History Repeats

Murph never would have imagined that he could one day expect to have Canarian LeClerc just drop by.

But a few days later, when someone rapped on his apartment door, Torloo zipped to answer with a speed that had Murph doubting his eyes.

And then Canarian had him by both hands.

"I wanted to speak with you face-to-face. We've located your kin. Will you give us permission to bring you to their attention? To arrange a meeting?"

"I have a living relative?"

"Your direct ancestor." Canarian's smile was mild. "Surely you've realized that we're a long-lived people."

"I … well, yes." Murph cautiously asked, "Won't they be shocked?"

"He's a wolf, Murph. For wolves, pack is everything."

Murph asked Levity to be there, even though Torloo was an excellent guide. He figured that he had two hands, and they both needed holding. Not that he'd admit it aloud.

"They're here, Murph," Levity said, giving his hand a squeeze.

"R-really?" he whispered. "Oh. Oh, help."

And then there came a soft knock, and Canarian was there, along with a stranger who had long green hair. Definitely not a wolf, but his scent evoked safety.

Standing between them was a big, rugged redhead who was definitely a wolf. The tail was a giveaway. The vest and beads were in keeping with Torloo's fashion choices.

But in an unexpected twist, he also had furred legs and large paws. And instead of elfin ears, peaked canine ones rode atop his head.

Murph was beginning to think he'd gotten off easy, only having a tail to hide. He let go of his support group in order to face his relative on his own two feet.

They were so different, but there was a sense of kinship. Was it tied to scent? Murph's tail gave a tentative wag.

The big guy breathed deep and cracked a smile. "Definitely part of my line. Hello, Kindred. All right if I touch? This calls for closer quarters."

"Err … yes …?"

Then Murph was enfolded, and there was rumbling involved, and he just kind of went limp. But that was fine because this newfound relation was plenty strong enough to hold him up. There was some sniffing and nuzzling, and Murph closed his eyes and sorted through his nascent instincts.

This was good. He felt secure. Welcomed.

He still had family. A pack. A place.

And then the guy eased back in order to search his face. This wolf's eyes were a deep amber flecked with orange. His skin was a much lighter brown than Levity's. But tanned. Not a freckle in sight.

"I didn't know about you," he said. "But I'm here now."

Canarian added, "Your middle name helped Sinder with his search."

The red wolf explained, "Benedict is a family name. More specifically, it's the name of one of my grandsons. He was one-eight Amaranthine and lived nearly seven centuries."

"In Ireland?"

"That's right. Over the years, he had many wives. All human, so he outlived them. Most were duly noted in the clan registry, but I'm embarrassed to admit that he would sometimes … stray. Your dragon friend here was able to confirm that my grandson is your grandfather."

Murph was briefly hung up on the dragon friend bit. The only dragons he'd ever heard of were Lord Beckonthrall and Lapis Mossberne, and he wasn't personally acquainted with either of them.

"He means me. The name's Sinder." The green-haired guy tossed off a wave. "I'm no wolf, but I can track things down in my own way. But someone should tell Mr. Koogan the clincher."

Canarian gestured for Murph's many times great grandfather to proceed.

"I should probably explain. Because of my unique heritage, I was allowed to establish my own clan. So I'm both your closest living relative and the founder of your clan."

Murph said, "I beg your pardon if this is rude, but … is there something unique about you?"

His ears flattened, then flicked upright again. "That's right. You wouldn't know. The, ah … the ears and all. I'm not typical because I'm half Amaranthine. My father was human. Crossbreeds display extra traits related to their clan."

"Family resemblances aside," interjected Sinder. "Introduce yourself already."

"Very rude of me," replied the half-wolf, sounding amused. Then he offered his hands in a show of formality.

"My name is Koogan-fel Rowanrill, and I'll be considering you a packmate from now on."