"You know, I've never counted.More than anyone knows about, I'm sure.Not all Hunter families announce themselves.The closest ones to us are my family, the Penrose family, and the Halligans."
"We need to research those families.It would be beneficial to know their strengths, weaknesses, signature weapons, fighting styles, and which paranormals they prefer to hunt," I say, jotting it all down on my to do list.
"I don't know how much you're going to get.It's not like they go around advertising their exploits.The life Hunters lead requires a large amount of secrecy to be effective.There's general knowledge floating around out there, but the inner workings of a specific family would be harder to track."
"I guess we'll start with observations any of your family may have from times they've interacted with the other families and go from there."
"You just want more stuff to nerd out on."
"Listen.I'm immortal now.I can feed my compulsion to learn all the things for an eternity.This is only the beginning."
Lorne shakes his head, but he's smiling, so it's all in good fun.
"Better you than me.I'll search the database for what I need to know when you're done with it.I don't need to have all that information crammed in my brain."Lorne cocks his head to the side like he's listening, but I hear nothing.He's probably getting a message through the Pack link or from his mate.
"Dinner time," he says."We'll pick this up later."
It wouldn't hurt for me to take another break and put in an appearance with Wyatt's family, even though I won't be eating actual food, so I follow Lorne to the dining room.Everyone is kind and welcomes me.I'm included in conversation in between them good-naturedly fighting over food, which Wyatt assures me is normal.But under their attempt at inclusion, I sense their wariness.My power unnerves them, and I can't blame them for that.
Tavian offers me a glass of blood, which I accept after confirming it's from the new stash we're building of Wyatt's blood.I haven't had any bagged blood since my powers kicked in.I didn't want to dip into Tavian's cache of Nicola's blood and potentially get a memory hit off it – if bagged blood still contains memories.We'll see what this glass of Wyatt's blood does to me when it's not straight from the source.Perhaps it won't carry any memories at all.We're still discovering the limits of my abilities.
As dinner wears on, I notice Richard seems withdrawn.He and I haven't talked much since he decided to remain with the Pack, with Jagger.When Richard excuses himself before dessert, I give it a few minutes, then follow.
He stands at the library window looking out into the night.Taking the space beside him, I wait to see if he'll tell me what's preying on his mind.When he remains silent, I ask, "How are you doing with everything?I know it's a lot to grapple with."
"Arthur would love this.The proof myths and legends are real."
"He would.I can imagine the onslaught of questions.That is a big part of why I spend so much time on this project.It helps me feel like a part of him is still alive."
"I see how hard you're working, son.Just make sure you don't lose your mate over it.Arthur would never want that."
"Speaking of mates, how are you and Jagger doing?"
"There are moments I think he's going to open up to me, but then something always holds him back.Sometimes, I wonder if I made a mistake deciding to stay.Then I remind myself this is all very new, for both of us.At the same time, the loss of Arthur is still so fresh.Perhaps I'm not ready to add a relationship until I have more time to grieve."
While I view Richard as a father, the times I've addressed him as such have been few and far between.I always felt it would be disrespectful to Arthur since they are blood related.Although, that had more to do with my insecurities than either of them.Regardless, this feels like the time to connect with him that way.
"I wish I had the answer for you, dad.Grief is a strange companion.And everyone addresses it differently.The one thing I can say with certainty is exactly what you told me.Arthur would not want you to lose your mate because of him."
Richard puts his arm over my shoulders as we stare out into the darkness together.
"You're a good kid, Andrew.I'm glad you chose me to be your dad."
Chapter Twenty-One
Wyatt
Afteralongdayof overseeing electrical work at the cabin, I'm ready to go for a run.Maybe hunt up some dinner.But first, I have to ensure all the work crew makes it off the property.We do our best to vet anyone we have to bring onto Pack land, but there's always a chance we'll miss something.Even paranormals aren't infallible.
I watch the workmen pack up for the day, keeping track of where they are at all times.There will be several days of this routine before all the work is complete.My wolf is restless with so many strangers in and around our den.It's a good thing Andrew isn't here at the moment.My beast would be much more territorial.When the last of the crew has gotten into their trucks, I watch them drive off, letting Cordelia pick up surveillance as they drive toward our border.
Walking back into the cabin, I look around at the mess.Definitely the definition of it'll get worse before it gets better.But it's almost finished, so I'm not too upset about the clean up that'll have to be done before the appliances are installed.
My wolf sends pulses of happiness to me.Our den is ours again for the night.No strange people wandering about, though he'd be even happier to get their scents out as well.One thing at a time.
Streaks of coral and red decorate the sky by the time I've tidied up what I can.Stripping down, I let the wolf take over and we run out into the woods.There's nothing quite like a stroll in nature to wash away the tension of a long day of having to be on guard.No place to be, nothing to do.
Deeper into the trees we go.Darkness falls, and while the forest isn't truly silent, there is a certain still quality that brings peace.We lie on the bank of a creek, muzzle resting on paws, taking it all in.
