Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or X Men.
Notes: It has been so much fun reading all the reviews. Just for the record, my daughter is reading along with all of you and only sees what is posted. After the end of the last post she wanted to ring my neck. So…Hannah…here's 32. Courtney…come back. Thank you for all your fondness. Martana…I'm still working on it. I'm glad to know I could throw you such a curve. Jessica…I hope this catches you but you might still be left waiting till after vaca to see more. Sorry but this is the major climax of the story and I can't let it all end too soon. Marie Crosby…Thank you. It's nice to have a fresh name on board. Have you read the rest of the series? Loveconquers…What can I say? I love reading your reviews. I honestly think you get more out of my story than I intend to put into it. Your insights are fascinating. I am still working on the ending but my posts are catching up fast. I'll try to move along. Redhead
Imaginary Friend
Chapter 32
Brennan was headed back to the mansion. He had been out for most of the morning and decided he couldn't hide out in the woods forever. As he crossed a fallen log, he began to hear rustling. Stopping to listen, he realized it was the sounds of a struggle. He quickened his pace in the direction of the sounds and past into the clearing when he suddenly froze at the sight that met his eyes. Time froze. His mind was numb. He felt as if he had just been hit with an anvil. The burning in his lungs and painful slamming of his heart against his chest reminded him that oxygen was desperately needed. Taking a deep breath he roared, "LOGAN!" Rage ruled his actions as he lunged and rolled, pushing the man off his wife.
When they both righted themselves, Logan spoke first, trying to control the direction the whole affair would take. "Beat it, Bub. Can't you see I'm busy? The lady and I are coming to an agreement." He turned and stepped back to Shalimar and grabbed her arm pulling against her struggle.
"Let me go…" her words were cut off as he demanded another kiss.
"Take your paws off her," Brennan gritted as he grabbed Logan by the shoulders and pulled him.
Logan spun around and swung, clocking Brennan in the jaw, causing him to stumble.
"Brennan…" Shalimar cried as she tried to move to his side.
Logan grabbed her arm and pushed her back.
She tripped under the force and fell against a large tree trunk.
Brennan watched in horror-turned rage as Shalimar fell then turned her tear-filled eyes up to him. Wrath built as the world around him took on a red hue. First she's with Jesse…now Logan. Visions created as he listened to the story of her past, danced before him. She had been mistreated for much of her childhood. Now she was being taken advantage of…by…His heart and mind could stand no more torment. He attacked Logan without thought of friendship or claws.
Logan was grateful that Brennan's first inclination wasn't electricity. Fists and fury he could handle. He dodged and blocked punch after punch. He put forth just enough effort to keep Brennan attacking.
Shalimar watched in panic as both men fought. She was torn. Logan was her choice. They were inherently the same. But…he was cruel and demanding…not the attraction her heart wanted. Brennan was a teammate…so she was told. She hadn't given him a second look…until now. Now, he was strong and handsome. He fought like a master. He came out of nowhere…just to rescue her. Suddenly she was feeling something other than fear and panic. Her feelings turned to wonder and amazement. She watched for only a moment more when she saw Logan's attack become more offensive. Brennan had been holding his own until now. She could see the feral in the man exerting more of its force. Her attention was recaptured. Instinct forced its way forward and she crouched low sending out a growl…of admiration.
Logan just put a choke hold on Brennan when he heard it. Turning to the source, he found a pair of golden eyes meeting his and heard her call. No, no, no,…wrong direction, Darlin'. Turn it up a notch, Logan. With force of strength and his added agility, Logan's adamantium reinforced fists came down on Brennan's head then a kick sent him flying through the air.
Shalimar watched with feral pride as the stronger male was showing his dominance. She watched as Brennan landed with a thud at her side.
For only an instant Brennan blacked out then was trying to shake the daze out of his head. His eyes were heavy as he forced air in his lungs after the fall knocked the wind out of him. Focusing, he found himself looking into Shalimar's face. This is the closest she's come to him since all this started. "Shal," her name burned through his searing throat.
Logan moved in and grabbed his prize. "Let's go. That fight was just what I needed to put me in the mood." He roughly pulled her arm. "The woman can wait. I want the animal…now!" He made sure he spoke loud enough for Brennan to hear him. Soon they were out of the clearing and headed toward the lake.
Brennan struggled to his feet and stumbled after them. Wild and furious thoughts assaulted his punch bruised brain. Pain…confusion…love…friendship… hurt… betrayal…anger…violation…fury…
Logan stopped and pushed Shalimar up against a tree again and began a new wave of advances. He glanced over to one side and saw Brennan stumbling past the trees. Let's end this. Growling his passion he quickly ripped his shirt from his body and pressed his skin against hers. His hands mercilessly roamed her curves. His mouth kissed and bit at her exposed neck and shoulders.
The feral in her was roused. Her choice had shown his dominance. But… The force and roughness with which he had dragged her was enough to push the control of the feral aside. Wild was in her blood but…the pain was not what either of her natures wanted. Now she could do nothing. She thought she had made her choice but her choice was not what she'd always dream he would be. Confused and frightened she began to cry.
Her tears were like acid burning his insides. She was one of his dearest friends. He had prayed for another way…there was none. Broken hearted and full of self loathing, Logan had no choice but to continue the act he started.
Brennan could barely stand on his feet. The punches to his head almost took him out. His eyes were beginning to blur in and out of focus. Every part of him hurt…but nothing as much as the sight of his friend 'taking' his wife and worse…her being willing… or is she?
…The thought struck as he finally was able to see them again. He could hear Logan's growls and saw the fists Shalimar repeatedly pummeled him with. He stumbled a little closer and could hear her unheeded pleas. Closing the distance he could see the tears in her eyes. She was his wife and this…animal…was making her cry. Using all he thought he had left, Brennan rushed on their position and pulled Logan away from Shalimar. Taking a deep breath, he stood tall facing off with her attacker, making sure he hid her away from him. "I won't let you hurt her anymore." His voice was dark and deep and filled with fury.
"She's mine. There's nothing you can do about it. Get out of my way." Logan moved to step past Brennan.
Brennan reached one arm behind him to push Shalimar around as he turned, never taking his eyes off his adversary. "She doesn't deserve to be treated like that. Least of all by you."
Shalimar's heart jumped to hear his brave defense of her.
"I said get out of my way, pretty boy. This is beyond you. It's feral…and you're not." Logan snarled as a loud SNIK heralded the appearance of his claws. In the hesitation of the surprise, Logan attacked.
Slash marks appeared across Brennan's chest. Blood began to soak through the rough cuts of material. He looked down in shock. Logan…his friend…actually sliced him. The thought brought a bitter taste as he quickly blocked the other hand coming around to slice in the other direction.
Logan looked into Brennan's eyes. He saw the door close on their friendship as the eyes that looked back at him turned distant and full of hate. He knew he had pushed as far as he could. Chuck, Logan sent a warning as he growled and spun, kicking a leg out at the last second and pulling Brennan's legs out in front of him.
Brennan fell back and landed hard as Shalimar tried to catch him, only succeeding in cushioning his fall with her own body. He heard her yelp and felt her twisted beneath him. Blood was still escaping his chest, the jar causing a stab of pain. Through the pain, he saw Logan reach around and grab Shalimar's hair, forcing her to face him.
"Let's go, Woman," he growled as he pulled.
"No!" she yelled as she pushed his yielding arm away.
With ragged breath, Brennan could only get out a whisper. "Leave her alone." His head dropped back as he closed his eyes desperately fighting the urge to pass out.
"Brennan," Shalimar murmured through her tears. "Brennan, no." She shifted and wrapped her arms around him as best she could.
As darkness fought to claim him he heard an angel, tearfully calling to him. Then…he heard the muffled sounds of the devil trying to rip out his heart.
"I said, let's go!" Logan grabbed her again and pulled her, trying to dislodge her from her snare.
Struggling to fend off his hold and remain with Brennan, Shalimar cried out, "Leave me alone! I hate you!" Her eyes went wide with shock and pain as Logan smacked her across the face.
All was eerie silence, for an instant. Brennan didn't have to see to know what happened. Fury again fueled his actions as the darkness was chased away by bolts of blue emanating from deep within. Through heavy lidded eyes, he saw his rival and released everything he had…never to know the result as the shadows of obscurity claimed his consciousness.
Logan knew it was coming. He had done every despicable thing he could think of to this man's wife. He pushed the husband beyond the breaking point. This was the result he was looking for…and knew it would be everything the man had. Never having experience his friend's powers at all, he had no ability to prepare for the blow. The shock was excruciating as electricity-charged adamantium relentlessly seared every nerve in his system. Logan's howling in pain…was no act. By the time the foreign energy had dissipated, Logan was unconscious.
When all was finally still, Shalimar resumed the breathing that seemed to have stopped along with all time. Trying desperately to clear the shock and confusion in her mind she looked from man to man. Back and forth twice more, she seemed to be studying them. Without thought or reason, the feral in her broke through. Suddenly everything was clear. Glowing golden eyes looked at Logan…and sneered. They turned to the man in her arms. With a growl, she protectively curled herself around him. Soon, warm brown eyes were crying into his hair.
TBC
