Golden rays gently pierced the darkness, coaxing it backwards as its host began to rise. The golden orb of light steadily began its ascent, creating a bright mixture of blue, pink and amber hues that used the sky as its canvas.

The first peaks of dawn and the warmth of the furious fire that blazed behind him had created a cocoon of warmth that had lulled Jake's tired body into the blissful realm of unconsciousness. His body fell away from the tree he had leaned on and slumped against the grassy forest floor. There was a loud BOOM! as the dome shaped structure exploded, leaving a cavernous stone bowl from which flames leapt into cool air.

A harsh buzz filled the air as green and red sparks danced in the sky above, while a spiraling column of flame engulfed the remnants of the building. There was a loud CRASH! as the remains caved in, toppling the massive stones in on each other. The pillars crashed into the stone pile shattering, before they were set on fire as well.

Within the surrounding woodlands, a hooded figure flew between the trees following the scent of smoke and the light emanated from the burning Sacriage. It sighed as it felt the familiar sensation of heat get stronger. Alan hissed as he pulled down the hood lowering himself to the grassy floor, watching the building burn.

Why didn't I bring marshmallows? he wondered. Could've made some great s'mores.

He sighed, levitating to sit on a branch. It looked like everything was done and there was no sign of another Lykros anywhere. They had their chance. He glared at the air.

This was going to be a messy day. Where was the child?

Alan closed his eyes and released his aura, letting it flow and permeate the area. A familiar red silhouette with white swirls within it made his senses tingle. The silhouette glowed and simmered before decreasing in intensity. Weakness. Found him.

His fangs lengthened as he hopped from the tree and moved towards the aura. There was no way he was conscious anymore. The energy was stagnant, no fluctuations that denoted consciousness were present.

Alan drew nearer to the smoldering remains. His eyes detected a curled up, dark haired figure on the forest floor. He chuckled before pouncing on it.

The tip of a spear suddenly appeared next to the child's soot covered, tortilla coloured head from a red rift in the grass and aimed straight for Alan's head. He flipped out the way, catching himself mid fall and levitating. He snarled at the spear embedded in the opposite tree. The rift opened further, producing a cinnamon skinned male in a blue west coat and matching dress pants. One hand held a wine glass filled with crimson liquid while the other scratched his covered hair.

He sipped from the wine glass before speaking. "Back off,"

"That was cheap. He still needs-"

"Our agreement was if I found him first. I did. I just didn't want to show myself," the shorter male cut him off.

The green streaks of lightning dissipated in the air, while the red ones grew more prominent as the wind grew stronger.

"Fine," Alan said begrudgingly. "You may handle your affairs. I won't touch him,"

"Not like you could anyways," his associate chuckled, taking another sip.

"Excuse me," Alan hissed. "What did you say, midget?"

The 'midget ' sighed and picked up a rock with his free hand before throwing it at the slumbering younger male. It bounced off air before a blue shield became visible and then disappeared again.

"That's not physical energy," Alan said, dropping next to his associate.

"No shit, Sherlock. Looks like Luca put out the last bit of energy they had as protection. Only the Clan Head can break that or Jake and he won't wake up anytime soon,"

Both their heads snapped towards the Sacriage's remains as intense beams of red lightning pierced the air.

"I wish her luck. Now my kids can never use this place," Alan muttered.

"Oh shut it, you abusive hypocrite," his companion snarled. "Wait, I thought you were child free?"

"I am," Alan chuckled. "That was a joke. No one in this generation will use this place,"

He summoned a spear, stabbing into the air and splitting it with a fluorescent green rift. It sparked, creating a mint- coloured, swirling vortex within it.

"Your sense of humour sucks," his companion stated, heaving into the now open portal.

Alan frowned and opened his mouth to protest, but followed nonetheless as a red portal opened to the left above the shattered remains of the Sacriage, just as a leg clad in leather pushed through it.

* * *

Cassandra quickly stepped through the portal, observing her surroundings as she hovered above the smoldering destruction. Goosebumps covered her skin as her instincts raced. Jake's aura permeated through the Sacriage and the entire area. Bony, burnt remains on the broken debris that was the sacrificial slab were the only things that were left slightly wholesome from the decimated structure.

She sucked her teeth noisily as she followed his flickering energy signature. It had dimmed significantly in hue and was fading in and out. Her wide heels thumped against the forest floor as a curled up figure near a tree shifted. Her eyes narrowed at the figure and speed walked towards him.

Jake's eyes opened slightly as he sensed another powerful aura. Dark blue suede boots met his vision. His eyes traveled up to where they stopped at thigh height, over the mini-skirt before his eyes closed. He raised his head as the jangle of chains met his ears, only for his neck to creak in pain and leave him to bang his head against the soft dirt. His consciousness faded in and out, forcing his exhausted body to try to obey the instruction to move.

Cassandra hissed as her hands touched an invisible barrier. It glowed blue beneath her fingertips. She concentrated for a few seconds and let her energy flow, dissipating the barrier. Her nose burned as the scent of his blood and soot assaulted her senses.

"You poor thing," she muttered, kneeling next to the slumbering child.

She brushed back some dark curly strands that were stuck to his forehead. Her eyes roved over his body, searching for damage. His heartbeat was slower than usual, it seemed that his body was slowing its functions to recover. There was not a scratch on him but his clothing begged to differ. His hoodie was shredded and soaked in crimson, while his pants were torn with splatters of blood and black soot marks. His blood was masked by the scent of another person- tons of it, possibly belonging to the burnt remains she had seen.

The female sighed and picked him up. She held him in one arm while the other lowered as she created a rift in the ground to transport her back home. She mentally noted the remnants of Joshua's aura that perpetuated thinly through the air. She would be sure to interrogate him later. Jake clutched her in his slumber, mumbling to himself. Cassandra chuckled and embraced him before stepping through the portal.

* * *

Kyle glared at the floor, ignoring the PC and manila folder that seemed to be taunting him with their contents. The rays of the sun kissed both causing the glint to shine against the chair where his head had just been. Surely, they could wait. It's not like if he ignored all the work at his desk, it would pile up and he would start pulling his hair off Monday. It was the weekend. He was sitting at his desk alone with a pile of work. He had literally worked through the entire night. His eye twitched a bit at the thought and possibly- exhaustion.

"What am I doing with my life?" he groaned out loud.

Being a sad, single thirty two year old? his wolf stated in his mind.

"Yeah, that sounds about right," he nodded. You know what? Screw it. If he did the risk assessment and balanced the pack books now, he could send everything in and take a few weekdays off.

So we're not looking for Jake? You're not even going to try take your ward out on a weekend?

"No, Silas. I'm not,"

Why? Are you going to keep avoiding the issue?

Kyle ignored him, raising his head as his stomach started to wind itself in knots at the thought he had suppressed for so long. Anxiety and worry plagued him as his eyes drifted to his phone. The screen glowed ominously showing a call log of dozens of unanswered calls to Cassandra.

"I just failed the mission of not thinking about it," Kyle sighed.

He hasn't checked in for forty eight hours and the female isn't responding to you. Ignoring the worry or distracting yourself will do you no good.

"But making myself panic is going to help! What am I going to do if that crazy bitch brings him through that wall? He's going to need support. If he sees me losing my crap, he'll withdraw into himself again. I can't afford that,"

You're not helpless-

"I kinda am. I can't track him down but that female can. The only thing I can do now is trust that woman to find and care for him,"

Jake needs his brother, not an unfeeling pillar. This isn't you fault. How far do you think you can go to protect him without having to resort to caging him? He's a free spirit. The only thing you can do is prepare a child to survive and support them. Gyges is merciless to his kind.

"Obviously, I'm not doing enough to keep him safe. Dad must be turning in his grave at how aggressive and horrible I am to his baby,"

So what, you'll ban him from spending a week alone? Restrict him from going to school? Limit the opportunities of someone who prizes their own company more than anything else? He's getting nearer to maturity and he's at that age.

Silence ensued.

"You win, are you happy?"

This was shallow and no victory. Get your shit together. Luca will be here soon. See you later, Kyle.

"How do you know-"

The man sighed at the ringing silence in his mind. That prick. Maybe he should take a break. He pushed himself away from the desk, the chair spinning him around with the remaining momentum. This was pointless. He was completely useless to help his ward. That still did nothing to stop the queasy feeling of anxiety that something bad was happening to Jake. This waiting would kill him.

He exhaled and opened one of the draws of the large mahogany desk. He would just need to pray to the Goddess everything would be alright. He was a tired, anxious mess. Kyle pulled his phone closer and left Ruby a text to take over if anything happened for the day. He pulled out a pillow from the drawer and plopped it down on the desk, pushing all his work aside. He owed Jake an apology for saying it wasn't productive to have sleeping tools near his work space.

The Alpha chuckled a little at the thought before pure exhaustion pulled him into a restless sleep.

Meanwhile at the castle, Cassandra exhaled slowly and opened her eyes. The rays of the rising sun glared into her eyes. She hissed slowly dropping to her feet from her cross-legged meditating position before walking over to the large bed.

Dark hair fluttered against light tanned skin. She hummed, watching the child's levitating body within the red orb that encompassed it. It should heal any physical injuries and put his mind to rest for a while. It was as she suspected- his Gatekeeper abilities had started to awaken. As soon as the ceremony finished, she would have to give him to his brother. His training could wait, his emotional state was far more important at the moment.

* * *

"I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" Axel stood up against the fluctuating purple floor. "You cannot tell me, that you're just gonna sit there and say nothing!"

Jake was quiet. His legs were pulled up to his chest with his chin resting atop his knees. His brown eyes were glazed over and stared straight into empty space.

"It will not work," Luca sighed, his head laying against his paws.

"He's been like this since we passed out and don't think this means I'm done with you," Axel hissed.

"This isn't about any of us individually right now. Drop it and I'll give you feeding rights for a month," Luca conceded.

Axel only nodded in agreement before sliding down the dimming walls in defeat.

It's my fault.

The words pierced the silent room. Each fragment caused tremors to rock the entire space as they reverberated around the room.

Axel opened his lips to protest, only for Luca to quiet him with a look before walking over to Jake and laying down in front of him.

What, is your fault, Nathaniel? Luca asked mentally, electric blue eyes never leaving the glazed brown ones as his snout lay against the watery surface.

I shouldn't exist.

Axel glared but said nothing as the thoughts paused. Jake had not opened his mouth once but the doubts and ideas bounced around the space. Luca was also silent and waited for his other half to contemplate.

I didn't check in with my siblings. I got captured by a fucking plant man. Kidnapped again! I GOT JANE KILLED! What did I do to deserve this? Is my sin existing or not being a slave to every social norm? This was completely pointless. The Sacriage is destroyed, I have no information and there's not a doubt in my mind that the Magnus clan is going to try to cage me now. I got my grandmother killed by Gyges' lowest ranking scum for absolutely nothing because this isn't even over! I'm not even picking a fight with these people but they're coming after me. I can see insane ripples in time, thanks to your asinine ability- but it's useless; because I have no idea who or what I'm seeing! Everyone and everything I love is going to die because I exist. I'm probably the first of my species in this century and the last. Maybe I should become a hermit. Nah, I tried that and my siblings just dragged me back to their sides. This is pointless. I'm useless. It's my fault.

Luca said nothing and let the words hang in the air as Jake's mouth opened to release a stream of tasteless laughter. "I lost my temper and there was nothing to gain from it. I can't do this anymore,"

Did you ask to be kidnapped or chased after?

"No, but this is the first time someone I'm close to died because...no, I don't wanna-"

Did you plunge the knife into Jane's heart?

"Pretty much did that-"

Were you the one that did it?

"This will go nowhere. Cause and effect. I was the cause and the effect was my first guardian dying. I only have two more-"

Does a baby carry sins?

"No. I'm not a baby! Why are-"

But it exists does it not?

"Yes?"

Existing is not a sin, Jake. Did Jane hate you?

"No,"

'Remember you will always be loved. Death nor deities will keep anyone who cares for you from stopping their affection.'

"Don't you dare, Luca," Jake hissed, tears brimming in his eyes. He was not allowed to use her words like that.

I am not here to sugarcoat things for you. Your existence will be brutal. This is what it means to be a hybrid. You were warned.

"Are you trying to cheer me up or send me spiraling into a deeper pit of depression and self loathing? You're not helping,"

Shut up for five minutes and you'll find out. I am not done yet.

Jake glared but said nothing to the creature

Are you going to keep bearing the burden of your suffering alone? You have people who love you and want to help, instead you bottle everything inside and push them away. They bare their hearts and bodies to protect you. You claim to love them, but constantly run away or act defensively. If you want rest, swim through the dark, disgusting pit that is this world and carve it out yourself. Or you can choose to keep running. Who do you think is going to die next? Kyle? Cassandra? Patr-

"Is there a stop between here and the point, Luca?" Jake growled, trying to tame his emotions as tears streamed down his cheeks.

Stop running and lashing out. What do you want?

"To have peace," the child answered without hesitation. "You know this,"

Death can bring that to you, but what happens to the people left behind? Do you think the son of a bitch after you is going to let your loved ones live in peace with their toy gone?

"I'm screwed no matter what I do. They'll still come after me,"

Luca sat up on his haunches before resuming. Are you going to sit idly by and let them? You are a Lykros and of the Walker house. You have endless resources before you. You can run away or use all resources at your disposal to carve the peace you want into the corpses of your enemies and hang it as a warning to anyone else who dares to harm you or those you love, if need be. Jane will and should be the first and only casualty. Use your chessboard and make a move. You bear no sin for existing. Your only sin will be not taking action.

"And what do I do about the guilt and all this- I don't even know what I'm feeling,"

You have siblings who love you and gave up everything to raise you. The people around you can help. You'll know what you need to do when the time comes.

"You're fine with giving me advice on crawling through blood and creating corpses, but vague like your unfiltered visions when it comes to my emotional development? Jeez, thanks for all the help. You're such a useful half,"

"So what will it be?" Axel asked, walking over and sitting next to weary teen as he wiped his tears. "Both doors lead to the same outcome. We can die or choose to live. The only thing we can do if you pick the life option is give our self the option to fight and rip their throat open,"

"As usual, it's always blood for the vampire," Jake chuckled.

"Racist," Axel muttered as the flickering colours stopped.

"I'm not gonna think of the moral implications of that," Jake stated. "The answer is obvious. We can't leave things as they are. Whoever decided to mess with me will pay in blood. I won't let the ones I love get harmed anymore,"

And we'll be here when you need help.

Luca and Axel spoke simultaneously.

Jake chuckled at them agreeing for once as pure exhaustion swept over his body. They lapsed into silence as Jake's eyes closed. He needed to rest physically and mentally and anything further would plague him would more tiredness. A sudden flooding sensation of warmth and safety washed over him, lulling his brain deeper into the bottomless pits of unconsciousness.

* * *

Jake cuddled more into the warmth that surrounded him. The feeling of safety comforted him and threatened to lull him into an even deeper slumber. Safety? Uncertainty flooded through him. He couldn't remember meeting his siblings. His mind fought to exist the murky waters that separated the realm of unconsciousness from the waking world. He was still at the Sacriage, he couldn't afford to sleep this long. There was someone there, in boots? Every second out in the open, meant he could be discovered.

His body tried to sit up, only to be restrained. Jake's crusted eyes creaked open; deep crimson pools darting around the semi-darkened room for danger. He could not feel his left arm. Black orbs stared down at him as fingers ran through his scalp.

Jake grumbled in protest as sparks erupted from his scalp, before closing his eyes. "No, I don't need your coddling,"

The coal coloured strands of hair parted as the male shifted, propping up his head on his arm. "Really? I'm the one being restrained here,"

The child sighed opening one eye to look at the Alpha. He resisted the urge to curl up into the safe abode that offered comfort as his sibling continued to stroke his hair. He could not afford to sleep, despite how much his instincts protested and coaxed him to embrace the physical contact and go back to sleep. He felt like a puppy that curled into its mother for comfort. Pup bond. The dots of why werewolves called a close link that, suddenly connected for him.

Wait, that wasn't Kyle.

"Silas, stop," he groaned in protest.

"Are you getting up?" the deep voice boomed from his brother's body.

"Does it matter?"

"I can't feel my legs, Jake. Let go of Kyle's body and I'll let go off your head. Or would you like to wait, till you start purring like a kitten?"

The irritated teen snapped open both eyes and gauged his surroundings fully. Heat rose from his cheeks as realization dawned on him. His legs had intertwined with Kyle's and effectively bent them at the knees, pinning those of his brother in place to the bed while his left arm was beneath the older male's body. He could vaguely feel the cotton material clenched in his pinned arm, that had effectively tugged on his sibling's shirt and restrained him as well.

He opened his fingers, and removed his legs letting Kyle's legs and back straighten.

"Sweet Goddess, yes," Silas moaned, stretching their legs after hours stuck like that. He released Jake's hair before sitting up and stretched the rest of the body, waiting for circulation to return.

Jake rolled over muttering. "Stupid wolf. Stupid pup bond,"

"Aw, you're adorable when you're embarrassed," the werewolf cooed.

"What happened?" Jake deadpanned, ignoring his brother's wolf. "I thought I was still at the altar,"

"Your sister brought you here yesterday evening, just after Kyle woke up. Impolite female portal-ed directly into the room too, with no warning or knocking. You were out cold. I switched with Kyle,"

"Were they about to fight? Were they mad at me?"

"What? No. I switched, so you could get a peaceful sleep,"

"Silas, how are you helping me recuperate?"

"A pup bond is extremely useful in assisting in recovery and comfort. Wolves are bonded and have high regeneration, not the man counterparts. It's less effective to implement it with the man. But you already know that. Why would they be mad at you?"

"What time is it?" Jake asked, as he sat up and gazed around at the room, before swinging his legs off the bed. It was dark but not so much so.

" Five thirteen. You slept for approximately 12 hours and it will be another dawn soon. Why would they be mad at you?"

Jake could feel the dark pools piercing his back through the large shirt glued to his sweaty skin.

"You're exactly the damn same as him," Silas muttered. "Constantly avoiding the issue to shield yourself. You asked for this,"

"What?" Jake asked, turning slightly to make eye contact.

"Do not run away. You will change and prepare yourself to leave-"

"Wait, please no-"

"Nathaniel, do not argue with me. Do as you are told,"

Jake felt the order hit him like a brick and ice flushed through his veins. His body shook, as two sets of instincts clashed within him. His first instinct, was to resist and say no to his brother's wolf being an impatient prick and ordering him around, while the second, was to obey a direct order from his Alpha. Sweat poured from his pores, as he tried to resist the command and doubt that coiled into the swirling bundle of indecision that plagued his senses. This was beyond unfair. What did he do-

There was a sigh before muscular arms embraced him. "Will you relax? I'm not going to punish you,"

"Why did you use Alpha control?" Jake stated, through gritted teeth. His eyes turned crystal blue as Luca started to push to the surface to face Silas.

"I do not want to argue with you. Am I asking of you something unreasonable?" Silas sighed, releasing him. "You reek of sweat, death and blood lust. You'll terrify the rest of the pack or wake them up when they sense the dangerous aura you're emitting . Go shower and calm yourself,"

Jake exhaled and submitted to the command. He then padded to the bathroom, one instinct triumphing over the other.

He zoned out, letting hot water cascade down his already cleaned body before knocking at the door snapped him out of it. A strange mixture of anxiety and apathy flooded his senses as his imagination ran away with him. Would his brother be angry with him for not checking in?

Silas slipped a bag pack onto his bare shoulders. Jake exited in one of Kyle's hoodies and a pair of sweatpants. He was led out the bedroom door by hand, through the house, till they got outside. A pair of shorts- the only thing that clothed Kyle's body was shredded before Silas shifted into wolf form. The giant, black furred canine beckoned for him to climb on. His dazed body reacted, climbing unto the larger beast. The cool morning air kissed his neck and exposed skin as the wolf darted between trees. The crunch of leaves and sounds of crickets assaulted his ears and his eyes took in the slowly brightening morning. Tall wooden stems, stood proudly, branching into canopies kissed with shades of green as the seasons began to change. Summer was really beginning, with the air growing a little warmer each day.

Jake's eyes studied the canopies as Silas ran, the bag thumping against his back. Hairs stood up at the back of his neck at the sensation of being watched. His eyes momentarily glimpsed a shaded canopy, watching the figure pass by in a blur. He turned to face forward, sensing no threat or animosity for the time being.

* * *

Black, kinky hair framed an ebony face, whose golden eyes locked with electric blue ones as the large wolf passed by in a blur of movement. The female's eyes narrowed as she watched them pass by. They would not be going much further.

She pulled out her phone, re-reading the second text she had been sent from the Alpha for the day. It said to take over for him today as well. They were heading to the spring. Ruby sighed as she saw the figures slow down and stop.

The assimilation of the Omega class into the pack hierarchy, the vigilance of the Gatekeeper who defended him, the weird sensory abilities and now visions- none of those capabilities were as important as the fact, that this child had the Alpha wrapped around his fingers and complacent to his every demand. Kyle had literally left his responsibilities for the day to look after his ward. If he could create this much social movement at such a young age, there was no telling what havoc he could wreak if his eccentric whims dictated it.

The young female sighed as she watched the sitting figures. For now, she would continue to monitor them both. The minute that child so much as dropped a pin that could threaten the fragile peace that existed between the packs or did anything to hurt the Alpha, he would be removed. She gave them one more glance before silently disappearing into the remaining shadows that hid from the new dawn. It would seem that her 'patrol' had ended and she had other duties to resume.

                                                         *                                        *                                            *

The light sound of trickling water and fluttering of leaves in the wind breached the silence that had existed between the brothers as the sky brightened slowly with the slow ascent of the sun.

Jake leaned against the large wolf, its eyes shut while its breathing synchronized with the flowing water. A cold stream trickled from a rock face that emptied into a large, deep, green basin, before leaving the area as a small rivulet that eventually joined a larger river lower down the mountain. It was a serene and rare spot. The wind was frigid but his body was protected by the hoodie and endless heat that permeated from the slumbering wolf.

He gazed blankly at the scenery before grasping at a flower that had bloomed around the wolf's body. The teen's head cocked to the side as another slowly budded and bloomed from the grassy floor. This species should not be budding right now. His fingers caressed the yellow petals, watching as brief flash of blue surged through the plant into the Earth.

Nature energy. So this is how flora prepares for a change in season, he thought watching as some flowers bloomed while others closed their leaves, their energy returning to the earth beneath them. He failed to notice the giant head lift from its paws and azure blue eyes looking at him and his fascination.

A wheezing sound snapped Jake from his interest, making him turn to face the creature. "Stop laughing at me,"

The wolf cocked its head to one side but was silent.

"Oh yeah, you can't talk on this plane. Silas, that jerk," Jake muttered, before exhaling and opening his mind to establish a telepathic link with his sibling.

"That took way too long," Kyle sighed, laying back down.

Jake heard the words echo in his mind before he responded. "I thought Silas was still there,"

"You expect him to talk in wolf form?" Kyle asked incredulously. "Did you break into the liquor cabinet again?"

"Wha- no! You know I can't get drunk. It's kinda like this where his thoughts directly broadcast into my head but it's like a one-way thing. Unless I speak out loud, it doesn't work. This is different though," Jake stated, projecting his thoughts and he has said 'this' way too many times in a language he was supposed to be familiar with. Maybe his body was still tired. He couldn't afford to speak out aloud unless a certain someone decided to do more than just watch. "Silas used Alpha control on me,"

"Why?"

"To get me to come out here,"

"Ok. Seemed a bit unnecessary. How are you?"

"Tired. Why was the packhouse so quiet?" Jake sighed as his eyes followed the blue veins of energy that flowed into the soil. Something peeked through at the back of his mind trying to force through the barriers of apathy before his focus drifted back to the plants to distract himself.

"Sixty percent is still out. It is a weekend after all. Especially the teenagers you've asked for permission for. I think they're going crazy at the club. But you already know this routine. Answer me,"

"Why?" the younger male started to ask before he drifted off. His irises turned crystalline blue as they followed the stream, glimpsing each strand of energy each flower took as they completed their circulatory journey.

"Why do you keep doing this!"

He snapped out of his haze and turned around to face the creature's side, as its head snapped towards him. Iceberg eyes within the massive head glared into his very soul.

Oh, he was angry, Jake thought before replying. "Doing what?"

"THIS," Kyle hissed. "You just shut down, instead of saying anything. You're like an unfeeling-"

"Pillar?" Jake asked, outwardly cocking his head to one side. "This is rather hypocritical coming from my brother, who's completely unable to empathize with me and does the exact same thing. What do you want me to say to the emotionally distant pillar? Furthermore, how is aggression supposed to get me to open up, or are you trying to force an answer from me? You constantly do this. I'm sorry, but anything I say is going to come out extremely disrespectful and I don't think either of us is in an emotionally stable enough state right now to engage in an argument,"

"I don't mind you being disrespectful," the elder male, sighed in defeat.

"That's not the only issue," Jake stated, the flower in his hands getting crushed by his fingers.

Another strong, cold gale whipped past them both, claiming a few lime green leaves as a prize, before continuing on its path.

"I'm doing everything wrong, aren't I?" Kyle groaned, laying his head against his paws again.

The child quietly observed him, as the prick in his mind and heart started to bubble, looking at his defeated sibling. He thought for a moment as some of the bubbling emotions leaked through.

"If I speak to you, are you both going to attempt to restrict me again?"

"I don't think-"

"Grounding me in an effort to 'protect me', felt like I was in a prison with everyone in the pack and at the castle as my weapons- no, I think it's wardens I need to say. It was Cassandra's idea, wasn't it?"

Damn it. He was getting emotional, His brain always started malfunctioning when he did.

The werewolf was silent for a moment before responding. "Yes. Am I a horrible guardian?"

"Not necessarily. You have had a severe fuck up with absolutely no concept of why I keep my stuff close to the chest. I have no control of my wolf's and vampire's actions when they think I'm in danger or uncomfortable and the fact that the Seer and your Delta are still alive, amazes me that you took that gamble. They feel my emotions. You could have asked me about it before letting the old woman drug me. You fail to understand the importance of consent to me,"

"Would you have answered?"

"Absolutely not," Jake answered without hesitation. "You would've sent me to a shrink,"

"So I shouldn't be worried about the 'vampire part' crawling around inside your head?"

"You speak to an entity that embodies a nature spirit and can reincarnate but don't consider it strange. It's a literal voice inside your head that can control your body. It feels natural and you don't question it for werewolves. Me having another one is a problem? Axel feels natural. He's part of me. Different parts of the same whole. It's kind of like having a wolf but with a different set of values than werewolves, different culture than werewolves, okay maybe not much like a werewolf but it's a good thing in a way, uh...I don't know how to explain it that you would understand,"

"Fine. If it feels natural, I'll stop questioning it," Kyle stated. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up as the frigid responses from the younger male were projected into his mind. Each utterance was devoid of emotion and stated as cold lifeless facts. His words felt like knives that pierced your mind and heart slowing clawing into it to freeze them as well.

"You questioning it and my behavior isn't the problem. It's how you respond to it. I don't know what your methods may look like from a parent's perspective but from mine, it seems like you try to trap me, and any action I take that is abnormal to you, you try to 'fix' me somehow. I don't feel weird. I don't know what it looks like from a werewolf's perspective either but my behavior feels fine. It feels like me. You raised me so you should know my temperament well enough. I'm not a pure-blooded wolf and don't try to make me act like one or emphasize part of me that isn't ready to grow yet. I have an extremely long life that I want to learn from and live peacefully in.  I don't need an unfeeling pillar who tries to 'fix' me when I'm still trying to figure myself out. I need my brother to not be a cold-blooded asshole. Give me a chance to open up, don't demand it, and don't overreact. An Alpha may control their pack but a guardian does not control their ward. Mind which role you fill and when,"

"Ok,"

"Oh, and one more thing," Jake commented, his electric eyes locking with his brother's. "Never accuse me without proof or try to corner me again. It's pretty messed up having you talk to me in private, only to find out my sister's listening as well,"

"So instead of a conversation, it was like I was attacking you?"

"Points for self-reflection, you aggressive prick," the child snarled before inhaling.

"Ouch,"

"And I'm getting aggressive too," Jake sighed. "Is it a curse in the Walker family?"

"Nope. Just a sign that everything you've been bottling up is coming forward. Because you have no idea how to deal with it, you project it as aggression,"

Jake was silent and just stared at the creature for a few moments.

"What?" Kyle asked.

"And you wanted to get me a shrink, why?"

"I'm not a professional, I'm pretty young and in-"

He was cut off by Jake's laughter. Kyle sighed mentally as the child contorted, holding his sides and rolling on the leafy forest floor.

"It is not that funny,"

"You and the word 'young' should never be in the same sentence. But sure, whatever you say, Gramps," Jake cackled out loud before returning to telepathy.

"I'm telling Matron that you're picking on me,"

On hearing the motherly female's nickname, Jake went into hysterics again. "What's she gonna do? Spank me? I can fly. She won't be able to catch me,"

"Someone should," Kyle chuckled, lapping at the child's face.

Jake hissed and scooted away as his neck twitched from being tickled by the beast's tongue. "Alright, that's enough punishment,"

"Hm, I'll decide that," the werewolf said, cocking his head to one side.

Jake frowned at the looming threat, while his brother continued speaking.

"So I've noticed some things and I need answers,"

"Sure, if you listen and don't try to cage me afterward,"

Jake listened to his sibling's concerns as his emotions continued to boil, slowly melting his facade of apathy.

"Why do wait till your emotions boil over that your wolf takes over? What's been bothering you?"

He was quiet and exhaled before projecting his thoughts again. " My emotions affect my powers. They can make them fluctuate and Luca takes over so I don't completely lose my crap and abilities,"

"You learned your wolf's name. Congratulations. Wait, did you say Luca?"

"Yeah,"

"What else am I not seeing?" Kyle quizzed, staring into the electric blue eyes. He inhaled trying not to cross with his ward as he collapsed on his back next to him. Patience, Kyle chanted to himself.

"If I tell you, will you promise not to tell my sister? And not lose your crap?"

"I-"

"Swear on Silas,"

The Alpha's eyes suddenly turned pitch black and gazed at the child. "Pup, keep me out of this. You two need a heart-to-heart. I was only the facilitator. Luca will also not get involved,"

"For once, something we agree on, Silas," Jake stated out loud as Luca took over.

Both males winced as they regained control of their bodies.

"Jerk," Jake muttered, trying to re-establish his broken telepathic link with his sibling.

"Prick," Kyle snarled as his mind shifted and his irises returned to the blue shade.

"'Never again," Jake growled mentally.

"What?"

"That wasn't meant for you, Kyle,"

"I'm waiting," the elder brother said.

"You're not being encouraging," Jake sang back at the sass before sitting up. He exhaled, looking at his trembling hand. There was no way this would be coherent. Rays from the rising sun felt cold as his heart slowed down, his chest still burned. Tears brimmed in the corners of his eyes.

"Je ne peux pas. Every time, I think about it, it terrifies me. I'm scared that.... everyone I love will be killed before my eyes. The people after me killed my grandmother. What if they do it to everyone else I love as well? My powers attract monsters when I get emotional and hormones aren't doing me any favors. I'll already outlive everything I love, need I kill them too. I'm useless, I shouldn't have been born. I burned down a Sacriage for the ancestor's sake and I still can't stop it. Je-" his voice broke as the wolf lapped at his cheeks which were being constantly streamed with tears.

Kyle listened to the child's rambling before he dissolved into broken French then mumbling and sobbing. He lapped at his tears before Jake's arms wrapped around his brother's furry neck and sobbed hysterically. He tried to decipher his mutterings, only managing to pick out the word 'sorry' being chanted over and over again in French. This hadn't happened in a while, for him to get so emotional that his brain switched back to his mother tongue. Kyle twisted, letting the child sob into his side and shoulder while his tail caressed his back. Static plagued the telepathic connection as Jake's mental state fell apart. The natural energy also shifted, with the energy flow to the flora being disrupted and slowing down.

"Should...shift...back?" were the only words Kyle could say before the connection shattered. His eyes closed as the sun started to get into his eyes.

"Non," was mumbled against his fur as the child continued to cry.

The wolf made no attempt to move as the child's sobs dissolved into whimpers and then silence. He could feel the natural energy shift back to normal as the younger male calmed. Jake sat up and stared blankly at the strengthening rays of the rising sun as the pink and blue hues of the dawn blossomed forth.

Kyle heard the static dissipate as the mental connection strengthened. "Jake?" he whispered softly.

"Yeah,"

"You're not useless,"

"Wow, a completely unbiased opinion from my brother. Thanks, that sounds really legitimate," Jake replied back, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

"You brought hundreds of Omega class werewolves from indentured-"

"Discriminatory unpaid servitude from centuries of segregation," Jake interjected. "Don't try to rationalize the actions of you and your ancestors by using 'nice' terms to describe it. Also, you as an Alpha did that, not me,"

" I won't get a chance to work this angle, will I?"

"No, you sound exactly like Luca. I do lots of shit but I'm selfish. I only do it because it makes my surroundings more comfortable and peaceful,"

Kyle sighed. "Fine. It was me who stopped it- on your advice,"

Jake mentally groaned at the jab. He rolled his eyes but said nothing as the other male continued.

"Am I weak to you?"

"What? No!"

"Jake, I'm an Alpha-an S ranked creature as well. So is your sister. The people you love are not weak. It's not like we can't defend ourselves. You don't have to carry that burden all by yourself. You can rely on us. I haven't been showing it as much, but I'll try to prove it to you,"

Jake sighed. "I'll try,"

"The mere fact that you want to protect those you love, means that you don't take your existence for granted. Jane's death was not your fault. You did not rip her heart out. I know this may sound repetitive or cliché. The guilt, the sadness you feel, dissipates with time. I've been there before when...when dad died. It's like a deep void in the pit of your chest and you keep wondering if you could've done something. You have something that can help you. The pack was my support when I lost him and you have the same. Dad was so...so happy when you were born, never tell yourself you're useless and unwanted. I wouldn't have taken the responsibility of raising you otherwise and I don't regret a moment of it,"

"I knew you loved me," the child cooed.

"Duh," Kyle mumbled.

"How could you be so cruel?" Jake whimpered pitifully.

Kyle sighed. "I just poured my heart out and here you are trying to emotionally blackmail me for my response. What do you want?"

"Teach me how to control the blue lines of energy in the flowers. You seem to be a major source,"

"Fine, but not today. It's nature energy, by the way,"

A smile graced Jake's lips as he leaned back against the warm, fluffy body before speaking out loud with a sigh. "Alright, then. You win. Can we just enjoy the remaining sunrise in silence? I'm emotionally exhausted,"

The large canine head nodded, laying against the earthen forest floor. Talks never lasted long with them anyways. This was the first time he had to coax him to open up. Sadly, his kid brother was growing up a little bit too fast.

You'll know what you need to do when the time comes.

There was a wheezing sound from the werewolf, causing Jake to growl in slight anger as his brother laughed in his wolf form at his reaction. He sighed in defeat as the rest of the sun revealed itself, rapidly warming the previously cold morning air. His heart felt warmed by his brother's words- most of them anyway.

I will not allow others to fight my battles, no matter what he says. I will not lose, Jake thought. Anyone who interrupts my peace must die. The white-haired vampire's partner still ran amuck. Every available resource and info broker at his disposal would need to be utilized. He promised to make himself stronger. He still had a score to settle and it would only end when his enemies' blood was devoured by the earth. There was much to do.

A/N: 7435 words