanging out with Spade?"

"No," Kane shouted. He'd heard that part.

The three girls turned to look at him. Maybree noticed the panic in his voice.

Lilly knelt in front of him, "you don't have to if you don't want to." Her voice soothed him and he relaxed. He turned back to looking at the pictures in the book.

"What was all that about?" Maybree whispered as Lilly walked over to them.

"He doesn't like being around males," she replied quietly. "I think it has something to do with his father, but he hasn't told me exactly what happened in his old home."

Britany shot him a sympathetic look. "Poor thing." It made her angry to know that this boy's father had been so cruel to him. No one deserved that. She shook her head, "anyway, let's start getting ready." She was ready to move on from all this depressing stuff.

Maybree excitedly unzipped her duffle bag. It was full of stuff. Accessories, makeup, brushes, and hair products spilled out.

Britany grinned, "where did you even get all this stuff?"

"I've been collecting it over the years," she smiled and tilted her head sideways. "Pity I've never really learned how to use it. Mama doesn't do anything except pull her hair up. Don't think I've ever seen her with it down."

Britany made her sit in front of the mirror, "don't worry. I'll help you." Her hands pulled the girl's quills out of the ponytail it was in.

Her long blonde quills fell around her shoulders. She hadn't realized how long it had gotten. She smiled as Britany ran her fingers through her quills. When she saw the ring on Britany's finger she gasped. "You're engaged?" She squealed.

Lilly hurried to see the ring and Britany blushed as the two girls fawned over it. "Did he make it?" Lilly asked as she turned Britany's hand.

Britany nodded. "I love him so much." Her eyes filled with happy tears at the thought of him. He was going to be her husband soon, and she couldn't wait.

"We need to celebrate," Maybree grinned.

"I have just the thing," Britany went to get a bottle of wine out of her bag. She filled glasses and the girls drank as they got ready.

It was just a few minutes before eight by the time they were dressed and dolled up.

Maybree had on a black pleated leather mini skirt and a black tank top. Fishnet stockings and combat boots were on her feet and legs. Several necklaces hung around her neck. Her hair had been pulled back up in a ponytail, but some pieces had been braided, and some silver glitter had been rubbed on some pieces. She grinned. She looked hot. Her makeup looked good too.

Lilly was in a pastel pink strapless dress. It stopped mid-thigh and cinched at the waist. Her long white hair was pulled up in a bun, and her bangs were loose against her forehead. A few pieces of her hair had been rubbed with a washable pink paste, so there were pink swirls in her bun. She smiled as she applied a clear gloss to her lips.

Britany wore a bright red one sleeved, low cut dress and heels. She'd put mousse in her short hair to give it more body, and a sliver clip rested on the side. Her fur shimmered with gold, as she'd applied a glittering body oil. Her look was finished with a nude gloss, and winged eyeliner sharp enough to kill.

"How can Kinnley ever keep his hands off of you?" Maybree grinned.

She laughed, "sometimes he can't."

Maybree sat on the bed, "so, have you guys been..." she glanced over at Kane, "how close have you guys been?" She reworded the question.

Britany smiled, "just kisses. He has seen me in my underwear, but I don't think he remembers that very well."

"How could he forget that?" Maybree raised a brow, "you've got a great body."

The chipmunk giggled, "he had a little too much to drink that day."

Maybree grinned. It was hard to imagine Kinnley drunk.

"Oh," Britany said suddenly, "I need to send him a picture." She snapped one, and sent it to him. She smiled as he sent a message back, telling her how pretty she is, and how much he would miss her. She sighed happily and held her phone to her chest.

Ace, and Lilly's mother arrived at the same time.

Kane slipped under the armchair he was in when he saw them. He didn't want to go. He didn't want Ace to hurt him. He trembled.

"Kane," Lilly said gently, trying to coax him out, "it's ok."

He shook his head and backed up where she couldn't reach him without crawling under the chair too. "It's not ok," he hiccuped, "don't lie."

"I'm not sweetie, my mom will take good care of you, and I'll be back before morning. You'll wake up, and I'll be here."

His gold eye fixed on Ace as the jackal folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the wall. Was he upset? He didn't want to find out.

"We're going to be late if we don't get going," Ace said to Lilly.

She nodded. "Kane, please come out. I promise you are going to be ok."

He shook his head and curled up in a little ball. He was so scared.

The albino looked at the others, she didn't know what to do.

Ace decided. He picked up the chair and Kane screamed. He was expecting to be grabbed. He hunkered down and closed his eyes, waiting to be snatched up by the scruff and shaken. But it never happened.

He opened his eyes and looked up at Ace. His lower lip trembled and his eyes filled with tears.

Ace took him in. The pup was shivering with fear. His working eye was nervous as he looked at Ace, but didn't make eye contact. Ace knew life in a jackal village was rough, his mother had said so. But he didn't understand why Kane was so high strung. He found it somewhat annoying. "Come on," he said, "you need to get up. Lilly needs to go."

His lip quivered, "I don't want to," he whimpered.

"You have to," he insisted.

Lilly took his arm, "Ace, don't." Her pink eyes pleaded with him.

"This is just compounding his fear Lilly, he needs to face it."

Lilly bit her lip. Kane had been through so much, she didn't think Ace should push him.

Before things could escalate any farther, Lilly's mother stepped forward, pushing past the couple. "That's enough," she scolded lightly. "Kane and I will be fine, you kids go ahead and have fun. We, will have a marvelous time. Won't we Kane?"

She gave him such a kind smile he almost believed her. Outstretching her hand, she waited for him to decide to take it. He did.

Lilly let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Once Kane was in her mother's arms, she took Ace's hand. Then the group headed out.

Kinnley was looking at his phone when he he heard hurried footsteps pass the curtain. Setting the device down, he propped himself up, ear swiveling to hear better. Something about extensive damage to someone's face. He cringed, that sounded bad. His face hurt enough with cuts and bruises, he could only imagine the pain they were in right now.

He didn't have to for long. The victim cried out in gurgling screams as they were cleaned up. Kinnley cringed as the nurses rummaged for needles and antiseptic.

He wanted to see what was going on. Carefully, he opened the curtain just enough to see. It was Lance. They were trying to clean his face, but the wounds kept bleeding. From the position on his face, Kinnley guessed it was a bite. He swallowed.

The other jackal spit up blood as he coughed, but his mouth filled with it again. He had to have an open wound there.

The punctures were deep, and somewhat jagged, where the other's teeth had been drug through his flesh.

Kinnley swallowed. He had never seen Lance cry before. And he wasn't just crying, he was sobbing. What had happened?

After some time, they finished cleaning his face and stopped the bleeding. He lay back against the pillow, staring up at the ceiling. He felt numb, and not just from the medicine.

Softer footsteps crossed the room. "Lance?" It was Pierce. "Are you ok?"

"Do I look ok?" He snapped, "he tried to kill me."

His younger brother folded his arms, "and what did you say that antagonized him? You know he is unstable right now. It is foolish to try and start a fight."

"I didn't start it," he denied angrily.

"I do not believe you," Pierce replied with a raised brow. "You know as well as I that he has not started a fight in a long time. Not even with Keelie. And that is quite a feat, she even tries my patience."

"Do you always have to take his side?" He growled. "Even when we were a squad you stood by him over me."

"Because he was my alpha," he stated. "For some reason you resented him for that. You did not have to come with us and leave the jungle all those years ago."

"Of course I did, I couldn't let you go after him blindly."

"I was not blind in my devotions, I believed he could have led us to a better future, had he not succumbed to his hate."

"And look where that got us." Lance's tone was bitter.

"Be careful that you do not suffer the same fate my son." Taja's voice was even, and filled with the wisdom she always carried as she entered. "I see the same hate growing in you."

Lance said nothing.

"Hello mother," Pierce crossed the room to place a soft kiss on her cheek as a sign of respect.

She smiled gently at him. Then she turned to Lance, "let go of this hate that is growing in your heart, otherwise it will consume you as it did your cousin."

He rolled his eyes, "it's not going to consume me mother, and I am simply going to take what is mine."

"You mean Gaia," Pierce frowned. "A woman is not a prize Lance, especially not Gaia. You know she has given him her heart, any action you take is foolish enough to..."

Lance interrupted, "oh shut up Pierce, this is something you don't know anything about. Just because you have no interest in women doesn't mean the rest of us don't."

If that was intended to be a jab, Pierce took no offense to it. "I have no interest in anyone Lance. I do not need a mate to be sure of myself and what I want."

"And what is it that you want?" He sneered.

"I want to be happy, and to follow my alpha. That is all I need."

"What about pups? What about our bloodline? Doesn't that matter to you?"

He nodded, "despite what you think, our culture is still important to me. But we do not have to take a mate to survive anymore, I am not worried." He smiled, "if one comes along, I will gladly welcome her into our family. But if not, I will still be happy."

Lance narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean follow your alpha?"

"It is true that Finn is no longer alpha, Gadget bested him long ago. But, to me, Finn will always be my alpha. So I will wait until he is ready to once again realize that he can accomplish great things." He clasped his hands behind his back.

"Sounds like a waste of your life," he scoffed.

Taja stepped forward, "it's never a waste to have hope Lance. I only wish you hadn't lost yours."

He looked at his lap, "I don't think I ever had it in the first place."

"When you were a pup you did." Her eyes grew wistful at the memory. "You were the one who kept our spirits up. You always felt we could have a better life for us and our pack. That is the reason I led all those years without a mate. The reason I felt I could. Because you believed it. And I wish you still believed in others. I wish you still believed in you." She took his hand, "you can still do great things, and if Gaia isn't with you, so what? You can be so much more than this. She doesn't define you. Finn doesn't define you."

Lance sniffed, "I'm sorry." His voice was barely a whisper.

"I think you know who you should be apologizing to." She patted his hand. "Rest now my son, you'll need it."

Lilly felt overwhelmed with all the people at the club. The music was louder than she expected, and the flashing lights were awkward for her.

Ace squeezed her hand reassuringly. He placed a kiss on her head and guided her over to the stage. She would meet back up with the girls later.

Maybree grinned widely. This was amazing to her. She loved the energy here.

Britany grabbed her hand, "drinks first. Dancing second. That way you can scope out potential dance partners." She led the hedgehog to the bar and ordered drinks for them.

Maybree sipped the liquid, alcohol burning as it slid down her throat. Blue eyes scanned the room. There were so many people here, but she didn't see anyone that caught her eye.

After a second drink, she felt a warmness in her belly. She followed Britany out to the dance floor. She enjoyed herself immensely.

Before long, she bumped into someone. "Watch where you're going," she snapped.

A deep laugh reached her ears. She looked up, as the person was taller than her. Deep gray fur that had a blue tint, covered a broad chest. He was a wolf, but different than Gadget. He was bigger, and scruffier.

"Think you can take me on firecracker?" He put his hand under her chin and tilted her face towards his. His nails were sharp, and polished black.

She bit at his hand and he pulled it back. His eyes glinted with a smile. His hands trailed to her waist. "Dance with me."

Her face flushed, "ok."

They danced. "So firecracker?" He asked while leaning towards her ear. "What's your name?"

"Maybree," she tossed her hair back. "What's yours?"

A grin, "Trojan."

She repeated it, tasting his name on her tongue. "How unusual."

"Can't say I've ever heard yours either," he remarked. His hands held her hips tightly as she swung them to the music.

She stepped closer, her body practically against his. "I guess I'm just an unusual girl."

His fingers brushed her lower stomach, resting on the waistline of her skirt. "I'd like to find out," he smirked while running his tongue across his teeth.

She swatted at him playfully, easily picking up on his flirting. She lowered her voice to a sweet whisper, "I'm afraid I'm not that easy." Her fingers tilted his face towards hers and she leaned forward, allowing her lips to barely brush his. But she pulled back before he could secure a kiss.

Frustration flashed across his copper eyes, but he smirked. "I think I'm up for the challenge." He pulled her flush against him and hooked his fingers in the nets on her legs.

She flushed as she felt the bones in his hips against her. Looking up at his face, she rested her hands on his chest. She realized just how big of a guy he was. Bigger than Ace. She involuntarily shivered at the realization that he was so much bigger than her. She was by no means petite, but she felt small compared to him.

"Something wrong firecracker?"

She flushed, "no I," she licked her lips, "I just don't think I've ever met anyone with as big a build as you before."

He laughed. His leg brushed her thigh, "and you won't ever be able to forget me. Can I get you a drink?"

She nodded wordlessly. As she followed him to the bar, a small worry rose in her mind. She didn't think he would try and drug her, but she didn't really know him. But she wanted to.

A cool glass was put in her hand and she took a cautious sip after sniffing the liquid.

"Suspicious?" He asked with a small smirk. "Good girl." He leaned over her, "you can't trust just anyone." He downed his glass in one swallow and watched as she took another sip.

She finished the drink and leaned against his side, her body feeling lighter than before. She let him run his hands along her thighs and fiddle with the hem of her skirt.

Britany came over. "Everything ok here Maybree?"

The hedgehog pushed Trojan's hand off her leg. But she smiled at him, "everything's great."

The chipmunk held out her hand, "I'm Britany."

He took it, "Trojan."

"And what are your intentions for my friend?"

He shrugged, "I like her." As if that explained everything.

"You don't even know her."

"I will. If she'll let me."

Maybree nodded and Britany's face softened. He didn't seem like a bad guy, and if Maybree was happy, that was good enough.

The two girls swiveled around when the music changed. It was Ace now. Maybree bit her lip, he was good. And though the sting of his rejection was still there, it had dulled a bit. She felt she could move on. Blue eyes met Trojan's face. She could especially with him as a welcome distraction.

His jaw was set as he watched the jackal. "He's good," was all he said.

Britany nodded, a since of pride in her chest. That was her friend's boyfriend. Her green eyes saw Lilly standing by the stage, supporting him. Even though this wasn't her ideal environment. She was a strong woman.

All too soon, it was time to leave. The club was closing, and the four of them were heading out.

"Maybree," Trojan called as he caught up with them by the exit.

She turned to the wolf with a smile.

He stopped, standing in front of her. He was fully aware of the jackal sizing him up, but he paid him no mind. "I was serious about getting to know you. If you want. Can I have your number?"

She took his phone and punched in the digits. "I'd better hear from you soon."

He smirked.

Tempest hummed happily as Jay rubbed her side. They were under the blankets, as it was late, but neither of them were sleeping.

He placed a firm kiss on her neck, softly biting down. She giggled lightly while squirming. Heat rushed through her as he rubbed his hands across her stomach, and gently held her against his chest.

"I love you," he whispered.

She looked over her shoulder at him, "I love you too babe."

"I miss loving you," he breathed huskily.

She sharply drew a breath. He never failed to say just the right thing. Her eyes glanced over to Spade, who was fast asleep in his little bed. She swallowed. "Spade is asleep," she finally said.

"I know." Disappointment was evident in his voice.

"We'll wake him up."

"I know."

Silence fell over the room except for Spade's heavy breathing. "Maybe we should let him have his own room. He's been asking you know."

"Jay, you know how I feel about that. I don't want anything to happen to my baby."

"You know you can't protect him forever. He has to learn to protect himself eventually." His hands rubbed her sides again.

"I know," she sniffed.

He could see how upset this was making her. "Let's forget about it for now." He smirked, "just let me love you."

She nodded and he slipped out of their bed, taking her to their bathroom.

Lilly's face was flushed as they made their way through the base. She'd had just enough to drink that she was relaxed, but not drunk.

She was holding Ace's hand, and they were walking towards her room. Maybree and Britany had already left for their own.

They reached her room, and she eagerly led him inside after her, both of them getting comfortable on the bed.

"You were great," she whispered while cupping his face and planting a soft kiss on his nose.

He grinned, "Thanks for coming with me."

"You know I'll do anything for you."

Before she knew it, he was in her lap, kissing her like it would be their last. She lay back, letting him run his hands across her.

Kane woke with a start. He sat upright in his bed, sweat coating his fur. He wiped at his face, tears were still moist on his cheeks.

It was a bad dream. But it felt so real. Hands grabbing him and holding him down. He'd tried to scream, but no one came to help. No one cared about what happened to a little pup with no promise.

He choked back a sob. He felt so alone. His hands hugged his arms as he hiccuped.

Looking at the clock beside the bed, it was past midnight. He pushed the blankets back and slid out of bed. Lilly was probably back by now, he could go see her. Just for a little while.

He opened the door to her room quietly. His gold eye focused in the dark, taking in the room.

Lilly was in the bed, but Ace was on top of her. Panic rose in his chest. He didn't notice that she seemed to like his kisses.

He was afraid. Ace could easily kill him. Or worse. But he couldn't let him hurt Lilly like that.

"Stop it!" He cried as he grabbed Ace's arm and tried to pull him off the vixen. "Leave her alone!"

"Kane?" Lilly asked while sitting up and turning on the lamp. "What's wrong?"

"He's hurting you." The little gray jackal had tears running down his face. He knew what it was like to be held down like that.

"Get up Ace," Lilly said gently. He slid off her lap and Lilly got out of bed. "Kane, he's not hurting me. It's fine. Why are you so upset?"

"Because that's what happened to me!" He yelled.

The room fell silent except for Kane's sobbing. She made him say it. He hated everything. The pup sank to his knees, wrapping his arms around his upper body.

Lilly and Ace were in shock. Neither of them knew what to do.

"And it was all my fault," Kane hiccuped.

The vixen was at his side in an instant. "It was not your fault." Her voice was firm, determined.

"Yes it was, father said it was." He sounded so broken.

"He's a liar," Ace said.

Kane looked up at him. Tears were still running down his face, but he was thinking about those words. It had never occurred to him that he'd been lied to.

"He told you that so you would be less likely to fight him," Ace added.

An angry frown rested on Kane's face. "It was his fault," he whispered. "It wasn't mine. I did my best to be good, but it didn't matter. He did what he wanted to me, and I couldn't stop him." He closed his eyes and leaned into Lilly's arms.

She held him, gently rubbing his back as he cried. She looked sadly at Ace, hoping that now he would understand Kane's fear a little better. This wasn't something you could just face. He was going to have to fight it for the rest of his life.

Ace knelt down beside them carefully. He felt guilty for what he'd done before they left for the club. "I'm sorry for scaring you earlier." He said carefully.

Kane sniffled. He wiped his eyes.

"Did you at least have a good time with my mom?" Lilly asked gently.

He nodded. "She taught me how to play checkers. And we had snacks."

"That's good."

He rested his head against her chest, fingers absently playing with the fabric on the skirt of her dress. His eyes were still full of tears and he sniffed.

"Hey," said Ace, "you know that no one is going to hurt you anymore. If anyone bothers you, you can tell me, or Lilly, and I'll take care of it."

Kane looked up at him. No one had ever promised to take care of him like that before. He was thankful. He managed to give him a small smile.

"It's late," Lilly said after a moment, "why don't we all get some sleep? Now, do you want to stay with us? Or go back to your room?"

"Can I stay with you?" He hiccuped. He tried to brush his hair out of his face, but it was difficult with the tangles.

She nodded and set him on the bed. "I'll be right back, I'm going to put on pajamas."

He sat on the mattress, eyeing Ace as his tail flicked back and forth.

Lilly exited the bathroom wearing a silk nightgown and holding a hairbrush and elastic in her hand. She sat beside Kane and pulled him in her lap. She gently brushed his hair out and pulled it up for him. Then, she helped him under the covers and he snuggled against her side.

"I'd better go," Ace said quietly.

Kane sat up. Even though he was still afraid, he trusted Ace would keep his promise. He grabbed the other jackal by the arm, despite his heart pounding in his chest. "Stay," he whispered.

Ace was silent, but he slid in the bed on the other side of Kane.

Kane slowly fell asleep, snuggled against Lilly, but still holding Ace's arm.

Lilly gave Ace a smile, things were getting better for the pup, but he still had a lot to go through. She was glad Ace would be there to help.