"Authorities are asking the public to be on the lookout for Victor Creed, a dangerous mutant, who was last seen on the Eastern border with Dr. Jean Gray. Dr. Gray was reported dead last year. A young girl, pictured here, was also spotted with the couple. If you see this group, you are encouraged to not engage them and report to the nearest authorities."

The news anchor flashed Roxie's picture and I hissed at the television angrily. Whatever Victor and this Jean Gray was up to, they were using my child for their plan. When I looked at James, his face held a combination of shock, disbelief, and a flash of hope. I ignored the flare of jealousy that burned in my chest and turned my attention back to my anger. "What are they doing on the Eastern seaboard?"

"From what I understand, they've visited an army base." Xavier said.

"Why?" I asked. "What's on the base that they would need my daughter for?"

"I think it has something to do with the virus that she had." McCoy offered. "I've run some tests on the samples I took from Roxanne. From what I've observed, the virus, when a human is exposed to it, can allow Roxie to control their mind. Anyone that she infects with the virus, she'll be able to hear in her head and give them orders. If she was still here with us and under your influence, I wouldn't worry too much about it but since she's with Victor-"

"Then she's probably using it to hurt people." I finished for him. "We need to get her back."

"How?" James finally spoke.

"If Xavier can't find her, I know someone who can." I said, turning on my heel and heading toward the front door, yanking my jacket off the coat rack. I heard footsteps behind me but didn't stop until Rogue called my name.

"Where are ya goin'?" She asked, coming to a halt beside me.

"To see my grandfather."

"Ca—can I come?" Her question surprised me. "I understand if you don't want me to, but...I'd like to."

I smiled at her and dug my keys out of my pocket. "Sure."

James had fixed my car several days prior and on the way, I let Rogue mess with the radio. I was lost in my own thoughts anyway. I hadn't spoken to my grandfather in too long and I was sure that my father had told him about me rejecting Victor, so I had no idea if he would even see me. I'd beg if I had to but there was no guarantee he would help. With any luck, I was still his diamond.

"Where's your grandfather live?" Rogue asked several hours into our trip.

"France but usually at this time of year, he visits my father and the rest of the pack." I replied.

"So, there's packs of ferals?"

"Yep. My family has one of the largest packs in the world, but there are smaller ones too."

"Then why aren't you with them? Wouldn't it be better to be with your family?"

I cleared my throat and kept my gaze firmly on the road in front of me. "It's a long story but the short version is I disappointed my family and in a pack, that's a kiss of death."

I turned onto the driveway to the pack mansion and soon enough, we were parked in front of the mansion that dwarfed Xavier's. Rogue's jaw dropped at the sight of the mansion and she unbuckled her seat belt then climbed out of the car, her door slamming closed almost in unison with mine. As we walked up to the front door, I said, "Don't stare at any of the men and don't go anywhere without me. Follow my lead and if, for whatever reason, you get a bad feeling, get out of here. Okay?"

Rogue nodded hesitantly and followed me around the mansion to the gardens. If Grandfather was on the grounds, this is where he'd be. Rogue and I wandered around the manicured hedges, admiring the floral arrangements artistically mixed in with the hedges. Grandfather was pruning his rose bushes. There were several dozen types of flowers in the garden but the roses were Grandfather's. In the years since I had last seen him, his hair had started to gray around the edges. Wrinkles had appeared at the corners of his eyes and the laugh lines that I remembered from so long ago had faded significantly. He glanced at us and stood, brushing dirt from the knees of his jeans. As I got closer to him, the ache of losing him from my life bubbled to the surface and, combined with the worry for Roxie's wellbeing, my eyes started to water. Suddenly, all the mistakes I had made concerning Victor, James, Roxie, and my pack were overwhelming. I paused a foot away from him and he smiled kindly at me. "My sweet Charlotte."

"I messed up, Grandpere." I admitted, swallowing hard as I tried to keep myself from crying. "I need your help and I know I've abandoned the pack-"

"You will always be part of the pack," Grandfather used the pad of his thumb to brush away a tear that had spilled down my cheek. He pulled me into his arms and hugged me, letting me bury my face in his chest. He smelled like tobacco, dirt, and roses. I missed that smell. After several long minutes, he moved away from me and addressed Rogue. "Who is this enchanting young lady?"

"I'm Rogue." She introduced herself, extending a gloved hand to him. He shook her hand with a warm smile and escorted us through the gardens to his den. "This is a lovely home, sir."

"Please, call me Pierre." Grandfather gestured to chairs opposite his favorite armchair. "Now, tell me what this trouble is and we'll figure a way out of it."

He listened to me talk without interrupting and when I finally finished he sat quietly and thought for a moment. "I'll have Francois send out scouts immediately and we will find your daughter and mate. What about this Dr. Gray?"

"You can't hurt Dr. Gray." Rogue spoke up. "She's not a bad person and I don't think she's doing anything wrong. Maybe Sabretooth is keeping her hostage too?"

"We shall not harm any of the trio, dear." Grandfather patted her hand gently.

"Will Father help? I did reject Victor and he didn't handle it well."

"He didn't approve of Mr. Creed, this is true, but he will help. Rejection is a decision that shouldn't be made lightly but it is your choice." Grandfather said. "I know that I encouraged you to accept your mate and then when I realized what a danger Creed is I asked you to leave him. It wasn't my place to do either. Victor is your mate and he cannot hurt you or his cub so this makes me think that he isn't entirely in control of his actions. He may be a mere pawn in this."

"Then who's calling the moves?" I asked.

"That's what we will find out. In the meantime, we shall get you two something to eat." He sent for food. "Charlotte, show your guest around the grounds if you'd like to. You are always welcome here."

"Father might feel differently."

"Too bad this isn't his property." Grandfather chuckled. "He may be the Alpha but I make all of the decisions."

I kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

A/N: Thanks to my readers/followers/favoriters/reviewers. I love you guys! What do you guys think of a Rogue/Christien pairing? It's something I've been toying with so I just want your opinions.