Zach knows that he probably should say something. He doesn't like hypocrisy, yet he's partaking in it to the highest degree. He tells himself that Claire needs time to deal with what has happened, and that she needs them at their full capacity-because she has not been. He cannot and will not take that away from her.

Besides, it was just one time.

And, it's not that it was a stranger with a twisted, corrupt, grief stricken mindset trying to inflict his own sick punishment.

It was his father.

And perhaps, that is worse.

Because a stranger at least has no emotional ties, bonded only through something or someone else.

But a parent?

Zach feels like it's a whole different ball game.

But-and this is what he tells himself-it was only one time.

Even though he knows that once is enough.

Until-it's not just once.

He begins to dread the trips to his father's house, but he tries to be indifferent about it. Play it off as teenage angst. He doesn't want to alert them to anything, especially Gray who still has a love for his father that is quite different than the worshipping awe he has for Owen.

Zach makes sure that Gray is never alone with Scott, and keeps a critical, watchful eye on both-just another thing he has picked up from Owen.

Zach knows that if his father ever did anything to his little brother that made them both feel uncomfortable or threatened, then Zach would drop all excuses made and he'd make sure Scott never saw them again. He had no real plan, but every bit of confidence he would make it happen.

It's been six months since Claire and Owen had gone away. As the visits became restricted, the skype calls, phone calls and instant messages had become more frequent. Zach likes that it is not a one way street with them-that they seem to need the contact just as much.

That they want it just as much.

Despite Claire's ordeal, both have been a stability that Zach never thought he could have-especially with Owen. He never knew that he would find a male that could play a father figure in his life, but so much more.

It seems just as you get what you want, life wants to play. It never wants to settle.

Owen and Claire are returning, and four months ago Zach would have had no room for anything but happiness and relief at their return.

But now, after the torment from his father, Zach has become almost frightened of Owen. Owen, who is as tough as nails but also as gentle as a mother hen. He pulls off both together, and so well. Zach thinks no one else could do it.

But such is the damage that has been done to him by the hands of his father. And Zach wonders if that's worse than the physical because yes, he often hurts, but it has taught him to fear and expect it.

Zach thinks he hides it well, but in the last month Owen's eyes linger on him, as if he can sense something. He is watchful and sometimes careful in the way he speaks to Zach. Zach does not know if anyone else is aware of the shift between the two. Gray doesn't say anything and neither does Claire, but he knows how adults talk so he cannot be sure.

Zach feels like things are going to change. Owen on his own-not much can get past him. He is, above all, an alpha, and Zach is part of his pack. Claire is as sharp as anything and in her own way just as fiercely protective.

They are the ultimate power couple, after all.