HUNTER - 3 MONTHS LATER

Sighing, I head for the kitchen, thoughts all over the place. Jacob and I still haven't done more than we did that night four months ago. Of course, the fact that his fathers have been fighting - a lot - since permission was granted has kind of influenced that. I'm having a bit of a problem with one of the assignments that Lord Thomas, I mean Tommy, gave me. He's been teaching me to read and write in Eltarian, not to mention doing math. Once my grasp of the written language is better, he says that he's going to start teaching me science and other things. I remember a conversation we'd had a few weeks ago.

"That's very good." Looking over my latest work, he quickly corrected a few spelling mistakes I'd made, but otherwise he can't deny I'm definitely progressing quickly with my ability to read and write, even if I am still struggling just a bit with some of my other subjects.

"So can I do the next lesson on the computer now?"

"I'd prefer you take a break for the rest of the day to be honest. You're doing really well, Hunter there's no reason to overdo it as if you do you likely won't retain all you learn. Besides you've been working all morning, why don't you go find Jacob or spend sometime with the other kids for a bit?"

"What if I promise to do just one more and then quit for the day? Please?"

"Hunter there's honestly no rush. Listen if you really want to do some extra work why don't you go try reading some of the kids' old books I gave you to practice with? I'm sure Grace is home from her classes by now, she'd probably like to sit and read with you."

"But that's not really doing the lessons though."

"Why are you so determined to rush through this?"

I know I suddenly looking uneasy and I finally let him in on just what has me working away so intently over the past few weeks. "I was wondering, if I finish all my lessons in Eltarian and show I can read and write well in it, can you teach me another language?"

I think he's already fairly certain he knows just what language I'm interested in, but he keeps his thoughts on it to himself for the moment. "I suppose so. Is there any other language you're interested in?"

"Well, I thought maybe I could learn that English one you and Jacob speak a lot. I mean, since everyone in the family seems to know it, I thought maybe if something happened and I couldn't talk in Eltarian I could talk in that?"

Concern now raised he leads me over to the couch before focusing on this new development. "What are you worried about happening?"

"Nothing, just- what if we're out somewhere and something happens, but I can't say what's wrong without a lot of other people hearing."

"So this way you could let us know what's wrong without it being bandied about to the public." Relaxing a bit at my nod, he's clearly relieved it's nothing more serious than just concern over others knowing what was done to me, he calmly made a counter offer. "You know if you want I bet Jacob would like to teach you how to speak it, if you would like to learn that first before diving into the reading and writing of it."

"Actually, can you maybe not tell Jacob yet?"

"Do you mind if I ask why?"

"I want to surprise him." He smiled at this although I'm unsure why.

"Okay, I won't tell Jacob, but you have to promise me you won't rush through your Eltarian lessons because of it, okay? I can teach you a few simple words and phrases if you like, but I'd rather wait for the actual reading and writing of it until we get you caught up on Eltarian as we're currently residing here more than on Earth or at the palace right now. Deal?"

"Deal."

"Is there anything in particular you want to know how to say?"

Shrugging and fidgeting a bit, it's clear to him there is something particular on my mind but he doesn't press it when I respond casually. "I'd like to learn all of it, but just enough so I can be understood right now would be nice. I hear you and Lord Zedd use a lot of the same words when you talk sometimes."

"Do you remember what they sound like?"

"Mm, maybe." Managing to repeat the word for 'mate' and 'love' well enough I know he's aware of what I'm going for, he also laughs as I pronounce the word 'behave' very clearly.

I'm slightly hurt by his response, but he quickly explains his reaction. "You said those words very well, Hunter. I wasn't laughing at your pronunciation as you actually said them quit clearly, just the last word- you've heard me say that to Zedd a good bit haven't you?"

"Yes. A few times when you're talking with each other and once or twice when you've been sitting together or he's said something that sounded like a request."

"I'm not surprised. I was telling him to behave himself."

"Oh. What about the other words?"

"They're just endearments, we were referring to each other as love or mate instead of by name."

"Jacob calls me that other word you use."

"Kalliemat, I know."

"I like that."

"I know."

I'm startled out of my thoughts just outside the kitchen door as I hear something small break and Tommy curse. I push the door open and find him on the floor in front of the open refrigerator, hands shaking badly and sweating profusely. He's trying to pick up something on the floor. A quick glance shows me it's a small vial that has broken and the liquid is in a small puddle on the floor. Quickly, I grab some paper towels and kneel beside him to help clean up the mess. "Tommy? Are you okay?"

In a moment I have the small mess cleaned up as he answers me. "No."

Shit. I take a breath to respond and I catch a smell that's vaguely familiar, but I don't know what it is. I start to stand as I say, "I'll get Lord Zedd." It's easier to call Tommy by the casual name than it is his more imposing husband.

I'm stopped by the firm grip on my arm. "No. Don't get him. Just - help me."

I can't possibly deny him any help he asks for given how much he's helped me. "Okay. What do you need me to do?"

"Help me to the basement." I hesitate, but he seems to understand why as that's one of the forbidden areas. "You won't be punished. You're going down there because I asked you to." I help him to his feet and he moans softly, clearly struggling with something. "Quickly, Hunter."

It takes a bit of doing, helping him navigate the stairs in his currently shaky condition. He directs me to the very end of the hallway. Whatever that smell is, it's getting stronger and between that and the darkness of the basement, I'm starting to get more than a little nervous. It's starting to bring back memories of Jax and his 'playroom' and his 'friends'. "Tommy? What are we doing down here?"

"Making sure I don't hurt anybody." What? "Open that door and get me in there."

I do as he commands, something in his tone and his words making me obey without hesitation. I sit him down on the small cot in here. "What now?"

"There is a key hanging on a hook just outside the door. Use it to lock the door. If anyone asks where I am, you tell them that I had to go somewhere unexpectedly. If you can, bring food and water down here once a day and slide it in the panel at the bottom of the door. If I'm back to normal, you can let me out. If I'm not, leave me here."

"But-"

"Hunter, please." Uneasy with his request, I agree. "Go now. Quickly."

It only takes a few seconds before I have the door closed and locked behind me and I head back upstairs. I've barely returned to the kitchen, basement door closed behind me when Jacob walks in.

"How's lessons going, Hunter?"

"Fine, I guess. I'm stuck on something though."

"Want me to help you or would you rather find Dad?" I don't want to lie to Jacob, besides I'm sure he'll be able to tell because of the bond. Before I can answer, he cocks his head at me. "What's wrong, kalleimat?"

"I- nothing I guess, but-"

"But?"

"I'm not supposed to say."

"Hunter if something happened I need you tell me."

"But I promised."

"Okay, well you clearly don't seem too happy with that promise by the look on your face and how upset I can feel you are."

"No, but..."

"Okay here's a suggestion. Did what you promise have anything to do with someone - you or any of the family - being hurt or in danger?"

"Maybe."

"Okay, well if that's the case I think it might be best to break your promise this one time if it could help save someone. Don't you?"

"What if it makes things worse?"

"Well, it's up to you, love. Do you think it'll be worse if you tell me or don't tell me?"

I can't stop myself and I tell him what happened when I came in the kitchen, my worry over his father overriding my concern of him being mad at me in the end. Jacob's voice is very serious when he says, "I don't care what Dad made you promise. Go tell Papa right now what you just told me. When you're done, come meet me in the bedroom."

He leaves the room quickly and I'm right behind him. I head for the offices as he heads toward the sleeping quarters, calling for Mara Jane and the twins as he goes. When I reach Lord Zedd's office, I knock as I'd been taught. It takes a few seconds while he ends the call he's clearly on before he calls out, "Come in!"

I step in the office, a bit nervous. "Um, Lord Zedd-"

"Just Zedd" he chastises me gently. "What is it, Hunter?"

"Something happened and Jacob said I had to come tell you about it right away."

He sighs. "Hunter, whatever got broken, I'm certain it's replacable as we put away all the special things some time ago." Yeah, around the time I broke that first glass from what I understand.

"Nothing got broken. It's about Tommy." This has his full attention. "I went to the kitchen a while ago and, well-"

"What?" He's starting to sound edgy so I quickly tell him what happened all the way through Jacob's instructions. He curses at length and I can't help but flinch, certain that I'll be punished for either not coming to him right away or for disobeying Tommy. "Go join Jacob. The children know what to do if something like this happens. I'll deal with Thomas. God damn stubborn brat, I swear if I gave him half a chance he'd run himself through with his own weapon just to spite me." Clearly not happy, but actually looking more worried than anything he hurries past me still muttering as he goes.