Michael stood at the top of the basement stairs waiting for the team to return. Harvey had contacted him with an update, and he wanted to be here to greet them all, new and old. It had been challenging to get away from the office without anyone following him. Micheal knew they had tried to keep him under surveillance but finally gave up after realising he was on a shopping trip. It wasn't true, but Harvey had assisted with the reality by providing a shopping list of requirements for the inflated numbers of the returning team. Michael's surveillance team would have thought he was buying enough supplies for a boarding school or an extended road trip. It certainly felt like he had done just that when arriving at this home in the ever-growing list of properties his parents owned and assisted by many unknown faces. It did seem that new arrivals were appearing almost every day, it concerned him, but the extent of Darcia's and Maddens reach was still unknown.

"Have they arrived yet?" his whispered question for the shadow yet to step forward and greet him.

"Ah ..." Tamas cleared his throat, "yes, a few moments ago ... they are on their way up now."

"Injuries?" Michael asked.

"Some but nothing fatal," Tamas whispered, "well ... none we know of, Michael ... I'm sorry about your father."

Michael turned to the shorter, nervous man, "Thank you," he sighed, "Jenkins tells me you tried to talk him out of the last encounter with Darcia."

"Unsuccessfully," Tamas nodded, "I should have tried harder."

"I understand you tried everything except physically restraining him," Michael smiled, "thank you for trying. He was known to be a stubborn person."

"He was ... stubborn, but I think that was one of his better traits," Tamas whispered, "one he passed along to his family and ... friends."

"What do you think you were?" Michael asked, turning toward the slight shuffling coming up the basement stairs.

"I ...hoped to be a friend," Tamas said, "I tried to live up to his expectations and standards."

"Thereby learning your own," Michael nodded, understanding the unsaid words. "Tamas, my father, he saw you as another son and raised you as such; to me and my siblings, you are family."

Tamas blinked rapidly, swallowed hard and gave a wavering, emotional smile, "Thank you, Michael."

"Craig, Tina, good to see you," Michael greeted as the arrivals appeared in the foyer, "I see your plan worked well for everyone."

"I'm starving," Tina said, nodding and turning to Craig, "want to hunt for food in the kitchen with me?"

Craig grinned, "I'll be there now," shaking Michael's hand, "everyone is ... alive. There is much to debrief on and much to learn. Now, before she empty's the entire fridge and makes unedible concoctions, we'll chat later."

Michael chuckled as his brother disappeared after his mate, "Save us all from inedible food."

The cheerful greeting from these two only highlighted the subdued entry and greeting by the rest of the team and the captives. Rose and Hana directed the injured to where they could receive further care. Jesse could be heard barking orders for the gear to be cleaned and stored away. Valencia and Birgit walked along, talking to each other. Micheal noticed Tania, Jarred, Kyle and Scott moved carefully, clearly needing a hot soak in the tub. David and Breanna entered silently, David answering questions, nodding and fielding requests directed at Breanna as she walked toward Micheal in a distracted daze.

The puckering frown deepened as Michael watched his sisters approach. Taking in her tear-streaked face, her haunted eyes and the pallor on her cheeks, "What happened?"

Slowly her eyes met his, and she swallowed, "A lot."

"Are you okay?" he gently gripped her shoulders, forcing her to keep eye contact, "you're not injured?"

She shook her head, "I'm..." she shook her head again. Moving past him without completing her sentence.

Micheal watched her slowly mount the stairs to the upper floor and turned an enquiring eye on David, "What happened?"

"We uncovered Madden's private files," David murmured, glancing around, "there are several documents on the processes performed on your parents. Detailed documents."

Michael closed his eyes, "Heaven help us," he whispered, meeting David's earnest gaze, "she saw them?"

"Found the file, saw them, read them and nearly lost every meal she ever ate," David sighed, "it's dark, depraved and would have still gone on if the facility was not destroyed."

Michael swallowed on the rising bile, "Watch her for me," he whispered hoarsely, inhaling, "she will need time to process as we all will. What of the others?"

"Birgit and Valencia really came through for us," David nodded, "but I think whatever they uncovered has Jesse worried. There was a mention of manipulated creations that are still out there, and Valencia did a mental download of everything in Madden's mind. Jesse says some are pure evil, and the rest Valencia hasn't processed yet."

"Why are they steaming?" Michael looked past David at the couple as they organised the newcomers and assisted Rose and Hanna.

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

"Oh, that ... yeah, don't touch them at the moment," David sighed. "Birgit went into complete protection mode and apparently released her dark side and burnt the island facility to ... well ... sand. If it doesn't make the news, I'd be surprised."

"Madden is dead?" Michael asked.

"Birgit apparently locked him in a burning control room after manipulating his emotions," David shook his head, "that girl has some dark, potent abilities."

"She does, and for a good reason," Jesse said, "Darcia developed her as a weapon against Madden and his creations. The information isn't pretty, and it explains a lot. Birgit is not someone to push too far."

"You know this how?" David frowned.

"She told me," Jesse stated, "I'm not telling you, so don't ask. Trust me when I tell you I'm glad she is on our side."

Michael stared at Jesse, "She trusted you with the truth?"

Jesse nodded, "I'm not betraying that trust. Birgit doesn't give that easily or freely."

"Will she be a problem?" Michael asked, watching more new faces arrive.

"No," Jesse said, "but we may need some understanding should we run into those ... creatures. She has no compassion or mercy where they are concerned."

Jesse moved past the pair calling to Kyle to help him with some gear. Micheal watched the new combatants arriving, looking out of place and awkward.

"That's Titan and his unit," David said, following Michael's gaze, "some of us wouldn't be standing here without them. Jesse and Breanna included."

Michael nodded, acknowledging the comment and continued watching them. A pair of alert dark eyes rose, looking around for whoever was watching him. Finally, meeting Micheal's gaze. The man was unusually tall, heavily muscled on every inch of his body and held himself erect with a determined effort. Michael realised how close to exhaustion these men were. The silent message was clear. They would remain standing where they were until acceptance, acknowledgement of their presence and permission to enter this sanctuary were given. Michael prepared to run the gauntlet filling their requirement for the "leaders" approval to either join the ranks of the team or those finding their feet and start a "normal" life. Motioning for them to join him, Michael waited, noting everything about them. He knew their faces from somewhere, something more than their files advised, but what was it? Perhaps it was time to go through all his father's journals with a new understanding and comprehension of what those cryptic writings may regard.

"Titan, we will need to rest," a hushed murmur came from behind him, "why are we standing here and not getting the information for us to settle in?"

"We'll get a place to sleep," Titan glanced over his shoulder, "we have one more approval to gain before we can make this our place or anything about our new unit our home."

Titan frowned. They were being watched. The prickling sensation running over his skin was all he needed to know about which direction to look, but today ... in a new place with all these people, he felt uncertain. An unwelcome and unpleasant feeling he had not experienced in many years. Turning his head slowly, he took in everyone around the room until he met the piercing stare of the man standing near the doorway, talking to David. The well-tailored dark suit did not detract from the air of authority. The stance screamed a time with the military in some form. The family resemblance to Darcia and Breanna was so well marked that he inhaled sharply and contained his reflex emotions. He has always heard about the fourth of the family. The one who had broken from everything required of the children and taken his own path in life. The question was, how far had the deviation in that journey gone? Whether slightly or absolutely, it took someone with strength and determination to achieve everything the rumours spread.

"Isn't that Michael?" the question came from the area of his elbow.

"I believe it is," Titan acknowledged as they received the sign for them to join the man, "bring your gear."

Moving forward in a tight huddle, they manoeuvred through the crowded area. They were exhausted, grimy and hungry, but it was not time to rest. Stopping a few feet from the civilian who held himself like a military officer, they waited.

"I understand I have your thanks for the lives of my family and friends, as well as the captives," the man spoke calmly, his eyes never leaving Titan's gaze. "By your apparel and outfits, you were obviously on Madden's side."

"Not Madden," Titan hissed, the words came out harshly, "... Darcia's only because we had nowhere to go and needed to live. Stopping Madden meant our freedom as well."

"Your first choice in a long time. Now you don't have to worry about that ever again. My name is Michael, and you have chosen to join The Protection Agency ranks today," Michael said quietly, "we'll find you space to stay. There is food in the kitchens, each room has its own bathroom and wardrobes of clean clothes, and you can rest here."

The group looked at each other before Titan nodded, "My name is Titan. These are my men," Titan said, "you give shelter and safety very easily. What will you require in return?"

Michael narrowed his gaze, "It is not easily given. We give shelter and safety because you made a choice today for something else than yourself ... as to what is required ...nothing. If you choose to stay, we will be thankful for the help. If you wish to have a life away from all of this ... something normal ... we can assist you with that as well."

Titan nodded, "Then we thank you for accepting us, and we choose to rest for now."

Micheal smiled, "Scott, could Clio and yourself show Titan and his men to their quarters."

Tania came up then, "May I do so? They are my former unit."

Michael looked between Titan and Tania before nodding, motioning for Scott and Clio to accompany them.

Watching them trudge tiredly up the stairs, Micheal sighed. Life had always been complicated, in small chunks, which made it possible to handle. Now, it was getting more difficult by the minute. He was unsure if he could keep his hand on the wheel much longer before everything fell apart, possibly leaving them with ... what exactly? Uncertain of anything he took in the activity in the foyer, everyone seemed to have direction. Harvey, Betty, Tamas and Jenkins had everything in hand. He was no longer required.

"How are we supposed to stay underground with all this going on," Michael sighed again, walking through the passageways of the mansion's lower level. Entering his study, closing the door and punching in a code, he moved toward the large mahogany desk as the room changed into a high-tech control room.

Picking up a remote from a drawer opening on the side of the desk, he switched on the TV, catching the already broadcasting daily news bulletin. Aerial views of an island on fire were displayed for everyone; the coast guard and police were heading in that direction along with medical teams. Micheal sank into his oversized leather chair, watching the scene unfolding. Suddenly a massive explosion occurred, and the vibration was clearly felt as the camera shook slightly before repositioning. The reporter advised they were looking for another position to bring this breaking news to the world as the heat was immense.

Picking up the phone, Michael requested Jasmine to be sent to see him. Replacing the receiver, he sighed, "Madden may have been stopped, but the world now has more questions than we can't answer. Something tells me this is far from over, and our hunters know this catastrophe is our doing."