Thirty - Six

A/N: Comment and vote!

Luca rolled over for belly scratches while the Saber looked on in confusion.

His Master showed affection in his feedings and occasional pats. Plus his Master's person was kind, often doting on him. But this behavior was new and strange for him. And he didn't understand the weakling's point. How could he help the new man?

"Where's Marco?" Tanner inquired as he looked around for the massive wolf or man. "Are they getting along well?"

"Well he just wouldn't shift back after I got Jax and he was literally pissing on furniture so I moved him to the enclosure." Griffin shrugged.

"What about the Polars?"

"Sold them. But don't get my wrong, Marco had a ton of space--his own space--and they're not fighting. And let's me honest--Jax looks way better with me."

Tanner pursed his lips. "You're phasing him ou completely then?"

"What use do I have for two weres? It'd be one thing if he was in human form and could understand but he's useless like he is now. But he's fine Tanner. Really."

Tanner didn't actually care much and Luca didn't seem to notice he was missing yet, to engrossed in figuring out what the heck Jax was. He smelled funny, looked funny, and acted funny. He wagged his tail hard, little

body trembled and he lowered himself into a bow in preparation to pounce! The cat saw through it however and with one massive paw gently knocked the pup over.

Tanner had watched him closely, aware of the fact he had sharp claws but the Saber showed a paternal warmth to the runt, watching him as he got to his feet and circled around to his odd little tail. With one nightly leapt he half landed on the Saber's rump, scrabbling with his paws to get onto his back. If it hurt the Beast he never showed it, letting the runt climb over him like play equipment. A chirp filled the room and Griffin groaned as he looked at his cellphone.

"Guess who?" He asked in annoyance, rolling his eyes.

"You're the one who led him on." Tanner retorted. "So now he thinks you like him too."

"He's becoming a headache." Griffin argued. "'Can I see you today?' I saw him yesterday."

Tanner began to wonder if this was how Regan had felt. Funny how the tables had turned for Griffin. He wasn't the desperate one anymore.

Luca jumped off Jax's shoulder, skittering across the floor as he booked it into the next room. Tanner rose to his feet, following him to back door. It was fenced in so Tanner had no problem letting off the back patio and playi in the grass. He could hear Griffin tagging along still muttered about how obnoxious Cayden was.

Luca ran through the grass, pausing, and then running directly over to the enclosure. Tanner hadn't really paid it much mind before now but he was suddenly curious on where his old gift was housed. It certainly big enough, with two floors connected by a ramp. It was catered toward bears by the look of he equipment but Marco didn't seem to be doing too poorly as he paced in front of the crate. He must have smelled Luca.

"Can you let him out?"

"Do you want to watch him die?" Countered Griffin. "I can't even put Jax in and let him out because he'll go through the fucking glass. He's fine in there."

Marco began to bristle as the Saber appeared in the doorway. Unaffected the Beast trotted right to it's Master's side and stared at Marco with his cold green eyes. Marco began to snarl now, jumping against the side of the crate, teeth gnashing.

The cacophonous event was a bit much for little Luca who whimpered and ran back inside, tail tucked under his body. He'd never seen Marco act like that!

"I told you," Griffin let Tanner know unnecessarily. "Anyway, I've got to out for a bit."

Tanner arched his brow. "Are you kicking me out?"

"That's the impolite way to put it." He agreed with a nod.

***

"How was your lunch?"

Luca and Tanner were stacking his blocks high so Luca could shift and scatter them around the room. Sven's enterance had paused it however. He looked good, Tanner noticed with a sour taste in his mouth. He hasn't seen him wearing the tight gray sweater before. "It was fine. How's my little Luca?"

Luca beamed at him and asked excitedly about a snack. "Of course honey. Come on over."

Luca got up and flung his arms around Daddy's neck kissing him on the forehead before racing off into the kitchen. Tanner stretched his legs out before he got to his feet. Luca had gotten up at the table and was coloring in his book. In the kitchen Sven was peeling an apple. "You look good."

"Thank you." Sven smiled a bit. "Can you find me the peanut butter? It should be in the cupboard under the cups. It's in a glass jar. The brown stuff."

Tanner didn't move immediately as he searched Sven's person any sign of another's touch. His clothing wasn't rumpled as if it had been thrown on quickly and he didn't appear to have any love nips around his neck. "Tanner?"

He stooped down to search for the jar, finding it a few moments later. He held his tongue carefully as he decided what he should say. "So who were you visiting again?"

"A friend Tanner. We were just catching up."

"Catching up?" He set the jar down. "On what?"

Sven put down the knife and turned to stare at him. "Jealousy never looks good on you Tanner. It wasn't anything you need to be worried about."

"So why won't you just tell me?" He pressed. He was getting frustrated--but so was Sven.

"Because I don't have to. Leave it alone Tanner."

Tanner sucked on his teeth: he wanted to but something was off. Why was Sven trying so hard to hide this?

Thoughts?