Lex sat at the table waiting for Kay with his father, watching his little brother color in front of the tv and wondered just what he was doing there. His dad had made it sound like a family meeting, bit it was only the three of them. Regan and Saffron were no where to be seen.

A howl from the cartoon playing on the tv made him wonder what Eire and Sienna were up to, which in turn made him wonder how Charli was doing. It had been over a week and half since she'd left and Sienna had 'moved in' with Eire, and it had only been this past week that she'd even phoned to speak with Sienna.. although the girl did seem a good deal happier since the phone call.

The sudden scrape of the chair as Kay sat down made him blink and turned his attention to her and the note book she plopped on the table in front of her. "Okay..." she said and drew a breath, her gaze darting to the child coloring on the other side of the room. "Before I start, let me say thank you for your help, Lex."

Lex blushed and ducked his head, nibbling on the skin by his thumb nail in embarrassment. "No problem... it IS sort of my job after all.. and he is my little brother..."

Auron's hand appeared and gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Thank you anyhow, m'petite."

Kay cleared her throat. "Alright.. so thanks to my father we know a bit more about Devin's bloodline. The Chaos Demon we already knew, and the fae we were pretty sure of thanks to the ears and the eyes. I knew Shada's mother was part witch... Now we know we can add Gorath Demon form her mother as well."

Auron whistled softly. "Gorath... correct me if I'm wrong, m'chere... but aren't they more popularly known as Hell Raisers?"

Kay smirked, snorting softly and Lex followed her gaze back to Devin. "Yup.. those are the ones. And the witch part.. was of the darker variety.. blood magic."

"Chaos Demon, HellRaiser and Dark Witch?" Auron asked and Lex found his own eyes going wide as he regarded the innocently scribbling child. "My gods... what a combination."

Kay's snort brought them both back around to face her. "It get's better. Lex... tell him what you discovered about his father."

Lex blushed. "Well... not about his father in particular. I couldn't discover his identity or anything... but I did discover the ringed pupils are a very rare trait amoung the fae and can only be found amoung the oldest families of the UnSeelie. So the fact that Devin has them means his father was..."

"Tabernac!" Auron cursed and Kay raised an eyebrow.

"Haven't heard that one in a while." she said then tapped her nails against the table top. "So... Shada, for whatever reason, and I highly doubt it was accidental, chose to combine her own dark bloodline with another... to get Devin. Part of me really wants to know why... and why after having him she handed him over to me. Shada hates me... always has. I don't care how sincere her plea for me to help Devin was... she had to have more then one reason in handing over a son she'd obviously gone through a great deal of trouble to conceive and keep secret to be raised by a sister she hates."

Lex drooped his hands into his lap to stop from biting his nails any further. " Well.. LiVed had him...Maybe she was afraid that he was going to discover who and what he was and use him against her.. and her personal feelings for you aside, she knew he'd be safe with you."

Auron gave a soft grunt of agreement, his eyes glued to the boy that would soon be his youngest son. "Lex is right, m'chere. A child's fate is uncertain in this realm, but even more so in the other realms. She knew if he was with you, you'd die before allowing any harm to befall him. His best chance of growing up and coming into his powers.. whatever they may be... is if you raise him."

Kay sighed. "So I'm playing right into her hands by adopting him... that's why she so readily signed the papers when dad handed them to her." she leaned her elbow on the table and rested her chin in her hand as she watched him. "I should send him back to her. Refuse to play her game."

"But you won't." Auron said simply and Kay smirked softly dropping her head onto the table and rolling to look over at the both. "No.. I won't... I love him. I can't just hand him back to her .. or to anyone. Devious plot or not.. he's mine now."

Lex watched his father gently cover one of her hands with his. "No, chere.. he's ours now."

Kay smiled softly and sat back up, Auron hand held in hers. "So.. anyways.. we now know what makes him so different... if not the why. Chaos Demon and Fae blood aren't the most stable things to have and he's got both, plus. Fae and witches both learn how to use their magic as they grow, for the most part, but demons aren't so predictable. Any age is a good age for the emergence of abilities for us. Two, twenty, two hundred... doesn't matter. So I think it's safe to say whatever powers Devin's got access to already are demon based. Which.." she said with a sigh and a rueful look. "Considering his demon blood, doesn't help as much as you'd think in narrowing them down."

Lex cleared his throatm his fingers toying idly with the ring on his collar while his other hand rested against the table making the charm braclett dig in to his wrist, making him feel a bit better for having it there. A constant rememberer of Faal... "But you mentioned earlier that you had an idea about that... but you wanted to talk to Nate and Sylvie...."

auron raised an eyebrow and looked at Kay as she smirked. "Yeah... and I think I'm right. I'm not positive, but it certainly fits with whats been happening and some of what Lex turned up n his research. " she glanced back at Devin. "If it  is, then it's not a demon abilty at all. As a matter of fact, because of it, he might never delevelope any further abilities. Which might be some of the reason Shada handed him off... he was born with a .. magical defect that crippled his potential powers..."

"Clarice... you have us on the edge of our seats..." Auron said and Kay looked back at him with a wry smirk. "What do you mean by a 'magical defect' ?"

"I don't know what made me make the connection... it just sort of hit me so I went to ask and find out more. Tamara was born with it too, but hers was a really extreme case and it killed her. It's something that effects mostly fae/witch mixed bloods, but has been known to make the occasional appearance in fae with no known witch connections. Which fits with Devin's fae/witch heritage."

Lex and Auron both gave her twin looks of confusion. "What is, m'chere?" Auron asked a heartbeat before Lex asked. "Who's Tamara?"

Kay looked between then then blushed and  started playing with her hair for a moment before lacing her fingers together to stop her figiting. "Um... don't go spreading it around, because not many know... Tamara was Sylvie's daughter... Nate's neice. She died shortly after she was born."  She gave them a moment to let this news sink in, before moving ahead. "See.. they discovered that Tamara was what is commonly known amoung the witches as a 'Null'. A witch born with the natural ability to disrupt magic with  nothing more then their presence.. some could even do it with a thought. But like I said, Tam was an extreme case and the ability somehow got twisted so rather then effecting magic in a negative way.. magic effected her in a negative way... causing a sort of allergy to magic."

"So... you think Devin is a.. a null?" Lex asked, back to nibbling on his thumb nail as he looked at Devin. "But.. is he is then why are the shields and everything still working? He's had spells cast on him... they worked, right?"

"Do you mean he's controlling what magic he effects?" Auron asked. "Do you think he's that... aware of what he's doing, m'chere?"

Kay shook her head and leaned on the table. "No.. no i think he has no control at all, really. I think the ability is naturally turned off and it just just of builds until it can't be contained any longer.. then he inadvertantly channel's it's release into whatever spell or magic that is closest to him at the time. Maybe he has some inkly that he can do it right then, or maybe it's just coincidence."

"Or maybe at the point the powers about to be released, he's drawn to the strongest, closest magic source...?" Lex suggested softly, his eyes on his baby brother.

"Exactly!" Kay said, smacking the table top with her hand and earning a curious look from Devin before he returned to his coloring. "It's just sheer luck that Auron and myself were together when the first power burst hit and the spell on us was the strongest thing within his reach. And I think it needs a physical touch from him to spark.. after all, every time it's happened, he's touched someone. I think Sienna's awakening demon blood drew Devin's power like a magnet, and her desire to shift provided the focus for the change itself."

They all sat in silence for a few moments thinking about what they'd learned and what it meant. Auron was the first to break the silence. "So... knowing the what, the why and the how behind this... what can we do about it? Is there something we can do to control these power bursts so now more... surprises .. catch us unawares?"

Kay sighed and joined Lex in nibbling on a thumb nail. "Not that I know of." she said softly. "but at least now we know what it is... we think. And by looking back at the time between, we can maybe figure out how long we have and take steps to keep him away form dangerous spells and magic... or.." she added, a gleam appearing in her eyes as she looked at Lex. "We might try providing a target instead..."

Lex caught her look and his eyes shot wide. "Me?! No!" he said, slipping from his chair. "No no..."

Auron sighed softly. "Lex is right, m'chere... we have no idea what effect Devin would have on Lex during one of these bursts. Yes, it might break the curse.. or even release the collar... but it might do something else entirely."

Kay sighed and slouched in her chair a bit. "Yeah... I know. Still, wouldn't hurt to think of other ideas. But with Lex's connection to Abadon... yeah... for all we know it could trigger the Lock and release Abadon..." she sighed and turned to face the toddler who had stoped coloring and was watching them. "We'll focus on trying to time the bursts and contain the effect for now. Maybe he'll gain more control as he grows older." she said then held out her arms and Devin grinned and ran, jumping into her arms. She held him, kissing the top of his head as she looked to Lex and Auron. "I suppose the best we can do is raise him right so Shada won't have enough hold on him for whtever it is she plans..."

Auron smiled and went to stand behind them, leanign over to place his own kiss on Devin's head before kissing Kay. "Agreed, m'chere... and luckily he has a large loving family to help." he looked up and offered Lex a smile. "And a very intelligent big brother to help figure out ways to help him."

Lex blushed darkly and ducked his head as he stood. "Sure... I'm glad I was some help in this. If there's anything more I can do...." he said, smoothing out his slacks as he felt all of their eyes on him. "I'd better get back to the archives."

"Lex." Kay said softly as he headed for the door. "Could you do me one more favor?"

Lex turned and looked back at the three of them and felt a sudden pang of regret at having missed out on a family as a kid. Devin was so lucky to have them. "If I can.."

"Regan mentioned you two were getting together later... would you mind filling her in on all this?"

Lex smiled softly. "Sure.. no problem. Who gets to tell Saffron?"

Kay snorted softly. "Oh... figured I'd let your dad handle that. They need to spend more time together anyhow."

Lex smirked softly, still playing with the ring on his collar as he left, the sounds of Auron's  good natured protests sounding behind him as he closed the door.

As he headed to the archives he couldn't help but agree with Kay. A part of him wanted to know why Shada had chosen the father she had for Devin... but another question popped into his mind making him stop walking and look back towards the apartment. He wondered if he should tell Kay.. after all... all Shada added to the mix by choosing the father she had was the Unseelie blood. She'd contained the rest of the dark mix herself.. which brought to mind the question of whether or not someone had chosen what bloodlines to combine for her birth first.. and if so... who and where was it leading?

**

The silver wolf lay on the slight grassy rise and watched the cub cavorting in the glade below. At the moment she was leaping into the air snapping at butterflies… He lifted his head and she suddenly hit the ground and coughed, making gagging noises, trying to get rid of the butterfly she’d inadvertently managed to catch. He sneezed in amusement and lay his head back down.

The urge to close his eyes as he lay in the sun among the heather, surrounded by the familiar scents of home was so tempting… but he forced himself to keep alert. When the reddish wolf cub finally stopped all her leaping and running around and sat down with a sudden thumb, her tongue lolling out, the silver got to his feet and stretched, giving a soft bark and calling her back to join him.

With a yip, the cub bounced back to her feet and raced up the gentle hill to slam into him and knock him rolling, nipping playfully. The silver gave in, playing for a few moments before calling an end to the game by shifting back to human. The cub looked at him and sat back on her haunches with a whine, then lay her head on her paws and gave him a sad eyed look.

Eire laughed and crossed his arms over his chest. “No, lass… that’s not goin’ t’ work. Come on… ye had yer fun. An entire afternoon in Ireland as a wolf… time t’ shift back now.”

The cub gave a sigh and tried the sad eyed look once more before climbing to her feet and shifting effortlessly. “Not even a little bit longer?” she asked, whining slightly.

Eire smirked. “No… yer mum’s waitin’.”

Sienna instantly perked up. “Mom?! Is she home?”

Eire shook his head as he pocketed the transmitter that would alert Bull to their need for a lift. “No, half pint. We’re headin’ t’ Scotland t’ see her. Ye’ve been invited fer th’ weekend. Maybe ye can convince her t’ come home with ye.”

Sienna bit her lip as she bounced on her toes. “Can I shift while I’m there?” she asked softly.

Eire glanced over as a portal opened beside them. “Well… I think ye need t’speak t’ yer mum about that.. but as long as ye behave.. it’s alright with me.”

He stumbled back as she suddenly flung herself at him, hugging him tightly. “Thank you!!” she said then  vanished through the portal.

Eire chuckled, looking after her then stopped just before he followed. He turned to regard the forest behind him with a slight frown. For a moment he’d thought he’d caught a familiar scent...  to faint and brief for him to identify, but still…

He finished scanning the tree line, spotting no sign of anything amiss, and catching no further hint of the scent on the breeze. With a soft snort, he turned and slipped through the portal after her.

Hidden beneath the thick brush of the tree line, the black wolf watched the portal close behind him then  got to his feet. He stared at the spot long after the portal had vanished, considering what he’d seen. Then he gave a stretch of his own, shaking free of the bits of leaves clinging to his fur, then turned and headed deeper into the trees. A few feet in he stopped, casting about as a scent caught his attention and he growled softly. A moment later a pup  crawled from  his hiding place in the brushes and  gave a soft whine of apology.

The black growled again and the pup slunk closer and received a swat from a large paw that sent him tumbling. With a snort the black turned and loped off. The pup turned and cast one last glance towards the clearing where he’d watched the red pup playing then turning and ran after his father.

**

Eire leaned on the railing or the corral and watched Charli and Sienna brushing the horses, talking softly.

"Heard ye were playin' da to th' wee lass. How'd tha' go?"

Eire snorted as Duncan appeared beside him, his gaze never leaving the girls. "Fine. Si's a good kid. Charli looks good. Havenae seen her this... comfortable .. ourside her garage in.. well... ever." he said with a soft smirk and glanced at Duncan. He noticed the way the other man was watching Charli and smirked, turning his own attention back to them. "Ahh..." he said softly. "So it's like that, is it?"

"Hmm?" Duncan asked, glancing at him before looking back to watch Charli laughing as she helped Sienna braid Nutmeg's mane. "What's like what?"

Eire snorted softly then felt something squeeze in his chest as Charli looked up and smiled softly... at Duncan. "Be careful with her, Dunc." he said softly and turned to face him. "She's damn special.. she deserves th' best."

Duncan turned and gazed at Eire thoughtfully for a moment before nodding. "I know, E'..." he glanced back at the two of them for a moment. "Ye love her, don' ye Eire?"

Eire smirked sadly and shook his head. "Ye don' have t' worry, mate. Charli an' m'self... we had our chance. Just wasn't meant t' be I guess. I still care about her though.. an' I'll still kick yer arse ifn ye hurt her." he added with a pointed look.

Duncan smiled softly and shook his head softly. "Mate ... ifn I'm ever dumb enough t' hurt tha' woman... i'll willingly bend over an' wait fer yer boot."

Eire snorted. "I'll remember that." he said, and returned his attention to the girls. "An' ye know that their a package deal, right? Ye can't have one without th' other... an' ye can't hurt one without hurtin' th' other. An..."

Duncan cut him off. "An' the same deal stands fer Sienna..." he added with a smirk. "Come on, E'... ye know me better than that."

Eire snorted again. "Get t' know her, Dunc. She's a good kid."

Duncan smirked and slammed a fist into Eire's shoulder. "With  Charli as amother, I wouldnae doubt it... but with yerself as a role model...?" he said, shaking his head softly, his eyes sparkling.

Eire frowned and returned the punch, making his stumble into the fence. "Are ye trashin' m' parentin' skills, boyo?"

Duncan's eyes lit up as he rubbed his shoulder lightly. "Who said anythin' about parentin'? I didnae say parentin'... are ye gettin ideas, there, E'? Does tha' girl Natey said ye've been seein' know yer thinkin' like that'? Should I inform Auntie Hel ?"

Eire growled softly and took another swipe at Duncan, who laughed and broke into a sprint for the house, Eire hot on his heels.

Charli and Sienna looked over at the two of them curiously then laughed and returned to their task. Sienna finished her braid first and stepped back and grinned. Charli finished hers and grimaced. she had no idea how she'd managed to teach Sienna to braid so neatly when her own attempts were the crookedest things imaginable.

"Can I show you now, mom?"

Charli looked down at her daughter's hopeful look and smiled softly. "Let's get away from the horses first, huh?" she suggested softly and Sienna beamed and ran, jumping up to catch hold of the top rail and pull her self over. Charli climbed over and dropped to the ground beside her. "Si... baby... I'm sorry I haven't been handling this very well..."

Sienna wrapped her arms around her mother and hugged her tight. "It's okay, mom. You're trying. I'll try to help and not be too crazy over it. Are you coming home ? "

Charli felt her eyes water and smiled, stroking Sienna's hair back from her face. "thank you, baby." she said softly. "And yeah... I'm coming home." she said softly, earning another rib crushing hug. "Okay enough.. let your poor mother breathe!" she said with a soft laugh, wiping her eyes. "Alright.. go on. Show me what Eire's been teaching you."

She watched, laughing softly as Sienna shifted after a moment took off after Eire and Duncan, snapping at the heels and getting them to chase after her.  Standing there watching her daughter playing with the two men,  she felt a sense of contentment. For the first time in a long time she felt hope that maybe her future held something more then what she'd come to accept as her lot on life.

And maybe her past dreams and hoped for Sienna were gone, but they were hers... not her daughters. Maybe it was time to look forwards and let her daughter start to have more of a hand in deciding her own path. Ovbiously the girl had dreams and hopes of her own... and by the looks of it, they were more real to her now then they'd ever been.

With a soft smile, Charli slipped her hands into her pockets and hunched her shoulders until the sweater bunched enough for her to draw a breath, inhaling the faint scent of his previous owner that still stubbornly clung to it. She smirked softly as recognized the faint scent of the same cologne she'd been smelling for the past two weeks and it finally dawned on her whose sweater it was and wondered why he hadn't said anything... then decided he was probably the one who suggested Helena loan it to her. Shaking her head softly, she headed off towards where Sienna had Duncan on the ground and was busy trying to get at his face to cover him in puppy kisses. She wondered if he'd mind if she 'forgot' to return the sweater before she left...

**

…end