Love Struck Eternal

by mT Shadow

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

57. Chapter 57

Love Struck Delusion

Chapter 57 - Reconnect.

Raptor's POV, An hour later.

The party was back on track after Sam and I talked and despite Zeta asking me what she said, I refused to bring it up. No point in getting back into it while the wedding was still going on and Sam was surprisingly happy now and starting to talk to everyone. She however was still blowing my mind. I just couldn't see past her size. Even when her mother was in top shape she was never this big. Zeta maxed out around one seventy and her daughter had forty pounds on top of that. What kind of diet was she really on to achieve these results in just a year's time? I had to wonder as Zeta leaned over to whisper while she was distracted by her uncle Cody.

"You ready to tell her?" Finishing off the bite of food I had in my mouth, I nodded once and proceeded to make eye contact with Maggie who was expecting this to happen at some point. I sensed her nervousness the whole dinner. She gave me a small smile of approval as I took it upon myself to shout from a few seats away.

"Sam?"

The wolf stopped her conversation to turn and look at me and in confusion replied.

"Yeah?"

Putting my fork down, I wiped my mouth with a nearby napkin before saying back to her.

"There's one more thing you need to know that's happened since you've been away. Are you ready?"

Giving me a small smile and a chuckle, she replied back curiously while taking a small sip of her refilled wine.

"I guess?"

Giving her a smile of my own while Zeta reached over to put her hand on top of mine, I waited till the table had gone quiet then said to her slowly.

"I know this isn't a good subject to start with, but Maggie's father passed away not long after you left home." Sam widened her eyes and took a quick look over at the other wolf. Keeping myself together I then said.

"You know what he meant to this family." Sam locked her eyes back onto mine as I went on.

"I owe that man a lot. He was a true example of selflessness and a man I loved, but as you know he was suffering. It didn't stop him from doing what he did best, but it left your mother and I heartbroken. This last year has been extremely hard on us and of course Maggie; who was all he had."

Maggie slightly teared up from remembering such a thing and that's when Zeta stepped in to state.

"Your father and I had a debt to pay and we knew his situation very well. He came to your father and begged him to look after her when his time came. When it finally did come we came together as a family and made a decision that was best for both of us and for her."

Sam was a little lost, but her whole face changed when I outright stated the truth.

"So we decided it was best to adopt Maggie into the family. To make her a Voltz. Officially."

What made this moment more special was the fact that some other members of the family were unaware of this development. Mainly Zeta's sister who she had been keeping this a secret from this whole time. A moment after the words left my mouth Pepper, Cody and Peek all broke out into cheers but my eyes were on Sam's and she didn't look happy as she put down her glass slowly and just leaned back to look at her mother. Her eyes however were full of anger and that made me lose my smile slightly as Maggie was also keeping her attention on her. After a few more seconds, Zeta asked Sam in confusion.

"Isn't that great?! You always wanted a sister!"

Crossing her gaze between me and her mother, Sam soon asked us both in a slightly contained growl.

"You made that kind of decision without talking to me first?"

Everyone at the table lost their enthusiasm as Sam proceeded to question.

"Came together as a family? What the hell does that make me if I wasn't involved?"

"Sam?" Maggie mumbled in fear as I responded to my daughter as calmly as I could.

"This decision wasn't tailored to attack you honey. Your opinion matters."

"Clearly not enough if I didn't even get a phone call or a text message from either of you."

Both Zeta and I were silenced as she had every right to call us out on how we handled this. However before I could say anything else Maggie reached over to put a hand on top of hers before asking in a softer voice.

"Are you mad? I thought you'd be happy."

Looking back at her Sam replied.

"I'm mad that I wasn't asked about how I felt about this."

"Well how do you feel?" Zeta then asked.

Sam was doing her best to remain calm and lower her anger and we all gave her the time she needed to formulate an answer. After a few moments she replied.

"Fine. I guess what's done is done." Pulling her hand away from Maggie's, Sam slowly got up from the table. This time I was the one to ask.

"Where are you going?"

Looking at my eyes she replied.

"Just getting another drink. Don't worry, I'm not going to run off for a second time."

"That's not what I meant." I tried to tell her as she was already up and walking to the bar. Once she was far enough away from the table, I verbally sighed out.

"God damn it."

Putting a hand on my shoulder Zeta softly said into my ear.

"She's going to be okay. Just leave her alone this time. She needs to process."

Sam's POV.

Once at the bar I found myself just wanting to get drunk to get over this bullshit. It pissed me off so goddamn much. Why the fuck wouldn't they talk to me about this? Bringing her into the family? I know her father died and all, but she doesn't deserve it. Now she was technically my sister? No. Fuck that shit.

Taking up another glass of wine, I swallowed down about half of it before I heard a creaky voice call out to me from my left.

"Excuse me?"

Looking over, I locked my eyes on this old fox and when I say old I mean it. He had to be about seventy. In confusion about why he was bothering me right now, I replied with a small chunk of annoyance to my voice.

"Yeah?"

Using a black cane to walk right next to me, I kept my eyes fixated on his smile as he asked me.

"Are you Samantha? Raptor's daughter?"

"Unfortunately." I lowly growled, which got him to question curiously.

"Unfortunately? I'd say you have yourself a very good father figure. If not one of the best to have. What happened? Did you guys get into an argument or something?"

"Who are you?" I instantly asked him back as he was now really starting to bother me.

Offering his hand with a surprised chuckle, he replied.

"I'm sorry. My name is Hecan. I'm close friends with your dad."

Widening my eyes in disbelief, I now questioned in a much more respectful tone.

"Hecan? As in Hecan Moore? G.U.N's president?"

Giving me a wider smile, he replied while blushing.

"Oh please, I haven't been a president for a long time now. More of an advisor these days. I knew your father and worked with him quite closely when he was still just a grunt fighting for the rebellion. God that's nearly twenty years ago now that I think about it. How time flies."

I had to be extra careful now that I knew who this old guy was. I'm sure he keeps in touch with current times and he is probably well versed in what is going on. I dipped into my powers for a moment just to figure out if he knew who I was beyond being my father's daughter. Thank god he truly did not know, because if he did this would be very bad. Regardless he was still an extremely powerful figure and I had to tiptoe now. As he continued to day dream, I decided now was a good time to ask him this.

"Don't take this personally, but….why are you bothering me?"

Unphased by my direct and outright rude question, the fox continued to smile before answering back.

"Well I wanted to introduce myself at first, but now it seems I've stumbled upon a family matter. I know I have no right to interfere or even ask you of anything, but I'll put aside my feelings to beg you for this. Go easy on your dad. He may be a brute, but I knew him well before you were around. I know he is a good man and an even greater father. He would never do anything to hurt you purposely. He's just a little bit of an idiot at times, yes, but he means well."

Giving him a slightly annoyed chuckle back as I looked back at the head of the bar, I continued to listen as he said confidently.

"I'm sure you can see that yourself. He means well. He loves you and he's earned this in life. The right to watch you grow and the need to want to embrace you. No matter what you do with your life, I'm sure that man will never turn his back on you. He'll give you all the chances you need to make things right. Just don't hold it against him and trust me, he was a lot worse before you were around. Just ask your mother. I'm sure she has hundreds of good stories to tell."

Tapping my fingers rapidly on the top of the counter, I looked back at the fox to reply.

"Let me be honest with you. I understand every word you're telling me, but I'm not here because of him. I'm here because of me and no one else. My issue is that he and my mother adopted…her." I growled under my breath as Hecan quickly picked up on what I was talking about then decided to sigh back.

"Oh. Well I suppose there isn't much that can be said about it. I just found out today as well. Are you against it? Do you know her?"

"Of course I know her. She was like a big sister to me well before she had our last name." I informed the fox who then questioned.

"So shouldn't this be a good thing then? You have history."

Losing my patience with this guy, I growled out at him.

"Listen. I don't want to talk about this. If I did I would still be sitting over there. It was an honor meeting you, but please….leave me alone. Let me drink in peace."

In hindsight what I was saying would get me locked up if this conversation wasn't happening here. I was literally telling one of the most powerful men in the world to fuck off. He had no business getting involved with this and even he was starting to realize that. So with his voice respectful and caring he replied back.

"Of course. I'm sorry to have intruded. But please do keep in mind what I said about your father. He loves you more than life itself. Enjoy the rest of your night."

"You too." I mumbled back as he walked away.

Left with no one other than myself and a new glass of red wine, I began to drink my fill.

Cody's POV, Thirty minutes later.

The party was going great and people were starting to dance not long after Raptor and Zeta had their moment on the floor. Pepper and I did our thing along with countless other couples, but as I danced with her I noticed Samantha still at the bar by herself. Her focus however was on the event thankfully and she was just watching as her parents continued to dance together. With Pepper yanking on my arm, she shouted out happily.

"Come on! You can't be tired already!"

"I'm not." I informed her back as she soon noticed my eyes were on Sam who just looked violently upset. Losing her strong sense of enthusiasm, Pepper asked me.

"What's wrong hun?"

"That." I replied as I put my hand out to point at the wolf in question.

"She needs time to process everything. This is a lot for her. She's been away for so long and…?"

"That's not what I'm saying." I interrupted my wife who quickly then wondered.

"Then what are you saying?"

"I just want to see her smile for fucks sake."

Giving me a soft smile, Pepper then questioned.

"Do you?"

"Yeah." I chuckled back as she then recommended a path to take.

"Then go talk to her. You're good at that. She listens to you and your stupid sense of humor. I'm sure you can make her smile."

"I don't plan to "make" her do anything hun. I got another thing in mind that might work."

"What?" Pepper then wondered as I fixed my tux before urging her back.

"Just watch."

Pepper remained where she was as I began my march over to my niece. She didn't see me coming so it threw her off guard when all the sudden I came from her side to tap her on the shoulder.

"Hey kiddo." Jumping slightly from the scare Sam growled.

"Jesus Unc. What's your issue?"

"I could ask you the same thing." I informed her back as I hugged her from where she was sitting before asking.

"What's wrong kiddo? I can guess, but I want to be sure about what has you down. Aren't you happy to be here?"

"I am. It's just…..?"

"It's Maggie. I know it's Maggie. Try not to think about it."

Accepting my assumption the wolf replied back a little bit softer to me.

"I can't not think about it, Unc. The fact that mom and dad didn't even ask for my opinion kills me inside."

"Let's say they did ask. What would you have said?" I then asked her curiously as she calmly replied back.

"Honestly? Maggie and I aren't as tight as you all think. I stopped giving a shit about her the second she went off to basic training. Yeah I appreciate her and what she's done for me, but that's in the past. She has no right to just be allowed into our family. I don't fucking want this."

"You said it yourself though kiddo. What's done is done. What's the point in sulking when you could be dancing with me?"

At first Sam thought I was kidding by suggesting that, but she saw the look in my eyes and before she could think of a smart response back she instead decided to reply back in confusion.

"Huh?"

Laughing at her, I reached down to grab both her hands which she had on her lap. Widening her eyes as I pulled her up, I replied back.

"Huh nothing. You may be bigger than me now kiddo, but I know you remember how to dance. Just like when you were a lad at my place. Come on."

Immediately shaking her head with her own nervous laughter, Sam shouted at me defensively.

"Absolutely not! Are you crazy?"

"Well of course. It runs in our family. Now come on. You owe me a dance since you missed out on my wedding."

"I….?" Cutting her off, I ordered.

"You have no choice in the matter. Now come dance. It's a slow song."

"Are you serious?" She again questioned as I started to drag her onto the floor.

Once we were halfway out there I saw the look Pepper was shooting me from the sidelines. I knew I was doing the right thing as an uncle once I looked back to the dancefloor to find Raptor and Zeta both staring at us as they continued to dance together. Giving them a smile back as Sam looked embarrassed to say the least, I put my hands on her sides and whispered under her chin since she was much taller than me.

"I feel like you should be holding me."

"Why are you making me do this?" She whispered back as she rested her hands on my shoulders.

I took the lead and began to move. The wolf didn't stop herself at all and began to move with me as I replied with a direct smile into her eyes.

"Cause I love you and I was tired of watching you sulk over there."

Giving me a sad look back, she then mumbled under her breath as the music kept our conversation muffled to others.

"I love you too. I love all of you, but….I'm just upset unc."

Squeezing her sides, I replied with a small chuckle.

"I know you are, but we're gonna figure it out. Trust me we will. You'll get over this. Just try to smile a little and in a few days you'll look past what your parents did. I mean come on, she really isn't your sister at the end of the day."

"I know." She mumbled back as I looked deeply into her eyes as she seemed like she was staring into the abyss rather than at me.

Sam was young, but her eyes and her face showed something I only saw in myself back when I was working for Shader Industries doing contract after contract by myself. I kept myself happy for the most part, but there were days that I went looking like that in the end. Sam looked hard. Maybe even a little spiteful of herself, but she had the look of someone who has done some bad shit or who has seen even worse. I had no idea what to think when I tried to ask myself which one it could be. My niece wasn't a killer. Losing Mocha could have done this to her. If anything at all though was true to be said, she was most certainly sad inside.

Since slow dancing was second nature to me after my own wedding day, I was able to keep pace just fine as I soon decided to ask her curiously.

"So you gotta tell me. Your dad and I talked briefly before he went to dance with your mother. He told me you learned how to fight a little over in the US. Who's teaching you?"

"A few people actually. Most are ex-military with G.U.N. They put on free classes at the gym I go to."

"How do you like it? You always struck me as a natural. I mean with your dad being who he is and your mom being ex-Spetsnaz, it only makes sense that you might have gotten a knack for it."

Sam nodded her head once before replying back.

"I'm pretty good according to my instructors."

"It's a good way to release some stress when you're all pent up too." I informed her as she quickly chuckled back while putting her hands a little further down my arms.

"You got that right. It's helped me a lot mentally."

"You know if you like it that much there are always practice spars going on at the capital. If you plan to stay with your parents, that is, you could always observe some. Maybe learn a thing or two from some of the soldiers."

"They still can't go home?" Sam questioned as I nodded which seemed to have upset her a little. I saw the look she gave me after, so curiously I then wondered.

"Where are you staying?" Feeling her claws poke a little through my shirt, she replied as I turned us a little to the left.

"Nowhere. Haven't really decided what I want to do yet, but you do bring up a good point. I'd like to see some fights."

Smiling towards her as Raptor and I crossed eyes once again, I soon refocused then stated back to the wolf in my arms.

"I'm sure they want you to stay with them at the capital for the time you're here. Ask your dad to take you into the yard one day and go see for yourself. I'm sure he'd love to have you take an interest in it."

"I just might." She mumbled back as she was now focused on the dance.

Marcus's POV.

I stood far enough back to make sure Raptor was okay with my distance to his daughter who now danced in the center of the room with one of her two remaining uncles. I stood at the bar and just watched her move. This girl wasn't his daughter. At least not the same shy girl she left as. This Sam was different in a lot of ways and for the life of me, I was going mad trying to figure it out.

I couldn't read any of her thoughts. I couldn't detect her energy unlike everyone else in this room. I couldn't even get close enough to look her over. She clearly wasn't dead, but that left me with only one option to believe. Was she a god? It made no sense. I was the ruler of this realm. No one but me could do that to her and it wasn't like this was a genetic thing. It's not like how she became a user. Being a god isn't passed down. So how the fuck is she able to stay off my radar? I tried to ask myself again as I attempted to put the pieces together.

Sam left the middle east over a year ago. She was a twig of a wolf, much like her mother and comes back looking like she packed on over sixty pounds of muscle and wearing scars that rivaled her dad's. Her body alone didn't match the story she pushed onto her family. Going to a gym and changing your diet did all of that in a year's time? Nah. That's not how things work. No matter how hard you try.

Her eyes gave a lot away and even what it tried to convey didn't make sense. She had the look of a killer. The same look Raptor himself once had. In fact it was the same way he acted when he first killed his family. No regrets, but a constant appetite for more acts of violence. Thankfully that man had me to keep him in line, but Sam? She had no one. Which only made me more confused when I considered the possibility of her being a god. Roslin was around sure, but he didn't have the strength to pull that off. That meant the only thing that could have made her anything other than a mortal; would be a member of the Attrition and I have yet to detect that. I'd know if they visited. Right? I wondered as I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket.

Taking it out, I soon saw a message from my girlfriend.

"You busy tonight? I don't have to work tomorrow, so I was curious if maybe you wanted to spend the night together."

I knew I wasn't going to get any answers just sitting here, but if Sam was a demi then there would be a couple of simple things to look out for. She wouldn't sleep being the first and foremost and if she rented a room somewhere then I could easily get close to her when Raptor wasn't around to monitor me. I had to figure this out.

Looking back at my phone, I wrote back to my girlfriend.

"I'm at the wedding actually. I can't make it right now, but if you're up late tonight I can stop by."

Instantly she texted back in shock.

"What?! Really!? Oh my god! Take some pictures! I want to see everything!" Then she added in another message.

"I'll be up all night. Just give me a call when you're on your way. I'll be up. Promise."

Smiling to myself I replied

"Okay. I'll take some pictures and give you a call once I'm finished up here. See you tonight."

"Love you!" She hit me with as I stopped to stare at the words.

I didn't know what to say back. My fingers struggled to write another message and as seconds passed I decided to put my phone away to avoid the conversation. My focus was broken, but soon I noticed Sam and Cody had stopped dancing for a moment to watch her parents as they kept going.

People began to clap and cheer for them as soon as the song ended. Using my chance to get inside his mind, I asked Raptor over all the noise he was surely surrounded with.

"Come over here when you get a second. It's important."

Raptor glanced over Zeta's shoulder to look at me. I gave him a simple shrug of my shoulders as he made the effort to take a small break from dancing. On approach to the bar, I got my phone ready in one hand and listened as he soon asked me curiously.

"What's so important that you got to drag me away from Zeta? You know her favorite song is coming up next and I gotta dance with her for it."

Grabbing his wrist and giving him a tug towards me, I replied as he widened his eyes and fell into the chair next to me.

"Shut up and just smile for a second."

Raptor caught on to what was happening the second he saw me position us for a selfie. I gave the camera a heartwarming smile of my own as I snapped the picture. Raptor instantly began to laugh in shock as I quickly pushed him away to order.

"Don't say a fucking word. It's for my….for my girlfriend."

Hitting him with that was no doubt another shocker for him to hear coming from me. Yet he was unable to stay any longer than that and had to go back to Zeta. During his first few steps back he said to me with the same laughter leaving his chest.

"What? Oh we're gonna have a talk soon about that. Don't go far now."

"Fuck off." I begged him as I sent the picture to her during this interaction.

Raptor was soon back to his wife and I was left trying to figure out what to do with my time.

I'd stick close to his daughter for now. At least as close as I could get away with. I'd give her most of my time for now, but sooner or later I had to get back to my girlfriend. At least for tonight anyway. After tonight I'd have no more distractions.

Sam's POV, Three hours later.

The party was finished, but we were yet to be let out of the restaurant. My father's security was arranging exits for everyone, but most importantly they were focused on getting my family out first and with ample people to watch us. Yet this didn't bother me because I had to see what my parents had to say. I'm sure they'd beg me to come back to the capital with them and that was what I was hoping would happen as our time neared to exit the area.

Sitting down with my aunt and my uncle Cody, I had myself one last drink and listened close as my aunt asked me curiously.

"How much have you had to drink hun?"

Thinking it over carefully, I replied while letting out a small burp.

"Four or five glasses I think. Why?"

Widening her eyes she then questioned while taking my cup away from me.

"Four or five? You're nineteen Samantha. You've had enough. God knows how loopy you must feel."

"I feel fine. Relax auntie." I snickered back as I knew that statement was somewhat true. I had a decent buzz, but thanks to my new body it was toned down quite largely in comparison to some of the other guests that were here now.

Keeping my drink away from me, my aunt quickly threw down what I had left and then stated in a baited breath.

"There. Now you don't have to worry about finishing it. Right?"

"Right." I mumbled back with a small smile as she seemed happy with her effort to get me to slow my roll.

As time passed my father came back to the table after he got done saying goodbye to Hecan Moore. I still didn't know what to think of that man, but I was glad he was leaving. Putting back on his coat, my dad came to a halt next to me to announce to the three of us.

"It's about time to pack up. Our convoy leaves in five minutes." I nodded to myself, but kept quiet as I was soon asked by my aunt.

"Where are you staying for the night Sam?"

"I was gonna rent a room. Somewhere close to the capital I think." I lied back, which was more than enough for my dad to finally ask the question I was setting up to hear.

"Don't waste your time or your money hun. You can come stay at the capital with your mother and I. It's far safer that way and you'll have your own room a few doors down from mine."

Pretending to seem intrigued, I questioned my dad.

"Are you sure? I won't be a bother?"

"Of course not. The capital may be old, but it's undergone some upgrades since the last time you've been there and that was at least ten years ago. No. You won't be a bother to anyone and I'm sure you would enjoy it. Get to see for yourself how the military works for once. You might even enjoy that. And….well this would also be a good excuse to try and work some things out. You know? Between us?" I was going to ignore most of what he was claiming to say, but his eyes when he said that last part showed me that he was most definitely being real with me about his feelings. Yet due to me not responding back fast enough, my aunt jumped in to suggest.

"You don't have to see anything from the military if you don't want to. Your parents wouldn't push you like that Sam. All you need is a place to crash until you decide to go back to the US. Right Raptor?"

Looking back at my dad, it was clear my aunt was trying to make sure he knew his place. I'm sure she was looking out for me because of that and my dad was eager to reply to her.

"Right. I'm not trying to force you into anything Samantha. If you just want to rest; you can. No one will bother you."

I maintained my posture as now I was being waited on for a response. So with my tone calm and even I said back to my dad.

"That's good. I still have to figure out what time I want to leave, but until then I guess I can take the offer and save some of my money. God knows I need every last dollar these days."

Giving me a wider smile now, my dad proceeded to reply in a happy tone.

"Exactly why I offered. I'll get everything sorted once we get back. But I'd get ready. We're leaving any minute now."

Nodding my head once and taking a second to scratch my face, I gently dipped into my power and searched around for my mom. I was shocked she wasn't here by my side, but I soon realized she wasn't even here anymore. Looking back at my dad I asked him curiously.

"Where did mom go?"

Looking at his watch as he heard the question, my dad lowered his arm and looked back at me to reply.

"She left with your sister a few minutes ago. We're taking separate trips back to the capital for security reasons. She didn't mind considering the size of the event. Afterall I'll be spending the next week at her side as we go on our trip. We'll have plenty of time to ourselves then."

It annoyed me to hear him refer to Maggie as being my sister this fast. She wasn't my sister and that was a fact. I don't care what some paperwork says.

Hearing a whistle from the front door, my dad shifted into gear and urged us all calmly.

"That's our queue. Come on. You're riding with me Sam."

"Wait. What about the car you left me?" My question caught him for a small loop, but my dad was quick to come up with a plan and replied.

"I'll have someone grab it. Where did you park?"

"Just down the street. Right outside the tailor that's on the corner." I replied as he then nodded his head and added.

"Won't be an issue. Just give me the keys. I'll pass it off to one of mine."

"Okay." I replied as I got up and again saw the face my dad put on when he again realized just how big I had gotten since my time away. Handing him the keys from my pocket, we walked side by side and I decided to ask him another question just to make conversation.

"How many people are waiting outside to get a picture of you?" Chuckling as we neared the front door, he replied back.

"None. Security for the event was tight. No press was allowed near the reception. Only gave them spots for the ceremony to get pictures."

"What about that woman you're friends with? Ahhh….the name isn't coming to me, but she was a rabbit? Some reporter you knew back in the war?"

"Jenny, yeah. She…..she unfortunately passed away not long after you left." My dad replied which internally made me laugh. He was lying right to my face about what actually happened to that rabbit. For what reason? I'm guessing even he didn't exactly know how she died. I'm sure to him it was just considered a murder. Dusk and I got out clean from that job. I'm sure he was still trying to put things together, but he's just wasting his time. I'm sure if he did know the truth he would try to kill me. Daughter or not, Jenny was family to him as well. Not to mention one of the main reasons he's had such good PR during the war and during his time in office. Jenny made my dad look like a real hero. I wonder how that will change with her out of the picture.

My dad led the way outside and I made sure to stay behind him since his security was tight on all his sides. My aunt and uncle Cody got in the car first and once they were inside my dad got in.

"This way miss." I was instructed by one of his men who led me around to the other side of the car where I proceeded to get in next to my aunt. She hugged me the moment we were shoulder to shoulder. I hugged back of course and from there we just sat in silence until we reached the main gate of the capitol building.

My first reaction was genuine. Armed soldiers everywhere. Tons of them watching the walls and a handful covering the main courtyard. When we pulled in to stop my dad said to us.

"I have a room setup for you two. Sam, you come with me. I'm sure Marx will be surprised to see you. After we say hello we'll get you to your room. Okay?"

"Okay." I replied back as we exited the vehicle.

My dad reached over to grab my hand and very gently he guided me into his side and we began to walk into the main lobby of the building. This fucking building was so old it was a mircale we were in the year 2023. But it was surprisingly calm here. A few men watched the main door, but besides that there wasn't much security.

"He's probably in medical." My dad stated as he still held my hand.

"He didn't come to the wedding?"

Shaking his head with a smile, my dad replied.

"He came to the wedding. Marx is one of my closest friends. He just didn't have time to come to dinner. Had a few patients to care for. He's always been a man who takes his field seriously. I took no offense when he told me he had to go. But the man delivered you. He hasn't seen you in years. I think the last time you saw him you were maybe ten years old."

"Wow. Yeah I can't really remember him." I admitted.

"Trust me, you'll remember fast when you see him."

"I don't know about that but I'll try." I informed him as my dad stopped by reception to ask one of the nurses.

"Where's the good doctor hun?"

Pointing down the hall we were told he was in room twelve. My dad smiled and finally released my hand as we walked that way.

Raptor's POV.

I still couldn't believe just how big Sam had gotten during her time away from home. She looked nothing like my baby girl and looked more like her mother used to when she was with the Russian military, but with the added height and a little over twice her mom's mass. If she was being trained by some G.U.N ex-military guys then this made some sense. They probably have her on a diet that strictly focuses on putting on weight. She made me look so small by comparison. I'm sure Marx wouldn't recognize her, especially with the coat color she changed too.

Knocking on the door, I heard Marx call us in from the inside, so when I opened the door he was already looking at me with a smile while a small fox laid in the bed next to him.

"Are we interrupting you doc?"

"Nonsense. How was the dinner?" Marx proceeded to ask as Sam walked in behind me.

Marx's eyes widened when he saw her and so did the fox. Both of them looked flabbergasted as I replied back happily.

"It was great. Zeta made you a plate for later. Should be in the mess waiting for you."

Putting down his clipboard, Marx remained where he stood as my daughter just smiled and remained quiet. Sensing now was the time to say it, I instead asked the doctor.

"You remember my daughter?" Immediately he questioned.

"Sam? Little Sam?" I nodded with a small laugh as Sam just said respectfully to the man.

"Not very little anymore. You're Marx right? The only reason I'm here today?"

Marx was completely lost by her and hesitated to say something back.

"I meant your the reason my dad is alive today. That and you delivered me?" Breaking out of his trance, Marx finally replied back happily.

"Correct on both regards. Wow. Your…..big. What happened to you? You look…..you look amazing."

"Thank you." Sam chuckled back as I just decided to state the obvious.

"I wanted her to meet you officially. It's been what? Nine or so years since you last saw her, Marx?"

"Just about. Jesus Raptor. Are you sure this is the same girl? What the hell have you been eating?"

Sam again laughed as I now focused on the patient who just watched us with smiles.

"You okay son? What happened to you?"

Caught off guard by my concern, the young fox exposed his left leg to reply back sadly.

"I tried to spar with some of the bigger guys this morning. They warned me that it was a bad idea, but I didn't listen. Got kicked so hard I broke my ankle in three spots. Hurts like hell sir." He laughed as Marx jumped in to say.

"That should settle down in a few minutes. Let the drugs kick in and you'll be out cold in no time at all. A few weeks of bed rest and you'll be back on your feet in no time."

"I hope." The kid sighed as I had the urge to help speed up this process. I wish I could be open with my powers. I could help so many people, but Sam can't see what I am. Nor should she find out from anyone who does know. Maggie was my main concern. Before I leave for the US with Zeta, I'll have a talk with her, just to make sure nothing happens while we're gone.

"Back to you though Samantha. How much do you weigh now? You got to be what? Two hundred pounds?"

"Two hundred and ten. Close enough." She replied as Marx just let out a small whistle before asking her.

"Are you staying with us? Or are you just stopping by?"

"Staying for a little. I'm gonna hang out until my parents come back from their honeymoon, then I'll figure out what time I'm gonna head back home."

Marx nodded but when she referred to the US as her home, I felt bad. She really must not like it here.

"Well I'm sure your father appreciates that. Your mother as well. Are you two….okay?" Marx asked us which is when I assumed he was wondering if we were currently fighting and thank god we weren't. My heart can't handle it. So with a firm shake of my head I replied back.

"Yes. Of course. What happened is behind us. At least I hope it is. Sam?" Looking back into my eyes she replied not a second too soon.

"We're cool. It's in the past. We both fucked up back then and I'm sure nether of us wants to repeat any of that."

"Of course." Marx smiled back as I took the chance to grab my daughter by the hand and state.

"I'm glad you two got to see each other. Marx? I have to show Sam to her room. Remember you have food waiting for you in the mess and yes it's an order to eat it. Kid? I hope your ankle gets better soon, but take my advice and don't risk it again. You're lucky it was just your ankle that they broke."

"Yes sir." The man replied as Sam and I began to exit the room. Just as we reached the door Marx said to my daughter confidently.

"Well I'll be around if you want to stop by for a free physical Sam. I'm sure we'll see each other around. Just ask for me at the front desk if you decide to take me up on my offer."

"Thank you sir." She replied back as she then chuckled before I rushed her back into the hallway.

"Nice guy." She then said to me as I was content she found him friendly enough. Giving my daughter a soft eye back, I replied.

"He's always been that way. You think I'd keep someone around this long if they weren't nice?"

"Explain Vetra then." She urged me which in turn brought about a small laugh of my own. I was shocked she even remembered her, but I wasn't about to have her call my bluff.

"Vetra is one of Zandro's. Not one of mine. I don't have much of a say when it comes to who he trusts."

"She hates mom though, right? Why do you think that is?" Sam asked me as we entered the main lobby and began the small climb upstairs. On the first step I calmly assumed the reason for the hostilities.

"I'd wager it's because Vetra back when we first met found me attractive. Your mother was undercover as one of my personal guards, alongside your aunt Pepper and at that moment your mother and I were together. Seeing Vetra personally try to make a move or two on me is what probably brought about the hate towards each other. Vetra made one and your mother would quickly put her in her place and remind her of who I belonged to. Vetra is also strong willed and very independent, just like your mom. They will never see each other as anything other than enemies. Thankfully we've never had a fight break out between them. I'm afraid your mom would get her butt kicked these days. After all, neither of us have been in action for nearly twenty years. Vetra on the other hand is still heavily in the field."

Sam nodded as I took us into the east wing of the capital where the officers had their barracks. Seeing all the new rooms, I said to her calmly as we were heading right to my room.

"We've had to expand due to the amount of officers we currently have in service." Sam was looking more at the security though it seemed as I noticed her gaze go from soldier to soldier who guarded the hallways and saluted me as we passed.

"We've also increased security. Ever since we were attacked at the house, we can't be too safe when it comes to our lives. People who want us dead are closer than we want to believe. Your room is right here by the way." I said to her as we stopped a room just down from mine and her mother's. Looking at the guard standing by, I ordered him respectfully.

"Unlock the door please."

"Yes sir." He said back as he reached into his vest to pull out the keycard for the lock. Sam was quick to question as the lock read the card.

"Card scanners?"

"Just a precaution. Like I said, we can't be too safe. This is my daughter by the way, Sergeant. She'll be needing the card for her room for the time she stays. Can you also be sure to get her a V.I.P tag?"

"Yes sir. Of course sir. I'll get that right away for you."

"Thank you." I replied as he walked off which now left me with one thing left to do before going to bed myself. Handing Sam the key, I smiled widely and gave her one more hug before urging her.

"I'll leave you alone now baby. I know you probably want to get to sleep so I won't keep you up anymore. Your mother will probably be knocking bright and early anyway so I'd recommend it. Hehe."

"When are you leaving?" She then asked me as we pulled apart.

"Two in the afternoon."

"Okay." She sighed as she looked into the bedroom. She seemed a little overwhelmed so with that in mind I said back to her confidently.

"You're gonna enjoy it here. I promise. We'll talk more in the morning. Okay?" Nodding her head, I came in close one last time to give her a small kiss on the cheek. She immediately pushed me off in disgust.

"I love you!" I chuckled back as she smiled and took a step back into the room to reply.

"Love you too. Night."

"Goodnight hun. Sleep well."

"You too." She replied as she shut the door and left me standing here with a warm heart. A feeling my heart hasn't felt in a long time. If luck was with me everything would work out. It just sucked I had to leave tomorrow. I wanted more time with her. I had a lot to make up for and seeing the woman she was now made me want to get to know her better. I wanted to see what she learned in the US. Maybe even see if she was interested in learning some basic things from me, but this would all have to wait.

Sam's POV, An hour later.

Marcus wasn't around. I could sense that and that alone was worrying me. I was fully expecting him to be around considering everyone was in bed. What was he up to? I'd figure I'd be most important to him. Maybe he didn't know I was here? Nah, he had to know. He would have been watching the wedding from somewhere safe. He just had to be biding time.

Taking this chance to clean my contact lenses, I looked myself over in the mirror. There was a lot I wanted to do while I was here, but my concern had to be focused on having a plan for the morning. I could just sit in this room until my parents came back or I could go out there and maybe reconnect with Teddy who I knew was in the army by now. I'm sure he had no clue I was even here. It would be one hell of a shock, but Maggie was also a problem I had to consider. I'm sure she would try to be my buddy again, but fuck all that. I just wanted to do my own thing, not follow her every whim. I'm sure she would treat me like a kid regardless of how big I've grown. I need to shut that idea up in everyone's head. I wasn't a kid anymore or just some scared baby. I just had to pick and choose when to prove it to them.

Putting the lenses back in my eyes, I made sure they were in place then proceeded to lay down. I had no reason to sleep, but I'm sure Marcus would be looking out for any sign of me potentially being a demi. Not sleeping is one of the signs and I'd be damned if that's what got me made.

With my head down on a pillow, I stared at the ceiling and just decided against using the blankets. Flipping over to one side, I shut my eyes and allowed my years of prior routine to take effect.

The next morning.

"Are you sure you're gonna be here when I get back?" My mom asked me for the third time as she finished packing her bags. Giving her this stupid look back I replied confidently.

"I'm sure. Stop asking me that. I'm gonna have time set aside for just us. I promise."

"I hope so honey. I've missed you so much and now that you're here I have to go on a trip to the US?" She asked herself which earned her the response of Maggie who stood in the corner of the room.

"Everything's gonna be fine mom. Stop worrying about it and go have fun outside of this wasteland. I'll be here to keep after her."

I hated the fact that she called my mother her mother, but I had to bite that feeling as my mother zipped up her last bag to sigh back.

"It just sucks guys. I'll be thinking about this the whole trip."

"You don't have anything to worry about mom. I'm seriously not going anywhere. Just relax a little." Giving me a wide smile, mom came in close to grab onto the badge that hung from my hip.

"Don't forget to wear this. Security will give you a big problem if you forget."

"I won't forget." I sighed back as I was then urged.

"And please try to enjoy yourself Samantha. Maggie and you should have no issues when it comes to finding something to do."

"I don't even think I'll come outside my room. Dad already told me what I couldn't do and it's a lot. I can't even workout for fucks sakes."

"Language." My mother firmly said back as she was ready to leave. Coming to my side Maggie smiled and whispered into my ears from behind.

"You can't be by yourself out there, but I'm down to be your training partner. So long as you have a member of the M.E.A.F at your corner it'll cover the rules."

"Thanks." I mumbled back as I kept my focus on my mom who had tears in her eyes as she forced herself to say in a sad voice.

"Let's head downstairs. Your father is probably waiting on us."

"Good idea. Let's go Sam." Maggie urged me as we proceeded to walk for the exit. I stayed in back looking over the white wolf just to get an idea as to how tough she could be. She was big, but not much bigger than my mother in her youth. I had no fear that I could take her, but that wasn't my reason for tolerating her. I didn't have a choice in that matter. For now I just wanted to say goodbye to my parents and go back to my room. I had a plan for what I wanted to do while I was here and that was a simple list.

First was to see Teddy and maybe his family who I owed an apology to. I left without saying much of anything to them and when I left that was really the only thing I regretted leaving behind.

Next was to see if I could locate anyone selling some weed I could smoke while I was stuck here. I had a feeling if Maggie was going to be surrounding me for most of my stay I'd need something to keep my head in check. That or find some coke. It wouldn't be hard, I still have some old contacts who hopefully are still in business I could go to. At least the ones I didn't burn before running off. Only issue again would be Maggie. Hopefully she'd fuck off at some point so I could go solo.

Reaching the entrance to the capital, my eyes darted around to see the security that would be accompanying my parents to the airport. I was caught off guard by the uniforms. They weren't M.E.A.F or Zandro's men. They were black and red and looked strangely familiar from my time spent with G.U.N. As my mother had a quick word with my dad, I got next to Maggie to whisper into her side.

"Who are these guys?"

Leaning into my ear she replied back.

"Presidential security. They work for G.U.N. Hecan Moore brought a pretty sizable detachment of them with him to the wedding. This unit stayed behind to escort mom and dad to the airport. Hecan himself extended it as a last minute gift to dad. They'll be leaving with them though so this should be the last we see of them until they get back from the trip."

I nodded and looked back at my dad who finally finished up with mom. He came in right away to hug us both and just like mom he asked me to my face.

"You promise you'll be around when we get back honey?"

"I told you this morning that I'd be staying for a bit. Told you last night too if you remember."

Giving me a small smile my dad was quick to apologize.

"I'm sorry. I know. I remember."

"Then stop worrying and go. Go have fun. I love you."

"I love you too baby. Have fun yourself. We'll be back in a week. Maggie?" Looking over to her, my dad took her into his arms and kissed her on the cheek before instructing her carefully.

"Keep an eye on her. Don't cause any problems while we're gone. You hear me?"

"We won't. I promise. I'll miss you guys. Make sure to take some pictures or something. I'd love to see you on a rollercoaster."

My dad quickly chuckled before collecting his one and only bag from the soldier standing besides us. Once he had it at his side he replied to Maggie.

"I'm sure Yoga will be recording everything. You ready hun?" He then asked my mother who came in to hug me and Maggie one last time before replying to my dad.

"Ready as I'll ever be. I'll be sure to call you sometime Samantha so keep your phone close. Okay?"

"I gotcha. Now go mom. You wasted enough time here." I informed her as we were well past the time they were scheduled to leave. Giving me one swift kiss to my cheek, my parents waved us off and soon I was left standing with just Maggie in the main lobby. Quick to invade my personal space, she grabbed onto my hand and asked me in an excited voice.

"So what do you wanna do now that they're gone?" Pulling my hand away and earning a confused look back from the wolf, I replied back bluntly.

"For now I wanna go back to my room and figure that out. In private."

"Oh….okay. That's cool. I'll just…I'll just go find something to do. If you wanna go out or do something on base, just head to the front desk and call for me. I'll come running."

"Great." I mumbled as I turned my back on her to begin heading back up the stairs. Maggie was left to wonder what my issue was with her presence and if I had it my way I'd like to keep it that way. She wasn't my fucking buddy and she needed to understand that and give me my space. When I want her around I'll do what she suggested and ask for her. Until then she can fuck off pretending to be my sister.

Marcus's POV.

Clearly Samantha didn't like Maggie. I didn't have to be able to read her mind to pick up on that. But Maggie herself didn't know what to do after getting that response from her now bonded sister. Thankfully it would be easy to watch Sam now that Raptor was gone. I might even get physical with her now or at the least a bit closer. Not like she would know.

Following her up to her room was easy enough, but as she shut the door and I walked my way up behind her, I was stopped in my tracks when suddenly she turned around to look at me. I was caught off guard at first and immediately brought to question if she really did see me, but her eyes began to drift around the general area. A moment later she started to sniff around and that's when I decided to move to the corner of the room.

In time, she halted her pursuit and took leave to her bed to begin pulling out her cellphone. I remained where I was and just observed what she would do from this point on, but one thing seemed apparent. Her senses were sharp and she was indeed watching her back. Sneaking up on her would prove unwise. My natural aura would be tough to ignore with a nose that sharp.

"Relax." I told myself. I had time. I had a lot of fucking time to figure this out. It was just a matter of what I would notice first.

mT Shadow.