Hammers in the Shadows

Part One: Shadows And Ice - Chapter Two

He had to make a slight face, "McCoy was rather surprised I survived.  Severe Hypothermia, broken arm, broken leg, fractured ribs, and internal injuries.  About the only thing which saved me was the pack I had on.  It took most of the impact."  Zane looked out the window and shivered slightly, "Even with her forgiveness it took me time to come to terms which what I did."  After clearing his throat, "I think I have said enough for now.  I don't mind talking more later but I need to take a break.  Even now it is a sensitive subject to me."

I nodded, "Perhaps if you'd like, you can visit my quarters at a later point in time, probably feel much more relaxing and you can see those I've chosen to call my family." I told him, and I sensed that he still had much that he wouldn't or perhaps couldn't tell a stranger like me. I stood up and then offered him my hand. "I will be around here for the next two years, so don't be afraid to look me up."

"Might be easier if you came to mine.  More room since I believe you are in a student's pod.  I have a Senior Beta pod which includes my team.  Also, I can introduce you to Tashi and her Pride.  She is the next Pride Matriarch.  Have a good day Mark."  He returned the handshake, "We can talk later but it will take time."  He showed me out, having to wait a few moments for Altair to follow me out before he closed the door behind him.

The meeting with Zane had pretty much gone as I'd expected it, since the information I had on him, what little I could find, told me that he was not an easy man to get to know and it would take time and patience to get to know him.

The next time we met was much more... energetic since my family was with me, it was in the later afternoon, after classes were done for the day and I'd taken his offer up to meet him in his home.

"Can I knock dad?" Shawn asked me and I nodded before he knocked on the door, though his knocks weren't that hard. I hoped that the wolves inside would hear it.

Tessa opened the door and gave the boy a warm smile, "Come in, Zane indicated you might come past.  He ran into a minor problem with work so he is going to be a bit later.  He asked me to wait for you to arrive and take care of anything you need."  She waved us in before handing me a note.  It wasn't anything important, just a request not to talk about his being changed for the moment.

When we walked in Izzy was relaxing on a couch nursing one of their babies.  Tessa glanced at them, "This is Izzy, Zane's girlfriend and his pups.  Have a seat and relax.  Food will be here soon, would you like anything to drink?"

At that point another wolf, who I'd learned was called Rico walked in and glanced at the us, "A triple shot of something strong.  We had a multiple fatality accident today."  He gave the others a nod before walking into his room.  When he came out he gave me a tired look, "Sorry, that was somewhat disrespectful of me Guardian.  Can't talk about it, just it was messy."  He settled down and took a beer from Tessa.  I could tell, from the expression on his face that it probably wasn't what he really wanted, but it would have to do under the circumstances.

I looked around and nodded, "My cat likes vodka for some reason, but I shouldn't set a bad example for my cubs." I said in response to the question. "It's okay, I think I can understand where you are coming from, accidents are never pretty." I gulped slightly when Shawn softly hugged me and said, through some tears that he still dreamt about a bad accident sometimes. "That is a bit of trigger for him, even all these years later, and with our Pride medic helping him he still dreams of it."

"Sorry Mark, didn't know.  I normally leave work there.  What do you think of the Academy?  Busy and exciting right?"  He leaned back in the chair and smiled when Mindy came over and settled down on his lap and leaned against him.

It wasn't much longer before Zane walked in, "Pardon Mark, fun work stuff came up.  One of those lovely yet stupid things I can't talk about."  He took a beer from Oscar and settled down in his chair, "This is my team and they are..."  He introduced everyone, "Nice to finally meet your family.  Food will be here shortly."