Muzaka crouched down low in the dirt. The bushes obscured his vision, but he could still see the empty yard before him. Tilting his head, he listened to the birds moving in the trees, and if he focused, he could hear the nursemaids not too far away. It was easy to pick up Annunciata's loud voice.

His muscles quivered in anticipation as he slowly moved forward. His eyes darted around before he took another stop onto the pavement.

The sound of the brush breaking apart behind him had Muzaka turning around with wide eyes. A dark blurr raced towards him before crashing into Muzaka. The force of the impact was not enough to send Muzaka down, but he fell anyway and out of the bushes.

"I got him! I got him!" An excited voice screamed in Muzaka's ears. "Shleen! I got him!"

"I'm coming!" Ashleen's voice carried through the gardens, and soon, his daughter was rushing forward. "Hold him steady!"

M bounced on top of Muzaka where he held the werewolf lord's arms. "We won!"

Muzaka grunted from where he lay as the two children proceeded to apprehend him. "Technically, I let you."

But M shook his head. "Nuh uh. Father says you are prideful. You never lose on purwpose."

Well, that might have been true. But looking at his daughter's breathless smile and hearing M's excited chatter, Muzaka reasoned that he could allow himself a few losses in a harmless game.

"Father!" M called, scrambling off of Muzaka and accidentally kicking him in the process. "Did you see me? I'm fast!"

"I did." Raizel's voice was light with humor, and Muzaka craned his neck to see his friend approaching them with a smile. Takeo was in his arms, eager to be put down. The Noblesse took to sitting on the blanket previously spread out for lounging. While the Noblesse seemed content with his current position, the same could not be said for the curious toddler. Takeo's eyes seemed to brighten when M ran towards them, his small hands reaching out to grab M's hands. Almost as if it was second nature, M slid his hands into Takeo's, yet he never took his gaze off of Raizel.

Muzaka watched as Raizel listened to his son's excited prattle. All the while, the Noblesse had one hand on Takeo's shoulder, keeping the infant from wandering off. Muzaka grinned as he once more witnessed the dignified Noblesse take on the role of an attentive father.

A small, warm hand touched his, and he looked down to see Ashleen standing beside him. Her gaze was also focused on Raizel and the boys, but her hesitant hand was interlacing with his fingers.

Muzaka smiled softly down at his daughter. His daughter, whom only a few days ago had just learned who her father was. "I am glad you are enjoying them." Never had he thought that his own child would be spending time with Raizel's. He had never dreamed that their children would be together as friends, happy and safe.

"I am," Ashleen agreed, eyes bright and cheeks flushed. However, her smile slowly faded away. "Papa, I know you have been thinking about leaving." She stared up at him. "You've been disappearing into the village frequently. Are you gathering supplies?"

Muzaka sighed and glanced upwards. These peaceful moments were few and fleeting. "Yes. I have lingered long enough." He wondered if Garda was out searching for him. Really, he was being careless. "That is something I need to talk to you about." He smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring way. "But later. It's a wonderful day. Let's not ruin it."

Ashleen nodded and released his hand to join the others. She was quick to sit at M's side, the grey haired boy eagerly turning his attention to her. Takeo crawled over to his brother, settling on his lap while chewing on a toy. Raizel remained watchful, yet Muzaka wondered if the Noblesse was taking this moment to de-stress. Tao had been teething and the process had kept both the Noblesse and nursemaids up at night. With Takeo walking, he was becoming more of a handful.

The wonderful day that Muzaka was so quick to speak of was in fact growing gloomy. Dark clouds were forming up ahead, and his sharp hearing picked up the sound of thunder. Glancing up, Muzaka thought how thrilled the gardeners would be with the new rainfall.

Raizel must have heard the thunder as well, for he was picking up a protesting Takeo and encouraging M inside the house. M was still holding Ashleen's hand, silent and obedient. "M," the Noblesse warned, his tone slightly distracted. "Please don't run. And remove your shoes in the house." He hesitated at the door, still holding Takeo while looking at M with the gaze only an exasperated parent could.

Muzaka grinned. "You want a hand?" He opened his arms wide. "I can hold the kid."

Raizel did not even spare him a glance. "I've got it."

"Really Raizel, I can hold him!" Muzaka exclaimed as he followed the Noblesse into the home. "Listen, the kids love me, and I know you're tired."

Raizel merely sighed, adjusting his hold on Takeo. The blue-eyed infant was staring at Muzaka with sudden wariness, as if evaluating him. Muzaka nearly balked. Was the kid assessing him, silently judging him for being worthy to hold him? The nerve!

"Muzaka, it's fine-"

"I can help father!" M declared. He tugged on Raizel's sleeve. "Let me help!"

"Thank you, but you are a bit too young to hold Takeo." Raizel's wariness was replaced with fond amusement.

"I hold him all the time when he's hurt." M suddenly looked thoughtful. "Daddy told me to help you! See? I helpful!"

Muzaka would have enjoyed the helpless expression on his friend's face if it were not for the worry that lurked beneath those crimson red eyes. He was about to step in when a new voice filled the room.

"I am sure you are very helpful, M."

Muzaka's gaze snapped up, eyes wide as he saw Frankenstein standing in the doorway. His expression was weary, eyes burdened with exhaustion, yet a smile was spreading across his face when he saw the children.

"Daddy!" M's scream filled the halls as he rushed to Frankenstein. The infant leaped into Frankenstein's open arms, clinging to him. M turned to look at Ashleen with a bright smile. "See? I told you he was real!"

An infant's squeal joined the excitement, and Muzaka turned to see Raizel set Takeo down. The Noblesse was watchful, ready to catch the infant should the child fall.

"Look at you!" Frankenstein exclaimed, smiling even wider. "Are you walking?" Takeo happily stumbled forward, but Frankenstein covered the distance, picking up the infant while still holding M. "You're getting so big!" Takeo was giggling, obviously proud of his new accomplishment.

"Welcome home," Muzaka grunted, though he was smiling at the fond setting.

"Ah, Muzaka, you're still here." Frankenstein's tone lacked its usual exasperation he normally took when addressing the werewolf.

"I trust that you have not caused too much trouble in my absence," Frankenstein continued.

"The children have been great," Raizel quipped.

"I am sure, Master, but I was referring to Muzaka." Here, Frankenstein shot the werewolf lord a look. His eyes were weary, yet his lips twitched with barely concealed amusement.

Muzaka watched as a silent exchange between the Noblesse and his bonded began. It was the telltale flicker in Frankenstein's eyes and Raizel's tilted head that informed him of the private conversation. Just as he was about to take Ashleen and leave the room, Frankenstein's voice halted him.

"And this must be Ashleen." Frankenstein smiled as he placed M down. The toddler had scampered over to grab Ashleen's hand and pull her close.

"Daddy," M exclaimed with a smile. "She can be my new sister. She already has a daddy, but now she can have three!" He proudly held up three fingers for emphasis.

Frankenstein chuckled. "Well that would be nice." His warm gaze was focused back on Ashleen. "I am happy to finally meet you. I have heard so much about you."

Ashleen dipped her head. "Same to you, sir. M kept sharing stories about his...mysterious father." She glanced at him shyly, no doubt hiding a plethora of questions behind her shimmering eyes.

"You chase away the nightmares!" M loudly proclaimed, beaming up at Frankenstein.

A curious thought entered Muzaka's mind. He wondered just how Frankenstein had heard about his daughter. Was it through the bond? Had Raizel been conversing with Frankenstein throughout his absence? Though Muzaka did not know the details of a Noble bond or how it worked, he had never heard of a connection stretching across vast distances that would allow full conversations to be conducted.

He sighed and ignored the mystery his mind desired to explore. Whatever. He had decided long ago that whatever involved his friend, poking into Raizel's private life should be left well enough alone. It would spare him the headache.

"Muzaka," Frankenstein said, pulling him from his thoughts. "Before anything else happens, I would like to speak with you in regards to your family." The pointed look the human gave him sent alarm bells ringing through Muzaka's head. The amusement was gone from the human, now replaced with worry. His features were tight, and Muzaka realized with a startled realization that Frankenstein looked tired.

Just what had he been doing?

Muzaka nodded. "Of course." He gripped Ashleen's hand and attempted to smile reassuringly at his daughter. "Why don't you keep the children busy?"

Ashleen looked confused, curiosity shining through her gaze. However, it was M who grabbed her hand and silently led her out of the room. Muzaka had no doubt that his daughter would have questions about this 'family' she had heard Frankenstein speak of.

He was not looking forward to that upcoming conversation, but he understood that he could not keep her lineage from her forever. But her life was a lot simpler, safer even, when her world only contained humans and not the complications of a werewolf bloodline.

He followed Raizel into one of the many sitting rooms in the large house. The seating arrangements were cosey and placed close together. Raizel silently sat down, posed and erect. Muzaka noticed how Frankenstein seemed to sag into the couch. His body was tight and suddenly rigid, as if he was resisting the urge to succumb to the comforts his mortal form craved.

Muzaka leaned forward, hands clasped in front of him. "What is it you wanted to talk about?"

Frankenstein regarded him with solemn intensity. "The werewolves have been encroaching on the human borders and laying siege to small towns and villages. I had thought to investigate, and I was met with hostility." He sighed. "I know that you are aware of the skirmishes between your people and the humans, just as I know that you gave explicit orders that your people are not to engage in any human affairs."

Muzaka's frown tightened. "Yet they are disobeying my orders." It was distressing, and it was going to cause him a headache to deal with the matter, but it was not at all surprising. This continuous disregard for his authority would have to be met with swift judgement, even brutal force if necessary. His initial fear was that there would be a civil war between his people once he became directly involved. He was not a popular lord, and he wondered if it was only a matter of time until someone challenged him for the throne. He was not worried about his position of power. He had yet to meet a worthy opponent. But the backlash to such a skirmish would lead to the death of many warriors on both sides.

"It is more than that." Frankenstein's voice cut through. "The werewolves were tracking something, and whatever they were tracking was bringing them here to Italy."

Muzaka stiffened. His heart filled with ice. "What are you implying?"

It couldn't be what he feared. Just because his mind automatically assumed the worse did not mean he was found out or that his people knew of Ashleen's existence.

"Nothing," Frankenstein answered, yet the tightness in his eyes revealed a deep rooted fear. "But if you want answers, why don't you ask your own people?"

"It would be difficult to do so," Muzaka responded. Some of the stiffness left his shoulders. "The pack mentality would present a united front." That didn't mean he had no intention of investigating. But the open opposition he was prepared to face would make his blood boil.

"What if one was isolated from the pack?" Frankenstein leaned forward. "I had an unfortunate run in with the scouts. However, I was able to detain a werewolf. He is being held at the Kertia residence."

Muzaka sat up straight. "What? Why would the Nobles get involved?" He briefly ignored the thought that one of his own pack members had been attacked and was possibly imprisoned on foreign land. It was the least of his concerns.

"Because the Nobles are working with the rogue werewolves." Raizel's voice was solemn. Muzaka's aghast gaze fixed on his friend.

"The Lord is unaware of how deep the treachery is," the Noblesse continued. "But there has been confirmation that something is brewing within the courts."

"For what purpose?" Muzaka asked. "To overthrow the Lord? I thought soul weapons and the position of a family leader are only inherited by blood."

"The purpose of this treachery may not be to overthrow the Lord," Raizel stated. "But the werewolves have been moving forward in whatever plan they have. A select few of the Nobles have been providing them with support."

"And...Ashleen?" His voice was shaky. His nails dug into his hands, the skin breaking away as blood coated his fingers.

"She was their main target," Frankenstein answered. "The werewolves I came across were carrying human weapons."

Muzaka furrowed his brow. "But why would they need to arm themselves with such crude…?" He trailed off, eyes wide.

Human weapons. No werewolf would ever need to wield such pathetic tools. Their strength was unmatched. Each species carried their own unique fighting style. It was easy to look at a corpse and determine if the perpetrator was Noble, werewolf, human, or animal. The strength of a werewolf was in brutality.

But to hide that brutality, it would be wise to use a weapon that would conceal the identity, the species, of the warrior.

Muzaka's fists trembled, even as his mind whispered at him not to jump to hasty conclusions.

But this was his daughter they were talking about. His daughter! He always said he was wary of Frankenstein, but he trusted the human's judgement just as he trusted Raizel's. Both their words were sound, and everything was lining up too perfectly to be a coincidence.

The very implication that his people hated him so much that they would harm his own daughter, brutally kill a child, filled him with rage.

But the Nobles could care less about the hierarchy of the werewolves. No. This was about a mutual gain between the werewolves and Nobles. Raizel and Frankenstein were here, away from Lukedonia and prying eyes with their human children.

"Now I understand why you left, Raizel," he whispered, head in his hands. "Your children...my daughter..."

This cruel world sought to destroy them.

He would go to war for his daughter. The civil war he feared was no longer about protecting the humans. It was about defending his daughter. His child. They wanted his right to the throne, and to do it, they sought to kill the light in his life.

Perhaps, his horrified mind whispered to him, Raizel and Frankenstien's lovers had not perished in that fire as he was led to believe. It sickened him even more.

Their families were already targeted.

"No one knows." Raizel's arms looked empty without the sight of a baby in his embrace. It was odd to consider him to be a family man even now, but Muzaka's head filled with clarity now that he knew why his friend had gone into hiding. "But with the recent events, we will have to return sooner than we had planned." Frankenstein glanced at his Master, eyes downcast.

"Muzaka," Raizel continued. "What will you do?"

Muzaka sighed. "I will speak with this werewolf on Lukedonia first and foremost, try to see what the hell he knows about this whole damn thing." His words came out in a biting growl.

"Rayga is expecting you," Frankenstein interjected. "When you arrive, he will ensure that you are brought to the cells."

Muzaka nodded as he stood up. "Good." The urge to march right over to Lukedonia and get some answers right now was strong. Already, his muscles were trembling at the thought of enduring such a long trip. The desire to find answers nearly burned his roaring heart.

"Muzaka, what about Ashleen?" Raizel's voice was tinged with concern.

Right. Ashleen. His little girl. His defenseless human child. What could he do? He couldn't take her to the werewolf territory. If Raziel and Frankenstein's suspicions were true, then the werewolves were already aware of her existence. He was not going to leave her alone in some unknown land. The werewolves were still hunting, and they would send out scouts to look for the missing wolves and their prey.

"I do not know," he said finally, sitting back on the couch. Defeat clouded his features. "I-I...I don't…" He trailed off with a sense of hopelessness.

He missed the entire silent exchange between Frankenstein and Raizel. He did not notice how Frankenstein's fingers twitched, or how Raizel's shoulder brushed against Frankenstein's. But he did hear Raizel's calm voice and the solution he proposed.

"We will protect her."

The words were said with such finality and assurance. Muzaka's eyes widened, mouth open to say something. Anything.

"Muzaka," Raizel said. "We will protect her with everything we have. No harm will come to your child." The promise and swiftness within those words filled the room. The Noblesse's eyes glowed. "I will not fail you."

Muzaka stuttered. "Raizel…"

"Oh please," Frankenstein scoffed. "It's not like we are limited on space here or at Lukedonia." His gaze was soft. "Your family is always welcome here."

Muzaka blinked before lowering his head. "Just...let me talk to her. I need to explain some things to her first."

But he knew it was a logical solution. He had already made up his mind on what should be done. But now he was forming a headache as he thought all about what he should tell Ashleen. He would have to start with her heritage, who he was, and why he had to leave.

Ugh. And he would have to explain who Raizel was. Trying to explain about Frankestein was going to be difficult. It would be unfair to leave her with the Noblesse when they were already making plans to travel back to Lukedonia. His poor child...her mind might snap once her reality became distorted.

xXx

Muzaka's thoughts were loud and heavy when he had left. Raizel knew his friend was going to find a clearing, or an empty room, to gather his thoughts and clear his head. It might take hours for him to gather the courage to have the earth-shattering conversation with his daughter.

Muzaka was not the only one with heavy and loud thoughts.

Raizel was already blocking the door before Frankenstein even took a step. The Noblesse was immobile, staring down his bonded.

A flash of indignation crossed Frankenstein's face. "Master…"

"Rest." It was not an order, but he could make it one. He did not like the idea, but his bonded was stubborn and often neglected his own health.

He took that moment to observe Frankenstein. Nothing much had changed. The lines around his face were tightened with worry. His attentive gaze was burdened with fatigue. Raizel had no doubt that Frankenstein had continued to rush home from Lukedonia without a moment dedicated to rest.

It was a relief to have him back. Even though the bond kept him alert to Frankenstein's wellbeing, to have him here in the physical presence soothed Raizel's mind. He was safe now with the children where Raizel could easily protect them.

Frankenstein smirked, the air of innocence concealing his ulterior motives. "I intend to. But there is-"

"Work that can be completed later." Raizel's gaze softened. "Frankenstein, you have done more than enough. Ashleen is no longer in peril, and Muzaka is aware of the threat."

Frankenstein sighed, but he did sit down. His shoulders lowered, blond hair fell across his shoulders. Raizel hesitated for a brief moment before coming to stand beside him. His fingers twitched before he placed his hand on Frankenstein's shoulders.

"I was followed." Frankenstein's words were abrupt. "Rajak will be here soon and attempt to find us."

"I am not worried. He means no harm." In fact, Raizel thought it was endearing that the young Noble was following in his father's footsteps.

Raizel placed small pressure on Frankenstein's shoulder. His bonded responded to the silent implication and sat back down. Raizel hovered nearby, watching him with growing intensity.

"I know." With a sigh, Frankenstein leaned back. Reaching out with his senses, Raizel could feel the amount of exhaustion within his bonded's bones.

Raizel sat on the chair next to the couch. Even if this was not the rest he intended for Frankensein, he would pick his battles.

"How is Rayga?"

With those few words, his bonded's racing and scrambling mind calmed as it focused on that one topic.

"He is doing well. Or, as well as can be expected. I can never really tell with that bastard. His face is as much of a mask as the one he wears for formal events." His chuckle was wry. "But it is good to know that the Lord has another ally within the courts, and one who is aware of the disturbance."

Raizel nodded. Gujetel was another ally he knew he could count on, but he would not look too deep into any suspicious activity. The Kertia family protected the Lord's family with everything they had, moving in the shadows as silent assassins and striking where they found danger.

"Father?"

Both Frankenstien and Raizel's attention was directed towards the small little boy peeking through the open door. M21's grey eyes were wide with curiosity. His hands clutched the doorknob.

Frankenstein smiled. "Hello little one."

M21 took that as an invitation and scurried over to the couch. Climbing up, he settled next to Frankenstein.

"What's on your mind?" Frankenstein asked.

M21 hesitated. "Is Ashleen going to be our sister?"

Frankenstein laughed. "Can't she be your friend?"

M21 hummed. "Maybe. But I like having a sister. She can protect Takeo from Aris and be his real sister."

Frankenstein grew still. Raizel looked at him. Both glanced back down at M21 as the child rested his head on Frankenstein's lap. His grey eyes were relaxed and slowly closing. It was obvious that he was trying to stay awake, but remaining in the presence of his family was a top priority.

"M," Frankenstein started. "You don't need to worry about that. We will make sure Takeo stays away from Aris."

"M'kay." M21's response was quiet and slurred as sleep overtook him.

Frankenstein ran his fingers through M21's hair. His smile was soft as he gazed down at the small child. "His hair is getting long. He might need a trimming."

Raizel frowned. "It's not that long."

Warm and bright amusement flooded the bond. "Master, his hair is falling in front of his face."

Raizel frowned and stared at M21's appearance. "It's...shaggy." He found it endearing, and he loved brushing M21's hair.

Frankenstein sighed and leaned back, closing his eyes for a small moment. Raizel stretched out his senses and saw how Frankenstein was striving to remain awake. The desire to maintain his appearance came back with a vicious attempt to keep him awake.

Raizel stood up with quiet ease. "I will check on Takeo." Frankenstein's eyes were already alert and open at his Master's movement. "Remain here with M21," the Noblesse assured him.

Frankenstein gave a small nod, his eyes closing once more. Raizel was quick to leave, casting one more glance at the precious sleeping family members.

Takeo was awake and alert. 'Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed' as Frankenstein would describe him. Takeo greeted him with a wide smile. Raizel sniffed Takeo's hair and grimaced. "You might need a bath," he muttered.

Takeo only giggled in response.

Raizel returned to the room and stopped at the unusual sight. Frankenstein was curled up on the couch, fast asleep. His breathing was heavy, his body relaxed. In his arms was a slumbering M21, clutching the folds him Frankenstein's shirt.

He had seen Frankenstein tired before, even felt it. But never had he seen his bonded look so...defenseless. Curled up on the couch, body immobile because it could no longer summon the strength to move, mind shutting down because it had worked too hard...no, Raizel was not used to seeing him like this.

Brushing Frankenstein's bangs away from his face, Raizel rested his cool hand against his bonded's warm forehead. Encouraging Frankenstein's racing thoughts to relax, just this once, he watched as his bonded slipped into what could have been the first successful sleep he ever had.

A/N: *me rambling about any pathetic excuse as to why this is so late in updating.*

I leave myself at your mercy, my dear readers. Fire away.