The Boogie Man
Sequel to Kittens Have Claws, Too. Victor, Katherine, Tayla and Mystique discover the secret to helping keep female ferals alive…But will nightmares be the setback for an old friend, or will her personal Boogie Man be the one to save her soul.
I DON'T own them…at this point I wish I did…I would put them all out to pasture and go on with my LIFE…SOMEONE get Victor Creed OUT of my head. Wait, never mind. (Victor muse purring in the background as he throws back the covers on the bed…) I am going to pet the kitty while you guys enjoy the story.
This was a VERY hard chapter to write – probably why it was so long. Chapter 11 isn't something I am looking forward to either – but I WILL get it done, I promise.
Chapter 10
She landed the chopper inside the walls of the institute – the huge Gothic mansion offended her mountain sensibilities. She understood that it was a school – it was just too big – too garish for her taste. She looked over at her still unconscious companion. Tayla was going to hate them for this.
Several people came running out the door, the skids of the chopper were sealed to the ground with ice patches as dark clouds rolled overhead – telling her exactly what the X-Men thought of their sudden landing.
"What are you doing here?" The white haired weather witch demanded.
"Taking Logan up on his offer – of a safe place if we need it." Katherine said. She could smell the anger – and hate rolling off the group around the chopper. "Tayla's out – but just needs a place to rest. She wasn't exactly coming here willingly."
"What happened? We heard about an explosion in Colorado – an entire town blown up." Ororo looked down her nose at Katherine – as if blaming her.
"The town was wired – the protests got out of hand – the Brotherhood showed up. EVERYONE was warned that things could get ugly, all the locals bailed two days ago. The only injuries or deaths were people who just wouldn't listen." She said defensively.
"Ro – that matches the news reports – there were only seven deaths and twenty three injuries – and all of those were the FoH protesters – there were no reports of locals injured OR any mutants injured." The girl with the stripes – Rogue – said. Kat still held a little grudge against her for the Prom.
"Fine – you will obey the rules – any deviations and you will be detained." Ororo said sullenly.
"I don't intend to mess up your school – I would like to talk to Dr. McCoy, sometime, if he's available."
"I'll let him know. Bobby - help the ladies to two of the guest rooms."
"Someone better let Logan know Tayla's here – so he can avoid her."
"He's not here – he left a week ago."
That was a relief. Tay wouldn't have to face him as soon as she woke up. The one called Bobby lifted Tayla out of the chopper and carried her into the building. Kat looked behind the seats – sure enough – her Tom Cat had packed her a bag – and it looked like Myst had packed one for Tayla. She grabbed them both and followed the boy.
Kat watched as children ran through the halls, narrowly avoiding hitting each other in their rush to make it to class. It reminded her of the compound – something that would help her feel halfway comfortable in this place. She looked down at the glittering bracelet on her wrist – she was missing her Tom Cat already. She tried to ignore the ache in her gut – she knew it was just worry. She was worried about him – she couldn't help it – he was probably the most dangerous man on the planet – and she worried about him.
They were given adjoining rooms, and she dropped her bag inside hers before going to sit with Tayla until she woke up. Kat was dreading that moment – she was going to be furious.
"Ms. Monroe said you wanted to speak to me." A quiet voice said from the door. She turned and vainly attempted to avoid laughing.
"You have to be Dr. McCoy." She said through the giggles. He looked like Grover – blue and furry and well – cute. The littles would love him – she winced at the thought. Her littles were so far away – and she missed her morning hugs. That wasn't all she missed, she hoped he'd packed some way of getting a hold of him – or she would be going insane.
"I am pleased that my appearance gives you some amusement." He said with a smile. He seemed sincere. A slight moan from the bed distracted her.
"Where am I?" Tayla moaned – and then saw the blue fuzzy toy in the doorway. "Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?" She said in a sing song voice.
The loud bark of laughter from the door set both women off laughing as well.
"Dr. Hank McCoy sometimes called Beast." He said, stepping into the room and holding out his giant hand.
"Dr. Tayla Jackson." She said as she sat up and took his hand.
"Dr. Katherine Creed." Kat said, following her partner in the handshakes.
"I read the report Logan brought back with him from Colorado – amazing work." He said as he pulled up a chair.
"Thank you – actually – we have a mutant – a primate feral that is a close match to your own genetics – but she's only seven at the moment." Tayla said a slight smile on her face.
"Well – I can certainly hope another primate comes along closer to her age." He grinned. "I am adverse to mention it – however – as the primary medical provider here – I am wondering just how long you two plan on staying – I will need to stock up on prenatal and neonatal supplies if you intend to remain until your gestations are complete."
"I don't – I want to be with my husband when the baby is born." Kat said fiercely.
"That is certainly understandable. And you?" He looked at Tayla.
Kat watched the play of emotions across her face before she replied. "I will be long gone – hopefully."
"That is disappointing, however while you are here – please inform me of any changes in your medical conditions – and I would love to discuss your research further – but I am afraid I am tardy for my Biology class – a state my students will not forgive." He bowed slightly and turned to leave the room.
"WHAT are we doing here?" Tayla snapped.
"The compound was blown – town too – Victor wanted us here until the healing factors are working properly."
"I can SMELL him – why am I anywhere NEAR him?" Tayla hissed.
"He's not here – we must be near his room – but he left a week ago." Kat said, trying to calm her down.
"As long as I don't have to see him – I can't face that yet."
"Hopefully they will warn us before he shows up." Kat said with a small smile.
"I can just stay in my room." Tayla said "With the door locked."
"He won't hurt you, Tay."
"Go away, Kat."
Kat stood up and walked to the door. She wanted to see what Victor had packed for her, and knew the mood Tayla was in – she wanted to be alone. "I'm next door if you need me." She said as she closed the door behind her.
Her Tom Cat had packed her little tiger – the one she slept with when he wasn't home – as well as a gleaming new satellite phone. She checked – his phone wasn't turned on – she would have to wait until he was available to give him a piece of her mind.
XXXXXXXX
He glanced down at the little phone in his hand – it was too early to call her – he didn't want to disturb her while she was flying. He needed to hear her voice – and was getting sick of hearing Magneto's.
"I don't care what you THINK, My Dear – we need to KNOW what these people were up to. Our brothers and sisters were being used – experimented on – bread in who knows what conditions – they deserve our justice – and compassion – and offer of a safe haven." He said "And if they choose to join our cause – all the better – an army of feral mutants would be nearly unstoppable."
"We don't KNOW that they were treated badly – and until we do – it is unfair to assume." Mystique said, and Victor nodded. He was seriously developing a hatred for the magnet for brains – this was his WIFE the man was talking about like that. He had to stop himself from growling yet again. The idea of ripping Erik's head off was looking more and more attractive by the moment.
"What we do know is that they blew up an entire TOWN instead of allowing us to rescue their captives. I wonder how many were inside the compound when it blew."
"We don't know, Erik – and that is the point – we don't KNOW anything except what little bit Victor and I were able to salvage. It would be foolish to go after them – with out further knowledge. Let us try to infiltrate another one of their locations – get more information." She said.
"You – no, I need you here. Victor – can you handle it?"
He grunted and nodded. "Infiltrate – not kill." Eric said as if talking to a retarded child.
He nodded again, controlling the urge to rip the man's throat out. He couldn't afford to loose his disguise – not now – not with his Kitten in danger. He turned and walked out of the room, catching a glance from Myst as he did. He'd catch up with her later – but he needed to check on Kitten soon. He was getting that ache in his gut – the one that said he was worried about her – needed to hear her voice soon.
He flipped on the power to the phone as soon as he was certain there wasn't anyone around to see him. Her phone was on, and he dialed the number.
"Hi baby." She whispered in his ear.
"I hate it when you do that." He grinned.
"I could see it was you – how are you?"
"Good – are you and TayTay safe?"
"Yea, we are. I miss you – thanks for my tigger."
"I wish I had a tigger – or at least a Kitten." He grinned. He heard a slight sound behind him and turned – it was the blonde kid – Pyro, a strange look on his face.
"Got to go – will call you later about that job." He said gruffly – hoping the kid hadn't picked up on anything.
"YOU better be careful you big Tom Cat – or you are GOING to have a job to do – cleaning up your own guts." She hissed in his ear before closing the connection. He heard the slight sob in her voice – he needed to get out of here – and back to her as soon as he could.
"Who was that?" The kid said, pointing to the phone.
"Contract work – none of your damned business." He snarled.
"Interesting code you have there – kittens and tiggers?"
"NONE of your damned business." He said again with a growl – daring the kid to push it.
"Just as long as it doesn't interfere with your loyalties here." Pyro said with a sneer and turned away, Victor could smell his suspicion. "At least Magneto knows who's loyal – these days." He flicked his wrist, and a jet of flame barely missed Victor's face. He didn't even flinch, just snarled at the kid.
"Next time – I might miss." The kid said as he walked away. Victor walked down the hall and grabbed his pack from the room he'd been assigned. That kid was going to get himself killed – and soon – if Vic had anything to say about it.
"HEY – Creed – you need backup?" He looked over his shoulder – it was Mort – the only other person in the Brotherhood he trusted right now – and that was because he was on the short list for mates.
"Yeah – if Mags can cut ya loose – need ta check out these alternate facilites." He showed Toad the list.
"I'm in – you know that." He grabbed his own pack and followed Victor out of the bunker. Myst would catch up – or not. He trusted her to get out on her own. He had his own worries.
They walked in silence through the woods for a while – until Vic was certain they were past the sentries – and that no one was following them.
"Sorry bout the last round, Mort – Tay said ya just didn't match up."
"I'm good – my girl Toad will show up eventually." The green man grinned. "And until then – there's always Wanda."
"You STLL fixated on her – she don't give ya the time of day."
"I know – but – a guy's got ta dream." He flicked his tongue and caught an early sparrow, gulping it down without even a crunch.
"Clean the feathers off at least – they give ya gas." Victor grumbled.
Toad just laughed. Vic felt the phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out and answered it.
"Is it safe now?" She asked.
"Yea – Mort says hi."
"Tell frog boy we are still working on it."
"I did."
"Is everything okay – how's Myst? Her phone's still off."
"Probably will be for a while – Erik's keeping her close."
"Okay – are you getting out of there?"
"Yep – Draggin me a frog back with me."
"Good – Tay want's another sample from him."
"Baby – worry about the CUB – research can come later." Mort gave a start next to him.
"I'm fine – and Dr. McCoy is all excited about watching us develop – something about the first time he's seen a second generational gestation or something. We need to recruit him – the littles would love him – he looks like Grover."
"I know what he looks like." He grumbled.
"I love you – you know."
He glanced over at Toad and glared. "I love you, too, Kitten." The glare didn't work – the damned frog doubled over in laughter.
"Call me later – when Toad's not wheezing." She laughed.
"I will." He clicked the phone shut – and reached out and smacked Toad on the back of the head.
"I STLL can't get used to that." Mort laughed.
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Victor grumbled. He hadn't gone soft – she was his MATE damn it.
XXXXXXXX
The seat of the bike was getting on his nerves – the leather had cracked and pinched through his jeans. He was going to have to get that replaced soon – she just didn't like being ridden straight like this. He didn't care – he wasn't stopping he could make the school by morning if he just kept going.
Charles had better be up to using Cerebro and finding her – she couldn't be dead – if she was – there would be hell to pay. He was fighting full blown panic. He didn't even know why – he didn't even LIKE the damned woman – want her hell yeah – but LIKE her – no fucking way. She was stubborn – full of anger and hate – and fear – it was the fear that hit him in the gut like a knife. He was aching – every time he thought about her it got worse. He NEEDED to know she was alright. He wouldn't even bother her – LIKE HELL!
That was another problem – a huge one, Wolverine was taking over, demanding he find her – demanding he confront her – force her to accept him. Maybe – even after everything that had happened – maybe he needed to have Charles do to him what he'd done to Jean – lock up Wolverine for a while. OVER YOUR DEAD BODY!
It was the damned running commentary in his head that was driving him insane – he knew it was just his subconscious – his animal side that he suppressed most of the time – that part of him that he hated – almost as much as Tayla hated him. His gut twisted again – her voice ringing in his ears.
"MONSTER!"
He didn't know if he could handle this – he was in pain – real pain – not just his usual worrying that he'd hurt someone – but real gut wrenching PAIN – worrying about a woman that hated his guts. He wasn't sure what he'd do if he saw her – one part of him wanted to tell her exactly what he thought of her and her selfish self centered neurotic world – and part of him wanted to just grab her by both arms and kiss the hell out of her for being alive. She couldn't have been in that compound – she couldn't have been – he'd have smelled her blood – she had to be alive.
He kept repeating it in his head – like a mantra – she had to be alive. His body was reaching a breaking point – he was going to have to stop – get some sleep. IF she was alive, Creed would have gotten her to safety – so she would be safe if he slept. IF she wasn't – then he would have Creed and that damned woman of his at the end of his claws – and their pelts for rugs. He shook his head – sleep was definitely something he needed. He saw a motel sign and pulled in.
He paid for the room. Once he was inside he sat on the bed and looked at the phone. He could always call Charles – ask him to track her – then he'd at least know. NO – talk to him face to face. This is too important for a phone call. He picked up the phone and dialed the mansion's number. Wolverine WASN'T in charge.
"Xavier's" It was one of the younger kids – he wasn't sure which one.
"It's Logan – where's Chuck."
"I'll get him." He waited, almost hanging up when he heard the motor of the wheelchair coming to the phone.
"Logan – where are you?"
"On my way back – I just left the compound in Colorado – I need to know if she's alright. I won't bother her – just need to know she's alive." He could hear the strain in his own voice.
"She's fine – frightened – angry – but fine."
"You already checked – thanks."
"Logan – she's here."
"THERE!?"
"Yes – Creed sent both of them – Katherine and Tayla – here for safety."
"Why?"
"It appears the Brotherhood and Friends of Humanity both decided they didn't like what they were doing, Victor is trying to distract Erik while the ferals get settled safely elsewhere – and can't take care of his wife right now, Mystique is with him – and we were the only ones he trusted with her in her condition."
"Condition?"
"She's pregnant – barely. There is a risk to her and the baby right now, so he wanted her safe."
"Tayla's with her…"
"Yes – Logan – you need to come home."
"No – I'll come home when she's left. She doesn't want to see me. She's safe, that's all that matters." He could go back north – hit the cages again. Everything was back to normal – sort of.
"Logan – she's pregnant." He felt his entire world shift.
"What?"
"She's pregnant." He stared at his hands – she hated him – she couldn't know – couldn't want to carry his child.
"Don't let her do anything – not until I get there." He said softly.
"Logan…"
He slammed down the phone. He had to talk to her – he'd lost one child this year – he didn't know if he could survive losing another. He didn't know what he was going to do – how he could stop her if she didn't want it – but he had to try.
He closed his eyes – trying to rest. His mind was whirling. Pregnant – he'd known it was a possibility – Creed's woman had said as much – but he hadn't let his mind dwell on it. Sure he'd been dreaming about it – NIGHTMARES – but now it was real. He was going to have to deal with it. She hated him – probably wouldn't let him have anything to do with the kid if she DID decide to have it. He'd take care of that – get a legal arrangement or something. HE was GOING to have something to do with his KID!
"Please – my Love, if not for me – than for him. He doesn't deserve this pain." Her soft voice, wracked with the pain of the poison, pleading with him. He closed his eyes; He couldn't look at her, as the claws flashed from his knuckles and deep into her heart.
Blood…dripping down his claws, hot on his hands as it flowed out of her heart, her black eyes pleading – begging him to give her mercy – their child mercy – as they grew cold and lifeless, her life blood dripping from his hands and onto the flower strewn floor. Her last whisper was his name, as he wept into her veil of black hair.
He looked down at her still form, her rounded belly slashed open – no sign of the baby around him.
The cry of an infant ripped through the air – screaming. He looked around, trying to find it. He saw red hair whipping in the wind – and found her – the baby in her hands standing at the edge of a cliff.
"What makes you think I want anything of yours? You are a fucking MONSTER!" She screamed as she dropped the baby – he watched it plummet – it's small body hitting rocks on the way down, the screams cut off before it ever hit bottom. "Stay away from me you MONSTER!" She shouted – jumping off the cliff after the baby.
He started awake – a deep angry growl in his throat. She hated him – she was going to kill his child – and there wasn't anything he could do to stop her. He felt the tears flowing down his face – she was his mate – and she hated him enough to kill their child.
It was a nightmare – Logan. Tayla has no intentions of hurting the child. God he hated it when Charles did that.
"How do I know that?" He asked the question out loud.
Logan – you need to come home – you two need to settle some things. The only way she will get over this fear is to face it. You need to help her with that.
"She doesn't want me – she hates me – she's afraid of me." He moaned.
Logan – why does that bother you? You hardly know her.
"She's my mate." He whispered the words.
But that is just biology – why does her fear of you cause this much pain?
"Because – I need her – it's more than just that she's my mate – or maybe that's all of it – that she's my MATE!"
I think you are as afraid of facing her as she is of facing you. Your fear is that she will reject you again.
"I'm not afraid of it, Chuck – I KNOW it. She hates me – you didn't see her eyes. She hates anything to do with me – that's why I'm afraid she will hurt the baby."
Logan – I sense NO intention to harm the child – in fact – she seems quite pleased to be pregnant. I think she wants this child as much as you do. I have only spoken with her twice but I think the pregnancy – the idea of this baby is what's keeping her going. She needs it – wants it very much.
"How could she – it's mine?"
Logan – come home – talk to her – work something out. She's not having an easy time here; your champions are hostile to say the least. I am concerned about her depression; she's avoiding contact with anyone except Katherine and Hank. She only eats if one of them takes her meal to her – she won't come to the communal dining room. She is becoming more and more withdrawn. Perhaps facing her fear – seeing you in a different light would help the situation.
"I don't see how – I think it will only make things worse."
Logan!
"No – I'll stay away. But let me know if anything changes – if she gets worse." He slammed the wall down in his mind – something Charles had taught him. He needed to think – and he didn't want Chuck mucking around in his head. One thing was certain – he couldn't go back to the institute – not yet.
XXXXXXXX
"…and Ah can't believe she had the nerve to come here – after what she did ta him." She could hear them outside the door. The one called Rogue and another girl – Kitty she thought her name was.
"Rogue – I don't think things are what they seem. She seems nice – the two times I've seen her. I've been helping Hank with the information they sent – and the work they are doing is really helping people."
"Ah don't care – she hurt him – bad. You didn't see him in Canada. He's not sleepin' he didn't eat – all he's doin is tryin ta wear himself out. Ah don't know why he wants anythin ta do with her – mate or not." She said sharply.
"Rogue – you don't know the whole story – you are judging her without hearing her side of things." Kitty said. "Remember the LAST time you did that – we didn't speak for two whole years."
"That was different – Bobby was my boyfriend."
"Was being the operative word here – and we are still friends – but only because Jubes and I hit you over the head with it." Kitty said.
"Fine – maybe I am judging her a bit – but damn Logan's my friend – and he's HURT!"
"Maybe there's something you don't know. Try TALKING to her. You might LIKE her – and if she's Logan's mate – she's going to be sticking around for a while."
"She thinks he's a monster."
"You don't know that." Kitty said
"That's what SHE told HIM!" Rogue said with venom.
"I still say you are prejudging. There has to be more going on."
"She lives with SABRETOOTH! She's one of the BAD GUYS!"
Tayla curled up tighter on the bed. They were right – she was one of the bad guys – not because of Victor – but because of what she'd done. The only monster she knew looked out of the mirror at her. She wanted to apologize to him – find a way to atone for what she'd done.
She wanted to free him – but couldn't, not yet. The baby was a complication she couldn't ignore. It was innocent – and didn't deserve to be hurt because of what she'd done to its father. She would wait. Once the baby was born – she'd find a way to release him, as soon as she was certain the baby would be safe. She had to know he'd care for it – not hate it because it was a part of her.
If not – the backup plan was to leave it with Kat and Victor – to raise with their own. It was the only way she could think of – right after the delivery her factor would be down – her body would suppress it again for delivery and a couple days after. It would be the only opportunity she would have – until her next cycles – to end this.
She would just have to survive until then – she just needed to know the baby would be safe. That was her only thought – her only concern at this point. The monster had to be taken out of the equation, and she wouldn't allow her father to do to her child what he'd done to her. His hate – his venom had made her what she was – and it was too late for her – but the child would be safe – would be untouched by that hate. She would see to that – before she died. She wouldn't leave her taint on this innocent life.
He had to hate her – had to. It was the only thing that made sense. She didn't know when she stopped hating him – she was still afraid – but not for herself – not anymore. She was only afraid his hate would transfer to the child – like her father's had. She didn't even notice the tears soaking the pillow under her head as she curled further into a fetal position on the bed. It hurt so much – knowing she wouldn't get to watch it grow – that he would never allow her to see it – if she lived.
She didn't hear the knock – or the door open.
"Tayla?"
"Go away." She said curtly. She didn't want to deal with the weather witch – not now.
"My God! Are you alright." It was the first time the woman's voice had been anything but cold.
She pulled away from Ororo's hands.
"Go away – you all hate me – just go away." She hissed.
"What? No – Tayla – please let us help you."
"I have enhanced hearing – do you think I CAN'T hear what's being said – right outside my door." She turned on the woman, letting her anger give her the strength her exhausted body didn't have.
"No – I didn't realize that. I don't know what you think you've heard – but we only want to help." She tried to ignore the concern in the woman's face – but couldn't. Her body gave out, the tears fell – and she just let the woman hold her.
"He hates me – and I don't blame him. What I did was horrible. What I said was worse. I heard Rogue – he's hurt because of me. I wish I could just leave – get out of the way – free him – but I can't not yet."
"What do you mean – not yet?" She could smell a spike of fear from the woman.
"Forget it."
"I won't – you can't – please Tayla – hurting yourself isn't the answer."
"Yes it is – if I die – he'll be freed from this – free to live his life – without me tying it up."
"Goddess!" She heard the woman whisper against her hair. "I don't understand all of this – but I KNOW Logan – and if you hurt yourself because of him – he would be devastated."
"No – he would be free."
"He would blame himself the rest of his life."
"I called him a monster – but I realize now – I am the one who's a monster." She sobbed.
"Tayla – there are no monsters – just people. You NEED to talk to Logan – work something out."
"NO!"
"Why not?"
"I – I am afraid."
"Of what? That he will be angry with you? I can assure you he isn't – hurt yes – but angry no. That he will hurt you? He won't – I have known him for over ten years – I can guarantee he won't." She whispered against Tayla's hair, her arms tightening.
"That he'll hate the baby as much as he hates me." She whispered against the woman's shoulder.
"Tayla – he just lost a child – and his wife. He WON'T hate this child – he will love it."
"Even though I'm its mother?" She couldn't keep the bitterness out of her voice.
"Especially because you are its mother – you have no idea just how badly he didn't want to leave Colorado. He called Charles – was on his way back – but won't come home because he doesn't want to hurt you – to make you afraid. Charles told him about the baby – by the way."
"Oh GOD!" She could feel the panic building inside her.
"Tayla – he was thrilled – and then afraid you would hurt it because he was the father."
"Oh GOD he does think I am a monster." She moaned trying to curl up again.
"No – he just knows what you said – he never got the chance to get to know YOU."
"Tayla – what's wrong?" Kat asked from the door.
"She's upset."
"What did you do?"
"Nothing – she was upset when I got here. I am just trying to HELP!" Ororo stood up and stormed out of the room.
"Tayla." Kat put an arm around her. "I talked to Vic – he's working on finding us a place – after he throws Erik off our trail."
"You need to be with him – don't worry about me."
"Of course I am going to worry about you, goose." She laughed.
"Kat – please – you have your own baby to worry about – and Victor and Myst and we both have the others to worry about. You don't need to worry about me."
"TayTay I think I need to worry about YOU the most. Vic and Myst can take care of themselves – and the kids have each other. I don't like this – honey – you are not doing well at all."
"I'm fine."
"No you are NOT!"
"Kat…"
The feline feral pulled her to her feet and dragged her off the bed. "You are going to see Hank – we need to find out what's going on with you. You are depressed – Charles thinks you are suicidal – we need to find out what's going on. Tayla – you are my best friend – my partner – and sweetheart – you need help."
"I'm fine – just leave me alone."
"Not only no – but HELL no!" She pulled on Tayla's arm until she was moving. Tayla just followed her – she just didn't have the will to resist. She noticed Kat dialing a phone in her hand.
"Charles will tell you where he is – GET HIS ASS HERE NOW!"
XXXXXXXXX
LOGAN! Get back to the mansion.
It woke him out of another troubled dream about her and a baby.
"What is it?"
She needs you.
"No she doesn't."
LOGAN!
"Leave me the hell alone – Chuck. The woman hates me – and I won't hurt her by making her deal with me."
The door to the motel room slammed inward – He felt something wet and slimy wrap around his naked ankle and yank him out of the bed.
"Toad – Kat said alive and unhurt. Of course – it's a couple hours until we get back to the Mansion – he'll heal." He looked up just as Creed's fist hit him right in the face.
"You are going back to the mansion – Runt."
"Like HELL!"
"Fine – if that's the way you want it – I have the Blackbird outside – waiting – Storm's at the controls – I'm workin for Xavier on this one – and I get ta see my wife – which is a nice bonus – so get your ass up and on that plane or by fucking God I will carry your adamantium coated ass – NAKED."
Logan charged the giant, but his feet tangled in the blankets on the floor.
"Lame ass – Runt – YOUR FUCKING MATE NEEDS YOU GET UP OFF YOUR ASS AND GET TO HER – NOW!" Creed roared at him.
"She HATES me – DAMN IT!" He croaked, taking a swipe at Creed's legs as he stood up.
"NO FUCKING SHIT! I HATE your ass TOO! But that don't mean she don't NEED you. Don't ask me about why – I ain't entirely sure – but Kat said it has something to do with the mate bond or something – all I know is – that ache in your GUT – it's real – it's not just YOUR pain you are feeling – but hers too."
That stopped him.
"What?"
"Kat and Xavier have been workin on it – somethin ta do with a link that's created with the mating bond – empathic or some shit. You two are feedin each other – your pain is feeding each other. It's KILLIN' HER!" He roared the last.
"Oh God!" He straightened up and looked for his jeans. He dressed quickly and grabbed his bag. Creed wasn't joking – the Blackbird was sitting in the motel parking lot.
"Where's my bike?"
"On the plane already – had Iceprick load it."
"ICEMAN ta you, Creed." He snarled.
"I'll call the kid what I want."
Logan walked up the back ramp of the jet – checking the lashings on the bike – the last time Iceprick loaded it, they had snapped – and he'd worked on the bike for a month to get it running again. He walked up to the cockpit where a very angry Storm was waiting.
"It's about damned time – Charles told you to come home hours ago."
"Back of Ro."
"No – you didn't have to hold her – hear her. GET your ass into a seat – NOW!" He felt a slight gust of wind push him toward one of the rear seats.
"I get the hint." He grumbled. The damned green frog sat down next to him.
"So – You and Tayla – now that I never would have pictured – she's a looker – not like you." He snarled at Toad.
"Just shut the fuck up."
"Tayla's a good kid. Been tryin ta find me a match – wish she was amphibian." The green skinned mutant grinned again.
"I said shut the fuck up."
"You hurt her – really bad from the looks of things – just want you to know – you do it again – it's not just Creed you'll have ta deal with." He looked at Toad for the first time. He was angry – really angry.
"Tell that ta her." He said.
"Bastard."
The rest of the short flight was silent. They landed and Ro quickly opened the back ramp.
"There ya are." Marie said, throwing her arms around his neck. At least someone was glad to see him. "She's in medlab."
"Why?"
"Hank had ta sedate her – anti-depression meds aren't workin on her because of her metabolism." He barely noticed Creed scoop his wife up and swing her around, a huge grin on his face. He felt a surge of jealousy – why couldn't that be him? Why couldn't his mate WANT him?
"So what exactly is goin on?" He asked.
"Well – besides the depression and withdrawal from everyone – including Kat. The pregnancy is harder on her than anyone realized – including Kat. It appears that the hormones of pregnancy effect ferals differently – which is why the bond is in place. We have been testing the one between Kat and Victor – it allows him to know if she is in danger – her general emotional health. It isn't something that can be controlled. Kat has been in contact with the other facilities and testing the bonds of the other mated pairs – they are all about the same."
"So what does this have ta do with me? Tayla doesn't want anythin ta do with me."
"Logan – there has been a decided shift in her thinking – since the compound – since –well – Kat can explain everything to you before you see her."
The woman in question walked over, her husband's huge arm around her waist.
"Logan – last week – well she stopped calling you the monster. I didn't understand how important that was until I realized – until she told me that she was starting to hate herself."
"What?"
"She's – she takes full responsibility for what happened at the compound – probably more responsibility than she should. She called her father – to try to mend fences – to try to understand what made her the way she is. He – well it wasn't a productive conversation. She only told me about it yesterday. He – well I guess the best way to put it – she's been rejected by every stable influence in her life in the last week. Her work is on hold due to circumstances beyond her control, Victor and I – well we forced her to come here instead of going to one of our other locations – for safety reasons – but she somehow feels like we are abandoning her. Her father told her not to come to him – he didn't want your child in his house. She's pregnant – with your child – and frankly thinks you hate her – and would be better off if she were dead." He could see her fighting tears.
"GOD! WHAT?" This was bad – worse than he thought.
"We have about two more weeks – to try to get her head straightened out – before her healing factor comes back to full strength – and the medications won't work at all. We can keep her sedated – but not for long because of the baby – the anti depression medications are only slightly effective – and I am afraid. I am her best friend and I missed all the signs. They were there – but with my own problems – I missed them until it was almost too late. If she hadn't talked to Ro – if she hadn't…we would have lost her."
"Lost her – how?"
"She was planning on – well that's not important. YOU need to get through to her. I know – after what happened – things aren't good between you."
"That's an understatement." He muttered under his breath.
"LOGAN!" Xavier said sharply.
"I need some answers." Kat said, Victor glaring at him over her head.
"If I knew the questions…" Logan replied
"Do you hate her? Blame her for what happened? None of us will blame you if you do – frankly I wasn't really happy with her about it either."
"NO! I don't hate her. I wish she didn't hate me – I wish we had a snowball's chance in hell of any kind of friendship – even just indifference – would be fine with me." He tried to keep the pain out of his voice. "I don't blame her for what happened – or even what she said. Grief makes people do and say things they regret later – I should know." He looked over where Jubilee was standing. He'd said a few things after Mariko died – that she still hadn't forgiven him for.
"Well – you are going to have to get that through to her." Kat said. "And I don't know how you are going to – but she's in medlab – and that might be the best place to talk to her."
"Fine." He followed the feral couple down the metal halls. What weren't they saying? What had she been planning? He knew she would have rather died than be his mate – she'd told him as much – would she have done something – was she planning something? God help him – he didn't think he could bury another woman – another child – not now. The pain ripped at his gut.
"She's awake." Kat said at the door. He looked in the window. Her body was lying on the bed, a sheet covering her. She was looking at Hank; somehow she'd managed to avoid noticing him. He watched her, torn between relief that she was alright – and anger at himself for driving her to this. She turned her head and saw him. He watched the fear take over and almost turned away.
"I can't do this."
"You have to, Runt." Creed said as he pushed him through the door.
The smell hit him first – the baby. His gut clenched, his hands were sweating, and he wanted to – God he didn't even know what - then the fear – stronger than before – along with something else – something that caused his own fear to spike. The others left the room, and he heard the lock on the door click.
"Like that's going to work." He shouted.
"It better." Kat shouted back – from outside the door. He looked at the woman locked in the room with him. Every instinct in his body was screaming at him to go hold her – touch her – but her fear was a wall between them – one even his adamantium claws couldn't cut down. He just stood there.
XXXXXXXX
She was here – they were here. He looked at her lying there and suddenly it hit him – the fear. She was afraid of him – the deep fear that never went away. Like the white haired woman and closed spaces – this wasn't something she would ever get over. For the first time in his life he felt helpless – alone – vulnerable. She was afraid – and he couldn't make it go away – couldn't make her feel safe. He understood – what Logan had been fighting – she was afraid – of HIM – and he couldn't protect her. He bowed his head in defeat.