Love Struck Delusion

Chapter 249 - Lies and Slander

Raptor's POV.

We stopped outside where my old house used to be. Hunter was looking at the building and in confusion she asked me.

"Is this it?"

I nodded and kept my eyes focused on the space between reality and my past. I burned my house to the ground a long time ago, and ever since then the space where it once stood was home to either another house or in this case a business. A large automotive dealership was now here and without thinking about it I replied to Hunter.

"Yup. This is it. Where it used to be anyway. The house itself was burned down a long time ago after my father's passing."

"You guys never wanted to rebuild it?" She questioned as I quickly replied.

"How could we? My dad died and the fire killed my mother and younger sister. I barely managed to survive because I was out that night with some friends. I found out what happened when I came home to the mess."

"Your dad was in charge of the rebellion back then right?" Hunter asked me as I widened my eyes to reply.

"I'm surprised you know that. Yeah my dad played a big part in the very early stages of the rebellion. Lost his life and everything."

"I didn't know about your mother or your sister. That couldn't have been easy at all to cope with when you found out what happened."

Nodding my head I replied.

"It's part of my past now. I've learned to move on."

Hunter's eyes were watching me close as I took a moment to just admire where my life really started. And where it ended. After such a moment, she reached out to grab onto my hand. For a second I allowed her to hold me, but in time I looked back at her eyes to listen as she then asked.

"So what happened that night you left?"

Giving her a small sigh I replied.

"It shouldn't be too much of a shocker to you Hunter, but I decided to go after Gorgon and the men who killed my family. No one around wanted to help me or support me, so I just threw myself out there and took a chance to go at it myself."

"It's not that we didn't want to help Raptor. You had every right to want what you wanted. The issue was back then there was so much going on. You barely came back to us somehow after being shot in the head and you saw nothing but red and wouldn't hear us out."

I gave her a soft huff as she released my hand to urge me.

"Don't be like that. You know it's the truth too. We needed you to be there for us then."

"I was always gonna come back. I just needed closure and I'm sorry if that was the case, but I don't care who you are Hunter. No one can just let something like that go."

"Gorgon would have stayed in the middle east though. There was no rush to go get yourself killed Raptor." Hunter tried to tell me as I shook my head to tell her back.

"Well I didn't get myself killed. In fact I did quite the opposite. Gorgon and his men are dead now and I'm sorry, but I don't regret a thing that came from that. Archer maybe, but nothing more. Upsetting you guys was the least of my concern back then Hunter. You should do well to get over that. Because it was never about hurting what we had."

"Well what did we have? You made it pretty clear you didn't want me around back then."

Things were heating up; so I took a moment to breathe before answering that. Hunter had the most serious look on her face now as I replied.

"We were friends. I made the mistake of latching onto you; because of the problems I had with my wife. I've never been a saint and I never was smart. So I fucked up and jumped the gun with what we had Hunter. I'm not saying it wasn't real; my love for you. But it was just too early."

"Is it still too early now?" She asked me as I softly replied.

"Yeah. Even now."

Hunter's face lost it's serious look. She just nodded her head and took a moment to turn away. I let out a sigh sensing that this was a bit rough to handle all the sudden. But I guess that's part of the reason we even decided to do this at all. We both took a few seconds to calm back down. After that said time, she asked me with her body and head still focused on where my old home used to be.

"So how did you find him?"

Looking around before answering that, I noticed a small family diner only a few doors down from where we were. Reaching out to grab her by the hand, I asked her.

"How about we go get something to eat and get out of the sun for a bit? We can talk more when we get there."

"Get where?" She questioned as she saw my gaze turn for the diner. I didn't wait for an answer however. I just started to walk with her in my grip. Hunter gave me a sigh of her own as I begged her.

"Just hear me out. You hungry?"

Looking to her stomach she replied.

"Yeah."

Smiling as I let go of her hand, we soon neared the restaurant and once at it's front door I held it open and allowed her to walk in first. The second I walked in was when I really understood the place I had chosen for us was a small mom and pop place. Barely enough seats to house a party of twenty, but most of the main room was taken up by a long countertop much like the one in Ron's bar. There were two echidnas behind it and as the door shut one of them looked over to widen their eyes and question.

"Oh no way."

Hunter was already halfway to them by the time I got the door closed and not a moment too soon I had both the echidna's attention focused on me. The one who spoke just a second ago asked me in absolute awe for how to react.

"Please tell me this is a dream. Are you serious?"

As I approached the counter the pair of echidnas we were both silent in utter loss for words. They had to be the owners. Maybe my age or just a tad over, but you could tell just by looking at their faces that they were sweet. Soft and warm voices were hard to come by as they stared at me waiting for my response to come. Taking a seat next to Hunter I said back to them respectfully.

"Raptor Voltz. Nice to meet you. How are things going around here? Seems quiet."

My voice caught them both off guard. It had to be a mix of fear and yet a tad bit of shock that I was still even here now. However one of the echidnas found their voice after a moment of not answering. The one who I could only assume was the wife to the man standing right next to her. Keeping her voice soft and very calm even through this moment she replied.

"It is quiet. We just opened back up yesterday thanks to you sir. What you did for the reform? The money you gave us really got us back on our feet and we can't begin to thank you enough. What brings you of all people to a place like this?

"A place like what? I remember this place from when I was a kid. I lived right down the street where the auto body shop over there is. My mom used to take my sister and I here to eat, but I swear I remember there being different owners back then."

Nodding really fast the woman replied.

"That's because my parents were owners way back then sir. My husband Richard and I took over for them about three years ago. Right hun?"

My eyes went to the male who was equally as happy as his wife. With his mind back in order from the shock of the situation he replied.

"That's right. God that had to be so long ago Commander. But forgive us for not asking, but can we get you two something to drink? Maybe eat?"

I looked to Hunter who was taking her time between all this to look over the small menu. I figured she wasn't ready yet so I replied for myself.

"I'll just take a coffee and two eggs sunny side up if that's not too much of a problem."

"Not a problem at all Commander. We'll get that made for you right away. How about for yourself miss?"

Hunter looked up to reply after a few more silent seconds of staring at the menu.

"I can't handle too much caffeine so I'll just go with some orange juice if you have any and I'll also have the three cheese omelette."

"Perfect." The woman replied as she took her menu and instantly began to get to work leaving us with her husband who stated.

"My name is Richard as you know. My wife's name is Kayla. It's an honor to serve you Commander. And I'm gonna try not to ask you too many questions, but do you have any idea when this will all be over? I have family in Afghanistan and I've heard nothing but horror stories coming from them since this all went sideways with the rebellion."

Nodding my head as his wife came back with our drinks, I replied.

"Soon. Very soon. I'm in the process of working things out with G.U.N over in Pakistan. As far as I know I'm waiting on Hecan Moore and whoever is in charge over there to authorize a joint operation in taking back Afghanistan and dealing with Archer and what he's done to the city and the people living there. Your family is all they can and I pray they are all safe during this. But I promise you as soon as I get the ok from GU.N we'll be putting a stop to Archer and getting this country back on track once and for all. Like Shadow wanted."

The pair of echidnas had wide smiles of hope on now as I looked over at Hunter who was very focused on toying with some sugar packets. She had one of each color out in front of her and in confusion I asked her.

"What are you doing?"

Giving me a smile she replied.

"I don't know. I just...I just like to experiment a little."

"It's sugar." I told her back with a small chuckle as she nudged my side with her shoulder to reply.

"I know it is, but I've never tried these. What's the difference?"

Pointing to each one I informed her.

"One is actual sugar. The other two are just artificial sweeteners. They all taste different but they are still sugar Hunter."

She again nudged me but regardless kept playing around. In time our food came and reaching down into my pants I pulled out my wallet and handed Richard who was in front of me a fifty. His eyes widened as I urged him.

"Keep the change. I'm just grateful you guys are open."

"Wow. Thank you Commander. Please feel free to stay as long as you want and enjoy your breakfast. Both of you."

I nodded as Hunter replied.

"Thank you."

"We'll give you two some space." Kayla informed us as she dragged her husband away from the counter.

I got to work on tasting my coffee as Hunter got to work eating some real eggs. Thank god it was good food, because I wasn't really too sure how to explain everything to her yet about how I got to Gorgon. No matter which way I looked at it I would have to lie somewhere. She couldn't find out about the power plant or my deals with Hecan prior to this moment. That was all gonna have to remain between Hecan and I. For her safety and mine. But when it came to Zeta and Pepper? That's where I would have to be careful. The network was its own beast and she had no idea it even was real. But again telling her about the contracts and Alaska would have to remain a secret. This all plays into Hecan one way or the other. I'd have to twist the truth in more than one location to make this work. Yet I'd give it a little more time. She wasn't pushing me to speak just yet so for now I'll just keep eating.

Pepper's POV.

Zeta's fingers were shaking as she tried to screw in a bolt on the generator's casing. I was watching that for maybe two minutes happen to her before asking.

"Are you still caught up on that girl?"

My eyes widened as she slammed down her screwdriver to reply.

"Yes!"

I knew this was triggering her inside now for sure, so carefully I put down what I was doing to ask her.

"Why?"

Zeta was beginning to growl as she tried to come up with the words, but almost instantly she replied.

"Did you not listen to the shit she said?! She just point blanked him by saying to his face that she still fucking loves him! That takes balls and it isn't right!"

"I mean she doesn't even know you exist yet. Cut her some slack. Raptor is bound to tell her. Fuck man he probably already did."

"That's not the issue!" Zeta replied back as I then asked.

"So what's the issue then?"

Looking right at me she replied.

"I don't trust her. Not for a fucking second. A girl who can do that is more than capable of making a move and….?"

"Raptor isn't going to cheat on you babe. Trust him."

"I do! I don't trust her! I swear to fucking god Pep if she lays a finger on him I'll rip her fucking throat out!"

Reaching out to grab onto Zeta's hand, I begged her softly.

"I know you will baby, but do us both a favor and trust your man for once. He knows what he's doing and think about it like this. If she doesn't go along with the shit he has to say; you'll get your chance to rip her throat out, but till then I need you to get your shit together and help me fix this mess we got here."

Zeta was still growling as I released her hand. But I saw her eyes change. She was thinking about what I just said very carefully. In time her growls stopped and she tried to refocus. I smiled and looked to my side as I heard someone coming downstairs. In walked Cody who looked pretty happy. But what else was new with this guy? I asked myself as he saw us sitting here together. Stopping just before our table, he looked over Zeta to ask.

"You guys got anything planned for tonight? Peek and I were thinking about having a movie night."

Giving the kid a small chuckle I questioned.

"What? Are you two serious? Is this contract a vacation to you guys?"

Giving me a gentle shuffle of his feet Cody replied.

"Ahhhhhh yeah? I mean we've been in Alaska, the states, and now we're here just chilling until Hecan gets this war kicked off proper. Might as well find a night before the storm comes to just chill the fuck out and just have some fun. Don't tell me you're too cool to have a good time Pepper."

"Oh I know how to have a good time trust me on that Irish, but right now we're busy fixing this fifty million dollar disaster you brought us."

"Aww does that mean you'll miss out on the fun?" Cody was clearly trying to toy with me, so in response I looked back to my sister to get her opinion.

"What do you think Zeta? You want to relax tonight? He'll be back before long."

She was still fuming so it took some time for her to answer, but after such delay she replied still angry.

"First of all I'm sick and tired of not being able to do my job when it comes to bodyguarding. In fact all of you should be getting a little upset about it. You're being paid twenty million Cody!"

The fox lost his smile and got himself ready for more banter. Zeta however switched to her next point of interest.

"Now he's out with this fucking tramp. This hedgehog who is maybe half his size and has the balls to tell him she still loves him with me right there to hear it!"

"She doesn't know that." I said again as Zeta growled and shouted.

"I don't fucking care! Do you know how badly I want to kill her!?"

"I'm surprised you aren't cursing her out in Russian." Cody went on to say as I quickly explained it for him.

"She won't say anything like that unless she's really fucking mad. That's why since she hasn't already; I know it's not because she's mad. She's just getting defensive and clearly jealous that Raptor's side piece knows what she wants and she ain't scared to say it to his face."

Now about to bite me Zeta shouted.

"That little fucking cunt isn't his side piece! And she sure as shit isn't going to get what she wants so long as I'm around to have a say about it! And if Raptor even thinks about fucking around with me I'll ring his neck!"

Putting my hand on her leg I whispered.

"Aww it's okay baby. Raptor isn't going….?!"

I widened my eyes when to no surprise my sister lunged forward with her mouth to bite my arm. Cody took a step back as I shouted in pain, while at the same time placing my other hand on the front of Zeta's snout.

"Owwwwww! You fucking…..! Let me go! I swear to god Zeta I'm gonna punch you in a second! Stop fucking around and be an adult! Owwwww!"

She held onto my arm for the longest time and I started to throw my hands at her. Hitting her in the face and her pushing on her neck. Even after that didn't work I had to resort to hair pulling. Which got her to ease up to the point where I could get my arm free. Once her teeth dislodged themselves from me she jumped out of her chair and into my body. Together we rolled across the kitchen floor, and with Zeta the one on the bottom, I got up as fast as I could and ran right to Cody who immediately tried to run as well.

"Stay the hell away from me you crazy…!?" I caught him by the back of his shirt and using all I had I tackled him nearly over his own feet. Cody was more than capable of keeping balanced but he wasn't able to hold me back from doing what I wanted. So I worked as fast as I could and managed to get behind him. At the same time I got him in a small head lock and kept him between me and Zeta who was running into the living room looking for blood.

"Let me go Pepper! This isn't fucking funny! Peek!"

Even with his screams for help Zeta tackled both him and I over onto the coffee table which broke almost instantly under the weight. Once that happened Peek came walking downstairs looking at the incident which was far from over. Zeta was chomping down on Cody's shoulder and at the same time trying to bite me as I was under the poor fox who was forced to be in this.

All I could do was laugh as she got Cody again in the hand this time as he tried to push her head off his shoulder. At the same time her teeth connected he let out this yip of pain that all I could do was laugh as he begged Peek who looked on from the stairs in utter confusion.

"Help me Peek! Don't just stand there!"

"I don't wana get bit. Whatever you did buddy I want no part of. Hahah."

"I didn't do anything that's the problem! Owww Zeta! Let go of my fucking hand!" Cody begged as Peek stood there and continued to watch as I managed to slip out from under the fox. Scrambling to my knees I urged him while watching my sister tear into his hand some more.

"Just relax. She'll let up."

"Fuck you! You're the reason this even started!" Cody replied as he managed to slip his hand out from her fangs.

"Go!" Peek shouted at him as he tried to turn over to get off his back. However Cody got maybe onto his knees before all of the sudden you saw Zeta wrap her mouth around the side of his tail. I've never seen a man's voice go higher than what his did when that happened. Cody had no ability to think rationally anymore as Zeta had his number.

"Ohhhh!" Peek shouted as the little guy had tears brought to his eyes as he rolled over to start screaming.

"Owwww! Owwww! Owwwwwwwwwwww! Please for the love of god let go of my tail! Owwwwwwww! Aghhhhhhhh!"

I kept laughing but inside felt a little bad. Peek was starting to walk on over and by that point Cody gave up on us and decided to use his venom. His eyes went red, but were still filled with tears as he used all he had to struggle for life. Pushing my sister as hard as he could to try and get her off. Zeta however had such a good hold it was a mute point. Cody just kept crying and trying. Once I had my fill I jumped in with Peek who helped me get her loose. I was able to grab a hold over her neck and using all I had I kept her away from the fox who was curled up in a corner holding his tail in both hands crying. Peek went over to comfort him as I figured he should, and in time Zeta finally was able to relax. Not before I tried to bite her neck for my own enjoyment. When I did she ordered me.

"Get your slimy tongue and nasty ass teeth off of me Pepper. I swear to god I'll kill you."

"Awww." I replied as I let her go and gently chuckled to myself as she was still overwhelmed with her own anger. Looking to Cody I asked.

"Are you okay?"

I heard snuffling as Peek looked back at us to reply.

"He'll live. You just really got him where it hurt."

"My tail?" Cody whimpered as Zeta somehow managed to find it through her rage to apologize.

"I'm sorry Cody. I just needed to hurt someone."

Cody again whimpered to himself as Peek replied.

"He forgives you."

Again I started to laugh which made Zeta even more uncomfortable for what she had done. Looking her right in the eyes I asked.

"So you wana do movie night?"

Her whole face went back to being angry as I quickly laughed out loud.

"What?"

mT Shadow.