Unchained Instinct ( Complete)

Oh, I forgot to issue the usual disclaimer in chapter 1. Not mine. No money. Just for the pleasure of it. That goes for all the chapters.

This going to be another long one. Not sure how many chapters yet. Please review at will or feel free to write to me @ goldicat@earthlink.net


Chapter 2


The dining room glowed with light from the chandelier and candles in lovely sterling silver holders. The dinnerware was real china, the goblets, real crystal and the silverware...real silver.

Cassie Martin let her gaze wander around the room in admiration. She had seen places like this only on television, but never imagined she’d be an invited guest to such an elegant dinner party.

The students were dressed up, ready to enjoy an evening of celebration. What exactly they were celebrating had not been precisely defined. Perhaps a culmination of many achievements, not the least the capture and incarceration of Victor Creed a.k.a. Sabertooth. But also the end of a school year and Kurt’s and Rogue’s impending graduation.

Sipping white wine, Cassie watched the others flow from one group to another, mixing and shifting of individuals and conversation, laughter filling the room. A sense of relief and accomplishment permeated the atmosphere.

Jean was positively dazzling in a deep blue, off the shoulder dress, her long red hair swept up like a movie queen going to the Oscars. And Scott wore a black suit, austere yet elegant, the movie star glasses making him the perfect escort for Jean. She sensed the love these two already shared for one another and a little smile touched Cassie’s lips.

Across the room, she spied Charles talking to the “man” named Hank McCoy. Mr. McCoy fascinated her in a way that profoundly disturbed her, his deep blue fur and animal like appearance contrasting with the intelligent, educated man she’d found him to be. Once, Cassie had passed him in the hallway, giving him a wide berth and instead of reacting irritated by her blatant poor behavior, he had introduced himself. Cassie’s world tilted a little further to the left that day for Mr. McCoy had turned out to be a brilliant man with a quick wit and an insightful mind, offering her his take on Kurt’s and Logan’s relationship in words that would have inspired Shakespeare.

And what about Charles? A powerful man was Professor Charles Xavier yet just how powerful no one might ever know for Charles did not flaunt his talents, his discretion as understated as his manner . His generosity and vision for the future for these young people seemed infinite. He understood the wary, frightened masses beyond these opulent walls, yet still he trained these fine talented young men and women to use their powers for the betterment of all, not just mutants.

Cassie only hoped some day everyone might learn to live together in peace...a hope the world had been dreaming of since the dawn of man. This mutation...or evolution, more precisely, had come upon the world much more quickly than any previous human physiological change in history. Was this how evolution truly worked? One day something happens and voila! Change occurs?

She shook her head in consternation. Science would eventually explain this explosion of a dormant gene suddenly awakened, but right now, people were afraid of what they did not know or understand. Hatred followed this type of fear like hyenas after wounded prey.

“I hope you’re enjoying yourself, Cassandra.”

Cassie turned to find Ororo Munroe at her side, the woman’s exotic beauty shimmering in her glossy white hair and chocolate brown skin. The black dress she wore had a slit up one leg and the spaghetti straps showed off her slender shoulders and arms.

Cassie felt almost dumpy in comparison to Ororo, but shoved away her errant envy and brightened her smile.

“I’m having a fine time, thank you. I’m flattered Charles invited me, though I’m not at all certain why he did.”

Ororo’s gaze softened and a hand reached out to touch Cassie’s arm. “Because we are so grateful to you for helping Kurt...and Logan. You deserve a place here as we celebrate all things good in life...and a new beginning for all. It’s something we’ve needed since....” Ororo looked away, her expression filled with melancholy regret.

“Since?” Cassie asked, intrigued as well as concerned for this woman who seemed so strong and capable.

Ororo turned back to her and tried for a smile. “Since Apocalypse. Nothing has been quite the same since then. The ordeal still haunts Charles.”

“And you as well.”

With a nod Ororo said, “yes, I, as well.”

“If you ever wish to talk, I’m a very good listener.”

“Kurt seems to think so,” Ororo replied. “You’ve done wonders for him. And how in the world did you ever get Logan to talk to you?”

A sly smile crossed Cassie’s lips and she took a sip of wine. “For Kurt, Logan would do anything. That’s what he told me and I held him to that. He’d never admit he needed the help as much as Kurt did, but I think he knows.”

They both turned to gaze across the room where Kurt and Logan stood talking with Rogue and Kitty. Kurt was telling some story with great animation and Logan watched him with a look of love and respect.

That struck Cassie hard. Kurt had earned the greatest gift Logan had to offer him. Not just love, but respect and admiration.

She thought Logan looked particularly attractive in black slacks and vest with a button down collarless shirt of light blue beneath. The outfit didn’t look like something he would pick out himself and Cassie would have bet money one or more of the girls had taken him out shopping...with or without his approval.

“How do you like Kurt’s outfit?” Ororo asked.

“He’s absolutely adorable. The grey goes well with his fur and his hair. But where did he get fitted for it?”

“My sister,” Ororo said with pride. “She took the measurements and made the outfit. Creative isn’t she?”

Cassie turned an appreciative expression on Ororo. “She’s a wonderful seamstress. Kurt wouldn’t be the easiest person to fit.”

Ororo chuckled. “My sister learned the hard way. My nephew Evan was always drilling holes through his clothing and she got tired of buying him new ones.”

“Holes?”

“Oh, Evan is a mutant as well. He is able to produce bony spikes through his skin without injury. The X gene skipped my sister, but manifested in Evan.”

Cassie glanced around. “Is he here? I haven’t met him.”

“No.” Again a wave of melancholy seemed to sweep over Ororo. “He was...one of us for a time, but as he grew, the bone became more prominent covering his head and arms. He’s with another group of mutants who befriended him. He felt they could help him better deal with his...changes.”
She swallowed hard and met Cassie’s gaze. “It’s been difficult for my sister and me. We miss him and he’s...angry with the world. He’s a fighter with a strong sense of right and wrong and...a strong sense of justice.”

“He sounds like a fine young man trying to cope with a difficult situation.”

Ororo offered Cassie a genuine smile, the melancholy dispelled for the moment. “That’s what we like about you, Cassandra Martin. Your perceptiveness and tact.”

Cassie laughed. “Ask Logan about my tact. He’s of the opinion that I could use a little of the stuff. I’ve made him uncomfortable on more than one occasion.”

“That’s the pot calling the kettle black,” Ororo said with humor. “Logan makes many people uncomfortable.”

Cassie’s gaze wandered again to Kurt and Logan. Logan had a hand on Kurt’s waist, a loose and easy touch yet still proprietary in a way only Logan could display.

“I never would have imagined Kurt and Logan together,” Ororo stated. “It’s odd, yet now we’ve all come to accept their relationship. I believe they are good for each other. Kurt settles Logan’s wanderlust down and Logan has instilled a sense of confidence in Kurt.”

“I have to admit,” Cassie said, lowering her voice and leaning towards Ororo. “I had my doubts about them when I first met Logan. The circumstance of their attraction to each other, the violence of their first intimate encounter didn’t bode well for a long term relationship, yet every time I see them together I see how much they love each other....how in love they are with each other. And how much they want this relationship. It’s very sweet, actually.”

“I wouldn’t tell Logan that if I were you. He’s certainly not known for his sweetness,” Ororo replied as if giving sage advice.

Cassie put a hand to her heart. “Do I look like I have a death wish?”

They laughed and Cassie felt the wine tickling in her veins and making her light-headed in a pleasant sort of way. If she wasn’t careful, they’d have to call a cab to get her home.

“I’d best go see how things are going in the kitchen. We should be sitting down to dinner shortly. Enjoy.”

Cassie watched Ororo stroll off towards an open doorway and sighed, wishing she were about five inches taller. She sipped her wine again and let her gaze drift.

Kurt caught her eye and smiled brilliantly. A wave followed and then he was there next to her with a pop and a puff of acrid smoke. She gave a discrete cough and met his smile with one of her own.

“Cassie! I’m so glad you could come,” Kurt said, his golden eyes flashing with pleasure. “You look wunderbar tonight. Very elegant.”

She raised her eyebrows at him.

“Uh, not that you don’t...I mean...you look elegant every day...just different in evening clothes,” Kurt stammered, obviously in fear that he had insulted her somehow.

Cassie laughed. “Thank you, Kurt. You are such a sweet young man.”

His smile turned sheepish.

“And you look quite elegant yourself tonight,” Cassie added.

Kurt looked down at his outfit. “You think so? I wasn’t sure. It’s not like a suit actually fits me very well.”

“You look wonderful. Very dashing. And Logan cleaned up well.”

Kurt turned to see Logan across the room now talking to Scott.

“Logan.” Kurt all but sighed the man’s name. “Jean and Kitty dragged him out to a men’s store and forced him to get a decent outfit for tonight.”

“He’s....” Cassie hesitated, searching for the right words to describe Logan.

“Sexy,” Kurt murmured, never taking his eyes off of his lover.

“Hmmm, yes. He is that, isn’t he?” She gazed at Logan and thought that an apt description. Logan wasn’t a handsome man, but there was an attractiveness about him, something sensual that ran deeper than facial structure. Not tall, but muscular in body, Logan had a presence that demanded attention. He exuded danger and excitement simply standing in place.

As if Logan’s ears burned, he turned to them with that sharp dark gaze, eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

Kurt waved. “He’s caught us talking about him.”

“How does he do that from across the room?” Cassie asked, giving Logan a wave of her own.

She caught a shrug from Kurt. “Great hearing and an uncanny instinct.”

Logan headed towards them as if on a mission or like he intended to break up a barroom brawl.

“Cassie,” Logan offered with a tilt of his head, sidling up next to Kurt and slipping an arm around his waist. “Ya made it to our little shindig.”

“Thanks for inviting me.”

“Thank Charles.” Logan’s mouth quirked into a sardonic smile. “He was the one issuin’ invitations.”

“Brutally honest as ever,” Cassie shot back. “That’s what I like about you, Logan. No BS.”

“I don’t have much use for BS.”

“Me neither,” she countered.

“That’s why we get along so well.” Sarcasm dripped from his words.

Cassie had come to enjoy the banter with Logan, sparring verbally in a one-upmanship fashion. She had quickly learned to let his rough handling roll off and by doing so she had gotten a meager amount of grudging respect from him. At least, enough to do her job and that was all she needed.

And it seemed perhaps she had done her job. Soon, Kurt wouldn’t need her any longer though she thought Logan could use a couple of years worth of counseling. But she wasn’t here to try to fix whatever had occurred to make Logan the man he was today. She had been here to help Kurt deal with the ordeal of kidnapping, torture and rape.

He had faced his ordeal with courage and dignity...had faced down his attacker and had assisted in the man’s capture and incarceration. Confidence had returned to Kurt like the swell of the ocean’s tide and the maturity she saw in one so young made her proud and sad at the same time for she understood too well the anguish of his ordeal, the pain and torment, the doubt and depression and anxiety he’d had to overcome.

Only time would heal the hidden wounds, the ones Kurt wouldn’t know were there until something stabbed too deeply and touched off a memory, reminding him of the horrors he had endured.

But he had regained his strength and his support system of family and friends surrounded him with encouragement and love.

And Kurt had Logan.

“Dinner,” Ororo stated, parading in the door with a roast large enough to feed an army. Kitty and Jean, Sam and Bobby and the rest followed carrying steaming bowls and trays of food.

Hank McCoy beckoned Cassie over and held her seat out for her. She felt a blush rise in her cheeks and murmured her thanks, sitting quickly and less elegantly than she intended. He settled his large bulk in beside her and to her surprise he smelled of a rather nice musky cologne.

Kurt and Logan sat across, Charles at the head and the others lined up on either side of the long table.

The crystal dazzled her eyes and the food’s aroma made her mouth water with anticipation.

“Before we begin,” Charles said. “I wish to say how privileged we all are to be here together, enjoying each other’s company and this fine repast. I want each of you to know how proud I am of you and glad to have you here at this table.”

Charles glanced down, seeming to gather his thoughts. “The last year has been a difficult one collectively and individually. We have together survived a battle for the future of civilization as we know it, and you fought valiantly in aid of a world that has yet to accept you for what you are. Be assured some day the human race will come to appreciate and embrace the gifts you offer. Until then, be strong and rise above the fear and ignorance.”

Again, Charles glanced down and when he looked up he met Rogue’s gaze. “Rogue, you’ve endured many crisis and have come through the fire stronger for it. Be proud of your accomplishments. And as you’re about to graduate from high school, know we’ll help in whatever endeavor you wish to pursue. Always remember, you have a family here. A family that loves you.”

Tears lighted in Rogue’s eyes. “Ah couldn’t have gotten through it without all a ya.”

Cassie frowned realizing she didn’t know all the story. Charles had singled Rogue out of all these students and Cassie wanted to know why. How was Rogue’s story different from the rest? And hadn’t Kurt mentioned that Rogue was his adopted sister? Another part of the story she didn’t know the details to.

Charles turned to Kurt and Cassie saw Kurt’s gaze drop to the table. Logan’s hand went to Kurt’s shoulder, squeezing gently.

“Kurt, the last year has been particularly difficult for you. The ordeals you have endured are beyond any of our capacities to understand or comprehend. Yet, despite the pain and horror you’ve been subjected to, you’ve thrived, facing your enemy with courage and dignity. And now you’re about to graduate from high school Magna Cum Laude, a great accomplishment you have a right to be proud of. Your future is bright, Kurt. Embrace it and make it yours.”

Kurt nodded and murmured a thank you. His golden gaze rose and looked down the long table. “As Rogue said. I couldn’t have gotten through it without all of you. You are truly my brothers and sisters and I am so grateful.” He turned a smile to Logan and Logan’s loving gaze shown with a light in dark eyes.

“Can we eat now? I’m starved.” Jamie’s voice sounded down the table and laughter broke the solemnity of the moment.

“Yes, of course,” Charles agreed. “Let’s eat.”

Everyone dug in, trays and bowls passed up and down the line of the long table. Hank engaged Cassie in conversation on a variety of subjects and Cassie found herself enthralled by his intelligence and knowledge.

As dinner began to wind down, Jean and Scott brought in coffee and a lovely mousse dessert that got a round of approval. Jean blushed with the compliments she received on the dish.

“I understand you’ve decided on a university, Kurt,” Hank stated.

Kurt brightened. “Yes, the paperwork is already finished. It has good undergraduate and science programs and it’ll be close to home. And with Jean and Scott attending...I’ll feel more comfortable.”

“We’re glad you’ll be close, Kurt,” Charles injected with a sly glance at Logan. “I know everyone will be happier that way.”

Kurt swung his gaze to Logan. “Yes. Everyone.” He slipped his hand into Logan’s and gave a squeeze.

As if on cue, a large black bird flew in through the open french doors, its loud shrill cawing sending a chill down Cassie’s spine. It flew down the length of the table, it’s wide wingspan sending crystal goblets crashing over and snuffing out the elegant candles so carefully lit.

In an ominous flutter, the creature settled on the floor at the opposite end of the table, it’s form shifting and elongating, growing taller. A disturbingly beautiful woman with deep blue skin and brilliant red hair stood where the bird once had. Her hands were planted on shapely hips and the white of her outfit stood out stark against her indigo skin.

A round of hushed words caught Cassie’s attention, one word most prominent. Mystique.

A low growl came from deep in Logan’s throat and Cassie turned her gaze abruptly to Logan and Kurt. Logan’s eyes had hardened and narrowed, his hands balled into fists. He was on the verge of shoving out of his chair, but Kurt’s hand on his arm kept him seated, but only for the moment.

Kurt looked in shock, his eyes wide and the happiness had drained from his golden gaze.

Cassie already disliked the woman without even having been introduced simply for the reaction she noted in Kurt and Logan.

Yet, no one seemed happy to see this woman appear, not Jean nor Scott nor particularly Rogue who looked ready to spit venom. And certainly not Charles.

“Well, a celebration is in progress and I wasn’t invited. How rude of you, Charles.” Mystique’s voice had a deep resonance to it, a voice that could be so easily sensual, but a preternatural cold emanated from the tone and sent another chill down Cassie’s back.

“Raven,” Charles said, his voice formal and restrained. “On more than one occasion you have worn out your welcome here.” By the look on his face, his words apparently were an understatement.

A low humorless laugh was Raven/Mystique’s reply. “Yes, well, it seems nothing has changed...except the standards of Xavier Institute which has dipped to an all time low.”

Logan shoved up out of his chair finally. “Get out, Mystique. Yer not welcome here. You never were and ya never will be. Get out or I’ll throw you out.”

Mystique didn’t seem at all phased by Logan’s threat. Her stance shifted slightly and a sneer turned her beautiful face into a mask of cold hate.

“Ah, the child molester has found his tongue.”

A gasp ran down the table.

“But then your bark was always worse than your bite, Logan,” Mystique added.

“Yer about to find out just how bad my bite is, bitch,” Logan snarled back and started forward.
“What the hell do you think you’re doin’ comin’ in here and makin’ trouble?”

Kurt leapt up, trying to block Logan., holding on to his arm in a death grip. “Logan. Don’t.”

But Logan wasn’t listening nor was Kurt’s hold on him enough to deter Logan’s goal of getting to this Mystique woman.

“You know very well why I’m here,” Mystique replied. “You’ve played on Kurt’s idol worship of you and taken him to your bed. You disgust me!”

The room erupted, chairs scraping back and Cassie was momentarily afraid for this woman. Yet, Mystique didn’t seem stupid and she certainly was not frightened. Self righteousness, that’s what Cassie detected.

“Mystique!” Kurt yelled. “We don’t want you here. None of us want you here, particularly me or Rogue.”

A look of anguish crossed the woman’s face, this Mystique not quite as hard and cold as she tried to pretend.

“Kurt. How could you be with this man...this animal? You’re letting him use you like some common whore.”

Another snarl rose up from Logan’s throat and he jerked free from Kurt’s grip. But Kurt was faster, teleporting to where Mystique stood. She gave a startled step back then regained her balance and composure.

“You will not speak of the man I love in that way,” Kurt hissed at her.

“Love?” Mystique’s tone turned incredulous. “What would a child know of this kind of love? You’re too young to understand that beast is using you to satisfy his base lusts.”

“I am not a child!” Kurt yelled. “I don’t need your interference in my life. You didn’t care when I was a baby, so don’t bother caring now.”

That look of pain crossed Mystique’s features again. “I do care for you, Kurt.”

Logan was behind Kurt now and Cassie watched, waiting for Logan to shove Kurt aside and slash this woman to pieces. But instead he crossed his arms against his chest and smirked.

“Yeah, you cared so much, Mystique. You got a lot of nerve sayin’ that considerin’ you pitched him into a river when he was a baby,” Logan injected with his signature sarcasm. “That’s a real motherly thing to do.”

“I did not PITCH him, you buffoon!” Mystique shouted, her calm shattered as she went on the defensive. “What happened was out of my control.”

“Right, not to mention you let Magneto do experiments on him. He was a baby! And you didn’t protect him.”

“It was out of my control,” she repeated in a desperate tone.

“Great excuse,” Logan shot back. “That relieves you of all responsibility, don’t it?”

“Stop it! Both of you stop it!” Kurt yelled, staying between Logan and Mystique, his hands stretched out to keep them apart for Logan looked about to pounce again.

But Logan wasn’t listening. “He’s lucky you did pitch him in a river. He’d have been better off dead than raised by you. Good thing some decent folk found him and raised him. That’s his parents, Mystique. His mom and dad, not you and whoever fathered him.”

“You have no right----”

“I have every right. Kurt’s an adult. He was an adult when we got together and there’s nothin’ you can do about it, sister.”

We’ll see about that,” she said in an ominous tone. “What would the authorities think of an instructor having a sexual relationship with one of the school’s students? And just how long has this been going on, Logan?” She turned her wrathful gaze on Charles. “How long, Charles?”

“This is not the time nor the place for this discussion, Raven,” Charles said.

“Since last Fall,” Logan injected. “Where’ve you been? Oh, yeah, you just slunk away after Apocalypse tried to screw up the world...with your help, I might add.”

Mystique looked shaken, but she lifted her chin. “Where I’ve been is none of your business, but I return to Bayville only to find out you are screwing my son.”

“Stop it!” Kurt shouted again, and still no one listened to him.

“What’s this really all about, Mystique?” Logan sneered at her. “You couldn’t have cared less about Kurt before. He cared more about you than you ever did about him. But now he’s come to his senses and he wants nothin’ to do with you. And neither does Rogue. That stick in yer craw? That get under yer skin and start up a rash you can’t scratch?”

Mystique shook with outrage and Cassie was fairly certain Logan had hit close to home.

Cassie stole a glance at Rogue and the girl’s eyes were narrowed and her mouth was pulled tight in a silent snarl.

“That is enough!” Charles’ voice rang out. “Both of you.” Everyone quieted instantly, Charles’ authority overriding all else.

What was this all about? Who was this woman? She and Kurt hadn’t discussed Kurt’s past nor his family. They hadn’t had time considering all the other more pressing issues. Was this woman his mother? And what was Rogue’s relationship in all this?

“As I said, this is not the time nor the place for this discussion, Raven. You have done as you desired, disrupted our celebration of Kurt’s and Rogue’s impending graduation. You’ve proven just how much you care about their happiness. But there is much you do not understand about Kurt’s and Logan’s relationship and the hardships they have suffered in the last several months. If you wish a deeper understanding, I will speak to you tomorrow, but for now you will leave us. Go.”

Mystique’s features went hard again and that same coldness radiated out of her like the Arctic winds.

“This isn’t over, Charles. You have allowed this illicit affair between a student and an instructor. You’ve allowed this...miscreant to take advantage of my son in unforgivable ways.” She turned her gaze on Kurt. “What would your adoptive parents think, Kurt?”

Even from this distance Cassie saw trepidation light up in Kurt’s eyes. “Leave us alone, Mystique. Leave me alone. I don’t need your concern...not now. It’s too late for you to play the caring mother. It’s way too late.”

Mystique gazed at him and Cassie tried to see the caring mother in her, but all she saw was that same self righteousness and a woman determined to have her way no matter the consequences. This Mystique had an obsessive personality. Cassie had dealt with people like her before and reason and rational thought seldom had any effect on their thought patterns.

Mystique was trouble Kurt and Logan didn’t need right now...not when they were finally dealing with the traumas of the last several months.

“You will come to see things my way, Kurt. One way or another you will.”

Logan’s claws shot out with the sound of metal on metal. “That sounds like a threat to me, lady.”

“Logan.” Kurt put up a hand again.

“This isn’t over,” Mystique stated.

“Yes, it is,” Kurt hissed through gritted teeth.

Mystique swept her cold gaze over the room and for a brief moment, Cassie felt the woman staring at her, wondering who she was and what she was doing there. Cassie met Mystique’s gaze without flinching, but just. The darkness in the woman’s gaze tried to freeze the blood in her veins.

Then in a swirl of black wings, Mystique transformed into the raven again, sweeping the room then heading out the french doors and into the night that had descended in the short time she had been there.

Cassie let out a held breath and felt a sheen of perspiration on her skin. She hadn’t even realized she had stood and Hank’s large hand on her back gently helped her into her chair again.

“Thank you,” she murmured and reached to gulp down the rest of her wine.