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Chapter XXXIII: The Teacher

Lucas just stared at the ceiling, it was hard to believe how much his life had changed in a span of just three weeks, he had friends, actual friends who knew he was gay and didn't care. He discovered he had magical powers, not just any magical powers he was a Dark Mage, supposedly the rarest type. He also learned more about his Father's past, something he had always wondered about. But the most important thing was the person sleeping next to him.

He could only smile at the snoring wolf next to him. Ian was laying on his back, chest partially exposed and the covers well, covering his bare lower half. They had cuddled for about an hour before Ian got horny. The love-making was nice, Lucas thought, a bit more frenzied then was typical of their other sessions but Lucas just figured that Ian was making the most of what time they had before his mother arrived.

He glanced almost disdainfully at the cot Jordan had conjured up before they went to bed. It would be the first time he would not be sharing a bed with his boyfriend since they officially started dating. Boyfriend, still an odd word to the young fox, he didn't think he would ever be able to use that word...But here he was lying next to the wonderful wolf that had changed his life so much.

But things weren't so grand however, he had gotten a call from his Dad discussing the funeral. It was to be set on the 30th, Wednesday, his grandparents (his Mother's parents) were supposed to be arriving this weekend from Toronto and would be staying with them, from what his Dad had said, and the warding of their house would be done tomorrow as he wanted him and Erin home for that weekend. Lucas figured it was because he didn't want to be alone with his in-laws, but he never voiced that thought.

The possibility of meeting his maternal grandparents filled him with dread in all honesty. From what his Dad had told him his grandparents, Yvonne and Xavier Hart were fervently religious and vehemently homophobic. Him being gay would definitely not endear him to them, and he doubted he had the patience to deal with them until the funeral was over with. But as he looked at the clock he figured it was probably time to get ready for school, they had Friday off so it would be a three-day weekend but he had missed enough school.

"Hey Ian, time to get up!" he told the wolf, poking him awake in the process, the wolf only let out a moan of protest before turning over, "Come on, we need to get ready, it's almost 06:20, and I want a shower before breakfast!" Ian just groaned once more but got himself up off the bed and Lucas briefly enjoyed the view of Ian's bare ass before it was covered by his previously discarded boxers. Lucas quickly followed suit and put his own on before getting his uniform, Greg had washed and dried them yesterday so they still felt neat and crisp.

"I hate mornings, I swear to Eos I hate mornings! Blasted goddess..." the wolf grumbled mostly to himself.

Lucas just blinked a bit, he was still getting used to the fact that Ian and the others worshipped the Greco-Roman gods, Hellenism he believed it was called. If he remembered correctly Eos was the goddess of the dawn. "Is it wise to curse a goddess?" He asked.

Ian just shrugged as he gathered his uniform. "Eos has probably gotten used to being cursed, she's probably right behind Hades in terms of popularity and nobody really likes the lord of the dead," he mumbled, "It's not like people hate the guy, but nobody likes death except those Goth weirdos, and they would be perfect for serving him." Once he got everything together he swiftly turned towards the fox. "But come on, let's get showered."

Lucas nodded and followed the wolf out. One thing he loved about Ian's house, the water-heater was enchanted to never run out of hot water. The basement commons area was empty, Lucas figured everyone else had probably got showered and ready. Not saying a word they quickly got into the bathroom and started the shower. It was a quick one, neither had time for any sexual antics so once they were dry they swiftly got dressed and rushed upstairs. Everyone was gathered at the table and Erin was the first person to notice them.

"Hey guys! 'Bout time you two got up! We were just about to send Richard to get you!" she teased lightly before growing more seriously, "But I was planning on going shopping, we still need to get Xander a cell and new clothes, he's been wearing your clothes after all."

"Is one of the agents going with you? I don't want you going outside alone with the Cabal and Hunters running amok." Lucas stated, he really didn't want Erin out of his sight. He could handle her going to practice since one of the agents were there to pick her up, plus school was usually safe.

"No, but I'm going with Allison, I called her this morning, she agreed to go with me since she had things to do in the city anyway."

Richard's ears immediately perked up at the mention of the coyote girl. "You talked to Allison!? Did she talk about me any?"

Lucas could only smile, it was obvious the younger wolf fancied the coyote, as much as he knew Ian disliked the crush he found it adorable in all honesty. It was as if he was a lost puppy around her.

Erin just gave him an odd luck however and shook her head no. "Uh... No, she did not, why do you ask?"

Richard just flushed, Lucas could even see slight shades of red under his black fur. Richard was quick to recover with a loud cough before speaking. "No reason!" he said before looking around awkwardly. "I hope Greg hurries up, I'm hungry, what about you Jonah?" he asked the dingo sitting next to him.

Lucas was still pretty surprised at the strange friendship those two had formed wasn't but two days ago that they were fighting each other in Ian's room (Jordan had thankfully fixed the door while he and Ian were... busy in the bathroom.) But now it was as if it didn't happen.

The dingo just gave him a blisteringly cold look before replying. "Oh no, you aren't dragging me into your recovery Wolfie, you can forgot that!" he said which made Richard blush even more but eventually Erin managed to get herself back into the centre of attention.

"ANYWAY!" She shouted out, "As I was saying, would that be good? I bet I would be safer with her than ten guards!"

Lucas could only concede her point, he knew for a fact Allison was a very capable fighter, and she probably would be safer with Allison than with one of the Agents. "If you say so, but be sure to be back before dinner okay?" She just nodded happily as Greg walked in with a plate piled with pancakes.

"Sorry, but I'm still not fully used to cooking for so many without help, usually got staff helping," he explained in an almost sheepish manner as he placed the plate down in the middle of the table. Ian was the first to grab his share and Greg only sat down himself after everyone else was served. The food was pretty good naturally, but Lucas still felt guilty about not helping in the kitchen.

"I can help. Erin and I always shared kitchen duty back home, though I'll probably be back home this weekend. Dad wants us home to help with the funeral." He stated sadly.

"You talked to your father? When is the funeral I may ask?" Jordan asked from the head of the table. "I would like to meet your father, and give him my condolences of course," the man stated.

"It's this Wednesday sir, the 30th, at one of the Churches in town, my grandmother's request naturally. Apparently she wanted her daughter to be buried in a Christian manner." Lucas said lamely, he was quietly thankful his parents where never particularly religious, his dad never spoke about faith at all and Mom never really had time to go to church.

"I see, I guess I can understand, their religion is probably very important them," the elder wolf said as he finished with his pancakes, "I know plenty of older Mages who are quite devoted to our faith," he said as he wiped his muzzle off, "They are probably a result of their time."

"I wouldn't know, I've never met them, but thank you, thanks for offering to help with the funeral, I'm sure Dad will appreciate it," Lucas said in a thankful manner.

Jordan just chuckled and calmly waves his thanks away as if it was nothing. "It is no problem Lucas, funerals are never fun." The elder stated before looking at his watch. "But best hurry up, you all have school of course," Jordan continued calmly, "Martin will drive you today," he added before getting up. "I will be in my study I've got work stuffs to do. Jonah be ready by 11:30 so I can take you to get registered for school."

Jonah just nodded and shrugged in a nonchalant manner, not even bothering to reply.

"Oh, so you are starting school?" Richard asked him. "Grade 11 I assume? Same as Ian and the others?" He inquired. Jonah just nodded which only furthered the wolf's interest it seemed. Much to Lucas' amusement, he was obviously was trying to move away from the Allison gaffe it seemed. "Is Dad paying for yours also?"

"Nope! Paying for it by myself," the dingo said before getting up, "The person who sent me here left me his money." He added before he got up and left. "Food was good Stripes, congrats," was the last thing he said before he disappeared from the room.

Lucas just shrugged it off. Jonah was never really social with anyone besides Richard so he was used to the dingo's antisocial nature...though he himself had no room to talk regarding antisocial personalities.

"That dingo is strange...I swear something is off about him." Ian stated out of the blue.

"That's not nice Ian!" Richard quickly reprimanded. "He is pretty okay once you get past his gruffness, right Xander?" The last part was directed to the fox next to Lucas who was gingerly eating his pancakes.

The fox choked a bit on the bite he was eating sending him into a coughing fit. When he recovered he just gave Richard an odd look before answering. "Sure I guess...?" He stated warily. "He hasn't been near as nasty to me since we talked yesterday," he noted carefully.

"I think he's alright honestly," Agent Wallace eventually chimed in, "He sometimes comes to talk to me in my room." The Kodiak stated. "Very smart guy, surprisingly well versed in demonology though, far more than a typical teenager would be."

"Demonology?" Lucas asked curious.

"Yeah, study of demons, I told him he should consider joining the BCGC, we always are in need of good demonologists. They aren't common, most Clans forbid learning demonology so we are mostly forced to recruit people from the rogue clans. Thankfully possession is rare and we mostly let the Catholic Church handle those cases."

"Why would you need demonologists though?" Lucas asked. "I thought interactions with demons were forbidden?"

"They are, but it's mostly a case of 'know your enemy' having a skilled demonologist in your unit helps you better fight against them. Thankfully most are well versed in the study of angels as well. They are invaluable assets in that way, it isn't uncommon from the GC's of other Provenances competing for them."

Lucas just nodded, having someone who knew how demons thought WOULD be handy.

Breakfast went by quick. They had eventually fallen into a comfortable silence, quickly finishing their meals. Soon after they were all herded into the car and shuttled off to school. It was a short ride, as it always was and Lucas enjoyed himself being cuddled up into Ian's chest as they drove towards Greenhart. He really did love the wolf's stocky build.

The ride soon ended as they entered the parking lot in front of the school. Slightly disappointed with having to move away from Ian the fox quietly pouted as he got out of the car. It was freezing, probably 38° though it felt a lot colder, the sky itself was gloomy and overcast. Sighing he quickly rushed into the big building with the others to get out of the biting cold.

Lucas briefly said goodbye to Ian and the others as he rushed to his locker. Once he got the appropriate books for his first class he then rushed towards homeroom, surprised to see Headmaster standing in front of the podium, a middle-aged Anatolian Shepherd standing behind him. The other fur was dressed in a crisp grey suit and he carried what looked like a fancy briefcase in his right paw. 'Where was Mr. Carter?' He wondered, the panther seemed perfectly fine yesterday... eventually the headmaster seemed to notice he was standing in front of the door.

"Move to your seat Lucas," he murmured motioning towards the empty seat in front of Ian. Doing as he was told Lucas quickly rushed to his seat but continued to stare at the mysterious dog in front of him. He was a handsome dog, his fur was a soft gold with his muzzle being brown. He looked well built as well, underneath his suit, not near as muscular as Ian or Greg, but certainly fit, and his eyes were a soft brown.

Once everybody was settled in Doctor Erikson finally began to explain what was going on. "Welcome class. I regret to inform you that Mr. Carter has been unexpectedly forced to leave our school. From what he told me a family emergency happened and he decided to return to his home in Calgary in order to be closer to his folks." He stated in his strong baritone timbre. Rampant whispers quickly started to spread throughout the room until Dr Erikson quickly silenced them.

"As such I wish to introduce his replacement, this is Doctor Aydin Közen. He will also be teaching physics, which Mr. Carter taught. He will also be in charge in providing help and advice for any Muslim student in this school. I expect you to show him the upmost respect, and any disrespect against himself or his religion will be dealt with harshly, is that understood?" He was swiftly answered by a chorus of 'yes headmaster.' Satisfied, he stood away from the podium and directed towards Mr. Közen before saying. "You may take the podium now Aydin, I will return shortly for first period to do this again," the otter said before stepping out of the classroom.

The dog stepped up to the podium himself. "Hello class," the man spoke. His voice was light, but firm at the same time. "As Dr Erikson said my named is Aydin Közen, I will be taking Mr. Carter's place as your homeroom and Physics teacher. If you have any questions ask now." Jaidav Mishra, the Asiatic cheetah to his Lucas' right was the first to raise his paw. "Yes... Jaidav Mishra right?" He asked when the boy nodded he continued, "Alright what us your question?"

"If you are going to be acting as an advisor too Muslim students I take it you are Muslim yourself Doctor?" The boy asked. Lucas knew that Jaidev was one of the few Muslim students in the school. They had actually gone to middle school together though they were never close.

"Yes Mr. Mishra, I am Muslim," the man answered honestly. Another paw, Lindsey Prince a bat sitting three seats away. "Ms. Prince, your question?"

"Where are you from? And should we address you as Doctor or Mister Közen?" she asked.

"I was born and raised in Istanbul Turkey, though I have a PhD in Physics from Queen Mary, University of London. You may simply call me Mr. Közen. Normally you would indeed address me as 'Dr.' Közen but while I teaching Mr. Közen will suffice. Any more questions?" When no one raised there paw he sighed and stepped away. "Now, you may do as you wish until class starts," he said before he sat down at his desk and began sorting through papers which brought a thought to Lucas' head.

"Excuse me, Mr. Közen?" he asked raising his paw.

The dog just looked up from his papers in a surprised fashion, seemingly not expecting another question "Yes, Mr... Mr. Mason? What us your question?"

"Will we be continuing the syllabus set by Mr. Carter or a new one?"

"Ah, good question Mr. Mason!" The man stated cheerfully from his seat. "We will be continuing Mr. Carter's syllabus naturally, I feel no need to create a new one while this one serves us quite well, is that satisfactory to you?"

"Yes Mr. Közen," Lucas stated, he then noticed what looked like a golden wedding-band on the man's left ring-finger. It was a tiny thing to notice, the man looked to be in his mid/late 30's it made sense he was married. The bell for class eventually rang and Lucas quickly gathered his things and waited for Greg and Ian to come out. After a few minutes of waiting they did exactly that.

"Can't believe we got a new teacher midterm...I wonder what happened that made Mr. Carter move home?" Ian asked as they started their way towards their first period.

"I had heard from Agent Wilson that there have been outbreaks of Cabal violence in Alberta. It's gotten so bad that the Alberta Council has been forced to work with the Knights directly to keep things under control." Lucas just scowled at the mention of the Cabal. How he hated those bastards.

"You don't think...?" Ian whispered.

"I wouldn't know, I'm not an Agent, besides, the GC works differently here than in the UK. The GC and Councils are split up by Provence instead of country. A member of the BCGC would not fully know the going-on's of the Alberta Gaurdian Core or the Nova Scotia Guardian Core, so unless Agent Wallace or Wilson has a contact within the AGC they wouldn't know either." Greg explained in a hushed tone.

"I hope his family is okay though, must have been serious for him to literally vacate his post. I doubt he'll find a near as well-paying job in Alberta. I wonder how they got Mr. Közen so fast?"

Lucas knew this one, he had stayed quiet through Greg's expiation but he thought it best to explain this factor. "Greenhart keeps lists of people they can hire in an event such as Mr. Carter's vacating his position. It's likely Mr. Közen was one of those backups. Assuming Mr. Carter had given enough notice; Dr Erikson probably contacted him and asked if he was willing to fill in."

"Oh, that makes sense...a PhD would obviously make him desirable for a staff member." Ian reasoned to himself. "He seems nice, but it was kind of weird now he paused on your name? Mason is hardly an uncommon name."

"I wouldn't know," Lucas stated truthfully, "But it's nothing, let's get to class." With that the trio hurried to their first period French class meeting up with Xander and Tyler along the way. The class ended quickly as did the class as did the other two and finally four period Physics arrived. As stated Dr Erikson was there with Mr. Közen, as they sat down he repeated himself to the students who hadn't been in Class 11-D. Once his explanation was done he respectfully let Mr. Közen approach the podium before leaving.

"Well class, as Dr Erikson politely said I am Dr. Aydin Közen. As some of you were in my homeroom class you would know that Mr. Közen will be how you address me in class." He explained. "Now, please gather your textbooks and open them to page forty-six." He stated.

Everyone did as he bade except a grumpy looking ferret who refused to budge. Emmett Douglas. Mr. Közen also noticed this and frowned. "Mr. Douglas, I believe I just asked you to take out your textbook. You haven't, so please explain." Mr. Közen asked firmly.

Emmett just let out a derisive snort before starting his tirade. "My Pops told me I don't have to listen to some stupid towel-headed Arab Muslim!" He stated hostilely. "So you can forget about me obeying anything you say you filthy foreigner! You fuckers are ruining this country!" There was a collective gasp from the rest of the class, nobody expected him to show that much blatant disrespect to a teacher.

Too his credit though Mr. Közen kept his cool, but when he spoke his voice was cold as ice. "Your father is wrong on several accounts Mr. Douglas." He stated coldly. "You WILL obey a 'towel-headed Arab Muslim'...Especially if they are in a position of authority over you. Say you got a job and your boss was an Arabic Muslim? Would you refuse to listen to them then? You would get fired quite swiftly I assure you. Or if you decide to enter the Military and your Commanding Officer was one? Such disrespect would not be tolerated." He hissed out, staring the boy dead in the eye.

"Another thing that should be noted is that I am 'not' an Arab, I am 'Turkish', which is a different ethnic group all together! You not only insult me you insult every Turk and Arab out there by conflating the two. Also, I am your teacher! You will show me the respect I deserve! My religion as well as yours has no place in this classroom! I am here to teach you physics not religion...that would be the job of your comparative religious studies teacher." He said, his voice still keeping the same chill.

"If you wish to continue this disrespect I will be forced to send you to the Headmaster's office and he will deal punishment. So now Mr. Douglas, open your textbook." Emmett only stared flabbergasted, as if he hadn't expected to be given such a rebuke. He pouted for several moments but when Mr. Közen let out a small cough he swiftly rushed to get his textbook, obviously not willing to face the Headmaster. Seeing that the teacher dropped his stern tone. "Now, let's start the lecture."

Almost everyone stayed silent during the lecture having been convinced that the new Teacher was far from a pushover. Lucas actually found the lecture interesting, it was obvious that the dog knew his subject well. Class ended in a rush and Mr. Közen quickly reminded everyone that there would be a test Tuesday and that they should study over the weekend. He also gave them a report on the subject on the Laws of Physics and there influence on other branches of science due Monday. With that they were let go.

"I can't believe Emmett had the gall to talk back to a teacher with such disrespect," Lucas said as they got out of the classroom.

He was surprised when he heard Tyler let out a sharp growl. "I can, you have never met Jasper Douglas. That guy is outright racist and speciesist," he growled out, "He's not a fan of mixed race furs either."

"I take it you know about that personally?" Xander questioned the giant wolf. Tyler just nodded not saying anything. "Damn, wonder what he'd think of Changelings?" He whispered to Lucas who just shrugged, he still didn't know much about how the Hidden Word treated those beings but he doubted it was very well. Eventually they made it to the cafeteria and quickly got their lunch.

They each split up into their various tables, Xander and Tyler meeting up with Santiago and looked to be in the middle of an interesting conversation, though Lucas was too far to listen in. He sat with Greg and Ian as he usually did and was amused at seeing Richard sitting in the middle of a bunch of giggling fifteen-year-old girls. Allison herself was (unsurprisingly) sitting off too herself well away from other students. He was quickly broken from his observations when his cell-phone went off.

"A text?" Lucas asked himself.

Ian peered over towards him in interest. "Who's it from?" he asked, mouth still full of pasta which made Greg role up his nose in disgust.

"Ew, don't talk with your mouth full!" he hollered before turning towards Lucas, "But who is it from? I can't imagine you get many texts?" Lucas just shook his head, hardly anyone bothered texting him. Thomas used too, but after betrayal Lucas had his number changed. The only people who texted him were his parents and sister, looking at his phone he was unsurprised that it was from his Dad.

"It's Dad, must be important, he never texts me during school," he said before opening the text which read.

**Come home after school** **Want to meet this boyfriend of yours** **Will not take no for an answer** **Dad**

"He... he um wants us to go home after school, my home... he... wants to meet you." Lucas stated awkwardly.

Ian wound up choking on the pasta he was eating he was taken so aback. "He wants to meet me? I guess it's fair, you met my Dad and you are meeting Mum tomorrow so I guess it makes sense he'd want to meet me." Ian stated in a fair manner. "What do you think Greg?" The tiger merely shrugged, not having any real input to give. Seeing Greg's approval made him smile and he quickly went for his own phone. "I'll get a hold of Dad, make sure he's okay with that," he said before clicking away at his cell-phone.

Once he sent the text he finished his pasta and got up. "I'm going to throw my tray away, you guys done? I'll take your trays if so." Lucas nodded and handed the wolf his own pasta and Greg followed suit. Once he had both of them firmly in his paws he quickly swished away towards the trashcan and tray window. Seeing his chance to speak Greg quickly pounced on it.

"So, I guess you are starting to fix your relationship with your Dad?" The striped feline asked.

"I guess," Lucas said in a noncommittal manner, "He's texted me several times, keeping me posted on the ward progress. He said that it would be safe today to move back in, but I told him I was planning on meeting Ian's mom."

"Bet it will be weird," the tiger mumbled, "You've been staying with us for a while."

"I'll miss sleeping next to Ian.." Lucas admitted bin a quiet voice. "It felt nice having someone sleeping near me, I felt loved." Greg just patted his shoulder, not saying a word. Ian eventually returned and sat right back down between them.

"Called Dad, he said it was okay," he said before turning towards Greg. "And I say you are coming with?" Greg gave a sharp nod. "Good, Agent Wallace will drop off Richard and Xander first then take us to Lucas' house."

"Kinda surprised he hasn't tried to get Erin to let him tag along, especially since Monet is involved." Greg intoned. "It's obvious he fancies her and having sex only furthered the crush."

Ian just let out an irritated snort. It was obvious he still didn't approve of the said crush. "I still don't understand what he sees in her, she's not unattractive but couldn't he crush on someone who 'isn't' a trained killer?" he complained.

"A trained killer who also saved both mine and my sister's lives," Lucas reminded, "I owe Allison. She isn't bad... just very prickly" Ian just huffed, still not convinced. Lucas was about to say something else before the lunch bell interrupted him.

"We'll talk after school," Ian whispered before motioning towards Greg to follow.

Once the two left the cafeteria Ian's seat was almost immediately taken by Santiago. "Let's get too class!" he purred before helping Lucas up. They met up with Xander and Tyler at the exit and started walking towards class, on the way Santiago seemed to decide to make small talk. "So what do you think of Mr. Közen?"

"The new physics teacher? He seems cool, was awesome how he verbally slammed Douglas!" Tyler stated. Santiago just gave him a curious look. He wasn't in their 4th period physics class so he only probably heard it second-hand.

"What exactly happened? You told me about what happened, but what did Emmett say to piss him off? He seemed pretty chill in 2nd period." Tyler just growled out, he still seemed angry about the whole thing. Not that he could blame him, he was mixed-race so he probably would take issue.

"Bastard went on an Islamaphobic spiel, how his dad said he didn't have to listen to a Muslim. And I'd bet that he did...that bastard called my Dad a race-traitor for marrying my Mom," He glowered, "If it wasn't for Trey I would have smashed his face in."

"You never told me that," Santiago stated sounding almost hurt, "I didn't even know you met him. My Uncle actually been keeping tabs on him along with the Knights, some say he has aided in arming the BC Hunter's, no definitive proof but wouldn't surprise me. He certainly would be the type who would find a bunch of genocidal psycho's." Tyler just shrugged that off however.

"It's false, the Brotherhood already checked. We've got contacts everywhere and nothing links him to them if he is even aware they exist." With that they finally reached class. The rest of the day passed by rather quickly and soon Lucas found himself sitting in the school plaza.

Richard was sitting with Jin again it seemed, the tubby panda looked a bit happy for someone to talk to him. Erin and Allison had left already. Lucas himself was sitting with Ian as per usual with Greg standing a few metres away watching them. His heart was beating quite heavily, he was honestly dreading introducing Ian too his Dad, and he still didn't feel completely ready to return to his house, not with his mother still haunting him.

"You okay Lucas?" Ian stated worryingly. "You still aren't worked up about me meeting your dad are you?"

"It's not just that Ian," Lucas whispered. I still see 'her' sometimes... she died in that house. I don't think I'm ready honestly, but Dad wants me home...I think he is serious about trying to be a better Dad."

"That's good though isn't it?" Ian stated confused. Lucas just shook his head, it was obvious the wolf didn't understand, he always had a happy family completely devoid of parental issues. He didn't have a dad who never gave him the time of day or a mother he hardly saw growing up.

"Is until he leaves again..." Lucas said sadly. "I'm afraid we will get close, but when he returns to work things will go right back to how they were... I couldn't handle that."

"Then don't let him! Tell him he can't just disappear again! Tell him you need him home more! Tell him you need him now more than ever!" Ian insisted. Lucas didn't say anything however.

A few minutes of sitting in silence later they saw Agent Wallace pull up. Quickly he and Ian both ran towards the car Richard close behind. (Xander went out with Tyler and Santiago and this time Lucas was sure to get their numbers just in case.) Once they were in Lucas was actually surprised to see Jordan sitting in the passenger seat.

"Dad!?" Ian exclaimed in shock. "Why are you here?"

The elder wolf just chuckled a bit before answering, "I wanted to meet Evan myself, there are still arrangements for the funeral that are best sorted out face-to-face." He explained. "I got Samuel helping Jonah get everything clear for it...he'll start Monday."

"That's awesome!" Richard exclaimed just as they were pulling into the front gate of Lucas' house. He was surprised to see another car sitting in the driveway. It looked an Impala 2009 model possibly, though he didn't know much about cars, it looked far out of place against his Dad's 2012 Dodge Viper.

"Who's car is that?" Ian asked him, but he just shrugged. The gates opened allowing Agent Wallace to pull into the parking lot. Once out Lucas quickly rushed into the house with the others inside, he found his dad sitting in the living room, a pretty vixen was sitting next to him and another person he'd never expected to see.

"Dr. Közen!" He cried out at seeing the Anatolian shepherd sitting in his living-room. The dog quickly swivelled his head at his voice. He seemed equally surprised at seeing the fox it seemed.

"Mr. Mason? What are you doing here?" he asked confused.

"I live here... this is my home, why are you here?" Lucas retorted. This was confusing, why was his homeroom teacher in his house and who was the vixen? She actually looked a lot like his Dad and when she spoke her voice was coloured in a bright Irish accent much like his Father's.

"You must be Lucas!" the woman said before running up and hugging him. He flinched a bit, why was this stranger hugging him? He really didn't like being touched by strangers. As if sensing this, the woman let go and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, but I never thought I would be able to meet my nephew."

"Who are you?" he blurted out.

She just smiled and laughed. "Oops, guess I never introduced myself, I'm Rita, Éimhín's sister." she stated shaking his paw, "But how do you know my husband Lucas?" she asked interested.

"He's my homeroom teacher..." Lucas said in an awkward manner. He could feel Ian and the others watching from the hallway until he heard his father let out a cough catching everyone's attention.

"You never answered my question Rita, what are you doing in my house!? I told you quite plainly I wanted nothing to do with the Clan and yet you barge into my house unannounced?" Rita just rolled her eyes at her brother.

"I haven't since your wedding Éimhín, I missed you, plus I did want to meet my niece and nephew," she said. Lucas' dad visibly fumed but before he could complain she quickly noticed the others. "And who are you?" she asked sweetly.

Jordan was the first one to introduce himself, lightly kissing her paw before speaking. "I am Jordan Mansfield, Madame, and these are my Son's Ian and Richard and my ward Gregory Moore. I am pleased to meet you." He whispered.

Rita just let out a tiny giggle and blushed slightly as she retook her paw. "Well aren't you a charmer, I am Rita obviously and this is my Husband, Doctor Aydin Közen," she said motioning towards the dog.

"Pleased to meet you Dr. Közen," Jordan said while reaching is paw out, "By your name I would guess you Turkish, am I correct?"

The dog just smiled and took his paw giving it a strong shake. "You would be correct, I grew up in Istanbul, but please, call me Aydin." He said as he let go. "So you are Mr. Mansfield's father? They both seem like well-mannered youths." Jordan beamed at that. "Your son seems very well mannered as well Éimhín." He stated to his brother-in-law who only let out a loud snarl at being called that name twice in short order.

"It's Evan! I abandoned that name 20 years ago!" He coolly hissed before turning towards Jordan. "And you would be Jordan Mansfield?" he inquired towards the wolf. Jordan just nodded and offered his paw out once again too shake.

"And you obviously are Evan Mason, we've talked on the phone several times, and I must echo Aydin's sentiment your son is a very respectable fellow."

"I would say he is, but thank you for keeping an eye on my children." He said before noticing that Erin was absent. "Where is Erin?" he asked.

"She went somewhere with Allison, they were going to go shopping for Xander," Lucas answered quickly.

"Allison...? You mean the young coyote girl? The one who is supposedly the terror of most the boys in school?" Lucas just nodded, that certainly fit the enigmatic coyote. "Okay then, now..." He said turning towards Ian. Quickly creating a stern face he immediately pointed towards the young wolf. "You boy! Follow me! I wish to speak to you alone!" he said before motioning towards his study. Ian gave a quick look too his father who simply nodded his assent. Looking nervous Ian followed the fox into the study and out of Lucas' sight.

~~~

Ian just looked around nervously, the room felt quite stuffy and formal and nothing like his Father's more comfortable one. The elder fox looked a lot like his son Ian realized as he observed the man as he sat behind his desk. They had very similar facial structural. They both had the same black-tipped ears, though Evan lacked the markings Lucas had underneath his eyes. His eyes themselves were more grey than the pale silvery-blue he loved but the man's scowl was eerily similar to the one he sometimes saw on his love's face.

"You brought me here sir? What do you wish to discuss?" Ian asked politely. He didn't really like the cold look that was directed towards him. Light Mage or no he wasn't sure he could win against a fully trained knight. Despite his supposed dislike Ian noticed a Knights Sigel on the shelf behind him.

"So you have taken an interest in my son correct?" the man asked coolly.

"Of course!" he exclaimed passionately, "I love Lucas, more than anything sir, I'd do just about anything for him!" he explained, "I'm well aware of that bastard Thomas, I swear on Hera's name that I will stand by him." Ian said in a solemn manner.

"Yes, but how will your position as heir to the Mansfield clan affect your relationship with my son. As far as I am aware homosexual men are prohibited from holding the position of Clan Head, this is especially true for your own Clan being the Head Clan in Scotland. You will be expected to marry and have children to continue your line, especially since you are a light mage." The man observed firmly. "Or else you risk being forced to step down or exiled from Scotland, how do you intend on dealing with such matters?"

"I hadn't actually thought that far ahead sir..." Ian stated awkwardly. "But I will not let him go. I love him and I want nothing more than too make him happy."

Evan just let out a cold laugh at that. "Ah, youthfully naiveté, don't I miss it. Listen kid, it isn't going to be that simple. I doubt many of the Clans would stand a gay man in such a powerful position. Plus it is like you will be forced into a kin-challenge. If I know one thing your family is a proud one, they might see you as blemish on the Clan's honour. Tell me boy, who would have the closet claim?"

"My Uncle Terrance sir, my grandfather's brother...His eldest grandson is my age. Solomon Jr."

"Do you think he would challenge your right?" the elder asked.

"I don't know sure, I am closer to my other Uncles, but I'm close to my cousin though." Ian answered as truthfully as he could. Why was he asking all these questions.

"So tell me, if indeed you are kept as heir and you get a Clan challenge, will you be willing to fight your kin for my son?"

That took the wolf aback a bit. He hadn't expected such questions. "I honestly don't know. I would never leave Lucas, but I don't want to fight Sol. While death fights have been banned for centuries I would rather not go through a challenge."

"Good enough, you have my blessings, but if you hurt a single hair on his head I will personally destroy you."

"Wouldn't dream of it sir!" Ian said, with a nod they shook paws, sealing their agreement. With that settled Ian walked out of the study and quickly embraced Lucas, giving a tender kiss swearing with all his heart too protect the one he loved, nothing else mattered and having Evan's blessing made him swear he would be the best boyfriend he could do. Lucas deserved that much. Who knew moving too Canada would make him the happiest man on earth? He definitely needed to make an offering too Aphrodite, for her wonderful gift one he would always cherish. 'Lucas, I swear on Mt. Olympus and my honour that I will protect you.' he quietly vowed as he held the fox close, ignoring everyone else in the room. 'I promise.'