Love Struck Eternal
Chapter 56 - The big day.
Sam's POV, A week later.
Today was the day I had to face my family after being away for more than a year now. I was as prepared as I was going to get. I dyed my fur completely black and to be honest it was a very nice color for me. Plus I spent yesterday at a groomer to get a professional trimming done and my god was having short fur a complete change of pace for me. When I got back to the bunker everyone lost their minds. I've never been given so many complements before and some of them even came from Dusk.
I was lucky to have these people in my life. Ever since I tried to kill myself they've been doing everything they could to show me just how much they cared. Ace gathered up everyone one night and we went out drinking. I wasn't old enough to drink; yet that didn't stop me. No one was going to say a word considering the group I had with me. Dusk was more of a big brother than anything that night. He got into it with two separate guys just because they tried to shoot their shot at me at the bar. Thankfully nobody called the cops and we were able to keep drinking.
Gwent was always at my side trying to make me laugh, while Byron was treating me more like his sister now. Him and Sikes developed a weird bond over me too. Again they were acting more like my brothers then friends and for some reason that made me feel so much better. I've always wanted a brother and I've always wondered what my life would have been like if my dad's kid Ghost was still alive today. Would it feel a lot like this with these guys? Or could it somehow feel different?
Yet I had to make an excuse to get back onto the road not soon after the fun. I promised them I'd keep my head on for once and they had no choice but to trust me. I also promised Tika that after this last trip I'd be coming back full time if she'd allow it. I'm sure after pulling in all that money she'd let me have the chance at resting my legs for a while.
With my gear laid out before me on my cot, I looked through what clothes I had and decided to play it down for this moment. Packing my armor into my duffel bag, along with my rifle and my mask. I decided to also leave my Luger behind. I wanted to bring it so badly, but I knew if anyone saw it I'd be questioned to no end. That and I know what my dad is. He can surely sense a weapon even if he can't see it. It was safer this way.
With mostly everything packed away, I let out a small sigh and threw on a black tank top over my bra. Once I had it covering my tummy, I threw on a dark blue zip up leather jacket and took a belt to my black skinny jeans. The jacket itself was nice. Had such a soft interior and yet formed around my arms so smoothly it didn't feel forced to extend them around.
Sitting down on the cot, I laced up my boots and prepared myself to stand again. Once I did I put on Mocha's color, the contact lenses and made sure that the jacket I was wearing covered up my tattoo. My parents would surely have questions about the ink, but I planned to play it off as being a fan of half sleeves and the design being one I came up with revolving around the interests I had in modern history and the deep criminal culture that the US was involved in. My mother might consider that reasoning to be stupid, but if it was something I passionately expressed when she decided to question it; she'd have to fold her hand and accept it. But to be honest I would probably change the story depending on the mood of the conversation. We'll see what I say.
Hardest part was going to be acting. I wasn't aiming to come back home just to be an asshole. I wanted to show them just how much I've matured since leaving them.
Looking into the mirror however quickly reminded me that I wouldn't just be showing them how I've grown emotionally. I wasn't even remotely identical to the old me. I was officially sixty pounds heavier than a year ago and my entire frame was built up from ground zero. I was bigger than a lot of guys and without a doubt I would be twice the size of my mother and probably my father. I'm not a little girl anymore. The military packed on the weight and Roslin developed all the muscles into the person I am now and for the first time in my life I can say that I truly love how I look. I was a monster now and boy was I excited to show it all off.
"Don't show off everything." Roslin urged me as he was sitting only a few beds down. He was my ride into the country when I was ready. I wasn't going to be taking a fucking plane. Not with all this gear on me. The M.E.A.F has tight enough security and getting flagged would surely bring about my end.
The plan was simple. He was going to drop me off at the airport and I'd go find the car my dad said he left for me. I'd be getting in early though. Well before the ceremony that I wasn't going to be attending. I had plans to rent out a room somewhere close to the airport just so I could store all of my belongings until I was ready to leave the country again.
Next would be a visit to the cemetery where my uncle Char was buried. I'd wanted to do this at least once before I left again. He deserves that much from me and I do wanna say goodbye.
After all of that, I guess I'll just drive around or go back to the hotel and wait till the ceremony comes to a close to go see my family. Regardless of what choice I picked, I would have to kill some time.
"You ready?" Roslin asked me as I knew it was just a matter of being there mentally. Once I was indeed ready I nodded my head and collected my bags. Hopefully the boys don't worry too much about me while I'm gone. Looking back at my master, I reached out and once I took his hand we jumped across the world as seamless as ever. Dropped right into the airport's parking lot, I was first mentally aware of the heat. Libya was bad, but being home made me remember why I didn't miss it. Roslin chuckled to himself as I took a moment to just look around. It was so weird being here again. Yet what choice did I have? I had to ask myself as Roslin proceeded to wonder.
"Where exactly did your dad leave the car?"
Refocusing after seeing a humvee of M.E.A.F soldiers drive by the outer perimeter, I replied while adjusting the straps to my backpack.
"Lot three. Should be in parking spot seven."
"They number the parking spaces?" Roslin questioned.
"It's easier that way." I told him as I began to walk in the general direction I thought lot three would be. Walking up to my side the echidna muttered.
"I don't envy the person who had to paint all those numbers on the ground."
I let out a small laugh and in return I was asked by him.
"Are you nervous at all?" Looking over at him for a moment I replied.
"Yeah. I'm pretty nervous. You? Doesn't Marcus know you're here?"
"He doesn't actually. I'll explain another time. But since you brought him up, I should let you know now that you won't see him unless he decides to let you. Much like with me. So when you're around your father take my advice and just assume he's watching. He's already confused why he can't sense you and if he sees that mark behind your ear he'll know what's up. So keep your wits about you and don't let that slip."
"I don't plan to, but how about you be the judge? There was a reason behind why I went with black for my fur color. Good luck even noticing it."
Rosling stopped me for a second to check for himself and I saw his eyes really trying to see it. He was struggling and that was good enough for him to pat my arm and reply.
"Fine. I guess you have this under control, but still. Try to be as safe as you can with it."
"Do you think my dad will have him watch me?" I said back to him curiously enough.
"Absolutely, but he might not even wait for permission. Marcus isn't the type of guy to wait if there is something bothering him and trust me…..you fucking bother him. Just wait. I guarantee it."
"Can you help at all?" I then asked as we entered lot three.
"Not a single bit. You're on your own for this one Sam. If Marcus remotely sees me with you it could jeopardize us. I have to play it safe and stay out of the way. I'll come if Marcus requests it, but I can't see him doing that. So I won't be around if you need me. I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it. I can figure it out. Trust me." I said back confidently as I could see the car just up ahead.
"I trust you, but I'm always worried now thanks to the other night."
I knew what he was getting at, so somewhat bothered I informed him back.
"I wasn't in the right place. My head was clouded and I was emotionally damaged. I lost control and….?"
"And you could have died. You were actually going to do it; if not for those friends of yours showing up. So please don't try to sugarcoat any of that. I almost lost you and for all I know this visit back to your family could trigger more outbursts and lead to that road once again. I don't want that to happen, because…..well you know how I feel now. It's not a secret anymore. So just consider that next time you get that low. You have a reason to live other than for yourself and that goes for both of us." He mumbled at the end as I hesitated to keep moving once we reached the car.
His words hurt me, but in a positive way. I knew why he felt the way he did and I knew I was wrong to consider trying to kill myself. I did have a reason to suffer through this internal pain. It's just hard when I have an appearance to keep up and no one to really talk to.
Tapping my arm the echidna looked me right in my eyes to whisper sincerely.
"That's not true. I'm always here. Always. You need me for anything and I'll listen. That I'll promise you now. Don't make up excuses. I'm here for you because I care about you. You have too much left to do and so much more to accomplish and I need you Samantha. Don't leave me alone after all of this. You hear me?"
My ears dropped in stunned silence as he whispered forth.
"Do you?"
I slowly nodded my head and with his hands now on my shoulders, I puckered my lips as he came in to kiss me. Once we stopped, he looked me back in my eyes to state.
"I have to go now. This is all on you from here on out, but if you need to talk, I'm gonna be listening to your voice. Just call for me. I'll see you physically again once you're ready to leave. Okay?"
"Okay." I whispered back with a smile as I now came in to kiss him. After which I said to him calmly.
"I love you."
Putting his hand under my chin, he replied before disappearing.
"Love you too. Good luck."
"Thanks." I whispered as he left my sight.
Left now in silence with the car door open in front of me, I slowly tossed in my bags and got in. Before starting the engine however, I collected myself and began to put my mind back on the task at hand and that was to find a hotel to drop off my gear. It didn't matter where. All that mattered was making sure no one would stumble into my belongings.
So it was only a short drive out of the airport before I found myself greeted by an onslaught of hotels. The redevelopment of the city was spent in making the area more travelable and hotels were scarce before the war ended. Now this city has a hotel or motel every five miles. The one I decided to check in at was The Great Dune. Play on words considering where we were in the world. If I had a dime for every cheesy name some tourist location was called, I wouldn't need to be a contractor.
I signed up for a month and paid up front. They were more than glad to give me a decent room. When I got up to the third floor and found my room, I left my bags on the bed and just took a second to sit there and contemplate my emotions. I didn't know what I was going to truly do about making a first impression. Getting into the restaurant was sure to be a chore, especially if my dad had security; which was surely going to be a fact. Doesn't help that I can't really abuse my powers. Hopefully I could get in unnoticed. Oh that might be fun. Test my dad's security? I'm sure there would be a flaw somewhere. I thought to myself as I reached for my backpack to then open the main compartment.
Inside the bag, towards the bottom, was my small remainder of coke and my old vape pen full of THC oil. I considered snorting the powder but decided against it simply to enjoy it later. I'm sure somewhere during this trip I'd need it. I can settle for getting high anyway. It'll help kill some time. Maybe I'll meditate too.
I had good lungs so I was able to pull a lot of my pen. It only took two good drags to feel it kicking in and I won't lie, it felt great. So I took two more then decided to put it away.
"Okay…..?" I exhaled as I sat down on the floor now to prepare for my meditation.
I looked at my phone to see it was only two. The ceremony was at four, the afterparty was at six, and I'd assumed it would end at eight so everyone could get home in time to clean up and watch the ball drop for new years, but god knows with this kind of wedding. The whole city would be out on the streets.
Letting my body relax, I drifted away from all of these thoughts and into my comfort zone. I had to be mentally ready to handle all of this and what would be coming surely in a short time. I'd give myself an hour then head to the cemetery to see Char.
An hour later.
What a fucking display they had my uncle in. A tomb the size of Shadow Robotnik's. If Char was here now I bet he would be shocked by how big this setup was. A handful of M.E.A.F soldiers guarded it. Must be a shitty job. I thought to myself as I soon asked myself if I wanted to go right in there to say my goodbyes or if I just wanted to stay out here with some of the other people who came by to pay their respects. In the end I decided not to get personal and remained with the small crowd at a distance. I thankfully wasn't that noticeable thanks to a small family of bears just in front of me who were snapping photos of the tomb. I hid between the mother and son and just shut my eyes as I whispered to myself internally.
"I'm sorry I was a bitch the last time we saw each other. If I would have known I would have done a lot differently."
My emotions however were halted due to my prior meditation. I didn't want to cry anyway. He wouldn't want to see that happen, not now anyway. I also just wasn't good at this kind of thing. What could I say to make this seem better? I had no intention of killing Dusk for what he did. He was my friend and I knew somewhere down the line he might just get himself killed being the big headed asshole he is.
I chuckled when I thought about it. Our first night out after I got back with Byron and Sikes, we went to a bar and I got hit on by two hedgehogs. Dusk threw them out immediately. He wasn't letting anyone talk to me like I was just some random chick. I meant something to him and that goes for all the guys in my group. They felt like family. Why would I ruin that? I had to ask myself as I looked back at my uncle's tomb.
"I'm sorry uncle, but I'm not the one to fix this. If anything I'm just making it worse. I know you're up there watching and you're screaming at me, but I can't stop. I'm already too far gone and I have plans."
With my eyes darting to my phone, I saw it was nearing the time for the ceremony to begin. Letting out one more sigh and giving the tomb one last look, I turned and made my way back to the car that was just outside the cemetery. As I got inside I started the engine and made my way back to the hotel. When it got closer to six I'd head to the restaurant.
Raptor's POV, Twenty minutes later.
"I'm so happy for you Raptor. You don't know what this means to me after all these years." Hecan Moore said to me as he was confined to a wheelchair due to his old age. Dressed in a formal black tuxedo he smiled up at me as I leaned down to hug him before I would have to go out onto the stage.
Leaning down to hug the man, I replied happily back.
"It means alot to me that you were able to make it. How's the wife by the way?"
"She's great. She's waiting at the table for me. You should come introduce yourself after you and Zeta tie the knot."
"I will." I replied as he then asked me curiously.
"Your daughter is looking beautiful by the way. How old is she now?"
Widening my eyes slightly I questioned.
"You mean Sam?" Hecan nodded and proceeded to inform me.
"Of course. She helped us find our table when we arrived. So polite and just a wonderful soul she has. You raised her right Raptor."
Now I had to chuckle a little before correcting him.
"Actually, that's my adopted daughter. Her name is Maggie."
Widening his eyes now, Hecan questioned.
"Wait? That's not Samantha? Where is she then? And when did you adopt her?"
With a smile across my face I replied.
"A couple months ago Zeta and I decided to bring her into our family. She was in a rough spot and her father was a dear friend of mine who just passed away from cancer. She was alone and her dad asked me to look after her, so that's what we did. She's a Voltz now. Sam though isn't here. She moved to the US a little over a year ago. She should however be coming. She won't be able to make the ceremony, but she said she'll arrive in time for the party. Which reminds me, are you coming to eat with us after this?"
Nodding the fox replied.
"Of course. I never pass up a chance at free food. Hahaha!"
"Raptor?" Looking behind me, I locked eyes with Ron who was entering the room with his cane in one hand. Giving me that big bear smile that I loved, he said to us quickly.
"They're waiting for you."
"Okay. I'll only be a second." I informed him as he nodded and waited by the door as I refocused my attention onto Hecan.
"I gotta get out there." I told him as he took my hands and replied.
"Don't worry about me Raptor. You just get out there and make Zeta the happiest woman in the world. I'll be ringside as always, haha!"
I laughed along with the man and gave him one more quick hug before turning around to jog at Ron who put his hand on my back and guided me towards the stage. On the walk there he said to me nervously.
"I don't know about you, but I'm nervous."
"You look great Ron. And remember, people aren't really there to look at you. Just remember to smile. I'm the one who needs to worry. I fuck this up and Zeta will be skinning me on live tv."
Making the old man laugh, he heartfully replied as we rounded the corner and approached the entrance to the church.
"All you gotta do is kiss her. I got my whole family out there watching me. You know how many friends of mine are still in disbelief that you made me your best man? Half of them didn't even know about our relationship."
"Well they will now Ron and let me say this before we go out there and the cameras shine. I love you like a father." I started off with which instantly got the bear to tear up and beg me.
"Don't do this to me kid."
Shaking my head I went on.
"It's true. You were there for me countless times and I can't repay you enough for all the love you and your family has shown me. I owe you my life and if there is ever a time that you need something, you don't hesitate to come ask me. I'll do anything for you, much like I'd do anything for Zeta or my kids. I love you Ron. I do. From the deepest part of my heart. You stuck with me this long and that alone deserves a medal. I'll try to get you one actually." I jokingly told him as he wiped his face to reply.
"Please Raptor. You keep saying these kinds of things and my wife will get jealous."
We both laughed together before we were approached by one of the security staff who whispered into my ear.
"Two minutes sir."
Nodding my head, I looked back at Ron to ask.
"You ready?"
Straightening his tie, he replied.
"I think so. Just breathe Ron."
"That's it. Just breathe. Let's do this."
Nodding the big bear got the door and in a split second we were showered in camera flashes and cheers from the crowd. Probably the first time I was in a crowd this large and none of them were butting heads to ask me questions. Everyone was just focused on the event as Ron and I began to march for the stage where the priest and my other friends waited.
Cody and Dom stood to the right of the priest while to the left stood Pepper, Ryker, Vacus, and Maggie. All of the girls were staring at me with huge smiles as Ron soon helped me up onto the stage. Once there the priest asked me curiously.
"Ready to do this?"
Nodding my head and taking a breath, I replied while turning to look back at the crowd.
"Yes sir. Been waiting long enough."
He smiled and with it came the awkward wait for Zeta and Marx to show up. Ron was busy trying to keep himself composed as his family sat in the front row. I gave them all a wave as he whispered into my ear from behind.
"This turnout is insane."
"A lot different from rehearsal huh?" I replied with another chuckle as I looked across the stage at the girls. Ryker was so fucking happy to be here. Her face when I asked her to be here was one for the ages. Vacus's as well. Pepper was just happy to finally see us tie the knot, but Maggie was different. She was holding her position like a champion and Hecan wasn't the only person to think she was Sam. I'm sure there would be articles written with that as a mistake. Yet she understood that and didn't care. Nor did I. I was just happy to have her here. She means the world to me.
As my eyes left the wolf, I looked back down at the front row to see Marcus sitting there. At first I didn't recognize him and had to take a second look.
"What?" I mumbled to myself in awe that he was here in a tuxedo. How the hell did that happen? Going into my mind he replied from there.
"Your wife made me do this. Don't laugh. I hate you."
"I'd never. You look good." I informed him back as I took a good look at him just to remember this moment. After a few seconds we got the signal that Zeta was inbound and the church went silent. I took a breath and just watched as the door at the far end of the hall opened.
Sam's POV.
Laying down in bed, I took what time I had left to myself and just did a gear check. My armor was as good as it was going to get for now, but my guns needed cleaning. Figured I'd might as well get high at the same time thanks to finding my old vape pen. Not going to lie, it felt nice. Hopefully it will last for a while. I didn't have much left and I didn't want to have to snort to get a little rush and even that was nearing its end. Hopefully I could pick something up if I looked for the right people.
Putting my rifle back in its bag, I let out a small yawn and laid back to look at the tv. The ceremony was on a few channels so I figured I'd at least watch. I still felt like shit inside that I lied to my mother, but it was too late now to do anything. So with my pen in my mouth, I took another hit and watched in silence as my mother made her way into the church at long last.
As I blew out the smoke, I took a long look at her dress. It was beautiful. Marx had the honor of walking her to my father who just looked stressed despite his normally good public face. I'm sure this was a lot for him to go through for the third time, but who could judge? All that mattered was my mother and the cameras really got every angle of her as she was soon standing right in front of my dad who wore a big smile among his other friends. My mind began to blank out as the priest started speaking.
Shutting my eyes, I drifted into my thoughts and briefly considered shutting off the tv. When I reopened my eyes I caught the cameras panning out and to my mother's left was another wolf. One I could recall with perfect clarity and my god was she smaller then I remember.
"Hehe." I chuckled as I sat up to point at the screen with my pen in my hand.
"I used to look up to you. You know that?" I asked the tv as it refocused on my mother who held my dad's hands.
Continuing to stare at the fucking thing, I said to myself out loud.
"I owe you for stopping me back then, but I'm not that scared little girl anymore. I don't need your protection anymore. I found myself."
Taking another deep hit, I coughed into my arm and didn't even notice that my eyes were burning. Looking over to my right side where a desk and mirror sat, I saw that my venom was there staring right back at me. I considered turning it off, but the heat drove me to start growling and after a few seconds I looked back at the tv to mumble.
"Things are different now. I'm better than you. I'm better than everyone. I don't need protection anymore and all of you are gonna see that. I'm not just a fucking kid."
With my parents both saying " I do", I was barely in the moment to hear the cheers of their kiss. By the time I tuned back into reality they were both facing the crowd in awe of the response. Everyone behind them began to clap, including Maggie, which made my blood boil.
Reaching for the remote, I turned off the tv and threw myself onto my back as an attempt to calm down. It didn't take long, but I was trying to gauge why I suddenly felt this way. I couldn't understand the hate I had for her, but when I considered the fact that I just recently tried to kill myself; I guess I was just annoyed that what I said about growing up couldn't possibly be true. At least not in that regard.
I had some time before dinner so with my emotions all over the place I decided to meditate once more to get myself back on track. In about an hour I'd have to get a move on and face them in person. I needed to be ready for that. I couldn't start a fight if she was there and I figured there wasn't any way she wouldn't be.
"Relax." I ordered myself as I drifted.
An hour later.
I was about as ready as I could be for this moment. I made sure my hair was good, brushed my teeth, trimmed my claws, and made sure I didn't smell. My mother gave me my nose and even though I was smoking a vape pen she could still sniff it out if I did nothing to try and hide it. Not like she cared if I smoked or not, but I didn't want to appear high at her fucking dinner.
The streets were jam packed and driving was barely getting me anywhere, but after some time in traffic I found myself at an M.E.A.F barricade. People were standing all along it to try and see my family as they went into the restaurant. Some were even screaming at them for attention. As I pulled up, I took a second to see that most of the soldiers manning the barricade were all pretty well dressed. Reminded me of Cora's compound and his goons. My father really was letting things go for today, huh?
Turning off the engine, I took a moment to breathe again. After about a minute, I found my balls and went out of the car to begin walking towards the barricade. I'd have to push through a crowd, but that wasn't hard to do. What was hard was deciding not to abuse my powers and just phasewalk through all this bullshit. However as I got close I made sure to approach whoever looked the most in charge. The dude was a foot shorter than me and probably a hundred pounds less. Humans were all pretty small, but as I came within sight we locked eyes and I was ordered politely.
"Keep your distance miss. The restaurant is unavailable for tonight. We apologize for the inconvenience."
Keeping myself tame and as respectful as possible, I said back to him.
"Clearly, but I'm afraid I have an invitation to the dinner."
Cocking his eyes back he then asked.
"Name?"
"Sam Diskov. Well….Samantha Voltz. At least I'd assume that's what my father would have put on this list."
Still not convinced, he asked me back.
"Got any identification on you?"
Reaching into my back pocket for my wallet, I took out my old id and handed it to him to watch as he began to look it over closely. After about ten seconds he handed it back to me to urge.
"Sorry for the inconvenience. Go on through."
"Thank you." I replied as I was allowed in.
Walking by the soldiers, I now walked towards the restaurant where another group of guards waited by the entrance. On the approach, I quickly caught their attention simply because of how I was dressed. Everyone here was in suits, tuxedos, and dresses. Here I was dressed in what I felt I looked good in. Once a few feet out from the entrance I was stopped and asked by one of the guards.
"Name?"
"Samantha Voltz." I stated back as they all widened their eyes and went still to just look at me. I didn't move. I was just swiveling my eyes back and forth between them as I was soon asked.
"Id?"
Handing him the same id I gave the first dude, I proceeded to state.
"It's an old photo, don't worry too much about it. Here." Handing the same guy my US id, I listened close as the guy mumbled out loud.
"You look nothing like the girl in this photo. What the hell?"
"I've been gone for over a year. Things changed. Now can I please go see my family?"
The guards exchanged looks and before judgment could be passed I was told back by the guy who held my ids.
"We gotta frisk everyone who enters the building. Is that okay with you?"
Nodding my head, I urged the man as he handed me back my cards.
"Be my guest. All I have on me is my cell phone."
I was patted down in less than twenty seconds and once I was cleared I was told by another soldier.
"Dinner hasn't been served yet, but everyone apart from a few people are here. The food should be coming out shortly though. Your parents are seated towards the back with the rest of your immediate family."
"Thank you." I sighed back as I took one last breath before going for the door. The guards watched as I stood there for a second motionless, but I had to do this. God was I about to stand out like a sore thumb. Maybe I should have dressed up. I thought to myself as I refocused and reopened my eyes to see my right hand on the door. Using all of my courage, I pushed through and found myself immediately surprised by how many people were here. At least twenty waiters were running back and forth as there were maybe fifty tables with two hundred or so people seated. The second I entered I looked towards the back to see my family all together laughing at something. My mother and father sat next to each other drinking wine, but they had to be at least a hundred feet out. Stunned for what to do next, I just swallowed my anxiety and began to walk.
Raptor's POV.
"I never thought we'd get here." I told Zeta as she was flush red in the face and clinging to my side. Looking me right in my eyes she questioned.
"You never thought that? You ever think what it's like being in my shoes back then? I almost died you….?"
Her words were cut off when for some reason the whole room had quieted down. All of us picked up on it because of how sudden it was. Upon looking up from our table Zeta and I had both realized why. About halfway into the ballroom walked a black wolf in a blue leather jacket, black skin tight jeans and wearing brown steel tips. The size of this wolf however made me question my life as I quickly deduced who this could be. Yet I had no faith behind it.
Zeta slowly lowered her glass while beginning to shake in her seat. The moment I felt her start moving was when I began to try to stand and I fucked that up almost instantly from shaking just as bad as her. There was no way this was her. I said to myself as I looked to my sides to see the rest of the table at a complete loss for how to react. Maggie threw herself up the second Zeta began to run and that left me stumbling behind as soon the wolf coming right at us began to smile awkwardly.
Over thirty feet out, Zeta screamed out in disbelief.
"Sam!?"
It came out more as a question as I began to chase after my wife. The room echoed in equal shock as this person was apparently my nineteen year old daughter. Sam stopped where she was once she saw her mom kick it into full gear and with two open arms she said back to her in embarrassment for the scene that was being caused.
"Surprise?"
"Oh my god!" Zeta screamed as she jumped right into the arms of my baby girl who was nothing close to being the same girl I remember her leaving as.
"Oh my god! Oh baby! Who!? What!? Oh my….ummmm!" Squeezing her as tightly as she could, Zeta began to viciously cry as I stood maybe ten feet back in complete shock still. There wasn't any way this was Samantha. Maggie was just as lost as me by her sudden appearance.
Sam was fucking jacked. She was bigger than security. She was massive and with a black coat of fur she looked like a complete stranger to me and to the rest of my family and friends. My whole body couldn't move and my voice was too afraid to come out as my eyes were now registering her face. Two brutal scars ran across it. One going right over her eye and the other going straight back from where her lips met and to her ear. What the fuck happened? I asked myself internally as Zeta still hung onto her for dear life.
Stuck there in time, I didn't even flinch when Pepper came running by me to get to them.
Zeta looked like a fucking child in her arms. I thought to myself as Zeta quickly pulled herself back to ask her.
"Oh my god! What happened to you!? You look….?!"
"Amazing!" Pepper shouted as she now pressured her into a hug as well.
"Raptor, come here!" Zeta demanded as I attempted to move forward. Sam soon released her aunt and with the focus on me, I came within feet of her to start shedding my own tears. Sam widened her eyes as I leaped forward and wrapped both my arms around her head and pulled her nearly a foot down into my shoulder.
Sam's POV.
"Dad was actually crying." I thought to myself as he held me almost as hard as mom did. I couldn't help but shed a small tear as he whispered into my ears in complete and utter happiness.
"Oh my god baby. What the fuck did you do to yourself?"
"A lot." I laughed back into him as I looked up at my mother who asked me.
"When did you get here?!"
"About an hour ago, I think. Traffic wasn't too bad." I replied as my dad held my arms and ordered me in awe.
"Hold still. I need to see you."
He was completely convinced I was someone else. I couldn't help but blush a little as he was just looking me up and down in a proud manner. Everyone in the room was still shocked and silent apart from my mother who couldn't stop crying tears of joy. My aunt was crying too but right behind her stood Maggie who was just dumbfounded by my size. With my dad beginning to laugh, I said to them all.
"I'm sorry I'm not really dressed for this. You look gorgeous though, mom."
My mother couldn't hold back from hugging me again, but this time the people around us began to clap and cheer. I just tried my best to hold her in place as she began to shake us.
"It's fine baby! Come sit with us!" My father begged as he reached out to take my hand and began to pull me and my mother back towards the main table. People still cheered and clapped, but soon conversations began to break out once again as we reached the table. That was when my uncle Cody got up in excitement to shout.
"Holy crap kiddo! Look at you! Come here you lug!"
Grabbing the man and hugging him as well, I soon got approached by my other uncle Peek who I last saw under bad terms. However he was smiling just as much as everyone else as I switched over to hug him. In my arms he whispered into my ear.
"You look great hun. I love the color."
"Thanks." I replied as my mother dragged me to the seat right next to her to tell me.
"I love what you did with your hair! Oh my god and your….how much do you weigh now!? You're so big!"
"I'm only two ten mom."
"Two hundred!" My mother shouted back in disbelief which signaled my aunt Pepper to suggest.
"There is no way you're my niece! You're the thing that ate her."
Everyone laughed apart from me as I was more focused with just keeping the questions at bay, but I knew this was far from over. Yet my eyes drifted over to Maggie's who decided to sit down next to me. When we matched eyes she said to me in shock still that this was me.
"Holy shit, you're…..wow Sam. I thought I was big, but….god what did they do to you over there? You look so good."
"Yeah, what did you do hun?" My dad asked along with her curiosity. Fixing my jacket despite my mom hovering on my side, I said back to them confidently.
"I've been spending a lot of time in the gym and people are fitness freaks over there. Got introduced to some nice people who wanted to help me get in shape and I got myself put on a proper diet for once in my life. I've been at it for a little over a year now and when I first started to notice a difference I just got hooked and committed myself. I love who I am now." I informed my entire family as my mom cried next to me in absolute disbelief.
"You've grown up so much and on your own! I'm so fucking proud of you!"
"How was the ceremony?" I then asked as I tried my best to keep the conversation moving.
"It was amazing!" My aunt stated as Maggie chimed in to add.
"It was beautiful."
"I'm sorry I didn't make it in time though mom." I said in a lower tone which got her and everyone around the table to urge me not to feel bad whatsoever. My mother however replied to me.
"Don't worry about it! Your father and I talked after that night and I understand that you must have had a lot going on! I mean clearly whatever you're doing over there is helping you immensely and I'm not going to argue about it anymore now that I see the results! I'm just so happy you're here now! Right hun!?"
I looked over to my dad who was just a seat away from where my mom sat to listen as he said to me.
"I need a minute to comprehend that you're even my daughter. Sam? You're bigger than your uncles! You're bigger than most of the guys on my security detail!"
"Speaking of which, but where is Yoga?" I asked him as he widened his eyes and began to look around.
"I don't know. Does anyone see him?"
Everyone began to look around and that's when Maggie shouted out.
"There!" We all looked to our backsides to find Yoga exiting the bathroom. The ferret looked completely the same to me except as he neared the table he said to us without even noticing me in the group now.
"They got a fucking dude sitting in the bathroom looking out for tips. Like what kind of job is that? Is he supposed to wipe my ass for me?" No one said anything back to him until he noticed and thankfully that didn't take long because the second he got no response back; he began to look around and right when he saw me he questioned.
"Who the fuck is this?"
I just chuckled to myself as my mom shouted at him.
"Samantha, you goofball!"
The ferret jumped in place and instantly screamed out.
"What?! Ayyyyyyyyyee! Come here!"
He came right at me and with everything we hugged and in disbelief of himself, I was asked by the ferret.
"What the fuck are you?! You used to be so small and frail!"
"Hey! That's a lot of talk for a noodle!" I shouted back at him playfully as he backed up a step to look at my dad and ask.
"Did we check her id at the door?! Ain't no way! You don't even resemble the girl!"
"I'll take that as a compliment." I chuckled back as he then asked my parents in excitement.
"Want me to get her a drink?! She can't just be here now and not celebrate! You missed the nicest ceremony I've ever been invited to! And I mean I've only been to this one, but that's still crazy coming from me!"
"Oh fuck off Yoga!" My dad laughed back at him as my mom was the first person to agree to Yoga's questions by replying to him in a sense of need to get me to be a bigger part of the party.
"Get her a glass Yoga! Please! You have to be hungry hun! Right?!"
"I could eat something." I told her back honestly as my dad handed me a small menu to urge.
"Pick whatever you want honey. Eat as much as you want. We paid for a feast and that's what we plan to have happen once everything is ready. Shouldn't be much longer till they start rolling out the apps."
"You gotta tell us everything you've been up to since moving out!" My aunt basically demanded of me as I looked at the menu for half a second before deciding I'd have the porterhouse platter that came with mashed potatoes and biscuits with brown gravy. When I refocused on my family, I said to them nervously.
"I told you what I've been doing. I've just been keeping to myself. Trying to figure out what I wanna do with school in the future."
"Are you working at all?" Peek asked as Yoga came running back with a glass of red wine which I took a sip of before going any further with my answers. Looking back at Peek I replied.
"Not really. I've been bouncing around with what money I had saved. Got a new place in LA that was closer to the beach and I've just been living day to day. You know? Just going out and living my life a little more than I was."
"That's wonderful." My mom said back to me as I was then asked by Maggie who genty tapped my arm.
"Meet any cute guys?"
Chuckling a little back at her, I replied while putting my glass down on the table.
"A few, yeah, but I'm not seeing any of them if that's what you're getting at."
"So who's the guy you mentioned you liked? From the last time we spoke Sam." My dad wondered as this would probably be one of the few true things I'd give them.
"His name is Jari. I met him at a bookstore when I first got to the states. Met his family after a few small dates and then he had to go back to college. So I haven't seen him since."
"You keep in contact though?" Maggie questioned as I shook my head once to reply.
"Not really. Like I said, it wasn't anything big. Maybe once he gets his next break from school we'll hang out some more, but I don't know what I'll be doing yet. So it's all up in the air."
I went back to my drink to try and avoid more questions like that. My mother clung to me and hugged me every chance she got and in between that she was marveling at my muscles. Thankfully the conversation very slowly began to spread out and it wasn't all just focused on me. I was able to relax a little bit and with my uncles and my aunt getting into their own conversation, I was soon left with just my mom, dad and Maggie. My mother was the first to ask the question I had been expecting.
"What happened to your face baby? Those are some nasty scars. Did you get into an accident?"
"No." I mumbled back as I took another sip while doing my best to avoid her eye contact.
"A fight?" She then asked which got me to react by putting my glass back down and slightly lowering my head. They picked up on it as I whispered back.
"Yeah." My father took this seriously and scooted a spot closer to me to question.
"What? How?"
Giving both of my parents a side eye, I replied back bluntly.
"It was my fault. Got mixed up with some bad people when I first got to LA. Look…..guys? I don't really think we need to talk about this right now. Not on your wedding day."
"Why Sam?" My mother whimpered back sadly as I shut my eyes to growl.
"Because I got Mocha killed. Okay?"
Unfortunately the rest of the table heard that and all eyes were on me as I accidentally rolled my right sleeve up on the table when I went to move back in my chair. That's when my mom and dad saw Mocha's collar on my wrist and with an awkward position gained, I took my glass of wine and sat up from the table to tell them.
"I gotta walk a little."
"Sam?" My mom uttered my name out of confusion and worry, but my dad was quick to put his hand on her shoulder to keep her in place as I left the table and made my way for the nearest spot that wasn't crowded, which happened to be one of the hallways just outside the main ballroom.
Putting my back against the wall, I let out a small sigh and took the better half of my glass down. With it now empty, I looked up at the ceiling to feel tears squeezing out from under my eyes. Wiping them with one of my sleeves, I took a breath and just focused on gathering my composure to go back out there at some point. However, in about a minute my dad came out into the hallway by himself. He honestly looked scared to confront me, but who could blame him after our last face to face all that time ago? Stopping just a foot or so away from my right side, he let out a sigh of his own and put his back to the wall.
"I'm sorry. It's a touchy subject that I've been trying to get around." I mumbled over to him as he seemed understanding of that. Not making any eye contact, my dad looked towards the floor to reply.
"I know. It's not any easier for me to bring her up. Mocha reminded me so much of her mother, who I loved more than anything else in the world. Apart from you and your mother of course."
"Molly was with you for the war right?"
My dad nodded and suddenly got a smile brought to him from being asked.
"Yeah. Man how long ago that was now. That girl saved my life in more ways than one and she's saved it, literally. countless others. The partner I never knew I needed back then."
"Mocha was like that for me too." I told him back calmly which now got him to look over at me and reply.
"You don't have to go into details. I don't want you to. But….?" My dad didn't know how to frame the rest of this, but soon managed to say.
"I just need to know."
Wiping my eyes again and taking a moment to consider my answer, I slowly decided to come clean. My dad just looked up at me curiously in awe as I replied to him in a quiet voice.
"I'm gonna admit to you something that no one knows about me dad. Not even Teddy. Just promise you won't get mad."
"I won't." He whispered back as I looked back into his eyes to say.
"After we had our fight and I left to go live with Teddy and his family, I already knew I wanted to leave Iraq. I knew that and I knew for that to happen I would need more money then what I had at the time. So I looked around and made a few calls with some people I knew from school who sold drugs. I asked if they needed help distributing and told them I could push the product better than anyone because of who I was. No one would think Samantha Voltz of all people would be selling coke. It was a perfect plan to make the money I wanted in the shortest time possible."
My dad took that information to his core and I saw his eyes change as he now seemed more understanding of what I was saying. I gave it a second so he could say something if he wanted and a few seconds after my pause he admitted to me calmly.
"I mean I suppose that wasn't a bad idea at the time, all things considered."
"Well I didn't stop once I left. In fact, it got worse."
"How?" He asked me now as I carefully exhaled before answering.
"I got involved with a high level dealer in LA. Met him through some people I knew. I got a vouch and he started me out light, but light to this guy dad was a pound of the stuff."
"Who was he?" I was then asked.
"The head of the Cora crime family. Don Vincent Cora; before he was assassinated."
Widening his eyes, my dad immediately questioned in shock.
"Jesus Christ Samantha. Organized crime? What the hell were you thinking?"
"I was thinking about the money." I told him back which got him to shut up considering I was now growling again at him.
"I made a fuck ton of money in a very short time working for this asshole. A lot of money dad. At eighteen? I got hooked on dealing."
"So what happened?" He then wondered as I took a second to contemplate the answer I was about to give him. Sensing my change in posture and seeing my expression switch to a disappointed frown, my dad just listened as I finally replied.
"I got greedy. I started to skim off the top. Figured with how much money he was pulling in by the week, he wouldn't notice a little missing. Especially when I was making sure to sell more each time I went out."
My dad again looked at me like I was mad.
"Mocha went everywhere with me. She was my partner. The only good thing I had at the time. She kept me grounded and when these guys found out they made sure I regretted my choices. Got me to go to a private meeting somewhere where we wouldn't be bothered. I didn't realize what was going on, but it was a setup. They beat me so badly that I couldn't stand. Broke my nose and held me down as they stepped on her neck. Made me watch."
Raptor's POV.
Sam's eyes began to water; as so did mine; from hearing her description of how my dog died. I couldn't speak back to her out of sadness as she went on claiming with a hand going to her face.
"They made me watch and after? Well the guy who held me down said it was an eye for an eye. Slashed me twice. Nearly lost my sight. Stabbed me in my back as I was trying to crawl away."
"Sam…?" I wanted her to stop.
"I tried screaming for help. I screamed for you, but it was pointless." Lifting up her shirt and showing me her back, she continued in a sobbing voice.
"They laughed the whole time. I was so scared and in so much pain with no one to help me now. I passed out and next thing I knew, I woke up to find them all gone and my best friend dead alongside me. I guess my venom kicked in at some point because my wounds had sealed on their own. Being feral paid off I suppose." She cried as I couldn't help but join her.
Growling under her depression, Sam cried to me while inching closer to my face.
"Do you know how broken I was after that? How alone I felt? How….?" Her emotions began to overtake her and that's when I decided to be a parent and grabbed her with both my arms, taking her into my shoulder and begging into her ears.
"Stop. Please Sam. Stop."
She listened and now just broke down in my arms as I had to try and control my own tears from overtaking me as well.
"I got her killed! She tried to save me! She did everything to save me and I couldn't do anything to save her!"
"Stop Sam! It's okay!" I told her as I squeezed tighter and tighter around her back and head.
"I couldn't do anything." She then almost whispered as I felt her tears on my neck. Pulling her back a few inches so we were face to face, I stared into her gold orbs to reply.
"You did everything you could at that moment. She knew that. I swear to you Sam, she did."
Putting her hands on my wrists, she pulled away and after taking a moment to collect herself, she said back to me with another small growl.
"After that I decided to change who I was. I put in the effort to make sure for the next time I get into a situation like that, I wouldn't be defenseless. I started to work out. I put myself on a good diet and gained all this weight. I then learned how to fight and made a promise that if I ever got the chance, I'd kill the men who took her away from me if I ever saw them again."
"Fate had other plans though. I heard about the massacre. Seems someone was just as pissed as you were. Killed everyone, even Cora himself. It was professional." I stated, which got her to nod her head and wipe her eyes.
Sam remained quiet now as she didn't know what more to say and I had to do something. With all of this information finally coming to me about what had happened to Mocha, I was feeling just as roughed up by the realization and the only thing I could see in my head was the mental image of my daughter crying for me to save her. It made me feel like absolute shit, but I had to take this and move forward. I had to learn from my past mistakes. So reaching out for her again, we hugged and in her ears I whispered.
"I'm proud of you. I don't want you blaming yourself for what happened."
"How can't I?" She proceeded to ask me back.
"You're still alive. That's how. You honor her. You always remember who she was and what she did for you and you take that and you apply it to someone else. Someone you care about beyond any doubts. You carry on her memory and look." I gently took her hand and together we stared at Mocha's collar. Very softly I told her.
"You're already doing that."
Sam looked back up at me in awe as I smiled and praised on.
"Thankfully you don't have to kill anyone. Fate did that for you. I know it feels shitty not doing it yourself, but you aren't a killer. I didn't raise you like that and despite what you may think, you're a good person. You're not me. You're not your crappy father who made his fortune killing his enemies. Revenge only gets you one thing Sam and that's only more problems. Problems you're too young to need in your life. You got a future, even if it's not here. You're gonna find it and I'm gonna do whatever I can to help you."
"Why?" She asked back.
"Because you're my daughter and above all else you mean everything to me. I'll die if it means you'll live your best life. Every father out there feels the same way. Well the ones that really care to be fathers."
Sam lowered her gaze as I went on to tell her.
"I don't care what you do with your life so long as you are safe and happy. Selling drugs though? That's not safe Sam."
"I know and that part of my life was cut out from me the second Mocha died. I haven't dealt since."
Letting my baby go, I carefully and curiously asked her.
"I can't imagine what it feels like to be in your shoes Sam, but as your father I need to ask. Have you ever snorted any of that powder?"
She nodded her head without hesitation and very calmly replied back.
"I've been on the stuff for the last year or so."
Exhaling in disappointment, the wolf just remained where she was and waited for my response to come back from hearing what I just did. However I was going to stick to my guns and maintain a calm head. Looking her right in the eyes I said back truthfully.
"Your mother used to do the same thing. She was addicted well before you were born. She only quit once she found out she was pregnant."
"Really?" She asked back in disbelief as I nodded and slightly smiled before adding on.
"Mixed it with her venom tablets and I won't lie, I had a dose a long time ago. It was a fucking paradise at first, but after? Coming down? That was a nightmare Sam. Your mother could tell you exactly how she felt when she tried to come off it. The withdrawal is harsh, but it's worth it. You don't want to die right?"
"No." She mumbled.
"I can't force you to do anything. I'm past that point and you're way too big for me now to simply drag you to a rehab." I stated which got her to chuckle.
"But I don't want you overdosing one night halfway across the globe. I know it's hard being on your own and that's it's been absolutely terrible since Mocha left, but you need to listen to me for once and promise me you'll stop. You don't need that poison in your veins and it only riles up your venom. Don't take a chance and lose yourself to it because that can easily happen being an imperfect user."
Sam looked disappointed in herself and I guess that was a good thing. It meant that whatever I was saying had to be getting through. Even if just a little. Wanting to help her in any form I could, I said to her happily.
"You don't have to run back to the US right after tonight. Now I don't even know how long you plan to stay, but if you do I can help you get over this. I have more than enough favors to get you into a rehab if you want. Or I can talk to my doctor and maybe get you a script to help ease you off. Again, I'm not going to force you to do anything, but as your dad I need to try. Don't give me an answer now. Think it over. If you want, I'd wait till tomorrow and maybe talk to your mom about this. She won't be mad. I promise. But she'll know more than anyone what the right step forward is if you want to quit. Okay?"
"You gonna tell her?" Sam then asked curiously as I nodded my head.
"Not now, but I have to. I've held too much back from her in the past and for something like this she has a right to know and a right to want to help."
Sam nodded slowly, but she seemed to understand that and kept herself composed as the door leading into the ballroom opened a few feet to our right. Emerging from the room was Maggie who smiled when she saw us and happily stated.
"They're rolling out the food."
"We'll be there in a minute hun." I told her back as she quickly went back into the ballroom. Sam and I however looked back at one another one more time before I decided to ask her.
"How about we drop all of this and go get some food? There will be plenty of time to talk later if you're staying after tonight. Are you?"
Nodding her head, she replied back with a small smile.
"For a little bit, yeah. I don't know for how long yet, but I do have to go back at some point. I don't want you guys getting upset about it though."
"That's hard to avoid. We want you here with us, but like I said, I'm not stopping you from living your life. I love you. Okay? I've missed you more than anything. Every night I go to sleep worrying about you. Wondering if you're okay and what you're doing. I put myself in a place no father should ever go with their kids. I shouldn't have ever tried to rule your world Sam. I should have never touched you the way I did. I regret every waking moment and I can't ever say sorry enough times to make up for the damage it did. To you. To us. All I can do is tell you how much you mean to me now and hope to god you'll forgive me. I want…I need my daughter back. I need to know that we're okay and that you'll come to me if you ever need help. I want you to know that you can rely on me. I worked my ass off to have you. I did a lot of bad things with my life, but you're one of the only good things I've ever done and I can't lose that because….?" I stopped myself because for once my own words were making me cry. The emotion I was giving her was too much and too real for me to handle and she saw that as I had to look away for a second so she wouldn't see how stupid I really looked by doing this. However when I did look away I heard her beg me.
"Dad? Please stop. This is your big day. You aren't allowed to cry like this."
"I'm sorry!" I said back as I had to push through all that emotion to form the words. With my daughter clearly upset seeing me this way, I listened close as she proceeded to urge me.
"I'm not mad at you anymore. I've had a lot of time to think about it. It's not worth being upset over. We're here now and we need to focus on what's really important and that's getting back to mom and enjoying the rest of your wedding. We can talk about this another time. Maybe when you get back from your honeymoon?"
Somewhat hopeful, I questioned.
"Does that mean you'll be staying for a few days then?" Nodding her head she replied.
"I told you I would stay for a while. Didn't I? And we can't keep going back and forth like this. We look stupid." She laughed back which made me happy to hear despite all my sobbing. Giving myself a moment to calm down, I soon had myself back together enough to smile back and state.
"You're right. We do look stupid and I'm willing to bet your mother is starting to think I ran out on her. So let's get back in there and get some food. What do you say?"
"I think that's a good idea. Can I ask you a question before that though? It'll be quick."
"Sure." I replied as she then wondered.
"Out of all the things you could have decided to do, why go to a fucking amusement park for your honeymoon?"
I didn't expect to be asked such a question and Sam quickly picked up on that and began to chuckle to herself as I was caught so off guard I was barely able to form the response, but after a few seconds I replied.
"Because I've always wanted to go on a rollercoaster. Your mom got the wedding, I can get this."
Sam gave me one more hug and this time as I embraced her I looked over her shoulder to spot Marcus down the hallway just watching us from a bench. I knew what he wanted to do, but I forbade it. His curiosity about her would have to remain just that. I'm sure there was a good reason for why he couldn't detect her. This girl wasn't dead and she wouldn't ever be if she remained in my arms.
mT Shadow.