The next class had passed easily for the squirrel, while his final class with Mr. Lantor seemed to drag by at half the normal speed.  He was of course fully expecting it when his teacher told him to stay after class a few minutes before it ended, getting several of the other students to stare at him with a little surprise at hearing Argent growl lightly.

“Alright Lake,”  Mr. Lantor started stopping to stare at the collie for a moment.  “You go close the door and wait outside this isn't for you to hear.”

“I'm fine Argent.”  Lake stated, “You know the principal set up rules for both me and the teachers.”

After the door closed, which also seemed to somehow take twice as long to click shut, the pine martin went to look out the window.  “I have no doubt she's out there with your father waiting to snatch you up and get you your special marks.  You understand that means nothing here right?”

“Yes sir!”  Lake quickly responded.

“Well Master Horvis has decided to not say anything about it for this semester.  However when we start next year he will inform the students that your breeder tags do not give you any special privileges, while you are at Callent you will be treated like every other student.  He did promised that mouse that he would make sure you were not in any extra danger and that he would keep your health and safety at the top of his priority while you were here.  That is a sort of laugh, even if he did give you priority it would only mean that he would likely call you an ambulance if you made it to the office, there are still plenty of ways for you never make it that far.   He denied you having a protector while on campus and will make sure to keep you here.  There was a phone call this morning from someone at the justice administration wondering about your status and the possibility of allowing your sentence to be altered.  Master Horvis was easily able to inform them of the altercations with Marcus, his father, Treyner, and Nathen which of course makes you seem dangerous, that and the fact you didn't die after being transferred here which, basically was your death sentence.  The justice administration will not argue against Master Horvis so it seems your advocate isn't going to succeed there either.  ARGENT!”  His teacher called out which caused the collie to suddenly appear in the room.   “Please go down and show Lake's father and our guest up.  No need to rush, we are still taking, just make sure they know he's fine.”

Lake decided to speak as soon as the door finally closed again.  “What is the Grade Passing Exam?”

“Simple, its a day for us to clear out all the problems and failures, everyone who can't seem to keep there grades up for what ever reason, and those few who can't hide their problems well enough to live a normal life.  I know all about you're little cat friend and her brother, he needs some help and tutoring but isn't a bad one, the girl, well you found out didn't you.  I warned you but you didn't bother to listen.  Not like you had much choice, she would be one of the first in the exam, if it weren't for the fact she is fully capable of fitting in society if she chooses.  But, that will be another teachers decision, not mine.”

“Did you ask that I take the exam?”  Lake asked figuring he knew the answer and ended up being wrong.

“No.  Lake, I am the one who is going to hunt you down if you run.  Where ever you go, where ever your little advocate decides to stash you I will be the one who tracks you down and eats you.   You are my prey, unless of course you stay in school and get close to graduation.  Then Master Horvis will be the one to  hunt you, with my help of course.  No Lumb, Callor, Mackey, some others, they requested you take the exam.  I won't be a part of that this year.”

The squirrel's mind raced forward, who was Mackey and how many other teachers.  “So if I asked to take the test would Mr. Horvis be willing to tell me which teachers are there and who the other student are?”  After waiting nearly a half minute he added.  “I don't know what it's about but I will agree, and I won't tell anyone, including my father, about what's going on.  I just want to know what teachers and other student I have to deal with.”

“The teachers are easy.  I'm not sure Master Horvis would tell you which students are taking the exam, but he might since some of them will think hunting you means they might pass.  We have had some who thought they could kill the rest of the students to guarantee they survive.  Of course those are the sort of student that won't pass Callent anyways.”  Mr. Lantor finally turned away from the window and sat back down at his desk.  “Relax and look happy Lake,  I'm sure you'll have the breeder tags by the end of the day just remember, you need to be in school tomorrow.”  He suddenly had a huge smile showing not just teeth but a truly gleeful grin with eyes that literally felt to Lake like they were trying to dissect him.  “Or not.”

Barely a moment later the door flew open and in rushed Ms. Klarin glancing at the teacher first before moving quickly towards Lake's side.  “You're fine right, did he threaten you?  I swear no matter what he told you if you tell the truth he can't harm you.”

Lake stared at his obviously concerned advocate for several seconds before telling her, “It wouldn't matter if I told you everything that has happened at this school and exactly what might happen.  We have an agreement, the teachers and principal will leave me alone as long as I keep attending Callent.  Which means I have to be back here tomorrow.”

The mouse scrunched up her muzzle in irritation, looking back to Lake's father as he walked in.  “Do you understand how important you are Lake?”  Looking puzzled and shaking his head was the squirrel's answer.  “You do know what a feeder is right?”  

Lake felt his stomach turn actually feeling full dread.  Food, products, lives that were raised for the sole purpose of being placed on a shelf to be bought, often still alive.  Weakly he gave the slightest nod.  “Understand there are hundreds of small children, squirrels, being reclassified and they are being taken away from their families to be raised for that purpose, do you know why?”  She didn't even wait for him to try and give a little head shake as she continued.  “Because there are extremely few male squirrel breeders right now.  You should have never been sent to Callent.  All the squirrels are females because that is the full majority, they are putting young fresh female squirrels out in hopes that predators don't go hunting any male squirrels.  You and your father will be the only two males in the entire area since they just transferred the last male breeder.  Thankfully he was able to breed three, and one we already know to be male  plus he was with several others who are hopeful, Lake we can't allow you to end up dead for some stupid reason like having to attend this school.”

“Yet you were informed earlier and already know from the justice admin that he won't be moved.  If you need him so badly then do what you were told.  He can have weekends and holidays to try and populate, I'm sure Mr. Horvis will be willing to assist you if he needs some more time.  I was even willing to hold off on my personal claim for him.  However if you feel the need to steal or spirit him away I will not wait any longer, breeder tags or not.”  The pine martin looked every bit of a slightly crazed, obsessed hunter ready to pounce.

“You wouldn't dare.  You know he has breeder status tags or not.  Killing him will see you in jail.”  Ms. Klarin stated.

“You think that somehow that makes a difference?”  Mr. Lantor asked quietly straightening himself up as he stood.  “Lake already knows, as does his father, what exactly the rules are for, what he can and can not do.  If he fails to be in school tomorrow morning the principal will call it in and he will be arrested on site.  You seem to think breeder tags will make him above the law, but he knows that breaking the rules will be the fastest way to end up dead.  I'll give you a little reality check because you haven't realized it.  Lake is one of the few prey who survived the first day, then the first week, he is the only one whom Master Horvis believes is capable of reaching graduation and I am inclined to actually agree with him.  Most of the students won't even touch him, giving him breeder tags will help with a few more.   Since none of the teachers are allowed to touch him it probably makes him as safe as if he were in a normal school, which he has shown he can survive in.  Argent you should go.  I'm sure your parents or ride is probably wondering if you are going to make it home.”  The teacher told the collie.

The canine seemed to want to say loads wiggling quite a bit before finally saying, “I'll see you tomorrow Lake.”   Then tore down the hall towards the stairs.

“The three of you can leave to where ever you need to go, I have some work to do here.”  Mr. Lantor informed them.

As soon as the door to the Jeep shut but before his father was even able to get the keys in the ignition Lake loudly stated from the back seat.  “I AM going back to school tomorrow.”  The walk from his classroom to the vehicle had been fast and at the pace he had set not wanting to talk in the school.   “I don't know what plans you think you have but I'm not going to try and spend the next several years locked in some room hoping someone doesn't break in to eat me and as far as I'm concerned that is what you seem to be promising me.”

“Lake,” the mouse stated sighing slightly, “There are several institutions and facilities that are safe, no one could possibly get you there.”

“Locked up in a room.”  The squirrel shot back.

“Well how a bought what you're doing now.  Letting some cat munch on your neck while some dog laps at your feet?   How is that better?”  The mouse demanded looking back at Lake.

“At least they are willing to help, Argent already kept someone from really injuring me and Jayra is helping me keep it all together.”  Lake shot back.

“Right up until the point she really does sink her teeth into your neck.  I can't understand why you would believe anything else.  Oh she wants to keep me safe, oh she's helping me, oh she didn't really mean it.  Lake you are needed and you have a real chance at living if you would just take it.”

“No, you are offering a real chance to have several skilled hunters track me down and kill me, legal or not, it is exactly what they will do.   At least this way I am safe for now.  Two and a half months and school will be out for break.  Jayra won't do anything now, especially since she is just too pleased with what I offer.  Yes she wants to have fun and play with her prey and no I will NOT admit that nor file papers against her.  Right now you're giving her a possibility of going on an actual date out in public and have some more fun.   Argent is going to continue to be at my back and do everything I need him to do to keep me safe.  The teachers and the principal won't do anything and with breeder's marks most of the other students won't get near me.   I should have an easy time until the last week or so of school so believe me I'm not going to try and escape or endanger myself just so you can have another breeder.   If that means you won't give me the markings then Fine!”  Lake kept glaring at the mouse even after she had turned back.

“So we are still going?”  Keith asked in a soft voice.

“Yes, Yes.  I'll figure out some way to make this work, as long as you keep up your end of the bargain we have some hope.”  She nearly spat back.

“Then you should be explaining it to him, what's expected.”  Lake wondered what exactly his father meant, as well as his advocate words and quickly asked,  “What Bargain?”

“Your father agreed to help with breeding as well, it's one of the reasons why the organization is so quick to give you breeder status.  You are supposed to be sent off for several months to stay at different places while your father takes some females at your home for a few days.  I suppose we could try and swap your roles but sadly this won't be anything like a normal breeders license.   You two will be breeders in every sense of the word, expected to get females pregnant with the hopes you produce males, not to be a breeding family.   Lake,” she started before pausing, taking a short breath and letting it out before continuing.  “Understand, it is very serious now, a few years ago you would have been set up in a secure house with at least two, likely three or four females who you can be with in the hopes that you choose to stay with two and be able to raise a very large family.   Instead you'll probably be paired out with five or six every few months swapping them as soon as we know it's a successful breeding.   The big issue is none of the females will be given breeder status. All the females who have tags even the ones that are married or were married are refusing to be a baby plant.  They all know how serious things are but the limit was set at one child every two years minimum if they wish to keep it those tags, though they are pushing for one a year, while the few males who are married are required to breed one female outside of their marriage to keep their status though they are pushing for them to have a double marriages and still breed one more.  Your father is looking at older females in their late twenties who wish to have another child without any serious attachments meaning he will have no financial responsibility.  Most have lost their husbands for one reason or another which is why things are so detrimental.  There are many willing older females and it will be allowed because we need every male.  You,”  She paused letting out a heavy breath,  “They expect you to breed with young teens turning fourteen or nearly there in the hopes we might find those that will be better at bearing males, I have a list longer than my desk with names and parents petitions begging to find someone who might help their daughter or at least gain them a respite with protection for a while.  They want you to screw as many girls as you can with the intention of knocking them up.  Probably not a hard issue for a healthy young man.”  She stated the last part harshly.

“So what about what Mr. Lantor said about weekends.”  Lake asked cautiously wondering if the female was upset with him for what she had said or if she was just stating facts she didn't seem to like.

“That really won't be worth it.  Even with giving boosters to help with fertility you would be expected to be with a female for at least a week not two days.  It wouldn't be worth the effort to send you there, or bring them here, then protect them long enough to be certain.  Maybe five days but you are supposed to be with a female for two weeks minimum.”  She told him.  Lake wondered why she again turned around to stare at him especially since she wrinkled up her muzzle again and looking annoyed.  “Your father of course has more leeway since the females he has agreed to mate with are older and not in any danger, if it takes a few tries to have a child it won't be a big issue, so long as he is willing to continue.”  She finished while turning back around.

The rest of the ride was in silence and Lake was swiftly rushed inside once they had reached the facility.  The procedure was explained to him in a rush as his top half was stripped down and they had him in a swiveling chair as two people began discussing options.  Most of the time he felt like they didn't even realize he was there, simply ordering him to not move or forcing his head one way or another and telling him to hold it like that.  In the end they opted to have his marking go over the back of his head and cover most of his left ear, which meant they literally glued his ear down temporarily as they shaved the area almost to the skin and set to work.  Lake flinched when they put the first layer down holding the molded plastic against his head as the chemicals started to slowly feel like it froze the area which was quite painful until numbness set in.   The second and third set weren't much of an issue excepting each one required a minimum of ten minute set time pressed against his head and then a half hour cure time in which he was not allowed to get up or do anything, especially touch!  It took them more than two hours before they were done which included a multitude of admonishments to not rub scratch or itch the area, to not shower for two days, to not to sleep on his back or that side tonight and to wear a crappy plastic shower hat for the next day.  The first thing he wondered was if he would be able to call out from school tomorrow or if he really did have to go in with that thing on.  He was also irritated when they taped his ear down again after removing the glue telling him it had to stay that way until tomorrow morning.  In all honesty he felt like he rather would have patches of his fur fall out and his tag to look messed up, than to put up with all the warning and precautions they wanted.

“You're not upset right?  I mean I should have probably told you this was coming when I found out but, I just wasn't really sure how you would feel and I still hope...  Listen Lake, this is the first time I have been able to do something that might mean you do get a 24th birthday and I hope you can forgive me if you're upset.”  Keith shut the engine off after speaking worried a bit because his son had been silent the entire ride home.

“It's fine dad, really.  I know,”  Lake suddenly felt a stab of emotional pain realizing what his father had actually agreed to, trying to keep his throat clear he said, “I know this won't be easy for you especially after mom.  I appreciate it.”

Keith popped his belt latch and leaned over giving Lake a strong hug.  “It means nothing if it helps  you.  I've been lonely, extremely lonely since your mother died and had a hard time dealing with raising you, but I won't be lonely if you keep coming home and maybe it is time for me to find some other adult friends.  You are old enough to take care of yourself that is for sure, and with breeder marks I don't have to be here all the time to watch you.  I've been thinking about this all weekend all the good and all the bad, but the one thing I know is that this helps you!  I'm not really sure how I feel about leaving kids about, but I was assured that every women wants another child and that they can take care of it.  I sure as hell am not out to make feeders or ruin families!  However I can hope that if I do have more children they are allowed to have a better life than you did, at least I know if they are boys no matter what they will be safe and well cared for.”

There were several things that ran through the younger squirrel's mind as he got out of the Jeep and heading inside, most of those kept his mind occupied for the rest of the night, and all of them concerned his father.  All his life he knew his father deeply missed his mother, on one hand he was sure his father was, relieved or excited to finally be able to do something for him.  Heck Lake was really, truly, touched that his dad was going so far and had agreed to it.  However the more he thought about it the more he wanted his dad to do this for himself rather than for him, after all it would be far better if his father were given a true second chance.  Once more to maybe find love, but even if that didn't work he might find a friend, one who might allow him to help raise another son.  Of course he had to stop himself more than a few times from thinking some unpleasant or mean thoughts, like seeing his father forget or even discard him holding a new baby, but after a few seconds he would end up thinking back to what his father was like when he was very young.  Sure he had been sad, but he had also smiled and laughed, raised him up in the air and spun him around.  Lake had always been force to accept his father and even understood why, but wouldn't it be great to see him smile and be happy even if he was holding...   

The young rodent paused for a moment with a great realization that turned into a twin realization.  If this was happening then he would have brothers and sisters not only that HE would have KIDS!  Many, many kids.  Of course that was difficult to imagine, especially since he was still going to be attending  Callent.  However summer was a few months away and there was no doubt he was going to be used to breed, probably loads of girls, but it would be well into next year maybe next summer before he saw any of them, he would have to find some way of getting through the next school year and even find some way to get away from Mr. Horvis.  Though if it came to that maybe spending years in some facility locked way was going to be the best option over all, but kids.  Would he be able to raise them or would they just be someone else's problem.  Most likely the later, and the girls were going to be younger than him, but Ms Klarin had said that there were parents begging for  help for their daughters.   Were they going to allow him to maybe see one or two after they were born, not that he was even close to ready to be a father even if he could, especially with his current situation, but that didn't mean he wasn't ready to maybe try the idea out a little.  The night seemed extremely long and Lake never really acquired a whole lot of sleep, often waking up still dreaming of what he had been thinking only to fall asleep a while later, keeping himself in a tangle of possibility. 

As much as he hated the fact Lake was at school the next day in his shower cap with the bell ringing just as his father turned onto the school's drive.  He had asked his dad to be a little late and planned to be late to every class and hopefully avoid the embarrassment of dealing with questions about his headgear.  After a quick stop at his locker the squirrel walked into the Advance Pred class eight minutes after and gave a small grimace towards his teacher remembering that Mr. Lumb was one of the teachers recommending him for the grade exam.  “Lake I hope you are not going to start some habit of waltzing into my class late.”  The squirrel ignored the comment and continued walking towards his desk.

He was shocked by the paws that landed heavily on his shoulders as he was propelled forward down the walkway between the desks and shoved against the back wall of the class trying to struggle.  “CLASS ON YOUR FEET NOW!!  LAKE Don't Move!”  The squirrel was quickly trying to think of possible options not coming up with anything at the moment as he was forced to the wall at arms length before suddenly the pressure vanished.  “I don't care what you think or what status you think you have now, when you disrespect me in my own class don't think I for a second I won't or can't make you regret it.  I can easily say the students didn't see your breeder tag and that several jumped in when you entered and I could do nothing before they took you.   Even if my hands are covered in blood no one in this class would say otherwise when I explain I was trying to keep you alive.”

Lake stared not just at his teacher but most of the student near him as well.  Though there were several that were looking lost and definitely some that sort of stood back there was more than enough that looked eager and even ready.  He knew they would be happy to jump in, especially if a teacher was leading the hunt.  

With out a doubt he knew that he had literally no options and that talking might be the best, well the only path open.  Well the truth was probably the best answer, the squirrel thought.  “I'd say I'm sorry but I was upset learning you recommended me for the grade exam.  Mr. Horvis's rules or not I though I was doing well in this class, at least enough to pass, and I'm only late cause I didn't want to deal with all the questions about this.”  He gestured towards his head.

“Is there anything else you wish to complain about, especially the way I choose to teach?”  Mr. Lumb demanded.  Lake shook his head slightly,  “Then I do expect you to apologize now, fully and with respect, especially since recommending you for the grade exam was required because you will fail my class.  Waiting Lake.”  The wolf added on after a few seconds.

“I am sorry Mr. Lumb, I will do my best to not be late to your class,”  realizing that wasn't even close seen no change in his teacher he swiftly continued.  “I shouldn't have been disrespectful but I really was upset and yes, I am Sorry.” 

“Decent, Now understand, you will never be able to pass this course because you will not be able to turn in the required practical project.  Every student is required to turn in a paper on a hunt, past or present and explain to the class what happened and listen to suggestions on improvements.  Depending on how it goes some have to do it twice.  It's simple Lake, every student has done it once already and while most passed, several are still working on their second attempt.  Tell me how exactly are you going to complete this class?  There are many reasons why you will never graduate but recommending you for the grade exam is exactly what I'm expected to do, has Master Horvis allowed it?”

“Probably, either way I doubt I have much choice whether I volunteer or he does decide I have to participate.”  Lake stated.

Mr. Lumb started smiling as he nodded at the rodent,  “Well I accept your apology, however your punishment will be showing off and explaining to the other students about your breeder tags.  I don't know how many have seen one, but you are a rare thing indeed.  I don't know of any tagged prey who was out and about the day after.  Come on.”  The teacher had the rodent sit on a stool at the front of the class lining them up each by isle to step forward and examine Lake's mark.  Serious warning were given by the teacher to not touch him in any way, as the students made their way forward the squirrel explained the procedure and all the warnings and precautions he had to currently follow.  As the last few students came forward Mr. Lumb showed off what Lake had thought was a simple shower cap.  “You can all see the replica of a mark on this plastic, though it is of course difficult to realize that's what it is unless you've seen one before.  However just because you didn't realize what it was it wouldn't help anyone hunting a breeder from serious punishment and probably death.  Our class never bothered covering breeder hunters because they are so rare these days, there were times predators did it for sport, but the few who pop up now and then often end up discounted food after a good deal of unpleasant punishments.  You should all know that if any breeder ends up injured or vanishes it turns into a massive hunt which never ends until the truth is found.”

Lake was still sitting on the stool as the last two students headed back towards their desk when someone asked, “Mr. Lumb what's the grade exam?”

“Something that none of you should be required to worry about, simply put it's a special test the teachers administer every year to make sure those that are having serious issues are taught properly.  Yes some students die each year but those that pass usually go on to graduate.”  The teacher explained.

“Can I ask a question?”  Lake waited for the wolf to nod before asking.  “There is a serious issue and squirrel breeders are needed, they have given out extra tags and are trying for more protection, but why don't the schools teach not to eat squirrels for now, why isn't it made public if it's so serious?”

The teacher waived Lake back to his desk before addressing the class.  “Anyone want to take a guess?”  It took several minutes and besides the first two of 'Why should we have to stay away from any prey.' and 'How would they stop someone from hunting them.'  Not much was put forward nor could anyone offer a reason as to why it wasn't stated publicly.  “Lake I don't have an answer to your question, breeders are the solution society has come up with, and several facilities and groups were created for the purpose of keeping prey species safe.  My guess is that announcing it would be the worst possible idea.  You and other prey might think that it would help to keep predators from hunting a specific group but honestly it would be more like announcing, 'Hey you might never get to eat a squirrel again.'  What exactly do you think would happen?”

“Sorry sir.”  Lake said after several seconds realizing how devastating such an idea would be.  There would certainly be some that might even hunt outside the ten year prey range.  After all his own attack at thirteen could just as easily include those that were twenty-four or older with the simple words, well I though they were young enough.   “No Lake that wasn't a bad question, especially in your spot.  Actions are being taken and I'm sure you'll be expected to start breeding soon, many here might consider you to be really lucky, but from what you're saying it might be a lot worse than it seems.”

“Females and Feeders who are females.”  Lake forced himself to say.  “It's all you can find now.”

“Well then class you can take that as part of your lesson as well for today.  Breeders are important to make sure we have something to eat.  Rarely do we even consider young prey as something beyond food because we see so many adults around but losing even one specie could start a reaction for over predation on other species which would eventually lead to pred on pred attacks for food.  We have a system to try and keep a balance that works for both sides while maintaining a system that ensures future resources for all.   

Lake didn't bother trying to be late for any more of his classes, though he did his best to arrive at the bell or seconds before.  He was forced to quietly explain it was a covering for his breeder tag many times and tried not to be too irritated by it.  All in all it seemed like close to a normal day with one small exception.  Jayra grabbed him just before the end of lunch pulling him over to the small alley way between the building and the wall and right up against the fence which blocked students from using it.

Giving him a wicked little smile she demanded his hand giving a little nip before curling something into his paw.  Puzzled the squirrel examined what he guessed was a home made backwards sword hilt.  There was a soft grip covering what looked like a metal bar in his hand with two flat curled pieces of metal, one that covered part of the back of his paw while the other covered the ends of his fingers.  “Keep it hidden!  This will help, especially if someone is sneaking up behind you.”  She pushed his front up against the fence getting in behind him,  “Now strike backwards paw out in a swing.”  The feline gave several variations explaining how to strike and where to aim before she turned him back around as the bell rang ending lunch.  “Forward is another story and that has only one purpose.  Shove it in their mouth, down their throat if you have to.  Get the bar up between their teeth if you think that helps but better to ram it in and make them choke, true they will bite your arm but I know you will be more than able to handle that while making them regret every second.”  She grinned playfully again pulling up his arms sleeve before making him hiss as she took a real bite, small but deep enough to be able to  suck on his blood lightly before pulling out a patch and cloth and wrapping up the small wound.

Jayra pulled down his sleeve covering up what she had done, patting his arm to be sure it stayed hidden,  “Keep yourself safe Lake.  I want you to make sure you survive and this little thing will be much easier to hide than those other items you keep in your pack.”  He was tugged along back to pick up his stuff holding back long enough to give Argent a little pet when he whined at him.  “He's fine dog, I'm not going to do anything to really harm him unless he stops doing what I ask.  You are going to do what I ask right Lake.”  Giving him a hard stare as he quickly nodded.  She stopped to look over Argent as they gathered up their items from lunch.   “Maybe the puppy is hoping I bite him as well.”  His growl got nothing but a sly little smile as she sort of bounced off to class while the other two moved quickly to their own classrooms.

Lake spent a nice chunk of time that night practicing with the new weapon she had made him.  It seemed smart to keep his hand guarded while using it as a weapon and the plate that split out the end of his paw was strong enough to take a serious hit when he snuck into the garage and slammed it down on several old boards and the concrete floor.  He did realize right away the trade off of not having the distance his other items provided, those kept others back leaving him an option to escape but couldn't be concealed as easily, this he could easily carry around as long as he was careful.  He might even be able to hide it with a long sleeve sweater next winter, but it would allow anyone trying to hunt him to get much closer than he wanted them, still it certainly had possibilities and it might be the best weapon against a hallway pounce, if it was in his hand.

Lake's plans for the next morning was arriving early so he would have plenty of time, and thought it would be good if he got into Mr. Lumb's class early.  He even had his father pull over as soon as they entered the school's drive across from where Keith would normally pick him up.  The squirrel had figured this way his father could make the U-turn and not have to deal with the few cars that were already here.  Though after the squirrel crossed to the sidewalk and his father drove off he picked up on a stare from one of the vehicles he was going to pass.  Not that he didn't normally check but Jayra had been drilling into him to always look into cars and windows before getting close and he instantly saw a fennec that was grinning towards him before the male turned to flip off the female in the driver's seat.  He immediately altered course walking onto the grass and slowing down heading more towards the building than the entrance to the school.  He never thought he was going have to try out Jayra's new toy so soon but by the time he heard a vehicle's door slam behind him his hand was inside his pack curling around his new weapon.

However things didn't go quite as he expected.  He could hear fast moving steps on the concrete sidewalk and with a slight turn of his head caught the fox jogging, cutting across a small section of the lawn and moving quickly to the entrance doors taking the stairs in two hops.  There was a sudden flurry of light beeps from the vehicle behind and Lake watched the vulpine turn just enough to again give a middle finger as he opened one of the metal doors.  Lake stopped and turned back making eye contact with the female fennec, watching as she pointed and him then pointed back towards the street surely trying to warn him.  He simply smiled back, she had realized he had breeder tags while her son had not.  Lake shook his head and gave a thumbs up as he moved towards the first entrance door which would allow him to have the wall at his back when as he walked inside.

It was truly perfect, Lake had both his arms up as the fox jumped at him, one shifting to grab an arm of his opponent while the other went right into the other's mouth.  The surprise the hopeful pred showed at not being able to close his mouth with something blocked between his teeth lasted just long enough for the rodent to continue pulling him forward and lift a leg up into the other's crotch.  The rodent saw the center door open at the edge of his vision as a few students moved into the entryway.  He spun and glared at them as the fox dropped to the floor,  “Just a moment and I'll finish here if you wanna try next.”  He struggled trying to pull one of the paws that the vulpine was using to cover his nuts away from its body, it didn't help that he still had  his fist curled around the grip in his hand but he didn't want to call attention to it by dropping or stashing it.  He couldn't see any movement giving a quick sideways glance as he got the arm far enough out he placed one paw on the wrist trapping it before lifting his leg up and slamming his heel directly down on the paw getting a full volume scream that continued to echo and assault him in the small area.  

He dropped down to one knee using his free paw to hold the fennec's muzzle shut finally taking a full look around, actually smiling realizing that the other students had backed out and shut the door.  With a firm grip on the muzzle Lake lifted the head slightly banging it back down,  “Keep quiet or I'll kick your nuts so hard you'll be able to eat them.”  He stood back up and snatched his pack hiding away the weapon while the fox lowered its noise into a soft keening 'eeeeeeee'.

The rodent stood there for nearly a minute trying to decide what to do, he was sure there were several students waiting just outside and it was possible that if he simply left this problem was going to disappear.  Frowning he bent down gripping the top of the other's muzzle slightly and shaking it.  “You need to stand up.  I'll help get you to the office.”  There was a slight growl that turned to a moan which made Lake slap the muzzle.  “This is Callent, if you lay here you'll be dead before school starts, now ON your Feet!”  

It took a few tries and the fox kept crumpling before Lake was finally able to hoist him up.  Taking a good chunk of the other's weight he got the fox to stumble forward, through the metal door and into the school before once again stopping when the other crumple into a whimpering ball.   Again he tried several times to get the male up and moving but he wasn't able, frustrated he gave a small kick to the fox's leg wondering if he should just walk to the office and report it.  One last time he reached down stopping as he heard at least two of the entrance way doors open up.  “I got it Master.”

Lake had a real smile seeing the collie reach down and with a lot less effort the fennec was yanked to its feet.  “Great puppy thanks!”  The squirrel stated relieved, his words got the canine to smile as well with an exuberant wag.   Though the fox had screamed loudly twice when his paw contacted the canine's leg, the pair had hardly any trouble getting the other inside the office dropping him, allowing the vulpine to curl into a ball. 

Again the sneers of the secretary came as she stood but Lake stated loudly,  “He tried to hunt me, I'm just dumping him off.”

“Lake?!”  He was surprised to hear his name and seconds later his advocate walked out of the hallway along with the principal.  “Are you alright?  What happened?  See there is no way he's safe here!”  She turned glaring at Mr. Horvis.

The wolf though simply smiled, “Are you sure.  I see no blood, broken bones, or any other injury.”

“Nope not to me.”  It took only a minute for Lake to spit out the story of the fox running by, then  how he had tried to grab him and that required him to knee him in defense, adding in he might have stepped on his paw when he thought others were coming into the entrance way.  Mrs. Klarin was certainly frustrated but stayed quiet when ordered to, as Mr. Horvis tried talking with the student.

“Augustine I am surprised.  I had no idea you would do something like this on your first day and before school even starts.”  The principal started.

“Jace!”  The word was barked with a growl that weakened fast turning again to a quiet keen.

“Very well Jace then.  Do you want to wait in the back while we try to get a hold of one of your parents or would you like me to call an ambulance.  I'm sure you understand what that would mean.”

“Mr. Horvis, sir.”  Lake started,  “His mom might still be in her car.  She saw my breeder tag and tried to warn him but all he did was flip her off.”

The principal gave a little smirk which he was sure no one but him saw before it shifted back to the simple smile he had on before as he ordered the squirrel to go see if she was still on campus.  Lake jumped up and dashed out yelling 'MOVE' as he went through the now more crowded entry way demanding that people 'MOVE' as he made it outside still seeing the same car parked there.  He grinned big at the shocked look the female had as he knocked on her window which slowly lowered.  “The Principal wants you to come inside, Please.”  He said before adding in,  “Your son is inside as well.”

He didn't say anything on his quick walk back forcing the female to run and catch up to him as he made his way back inside.  One of the inside doors even opened for him but he was shocked feeling his tail tugged turning to growl at the one who held the door.

His thoughts changed instantly as Jayra gave another light tug pulling him closer.  With out hesitation he grabbed her in a hug putting his muzzle near her ear, “I already had to use that toy, but I have to go now,  SORRY I'll catch you later the Principal gave me an order.”  Lake finished the last part loudly as he stepped away.  He could see the strong frown she had giving him a firm nod and wondered what he might have done wrong.  

By the time he made it back to the office Argent was gone but another, a rather bulky weasel, was standing over the hurt student.  “Ah, Mrs. Cossast right?  Your son had a little altercation with another student here, luckily nothing serious happened though it does seem he's taken a shot to the groin to force him to stop, then the student helped him to the office.  Would you like to take him home, or maybe to the hospital.”

“Yes, Please.”  Came the quiet response.

“Very well Parkus will you help Mrs. Cossast get her son to the car?”  Lake moved back as the weasel easily lifted the student waiting for the parent to leave first.  The squirrel couldn't stop his tail from ticking twice once he realized Parkus was staring at him with a grin that seemed like he wanted nothing more than to take a large bite out of the rodent.  As his tail dropped he forced himself to look away back to the principal but before he could speak his advocate started in.

“Lake, you will be missing the next two days of school, your father will probably be picking you up sometime at or after lunch to take you home.  There will be two females waiting for you there and you will be expected to stay with them through the weekend.  Your father will explain the rest when he drives you home.  I'm sorry but I still have a good deal more work to do and guards to set up so we can bring them over to your house.   Principal Horvis,”  she turned to face the wolf,  “I will again insist that Lake gets some form of protection while he's attending here.  I understand you will not allow him to be transferred but if you can not keep him safe I can at least get the Justice Admin to require some form of protection while he is here.”

Lake kept himself from shivering seeing again a simple smile the wolf wore which seemed out of place, or perhaps over practiced.  “Mrs. Klarin I will simply say this is entirely MY fault.  I should have warned Lake and made sure to inform the new student that there was a breeder on campus that wasn't supposed to be touched.  Understand most student who are placed here are not the polite, nor the well educated, and several of them are criminals with a few that are close to it.  Our new student tried to jump Lake without knowing or realizing how much danger he was putting himself in.   Obviously Lake has no need of protection being quite capable of taking care of a foolish new student, however I fully understand my mistake in not taking action before this.  I will immediately inform every new student about his situation and make sure Lake is kept in the loop so he can avoid such, misunderstandings.”

Drawing up  her muzzle in that little irritated look his advocate seem good at she simply said, “Don't think that will be good enough.  I will be moving forward with this.”  With that the mouse walked out leaving Lake to give a quiet sigh wondering how much more difficulty she was going to cause him by trying to help.

When he looked back at the principal the smile vanished replaced again by an amused smirk which grew into a full toothed smile of what Lake imagined was glee causing him a full body shiver.  It vanished as the clock on the wall buzzed signaling the beginning of his first class.  “Wait Sir,”  He started as the wolf waved him off,  “I need to talk with you for a moment if I can, please.”

“Lake, is this important.  I have a few things to deal with.”

“Well sir, if I'm missing classes this week, and with the other things that have happened.  I just wanted to ask you a few questions.  I still keep the ten minute rule sir.”  Lake stated.

“Very well.”  He was lead back to the principal's office and didn't even bother to sit down or wait for the wolf to take his seat.  “Sir, I wanted to ask, if I volunteered to take the Grade Passing Exam would you be willing to tell me which teachers and students that would be participating as well?”

“I see, your teacher already told me you would likely ask so let me ask first.  Do you understand what the exam entails?”  

“Umm the teachers hunt the students.”  Lake replied.

“I see, this will take more than ten minutes Lake but I will allow it, have a seat.”   After the squirrel sat he started in.  “It is a hunt and it is more than that.  This is still a exam, we bring in 'x' amount of teachers and 'x' amount of students plus one.  We always have one student pass but think on this, what do you think happens if a teacher comes across a student they think has a chance to improve, or one they felt shouldn't have been required to take the exam.  Students get appointed to take the test for all kinds of reasons.”  Seeing the squirrel nod he continued.  “Simply put, it then really becomes an exam.  The teachers will ask question and the students need to answer correctly.  Several of the staff will ask questions of everyone they hunt no matter how they feel, if they think the student shouldn't pass the harder the questions are while if a teacher likes the student the question is easy and they are told to run along.  You Lake, you won't have that option.  I allow most of the staff to give a pass or two and continue the hunt, how ever they are not supposed to continue passing students and keep hunting until they find the one they want.  Lake there is no way any staff member wouldn't hunt you the moment they saw you, no questions, no hope, and you aren't likely going to be able to pull some trick or stunt to get around them.  Are you truly ready to risk that?”

“Are you able to tell me I won't have to take it?”  The rodent quickly countered,  “I'd rather know who is hunting me now then find out when I have to run around the school unprepared.  If this is a test then I want to prepare, right?”  The wolf again smirked at him for just a moment before sitting back.  “Also sir, you are just telling me to make sure none of them find me right?   Any other rules I have to follow?”

“Besides not exiting the building, the doors will be locked, I would expect that you wouldn't injure any other students to make it easier on the teachers.  Some of them consider this a real hunt, they will search out a prey and kill it.   Most will take the first one they find, some will try to look for someone specific, but I'm sure every single one of them will keep an eye out for  you.  However once a teacher makes a kill they either have the meal there or take it to somewhere they can enjoy it.  There is hope though, only one student per teacher so we always have one left.  Sometimes there might be two but that is only if the remaining teachers already let that student escape.”

Lake took a deep breath before starting,  “So ONE I have to not injure any student, unless of course they attack me. TWO I have to stay in the building, and THREE I have to survive till all the other students are dead.   How do I know when it's safe?”

“I will let you know.  Once I call you out, the exam will be over.  You know I don't mind this but I will be extremely upset if you fail Lake, for many reasons.  Your advocate will be one of them.  It will be a rather hard story to explain you disappearing on campus on a Saturday.  Thankfully it will be scheduled at a time you will be available and not on some breeding weekend.”  Seeing the squirrel's puzzled look the canine again gave a smug little smirk of amusement finding the situation more than a little humorous.  “Lake you will be out the rest of week and the weekend expected to breed two girls til Monday.  I would guess a day of recovery would be needed, coming back on Monday would likely leave you very open and distracted.  Your little mouse wants this weekend, three more days and the weekend at the end of next month, and the last week of school.  Letting your teachers know will definitely earn you a spot in the exam from each of them for missed school.  Make sure you tell them that you'll be out til Tuesday and see if some will have work for you to finish, that is if you find time any time this weekend to try and do school work.”  Again the wolf smirked and for the first time Lake sat there not feeling the need to shiver from the canine's look.  “Head to class, tell Ms. Wattset you need a pass and that I said to give you one.  I'll also speak with Mr Lantor about giving the information you asked for before the exam, or yes test, we will call it your test.  A test to see how smart you are evading teachers.  Lake, out of all the student you are probably the only one who understand exactly what it means to be hunted.  Make sure you use that to your advantage.”

Lake backed out of the principal office taking a moment to center himself, with out the use of his tail, before stepping back up towards the secretary stating right off that he was told to ask for the pass by Mr. Horvis and was glad that all he got from her was the slip of paper.  He immediately apologized to Mr. Lumb as soon as he walked through the door handing over the note before telling him that he was not going to be able to attend class until next Tuesday and would wait through the break to get any assignments he needed.  As soon as the class ended and more than half the students left he told his teacher he was in the Grad Passing Exam to which he got a nod and told he could leave. 

For Mrs. Kavala he was able to explain before class started that he was already required for a breeding assignment the rest of the week and would need any class work she could give at the end of the class.  He was a little surprised when the teacher dropped off two sheets and a written note several minutes before the end of class.  Having time he decided to race down stairs to Mr Talkin and was surprised at being the only student walking in as the last few students left.  He quickly tried to explain to the teacher and asked about possible work to do when the skunk interrupted him.  “Lake, did you realize I have no class this period?”

“No sir.”  The squirrel answered.

“That does seem strange to me, I mean here you are and likely no one even knows you are here do they.   Add to that I am entirely free right now to do whatever I wish and lunch is coming up right?”  The skunk smiled, “Surely you understand I am more than happy to take free food when ever it's offered, especially when it so politely comes to me.”

“Sir,” Lake stated strongly,  “I know you are smart enough to realize that I am not free.  You will pay heavily for it.”  The squirrel slid backwards towards the door as the teacher eyed him.

“Possibly true, however missing several days of class after I've already helped you catch up won't work at all, you do understand that.”

Lake's paw reached behind him taking only a few seconds before being able to find and grab the latch,  “I understand that all my teachers have the right to ask that I attend the Grade Passing Exam which I already spoke with the principal this morning.  If you wish to see how much it will cost you, I think then would be the best time to find out.”  

The skunk had an even bigger grin, as he waved his student along.  “I guess we will see who finds you first then.  Don't worry about the work Lake I won't dock any part of your grade for this.”  Mr. Talkin stated as he slipped out.   The bell rang as Lake made sure to shut the door behind him realizing he probably had made a big miscalculation concerning his teacher, maybe all the teachers.  Besides Mr. Lantor, who at the moment was just as suspect, he should never be caught alone with one.  As he made his way to class he wondered just how much trust he should truly put into Mr Horvis's promise that teachers would leave him alone, or to be more precise how much power exactly did the principal have over the other teachers.  Jayra's words echoed in his head, 'You can't trust anyone that you don't have control of, or has control of you.'  Lake was sure the principal had control, a good deal of control, but guessing which teachers he didn't have control over would be death, better to be extremely careful instead. 

Third period was easy, Mrs. Callor seemed irritated at first when he walked in late explaining how he would be missing school but added in that her recommendation for him to take a Saturday class was approved that morning.  The feline stopped suddenly giving several tiny licks along her lips before telling him to take a seat.  She held him up just long enough when class ended to inform him of the twelve pages he was to do at the end of his textbook and that he needed to have the answers ready when he returned.  Lake smiled back trying to mimic her little lick lip a few times before she narrowed her eyes and glared at him.  “Sorry Mrs. Callor, I will try to do that work you ask for, but l will be busy, very busy.  I will be happy to give you every answer on the Grade Exam, though Mr. Horvis said it would be more like a test for me.”  He smirked slightly after he turned away heading for the door for lunch while his teacher glared at his back.

Lunch though didn't happen.  He got two steps out of the doorway before Jayra stepped up next to him twirling him around until they bumped up against the lockers.  “Lake,” She whispered quietly in his ear.  “Do you want me to hurt you?”  Suddenly there was real pain in his gut as her paw had slipped under his shirt and her claws curled into his skin digging in, ready to tear.  “Where is the dog?”  She demanded loudly.  The hallway had mostly cleared and the a few students that were left were moving toward one of the staircases and not one of them was close enough to realize what had happened..

“I don't know.”  Lake whined as he felt her pull moving a fraction but he could already feel moisture where her fingers were.

“Tell me Lake, do you want to feed me today?”  Getting his whine again and a ardent negative she continued, “I've waited patiently for you to do what I asked so,”  She gripped harder pulling her paw together slowly raking into his belly, “WHY didn't you MARK The PUPPY!?!” She demanded!

“I tried.”  He gasped out grinding his teeth together even going far enough to get his front teeth to press painfully into his lower lip.  “He took home what he needed.”

“LAKE!!!”  The both watched as Argent charged down the hall barely slowing down even as Jayra held her hand up. 

“He's dead dog if you touch me, or him.  Even if you knocked me away the entire Lunch Crew will hunt him as soon as I get back to the room and if that isn't enough we will start again tomorrow.”  The feline threatened.  

'I won't be here tomorrow.  Please pull you're claws back, I did do what you asked.”  Lake was able to keep his voice, tail, and core still staring at Jayra as she looked back at him.

“Then WHY were there several students this morning wondering if he was going to go inside and help you out?”  She pointed to the collie.  “IF you had claimed him they would all know, there would NOT be ANY DOUBT!”

Argent gave a full pained whine holding an arm out not quite touching either,  “It's my fault.  Mom smelled me and she dragged me back in the house and cut my clothes off me.  I couldn't leave until I had showered twice and put on new clothes.  She cut my collar up.”  He finished quietly.

The squirrel finally gave a little shiver of relief feeling her claws retract as her paw slipped out from under his shirt.  “Both of you follow me now.”  The order came as she marched down the hall.  Both were quick to follow and stared in shock as she pulled the men's restroom door open and walked inside.
It only took them seconds to follow and they found her standing at the sinks inside,  “I told you that you should mark him at school, not that I thought his mother was going to interfere. DON'T!”  She ordered as Argent started to talk.  “Kneel!”  

It only took a few seconds for the canine to drop to the floor suddenly wagging his tail excitedly.  Argent knew his mother was going to be infuriated but there was nothing she would be able to do about it now.  Meanwhile Lake didn't even move as she slipped up beside and behind him helping to drop his shorts and underwear, with a little growl she spoke.  “As fun as it might be you had better not get any harder,”  The feline warned realizing she was having an effect on the rodent,  “I'll step outside, hurry up and finish.”

It took Lake several minutes of straining and trying not to think of what he was actually doing before Argent made a suggestion that helped loads,  “Master go over and try to pee, then mark me.”  The squirrel did as suggested finally able to get a stream started which he quickly pinched off, the canine had scooted across the floor and all Lake had to do was turn and let the pressure off spraying across the collie's chest and clothes before the dog dipped his head down allowing the stream to spray straight between the ears and down his head.  The squirrel continued aiming up and down before pinching off again, “Is that enough?”  

“Plenty MASTER!”  The dog barked out beaming and wildly wagging his tail behind him.  The squirrel finished up in the urinal and watched as his new true pet grabbed some paper towels and try to wiping up his face some and pressing wads of paper to the more damp spots on his clothes.  When they pair came out later Jayra dropped Lake's pack at his feet.  

“You should have done this at the beginning of school and let everyone know exactly what is going on.  I might have you do it again tomorrow just to be sure especially if his mother is going to be an issue.  Get him another collar, and you, You should be here at the start of lunch, before he gets out of class and Lake from now on you will wait for him, or me.”  The collie nodded vigorously.  “Well at least we can enjoy half of lunch.”

“Crap!”  Lake exploded suddenly realizing what he had been told that morning.  “SHIT,  Jayra Sorry.  Argent Sorry.  They are going to take me now, she said at lunch likely.  My dad might already be waiting.  I have to go home and breed two girls through the weekend.”  He stared at the feline watching her frown for several seconds before she spoke.

“When do I get my date Lake?”

“Next weekend!  I'll figure something out, I'll get my dad to give me some money or something so we can go out.  Where ever you want to go.”  He added in.  “I'm sorry but I should go see if my dad is here, if not we can talk more at lunch.”  He hurried down the stairs, not quite leaping several at a time but definitely taking them at twos and threes.  The squirrel hit the first floor and slid to a halt seeing both his father and principal standing outside the office.  “Sorry I had to, um go to the bathroom.”  He stated hoping that was a good excuse.

“Was there anyone else in that bathroom Lake?”  Mr. Horvis asked glancing towards the stairs.

“Well yes Argent, we had to take care of something.”  Lake closed his eyes suddenly seeing his principal with a smug little smirk on again, and in the same moment he realized his father would likely know exactly what had happened as well.  “We should get going, right?”  He finally looked to the older squirrel hoping nothing would be said.  “Alright.”

His father had much to tell him over the ride home.  There were two girls at the house waiting for him and that he was going to be out of the house the entire time having found a female's house where he would be staying.  Lake would be free to use both his and his father's bed as he wished.  The fridge and freezer had been well stocked plus there were lots of snacks and things on the counter to eat.  His father also informed him that two pizzas had been ordered, paid for, and would be delivered that evening at six.  “Lake, you are old enough to care for yourself but you need to make sure you care for both of them, and I want your promise you will be careful!”

Sensing something more from his father he asked,  “What's wrong?”

Keith took nearly a minute before answering, “Lilly just turned fourteen last month.  They are willing to keep her protected for two months to see if you're successful but her mother wouldn't allow her to come unless her sister is included.   Lake she, Misty turns twelve tomorrow.”  That info basically ended the conversation neither male speaking the last few minutes to the house.  “Go inside, I'll be leaving now, my stuffs already in the back.”  The squirrel looked over his shoulder seeing a small case in the back seat.

“I promise I'll be careful dad.”

“I know you will, I'm sorry.  This is not what I expected nor did I think it would happen like this, being a breeder should be a privilege not an obligation.  However now that they are here you will be expected to breed both of them whether you're actually ready to do that or not is a decision you have to make.  Sadly their mom is insistent that you make both of them pregnant, I think she hopes that one of them will have a boy so she can hopefully save one.  I got the impression one of them was almost taken, either as a feeder or from hunting.  I know she's scared about losing both but...”  When his father offered nothing more Lake got out of the jeep, wondering just how far things were going to go.  

The squirrel stood outside of his house for several minutes after his father had pulled out and left.  He was considering several things, like making a twelve year old pregnant, on her birthday no less, and what had happened to make everything change so fast.  A fourteen year old was certainly understandable if there was an issue and to be honest he wanted some practice and experience, hopefully learning something to entertain Jayra, but he wondered how much his new partner was going allow him to do.  Was this just going to be simple sex the whole weekend? Or could he maybe experiment and play around.

“He's here!”  Lake heard someone speak out as he opened the door.  Walking into the living room showed two young squirrels sitting next to each other on the couch with an older female looking over them.

“Lilly go on so we can get to your sister.”  Lake watched as the older girl stood up looking towards him waiting.  He could tell she was unsure what to do, and guess that she was probably scared, worried, and a whole bunch of other things.  The younger sibling stayed completely still, hugging herself tightly, and looked close to being petrified which made him frown slightly.

The squirrel walked passed all of them as he crossed the room,  “Just wait here a moment.”  Lake spoke heading to his room and dropping off his pack trying to take a moment to gather himself together.  More than anything he wanted to know what their mom was thinking and why the hell was she still here.  How was he supposed to have sex with them if she was going to what, watch over his shoulder?  After a moment he headed back, but he could already hear soft crying when he left his room.

“Misty I already told you this is going to happen.  We won't get this chance again and I will not allow you to sit there an whine about it.  Do you know how lucky you are to even get this chance, let alone the fact no one can touch you if you do this.”   Lake walked back in looking at an irritated older female, a lost older sister, and what he could see now as a terrified little child.   

“Please, I don't wanna be pregnant.”  The younger squirrel sobbed out.

“What you want isn't part of this, you already took the booster and I won't allow you to back out now.  Your sister is..”   “ENOUGH!”  Lake barked out.  “How far are you going to go?   Are you going to hold her down while I rape her?  Is THAT what you plan on doing?”

The older squirrel seemed lost for a few seconds before taking a deep breath.  “I am doing this to help my daughters, we,”  She paused trying to collect herself.  “There are issues that you know nothing about.”

“Get out.”  Lake stated softly,  “I won't do anything while you are here, not with either of them.”  The older females eyes literally bugged out as her mouth opened in shock.  “Don't say anything, just leave.”  He continued firmly when it looked like she had almost collected herself.  Once again he could hear Jayra's advice spouting about control and he felt like owning this moment.  “This is my house.  I am the only way either of them will be breed, if you don't do what I say then you might as well take both of them back home.”  He watched as she tried to speak twice opening  her mouth then shutting it again.  She clenched her paws as she looked over her daughters before lowering her head.  

Lake smiled, not evilly or snidely, just a simple smile knowing that now he was in control.  Not just over the mother but he would have the two younger ones as well, what ever he had felt before about what was happening this was going to be an opportunity to learn about much more than just sex.  “Let's go.”  He said walking to the door looking back to make sure she moved to follow.  The squirrel wasn't sure how this worked, nor even that it was going to work.  He let out a short scream of alarm, it was nothing more than a way to gain attention as he walked to the middle of the driveway and waved both arms before waiting.  By the time the female had stepped next to him a small corgi had exited a vehicle in front of his neighbor's house and walked up.

“What's going on!  Why didn't you use the phone!  This is putting everything in jeopardy.”  The canine stated glaring hard at both Lake and the female.

“I want her gone.  She shouldn't have been here and I have no idea why you would have their mother watching over them.”  Lake stated firmly.

The dog looked at the older squirrel for a few seconds.  “I wasn't informed she was  in the house.  No one has entered since your father left and it was only supposed to be the two young ones.  We are watching carefully ma'am, your children are secure no one will be allowed near the house.”

Lake frowned slightly,  “Does that include the two pizzas my father ordered to come tonight?”

“He what?”

“My father said two pizzas, that they are paid for, and will come tonight.  It seems there are a lot of things that were not explained in all this rush.  Like me using a phone?”  The squirrel questioned.

“There should be three numbers next to your phone.  One for a real emergency, one to contact us if you hear something, or maybe think someone is around the house, the last one should be your contact to get you something if you need it, like pizzas.  I'll inform them of what your father did.  All of this is last minute I understand so I'll work it out, the phone will ring before we knock at the door.  MAKE SURE you get the correct password before opening the house.”  The corgi stated before turning to address the other squirrel.  “Ma'am I believe you should be leaving.”

The female grabbed Lake's arm looking at him and pleading.  “You have to breed Misty, please.  I can't let her get taken.  If you do I can come back, I'll work out something, I'll do whatever you want, please.  She needs to get pregnant.”  

Lake yanked his arm back half way through her begging, waving a paw to try and stop her from continuing.  “I won't rape her.  However I will see what I can do.”  With that he turned away and walked back into the house finding both girls holding onto each other on the couch one still teary eyed.  As much as he probably could spare Misty from what was going, he wasn't going to  leave her untouched, it was better if they both ended up pregnant, and with boys for their sake.  

The male rodent knelt down in front of the two females.  “I will be with Lilly first, afterwards we will have sex Misty. I'm sorry but I don't have a choice.”  He stated as she started chanting a quiet, no no no no no no as her sister tried to hug her tighter.  Frowning he said,  “Lilly can you go into the bedroom and undress.  I'll be there in a few minutes.”  

Once the older sister had left he reached a paw out and stroked the side of the young girls muzzle staring into her fearful eyes.  “You don't want to get pregnant, I understand.  I'll try to leave more cum in your sister than you but we will have to have sex, do you know why?”  The girl didn't respond as he gently pulled his half tail forward just barely able to place it on her lap.  “When I was just thirteen my friend's brother tried to eat me and do you know what happened?  Nothing!  They simply said I was old enough for him to think he could eat me.  A few years later another pred ate part of my tail, and because of that I ended up in Callent, a nasty school with every mean predator you can think of.”  He stood up stripping off his shirt leaning down to catch her paw and rub it across his belly.  They could both feel the wounds and dried scabbed trails of blood.  “I have to fight all the time just to stay alive but now at least I have breeder marks.  Misty, I can't loose them,”  He dropped to his knees again taking both her arms and pulling her closer to look into her eyes.  “I don't have a choice, I have to have sex with you, if I don't they might take my tags away and I'll die!  I can't promise you won't have a baby but we can try to only do it some of the times and hope but, I can't just leave you alone.”   He leaned forward and hugged the young girl suddenly getting a hug in return realizing that this might be a good deal easier than he thought.  “I can promise that I will be careful, and I will try to make you feel good, though your mom probably told you already that your first time might hurt.  I will do my best to get your sister pregnant, I'll be with her twice as much as you.”  He kept holding her and lying knowing he wasn't going to hold to a bit of that, oh sure he could be kind and sweet but she was going to hold just as much of his essence as Lilly was.  Lake pulled back again taking a paw and stroking her cheek before giving her a light kiss on the end of her muzzle, then a little lick getting a surprised look which made him truly smile at her.  “I promise I will try to make this work, I can't change the fact your mother brought you here but I will try to help you.”

He stared at her for several more seconds before again giving just a peck on the end of her muzzle.  “You can watch TV for now while I'm with your sister.   After that both of us will come back and talk with you about what's going to happen and show you what to do.  For right now just wait here alright?”  Lake didn't really wait for her response as he stood up and headed for his room however when he opened the door he found it was empty.  He shut the door and took a few steps back up the hall and entered his father's room finding Lilly on the bed, but still with her underwear on.  He didn't frown on the outside just kept a straight face moving to stand in front of her, this time his lies would be a little stronger and he was going to have to be more forceful.

“I want you to tell me what's going on, why is your mother so bent on both of you getting pregnant, and I don't need the full story just tell me what happened.”  

“Adam, he tried to eat me.”  She stated softly.

“And you got away?”  The question had her shaking her head.  “Tell me.”

“Margret, my friend, she's a beautiful fluffy Persian and I've known her my whole life and...” Lilly paused for a second looking at him before dropping her gaze and starting again,  “He was pushing me against the wall and had a hand on my throat.  He said he would eat me and Misty too, that he liked young girls best.  He was laughing and choking me forcing me to the ground before Margret clawed him.  She helped me get away and I ran into the bathroom and hid.  Mom showed up later and kept me home, that was last week.  She also filed a report about what he said about Misty but they said he didn't do anything wrong.”  

Lake stood there watching carefully while she spoke easily able to pick out her trembles as she tried to not be effected by what had happened.   He also guessed that Margret was probably readying her own plans to eat her little friend and wasn't going to let someone take her prey.  Yes, she was a meal.  Cruel as it was she wasn't going to be anything more than food for someone, even if he got her pregnant she was going to end up eaten and this was only delaying her dinner date.  However the entire story gave him an open invitation to easily control them both, and if he got them both pregnant it would end up helping him later on, he actually began hoping they both had boys.  “Does your sister know?”  Seeing her head shake he did finally smile.

“Lilly there is something you should understand.  Until Monday you are mine.  I will use you however I want and you're going to do everything I ask, if you don't I won't breed you.”  The girls eyes grew wide as she stared at him.  “Oh it will be really easy, I'll just cum in your sister, or I'll pull out and drench your chest.  Maybe I'll even stick it in your ass and dump it there.”  He watched as she tried to process what he had said waiting just a few moments before telling her.  “I told you to go to the bedroom and undress.  Stand up and get naked.”  He gripped her arm hard as she stood staring firmly at her.  “You are not to wear anything while you are here, you will be ready for me any time I want, however I want, and I plan on taking you every way I can for practice.  Your sister can't handle that so as long as you satisfy me I'll go easy with her.”  He let go and watched as she dropped her panties trembling slightly, as her tail curled around her crotch trying to cover her treasure.  

“TAIL DOWN!  You will not block anything with your tail.”  Lake watched as her tail dropped quivering as it brushed across the carpet often hitting the bed.  The squirrel knew he needed a firm hold on her, but one that she would have to accept as well.  Whether or not she was someone's future meal didn't matter at that moment, he was going to get a little practice in, make sure to gain control over both, and probably never see them again.  The male stepped in close and chose a similar tactic to what he did with her younger sister by taking her paw then placing his half tail into it.  “Don't be stupid, you have to get pregnant, or you will die.  I was attacked when I was thirteen, I even went to court.  Do you know what they told me?  That I was old enough for someone to think they could eat me!  You should know there will be no help for you, or your sister,”  He gently pealed his tail from her paw before moving her hand to  his belly.  “That was a cat,”  He told her as he traced the dried blood marks then moved her paw to his shoulder using her finger to trace down the scar that was there.  “That was because I jumped through a window trying to avoid a wolf eating me.”  Waggling the end of his tail in front of her he continued,  “This was another cat who tried to eat me.  You had better understand you don't have a choice, wait actually you do.  You can do what I tell you and I will make sure you get pregnant or you ignore me and I'll do my best to breed your sister instead.”  

He waited well over a minute watching as she tried to take in what he said looking more and more like she was going to start crying.  Lake lightly took her chin and lifted it up giving her a light kiss on the muzzle.  “If you understand nod.”  He also nodded as she did, one down and one half way there. He just needed her to have some hope to gain true control.  “Do what I tell you Lilly and I will even ask them to bring you back next year, but if you tell anyone I abused you or that I didn't treat you well I won't touch you again.”  He took her trembling form in his arms feeling her grab a hold of his chest as she truly started crying leaving him feeling horrible for what he was doing holding on to the young squirrel as she mourned her fate, but he had already started so he might as well see this through.  “When you're ready turn around and kneel on the bed, the first time might be a little rough, and I'm guessing you're a virgin but I can't hold back right now and I don't want to hurt your sister so, you will take me and then we will both help Misty with her first time.”

Lake ended up giving her far more time than Jayra had allowed him to cope but after several minutes he gently turned the girl around and helped her kneel on the bed pressing her shoulders down until her chest was flat against the mattress.  “Lilly, I promise I will get you pregnant.  I will also make sure you have some orgasms, this isn't going to be easy, but if you do what I tell you, you'll be alright in the end.”  He wasn't gentle or slow as he sharply took her virginity hearing her squeak and clamp down on his shaft as he pulled her all the way on.  He stroked her back several times telling  her it would get better but that he needed her now.  He began pounded against her and in just a few minutes he nearly dragging her waist off the bed as he drove in as hard as he could dumping a large load as deep as he could get it, while he gave her a few encouraging words along the way.  After holding in for nearly half a minute he pulled out and pushed, maneuvering her up the bed before crawling in behind her reslotting his softening shaft inside hugging her from behind.  

“Listen, I told your sister that she and I would have sex but that I wouldn't try to make her pregnant.  Since a pred already said they might eat her I am going to do my best to breed her.   You though need to tell her that I came in you twice when we go back out.  I convinced her that I would cum in you more often and leave less in her, I know she doesn't want to get pregnant but you understand why she needs to right?”  He got a wordless response, but one he thought was positive.  “It's not just about now, how about when she turns fourteen, or after you have this baby?  Things are really bad right now, they probably explained it to you but if you get pregnant with a boy your life will be better and so will Misty's.”  Lake began stroking her body as he gently nibbled her neck and licked her ears.  He worked his hands over her body trying to help soothe her.  “This might not feel good right now,”  He stated finally letting one hand slip down and touch her crotch where he was barely still inside finding a small but growing mess.  “But I know your mom told you it could be much better.  You need to know I don't want to be cruel or mean to you but I need you to do what I say when I tell you to do it.”

He continued to gently play with her stroking, nibbling, and even kissing the young girl,  “Soon we will go back out there and try to help Misty not just lose her virginity but have an orgasm as well, I want you to follow my instructions, if you do that the next time we have sex you will have one as well.  I'm not here to just hurt you or to cram a baby into you.  However you have to understand I need some practice and I not going to waist time arguing or forcing you.  My only other option is to tie you up, but that means I will probably have to do the same with your sister, trust me this will be easier on you and her.”   After that he spun her a similar story of how he was going to a nasty school of all preds where everyone was trying to eat him, a girlfriend who was willing to help but he needed more experience to keep her happy, that meant he was going to try many things on her. He warned Lilly that he was even going to have anal sex with her to which she was completely silent.  At the end he explained how his new breeder tags required him to breed every female they brought to his house or they would take them away.  He made sure she believed that he needed to do all these things, including being mean because he had to make sure she helped him, as long as she did what he said he would be nice.  More than anything he stressed that this was the only way he would survive, and he was the only way she was going to survive.

“It's okay we're done now.”  Lake told Misty gently stroking her cheeks as he slowly rolled to the side taking the young squirrel with him before gently pulling out still feeling her tight walls firmly hug his shaft as he slipped out in little increments.  He didn't bother to stop the pink slurry that drained from her red slightly gaped lips and after a few second the little girl pressed her hand to her crotch with a pained moan.  “Lilly try to gently rub her legs and stuff while you lick her.”  The older sister stared at him for several seconds not moving before he reached over and gave her a hard pinch on the leg,  “Help clean her up and try to make her feel better.”  He said harshly glaring,  “Unless you plan on disobeying me.”  He told her while he scooted his way off the bed.

The male had thoughts of shoving the girl's muzzle into her sister's crotch but he knew that would certainly lead to more pain for the young girl.  He wasn't even sure her sister's tongue was a good idea, except he wanted Misty to feel like she was being cared for.  He wanted Lilly to help her sister, or try to while he was aiming for a washcloths and pain meds.  When checking the time on the little clock in the bathroom he was surprised to see it was already getting close to five.  Things took a lot longer than he thought they would since it had taken hours to be with both just once.

The older rodents had explained what was going to happen as they led Misty to his fathers bed, spending a good deal of effort rubbing, nibbling, and licking the young squirrel including Lake snugging behind her grinding against her rear ticking her while her sister's muzzle was buried at her crotch with one finger fully inside.  He had decided that Lilly would be the first to penetrate holding her close from behind til the pain passed.  Lake had stayed behind the young girl until she had relaxed and actually began to enjoy the touches and her sisters fingers once she got a second one in.  Misty's first orgasm happened with him grinding his shaft between her legs while Lilly moved between both her little tits sucking and tongue lashing the tips on the small mounds while his hands caressed and roamed her body tilting her head every now and then to try and help her learn to give a real kiss.

Once that was out of the way he laid down and moved the young girl onto his crotch slowly feeding his shaft inside keeping her pinned down with Lilly's paws until every bit of his rock solid shaft was sheathed.  He started slow with her crying softly gently rocking her even though he could see more blood now than when her sister had finally pressed two fingers all the way inside.  Lake was wondering if the slow ride had been the best call feeling near bliss at the clenching taunt hole that seemed to not want to let him go even with ample fluids, including her blood.  He had kept it slow worrying that a hard pounding, that would certainly have him cum sooner, would leave her more sore and possibly even injured.  It took more than fifteen minutes since he paused several times in the beginning at her begging but made sure to glare at Lilly each time her younger sister tried to lift off and escape.  His constant words about, it only getting worse if he had to reenter her; his promises that this was the worst it would be; that she would enjoy it next time but they had to finish first; did seem to help after several minutes, at least she had stopped crying, then stopped complaining not even making a comment when he bounced her a little harder and faster telling her it would be over very soon.   Which was of course the promise he did keep telling her that she had to wait one minute with him inside just like her sister had done twice before.

Lake came back with two very wet and hot cloths, one semi damp, and a larger towel which he passed to Lilly glad to see she had evidently cleaned up at least some of his cum that had oozed out of her sister.  Placing the first wet cloth against the girl's privates he lifted the older sister's chin up giving a serous kiss to her tasting both his essence and blood in her mouth.  Quietly he spoke, “As promised I will make you feel good next time, for now let's clean her up.”  He had swiped a can of soda off the kitchen counter along with a full adults dosage of pain medication which he helped Misty to take as her sister got busy carefully cleaning up the mess.

“I think both of you should take a bath.  Lilly I want you to help her since she probably will need some help, especially getting out of the tub.  Don't leave her alone.  Misty just lay here for a while.  Maybe a half an hour while the medication starts working.  You did a really good job.”  He told her kissing her forehead before dipping lower and giving a little lick on the nose.  Whether it was his words or actions it did get a small twitch towards a smile.  Although he was sure of his decisions on how he was treating the two girls he did want to make sure he looked good to others as well and advice was probably the best thing to ask for at the moment.

Looking at the page next to the phone in the kitchen he punched in the third number and with barely a single ring he heard his advocate's voice, “Lake?”

Well, hearing her answer was certainly something he knew could happen but he was kinda expecting someone else, “Ya, so about Misty.”

“It's alright Lake, I didn't really expect much out of you but it was easier to do things this way.  If you can, convince her go ahead but if she's still to upset don't push her to far.”

“Ms. Klarin we had sex.  I'm just a little worried.  It's NOT bad or anything just some bleeding.  I gave her a dose of meds and asked her sister to take a bath with her.  Is there something else I should do?”  He asked.

It took several seconds and Lake even started wondering if he should ask if she was still there when she finally responded.  “I hope you didn't force her.  Not that I can say anything, sadly this decision was not mine.”  He stayed silent waiting on her rather than enlighten her.  “She probably doesn't want a cold compress so a warm bath, medication, and rest.  Don't have sex again if you can help it.”

He waited probably as long as she had before responding.  “Do you think I would actually rape a twelve year old?  I got the feeling her mother would have cheered if I did.  NO.  Lilly and I helped her to feel good then slowly took her virginity.  We went all the way but I just wanted to know if there was something else I can do.  Also I do plan on having sex with her again but I'll wait until tomorrow afternoon and as I promised my dad, I will be careful.  You were the one who told me how bad things are, you also pretty much told me I was EXPECTED to breed every female you brought to me.  Since you listened to my wish to attend Callent, I will do as expected, barring raping children that is.  We went this far I might as well see it through especially if you think Misty might be in danger.”  

Lake waited hearing his advocate breathing on the line, she mumbled once before telling him, “Alright I wrote all that down.  Is there anything you need, I think the pizzas will be there soon and I'll call you when they arrive.”

“Can I ask for anything?”  Lake questioned suddenly having an idea.  “Depends.” was the reply.  “I know you're not happy with me seeing Jayra, and we both know I'm only really safe as long as she is entertained.  She wasn't happy that you have me breeding girls without me even taking her on a date.  I want to take her out next weekend, do what ever she wants, sadly I don't have money.”  He ended it with that, waiting on her response.

“Your right I don't think your safe at all with her, however keeping her happy would cut down any risk.  I will make a request and see, just don't expect us to go funding your play dates.”  She finally responded.

“Thank you, that just leaves one more thing.  I think for all she's doing Misty should be allowed to come back before she is fourteen IF she wants to.  I know she doesn't really want to get pregnant, and I'm not going to keep breeding her like her sister, it wouldn't be fair.  However she is willing to have sex, I don't think she really realizes how dangerous that is but as we covered, it is expected of me.  I promise I will be very careful with her I just want her to have the same chance of protection in the future, like her sister is getting now, especially if she ends up pregnant.”

Again there was a long pause and Lake now knew why.  “Well hopefully you'll be out of school by then and if things are going well I can certainly put that in as one of your requests.  Even asking for the money to take your... girl on a date isn't that big of a deal IF you can perform.  I don't make all the decisions regarding you but I can certainly make requests if I believe they are helpful.   If she ends up pregnant I will put in that request because she was forced to be there and didn't want to have a child.”

“Especially if its a boy?”  Lake questioned.  

“Is there anything else you think you might need?”  She asked instead of responding.

“Nothing at the moment.”

Lake went back to the bedroom seeing the two girls on the bed hugging each other.  He carefully climbed in behind Misty scooting up close behind her till he could hug her as well before truly smiling as the young squirrel's tail tried to curl around his leg and one of her paws moved to hold his arm.  The three stayed like that for nearly twenty minutes before the phone rang.  Lake told both girls to go and bathe and he would have food ready for them when they got out, again fully smiling at both of them as he went for the phone.   

Lake gently held on to Misty's hips guiding her motions as she raised herself up and down his shaft.  They were both a bit of a sticky mess having spent Friday night alone together.  Lake had promised to pull out each time instead of filling her.  It had been the agreement since he had spent the first two nights with Lilly while her younger sister had slept in his bed.  She had no real clue that he shot a healthy chunk of his sperm inside before making a mess of her stomach the first time and her back on the second time.  The young female was doing exactly as he instructed now just like her sister and he was fairly sure that if they were ready, then both would bear his children.  “Keep going a little more and this time I'm going to fill you, after that we will take a nice bath.”

“Okay.”  Misty said quietly.  She barely spoke and often at a volume that could easily be missed.  As Lake moved her hips to a slightly faster rhythm he decided they would finally have a talk, one which he had been holding back on.  She actually believed she might not get pregnant, after all she was sure her sister had received most of his cum because several times he had pulled out and slipped inside of Lilly instead.  Most of that had being nothing but an act from the male as he spermed her and made a show of pinching off so he could deliver the rest in her sister.  He also helped by telling her she only got a little and if she let it drip out it would reduce the chance of her getting pregnant.

“That's it, we're close!”  Lake stated bouncing the young squirrel on his crotch before thrusting up firmly while holding her down gasping as her tunnel suddenly squeezed firmly.  He held her there for several moments shivering as he pasted her tight little hole then kept her there until he caught his breath before he used his paws to pull her down against his body.  “Misty we have to talk, it's about why your mom brought you here.”  He felt her paws grip his shoulders nearly pulling on his fur and he worked to calm her by stroking her back.  

“I need you to make a choice today.  If you still don't want to get pregnant I understand but I think you should know why your mom is trying to make that happen.  You know Lilly was attacked at school and someone tried to eat her right?”  He waited for a quiet wordless affirmative, “Well he said he was going to eat her, then he was going to eat you next.”  He could feel Misty tense up and then slightly start to tremble.  

“Now you know why you're mom is trying to get you pregnant.  I don't think you have to worry, at least not now but remember I was attacked when I was thirteen and they did nothing because the wolf thought I was old enough to eat.”  He hugged the little girl tightly turning them onto their sides before pulling her a little higher so he could give her a real kiss.  She wasn't very good at it yet but she tried to respond as he wanted cuddling in close.  “Here is the choice, it has to do with the future.  We can keep going like we have been or I can be with you for the rest of the weekend like I am with your sister.  If you do that you are likely to get pregnant and he can't eat you.  Understand he likely won't be able to eat you anyways but he might try next year.  The problem is that your mom brought you here now and they might not let you come back because they want other girls to have a chance.  Also if you don't get pregnant they won't bother trying again.  However, if you do end up getting pregnant, especially if you have a boy, then they might let you come back here, I'll even make you a promise.  If you take my phone number, or you get your mom to bring you over to my house next year after you turn thirteen I will make you pregnant to make sure you stay safe just like your sister.   All you have to do is try, just like your sister.”

“Please, I don't want to get pregnant.” Came the near silent reply as she buried her head against his chest.

Lake hugged the young squirrel holding her tight as he moved to kiss her forehead rocking them both slightly for quite a while.  “I know.” He finally said.  “I just want you to realize why your mom brought you here.  Now, we need to both go take a bath, then I'll have to be with your sister for most of today but tonight, before dinner I want to know if you changed your mind.  Either way I plan on sleeping with both of you at night, after all your sister slept with me the first two nights.”  He again hugged back as the girl held onto him, he gave her some time before lifting her chin to kiss her lightly this time,  “Come on we have to clean up.”

The male took her again in the tub after they were mostly clean holding himself inside as he explained how that really only made two full times since he had pulled out the night before and he was likely going to be with Lilly at least four times during the day.  She nodded resting in his lap as he leaned back holding her back to his chest, feeling she had earned a reward Lake continued to stroke her small breasts then play with her body until she came several minutes later, squeezing his soft shaft strong enough to make it slip out of her body.  He hadn't gotten her to orgasm yet during sex but had been able to reward her several times, though the first few he had needed Lilly's help keep her calm enough to enjoy what was happening.  All in all Lake felt he had done an excellent job with both young girls though he was starting to actually feel an attachment to Misty who really wanted to hold and cuddle with him.  Lake was thinking that it would be nice to be with the little girl again in the future, and with what her mother said it certainly should be possible.  Lilly on the other hand felt more like a job, not that he wasn't enjoying that fully but he still believed it wasn't going to help her future, in his mind her fate was already decided.  He had taken the female every way he could think of so far after putting the younger squirrel to bed the first two nights, including waking up after dozing off to finding himself still planted in the girl's rectum laying on top of her and several pillows.  She had spent that time awake doing her best to stay still and wait like she had been told.  In return he had given her a double orgasm forcing himself to continue screwing her after he had cum finding out that with a bit of hard sweaty work he could cum twice too, as long as he didn't stop, and that was something he was sure he could put to good use later.

On Sunday evening Lake had Misty sitting in his lap with the two of them sharing food off the same plate sometimes kissing a bit of food to be shared between them, something she had truly enjoyed last night when they were both naked.  She was clothed at this time, so was her sister as they had only a few minutes left before his advocate was supposed to show up and get them ready to be moved.  The squirrel had already washed all the girls clothes that morning and even though they had a rather wild afternoon he broke things up at four making sure both girls would be completely clean and ready before five.  After the meal he took both girls into the living room but before he even turned on the television the phone rang and minutes later he was in the kitchen talking with Ms. Klarin.  

“Thanks for having them ready.  I wasn't sure how much time I was going to need. No one was sure if you would even answer the phone or be passed out on a bed.” 

“I made a promise to take care of them.”  Lake stated flatly.

“Yes well, often times young men, especially new breeders want to take every single second they can to enjoy themselves.  It would be nice to have someone more responsible, capable.”  She replied.

“Sure.  I did my best, they should both be expecting if they are ready.  I just want you to stop trying to control everything, please.”  Lake had set his backpack in the kitchen early that morning, and he picked it up and taking out the small weapon Jayra had made him.  Passing it over he told the mouse, “This is why I believe Jayra wishes to help me.  I'm not stupid, I know she could have killed me, and that she might, or will try in the future, but she made that for me to help keep me safe.  That was what went in that foxes mouth as I kneed him in the balls.  I don't give a crap about how much safety you think you can give me, nor about how you feel about her and Argent.   You want me to have some protection at school, I am making sure that I have it.  Leaving Callent would have teachers or the principal's friends hunting me down along with the police.  I don't have a choice, you think you can give me one but right now it is safer for me to stay where I am.”  He held his paw out gripping the little tool giving a few swings back and forth.  “Yes, I have to fight, yes there is danger.  However all of my teachers think I have a chance of graduating, and if that happens you better believe I probably would run and hide because by then all bets would be off, including those keeping me safe from the teachers.  I don't care if you agree with me or how you feel about it, I'm doing what I need to survive.”

She had been frowning and even given several of her little irritated looks as he spoke but said nothing as he hid the weapon back in his pack and zipped it shut.  Both looked at each other for several minutes before the phone rang, “That's for me.”  Ms. Klarin stated moving to pick it up.

“Yes, Well now actually.”  He could see the mouse frown, “Tell her to go home.    She knows her kids are to be moved to a secure location where she can visit.”  She suddenly stopped looking at Lake giving just a little smile.  “Alright I let her in, she has five minutes,  We will be ready to leave in twenty or so.”  Hanging up the receiver she told Lake, “Seems their mother is here and has something for you.”

“What happens if I tell you to make her leave?”  He asked.

“Exactly that.  Though I will tell you that you want what she is offering.”  Ms. Klarin stated.

Frowning Lake left the kitchen going to the two young girls sitting on the couch, “Your mother is here and,” before he had even really started talking Misty had gotten up walking over hugging his waist making him stop.  Unable to help himself the squirrel bend down and kissed the little girl getting a full tongue tying as she moved her arms around his neck to pull him closer.  It had been a long day, and a tiring several days but Lake put in the effort scooping up the younger squirrel and carrying her to the couch plopping down with her in his lap.  She was still hugging him and snuggling under his chin as their mother walked in.  

The pair stared at each other for several seconds before he glanced around realizing they were alone, “Well you got what you wanted.”  Lake stated flatly.  “She might be pregnant.”  He could feel the young squirrel in his lap stiffen before pressing against him holding a little tighter.  “Understand I made her a promise since she chose to be with me.  You may bring her back before she's fourteen.”

He tried to figure out what she wanted as the older female continued to just stand there, neither of her daughters moved from the couch as their mother finally moved forward holding out an envelope for him to take.  “I'm sorry Misty, Lilly, I can't do anything to protect you except do what you don't want to do.”  Lake could hear the hitch in her voice as she swallowed trying to continue,  “I love you both. I'll see you in a few days.”  For the first time he was a little upset with himself for not realizing that their mother might just be doing all she could to keep them alive instead of writing them off like his father had.  Without saying anything else she left and a short while later Ms. Klarin came in saying it was time to leave.

For the first time Lake got to hear Misty yell and scream throwing an actual tantrum refusing to let go of him and unwilling to leave which was a surprise to everyone there.  He asked for a few minutes alone and hugged the little girl tight still sitting on the couch.  Lake carefully reminded her how he would have to go back to school, and how, as much as he might like to, he couldn't care for her or keep her safe, especially if she was going to have his baby.  He moved his hand down to her belly rubbing it back and forth gently kissing her nose.  “You agreed to be with me, and I promise we will see each other again, but for right now you have to go.  Promise me you will try to stay safe and that you will try to have a boy.”  He smiled giving another little peck and a lick on the end of her muzzle.  “I'm too tired to carry you out to the car but if you're ready I can hold your hand.”  He moved to get up and she didn't protest this time gripping his paw tight as he led her outside to her sister.

He stood outside watching them all leave until only Ms. Klarin was left.  “If she had two boys could you get her breeding status?”

“That I don't know about.  Perhaps if they were both males and you were willing to marry her, as young as she is, maybe.”

He was still sitting on the couch when Keith came home much later, the pair stared for several minutes before the younger squirrel held up the envelope showing two hundred dollars.  “Their mom was happy.  Me, I just hope things are easier next time.”

The older male sat down on the couch hugging his son,  “I'm sorry.  It looks like we both will have to deal with some things to make this work, but I promise you I will be here as long as you keep promising to come home, we will work this out.”

“Dad, if you had a chance to raise another son would you take it?”

Lake gripped tighter as his father strengthened his grip, “I, I don't know.”  He nodded understanding fully but hoping that someday the answer might be yes.