Love Struck Eternal

by mT Shadow

Change is not always for the better. Eighteen years have passed since the events of the second most major war for the middle east had come to a close. Leaders have come and gone, society itself has changed, and those who seek a different outcome have gone dark. The focus is now on one person. Yet her story will change the world forever. Following down her father's dark past.

4. Chapter 4

Love Struck Eternal

Chapter 4 - Start up.

Sam's POV, An hour later.

I awoke to find Mocha still laying across my chest. Her head felt like a brick had been laying on me for the last day. I could feel a small bruise from it all, but it was fine. Gently sitting up and stretching my arms, I woke her up by yawning.

"Good morning!"

She attempted to bark but that turned into a yawn of her own. I just chuckled as she stood up and started to stretch. Once she was good, she jumped down to the floor and allowed me the time to get myself together. Throwing on a nice pair of blue skinny jeans and a tight cherry red top, I approached Mocha who was standing by the door to pull off my hat from the hook I had hanging on the frame. It was just a simple black and brown snapback that my father gave me about a year ago. It matched the army's color scheme and for the most part fit the uniform. I think it was his at some point and this was just his way of giving me a hand me down. But I liked it. It even had the army's insignia and abbreviation written across the very center in light yellowish gold font. Once I had it on backwards and my hair parted to the side, I opened the door and made my way downstairs. I smelled food and that was enough to get me to pick up my pace.

"Braf! Braf!"

Mocha was down first and by the time I reached the bottom of the stairs I stopped to see my father sitting on the couch with a strangely familiar man. Both of which turned to look at me with smiles of their own as I asked in confusion.

"What's going on here?"

My dad remained where he was to reply happily.

"Nothing bad. Come say hi."

I was looking over his friend very closely on my approach but thankfully he was nothing but smiles as I assessed the situation. A tall and very well maintained bird of all species. I can't remember the last time I even saw a bird in the middle east. Offering him my hand, I told him bluntly.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Sam."

"Peek." He replied back with a crisp tone as I widened my eyes and looked back at my father to question.

"Peek? Like uncle Peek?"

My dad smiled as Peek himself replied.

"Char is more of an uncle then I am Sam. I haven't seen you since you were a baby. You look good. How have you been? I heard about your scholarship. Congratulations."

Happy as hell to see him I said back.

"Thank you. I've been good. Just keeping myself out of trouble."

Now giving me a chuckle, he replied.

"Unlike your father here."

"What do you mean?" I questioned in confusion as he shook his head jokingly to respond with.

"Nothing. I'm speaking in the past tense."

I just decided to laugh back as my father urged me calmly from behind.

"Take a seat Sam. I wanted to talk to you."

"Okay." I replied as I grabbed a seat alongside him. As I did, mom came out from the basement just in time to hear dad state.

"I love you Sam. You know that. But I need to be real with you about something. You're more than just my daughter. You're an ex-president's daughter. Which potentially can make you a target out in the world if someone wanted to take a jab at me. I'm not saying that's ever going to happen, but I'm always thinking about the future and all the negatives that could come. I know you probably still don't know what you want to do with your scholarship, but my fear is sending you out on your own unprepared. That's why Peek is here. I've asked him to look after you if you leave the middle east. I've also asked him to teach you a few things either way you decide to go with your life. How do you feel about that? Be honest."

Looking at my dad directly I replied.

"I'm all for it. I understand your concerns. What do you think mom?"

We all looked at her as she calmly took a breath then stated.

"I'd want the same thing if I was your father. I'm not really into the idea of having a bodyguard with you everywhere you go, but until I'm convinced you can take care of yourself as an adult, I want this for you. And I trust Peek. He won't steer you wrong. He's a great man and I know he'll look after you if we can't. Right Peek?"

"Amen." He replied as I looked back at my dad to see he was looking at the basement door. Once his attention refocused, he smiled and asked me.

"How about you and your uncle follow me downstairs for a few minutes? I have something I wanna give you Sam."

My mom lowered her head at the suggestion but calmly breathed and allowed me to answer. Nodding my head I replied.

"Okay? Peek?"

The well trimmed bird smiled and offered me his hand and replied.

"Might as well see what he has in store for his little girl."

I chuckled and took his offer and with the three of us leaving the couch we went down into the basement. Now my father's basement was this area of the house that showed his age. Covered in old rebellion medals and uniforms and other memories he had of his past military service. I always came down here and each time I did I was reminded of what a great man he was. I knew he was a hero and everyone loved him for what he's done, but I knew I never really heard the real story as to why it came to be. I always hoped to hear it, but with Peek here now I don't think this was the intention of this visit.

With my dad stopping in front of a safe he had in the very corner of the back wall, he knelt down and began to input the code. During each spin of the dail, I watched his hand movement. By the time he was done I found out the code was fifty four, seventy seven, forty one. If there was one thing I was good at it was watching people and remembering small details a normal person shouldn't and of course I wouldn't tell him I now knew the code. I like to have my secrets from time to time.

With the door opening to the safe, I watched as he reached inside to pull out a shoebox. He then shut the door and put the box on top of the safe. Looking back at me with a small smile, he urged me quietly.

"Come."

I slowly took a step towards him. Peek remained where he was and just listened as my dad took off the top of the box to expose to me a few different things. My eyes instantly locked onto a gun. It was all chrome, but the barrel had a few dark stains on it. I had no idea what it was, it looked like mud; it was so dark. Next to it was a set of dog tags and a very large combat knife. I've seen a few knives before but this one looked worn and battered. Reaching inside, my father took out the dog tags and unclipped the back of the chain. Reaching up an inch, he wrapped them around my neck and told me softly.

"These mean the world to me."

In confusion I tried to look down at them. At the same time I asked him.

"Whose are these?"

Clipping them together and running his hands down the chain till he reached the tags, my father replied without letting his eyes leave their metal engravings.

"The one here is mine. I used to wear these everyday. Up until I left the office. They symbolize my identity Sam. If you join up you'll have a pair of your own, but I want you to have these in case you leave my life. That way I'll always be there for you in some way."

This conversation was hands down different then what I was used to from my father. He was showing so much emotion I questioned if I was really ready to grow up. With my eyes going down to my chest where he was holding the tags, I had to ask as I saw there was another set along his own.

"Whose are those then?"

My eyes saw the name before he could answer and I almost felt my heart drop as he replied.

"Shadow's."

I couldn't say a word. I knew how much those tags were worth. I was in a way starstruck to even see a piece of that man's property, let alone be wearing it in his honor next to my father's.

Giving the tags another good look, my dad went back into the box to pull out the knife and gun I saw. When he turned back to face me his hands reached out to Peek. Slowly taking the weapons, my dad commanded my one uncle.

"You're in charge of these Peek. When you think she's ready, I want you to give them to her. Yes? Only other time is when there could be an emergency."

Nodding he replied.

"I understand."

Giving him a smile, my dad looked back at me to say.

"The gun itself also belonged to Shadow. Once he passed I kept it in his honor. The knife is my own. I once gave this to an old friend of mine from years past, but she gave them back after we didn't see eye to eye. I want you to have it. Carry on this family's good name Sam. Wherever you go."

"I will. I promise. But I'm not leaving you yet dad. I don't even know where I want to go." I told him as he smiled and looked back at Peek to urge him.

"This is where we part ways for now. You're in charge of her. Do whatever you see fit. Just make sure you go easy. She's never been through this kind of training."

"I will Raptor. You can count on it. Sam? Are you ready?"

Nodding I replied.

"Yeah. What now?"

My dad kept his mouth shut and just allowed him to respond on his own. Once everything was shut he replied.

"I'm a little hungry. Wanna do breakfast?"

I nodded my head about as fast as my stomach growled from the idea of food. Chuckling and reaching for my side, Peek gently urged me to turn back around before adding.

"Then let's go get some food. After we eat we can work on something. And this way we can catch up together. Tab is on me, so feel free to order anything. Raptor?"

My dad quickly nodded his head to urge us both.

"Don't let me keep you waiting. Oh, but Peek? Make sure she gets home on time. She does have class tomorrow."

"Count on it. We'll be back around five. I'm sure Zeta will have something brewing for dinner by then."

Together my uncle and I went back upstairs. I watched closely as he stowed the weapons my father gave him in a bag of his he had placed on the couch and once he had the strap of it wrapped around his back, he looked back at me to ask.

"Ready?"

"Can I bring Mocha?" I responded with as my baby was excited by the sole fact that it looked like we were going somewhere.

Peek gave me a smile and once his eyes had locked onto her did he wonder out loud.

"Is she well behaved? I'm not looking to have her cause any trouble out in public Sam."

"She won't." I replied as I followed up quickly by stating.

"She listens to me. If I tell her to sit, she'll sit. If I tell her to keep quiet, she'll be quiet. I trained her ever since she was a puppy uncle. I promise she won't cause any trouble. Right Mocha?"

"Braf!" She replied as I shot my uncle another strong smile to see his reaction. Giving me a fast chuckle he stowed his concerns by urging us both with open arms going towards the door.

"Well in that case I can't argue with you. Zeta! We'll be back around five!"

"Have fun!" My mom shouted from upstairs as he got the door.

Mocha stayed right on my heels as I followed Peek to the sidewalk. In confusion as we passed my dad's car I asked him.

"We not driving?"

Shaking his head he replied.

"What's the point? You got a hot date?"

Laughing, I informed him kindly.

"No not that I know of. I just mean it's a little far of a walk."

"If I remember right Sam, there should be a few places within walking distance of the house we can go to eat. Not like I wanna go into the city at this hour anyway. Fuck traffic in this town."

"Amen." I laughed along with his open humor.

Now our walk was pretty stress free. From time to time he would ask me questions and I'll be honest I didn't know a whole lot about him either. I can't even remember the last time I saw his face and now that I think about it, I don't really know what it is he does for a living. My dad gave me something, but I knew his excuses. He was vague about it and I planned to figure it out. I was always interested in the shady types. Especially when they come from my family.

Mocha was doing as good as I expected. However we were soon in more public terrority and there was more than just me and my uncle walking around. She was a puppy at heart and she got excited seeing new faces.

"How about here?" Peek asked me as we found ourselves outside a local waffle house. Making sure Mocha was with us, I replied while picking her up.

"Works for us. You think they'll be okay with her coming inside?"

Nodding as he got the door, Peek urged me back.

"Just tell them she's your service animal. They can't do anything even if they wanted to."

"Ahhh they can ask for proof though right?" I questioned as I walked by him to hear him then whisper.

"Don't worry about it. I'll handle it if they do."

I learned to trust him pretty quickly because we were instantly greeted by a younger looking male hedgehog who asked kindly with a wide smile seeing Mocha in my arms.

"Awww she's adorable. You can put her down. She's okay to walk the place."

" Oh thank you." I replied as he then asked me.

"So what brings you guys in?"

"Breakfast." I replied back with a small chuckle as he nodded and asked my uncle who came around my side.

"Just the three of you?"

"Yes sir." He replied as we were then ushered to a table that was by the windows. Once we were seated the guy proceeded to ask us.

"So what can I get you guys?"

With Mocha laying down under the table, I replied.

"Ahhh…...do you guys serve steak and eggs?"

Smiling he replied.

"Yup. I can get that for you. How do you like your meat cooked?"

"Rare." I informed him as my eyes went back to Peek who came up with his order on the fly.

"I'll just have the vegetarian omelette. Can you also bring us a second order of her steak?"

"Yes sir." He replied as he looked back at me to state.

"It'll be out in about twenty minutes."

"Thank you." I replied as the hedgehog made his way off towards the kitchen.

Looking back at my uncle, I asked him out of confusion for his second order.

"Why'd you order two?"

"One for Mocha."

"Hmm." I was surprised he did that without me asking, but that was all the more reason for me to like this guy. Once things had quieted down I began to look over his appearance.

For a bird I expected him to be a bit more scrawny. Not like I saw many in my life. It was rare to see one out here in this part of the world. The heat was murder to their species, but that made me even more curious. Only issue I had was how to go about asking the questions I wanted answers to. I guess I'd have to start slow and that would start by me asking him as he was reaching under the table to pet Mocha.

"So the last time you saw me was when I was a baby?"

His eyes looked back up at me as he continued to pet my dog. Without taking his attention away he replied.

"You were only a little pup back then. Barely had you crawling yet. It's crazy to think you're this now."

"This? What do you mean?" I questioned as he quickly replied.

"I didn't mean for that to sound bad Sam. You're what? Eighteen? You've grown up so much and please don't tell your father I said this, but you're beautiful. You really took after your mother. And your coat? I mean come on Sam, it turned out pretty good for you. I can see both of your parents in you."

"I don't think I look that good, but thank you."

Peek nodded as he took his hand away from Mocha. As he sat back he asked me.

"So what have you been doing with your life? I don't know a lot. I just heard you've been excelling at your schooling. You into anything else? Ever play any sports or do anything more active with your father? I know Raptor must have tried some things with you."

Chuckling I replied.

"I played some softball and a little bit of basketball from time to time. I played for my high school during my sophomore year, but I wasn't really into it so I kinda just took a step back and focused more on my studies. My parents are very easy going, believe it or not."

"Nah I can believe it. Your father has said countless times how he would support you in whatever choices you'd come to make in your life. No matter what those would turn out to be. And I'm sure your mother just wants you to stay out of trouble."

"She does." I assured him as I looked around the rest of the restaurant.

"Have you ever done anything with the military? I figured knowing your father you might have some experience." Peek's comment caught me a little off guard. However I was good at getting recomposed. So I collected myself back together and replied honestly.

"Actually I don't really know a whole lot about any of that. Both of my parents have never really forced me into learning that kind of stuff. I mean I know who my dad was back then and some of the things he's done in the military, but he's never forced me into that side of his life. Mom? Well she doesn't really talk about it. I know she was a soldier back when she was my age, but she's on my dad's side. She doesn't push the subject unless I ask about it."

"Have you?" Peek wondered as I calmly shook my head and replied.

"Not really. I mean I've tried to ask my dad a few questions here and there, but I haven't ever sat down with him and gone over the ins and outs. And to be real with you, I don't really know what I want to do yet with my life. I'm not against the army, but I…...I don't know. I think I'm just more nervous than anything."

"Why?" He wondered next as I noticed the hedgehog coming back with two glasses in hand, along with a pot of coffee. My uncle saw him as well and retracted his question and told the kid as he reached the table.

"Ahhh thank you. I forgot to ask for a drink."

"No problem sir. I figured. It's on the house anyway so just enjoy it. Your food will be out soon."

"Thank you again." I told him as he made his way back to the kitchen.

With my uncle pouring us both a cup, I went back into my own thoughts to dig around for an answer to his last question. In about a minute and after a few sips of his own cup of joe, I mumbled under my own sense of disappointment for myself.

"I don't really have a reason to join one way or the other when I think about it. Most people probably look at me and expect that to be the path I choose for myself just based off of my parents. Especially dad. I mean I'm not against it. I'm just scared because I know for a fact everyone would be looking at me and expecting me to take after him. I'm nowhere near close to being a soldier. Let alone the type he was back when he was in there. I just know I can't live up to that expectation."

My uncle was staring right at me the whole time as he took a sip from his cup. After he was done I went on to mumble to myself.

"I'm pathetic. You don't have to tell me."

"You're not." He replied honestly as I looked back at him to wonder.

"Am I?"

Nodding he went on to state.

"You're right about there being an expectation. I can see that coming from a mile away. But Sam, listen to me for a second."

Putting down his coffee, Peek took a moment to fix his collar. During which he cleared his throat and said to me softly.

"You can't let that kind of shit get in the way of what you were meant to do. Be that following in his footsteps or setting off on a path of your own. If you worry about what everyone else thinks you're never going to be happy with the choices you make. Listening to all that negative energy can hurt you a lot more and a lot faster than any physical pain will. You're a strong woman. I can see it in your face. Do you really give a shit about what anyone thinks of you?"

Giving the question some thought I replied.

"I mean not really. I care more about making things better. Especially when it comes to myself. That's why I worked so hard at school."

Nodding his head, Peek went on to suggest.

"Maybe you need to take a second and look at what you just said there to me. Because to me it sounds like you could care less about what others think. You sound focused. Focused on what's real and who really matters in this world. You. You Sam. No one is gonna hold your hand in this world. Your parents can only do so much. There comes a point where you have to see that for yourself and decide there isn't time to waste on caring about the critics. You need to be only concerned about yourself and do what's best for you. And that includes thinking about the things that make you happy. You need to think about what those things are and push after them. If you don't wanna follow behind your father, then don't. You'd only be doing that for him. Not for you. You hear me?" He asked as I was in silence.

What he was saying made a lot of sense. He was right. Why was I so concerned about what others would think of me? Now I just felt stuipd for even bringing it up. With my eyes leaving his, I noticed he had a wristband on his right arm. It was all metal and from the quick glance I got of it, it appeared to have his blood type on it. With my mind starting to leave the past behind, I tried my best to change the subject. With my voice shifting away from the guilt, I asked the bird sitting before me.

"What is it you do for a living?"

The bird widened his eyes slightly as I went on to explain my reason for asking.

"I mean I heard from my father that you were military yourself right? Didn't you grow up overseas?"

Chuckling slightly he replied.

"I did."

With my curiosity spiked I then asked.

"So how did you end up over here? I can't imagine a pigeon wanting to willingly come out to the desert. Were you with G.U.N?"

Nodding he replied.

"I joined the army back when I was eighteen. I spent a few years moving around working on radios and advanced communications for infantry units. In a way you have me to thank for the radios almost everyone in the military uses."

"Did you go to college?" I asked next as he took another sip of his coffee to reply.

"Nah. I'm more or less home schooled. Everything I know I either taught myself or someone taught me in the army."

Impressed, I then wondered out loud.

"How'd you end up out here?"

Finishing his drink, Peek poured himself another round before replying.

"A lot of things led me to where I am now Sam. I can't just give you one thing and have it be my sole reason."

"Well how'd you end up meeting my dad?" I narrowed down my questioning. Giving me a small smile he replied.

"Tell you what…...how about we save all the questions for now? I'm hungry and I'd rather take my time laying things out for you so it doesn't seem overwhelming."

I knew he was hiding something so I just asked what I was thinking about.

"Were you a merc?"

The bird didn't even flinch. His stare came back hard as I explained my reasons for assuming that in the first place.

"I heard a lot of things over the years living with my dad. I know my mother's sister is marrying one of your best friends. I also heard my mother mention you two used to work together a lot, but she never said you were with G.U.N. And I know you aren't part of the rebellion or M.E.A.F, otherwise you'd have said so by now. And your wristband isn't marked. If you were with the army it would be tagged under one of their insignias. G.U.N has the two headed bear and I know the M.E.A.F has this on all their gear." I directed his attention up to my hat. His eyes slowly looked to the logo and not even a second after did he start to chuckle again to himself. All I could do was smile as he told me honestly.

"You're observant and that's quite the assumption. What if I just went out and got this myself?" He asked me as he pulled up the arm that had the wristband on. Quickly defending my reasoning, I replied back as I heard the waiter coming back out from the kitchen; food in hand.

"You don't seem like the kind of guy to forget his own blood type. You're also not getting defensive, so I have a good reason to believe I'm right about this. Otherwise you'd have proven me wrong by now. Right?"

By that time our food had been placed before us and the waiter had gone back to the kitchen. Picking up my fork, I just waited and stared back at my uncle as he was thinking over his next move. Picking up his own utensil, Peek had decided to give me my answer after maybe thirty seconds had passed us by.

"That wit of yours is a double edged sword Sam. Try to remember that in the future."

Smiling widely, I then asked him as I felt some excitement enter my heart not a moment too soon.

"So you are a mercenary. Who do you work for? Can I ask that?"

Nodding he replied.

"You can, but I'm not obligated to answer you. Hehe."

Reaching across the table to smack my uncle on his wrist, I shouted out with a smile.

"Fuck you! Come on just say it!"

Taking a bite of his omelette, my uncle was nothing but smiles as I raised my tone. Once he swallowed he begged me.

"Alright calm down tiger."

I was still laughing as he collected himself. After he had cleared his throat he told me calmly.

"I used to be a merc. Keyword is "used" to be Sam. I don't do that kind of work anymore. I've been retired for the last two years."

I was fully engrossed in his words as he went on to tell me.

"Shader industries. That's who I used to run with. Me and your aunt's soon to be husband. We've retired since then."

"So what have you been up to then? You got a family other than mine?"

Nodding he replied.

"Yeah I got my own flock back overseas. I've spent the last year with them back in the states."

"And you decided to leave them to come back over here?" I questioned as he quickly defended himself by stating.

"First of all Sam, I left for a few reasons. First and foremost I was getting bored. Second, I owe your dad a few favors. And on top of all of that, when I found out I had a chance to see you again I jumped on the opportunity."

"Bullshit." I replied as he instantly began to laugh out loud.

"I wouldn't lie about this. I'm being serious Sam. I missed you."

"Sure." I joked back as he gave me a soft snicker and went back to eating his dish.

Taking my time to start eating my own breakfast, I allowed some time to pass before pushing the next question I had coming to my mind. Once he had nearly finished half of his omelette, I laid it on him and I saw his instant reaction a moment after it had entered his ears.

"You've killed people?"

Peek's whole attitude changed. He lowered his fork and once our eyes locked did he reply back.

"Yeah…...I have."

"Do you remember the first time?"

Now my question rested on his ears. I took another bite of my steak as he contemplated giving me a legit answer. I was expecting a lie, but after about twenty seconds he replied.

"It was during my first tour with G.U.N. I was caught in the middle of a bad intel raid gone even worse. No need for details Sam, all you need to know is I had no other choice, but to defend myself and my friends."

"I understand." I tried to tell him. Giving me a slow shake of his head Peek replied.

"No you don't. You can't comprehend what taking a life is like Sam. Not unless you do it. The most you can do is try to understand it and you won't ever get close to the mental damage that does to you. Trust me. Don't ask stupid questions like that. It's only going to distract you. You need to think about yourself."

"I am. I'm just trying to get to know you."

"You don't need to know me in that way Sam. All you need to know is that I love you and I'm gonna help you build up that self confidence."

"I have self confidence." I told him back as he proceeded to then ask me.

"Do you? Here; since you like to assume my life story, allow me to assume some of yours now that I know a bit about what's going on."

My uncle took his time to pick back up his fork. As he did he began to look over my face very closely. I was kinda feeling weird about it as he took his time. After about a minute he said to me confidently.

"You probably only have one real friend. Who is it?"

Widening my eyes I immediately questioned.

"Excuse me? Where the hell did you get that from? I have tons of….?"

Peek shot me this funny look which instantly got me to shut up and hunch slightly over my food. All my emotion and self confidence had left me not soon after. I don't know how he narrowed it down, but things became even worse when he informed me of his assumption with confidence of his own backing it.

"Over the years I've heard some things between friends and family. One of those things came from your aunt's mouth when I spent some time over her place with her boyfriend. Rumor going around was that her sister's daughter was a blooming genius. Excelling at nearly every class she had. You won a few science fairs too and the things you came up with for those blew every other kid out of the water. And don't try to hide it either because I saw each and every one of them. Your mother is your biggest fan and she shows you off."

I took a very gentle bite out of my steak as he went on to mutter.

"But…..all that talent came with a problem you developed at a young age. Your uncle Char pointed it out first. You don't like working with anyone."

My eyes quickly left him out of sadness as he called me out. I knew he was right and I just couldn't bring myself to look at him straight anymore.

Reaching across the table to grab my hand, my uncle urged me.

"Don't pout. Look at me Sam."

Reconnecting my eyes to his, I listened as he told him bluntly.

"You don't trust people easily when it comes to your passion for science. You turned down a lot of people and you probably lost a good bit of friends along the way towards that scholarship. I'm not saying it was the wrong move to make, but I'd be willing to bet there aren't many people you have left that would feel comfortable working with you. And that doesn't just apply to how you push them away. You're famous among the middle east and your name and presence in a room holds a mighty big flame. A lot of people probably feel inferior because you're Raptor's daughter. You're the daughter of the world's most famous military commander. It's stressful and quite frankly Sam, I bet a lot of those folks also know they can't compete with your intelligence. It's scary and plays a big role in your social life. But now that I've had time to talk with you, I can tell you have a sweet side. You have to have someone in your life that holds you together and that person isn't anyone in your family. It has to be someone low key. So who is it? Be honest with me. Who's your best friend?"

With his hand holding the back of my palm down to the table, I took a moment to collect myself before mumbling back sadly.

"Teddy."

"Who's he?" Peek asked me while leaning in slightly. With my tone still down towards the ground I replied.

"He's been my best friend since elementary. He's a sloth bear. So he's not the size you'd expect a bear to be. In fact, he's rather well built for his size."

"You guys keep in touch?"

Nodding I replied.

"We text all the time. I was actually supposed to go hang out with him today. We planned to go to the military history museum. We've been wanting to spend some time there and just learn about the middle east's history leading up to where it is now."

My uncle seemed interested enough now to then ask me.

"When were you guys getting together?"

Looking at my phone, I replied after seeing the time.

"Around twelve."

"You still wanna go? I'd like to meet him if that's okay with you? I won't be a third wheel either, I promise."

Breaking a smile out, I informed him carefully so not to seem rude towards Teddy.

"We're not dating. Hell he's not really my type to begin with. He's just always had my back and he's smart too. You'd like him. My parents do."

"Then how about we finish up here and we go see him? Sounds like a good plan for both of us."

"What about training? I thought my dad wanted you to…?" Shaking his head almost instantly, Peek cut me off to state.

"I'm gonna train you Sam sure, but at my own pace. Trust me now it'll work out better for both of us that way. For now I'm just trying to get to know you. The same thing you're trying to do with me now by asking all about my life story. We have time and trust me now when I say this…...your dad is in no rush to have you get roughed up by your uncle. Alright?" The bird then gave me a sharp smile which got me to chuckle once more. With my good mood coming back, I nodded my head after he finished then replied while he took his hand away from mine.

"Okay."

"Good girl." He replied as we went back to eating our breakfast.

mT Shadow.