Love Struck Eternal

Chapter 32 - A new generation.

Maggie's POV, The next day, Iraq.

I was breaking out into a sweat and I was barely into my first few exercises. It was just so god damn hot out this morning and since the capital training yard was nothing more than an open event to any enlisted soldiers; everyone and their mothers were out trying to keep in shape. Every one of them worked for a reason and right now the majority of that was stationed around Char's passing. Tensions were rising despite Raptor's ability to calm a storm. Yet what could he do against a new generation of people looking to aspire to be the very best? Everyone dreamed of it. Everyone wanted to prove they were special. And even more of them wanted to be noticed. It was no secret the military kept a close eye on those with unique talents. Everyone dreamed of being Raptor's right hand. Yet I don't think anyone understood the truth.

He's never going to want that. He just wants everyone to be ready. He just wants us all working together towards a greater cause and that cause right now was heavily focused on keeping calm. War was the last thing this world needed and everyone knew that, but regardless of what Raptor said or did to reinforce that idea; it didn't prevent the dreamers from taking over. What's funny though is that I even wanted to impress him. Even after sharing some sense towards the truth. He was my hero after all. I thought to myself as I worked on my own to prevent any interference a group could offer.

Right now I found myself at one of the many benches people used to rest their training gear. I had nothing more than a bottle of water and my phone to keep me company. Well that and a pair of black earbuds to listen to some music as I worked out. A few of the new guys worked across from my station and they all were just laughing as they were getting ready to continue their exercises.

Besides those guys there were soldiers from all regiments of the M.E.A.F. Even some of Zandro's operators who I had the pleasure of knowing. Most of that was sarcasm though. Zandro's men were mostly all assholes. At least they were to me. No matter what I did I couldn't earn any respect. Probably because of my age if I had to guess, but I don't really know. Fuck them. It's a good thing we work solo most of the time. I'd lose my shit if they gave me a partner.

Sitting down for a few minutes to collect my energy for another round, I focused my time on staring at my phone. I couldn't help but keep looking at old pictures of my dad. Even now I wasn't really over it. I feel like I never really would be. My life just felt empty without him around. No one was left of my family but me now. No brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts or uncles. I was alone.

Of course I knew I had Zeta and Raptor. Even Sam if she was here still. God I miss her. We were such good friends. I remember helping her out a lot when it came to her school work. I would spend nights alone with her just helping her study for whatever tests she had planned. She was as close to a sister as I would ever get. Both of us were wolves and in all honesty we're about the same size. We'd borrow each other's clothes and talk about stupid shit; like boys. She wasn't ever into that kind of stuff, but still at least we talked about it. It was never easy for either of us. She was always been targeted for being Raptor's daughter and I was just alone with my dad most of my life growing up and he had to work to pay all the bills. I can't remember how many times I wouldn't see him because he had to work doubles or even triples at work to make the money.

A tear came out from my right eye and almost instantly I reached up to wipe my face with my right arm. My white fur made a comfy arm rest as I then struggled to go back to my music.

Letting out a single low sigh, I recalled what I knew I had told myself. I promised I'd keep going. Even if it sucked, I had to be better. I had to make him proud. I don't want him worrying about me wherever he is now. I thought to myself as I suddenly looked up to see those dudes across from me all looking to the main building of the capital with worried faces.

Upon looking over for myself, I widened my eyes to see Raptor making his way out onto the yard by himself. He had a small duffel bag with him and that hung over his front side as he proceeded to walk more my way then anywhere else.

For years I looked at this man and questioned who he was. Raptor was unlike anyone else out there in the world that I knew of. He's fifty six years old and he doesn't look a day older than thirty. He was the most in shape hedgehog in the world and no one knew his secret. There were plenty of rumors, but regardless he was just built differently. Even now I questioned my own personal feelings. I love him like he was my second father and at the same time he was always and is still my personal hero. I joined the military because of him. I pushed through all the bullshit and fought to become one of Zandro's personal operators because of him. Because I want him to notice me. Even if he clearly already does, I still want to prove to him that I'm worth my weight.

On the approach I noticed he was wearing M.E.A.F training gear. Much like all of us. Just some strong brown patterned cargo pants and a plain black tank top. Why? I had to wonder as he was looking at his phone.

This guy was the fucking president and here he was coming out to join the troops for training? For what reason? No one does this. Not even the officers are caught out here training most of the time. Apart from a select few veterans but still. Was he serious? I had to wonder as he eventually looked back up with his purple eyes to see me sitting here staring back at him.

Letting out a deep sigh that almost matched my previous one, he asked me with a calm tone as he reached the other side of the bench to lay down his bag.

"Fancy seeing you out here this early. How'd you sleep? I didn't even see you slip out of the house this morning."

Giving him a small smile I replied.

"I left around six. I don't think you were up yet."

"I've been up for the last two days if you want me to be honest with you."

"Seriously?" I questioned as he took a moment to sit down to open his bag.

Pulling out a water bottle of his own and an old ipod with some earbuds, I looked over his condition closely as he replied after connecting them to his ears.

"I can't sleep."

"Why? Are you that stressed?"

"How can I not be with all that's going on? Char is gone, I'm forced back into office for my second term, and I still haven't heard anything from my daughter." He explained to me as I questioned.

"Mrs. Diskov heard from her though, right?"

Nodding, he replied.

"Yeah, but it still doesn't sit well with me."

"She'll call you, I'm sure of it." I told him back confidently as it was clear he was depressed just from talking about it. Giving me a small smile, he whispered as it became clear that more people were noticing his presence around the yard by all the eyes we were getting.

"I hope."

"Are you here to train?"

Nodding, he replied.

"Just for a few hours."

"Why?" I chuckled back as he zipped back up his bag to begin getting back up from the bench. Once on his feet again, he turned on his ipod to reply bluntly.

"Why? Because it helps me relieve some stress. That's all. I'm not here to cause a scene."

Now I legit laughed and questioned.

"Are you sure about that?"

Raptor took a good look around while scratching under his own chin. After that he chuckled back with some uncertainty to his tone.

"No? Ahhh fuck it."

Reaching down to offer me his hand, I widened my eyes as he proceeded to ask me.

"Are you done? If not, I'd like someone I know training with me."

"Me?" I questioned with a blank face as he chuckled and replied.

"Of course you. What? You scared?"

Taking his hand, I replied while being tugged up from my seat.

"I'm not anything special commander."

"Raptor." He groaned as I stood maybe an inch over him to add.

"I can't keep up with you."

Giving me a face my father would give me when I seemed to be putting myself down, he released my hand to order me.

"Stop that. You know better."

I couldn't help but frown a little as he went on to state.

"You have more talent in you then half the infantry regiment combined. Zandro and I agreed to put you where you are because of that hard work you put in to prove yourself to us. So please just stop putting yourself in that kind of headspace."

All I could do was think quietly to myself about what he just said. It made me happy to hear what I did come from him, but even after that I looked back at him to state.

"But that still doesn't make me feel any better about being next to you in the yard."

Now giving me a small smirk he urged me with a gentle pat to my arm.

"Just don't think about it. All that shit you're saying and feeling; is just your head trying to find a way to keep you off balance. You can't perform at your best if you're distracted by bullshit Maggie. I'm no better than you. I'm no better than anyone here. I'm not even trying to hide that. This shit isn't a competition. Just come out with me and at the least keep me company if you're not gonna participate."

"There are a million other saps looking to train with you commander." I widened my eyes the second I heard myself say commander again. Raptor on the other hand gave me a stern glare and waited for me to correct myself. Taking a chance to shake my head up, I shouted out at him.

"Fucking shit! I'm sorry. It's a habit."

"You know what? Just because you keep addressing me like an officer, I'm gonna say this. You're now ordered to train with me. So get ass moving and walk with me to the fucking bar before I decide to lose my cool."

"You can't be serious?" I questioned in disbelief as he instantly started to laugh.

"You bet I am. Now come on. I can embarrass you if you want?"

"No! I'm….I'm coming. Just….ahhhhh!"

Raptor's POV.

Maggie was indeed intimidated, but how could she not be with all these fucking people looking at us? Regardless she wasn't giving herself any credit. She was a fantastic soldier and an even better strategist. Her scores during training were well above average and most of them were better than Zandro's men and that meant she had the opportunity to do whatever she wanted. She could do anything and join any group the M.E.A.F had. Yet she wanted special forces and at the end of the day she decided to join Zandro and his group of fiends. I'm sure it was because she hated working with groups. She reminded me a lot of Samantha. I thought to myself as I took her onto the yard and towards a set of metal pull up bars.

The yard was full of other soldiers. Most of which were all part of the infantry regiment. On the bars we were aiming to get were three other men. Two hedgehogs like myself and a black bear. One of the hedgehogs saw me coming and instantly got down to salute. The rest of his friends panicked and did the same once they realized I was in front of them. Yet the three of them were breathing heavily from being stopped mid workout and that got me to feel bad, so I quickly urged them as Maggie stood behind me a few inches.

"At ease. Finish your sets. We'll wait."

The men obeyed and with Maggie stopping at my side, she asked me carefully.

"Should you really be out here doing this? Doesn't the M.E.A.F have rules about what you can do while on active duty?"

I took a moment to chuckle then informed her nicely.

"Maggie? Since when do I follow the rules?"

Her head tilted for a moment to think. She couldn't think of a fast enough answer so I quickly said to her in a playful tone.

"Don't think too hard about it now pup."

She instantly went red in the face and questioned.

"Pup? You haven't called me that since I was like ten, so please don't do that in front of everyone now."

Reaching back to pat her side, I urged her as the men began to wrap up their performance.

"Don't get so worried about it now. I have nicknames for everyone. You know that."

"I do but I don't want any of Zandro's men hearing it. The last thing I need is one of them catching wind of it and calling me that. I have enough problems with those fucking guys. Sorry." She mumbled as she caught herself cursing now in front of me. All I could do was laugh and reply.

"Haha, don't be so formal Mags. I may be the president again, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna spike you for letting out a curse here and there. But…...when it comes to being a second daughter to me; I would like it if you tried to relax once in a while when you're around me. I get tired of all the political shit."

"Second….?" Maggie found herself speechless when she heard that leave my mouth. As expected.

With the white wolf wide eyed and the men hopping down from the bars, I again reached back to now slap her with my backhand against her chest. She jumped in place as I cracked my back and stretched my arms out while going for the bar a moment after. This time however I urged her.

"Loosen up. I want at least twenty out of you."

"Twenty?" She questioned in confusion as I nodded and jumped up to begin my set.

Stretching her arms out while giving me a sharp smile and glare, Maggie went forward to state.

"I can do that in my sleep. Just you watch."

She hopped up with confidence onto her own bar and in time I shot her a happy laugh in response to her confidence. I couldn't ask her for anything more. This whole time I just wanted her to show off. I knew what she could do and I'd enjoy every second of it. For her father's sake and for mine; I plan to help this girl achieve her goals. No matter what they were.

Maggie's POV, An hour later.

I couldn't breathe. How the fuck could anyone keep this up? I asked myself as I stopped running to catch my breath. Raptor on the other hand was a few feet in front of me and once he saw me stop he slowly came to a crawl and turned back around to ask me with sweat dripping down his face.

"You good?"

Nodding my head I replied.

"I'm good! Just….just give me a sec."

Raptor came back over to me and this time he stopped just in front of me to suggest.

"You want to take a break? We've been going pretty hard this last hour or so. You gotta be exhausted."

Now I just laughed and looked back up at him to question.

"Are you insane? How the hell are you able to keep up a pace like this? You're about to be sixty."

Raptor looked honestly hurt I'd say that to him, but I knew he took it well when he fired back with some sass to his voice.

"I got two years left in me before that shit happens. Don't make excuses."

"It's not an excuse. It's the fucking truth. You're not supposed to be able to do this kind of shit at your age. Even with all your experience in the wars; there just isn't a reason in hell you should be beating me in every exercise this badly."

"Maybe you need to work harder?" He wondered playfully back which got me to charge at him.

Raptor widened his eyes as I tackled him to the ground. He wasn't trying to fight back, probably because he hadn't predicted this. So using my speed I got on top of him and grabbed his shirt with both my hands to then pull him slightly up into my face.

"Don't fucking play with me! I swear to god I'll kill you!"

Raptor instantly broke out into laughter which got me to start growling. However once I began, he jumped forward from the ground to grab my shirt and used all his speed to turn me over in a sheer matter of seconds. He was now on top of me and I was left speechless by how fast he had accomplished that reversal. Giving me a surprised look of his own, he asked me politely.

"Really now? You'd have to try harder than that kiddo if you wanted to keep me down. Now come on!" He urged me as he pulled me up by my arms.

I didn't know what to say. I was taken and absolutely stunned by his speed still. He noticed that and instead of saying anything stupid he instead licked his fingers and reached an inch up to help fix my hair which had gotten in the way of my right eye. I just again got embarrassed as he whispered to me while parting it to the side.

"You know you just technically committed a few things that could get you court marshaled there pup? Threatening an officer on duty? Attacking' and that's me being polite. The army would call that assault. Even worse than all of that? You just threatened to kill the president of the middle east. You'd lose everything."

"You wouldn't dare." I playfully said back to him as he chuckled and finished helping me recover my hair to reset his stance.

"You know me so well. Come on then. We're done for now. Let's get back home."

He started to turn and walk away, but instantly I reached out to tap his arm. He stopped just as I got hit with a sudden feeling of anguish.

"About that…?" I mumbled outward as he proceeded to ask.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." I replied nervously as he quickly questioned.

"Don't be like that. What's wrong?"

"I….?" Before I could say another word we both panicked when we heard a high pitch voice call out from afar.

"Commander Voltz!"

Both of us turned to look back onto the yard to see a small white rabbit in a full M.E.A.F combat uniform running right towards us with a fairly tall red fox who had a camera hanging under his neck. But the fun didn't stop because behind him were two other rabbits holding what to me looked like a makeup case. Raptor let out a small sigh and once the white rabbit got close he asked her.

"Who let you in, Jen?"

The rabbit gave him a quick laugh to reply as she stopped in front of us with the rest of her friends.

"I see you're still as cheery as ever. You know I have my methods."

"Typically that means you want something though if you worked your way through the gate again. So what is it this time?" He proceeded to ask as the rabbit stopped for a moment to look at me and wonder.

"Are you Samantha? Raptor's daughter?"

Widening my eyes and looking back at Raptor, I begged him to handle that and thankfully he did by informing her and her crew.

"No Jen. She's my second child no one knows about."

Letting out a surprised chuckle, Jen apologized by stating.

"Oh I'm sorry. I just assumed."

"Sam looks like salt and pepper Jen. You know that." Raptor chuckled as he then went on to say.

"This is Maggie. She's a close friend to the family. We're just training this morning together."

"That's nice." Jen replied happily as she then looked back at him to ask.

"So I'm here because as you know I'm a pretty big reporter thanks to you and currently I'm doing a joint project with G.U.N and a few other countries that goes into detail about the current leaders and top political figures representing each of them. I did a whole article about Ajex last month. I'm sure you saw it. It made headlines and it even helped him look even better as the face of G.U.N. So I'm here hoping I can do the same for you."

"What do you need?" Raptor proceeded to smile and ask her back as it felt like this was about to be a drag. Looking back at her friends Jen replied.

"Well I know everything there is to know about you. So I already put a copy of the article in your office for you to look at later when you're not so busy saving the world and all that. However, part of this report requires that I get a good picture of you that shows the world what you do, but like I just said; I already got all of that handled so I figured I'd take this chance to offer you a spot in a biography magazine G.U.N is also having me put together."

"Oh boy." Raptor chuckled as I questioned.

"Are you talking about that one magazine people read that goes all in depth about one specific group or person? What's it called?"

"Timeshare hun." Jen informed me as she went up to Raptor to state.

"It's a whole magazine that dips into every detail of your life. From your humble beginnings, through your rise to power, your military genius, what you like doing on your off hours and all sorts of knick knack stuff. But I want to do a whole ten pages about your physical shape. I want to know all your secrets so I can expose them to the world."

"Jen? They are called secrets for a reason. You know I can't just tell you." Raptor explained nicely as the rabbit quickly replied.

"I know how you are, but at the very least let me get a really good picture of you. I want to do one that makes you look like a god. It's gonna be on the front cover so we want it to be perfect."

"You mean dramatization? You're gonna make me look like a sap." Raptor laughed as I also laughed at the idea of him being a supermodel for the world to see. Jen however shook her head and hopped up a foot to shout.

"Absolutely not! Look what I did with Ajex! Marcus, show him!" She ordered her cameraman who reached into a backpack he carried on his back to pull out a magazine. Instantly it got another chuckle from me as Raptor took it personally for him to witness in all its glory.

Now let me paint this for you. The whole cover of the magazine was white with a black border going all around it. At the top was the name Timeshare and just under that was the name of the issue which was just Ajex Marano. A small bit of writing was under that as a footnote and all together it said. Ajex Marano, G.U.N's youngest ever president.

Yet it got better. The picture was of him. Just him. He was wearing a stunning black suit and standing just behind the chair that sat in the oval office. Behind him was their flag and to each of his sides stood a member of his secret service saluting. Ajex himself actually looked good. His fur looked perfect and his smile was stunning. He looked so happy and to be honest the whole cover of this issue looked amazing. I had to give her credit. She looked like she knew her stuff. Yet Raptor had to wonder out loud with a smile coming back to his face.

"You want me to do the same? I can pull this off."

"Well hear me out." Jen urged him. I saw the look on Raptor's eyes change as he laughed and replied.

"Oh this has to be good. You know Jen, you're honestly the only reporter I like in the world because you haven't purposely tried to ruin my political standing with the middle east, but you've always been a bit eccentric with your passion."

"I want to take a different route with this commander. I want the picture to be authentic, but I want to highlight your body."

"How so?" I asked her as she looked back at her two makeup artists to reply.

"I wanna try taking a picture with you looking downright dirty. I want to show the difference to the world between both of these powerhouse countries. Ajex's side shows peace and democracy. I want yours to maybe have a good background of the deserts. Then I want to make you look as rough as possible. Of course the world knows you're a war hero, but I want to highlight that more by adding some flare to your image. Sand, dirt, sweat, blood, guns, M.E.A.F soldiers standing by your side to make it look more like you just got done having a battle with some unlucky chumps, and I want to make you look hot all at the same time."

"He kinda already is." I chuckled, which got Raptor to laugh back at me.

"Stow that talk pup. I'm nothing of the sort, but thank you for the kind words."

"I told you not to call me that in front of….!?" I tried to yell back at him but Jen was well beyond my level of energy. With my face now red I listened as Jen shouted.

"Can I please do this with you commander?! It won't take all day. Maybe an hour tops. I have a lot of other things I need to do after I get the cover art sent out to publishing. Which reminds me, but would you mind lending me some pictures?"

"Of what?" He asked her back as I took a moment to wipe my face with the bottom of my shirt.

"Of whatever you got. I need something for the insides. Starting from your childhood. Do you think you'd be willing to lend me a hand with this? I promise I won't do you wrong with this. I'm even gonna let you read it all over and you can edit where the pictures themselves go. I won't publish anything till I know you're okay with it all." Jen informed him as she was getting even more excited by the second.

"Do you want to be in it hun?" She then asked me as I finished cleaning myself off of sweat and embarrassment to question.

"What? Me?"

"You're a close friend of the family. I'm sure he'd love to have you in it with him. Right commander? It would also really look good to have a female like you displayed alongside him. It shows the world that there is equality among the ranks."

I was nervous of anything picture related and I don't think Raptor really knew that, but regardless he gave the thought some consideration before looking back at me to reply.

"I wouldn't mind it. Think you could smile?"

Nodding my head just out of confusion for what else to really do, I replied with a small hiccup to my voice.

"Yeah. I can do that if you're good with this?"

Everyone smiled back as I caved in. A moment later Jen shouted.

"Awesome! Can we start now?!"

"Sure. Guess we're dirty enough to get a head start." Raptor replied as he took a moment to order me.

"Go get your things together. See if you can convince anyone else to join us for this. I'm sure there are plenty of others who want this opportunity."

"Oh don't worry about that hun! I'm gonna shop around and see who I can use to make this photo look really good. No offense commander. I just need the cover to look perfect. But I will have open spots for anyone you think deserves it later."

"Okay. I trust your instincts Jen." Raptor replied as I got my legs running back to the bench where my bag rested.

Upon picking it up and tossing it back around my back, I ran my way back to find Raptor going over potential locations with the rabbit. Was I really about to do this with him? It was an honor of course, but at the same time I was scared. I hate public exposure. I said to myself internally as I took a few minutes to try and relax a little before facing my fears.

Raptor's POV, A few hours later.

Maggie and I finally got done with Jenny Young and her small group of fellow reporters and I won't lie, I had a good time. Maggie was clearly scared of taking photos, but I would like to think she's a lot better now after all the shit we just got done doing.

Now I had to go home to get changed. Jenny had me dress up at least three times. Once in my M.E.A.F officers attire, once in a full set of combat dress I typically dawned during the wars, and another set of clothes I was allowed to call "casual" to show people I did dress down once in a while. The fun though was the cover photo.

We took myself and a small group of men Jenny picked out into the desert. She wanted the city in the background by a good distance and myself and my soldiers posing in the dunes. To be honest I knew not a single person she chose, but I can say wholeheartedly that she was aiming to get the most manly looking of men we had in the army. In the end it made myself look small in comparison. Even Maggie was bigger than me, but that didn't stop us from taking a great photo for the magazine and I think Jenny couldn't have agreed more. She gave me a copy to take so I could read it all over before she shipped it out for publishing and I planned to spend the rest of the day looking it all over. I'm curious what she wrote about when it came to certain high and low points in my life as a stupid idiot who found himself leading a military fighting force.

"Raptor?"

I broke my train of thought as I pulled back into the driveway of my home. Maggie sat at my side in the passenger seat and when I heard her voice call to me I turned to look her in the eyes as she wondered quietly.

"I didn't want to just ignore our past conversation before all of that happened. Can we talk before we go inside?"

I sensed that she was being serious about this matter, so I shut off the engine and replied while putting my keys back in my pocket.

"Of course we can. You seemed worried. What's wrong?"

Shaking her head she replied.

"Nothing is wrong. It's just….well I don't want to seem like I'm just being a freeloader towards you and Zeta. I feel horrible that I can't go home, but I feel even worse relaying on you guys to look after me. I should be able to act like an adult and figure this out for myself."

Now I got serious and jumped in to inform her.

"First of all, you're not being a freeloader. I asked you to come stay with us after what happened. That was my ass on the line. I didn't even think about how Zeta would react to it."

"Does she not want me here?" The young wolf proceeded to ask as I instantly shook my head to reply.

"Quite the opposite. She loves you Maggie. She loves you like your her own daughter. I have no doubts when it comes to the seriousness of that statement. So don't ever think that she wouldn't want you here by her side. Do you have any idea how hurt she is with Samantha not being here? She broke her heart. She broke my heart, but I have no room to feel sorry for myself after what I did to her."

"I heard about the fight. I'm sorry it happened that way. I'm sure you did everything you could." Maggie mumbled sadly back as I quickly begged her.

"Don't feel sorry about anything. Sam left because of what I did. And…..?"

Despite my ability to feel nothing at hard times, I couldn't help but get emotional now that I was talking about my daughter. Maggie widened her eyes slightly as I felt two tears slowly roll out from under my eyes before going down my face.

"And I can't change that. I fucked up, okay? I know what I did was wrong and anything that happens to that girl emotionally and even physically is my fault. If I would have just restrained myself and acted like a fucking man, she might still be here with us. But you know what? She's gone. On the other side of the planet and she's doing her damnedest to avoid me like I'm the plague. She only talked to her mother, and that was once in the last six months."

"Did she say anything to her?" Maggie asked me as I quickly wiped my face before stating back.

"Nothing that made us feel any better. We know she's still in Los Angeles and she's working."

"Working? Doing what?"

"I don't know, but that tells me she's not going to school. For whatever reason she's just taking her time." I replied as I sniffed up some of my emotion.

"She's probably lost. I know her. She's was my best friend. She's smart, but she's also fragile. She's alone and she got mixed up with the network and that bad shit and right now she's probably just trying to figure out what she wants to do. That's just how she is. She takes her time. She does her best work when she does that." Maggie said with confidence as I nodded my head and mumbled.

"I hope. I hope you're right."

"Do you think otherwise? Do you think she's in trouble?" Now her question got me thinking all over again and for once I had nothing really good to say in return. Looking back at her, I shook my shoulders and replied bluntly.

"I think she's fine physically, but mentally she might be going nuts by herself. She's my baby and she's an exact copy of her mother, and that tells me that she's more than capable of being depressed. I know that better than anyone. Maybe even more than Zeta."

Maggie didn't know what to say so we just went quiet for a few moments. In turn I gave my next thought a chance and calmly looked back at the white wolf to ask her.

"Can I tell you something? Something personal that only a few people know about me?"

Maggie seemed awed, but at the same time concerned for the fact that I'd ask. However after a quick nod she replied.

"Sure."

Nodding my head back, I took a moment to collect my thoughts. She waited and in time I started off by telling her this.

"My father formed the rebellion. Well before your time. I was seven when he started it, but I was about maybe…..sixteen, closer to seventeen when he started getting serious about rebelling against G.U.N."

"Really?" She asked me back in disbelief as I simply smiled and nodded back before stating.

"We never got along when that started to happen. He wasn't home most nights. He got more violent with my mother. He drank more and kicked my older brother out when he started getting into more trouble at school. He even hit my sister a few times."

"Jesus. What about you?" She proceeded to wonder as I calmly replied after wiping my face again.

"I stayed away for the most part. I got myself a girlfriend who turned out to be my first wife, but before all of that happened my dad and I got at each other's throats. I just wanted a dad. I wanted him to acknowledge me and just fucking spend some time with me, but I kept not getting that and I just got angrier and angrier as the months went on."

Maggie was just listening to me as I dropped the bomb next.

"My dad was ready to go to war with G.U.N. He wanted me to be a part of it. He saw my rage and told me I'd be a great soldier if I focused all that emotion on fighting his enemies. But I didn't do that. Instead I joined G.U.N and went in the complete opposite direction. I hated my old man and I hated him so much I just wanted to do anything that would hurt him in return; since he caused so much pain for me and my family."

I took a second to put my next sentence together, but once I had it I just came out and said it to her.

"I went off the handle and one night G.U.N found out we were related and they asked me to kill him. So I did."

Maggie didn't really react. She just seemed concerned still for my well being. Every time I thought about that she reminded me of Sam. Sam would listen to me ramble on and not give me anything back. Maybe it was a way to keep themselves in control of their own emotions. I could take notes if I was a tad smarter about it.

Looking back into her eyes I finished up by admitting to her.

"I didn't care about the outcome. I just did it, but G.U.N needed to be sure an uprising wouldn't happen after he died. So I had to kill my mother and sister as well. I don't want to talk about the details, but I did sadly. My brother got off clean for a few years by ending up in jail, but I still did what I did and I didn't look back. That's what years of anger and depression can do to someone when they are standing in the shoes we find ourselves in now Maggie. And I know my story isn't normal when compared to other family disputes, but it is my fucking story and I'm stuck living it everyday now. Just like with Sam, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about it. There isn't a day where I don't ask myself what would have happened if I just had some self control. Maybe if I understood where my dad was back then, I'd have a completely different life right about now. The whole world might be different. I don't know."

Now I just came to a stop during the conversation to just breathe. Maggie adjusted herself in her seat as I said to her soon with a softer tone.

"I know I can't change what's been done. I know I can't go back and make things right and I know there isn't anything good that comes with thinking about the past. I can't change who I am or what I've done to get here now, but I can try and make sure you kids don't grow up to make the same mistakes."

"I mean…..I don't think I'm gonna be killing you anytime soon." Maggie chuckled despite the seriousness of what I just said. I could only laugh a little with her as she went on to say.

"What's done is done I assume. I'm sure time has done a lot for you, but I can't say I'm gonna turn my back on you after hearing this. It's all in the past and the rebellion is gone. That life you lived is gone. You made sure to get away from that part of your life and I'm sure if given the chance you'd do the right thing if you ever had to face something like that again. I'm sorry for your family. I'm sorry you felt like you had to do what you did. I can't pretend to know, but you're a father to me and with my dad gone that's all I want from you. I just….I just want to know I have a family."

"You do baby." I cried out. Her words hit me hard and I couldn't help but reach over and grab her. I took her into a hug and went on to whisper into her ears.

"I promised your dad I'd take care of you. He did right by me and I know how hard he worked to make sure you had this opportunity and I'm not about to lose another daughter. So….so just know that no matter what happens your part of us. You're part of this family and you have nothing to fear when it comes to being alone. I'm here, Zeta is here, and I'm sure Sam would be here too if she could. Okay? Look at me."

I pulled an inch back to stare right into her eyes. She was teary eyed too at this point and together we smiled and I said with all my heart.

"I love you. Okay?"

A tear rolled down her face a second after she heard me say that and to no surprise she cried out.

"I love you too."

We just hugged. We hugged for what felt like an hour, but sooner or later we had to collect ourselves. Despite the time we had together I begged her as we readied ourselves to head inside.

"Don't worry about Zeta. I'll handle her. I'm sure she'll sniff this out the second we walk through the door. Just go on upstairs and get washed up. Thank you again for taking those photos with me. It means a lot since I knew you were scared."

Widening her eyes Maggie questioned.

"You knew?"

I nodded as I stepped out of the car and once she had as well I said to her back.

"You don't hide it well."

Maggie just smiled at me as I led our walk to the house. Zeta was inside sitting on the couch and as expected she turned to look at us in confusion as to why we were home all the sudden. She wasn't expecting me back till tonight, but the moment she saw me she got up and asked us.

"What are you guys doing back so soon?"

I just chuckled and showed her my hands to hopefully influence some calmness from her to come.

"We had to come back. We needed to wash up as you can tell."

"Why are you so fucking dirty?" She wondered as she came right up to me to sniff my face and question.

"Are you wearing hair gel?"

"It wasn't my idea." I told her back as Maggie stepped in to state.

"Jenny Young is doing a whole biography of him. She needed a photo to put on the cover so she had us and a few guys get all messy in the sand together. She claimed she wanted it to look as authentic as possible."

Zeta chuckled once she heard that but still managed to look me up and down and wonder.

"Are you wearing makeup, Raptor Voltz?"

Very gently I rubbed my own face to reply.

"Just some foundation I think. Jenny said I needed it."

"Hmm. Well that woman knows what she's doing. It looks pretty good on you. Hides those rough features." Zeta claimed smartly enough as I questioned.

"I thought you loved those features?"

Laughing a little she replied.

"Of course I do, but sometimes I get tired of seeing the same old you. Nice to see you done up for once. Goes really good with the uniform actually."

"Jenny was very particular." Maggie added as I again urged the younger wolf.

"Go upstairs hun. You can shower first. I'm sure Zeta here wants to bully me a little longer."

"Just a little." Said wolf chuckled as Maggie made her way up. Now left alone with the woman of the house, I took a second to wipe my face again. This time however Zeta got a little serious and asked me in a low tone.

"Were you crying?"

Nodding once I replied while letting out a small sigh.

"Yeah. How the fuck do you know that every time?"

Your foundation is running sweetie. What happened? She asked back as I made my way to the kitchen with her at my side listening as I tried to explain what happened in the car between me and Maggie. After she heard it all we were seated at the table and she asked me in all seriousness.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Her." I replied honestly as she gave me a sad look.

"I know she's not Sam. I know that hun. I really do, but that girl means a lot to me. Her dad meant a lot to me. I promised him that I'd look after her when the time came."

"And you are baby, but that's not just a job meant for you. I'm part of this family too and I want to look out for her just as much as you do."

"I love her like she's my own Zeta." I admitted as I showed her my eyes. I was serious and she knew that and went on to state.

"Same. She's not my blood, but she's the sweetest girl on this earth. She has worked very hard to get where she is. Same as her dad did. But right now we need to think about what we're gonna do now that she's alone. Does she have any plans for moving out?"

Shaking my head I replied.

"No and I don't want her to. She can if she wants to, but I told her she would always have a place here with us. She's not a freeloader and she's not gonna take advantage of us. You know that too. I want her to do whatever she wants to do. It's her life to live. Our time is long gone and over with Zeta. This isn't our story anymore. It's hers. Same as it is for Sam. God knows what she's doing, but I pray to god she's doing what she loves. As her father, that's all I want. I want to know she's happy and I want to know that she's okay."

"That makes two of us." Zeta sighed back as I began to tap my fingers along my knees. The wolf knew how I was by now and went on to ask me the moment she saw my fingers going.

"What?"

Looking her in the eyes, I replied.

"Is it wrong of me to care this much about a kid that isn't my own? Is this natural or am I just trying to make myself feel better after driving Sam away?"

Reaching over to take my hand, she replied confidently.

"It's natural. You're a good person at heart Raptor. You should see that after all you've done. It's natural to feel the way you do after what happened with Samantha, but the relationship you two have can always be repaired. Maybe not right now and maybe not tomorrow, but some day you two are gonna work this out and I'm gonna be there to help you through it. It's my job as your soon to be wife to make sure you aren't facing this pain alone."

"I know." I mumbled as she went on to add.

"And it's my job to follow you into whatever stupid hell you stumble through. We all make mistakes and clearly even Maggie is bright enough to see past the ones you made and still love you like your her own dad. She's a step ahead of us and I can't ask for anything better."

"I want to make it official." I said with a sniffle as my eyes looked back up at her.

"Make what official?" Zeta asked as I calmly stared at her soul. After a moment or two she widened her eyes and a tear came from her heart. She knew what I was suggesting and neither of us were gonna say no to it.

mT Shadow.