Fight to the Death Ch. 04-05

Sorry about the delay guys, my life has been insanely crazy lately. My husband and I suspect that our son has ADHD and we've been trying to find creative ways of burning up energy before he kills us. And due to some personal issues, I haven't had a lot of energy or inspiration to write anything. Next chapter or two should be done fairly soon, things seem to finally be settling down and less stressful (I hope.)

Ashira

CHAPTER FOUR

"Rogue, do you want to talk?" Davis asked, stopping in front of her. Rogue looked up from the patch of garden she was weeding.

"About what?" Rogue wanted to know.

"About us," Davis answered.

"There is no us," Rogue reminded him. "I'm married." She looked down at the ground and willed herself not to cry.

"He left you Rogue, how much could he love you?" Davis asked gently. Rogue's head snapped up.

"How much could he love me? He left me because my father banished me for marrying him and he saw how much I loved being back with my brothers and sisters while we helped find Raven. He didn't want me to have to choose between him and my family, so he chose for me! That's how much he loves me!" Rogue exclaimed.

"Does he know?" Davis asked.

"No, but if he had, he never would have left," Rogue said softly, unable to stop the tears from falling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

-2 months later-

"Have you found Marcus?" Cole asked.

"No. Either Parker missed when he shot him or Marcus managed to cloak the tracking device," Beth answered, rubbing her eyes.

"You're working too hard," Cole observed worriedly.

"We need to find Marcus before he hurts anyone else," Beth reminded him, moaning as Cole began to work on her neck.

"Yeah, but you need to rest sometimes," Cole said, bending down and nibbling on Beth's neck.

"Stop that," Beth scolded with a smile.

"No," Cole growled, nibbling some more. He grumbled when his cell phone rang. "What?" Beth looked up expectantly when he hung up the phone. "Get the kids around, we need to go to the compound," Cole told her.

"What's up?" Beth asked.

"Rogue and my dad are getting into it big time," Cole answered. Beth swallowed and quickly pulled the diaper bag in order while Cole got the kids into the car.

"Rogue, you need to stop this!" Charles exclaimed, grabbing his sister as she tried to lunge at her father.

"What the hell is going on?" Cole wanted to know. He glanced at Beth who nodded for him to go ahead without her.

"Griffin resent divorce papers this morning and dad is trying to force her to sign them and mate her off to Davis," Sydney told Cole.

"Get her under control," Dominic warned.

"You know Dad, I always thought you were fair when we were growing up, but lately, I don't know. It seems like you have an agenda and if we don't go along with it, then you bully everyone until you get your way," Cole told his father.

"Watch it Cole," Dominic warned.

"Dominic, we need you at the gate," Thomas said.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"What is it?" Dominic asked, coming to a stop where Davis stood, keeping watch.

"I just wanted to know how Rogue was doing." Dominic stared as Griffin stepped out of the shadow.

"Rogue is doing fine, and will mate with Davis in three weeks time," Dominic told Griffin. Davis opened his mouth to say something but stopped when he saw the look on his Alpha's face.

"As long as she's happy," Griffin said.

"She is," Dominic said gruffly, before turning and walking away. Griffin watched his father in law for a moment before he turned and started for his jeep.

"Griffin, wait!" Davis exclaimed.

"You have what you want, now let me go," Griffin grumbled.

"No, please. Let me get Beth and Raven out here, you need to listen." Griffin ignored Davis and kept walking. "If you ever loved Rogue, you'll stop and listen," Davis told him. Griffin stopped and turned around.

"Meet me at the coffee shop next to Gambit in a half hour," Griffin said before getting into the jeep and driving away.

-30 minutes later-

"I'm glad to see you," Raven said, when she sat down across from Griffin.

"Really?" Griffin asked. Raven nodded.

"Rogue needs you," Raven said.

"I thought she's supposed mate with Davis," Griffin looked confused.

"Who told you that?" Beth wanted to know.

"Dominic," Griffin answered. Beth swore under her breath. "How are the kids?" Griffin asked, looking at Raven. Raven smiled and pulled out some pictures. "So big," he breathed. "So what's going on?" he wanted to know.

"Dominic lied. Rogue isn't mating with Davis, he wants her to mate with Davis. The sooner the better," Beth said, giving Raven a glance. Raven nodded and went to order some tea.

"Why would he lie? And why the sooner the better?" Griffin wanted to know.

"Rogue isn't doing well. She's hardly eating. She's eating just enough ..." Beth stopped, not sure if she should tell Griffin everything.

"Just eating enough for what?" Griffin wanted to know.

"Just eating enough to keep the baby alive," Raven said, sitting back down. She handed Griffin a cup of tea.

"The what?" Griffin's eyes were wide.

"She's pregnant Grif. She found out a few weeks after you left," Beth said gently.

"And she didn't know how to get a hold of you; you changed your cell phone number," Raven added. Griffin stood up. "Where are you going?" Raven wanted to know.

"To talk to Rogue," Griffin answered.

"You won't get onto the compound. I'll find a way to get her to my place. Meet us there in an hour," Beth told him. Griffin nodded and left.

"Where's Rogue?" Griffin asked when Beth showed up at her house alone. The look on her face is grim. "What happened?" Griffin wanted to know, an uneasy feeling settling over him.

"I don't know what happened, all I know is that Rogue is with the healer and Doctor Lewis. Cole said he'll call if something ..." Griffin waited impatiently as Beth answered the phone.

"What happened?" Griffin asked again.

"It's bad," Beth said. She glanced at Raven who wore a look of worry that mirrored her own.

"What happened?" Griffin asked through gritted teeth.

"She got in a fight with one of the newer pack members that just moved here from another pack. He tried to claim she was his mate. Davis tried to intervene, but in the end, it took both he and Charles to break it up," Beth began.

"Is she going to be okay?" Griffin's heart was racing. Beth hesitated again. "Beth, please, I need to know," Griffin wasn't sure if he wanted to hear the answer.

"Physically, she'll be fine, but ..." Beth sighed, hating to be the one to deliver bad news. "She could lose the baby Griffin. She's hardly been eating, so she was weakened. I'm so sorry," she murmured, her eyes full of tears. Griffin stood up so hard that he knocked the chair over. "You can't go to the compound Griffin, Dominic will tear you apart," Beth warned.

"Let him," Griffin said.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Let me in damn it!" Griffin demanded.

"You aren't part of this pack, you have no business here," one of the guards said.

"He's with us Brian," Raven said from behind Griffin. Reluctantly, Brian allowed the three of them to drive into the compounds.

"What is he doing here?" Dominic shouted at Beth while Raven waited outside with Griffin.

"He loves Rogue. I know you're a proud man Dominic, and I know pack law dictates what happens here, and I know Rogue broke pack law when she eloped with Griffin, but for God's sake Dominic, be reasonable! He left Rogue so that she wouldn't lose her family and an hour and a half ago, he found out he was going to be a father, and ten minutes ago, he found out about Rogue's attack and that she could lose the baby." Beth stopped, took a breath and moved so Dominic could see where Griffin stood. "Look at him Dominic. He's worried, and he's worried about your daughter. Her health and happiness should be a top priority for you. I know that when they are older, if I even allow them to date, if Melissa and Marissa find someone who loves them so much that he's willing to sacrifice his happiness for theirs, then I would be proud to call that man my son in law," Beth said. She exchanged glances with Marie's and knew she had won over at least one of the alphas of the pack.

"Raven doesn't look scared of him," Dominic observed. He took a step back as Raven all but pushed Griffin into the house and out of the heat.

"That's because I'm not. I was for a very long time, but then I remembered that Griffin was under the influence of a spell, and that he wasn't himself. Then I saw him with Rogue and I knew that a man as caring and loving could never willingly harm another person, no matter how much pain he was in over Tara's death," Raven said. Griffin gave Raven a pained but grateful smile.

"At least let me see her, even if you won't release the banishment if I stay, at least let me know she's okay," Griffin pleaded. Pained screams came from behind Rogue's closed door, and before anyone could stop him, Griffin shot past Dominic and ran into the bedroom. Charles and the healer gaped at him in surprise.

"It's alright, he can stay," Charles told the healer before she could call for help. Charles ushered the healer out of the bedroom and closed the door behind him.

Griffin sank down slowly onto the bed next to her and engulfed Rogue in a gentle hug. "It's going to be okay love, I'm here," he soothed, rubbing her back, shocked at how thin she was. Griffin swore he could feel each and every bone in her body.

"Gri-iffin?" Rogue asked through her sobs.

"I'm here and I'm not going anywhere," Griffin assured her. When Rogue had stopped hyperventilating and the pain began to set in, Griffin helped her ease back against the pillow. "Beth and Raven told me you're hardly eating," Griffin said after a moment. Rogue sighed.

"I didn't want to live without you," she whispered.

"I'm so sorry Ro. I didn't want or mean to hurt you. I thought you'd be better off with your family," Griffin's voice was low and pained.

"I tried calling you when I found out about the baby, but you'd changed your number," Rogue sniffled, a tear slipped down her cheek and Griffin kissed it away.

"I had to change it. I knew that if I didn't, that the first time you called, I'd come back for you and I didn't want to take you from your parents and your brothers and sisters," Griffin admitted. He looked her over carefully and despite her weight loss and the horrible bruising, Griffin could tell that Rogue's abdomen was slightly rounded. "How far along?" he asked finally, not knowing what else to ask or to say.

"A little over four months. I know I look slightly further along then that, but it's the weight I've lost," Rogue answered.

"How much have you lost?" Griffin wanted to know.

"Too much." Griffin looked up to see Dominic and Doctor Lewis in the doorway. "She needs to put on at least another thirty pounds and soon," Doctor Lewis added.

"Please don't make him leave me again daddy," Rogue pleaded. Griffin slipped his hand into hers and squeezed it tightly.

"I need to speak with Griffin alone," Dominic said.

"It's okay Rogue. I'll be back," Griffin promised. He kissed her gently and followed his father in law to the study.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CHAPTER FIVE

"Beth, we didn't hit him! He's still gathering forces with others that he and grandma knew," Mage said as she rushed into Gambit. Beth looked up from the carrots she was dicing.

"Marcus is still after us," Mage added. Beth swore and brought her knife down so hard on the carrot that a piece went flying off the counter.

"Raven is ready to go on the hunt," Beth said slowly.

"Xavier won't like that," Mage cautioned.

"I know, but we need Raven to make the spells potent enough to stop Marcus," Beth sighed. She looked up and smiled when she saw Cole, Xavier, Raven and the children filing into the restaurant.

"Smells good sis," Xavier said. Beth smiled and slid a plate brimming with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, turkey sausage, toast and fried potatoes in front of him.

"Will Rogue and Griffin be joining us?" Beth wanted to know.

"Yes. They'll be here in a few moments. You might want to have the staff clear off if there are any in back, mom and dad will be joining us, as well as Thomas and the entire security force," Cole answered. Beth paled, knowing that some of the wolves in charge of security were very jumpy; everyone was a threat until proven other wise.

"And it looks like the entire council has come along," Xavier said with a groan as Beth slid a plate of food in front of Raven, Cole and Mage.

"Wonderful." Beth rolled her eyes before turning to Raven. "Can you flip off the open sign and lock the door once the council is in?" she asked.

"Sure," Raven agreed.

"I'll go give the guys in back the day off," Mage added.

"Why are we meeting here, in this establishment?" one of the newer security officers asked with a sneer?

"Welcome to Gambit ladies and gentlemen. I'm glad to see you're looking a little better Rogue. We were worried about you," Beth said with a smile. "Sit down, I'm just putting breakfast down in front of the troops. Don't worry Rogue, I won't give you or Griffin eggs," Beth added, giving her sister in law a wink. Rogue smiled and blushed. "How do pancakes sound?" Beth wanted to know.

"If they're yours, like heaven," Rogue answered.

"Again, why are we here in this human's restaurant?" the security officer asked again.

"Gregory, this is my daughter in law's restaurant. She's Cole's mate and wife," Dominic answered.

"I had forgotten that Cole mated with a human," one of the council remarked.

"It's good to see you again as well council member Alan," Beth said, not bothering to hide the sarcasm from her voice. Cole chuckled and ignored the look of annoyance Alan gave him.

"You should learn to control your mate better. That was disrespectful," Gregory scolded.

"What is the purpose for the visit of the council Dominic? You know that every time you bring the council to Gambit I lose a day's revenue," Beth reminded her father in law.

"I apologize for the intrusion Beth, but it couldn't be helped. We're here to discuss if we should allow Griffin to join the pack or allow him to continue with divorce precedings against Rogue," Dominic told his daughter in law. Beth paused at that and glanced over at Rogue who swallowed hard and paled slightly.

"I'm going to get started on your pancakes," Beth told her sister in law before retreating into the kitchen.

"You're a real bastard, you know that Dominic?" Mage grumbled as she returned to her seat at the bar. With a snarl, Gregory was at Mage's side, his teeth bared, shocked that this human dared to insult his Alpha.

"Don't even try it," Cole growled.

"She insulted the Alpha," Gregory reminded Cole.

"She's family," Xavier interjected, putting himself between Gregory and Mage.

"That's enough Gregory. I will let it go for now, we have more pressing business to attend to," Dominic said, giving Mage a warning look. Mage shrugged and grinned at Cole and Xavier who wore similar looks to their father.

"Why should we allow Griffin to join the pack? He kidnapped your daughter in law, raped her and tortured her!" one of the elders exclaimed.

"And as far as I know, a non-were has never been allowed to join the pack," Gregory chimed in.

"Um, hello asswipe? Remember me? The human daughter in law?" Beth waved her hand up in the air after setting down Griffin and Rogue's plates of pancakes and turkey bacon in front of them.

"Beth is a member of the pack," Marie agreed, giving her daughter in law a warm smile.

"She agreed to mate with a member of the pack," Gregory argued.

"So did Griffin," Xavier pointed out.

"Without the Alpha's approval. Cole and Beth had his permission to mate," Gregory said.

"I'm going to make this really simple for you father." Dominic looked over at one of his youngest daughters, and he already knew what she was going to say. "Accept Griffin into the pack, because if you don't, I go with him, and you'll never see your grandchildren," Rogue's voice was strong and resolved.

"Rogue," Marie whispered, shaking her head. She saw Dominic clench his jaw in anger and heard the whispers of the council.

"Let the little whore go then," Gregory said dismissively. Before Beth could finish letting out her astonished gasp, Cole, Xavier and Charles flanked the younger man and growled threateningly.

"That is enough out of you young-ling," Cole growled. "It is out of respect for my mate that I haven't ripped your throat out yet," he added.

"Rogue, you were so unhappy after being banished, and I saw how happy that being with your mother and sisters and brothers made you, even if we were only back because of Raven being taken again," Griffin said softly.

"You're my family Griffin, just as much as they are," Rogue replied. Her eyes were full of tears but her voice was calm and steady. "If you leave, we leave with you," she added.

~~~~~~~~~~

"They've been out there for a long time, what do you think they've decided?" Raven wanted to know.

"I don't care what they've decided," Rogue said, but her voice wavered nervously. She didn't want to have to leave her mother and siblings again, but she couldn't live without Griffin either. Beth glanced at her watch again and wished Cole and Xavier would come back and tell them of the decision.

"Have you gained any of the weight that Doctor Lewis told you to gain?" Beth wanted to know, changing the subject.

"Most of it," Rogue murmured. Griffin covered her hand with his and squeezed it gently.

"It's going to be fine," Griffin told her quietly. She gave him a weak smile and toyed with the pen she had pulled off of Beth's desk. They all looked up as Parker walked into the office.

"Another council meeting?" Parker asked.

"Yeah. To see if Griffin will be allowed to join the pack," Beth answered.

"What's going on Park? Any word on Marcus?" Mage wanted to know.

"Possibly, but it can wait," Parker answered.

"They're going to be a bit longer, whatcha got?" Beth asked.

"I heard from a group of witches in Chicago. They think Marcus is in Chinatown," Parker answered. Beth glanced at Mage and Raven.

"We'll go when this is taken care of," Beth decided. Parker nodded. Everyone turned towards the door as it opened.

"It's been decided," Xavier said from the doorway. Rogue swallowed hard and glanced at Griffin before following her brother to the dining room.

"Sit down Rogue," Dominic said, his voice was low, as if he was trying to sooth her or prepare her for something.

"What was decided?" Rogue asked. She remained standing and crossed her arms over her chest.

"If Griffin can prove that he will not be able to be possessed like he was, then he can join the pack," Dominic said after a moment. It was clear by the look on his face that he wasn't happy about it, but he had no just cause to keep the boy out, especially after how Xavier had defended Griffin.

"Give us ten minutes and we'll have a potion worked up that will keep him from being possessed again," Beth promised. She glanced at Raven and Mage and the three of them set off to work.