Three weeks later, Snowhawk stood on the bank of the forest lake and gazed across. She gave a heavy sigh and brushed her mane over shoulders. “I will go back to town tomorrow,” she whispered, “and I will tell them my decision.”

Janus stepped out of the brush a few moments later. “ What’s on your mind Snowhawk?”

She turned toward him, smiling faintly as he closed the gap between them. “I’m going back to town tomorrow. I’ve made them wait too long for my decision.”

“Should I go with you?” he quietly asked, wrapping his arms around her.

“No. I’d be afraid of what Legacy might do if he saw you.”

Janus gave a small nod. “I’m still worried about you going alone, though. Could I at least send someone with you?”

“Like who?” she questioned, canting her head to the side.

“Anyone that could protect you. Even– Adian.”

She smirked at his suggestion. “Would you trust him that far?”

“Not in the least,” he admitted. “Would you?”

“I think I could,” she replied.

“Please be careful tomorrow, Snowhawk,” Janus pleaded. “Your Guardian might not be able to control his emotions.”

“I know,” she nodded. “But I did get myself into this mess. I’ll have to accept any consequences that are dealt.”

“I wish it could be easier for you,” he said, pulling her closer to him.

“At times, I do too, but I know that without my trials, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”

*********

Later that night, Snowhawk crept out of their bedroom and into the forest. She tried to remain near the cabin, but wandered aimlessly around it, lost in thought. The feeling of someone grabbing her arm quickly snapped her back to reality. “Who–?!”

“Good to see you again, love,” Legacy replied.

“Let me he hell go!” she demanded. “What are you doing here?”

“You’re coming back, Snow. You’re too important for us to lose.”

She had heard all this before. “Too important to who? You or the Empire you’re trying to build?”

Legacy replied with a smirk. “Both. Now, we’re going.”

“Like hell!”

“Don’t fight me, Snowhawk,” he warned.

She snorted at him and continued to try and pull away. “I will do whatever I damn well please.”

“Apparently so. And I’d guess there’s a ‘whoever’ included in that as well?” He reached into his pocket, once again intent on putting her to sleep.

Snowhawk was well aware of what her Guardian kept hidden in his vest pocket and she was also well aware of what he was planning to do. She tried to cry out for help, but Legacy’s hand on her throat put a quick end to that. “He can’t save you. Now, come along quietly and I won’t be forced to harm you.”

“Right,” she gasped as he led her away, still holding on to her throat.

Back in the cabin, Janus snapped awake the instant he thought he heard Snowhawk’s cry. His mind was still half-asleep, but he was certain that Snowhawk was not in bed with him. “Guess it never hurts to check,” he said to himself as he crawled out of bed. He pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, then half ran outside.

Delphin hoof prints were not easy to miss, but human ones could be. He did find a fresh set of Snowhawk’s footprints, but was disturbed by finding a second, equine set, one too large to be Snowhawk’s. He wondered for a moment just who would have come out this far to kidnap her, then realized it was a stupid question. “If that was Legacy, there’s no telling what he may be planning.” He sprinted back to the cabin to find his car keys.

*********

On the way back, Snowhawk glared at Legacy as he drove. She had to think of some way to get away. A split second decision later, she threw a punch at him as he drove. He jerked the wheel, almost plowing into another vehicle. She again tried to connect her fist to his jaw, missing once more, and he this time pulled his truck over. Her escape attempt was short lived as he grabbed hold of her before she could get the door open. “Are you trying to kill us both?!” he yelled. She answered him with another glare. He reached into his pocket and removed the syringe he’d gone for earlier, and quickly jabbed it into her arm and injected the contents. Moments later, she was out and he leaned back into the driver’s seat with an irritated sigh. “Damn crazy female,” he grumbled as he continued to his apartment.

*********

Adian leaned toward one of the monitors in his surveillance room and watched as Legacy pulled a female form from the cab of his truck. “What are you doing, Legacy?” he asked, smirking as he keyed in a command and zoomed the camera toward the Guardian. “Oh, I see. You’re trying to piss my brother off.” He stood from his chair and stretched, then grabbed his jacket as he walked out the door. “No one is going to do that but me, dammit.” As he walked, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed his brother’s number.

*********

Legacy carried Snowhawk’s unconscious form up the stairs to his apartment, unaware of the Lupino following just behind him. “I can’t allow you to be gone, Snowhawk. There’s too much at risk,” he whispered to her as he entered the dwelling and placed her on the couch. He crouched next to her, waiting for the drug’s effect to wear off and gently stroking her hair.

Not ten minutes after he’d arrived, the door was kicked open. “You are making a huge mistake messing with my brother,” Adian warned as he stalked in. “When he’s pissed, it falls on me.”

Legacy looked up, more annoyed than anything. “Tell me, Adian, do I look like I really care?”

“You will when I pass it on to you,” the wolf smirked.

“Neither you or your brother can have her,” Legacy snorted. “She’s far too important.”

“To who? You or your Empire?” Adian questioned, folding his arms across his chest and leaning back.

Legacy had heard all this before, and not too long ago in fact. Honestly, he knew he couldn’t say for certain. “Returning the Empire to what it once was is a noble job. One that she should be proud to do.”

“You haven’t answered my question,” Adian continued. “Is she more important to you or to your Empire?” Legacy returned only silence. “That’s what I thought. You’re more concerned with your project than you are with her.”

“You are walking on very thin ice, wolf,” Legacy said warningly.

Adian could not help but smile. “Then I’m right. You wouldn’t be so touchy if I wasn’t.”

Legacy was never known for his ability to control his temper. He slowly stood and drew his sword from the sheath on his side. “Leave. Now.”

The attempt to be threatening only drew a laugh from Adian. “I hope you realize she’s far more intimidating than you could ever be.”

“And you’re apparently far more stupid than your brother,” Legacy returned.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Delphin,” the Lupino smirked. “You’re greatly underestimating us.”

“You can’t win unarmed, wolf.”

Adian cracked his knuckles and stretched. “We’ll see.”

Legacy yelled a battle cry and charged the Lupino. Adian side stepped this attack, but not without receiving a long gash across his chest from the Guardian’s sword. As the Guardian moved away from him, Adian quickly changed directions and pounced on Legacy’s back. The wolf grabbed the Guardian’s shoulders, claws digging into flesh. The sheer force of Adian’s attack sent both of them tumbling to the floor and Legacy’s sword left his hand. Adian landed under the Guardian, then kicked the Delphin off, sending him across the room.

As the two fought, Janus rushed in, finally, just before Snowhawk awoke. The female gasped in mild shock when she realized just who was fighting, then again in fear when a hand rested on her shoulder. Luckily, the hand belonged to Janus, and he gave her a reassuring smile when she looked at him. He picked her up, then managed to give his brother a quick nod of thanks, and left with his love before Adian could be further distracted.

Legacy was, to say the least, not at all pleased with the fact Janus had just taken off with his girl. He was determined to end this fight quickly so he could intercept the thief. The Delphin kicked the wolf away from him, then lowered his head and charged once more. His plan would have been lethal had Adian not sidestepped the attack.

Adian also wanted this fight over quickly as he was getting bored. As the Delphin passed by him, he grabbed the end of Legacy’s horn and pulled him around. The Guardian kicked at the Lupino, trying to break away, but managed only to graze Adian’s leg. “Stupid move,” Adian growled as he sharply pushed down on the tip of Legacy’s horn.

Delphin horns are not indestructible, though they can move slightly in their socket, and they have a slight give. The horns are not really any type of gem or metal, though they may take that appearance. They are more like bone and as such, they are well supplied with blood. The room filled with the sound of a large crack, then Legacy’s scream.

The Guardian fell backwards, the blood from his freshly broken horn already rushing down his face and pooling on the floor. He tried to back away from the wolf, but Adian just grinned at him, then tossed his horn tip into the air and caught it a half second later. Adian circled the Delphin, chuckling, then stopped to pick up the sword that had fallen away early in the fight. Legacy began to slip into a state of shock and fell to the side as Adian walked back to him. The wolf knelt next to the Guardian, still chuckling, then rolled him onto his stomach, and held him down with his knee. “Poor Guardian won’t get to see his son grow up,” Adian taunted. “Sucks to be you, huh? Completely screwed up everything.”

“Not over…” the Guardian whispered.

“Yes, Legacy, it is,” Adian informed him. “You won’t just jump up from this and beat my ass like some character in a game. You aren’t going to get the girl, and your little family will never be perfect. Die knowing that you had a chance once, but now you will never touch her again.” Adian stood, holding the Guardian’s own sword over him. The Delphin turned slightly, trying to escape, but went no further when the blade sunk into his back. Adian paused for a moment, to be sure the Guardian was dead, before he removed the blade. He chuckled again, then left the apartment and headed back to his brother’s estate.

*********

Some souls cannot rest knowing they still have a job to finish. Sophie considered her job to be making sure Nytehawk and Snowhawk’s happiness was secure and making sure what life they chose would be of their own will. She had planned to visit Legacy to check on him and make sure he was not doing something stupid, but instead saw Adian running out of the apartment complex with a sword that looked to be covered in blood. She was immediately concerned for Legacy and ran inside to see if her suspicions were true. Upon confirming her suspicions, she ran back out of the building, and towards Janus’ estate, then to Adian’s house on the grounds. She slipped in through a window in the back of his home, and greeted him in his living room. “I thought you had been warned about getting involved in matters that don’t concern you, Adian.”

The Lupino jumped when he realized someone had snuck into his home. “What the fuck are you doing here?” he growled.

“Something that should have been done years ago. You’ve really screwed things up this time.” She withdrew the pair of daggers she kept on her and lunged at him.

Adian was taken by complete surprise at this attack, and, being injured from his fight with Legacy, could not move quick enough to avoid it. She left a pair of long gashes across his chest. “What the hell are you talking about!?” he yelled.

“I made a promise to protect them and make sure they got to make their own choices. Now you’ve ruined that,” she explained, then lunged at him again.

Adian caught her this time and pinned her arms to her sides. “I still fail to see how this involves me.”

“Legacy had another chance!”

“No, Sophie, he didn’t. Kidnapping doesn’t make for a good chance.”

She screamed in frustration and kicked him away. “Then explain why she stays with Janus!”

“Because,” the Lupino growled, fully standing, “Janus never kidnapped her. He asked that she stay out of concern for her health.”

“That’s a little hard to believe, wolf,” she snorted, then lunged at him once more. Adian blocked her attack with the Guardian’s sword, but she quickly slashed at his wrists in an attempt to get him to drop the weapon. Adian yelped and pulled his hand away, but did not drop the sword.

Adian blinked and stared at the panting female for a moment. “Shit,” he grumbled, then turned and sprinted back outside, figuring he could out run her in the woods.

Sophie, ill as she was, was determined to accomplish this last mission. She managed to catch up to the injured predator-turned-prey and pounce at him again. One of her blades sunk into his back, the other swept across his legs, just above his hocks. Adian fell forward and Sophie landed on his back, driving the blade still deeper into him. “Get up, Adian,” she commanded, lifting herself off him. “We aren’t finished yet.” She pulled the blade from his back, but the wolf made no noise or movement. “Get up, dammit!” she screamed, kicking him, then flipping him over to see the Guardian sword buried in his chest. When Adian remained still, she realized the fight was indeed over, then sunk back against a tree. “Finally,” she panted, “something done right.”

She stood fully again, and slowly made her way out of the forest. She managed to reach the road before she collapsed. A small group of Feln found her and immediately rushed her to the hospital. They were met by the same doctor that had treated Snowhawk several times past. She was taken to a room right away and treated as best she could be. Her health was falling quickly now, due to her overexertion.

Sophie knew this night could very well be her last, so she requested that two letters be sent: one to Snowhawk, one to Nytehawk, and that the Guardian Jerome be summoned to her. The Guardian arrived as soon as he could for her. He pulled a chair next to her bed, took her hand into his, and remained with her throughout her final night.

*********

Six months later, Nytehawk and Hunter, accompanied by a human guard, brought Valerian to visit his father’s grave. “I wish you could have known him, Valerian,” Nytehawk began, looking from the tombstone to the boy. “He really wasn’t bad, just confused.”

The child knelt by the grave site and placed a small bouquet of lavender flowers on the ground. Hunter gently patted the young Delphin on his should as he stood. “What happened to him?” Valerian asked, looking to Hunter.

“It’s a long, sad story that will have to wait until your older to be told,” Hunter replied.

The guard accompanying them lightly touched Nytehawk on the shoulder and quietly said, “We need to leave soon or we will be late for our appointment.”

She gave a small nod. “Okay… we need to find Jerome then.”

“He should be with Sophie,” Hunter replied.

“I know where!” Valerian exclaimed, the trotted off to see the Golden Guardian.

*********

Jerome knelt next to the grave of his former lover, his head bowed and his eyes closed. “I wish I could have saved you,” he whispered. He remained in silence for several moments more until Nytehawk, Hunter, Valerian, and the guard arrived.

“Jerome,” Nytehawk quietly began, “we should be going now.”

The Gold Guardian nodded his head to them, then stood from the grave site. “There’s so much you think of saying after the fact…”

“More than we could have guessed before they were gone, right?” Nytehawk responded.

“Indeed,” Jerome replied.

“Madam Nytehawk,” the guard began again, “we really must be going.”

“Very well,” she nodded. “You heard the man guys. Let’s go.” She turned and walked off, following the guard.

Jerome remained near Sophie for another moment, then blew her a kiss and trotted away.

*********

Late that night, a lone lavender Delphin crept to Legacy’s grave site. She knelt next to it, and placed a small bouquet of white flowers next to the lavender ones left earlier in the day. “I’m sorry it had to come to this, Legacy. I only hope you know this was never my intention.” She bowed her head and whispered a Delphin prayer, then looked up once she was done. She saw the form of her Lupino guard emerge from the shadows. “Something happening, Nyx?” she asked the chocolate furred female.

“We aren’t alone,” the wolf replied.

Snowhawk gave a small nod, then stood and quickly brushed herself off. “Shall we go then?”

Nyx nodded in reply. “Yes, we should get you someplace a little safer than this.”

“Very well,” the Delphin replied. She leaned down and whispered one last thing to the grave, then straightened and trotted away, the Lupino female following.

“Your last visit?” Nyx questioned as they walked.

“Yes,” Snowhawk nodded. “There’s only so much one can say to a plot of dirt, especially when the spirit they’re trying to reach won’t respond.”

“Oh?” Nyx said, canting her head.

“Yeah. It’s almost as if he’s not really there.”

“Does that concern you?”

Snowhawk nodded again. “Greatly.”

Snowhawk contacted Janus some two weeks after she arrived at the cabin, but she had not made any decisions by that point. During their conversation, he assured her that she could take as long as she needed. Adian took supplies to her, and, according to his reports to Janus, he’d not actually seen her on any of his trips. He could report that he was confident the cabin had been lived in.

Snowhawk finally called Janus at the end of the eighth week and simply requested that he come see her soon. He was at the cabin within three hours.

*********

At Nytehawk’s home that same day, Nytehawk, Jerome, Onyx, Sophie, Legacy, and Hunter discussed the situation. “So, no one’s heard from her since she went up there?” Onyx questioned.

Sophie shook her head. “Not since I saw her. Even then, there was no contact.”

“There’s a rumor that she contacted Janus some six weeks ago, but there hasn’t been much else around,” Jerome added.

“What about the supplies?” Hunter asked.

“Apparently Adian has been delivering them,” Legacy replied, irritated at the thought. “She’s been leaving notes for him as to what she needs, so I’ve heard.”

Nytehawk was silent for a few moments, then commented, “It’s not like her to withdraw that much for that long. She needs contact, and her delivery man isn’t exactly trustworthy.”

“What are you suggesting, Nytehawk?” Onyx queried.

“The last I knew, Adian was little more than a walking erection. He wants toys, regardless of who they ‘belong’ to.”

“I really doubt Snowhawk would allow him to get within arms reach of her, much less lay a hand on her,” the raven furred Delphin noted.

“Adian can be very persuasive,” Nytehawk quietly responded.

Legacy snorted in disgust and looked away from the group. “I don’t believe for a moment she’d allow that. She went up there to work her feelings out, right? Why would she complicate things by getting involved with Adian?”

“That’s the most intelligent thing you’ve said in a while, Legacy,” Hunter commented.

“I think you may be reading a little too much into it, Nyte,” Onyx stated.

“Maybe,” Nytehawk began. “But I just didn’t like how he’d try to find ways to watch her. It was like he was stalking her.”

“Well, Lupino are predators,” Jerome pointed out.

“And predators like weakened prey,” she finished.

Legacy flattened his ears back. He wasn’t pleased about the thought of having something else to complicate matters. Both Onyx and Nytehawk had valid points, and he only hopped that Onyx was right on this.

*********

Adian wandered the estate, halfheartedly making his check of the grounds. He idly wondered just what Snowhawk would say. Janus should be at the cabin by now.

He had said that he never saw her over the past eight weeks, but that was a full blown lie, mostly to put his brother’s mind to rest. He saw and spoke with her on all of his trips up there. He took trips up there twice a week for supplies and to check up on her. With each trip, she seemed to be leaning more toward his brother. Not only was he trying to keep from being blamed for something he hadn’t done, but he didn’t want to give Janus a false hope. She was female after all, and such creatures can change their minds quite quickly.

He meandered the grounds for several hours, thinking. He thought about how he was truly jealous of his brother, and that perhaps his interest in keeping her safe was more than just to keep his brother happy. “Janus was wrong, I guess I do care about someone,” he said to the plants around him.

He also thought about how she seemed to have re-acquired a stalker. He wasn’t sure how long this presence had been trailing her this time, and it seemed to have followed her to the mountains now. He was quite concerned over this since she was more concerned over her decision than her personal safety. He sighed and shook his head, wondering just why, exactly, he’d gotten involved.

*********

Janus pulled in front of the cabin and stepped out of his car as Snowhawk walked down the porch steps toward him. She looked to the sky as she walked, then sighed and looked at him, smiling softly. Janus, of course, smiled in return, but wondered if it was appropriate to ask the question burning in his mind. She walked to him, and stopped just a couple of steps away. “You know how there are things in life that just are. They have to happen, regardless of what one might do to try to stop them?” she asked.

Janus nodded. “Of course.”

She sighed, momentarily looking to the sky again, then back to him. “I believe that we are one of those things.”

Janus didn’t quite get what she was saying at first, probably because he hadn’t gotten his hopes up to hear it. By the time she had closed the gap between them and put her arms around him, however, he understood. He in turn wrapped his arms around her. “Oh, love, you have no idea how afraid I was you wouldn’t say that.” He pulled her closer to him, then asked after several minutes, “But what are you going to tell the others, especially Legacy. I’m a little concerned for your safety after what he tried in the hospital.”

“Your fears aren’t unfounded, but I will have to tell him. And soon.”

********

Several days later, back in the city, Jerome sat in Sophie’s room in Nytehawk’s home. Sophie’s health had fallen rapidly over the past week. She refused to admit she was that ill, but the fact wasn’t easily hidden. “Sophie,” he quietly began, “why didn’t you tell me? I might have been able to help you before it progressed so far.”

“This is my punishment for what I did, Jerome,” she replied. “You were right, I didn’t have to do any of it. She sat up in be slowly, staring blankly at the far wall. “Why are you here anyway, Jerome? Shouldn’t you be helping Legacy get Snowhawk back?”

“Snowhawk isn’t coming back, they just don’t want to hear it. You’re more important. You need someone with you.”

“J, she’s got her whole life ahead of her. They all do. I’m not that important.”

“You’re more than ‘that important,’ Sophie.” He moved from his chair, kneeling in front of her and taking hold of her hand. “Above everything else that’s happening, beyond what’s come between us in the past, you are my mate.”

“I was–”

“Are,” he quickly corrected. “I apologize for how I acted. I was hurt. It’s an excuse, but it doesn’t make it right.”

“Right or not, that doesn’t change anything,” she responded, looking to Jerome’s hands.

“You’re right, it doesn’t. But it’s childish of me to remain angry with you.”

“Childish, but not unfounded.”

Jerome sighed, the released her hand and moved next to her on the bed. He embraced her and they sat in silence for several minutes. “Don’t push me away, Sophie. Please. I want to be here for you to try and make up for how I acted.”

Sophie didn’t know how to react. He’d let go of his anger. He was the same Delphin she’d fallen in love with years ago. “What changed your mind, Jerome?” she finally asked after some ten minutes of silence.

“I told you,” he replied. “I realized that I can’t change–”

“No,” she said, cutting him off. “I mean, what made you realize that?”

Jerome leaned back a few inches and looked down in thought. “I guess it was after Legacy returned without Nyte or Snow. I don’t know why, but that was it.”

“Don’t try to save me, Jerome. I’m not worth it. I don’t deserve to be your mate,” she said, leaning and looking away from him. “I’m sure there’s someone else waiting for you.”

Jerome leaned towards her and quietly stated, “If there is Sophie, she can wait. You are more important.” He pulled her tightly to him and whispered, “I don’t want you to go through this alone anymore.”

She tried to pull away from him. “Jerome, you need to back away. You can’t get too close–”

“Sophie, I’ve already told you what I felt. I am not leaving you again.” She gave him a defeated sigh at this, but made no attempt to pull away.

Sophie sighed as she looked across the predawn forest. She had come to the mountains after she spoke with Onyx to think of what she should do. After all this time, she still had no clue. She needed to atone for her past and to tie up a few lose ends. “If I could get rid of Janus, then I could not only return the favor he gave me, but I could get Snowhawk back to her family.” She snorted in slight disgust. “It won’t fix everything, but it’ll help. Just need to think of how to get rid of that damned wolf.” Her mind went over every possibility as she leaned back and watched the sunrise.

*********

Elsewhere in the mountains, Janus helped Snowhawk out of his brother’s vehicle, then led her to the small cabin. Snowhawk had requested to come here to spend her time alone. “Are you sure you’ll be okay by yourself here?” Janus asked.

She stopped about half way to the cabin, and turned to him. “I’ll be fine. If I need anything, or if anything comes up, I’ll call. I probably will in a few days anyway.”

He nodded slowly, then pulled her to him and softly kissed her on the forehead. “Take care, love,” he said, then backed away as she continued to the cabin. He reluctantly climbed back into the vehicle and leaned back into the passenger seat as she walked inside.

“You’re damn near pathetic, Janus,” Adian smirked.

“Shut up and drive, Adian,” Janus glared, “before I kick you out and drive back alone.”

“The hell you will,” the younger brother chuckled as he turned his truck around. “You’d never leave me alone near her.”

Janus made no response to his brother, only stared out the window. He hated to leave Snowhawk alone up here. It was, at the least, a half hour to this place, and should something happen to her– “I wish she’d gone someplace else,” he commented.

“Like where? The sea?” Adian smirked. “You know what, rather who, lives by the ocean. She’ll be fine here, brother.”

Janus couldn’t really argue with him, and nodded. “You’re right, as much as I hate to admit.”

“Of course I’m right,” he grinned.

*********

Janus walked into his room back at the estate some forty-five minutes after they’d left Snowhawk. “Please stay safe, my Bird,” he prayed as he looked out his window.

“Her safety should be the last thing on your mind,” Sophie’s voice said from the shadows.

Janus spun toward her voice and growled. “What are you doing here?”

“Tying up lose ends,” she stated, stalking toward him. “You know, like you. You blew my cover and now I’m dying.”

He stepped back as she advanced toward him. “You intended to kill my Birds.”

“Would you really have missed them?” she questioned. “It’s not like slaves were that hard to come by.”

“Yes, Sophie, I would have. Because unlike your owner, my slaves were not mere toys to me.”

“You’re so full of shit, Janus,” Sophie snorted, then lunged at him.

He caught her and pushed her away from him, scowling at her. “Be serious, Sophie. You aren’t strong enough, especially now.”

“I want you to give her back to them,” she commanded, standing.

“Snowhawk can go anytime she wishes. Despite what you may think or may have heard, I am not holding her against her will.”

“Bullshit.”

“She can,” he repeated. “I took her to my cabin in the forest at her own request. She wished to go there and think things over where no one will bother her.”

The gray Delphin canted her head to the side. “She’s where?”

“At my cabin in the forest.” He began to wonder if this illness was affecting her hearing.

“Why aren’t you with her?” she questioned, still suspicious of his motives. “Or did you lock all the doors and windows from the outside?”

“I did no such thing. She wished to be alone, so I am respecting those wishes.”

“A first for you.”

Janus was growing tired of her verbal abuse. “Sophie, leave my estate. Now. And never show your face here again. I can be civil no longer.”

“I’m surprised you ever were,” she smirked.

“Do not blame me for your mistakes. Rather, do not blame me for Legacy’s. Had he kept his mouth shut, I most likely wouldn’t have known.”

“Nice to know.” She returned to glaring at him, then turned and stalked out of the room. Damn Legacy, she thought as she left the grounds. He just had to open his mouth, and getting rid of him directly would pose too many problems. About that time, she noticed Adian making his usual rounds, then remembered the younger bother enjoyed fighting as much as he did sex. Perfect, she grinned, then left to plan.

*********

“So, what’s the difference between a Royal Guard and a Guardian?” Hunter asked Onyx. The coal black Delphin had been staying with him and Nytehawk, mostly to keep a closer eye on Legacy.

“We’re essentially Guardians with more power and fewer restrictions. We also protect as many of a blood line as we have in our area, instead of just one Noble like a Guardian.”

“I thought that the Royal Guards were all former Guardians,” Nytehawk said, canting her head to the side. “But it takes so much longer to become one.”

“Don’t underestimate my age. I have been around many times longer than this house we’re in.”

“And you, the Guards in general, protect only the Royals?” Nytehawk asked.

Onyx nodded. “Yes. We protect those of a bloodline specifically, assisted by the Guardians. As for your family, that has been my duty.”

“But, the bloodlines seem so diluted now,” Hunter mentioned. “How do you decide who to protect?”

“You might be surprised how true they still are,” Onyx began. “Most slavers actually took very good records.”

“What’s the definition of a Royal and a Noble then?” Hunter questioned.

Onyx sighed, then explained, “There were nine ruling families once. Those are defined as the Royals. Your mate and Snowhawk came from the strongest of those. The Nobles were the ones of highest class, but had little or no actual ruling power, outside of their own land.”

“Later on,” Legacy added, stepping into the room, “the Royals were grouped with the Nobles. All Royals were Nobles, but not all Nobles were Royals.”

“You’re a Noble yourself, Legacy,” Onyx mentioned as he looked to the Guardian.”

“I know,” he nodded. “I was always under the impression Guardians had to be.”

Onyx shook his head in disagreement. “Not exactly. Yes, it was preferred, but not required. Now, for example, if you and Snowhawk had lived during the height of the Empire, and you had not been of Noble blood, then your relationship would have never happened. A Royal Guard would have been sent in to end it.”

“To keep the bloodlines strong,” Legacy scowled.

“No, to protect the Royal in question. Who trained you?” the black Delphin curiously asked.

“Some half-senile Delphin in my owner’s compound at first, then Jerome taught me a few things,” he replied. “What does it matter?”

“Nothing now. Just make sure you keep your emotions separate from your actions.”

Legacy replied with a small nod, then stepped back out of the room.

Nytehawk looked to her mate, then to Onyx. “Do you get the feeling he’s going to try something again?” she worriedly asked.

Hunter and Onyx both gave a nod of agreement. “He has a lot to learn still,” Onyx commented. He paused for a moment, then asked “Where is Jerome anyway?”

“Gone for a walk,” Nytehawk replied. “He never said where.”

*********

Jerome slowly made his way through the forest, listening for any clues of what surrounded him. He had a sixth sense of sorts and could detect another Delphin if they were nearby, but so far, he had sensed no one. He was looking for Sophie who, the last he heard, had gone into the forest to die. She never has told me what’s killing her. Just that there’s no cure, he thought as he walked. He soon came across a set of fresh hoof prints in the mud, and he could catch the faint scent of another Delphin in the air. The scent was Sophie’s. He followed the trail through the forest, half expecting to find her near death. Instead, he found her sneaking around a cabin. “Sophie,” he began, “what are you doing out here?”

She jumped at the sound of his voice. The gray mare spun around to face him then half yelled “Don’t do that, Jerome!”

He was not pleased with her appearance. She was obviously thinner now, her eyes were dulled and tired, and even her colors seemed paler. “You look like hell warmed over, Sophie.”

“Thanks for the compliment, J,” she sarcastically replied. “What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you. Checking in and what not,” he replied.

“And who put you up to that?”

“No one. I came on my own accord.” He glanced behind her and into the cabin. Based on the furnishings, he guessed she wasn’t living here. “A little on the high end for you,” he mentioned, nodding to the inside.

“Not my place. I live miles from here,” she admitted.

“Then, why are you here?”

She paused for a moment, then sighed heavily. “Because I’m hoping to get Snowhawk to go back to her family.”

“I should have figured,” he said, shaking his head slowly. “But, Sophie, you need to realize that she’s gonna make that decision on her own time.”

“How would you know?”

“I don’t for certain. Just what Nytehawk has told me, which was that Snow was going to go somewhere to be alone and away from the world to think.”

Sophie had heard the same thing before and she didn’t exactly want to believe it. She changed subjects quickly. “How’d you know I was up here? At the cabin that is?”

“I followed your tracks.” He sighed quietly, then stepped toward her. “Come back to the city. There are plenty of doctors that can help you out at the least. You never know, they might be able to save you.”

Sophie folded her ears back and looked down. “What would you care, Jerome?”

“Quite a bit, actually,” he stated, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Why?” she questioned, shrugging his hand away.

“Why?” he mimicked, putting his hand back on her shoulder and stepping closer to her. “Because I can’t just go on in my life with the thought that I never helped you. Or that I never forgave you.”

Sophie said nothing for a moment, then turned and began to walk towards the town. “You don’t owe me anything, Jerome.”

“Where are you going?” he asked, following her.

“To tell the others my story,” she responded, continuing with her slow walk into the forest. “They should at least know why.”

*********

“So, what are you going to do, brother?” Adian asked as Janus stared out the window. “Wait around until she calls?”

“It’s all I can do, Adian,” the older brother replied.

“You have other obligations. You can’t just keep tossing them aside for her.”

“I have for the past five months,” he evenly replied. “I can wait until she returns. I have a feeling it won’t be long.”

“I can’t believe you’d throw everything away for her,” the younger brother admitted.

“I am not throwing it away, Adian,” Janus snapped.

“Then what are you doing?” Adian countered. “You’ve been ignoring all of your responsibilities since she came back.”

“Snowhawk is my first priority. You would understand if you actually cared about someone.”

Adian stepped back, the words having left their mark. It was true that he’d never felt anything near what his brother felt. He’d never loved anyone as strongly as Janus loved Snowhawk. What had been said now, made him realize this, and one could go so far as to say he was jealous.

“Why is it,” Snowhawk began, “that every time you rush to get somewhere, minutes feel like hours?”

“Snow, don’t start that,” Nytehawk replied as she sped toward the hospital.

“Why?” she all too calmly asked.

“Because if you’re already in deep thought, we’re in deep shit.” She swerved around another vehicle and they pulled into the hospital’s emergency arrival drive. With Janus’ help, she led Snowhawk into the hospital and they were promptly greeted by a familiar doctor.

“Back again, Ms. Alyandra?” the doctor smiled.

“Indeed…” Snowhawk smiled.

“I wouldn’t need any medical knowledge to guess what’s going on.” The doctor waved over a couple of nurses and a wheelchair. Janus carefully sat Snowhawk into the chair, gently stroking her mane, then the nurses wheeled her away. “We’ll pull her file,” the doctor continued, “but I remember from before. If you could have a seat in the lobby, I’ll let you know as soon as she’s through this.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Janus bowed.

*********

The hours passed slowly for the two waiting. Adian left soon after they arrived, returning to his post at the estate. Janus worriedly paced the floor, almost wearing a path in the carpet. Nytehawk distracted her mind by reading through the magazines in the waiting room, then drifting to sleep.

“Mr. Sininensusi?” the doctor’s voice questioned.

Janus jumped, startled at her sudden appearance. “Yes?”

“Snowhawk is recovering now. It got a little touchy there for a while, but both she and the baby will be fine.”

Nytehawk stretched and stood. “Was it a boy?”

“Yes,” the doctor nodded, “With lavender fur and dark, silvery amethyst hair.”

“His name?” Nytehawk queried.

“Valerian.”

“A sleep aid. Where does she come up with these names?” Nytehawk asked to no one in particular.

“You can go and seem them now if you want,” the doctor continued. “They’re on the second floor, in room two forty-eight. There are signs at the elevators. She’s still pretty tired, though, so don’t be surprised if she falls asleep while you’re in there.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Janus replied with a slight bow, then turned and walked off to find Snowhawk’s room, Nytehawk following him.

They found her room easily. Inside, the lights were dimmed and a bassinet sat near the bed. Snowhawk was sitting up, gently rocking the baby’s bed. She glanced up at her visitors, a soft smile on her face, then looked back to the child. “I’d forgotten how much I missed this…”

“Are you changing your plans then?” Nytehawk questioned.

“No,” she said after a pause. “I need time by myself to think,” she replied, still looking at her newborn child.

The other Delphin nodded. “I understand.”

“How long do they want you to stay?” Janus asked, moving closer to the bed.

“Few days. Enough time for me to recover.” She sighed and pulled her legs onto the bed, then leaned back. “Nytehawk, would you mind watching him for a bit? I’m gonna follow the doctor’s orders and sleep.”

“Not in the least,” she replied.

“Thank you,” she replied, then smiled and arranged herself in the bed. Janus pulled the covers up and around her, then gently kissed her forehead. Nytehawk glared at him as he seated himself in the chair next to the bed.

Janus noticed her glare, but waited until Snowhawk was well asleep to say anything. “I don’t think you’re ready to call off this little, temporary truce yet.”

“Not yet,” she replied, still glaring at him. A moment later, she finally asked him, “So, what do you have against Legacy?”

“He allows himself to be controlled by his emotions. He doesn’t use his head to think, especially when he’s distraught. He’s untrained, which makes him particularly dangerous as a Guardian.”

“How so?”

Janus sighed, looking at Nytehawk somewhat aggravated. “If a Guardian’s charge is captured by slavers, dying from some poison, or some similar circumstance, what was the Guardian way to end that?”

Nytehawk knew. The Guardian would take the life of their charge, then their own for failing. “But that was only if the Guardian has failed in their job.”

“And just what does Legacy think he’s done?”

She shook her head, trying not to believe what she was hearing. “Be serious, Janus. Legacy wouldn’t leave his child parent-less.”

“He wouldn’t.” He nodded toward her. “There’s always you and Hunter.”

Nytehawk shook her head again. “You’ve lost it, Janus.”

“Don’t be so certain, Nytehawk. We’ll need to keep a very close eye on her for the next few days.”

*********

Legacy had returned to his and Snowhawk’s apartment when Nytehawk had left. He now sat in the dark, in silence, in the living room. A now two day old printed message telling him that his child had been born, along with the location, had fallen to the floor next to the chair. “And I wasn’t even there. Nor could I protect her in the first place.” He sunk into the chair, dropping his head. “I’ve failed, as a Guardian and a mate.”

He remained in silence for several more minutes, then stood slowly and walked into their bedroom, stopping to remove a couple of small items from a drawer in the dresser. “I’ll finish it all tonight,” he stated, then left the apartment.

*********

Nytehawk wandered around through the hospital’s indoor garden, pushing the two day old Valerian around in a borrowed stroller. She thought that getting the quickly growing infant out of the hospital room would do him good. Delphin do best when they can experience new environments within a few hours after birth. They age very quickly at this stage in life. In a few months, he would be in the same mental and physical stages as a two and a half year old human child. By age two, he would be equivalent to a seven or eight year old.

Nytehawk could already see that his horn nub had grown a little. She smiled at him, and he cooed back at her. “Those are one of your mother’s favorite flowers,” she said as they passed under a trellis of morning glories.

*********

Janus waited somewhat impatiently in the hospital’s small cafeteria. “How long does it take to get a cup of coffee around here?” he quietly grumbled. He didn’t like the idea of leaving Snowhawk alone for too long and today seemed especially foreboding. “I’ll feel better when she can get out of here. Regardless of where she goes.”

A disturbance in the hallway caught Janus’ attention for a moment, but almost having hot coffee dumped on him brought his attention back. He quickly paid and started back to Snowhawk’s room, the feeling of dread in his gut stronger than ever.

*********

Legacy had not expected or encountered much trouble getting into the hospital and to Snowhawk’s room. Granted, he had walked into that purple haired girl outside of the cafeteria, knocking her into a cart and making quite a noise, but no one, other than her, seemed to notice. He had quickly helped her back up, apologized, then ran off to Snowhawk’s room.

He stepped into the room, pushing the door to behind him. As he walked to the bed, he reached into his coat pocket and removed the syringe of anesthetic he had grabbed while at the apartment. “Just to keep you asleep,” he quietly told her, taking her arm and turning it over, then inserting the needle and injecting the contents. To be certain she would stay asleep, he gave the anesthetic a few minutes to work. He waited for her to slip into a near coma-like state. His attention was directed completely on her and never heard anyone enter the room.

“What are you doing here?” Janus’ voice demanded.

“Carrying out my duty,” Legacy replied, looking to see the wolf-in-human-form stalking toward him.

“Jumping to conclusions, aren’t you?” the former slaver asked, stopping a few quick steps from the bed.

“Why do you ask that?” Legacy calmly replied, reaching into his other coat pocket for the second syringe.

“As I understand the Guardian code, this was a last resort. Only to be used if your charge was dying and if you were directly at fault.”

“You are holding her captive, so she may as well be dead to us. It was my fault that she was captured.”

Janus could see the Guardian’s hands shaking. “What makes you think she’s being held against her will?” He stepped toward Legacy as he asked this.

“She never returned.”

“Because she wanted to rest. In a secure environment.” He took another step toward the bed as doubt further clouded the Guardian’s face. “Which is what she told you.”

“You brainwashed her.”

“You’re deluding yourself. She’s nowhere near death. No where near enslaved. She is free to go whenever she wants.” He had taken two more steps toward Legacy. “Why are you being so hasty in taking her life?”

The Guardian froze as he reached for Snowhawk’s arm again. “What?”

“Why are you being so hasty? Why do you want her dead?”

“… I don’t.”

“Then don’t do this. Give her the time she’s asked for.” Janus was now within range to grab her away if need be.

“No. You’ll steal her away forever. That’s failure in my job. And failure is unacceptable.”

“She doesn’t need you. But your son does.”

Legacy closed his eyes for a moment, hesitating, then quickly grabbed Snowhawk’s arm. Janus was, thankfully, quicker than Legacy and he soon had her unconscious form protected in his arms. “Give her back,” the Guardian demanded.

“No. Your intentions are all too clear.” Janus snorted at the Guardian. “Go find your son. I’m taking her someplace safe.”

Legacy glared at the human-formed male. “You can’t tell me what to do.”

“Considering you’ve rendered her unable to, I have to, Legacy.” Janus quickly scooped her up into his arms and left to room to find someone to reverse the affects of the drug he had used.

Legacy sunk down onto the bed and held his head in his hands. “Dammit.” He remained alone in the darkened room for some five minutes before Nytehawk returned with the baby.

“Legacy, what are you doing here? Where’s Snowhawk?” she asked, her voice notably concerned.

“I was going to finish my job, but he took her away,” he replied, still holding his head down.

Nytehawk’s brain took a minute to realize exactly what he meant by finishing his job. “Did you even consider what would have happened if you were to follow through?!” Legacy shook his head in response. “I didn’t think so. You’d be orphaning this boy, and I don’t think anyone wants to explain to him the circumstances.”

“She won’t come back now anyway. He’ll tell her what happened.”

“That may or may not be true. Have some faith in her to make her own decisions. He’s not making them for her.”

“He’s not?” Legacy asked, looking up in disbelief.

“No. I had thought he was too, but I saw otherwise. She’s done this much on her own. She’ll keep doing so.”

Legacy seemed to shrink. “I just– miss her so much.”

Nytehawk kneeled next to the bed, looking at him. “I know, Legacy. But you can not allow your emotions to control you. Especially over your better judgment.”

The Guardian nodded slowly, then stood “I’m going for a walk,” he stated as he left the room.

Nytehawk returned to the stroller, looking at Valerian and sighing. “He means well, you know. He’s just confused.”

Snowhawk grumbled as she looked outside. The night before had brought so much new snow, and she was confined to a bed, unable to go out and enjoy it. She had requested that her bed be moved next to the window, and said request was granted, under the condition of having an extra blanket added to her already five-high pile. She didn’t really mind in the end as the extra warmth made sleeping easier. “I’m as comfortable as having a beach ball sized stomach will let me be,” she dryly commented as she turned onto her side the best she could, then watched the falling snow. Her eyes soon began to drift closed, and she’d almost fallen back to sleep when the door to the room opened. A moment later, she felt the weight of another on the bed, then her hair being brushed away from her face.

“You’ve got me worried, you know,” Janus quietly said to her.

“Only seven more weeks, if that. I have a feeling he’ll be early,” she replied, looking up at him.

“How early?” Janus asked, concerned.

“Two or three weeks most likely,” she calmly replied.

Janus’ worry was not eased in the least bit. A half month or more early for a Delphin child was far from normal. However, Snowhawk did not seem too concerned. In fact, she had not seemed overly concerned about much lately. He finally asked several minutes later, “What’s causing this?”

“Causing what?” she replied, pretending not to know what he was referring to.

“Your illness, or whatever this is,” he returned, frowning slightly.

She thought for a moment for a fair reply, then said, “The females in my family are predisposed to a type of pregnancy induced anemia. It’s compounded, or eased, by what’s happening around the female throughout her term. Things like stress, diet, how ready she was to have a child in the first place, and the like.”

“All the females?” he replied, canting his head to the side.

She nodded to him. “All of them. Nytehawk would likely have gone through this with Hunter, if he were able to sire children. I’ve heard it’s common in all the royal bloodlines, and due to the breeding practices of the slavers, no Delphin of common blood bred to those of noble blood, there’s not been much new blood introduced.” She smirked and chuckled a bit. “It’s kinda like the family tree is losing some limbs.”

“So, what’s it feel like?” Janus asked, curious to learn about her condition.

“The anemia?” she returned, and he nodded his head in the affirmative. “It’s not painful, if you’re worried about that. It just makes me tired as all hell, which I guess is good since it makes me rest.”

“So, there’s no pain?”

“Not unless he kicks me, or I get stiff from laying in one spot too long.” She sighed quietly, and placed a hand on her stomach. “I was very unprepared for this, and this boy will not be small.”

Janus gently stroked her face. “I’m sorry, Snowhawk. I haven’t helped matters any.”

“In truth, no, but unless you’re hiding it well, it wasn’t intentional,” she said, smiling softly.

“Not in the least,” he said, shaking his head.

“I wish Legacy would understand that,” she began. “He’s blaming you for everything, except ‘failing’ at his job.”

Janus couldn’t help but smirk. “He kept you alive for two years. That’s hardly failing.”

“Oh, I know all too well,” she nodded. “That first year was hell on him while I adjusted to life ‘outside’. Probably worse on him than it was on me.”

“Do you regret leaving, or coming back, for whatever reason it may have been?”

“There’s not much I regret, Janus. Leaving, then returning are not among the things I wish could have done differently. Even under the same circumstances, I don’t think I’d change it.”

“Have you thought anymore about what you plan to do?” he asked after another few moments of silence.

She yawned, then replied, “My plans are still the same.”

Janus nodded as he subconsciously scratched the back of her neck. Several minutes later, he realized that she’d drifted back to sleep. “I can’t begin to say how relieved I’ll be when this is all over.”

*********

Nytehawk sighed and swung her legs over the balcony railing. Once again, she’d come out here to think and plan. Snowhawk’s birthday would be in seven days, and it appeared that this would be a third year apart. As much as she hated to admit it, she could somewhat understand why her cousin was going about things the way she was. Had it not been for Snowhawk, she would still, most likely, be a slave. “One of Snow’s greatest missions had always been to find a way to free me somehow.”

She thought in silence for almost half an hour, until she heard the doorbell ring. She quickly hopped off the railing and ran to the front door. Hunter managed to beat her to the door, and was less than pleased at who he greeted.

Standing outside of the doorway was Adian, as unamused at seeing Hunter as Hunter was at seeing him. He looked past the annoyed Delphin male, and spoke directly to Nytehawk. “My brother requests your presence, Nytehawk.”

“… Brother?” Hunter repeated, confused. He had been told about Adian, but not about the relationship between this wolf and Janus.

“What does he want?” she asked, fluffing her wings in agitation.

“Snowhawk has requested you, as I understand,” the chocolate furred Lupino returned.

Her agitation turned to concern. “What?”

“I don’t know details,” Adian replied. “I’m just here to relay a message.”

Hunter glared at the Lupino. “How do I know you aren’t going to try and steal her away from me?”

“Because I’d prefer to keep all parts of my anatomy intact,” Adian stated, glancing at Hunter and fidgeting nervously.

“Smart wolf,” Nytehawk commented. “Alright, I’ll go.” Hunter opened his mouth to say something in protest, but she cut him off. “I’ll call in no more than five hours to let you know I’m okay.”

Hunter couldn’t argue with her. “Just be careful, love.”

She nodded, then her and the wolf turned and walked away from the house. They walked in silence for several moments before Adian queried, “So, I’m sure you’re wondering why my brother didn’t bring the message.”

“Somewhat,” she evenly replied.

“Snowhawk is not doing well right now. She’s very weak,” he quietly stated. “Janus doesn’t want to leave her. He’s extremely worried, but she seems calm enough about it.”

“And do you have an opinion of the situation?” she asked, looking toward the wolf.

“From my perspective, taking into account somewhat similar situations from my past,” Adian began, sighing, “she won’t survive another three weeks. She could very well suffer the same fate as her mother in any event.”

Nytehawk gave a slow nod, then commented, “She may surprise us with how strong she really is.”

They walked in silence for the following half hour to Janus’ estate. Once inside the building, Adian led Nytehawk to her cousin’s room, opening the door for her, then respectfully bowed and walked away. Nytehawk narrowed her eyes at the Lupino. He wasn’t acting like he normally would, and she was suspicious he was trying to manipulate her. She walked into her cousin’s room and closed the door behind her.

*********

The first week of Nytehawk’s stay brought Snowhawk’s birthday, but no special deliveries. That came on the first day of the third week of her stay.

A week and a day past her birthday, in the early morning, Snowhawk awoke to the not completely unfamiliar feeling of a contraction. Calm as ever, knowing panic was not going to help, she managed to sit up. Janus was, oddly, not in the room, so she called to her cousin. “Nytehawk.”

Her cousin awoke, yawning quietly. “Need something, Snow?”

“Call Janus,” she calmly began. “Find out where he is, and have him get a car ready. Then, help me get up,” she requested as she tried to sit up.

“Why?” she questioned, her sleep fogged mind not understanding.

“Because my little one thinks today would be a good day to meet the world.”

Nytehawk finally understood what Snowhawk was trying to tell her. “Oh, shit,” she cursed as she jumped up. “Okay, I’ll go find Janus, or have Adian find him or– Hey, shouldn’t you change to your human form?”

“I’ll be fine, Nytehawk. Go get one of them,” she repeated.

Nytehawk nodded, then rushed out of the room. She returned a few moments later with the light-furred, Lupino formed Janus. “Adian’s getting a car ready,” the younger cousin panted.

“Why haven’t you changed forms yet, love?” Janus asked as he helped her up.

“Because I can’t,” the replied as she felt the onset of another contraction and leaned a little heavier onto Janus.

“But,” Janus began, the worry in his voice mimicked in Nytehawk’s eyes.

“I went through the others like this,” she stated, cutting him off and standing fully again. “I’ll make it through this one as well. Now, help me to the car.”

“I’ll go make sure Adian has it ready,” Nytehawk said, then dashed out of the room.

Janus picked Snowhawk up, cradling her in his arms. “I can’t let you fall, and you’re going to need all your strength over the next few hours.”

Winter proved harsh that year, but this only made Snowhawk wish to be outside more. Janus watched his love as she rested in front of the window, looking at the falling snow. She was well into her eighth month now, and the month and a half following would be the hardest yet. For some reason, this baby was taking much more out of her than anyone originally thought. She was now almost completely unable to get up on her own, adding to her frustration at not being able to get outside.

“This boy had better not be a hellion to raise,” she mumbled. “He’s causing enough trouble as it is.”

Janus could not help but smile. Even through all this, she could still joke about it. That was one of the many things he loved about her. She seemed lost in thought and was currently as peaceful as the snow falling outside, but he knew her mind was a storm of emotions. She did not claim to know what to do, but he knew, deep in her heart, the answer was clear. However, the sheer consequences of that answer brought him the most worry.

*********

Legacy, also lost in thought, walked along the snow-covered sidewalks of the city. His mate was little more than two months from the end of her pregnancy, and he couldn’t help her through the end. He didn’t even know if the child would be his son or his daughter.

In addition to everything, Sophie had vanished some six weeks ago. She never said where she was going, or why. No one had seen her, and it was unknown if she was still alive.

“This month has been pointless,” he commented to no one.

“You’re such a damn pessimist,” a male voice commented. Legacy jumped and spun around to see a black-furred Delphin with silver markings, a ruby horn, and a silver mane and tail. “Skittish too.”

“Who are you?” Legacy nervously asked, taking a step backwards.

“Just call me Onyx,” the dark Delphin smirked. “No need to fill me in about your story, I know what’s going on.”

Legacy took another step backwards and cautiously eyed the other male. “What’s it to you?”

Onyx sighed and grinned. “Can we just say that I knew Snowhawk many years ago and leave it that that?”

“Knew her?” Legacy questioned. “How so?”

The black male smirked again. “Aren’t you the jealous one?”

“I think I have right to be,” Legacy replied, glaring.

“Try getting your mind out of the gutter. I knew Snow, and Nyte, strictly as friends.” He seemed to think about this for a moment, then nodded to himself. “Close friends.”

The borderline innuendo had begun to aggravate Legacy. “You are not gaining my trust…”

“Legacy,” Onyx sighed, “loosen up a little. I have a need to keep what I know secret for now. Just relax and play along and all will be revealed soon.”

The Guardian frowned. “Can’t you tell me anything?”

Onyx’s smirk returned. “Fine, if you must know, I am a Royal Guard. One of the very last.” Legacy’s eyes widened in surprise as Onyx continued. “My duty was to protect that family line. However, I am well over a thousand years old and will not be around forever. I was training another as a Guard for that family when we lost track of them.” Legacy opened his mouth, as if to ask a question, but Onyx cut him off. “No, I don’t know where my student is. Our owner was very cruel and she attempted an escape. Her mate was killed during the attempt, and I never found out what happened to her.”

Legacy just nodded slowly. “So, do you have a plan?”

“Would you follow it if I did?” Onyx returned, sternly looking at the younger Delphin. Legacy just dropped his head at that. “Remember Sophie’s words, Legacy: Snowhawk may not need a Guardian, but your son will need a father. Until I contact you again, I suggest you not interfere. You have not lost her yet, but you still easily could.” Onyx bowed to him, then turned and trotted off into the city.

Legacy stood silent for a moment. “He said ‘son’… Could he really know, or was it a guess?” He looked as the red-tinted, clouded sky sent more flurries to the city. “I guess I should get back to the house,” he sighed, then slowly plodded through the snow back to Nytehawk’s home.

*********

“Leaving the party so soon, Sophie?” Onyx asked as he appeared near the female. “Pity you won’t get to see the outcome, then– Or keep your promise to them.”

Sophie stopped walking and glanced toward him. “They don’t want me around, Onyx. No one ever has. You should be able to see that.”

“Indeed,” he replied, canting his head to the side. “Of is it that you just don’t want yourself around? Nytehawk doesn’t care about your past. She feels that if you want to make up for it, then you should be there.”

“I’m sure,” she returned dryly.

“Don’t doubt me, Sophie. I make it a point to know all this,” the black Delphin smirked.

“So, Onyx,” Sophie began, sounding a little more than annoyed, “what are you doing here?”

“My job,” he replied, inclining his head slightly. “Making sure Nytehawk is safe and that Snowhawk is not being kept against her will.”

“And is she?” Sophie inquired.

Onyx shook his head. “No, she’s not. Now, at this point, if we can just get Legacy to understand that, we’ll have made some progress.”

“Hell will freeze over before he understands that she doesn’t need him.”

“We both know that Janus is perhaps the only being that can understand Snowhawk. Legacy doesn’t really even try, and that is the last thing she needs.”

Sophie nodded slowly, then looked off blankly. “I’m not going back,” she replied after several minutes of silence.

Onyx folded his ears back and took a step towards her. “Sophie–”

“Don’t start, Onyx. You’re far more useful than I’ll ever be to them.” She dropped her head and closed her eyes. “History doesn’t prove to anyone I’m reliable or trustworthy.”

“So change it,” he simply stated. “Prove them all wrong.”

She looked up at him. “How?”

“You’ll have to figure that much out on your own, Sophie,” he said with a half smile. I can’t help you there.”

“I don’t know if I should thank you or not…”

Onyx shook his head lightly and turned. “Just go back to them. You’ll figure something out.”

“I don’t even know where to start,” she said as she watched him disappear.

Nytehawk sighed as she looked at the calendar. “Em’bar, three months to go.”

“I wish she would come back,” Legacy pouted as he flopped down onto a couch.

“You aren’t the only one, Legacy,” Nytehawk pointed out. “Everyone wants her here, but I guess she doesn’t feel safe.”

“I couldn’t protect her,” he again stated, curling forward in defeat. “I failed my mission.”

Nytehawk put a hand to her forehead, aggravated at the young Guardian. “No, Legacy, you did what you were supposed to do. You kept her safe when she needed it. Now, I guess it’s a case of– ”

“Of what?” he asked, looking up.

“She lived her life without a Guardian,” Sophie began as she walked back into the room from the balcony, sitting in a chair across from Legacy. “She can, has, and will survive without one. No offense.”

“That was a little harsh, Sophie,” Jerome commented as he entered from the hallway.

“Harsh, but true. Snowhawk is simply one of those that doesn’t need a Guardian.”

“How many times has she nearly lost her life?” Jerome inquired.

“Just one I know of,” the gray female replied, referring to Snowhawk’s last mission.

“I’m sure there were others she never told us about,” Jerome replied, making his case for her need of protection. “And that’s not including the number of times she was pregnant.”

Legacy shook his head, again sighing, then he stood from the couch. “I can’t listen to this,” he mumbled as he left the room.

Jerome glared at Sophie. “I seriously hope you don’t think you’re helping, Sophie.”

“I didn’t figure you’d want to hear my part on this,” she responded, returning his glare.

“Not really,” the golden Guardian replied.

Sophie shook her head at him. “You’ve not changed a bit, Jerome.”

“Oh?” he voiced, quirking an eyebrow.

“Yes,” she snapped. “You still think everything is so clean cut. Black and white, good and bad. Sorry, dear, it’s not. Don’t I wish it was, though. If it were, then Snowhawk wouldn’t be so damn confused about her feelings. I’m sure she loves Legacy and the rest of you dearly, self obviously excluded, but she does love Janus as well. She wants all of you happy, but it can’t be that way, so she stays where she feels safest. Janus was there for her more than any of you. So, that’s why she’s still there. She had tried to convince herself that he was ‘bad’ but she never could. Hell, she probably can’t even remember the real reason she left him anyway, outside of the little tiff they supposedly had.”

Jerome could only blink. Sophie had never been so vocal about her opinions before. “Where the hell did that come from?”

“Where did what come from?” she half growled, her defenses still raised.

“You would have never bitched me or anyone else like that before.”

“Dying changes beings. I don’t have to be afraid of anything now.”

“Dying?!” Nytehawk exclaimed. “Sophie, I–”

“There’s nothing that can be done, Nyte,” Sophie explained, cutting her off. “My owner didn’t appreciate the fact I couldn’t kill you.”

Nytehawk was shocked. “Kill me?”

“Yes,” Sophie sighed, “I was supposed to kill you, but Legacy opened his damn mouth at the wrong time.”

“Legacy was in on it?!” Nytehawk asked, still surprised.

“Not exactly, but he was supposed to be my cover,” she grumbled.

Nytehawk looked faint. “Why me?”

“Because my owner knew you were basically the number two slave, just behind Snow. He wasn’t stupid enough to target her. Seriously anyway,” she added. “He knew Legacy could never kill her.”

“Jerome, did you know?” Nytehawk half gasped.

“Yes,” he nodded, “and I did my part to protect you then, as I do now.”

“Regardless of where the threat came from.” Sophie sighed, dropping her head, then stood a moment later. “I guess I’ll be leaving now. I’m sure you find me too much of a threat to stay.”

Nytehawk looked to Jerome, then to Sophie after her Guardian answered her glance with a shrug. “Sophie, wait. You don’t have to leave.”

Sophie stopped for a moment, then replied, “I’ll think about it. I may return in a few hours.” She walked out the door, leaving the other two Delphin in silence.

“Do you think she’s still dangerous?” Nytehawk finally asked.

“It would depend on if she’s here on her own accord, or if she’s working for someone again,” he replied.

“That’s not an answer, Jerome,” she noted.

Jerome nodded. “Personally, I don’t think she ever was a real threat. She always was very kind.”

“Just had the wrong influences,” Nytehawk finished. Jerome nodded in agreement as she continued. “Like my cousin.”

“How did you know about that?” he asked, canting his head to the side curiously.

“We were barely apart from the time I was five,” she smirked. “I’m not so blind that I didn’t know about her and Janus.”

“She never intended for you to know what she was doing when she’d leave, you know,” the Guardian mentioned.

“I know,” Nytehawk replied, “but it’s not like I couldn’t figure it out.”

Jerome just smirked and shook his head. “Never could fool you for long.”

*********

Sophie walked through the city streets, alone as usual. She thought about her past and the things she had done. And she remembered how most of it was triggered by accidentally meeting Janus.

~~~~~~~~~

“Sophie, could you show Janus and his companion to the guest house?” her owner, a man named Bryce, commanded.

“Yes, sir,” she quietly bowed.

“Legacy, accompany them,” he added, receiving a bow of acknowledgment from the soon-to-be Guardian. Bryce turned to Janus, then gave a small, respectful bow. “I apologize for not showing you myself. I’ll come check on you in a couple of hours. I figured this little– problem I’m having would have sorted itself out by now.”

The other slaver waved his hand in dismissal. “It’s no problem, Bryce. I understand as well as any, better than some.” Another small bow followed, then Bryce turned and hurried off.

“This way, please,” Sophie quietly said. She led them around the main house. Legacy followed the little group, almost too obviously staring at the rear of Janus’ Delphin companion. The lavender female walked just behind and to the right of Janus. Her head was lowered and her eyes remained closed as they walked, yet only once did her hoof catch on a stone of the pathway. As quiet as she was, she seemed to be studying the area.

Janus happened to glance back and noted Legacy’s gaze fixated on his female’s amethyst tail. He smirked, then plainly stated, “You could be a little more discreet about staring at her ass.”

Legacy immediately stopped, only managing a blink as the others kept walking.

“You’ll have to forgive Legacy, sir. He doesn’t see many new females and already seems to be tired of staring at all of our tails,” Sophie dryly replied, stopping the little group.

“It’s alright. Snowhawk’s tail seems to attract many gazes,” he replied, standing next to his companion. The lavender Delphin’s expression had not changed and she still had not opened her eyes. Her ears moved about slowly, but other than her breathing, she made no other movement.

“… If I may ask,” Sophie began, “what is she doing?”

“Listening,” he grinned. “Forming a picture in her head with sound rather than images.”

“Oh,” she replied, a little more than confused, then continued on to the guest house. She opened the door for them, motioning inside. “Your quarters, sir. Shall I show you around?”

“No, but thank you. I would like to speak with Legacy, though,” Janus replied nodding toward the male Delphin.

Sophie nodded. “Very well. Legacy, I’ll inform Bryce where you are.” She gave another small bow, then quickly left.

The next day, as Sophie returned to the guest house to check on Janus and his companion, she found the slaver standing near the compound’s lake, intently staring across it. “Good morning, sir,” she stated as she approached him.

He nodded his head to her. “Good morning, Sophie.”

“If you don’t mind that I ask, what are you looking at?” she queried.

“Snowhawk is swimming,” he replied. “I’m waiting for her to surface. This is training for her.”

“’Training,’ sir?” she asked tilting her head to the side.

“My dear Snowhawk gathers information for me from my enemies,” he explained. “She prefers to train as much as she can.”

“Oh…” she replied, filing the information away in her head to tell Bryce later.

~~~~~~~~~

“And with that one meeting, I made an enemy out of someone I could have called a friend.” Sophie sighed, then stopped to look where her hooves had carried her. She found herself in front the the estate of her old owner. The place had fallen into disrepair since he had died. “But who would I be now if he wasn’t dead?” she asked, thinking no one was around.

“What does it matter, Sophie?” Legacy asked as he neared her.

Sophie jumped at the sound of his voice. “Dammit, Legacy, I wish you wouldn’t do that!”

“So,” he began, standing in front of her, “why did you accept that mission anyway? You knew you’d never succeed.”

“If you had kept your damn mouth shut I would have. But no, you had to talk and you let it slip what I was there for. I was almost killed then and I’m dying now.” She was near to losing her temper again.

“Sophie– ”

“You stupid Guardian!” she yelled, shaking with anger. “Because of you I will die within two years. Because of you I had the shit beaten out of me. Do you have any idea of what happened to me?”

“No,” he honestly answered.

“You wouldn’t,” she growled. “Why do you think I never show my wings anymore? And why do you think I stayed locked in my room for weeks after that? Why was there a perpetual red stain on my back until all the new fur grew in?

“They took your wings?” he asked, surprised.

“Yes, Legacy, they took my wings. They ripped them from my back, hoping it would kill me,” she replied in a bitter tone. “When that didn’t work, he decided a slow, painful death would be better punishment. I’m being eaten away, one cell at a time. And no, no one can save me. It’s a modified Vampiric toxin.”

The Guardian took a step back. He didn’t know what to say.

“And you…” she continued in that same tone, stepping toward him. “You failed as well, but they didn’t do a thing to you. They couldn’t since you were their power play. The one that would kill Janus’ little pet and weaken him so they could deliver the final strike.”

“Sophie, I never meant for any of this to happen to y–”

Again, she interrupted him. “Bullshit! You did. You should have killed her then and you wouldn’t be feeling like you’ve ‘failed’ now.”

“… I am not using my final option,” he quietly replied.

She gave him a bitter smirk. “Oh, but you’ll think about it. Give her three more months and you’ll be very seriously thinking about it. Every day with him is less of a chance she’ll come back to you.”

Nytehawk’s hooves slipped on the concrete when she turned the corner to enter through her front gate. “Hunter!” she excitedly yelled as she ran up the walkway.

Inside, Hunter’s ears perked at the sound of his name. “Nytehawk?” he questioned as he looked at Jerome. The golden Delphin nodded and Hunter jumped up. He reached the front door about the time Nytehawk forced it open. They looked at each other for half moment, Hunter taking the first five seconds or so to realize who she was, then he embraced her. “Thank God you’re back,” he whispered. Another full minute passed before he pulled back slightly and looked at her, smiling. “I love those wings.”

She smiled at him as Jerome entered the front room. “Good to see you home, Nytehawk,” the Guardian bowed. “But, where is Snowhawk? I figured she would get you free.”

Nytehawk pulled a little further away from Hunter. “She did, in a way. She just didn’t free herself.”

“How is she?” Legacy quietly asked as he entered the room.

“In all truths, not good,” Nytehawk replied. “She was no where near prepared for a child, and worrying about why you weren’t around didn’t help any.”

The younger Guardian dropped his head in defeat. “I’ve lost her…”

“I didn’t say that,” she snapped back.

“I’d figured she needed some time alone, but I guess I was wrong,” he continued.

“Legacy,” Nytehawk began, stepping toward him, “If Snowhawk wanted some time alone, she would take care of that herself. She was trained to hide. But in any case, days alone are not what she would have needed. Don’t forget that she’d lived most of her life with someone always nearby.” She received a slow nod of reply from Legacy.

*********

Some three weeks later, on a sunny, unseasonably warm afternoon, Snowhawk half-dozed in the gardens of the estate. Her Delphinic form rested on one of the garden’s benches, shaded by a large willow tree. During the periods between short naps, she would listen to the sounds of the gardens, never opening her eyes. She turned onto her side, then almost missed Adian’s silent padding as he passed, and he seemed to not notice her. “Good day, Adian,” she quietly said.

The younger brother jumped slightly at the sound of her voice. “Good day, Snowhawk. I thought you were asleep.”

“Not quite,” she replied, eyes still closed. “You’re not usually in the gardens at this time. Something wrong?”

He shook his head, then began to walk towards her. “No, I just needed to check something out.”

“Aah.”

Once he reached the bench, he sat down on the end nearest her head. “You know, you’ve got the idiot brother of mine quite worried. That idiot mate of yours as well.”

“They’re hardly idiots, Adian. You know that as well as me,” she smirked. “But yes, I know they’re worried.”

“And you?” the wolf asked, looking at her.

“Not at this time,” she responded, eyes still shut. “But possibly in the future, if my health declines too much.”

“Hopefully that won’t happen,” he almost whispered.

Snowhawk flicked an ear at his tone. She could also feel the warmth of his hand near her shoulder. Is it just my imagination or is Adian acting strange? she thought. She made a mental note of this, something to figure out later.

“Well, I shall let you rest now, Snowhawk,” he stated, somewhat clumsily, then stood and walked away.

Snowhawk was a little more than confused at this display. “Lupino are odd,” she mumbled, rolling onto her back again, then watching the sky. She had drifted to sleep by the time Adian returned. Again, he stopped, then sat down on the bench near her head. This time, he watched her sleep.

“Something wrong, brother?” Janus’ voice asked, bringing the younger Lupino’s head up from his gaze.

“Nothing at all,” Adian replied as his brother walked toward him.

“Really?” the older responded, raising an eyebrow. “Don’t get any ideas about my bird, Adian.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, Janus,” he replied sarcastically.

Janus glared at him. “Pray that you don’t.”

Adian rolled his eyes and stood. “You’re paranoid, Janus.”

“And I have every right to be, especially with you around.”

“Right.” Adian just shook his head and walked away.

Once his brother was gone, Janus sat down where Adian had been a moment earlier to wait for Snowhawk to awake.

*********

As much as she would have liked to, Snowhawk couldn’t sleep. Her mind kept nagging at her and making her wonder why Adian was acting so oddly. After all, he was not supposed to be the nice one. Adian, she thought, is supposed to be the horny bastard that doesn’t care about his “toys.”

When Janus saw Snowhawk partially open her eyes, he reached down and gently stroked her jaw line. “Something on your mind, love?”

“Not really,” she quietly replied. “Just thinking about everything and nothing, as usual.”

“Of course,” he smiled. “How are you feeling?”

“I’ve been better, but I could be a hell of a lot worse. Back is hurting from laying around, but I’m too exhausted to move much.”

“Need anything?” he asked, moving his hand to gently stroke her hair.

“I probably need to go inside and lay down on a nice, soft bed or couch. But I like being out here.”

“I could have one of those brought out to you, if you wished.”

“No,” she began, lightly shaking her head, “it’s ok. I’m probably just going to go back to sleep.”

“Alright, love,” he said, still stroking her hair. “I’ll stick around for a bit and check on you as much as I can, but please, call if you need me.” She gave him a small nod, then drifted back to sleep.

Several hours later, she awoke to Janus again sitting near her, a pillow under her head, and a blanket covering her. She smiled softly at him, her eyes still half closed. “How late is it?”

“About the time when most are going to bed,” he replied with a small smile.

“Hmm, baby is taking more and more out of me. But it shouldn’t be much longer until he’s due.”

“‘He?’”

“At this point, a guess, but I should know for certain in a couple weeks.” She paused, her expression subtly changing. “Like the other two.”

Janus returned to stroking her face and mane at that point. Her previous owner had used her as a brood mare. She had been through many pregnancies, but none quite like this, he thought. To his knowledge, she had only carried two foals to term before, both of them male, but after a few hours, they had been taken from her and she never saw them again. Within a few days, she would have been tossed back into the breeding program. Part of the reason this is such a problem for her now. He gave a quiet sigh, then asked after a few moments, “Would you ever want to know them?”

“Someday, perhaps.” She paused for another moment of silence, then looked up at Janus. “The older is named Jesse, the younger is Cody. I was allowed that much, so I gave them the names of a couple of the males of the compound. House slaves, to be exact. They helped me through all my pregnancies.”

“We both lived lives without any real love for a long time. To live like that is… unpleasant at best. Never knowing or remembering your parents.” He sighed, then looked into her eyes. “When you’re ready to find your boys, I’ll help you.”

“Thank you,” she smiled. There were several more minutes of silence between them before Snowhawk finally asked, “So, just what was Adian doing out here earlier?”

Janus shrugged. “Not a clue. Though it’d be safe to bet to say he was planning something.”

“Do you think he would try anything?” she questioned.

“Catching the prey while it’s weak?” Janus nodded. “Be careful around him. He gets enough ideas on his own. Though if he values his life and his ability to even have sex, he’ll not touch you.”

*********

Adian sighed as he watched his brother and Snowhawk over the monitor. He had seen someone sneaking around the estate over the past couple of months, apparently stalking Snowhawk. Security cameras made keeping up with her easier, and they proved useful at other times as well. At first, the watcher was not a concern, then Adian caught him sitting near her one night as she slept. He could not catch a good glimpse of the man, other than long, dark silvery-gray hair, but did succeed in chasing him away. After that incident, he installed the cameras. Neither Janus or Snowhawk knew about the watcher.

The younger brother again sighed and leaned back in his chair. He had no rational explanation for wanting to keep her safe, especially considering she was unattainable. He finally decided that it was to keep Janus happy, for if Janus was happy, then he kept his nose out of his fur. “Actually,” he said aloud, “that doesn’t explain a damn thing. Why should I protect her for his sake?” He paused, then continued to talk to no one but himself. “At almost seven months pregnant, she’s very vulnerable. Maybe I’m trying to change her view of me, but to what since she doesn’t have a bad view of me? I wish I could figure this out.”

He sighed a third time, then leaned forward, placing his elbows on the desk and his chin in his hands, to watch her sleeping form. “Who knows? Maybe things will change in the future.”

Within the three hours of her arrival, Nytehawk noticed her cousin would half awake, then fall back to sleep every fifteen minutes or so. “I guess he does help her sleep,” she mused. Snowhawk never seemed to notice her cousin in the room. Another two hours of restless sleep passed before Snowhawk finally gave up with a disgusted sigh.

“Nytehawk,” Snowhawk quietly stated when she saw her cousin.

“Cousin,” Nytehawk smiled. “Good to see you awake.”

“Yes, now if I could only stay that way,” she half chuckled.

“Don’t force yourself. I’m sure you’re better off if you’re resting.”

Snowhawk nodded in agreement, “Better off, but I’m bored out of my damn mind.”

Nytehawk was silent for a moment, then looked down. “Why did you stay? Why did you even come in the first place? I would have gotten free.”

“Your mate missed you greatly,” Snowhawk softly replied.

“That didn’t mean you had to come after me, though.”

“I wanted to,” she shrugged.

“To what, Snowhawk?” Nytehawk asked, confused. “To put yourself in Janus’ hands?”

“That was just something I risked.”

“Is it true about Legacy leaving you alone some nights? And days?”

Snowhawk gave a slow nod in reply. “He does. I wish he wouldn’t. I mean, I don’t even know where he goes.” She propped herself upon her arms. “Nytehawk, the next five months will decide what I do. But, regardless, I want you to take my child away from this.”

“Snowhawk, are you–”

“I can’t live with uncertainty and with constant wondering and worrying.” She paused for a moment, looking down, then back to her cousin. “Go back to your mate, and let mine know what the story is. I’ll call for you when I need you.”

“Why do you stay?” Nytehawk asked, more confused than before.

“I need to rest,” she replied. “And to try and remember why I left in the first place. If I can’t, then I’ll not drag this out any longer.”

“Legacy will come after you,” Nytehawk pointed out.

“I know,” she nodded. “Legacy can’t understand. He doesn’t want to understand and will try to say I’ve been brainwashed or something.”

“Truth be told, you do sound like it.” Nytehawk shook her head and looked down. “You’re being manipulated again, Snowhawk. Janus has already hurt you once and he’s gonna do it again.”

“Did he?” she questioned, looking back down. “Or did I just overreact?”

“He did, so you got away. You made the right choice,” Nytehawk responded.

“Nytehawk, Janus never hit me. He’s never raped me. He’s never forced me into doing anything, except that last mission,” she explained.

The other responded with, “The one that nearly took your life.”

“That was not intentional. Besides, it’s not like I hadn’t been that close before,” she stated, “No one ever knew, though.” She adjusted herself in the bed, sitting up fully and hanging her legs over the edge. “Nyte, I don’t want to hurt either of them. I know it’s inevitable, but I can’t make my decision in this state. I’ll more than likely go off on my own for a little while to decide. I mean… the only being around here that can give an ‘unbiased’ opinion would be Adian. He dislikes Janus and Legacy.”

“That stupid wolf would probably say you should drop them both for him,” she commented dryly.

Snowhawk grinned a little at this. “Probably, though he seems more interested in you right now.” She paused shortly, then sighed and warned, “Be careful around him.”

“I know,” she nodded. “You know, you’re too damn confusing.”

“I get that a lot. Now, go on back to your mate. As I said, I’ll send for you when I need you.”

*********

Another four hours of discussion passed before Nytehawk left her cousin’s room. She was more aggravated than before about how Janus was acting. She walked down the hall, her head somewhat lowered, and encountered Janus when she turned a corner. Her ears flattened back as she glared at him. “Does your offer to let me leave still stand?” she growled.

“Of course” he replied with a small nod.

“And would you allow me to return and help her should she need it?”

He again gave her an affirmative nod. “Of course. I won’t deny her help.”

Nytehawk found his emotionless responses more than frustrating. She stepped toward him, almost as if to emphasize her Delphin form’s height over him. “You realize I would rather see you dead than see her further manipulated by you?”

“I know,” he replied, looking up at her, not intimidated. “Just remember that I am not keeping her against her will, and I am not manipulating her. I have allowed her to make her own decisions. She can leave when she wishes.”

Nytehawk’s eye twitched. This last bit had sent her over the edge. For her to lose her temper and react with violence was very unusual, but she was still capable of doing so. She grabbed him by his throat, knocking him off his feet, and slammed him into the floor. She ended up straddling him. “Not manipulating her, my ass! You just want her for yourself!” As she spoke, her mane and tail darkened to black and an onyx horn spiraled in silver grew from her forehead. “You want to keep her from her family… From her own child!” she yelled as a pair of black, feathered wings with white tips grew from her back.

“Believe what you want,” Janus managed to choke out.

She glared at him for a moment as tears formed in her eyes, then closed her eyes, blinking those tears away. “You aren’t worth my time,” she growled, picking him up slightly then dropping him. She opened her eyes and stood, glaring at him. “You will regret it if you take her away from us, slaver.” She stalked off, leaving him where he was.

Once she had vanished from sight, Adian’s lupine form appeared from the shadows. “You should have fought back, Janus.”

“And like you were a big help,” he mentioned, sitting up and rubbing his neck. “How long were you hiding there?”

“Long enough,” he replied, grinning. “I was waiting for her to come this way.”

“I told you to leave that one alone,” Janus glared.

“How often do I listen to you, though?” he smirked, offering his hand to Janus.

“Never,” he replied, taking his brother’s offered hand and standing. “I’m sure you’ll regret it if you do go after her.”

“Regret it or not,” he responded, “I’m definitely going after her now. Those feathers are kinky.” His grin, impossibly, seemed to grow.

Janus sighed and held his forehead. “Go away, Adian…”

“With pleasure,” he replied, turning and walking in the direction Nytehawk had gone.

“Idiot,” Janus mumbled, shaking his head then continuing to Snowhawk’s room. He paused for a second at her door, then slowly opened it. He was surprised to find her not only awake, but sitting on the window sill. She looked over and smiled at him when the door creaked slightly. “Good to see you up, dear,” he said, returning her smile and walking into the room.

She turned toward him as he closed and locked the door. “It’s nice to be up,” she replied.

“I was worried about you,” he stated, walking toward her. “I still am. It doesn’t seem like you should be this tired so early.”

“I shouldn’t be,” she admitted. “But, I was also unprepared for this.”

He pulled a chair next to the window, then sat down. “Were you hoping to hold onto him, Snowhawk?” he asked again, looking up at her.

“Perhaps…” she again replied, looking away from him and out the window. “Though, I don’t know if he even realized what he was doing.”

“I know he left you by yourself some days and nights,” he began, reaching out and taking one of her hands, “but was there any reason why?”

“Nothing I ever knew, other than him talking about the Empire returning,” she mentioned, looking back at him.

“As in the Delphin Empire?” he asked, confused.

She nodded an affirmative. “He despises slavers. Blames them for the fall of the Empire, which is true to an extent. But he never realizes that we, in the sense of Delphin in general, contributed to it as well. The Guardians were created to protect the nobility with some overlooking groups of ‘higher’ commoners.” She paused and sighed, looking toward the floor, then continued. “What good is a monarchy without subjects?” she asked, looking back up. “The slavers effectively removed the commoners, then began to pick at the nobility.”

“And that’s gone on for nearly three thousand years.”

Again, Snowhawk nodded to this. “When the Heiress was killed, the Guardian Counsel was established. It was also about that time that the mateship between a royal and a non-royal was accepted. It had to be since so many Guardians and their charges developed relationships. On that note, all Guardians had to at least have a mother or father of noble birth.”

Janus thought over this information for a moment. “Your Empire was a little odd.”

“The Empire was in no way mine,” she smirked.

“And I’m guessing your mate wanted to change that.”

“Yes,” she responded, nodding once.

“And, I’ll assume he wanted you at the head, taking into account your lineage and all.”

Snowhawk looked at Janus in surprise. “How did you–”

“You can’t hide where you’re from, love,” he smiled.

*********

Nytehawk quickly made her way down the quiet street, her new wings folded back and her ears pinned flat. “That brazen son of a bitch…” she growled. “Who the hell does he think he is?”

Her grumbling thoughts were interrupted when a man, little less than six feet in height, stepped from the shadows in front of her, a wide grin on his face. “Hello, dear,” his familiar voice said.

“Who…” she asked, her ears flicking forward as she tried to recall the voice. “Adian?”

“Yes, of course,” he chuckled, stepping toward her and shifting back to his lupine form.

“Go away,” she commanded, holding her ground. “I have better things to do than deal with you.”

“I can’t imagine what. Besides, I just want,” he paused, grinning and stepping toward her, “to talk with you.”

Nytehawk was in no mood to deal with a suggestive wolf. She glared down at him for a moment, then kicked at his head. Unfortunately, Adian caught her leg just before it connected. “Dammit, you are starting to piss me off, wolf!”

“Really now? Good,” he chuckled, “I like when my prey fights back.” Instead of moving toward her, he now pulled her toward him. Once she was close enough, he wrapped his arm around her waist, keeping the other on her leg. He leaned in toward her, still grinning and chuckling softly.

“You do not scare me in the least, Adian,” she growled.

“Good,” he chuckled. His hand left her leg and went the the back of her neck. He was about to discover how much of a mistake this was. Nytehawk swiftly brought her knee up and into his crotch, sending him a half step back. The wolf yelped in pain at the contact, then fell to the ground. Once he had gone down, Nytehawk tried to run away, only to find she had not injured him as much as she would have hoped. He grabbed her leg and pulled her down, then slowly moved over her and pinned her to the ground. “Cute move, dear,” he coughed as she struggled to get away, “but you’ll have to do better than that.”

The rustling of leaves was Adian’s only warning that he and Nytehawk were not alone on this street. He only had time to glance back before a pair of black furred hands pulled him off Nytehawk, then a pair of kicks, one to his stomach, the other to his chest, incapacitated him. His assailant, who appeared to be another Delphin, then turned and trotted away.

Nytehawk stood and called out to the other’s retreating form. “I don’t know who you are but thank you!”

The figure stopped and turned around. A male voice replied, “It’s no problem. My name is Onyx and I’ll be seeing you around.” He bowed, his ruby horn glinting in the light, then vanished back into the shadows.

Nytehawk watched the shadows for a moment, then took another glance at Adian. She snorted at him, kicked him once in the side for good measure, and ran toward her home.

Legacy stood slowly, glaring at Janus and nowhere near satisfied with that conclusion. He ran after the man, then lunged at him. Janus sidestepped the attack, having heard the noisy Guardian’s hooves. “Give her back, you son of a bitch!” he yelled as he regained his footing and turned back toward Janus.

“I am getting very irritated with you, boy,” Janus growled.

“I want her back,” he repeated.

“You can ‘have’ her if she chooses to be with you. Truth be told, if you would have waited a few more hours, she would have contacted you to explain. She came here by her own free will and she can leave with such, as long as her health isn’t at risk,” Janus again explained.

“And it won’t be at risk if she comes with me.”

Janus sighed, aggravated. “Legacy, we just went through this. She’s what, four, five months pregnant? Do you have any idea just how critical is it for her not to have to worry where the hell her mate is?”

“She won’t worry.”

“Can you honestly say that, Legacy?” Janus began to walk away from the Guardian again. “Now, I suggest you leave before I have you removed.”

“That bastard,” Legacy growled as the door closed behind Janus. “I’ll get her back. She’s too important to us to just– lose her to some damn slaver.” He turned and quickly left the grounds. He passed the same guard as he had encountered earlier.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” the guard called out.

Legacy stopped and turned around. “What?”

The guard point to the from of the estate. Nytehawk was carefully, yet quickly, making her way down the stairs. “Unless you don’t want her,” he grinned, licking his lupine lips.

“I don’t think so, Adian,” the Delphin female said as she trotted toward them. “So, you’re my cousin’s mate.” Legacy nodded in reply. “Tell Hunter that I would have come back, but I want to stay here and help Snowhawk.”

Legacy was surprised. “Are you sure about that?”

“Yes,” she nodded. “Snowhawk is sicker than she’ll let on.”

Legacy bowed to her. “Please, take care of her.”

“I will,” she replied, bowing her head in return. “And you take care of yourself, Guardian.”

Legacy nodded, then turned as Nytehawk walked back to house. He caught sight of the Lupino guard following her, then heard a loud yelp of pain. Legacy smirked slightly, then walked back to Nytehawk and Hunter’s home.

*********

Back inside the estate, Janus found Snowhawk asleep on a couch in a den. He shook his head and chuckled, then walked to her and kneeled next to the couch. “I guess you never made it to the kitchen,” he said as he stroked her face.

He sat in silence with her for several minutes, watching her sleep, until Adian limped into the room. “The Guardian has left, Janus,” he stated, then winced painfully.

“Good,” Janus began, seemingly ignoring the other’s discomfort. “Maybe he’ll wise up and stay away until she’s better.”

“What are you planning on doing with her cousin?” he grinned.

“I still plan on letting her go and you will do the same.”

Adian pouted. “You never let me have any fun.”

“You need to learn to grow up, brother,” Janus replied, shooting a glance to the other. “You’ll have more fun when you do.”

“I’d rather play with her while she’s here,” he said, another devious grin forming on his face. “She’s feisty.”

“Based on the fact you were limping, I figured you had already learned your lesson. Apparently, I was wrong.” Janus sighed as his brother’s face revealed he was thinking something over. “Adian, go distract yourself with some other female.”

“But I like that one. None of the other girls left around here are as interesting.”

“Adian,” Janus began, irritated, “don’t bother her. And go, now.”

“I am, brother,” he smirked. “I’ll leave you to have ‘fun’ with your little pet.”

“Watch what you say, Adian,” Janus growled as his brother left the room.

“Your brother,” Snowhawk quietly began as the door shut, “is a lot of talk.”

Janus nodded. “He is, but he’s still dangerous.” He smiled at her and gently stroked her arm. “I assume you never made it to the kitchen.”

She shook her head, then stretched a bit. “No, I didn’t.”

He was quiet for a moment, still rubbing her arm, then said, “You know I understood what you and Legacy were saying, don’t you?”

“I know. Legacy didn’t.”

“You can’t keep protecting him, Snowhawk,” Janus stated. “And he can’t keep hurting you.”

Snowhawk nodded slowly. “He never means to, Janus. He just–”

“He doesn’t think,” Janus finished. “Not with his head anyway.”

“I’m sure you’re hoping I’ll leave him for you,” she mentioned.

“While that would make me very happy,” he began, “I want you happy first. And I can’t see you happy forever with him. This is the very reason that Guardians and their charges are not supposed to get involved. He has a duty to protect you, and while you may be weak now, you really didn’t need to be protected before this,” he said, gently stroking her slightly rounded belly. “I think it’s now that he’s realizing he neglected his duty. I know the Guardian may love you, but–”

“But there are many kinds of love,” she finished.

Janus nodded. “Yes. You know, I watched you for all those months you were gone. I didn’t watch as closely after he came into the picture, but I was still there. And when I realized you weren’t happy because he kept leaving you alone, I decided to step in. I wouldn’t have done anything if he hadn’t done that.”

“It’s difficult to do anything now. The ties I have to you both are very strong,” she stated quietly.

“I know, dear,” he replied.

“It shouldn’t be like this,” she stated a moment later. “I’m going to hurt one of you no matter what I do.”

“But you have to chose, Snowhawk. Not now, not while you’re like this, but you will. Like I said, I just want you happy, whether that’s with Legacy or me or even some completely different being. I just want you to go with what you know is right.”

She smiled softly at him. “You were always too kind to me.”

“Never too kind, dear,” he replied, returning her smile.

*********

“She stayed?!” Hunter exclaimed when he heard the news from Legacy. He couldn’t believe that his mate would do something like his. He left the room, continuing to voice his disbelief.

“Why?” Jerome queried as the two Guardians sat down on a couch.

“She wanted to take care of Snowhawk,” Legacy replied.

“What’s wrong with Snowhawk?”

“Apparently, her pregnancy is affecting her health pretty severely,” he replied, sighing and leaning back.

Jerome blinked, a little confused as to how Snowhawk’s condition could have deteriorated so quickly. “How was her condition when she left the other night?”

“She was a little tired,” Legacy began. “It didn’t seem too bad. Granted, she had been sleeping a lot.”

“But is that normal?” Jerome questioned.

Legacy nodded. “Yes, that’s fairly normal for her.”

“Were there any changes in her mood?” Jerome asked.

“Jerome, she’s pregnant. Of course her mood changed.”

“What about your activities?”

Legacy paused at this. He thought for a moment, then seemed to hesitate as he answered. “No changes.”

Jerome nodded a little, unbelieving of his answer. “Right.” The younger Guardian sighed and looked up at the ceiling. “We’ll get her back, Legacy.”

“That won’t keep me from worrying, Jerome,” he quietly responded.

“Why don’t you stay here for a while?” Jerome suggested. “It might help you and Hunter both if you can discuss your feelings.”

Legacy looked at Jerome, then gave a silent nod in reply.

*********

Nytehawk slowly trotted down the hall toward her cousin’s room, intent on visiting her as she usually did. She sighed as she walked, worried about Snowhawk. “Five months in,” she began, talking only to herself, “and she should not be this bad off.” She stopped at the door of her cousin’s room to listen for anyone else that may be inside. She didn’t hear anyone and opened the door slowly.

She found the human Snowhawk inside, asleep, being cuddled by Janus. The man was gently stroking her hair, trying to help her sleep peacefully. He looked up at her, then bowed his head in greeting. “You’re almost late…”

“No later than usual,” she replied, then paused for a moment. “You look like shit.”

Janus smirked at the comment. “Worry as much as I do and it happens.”

“You shouldn’t,” she began. “She’s been through this before.”

“Not exactly,” he countered. “She hasn’t had to deal with an absentee, idiot mate.”

“So, I assume that’s why you made sure she was here. To take Legacy out of the picture for the last five months. That’s a pretty convoluted plan, even for you,” she commented, crossing her arms.

“Convoluted or not, though it wasn’t my plan to find her pregnant, even you have to admit she’s safe here,” he calmly replied.

“She may be safe,” Nytehawk began, “but she needs to be with her mate.”

Janus raised an eyebrow at this. “So he can hurt her again? So he can leave her alone at night? Sorry, Nytehawk, I don’t agree. The stress that would be added to her by worrying about him is many times worse than anything that might come from being here. You know that as well as I do.”

Nytehawk looked away, aggravated but unable to argue the point. “You make it so damn justified. Every time.”

“I won’t leave anything to chance. If I knew she would be happier out there with him, I wouldn’t have done this and we wouldn’t be having this conversation. I just want her happy, and if that means she’s with me, then that’s all the better.”

Nytehawk glared at him for a moment. “I want to speak with my cousin. Alone.”

“When she wakes up,” Janus evenly replied.

“Then I’ll wait here,” she stated, flicking her tail and walking to a chair next to the bed. “I can watch her for a few hours while you rest.”

Janus was a little startled as she was unusually hospitable. “That’s a little out of character for you.”

“I want her happy as much as you,” she snipped. “If you keeled over from exhaustion, then she won’t be very happy, will she?”

“Point taken.” Janus eased his way out of the bed, taking care not to wake Snowhawk. “Thank you, Nytehawk.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” she said, glaring. “I’ll have someone come get you if she needs you.”

Janus nodded and bowed to her, then walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.