Cub had quickly fallen into the routine of school. He would never admit but it really helped having Eagle there. Cub didn't know if he could handle crafting his chosen façade without judicious help from Eagle. And even if he had managed to create it he doubted he could have maintained it.

He had decided to go with the playboy image at the suggestion of Eagle. Snake no longer picked them up in the Rolls, Cub had gotten his own car, driving him and Eagle to and from school. He had decided to go with the Audi R8 Quattro, after seeing the movie Ironman, he knew he had to have that car.

His money and soccer skills had quickly won him a crowd and he was slowly stealing Burton James III popularity. He was surprised that James III hadn't started any vicious rumors or anything, he had a lot of ammunition seeing as he knew Cub was the grandson of his illegitimate half uncle who was more than likely involved in shady business practices, but for some reason he kept his mouth shut. There were no rumors going around the school about Cub—well none other than which girl he was currently going with. Cub who had been a victim of rumors almost his entire life found it a little disconcerting that his current cover brought no questions, no comments and fed no rumors.

Wolf was also fitting in easily into the role of CEO. His board meeting had gone off without issue. He was finding that his leadership role in the K-unit helped him be a successful CEO. Fox and Snake helped him understand complicated and the technical business aspects but Wolf found that he had a knack for business, he successfully navigated both the legit and illegal aspects of his business without a hitch and without scruples.

Prison had taught his and his team's survival was paramount to everything else. The legal system and the government who had created had unjustly taken his freedom and destroyed his career. He had worked so hard and had given up everything in order to serve his country and how had they rewarded him? They gave him nothing and despite his innocence had still jailed him. The country had used and destroyed a fourteen year-old boy and had not flinched in sending the boy to his death or to kill but when the boy didn't toe the line exactly they abandoned him with nothing, the only trace was a broken 14 year old. They had deemed too dangerous to leave in society. Cub had remained oblivious but Wolf had worked quietly with Burton to stave off the hits that terrorist and intelligence agencies had both sent after Cub when they though him vulnerable in prison. Even MI6 had sent someone in after him, they didn't want to use any of their government contacts, so they had a third party bribe a man to take Cub out. Wolf had become quite the successful integrationist and it was a fairly easy matter to derive from the hitman's information who had sent him.

Wolf was pretty sure that Burton knew they were not the criminal gang that they pretended to be, but he was also equally sure that despite Burton's astute awareness he was unable to figure out the truth. It was just to bizarre, and completely unbelievable, that mI6 would be using a teenage spy, and that would be blackmailing him into working for them. Although as a criminal Burton would probably have understood MI6's later actions and their need to control the boy so completely that they would without hesitation resort to murder. All of course in the name of the greater good.

Wolf clacked a stack of papers against his desk, before setting them down in his in-box. They were papers his secretary could deal with. Straightening his tie he moved to stand. He had taken over Burton's old office, sure that the man would have wanted him to use it and he had felt no need to change it. It was a large corner office with floor to ceiling windows. It was quite the open office for such notorious dealers. However, Wolf soon found and utilized some of its unique features, He discovered on his first day, that despite Snake's long loud lecture that no one had heard a thing and that the room was completely sound proof. It was also another easy discovery that the windows were opaque to any causal outside viewer, and Wolfe was sure that those were not the end of the office's surprises.

"Hurry up!" Fox had banged in through the door as CFO his office was next to Wolf's.

"I know I am ready.

"Snake went to get the car, Come on…" Fox continued practically ready to bodily drag Wolf out of the office. It was Cub's first major game and the entire K-unit was attending.

After some reckless driving they arrived at the field as the warm-ups were ending. The stands were packed, and rain was threatening.

"Where are we going to sit?" growled Wolf frustrated that they had failed to leave the office early enough to find good seats.

"Don't worry, Eagle said he roped off a section for us." Fox answered. And indeed Eagle had there was a large enough section roped off in the front of the stands so the K-Unit had the entire row to themselves, however Wolf was not pleased.

"Look whose standing by the side lines" Fox and Snake turned their heads.

"If James Jr. is standing that close, I want to be just as close." Wolf said.

Fox nodded his head an agreement he didn't like the idea of James Jr. being that close to the team and he especially didn't like him being inbetween Cub and the K-Unit.

"Good." Snake declared. "Sitting in those seats would have ruined my suit." Wolf glared; Snake had become quite the fashionista since he had a little money. He had bought the majority of the teams clothes and had even put up with their teasing with good grace. Cub however, didn't tease and Snake was pretty sure, Cub knew his secret.

Snake enjoyed doing the shopping because he used a personal shopper—a very pretty petite blond who actually did all the shopping unbeknownst to the rest of the K-Unit. She and Snake had started secretly dating as Snake was afraid that if the team knew about her they would make him stop seeing her. But Snake was very careful he did not tell her any relevant personal information, but still she knew quite a bit after all she bought their clothes. Snake was sure she was not oblivious to the fact that most of the clothes purchased screamed mobster. After all Wolf did have a thing for pinstripes. Snake however knew that this breach in security would not be well received or tolerated so he tried to keep to his role as the fashion expert of the group. He did a pretty good job, Cub had only found him out when he came to Snake to ask for advice on what to wear for a date, and Snake had been clueless and had matched Cub's navy socks to his black pants. Cub didn't say anything but the next time Snake had gone to meet the personal shopper he held felt all day like someone was trailing him, although he never caught a glimpse of the follower and had no proof that it was Cub. Still Cub was Cub and he probably knew.

"What a surprise to see you here brother." Wolf said leaning into James Jr.'s personal space, completely startling the man.

James Jr. quickly recovered. "Why should it be a surprise, my son is on the team and he went here first."

Wolf countered. "Well I would have figured that after your donation fell through, they would have kicked your son out."

James' face purpled. "It's your fault. I don't know what you did to con the old man into giving you everything but I ought to…"

"I didn't do anything to con the old man. He gave me everything because he hated you so much. Hell he hated you so much he would have given his money to anyone even a fellow prisoner." Wolf smiled at the irony.

Over on the field Landon, a teammate of Alex's, shoved Alex slightly: "hey there's a guy waving at you…"

Alex looked over to the side lines where three muscular men stood. Wolf looking every inch the illegitimate business man as he stood under an umbrella being held by Snake with Fox standing next to him with his own umbrella. Wolf was indeed motioning towards him.

"That's my dad; he probably wants to wish me luck."

He trotted over towards Wolf "What's up?"

Wolf inclined his head slightly towards James Jr. Alex understood the gesture and looked stealthily easily spotting James Jr. "I want you to injure little James."

"He's on my team Wolf, and besides he hasn't done anything wrong…" Alex pleaded with Wolf. After the initial battle of wills James III had stepped gracefully aside and had let Alex take the spot as star player. Alex had overheard one of James III's friends asking him why he wasn't challenging Alex and Alex had been stunned at his reply. James has merely shrugged and said "he's good for the team I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize our shot at the title this year, besides if he's as good as he seems he'll make our whole team look better."

Alex had begun to realize why he was having such an easy rumor free transition. James III was not his father's son. He was loyal.

Alex shook his head "He hasn't done anything wrong. I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize our team" Alex protested recalling James III's words.

Wolf frowned angry that Alex would not go along with his plan. He stepped forward and roughly grabbed Alex's arm before he get away. "Listen to me Alex. I don't often ask you to obey. I give you a lot more leeway than any of our other team members—but when I order you to do something I expect you to obey."

Alex spat back angry, unaccustomed to being manhandled by Wolf. "Are you giving me an order Sir?"

"Yes, I am ordering you to injure James III, so he is unable to continue the game. Am I clear?"

"Crystal Sir" Alex tried to jerk his arm back but Wolf held tight, and pulled him in closer.

"Good, because Alex," Wolf whispered "You won't like the consequences of disobeying."

Alex turned and jogged back to his team rubbing his arm as he went. He was sure he had a hand shaped bruise on his arm.

Wolf had never ever talked to him like that. Granted Wolf hardly ever order him to do something and on the rare occasion that he did Alex obeyed, or at least never flat out refused.

The sir blew his whistle and Alex received the pass from the kick off. Dribbling down the field he saw that James III was open but so was Landon the left forward. Ignoring James he shot a pass towards Landon and sprinted up ahead where he received Landon's pass. He pulled the ball back from the defender switched feet and shot with his left—Right past the goalie.

"Great goal man!" Shouted Landon as he thumped him on the back.

Alex nodded his thanks and James also ran over and gave him a high-five "Nice Left!"

Alex couldn't meet James' eyes. The coach yelled from the side lines "Good goal Alex but, don't forget to look right!"

Alex nodded towards the coach indicating he heard him. He had no attention of passing to James. Maybe that would be good enough for Alex. The game progressed and Alex continued to ignore James, passing to Landon or just burning defenders. The other team scored once but before the half ended Alex had answered with two more goals, earning a nice hat trick.

"Good game everyone, now's the time to stay strong on defense. We have a nice two point lead, so we are going to sit Landon and add Marcus in at D. Alex, good going but let's see if you can get something going with James. You've completed neglected the other side of the field and its hurting our game, when they now exactly which way you're going. Ok?" Alex nodded. "Good now let's get out there and put this one away. "

The team brought it in for a cheer. Alex found himself next to James as they jogged back to their positions "Hey, Alex look right, I've been wide open"

Alex nodded "Alright" Alex nervously looked towards the sidelines hopping that his obvious effort of shutting James out of game was enough to satisfy Wolf. From the murderous expression on his face Alex was not doing enough.

The game began with the ferocious attacking of the other team. They were not going down easily. Alex stole the ball from their attacker and

dribbled down field, soon he was swarmed by defenders. From the corner of his eye he saw James wildly waving his arms. He was wide open. Alex made his decision and put on a burst of speed heading straight towards the defender, the defender didn't move and Alex's gamble failed. He hit the defender full speed bowling him over. Tweet the whistle blew. Yellow card…

"What!" Alex yelled frustrated at the sir. "What kind of call was that!" He started stalking towards the ref when he felt someone holding him back. That was it his temper snapped.

"Chill Alex" James replied calmly and slightly frustrated that his teammate earned this easily avoidable penalty.

"Don't tell me to chill!" Alex swung his fist making a sickening crunch when it connected with James' nose. He sunk down with blood streaming down his face. The whistle blew again and a red card went up.

"You're out of here boy" The ref yelled the line judges coming in to back up the ref's decision. Alex looked in horror at James kneeling in the grass, his fingers unable to hold back the blood.

James Jr. rushed out to his son. The coach was also quick to run to James' aid. Alex stalked off the field he grabbed his duffel from the bench and was heading from the lockers when Eagle stopped him almost apologetically.

"Wolf wants you." Alex allowed himself to be led to the waiting Wolf. His temper had dissipated as soon as he saw the blood that obscured James' face. There had been so much blood… so much blood when Jack died, it had been everywhere, covering her face, obscuring her features.

Alex felt sick. He had done that to an innocent. James III had done nothing wrong he was not responsible for his father's crimes. James III had been never done anything to deserve such a brutal attack.

Eagle had stopped and Alex stood in front of a stony faced Wolf. The calm voice was deceptive. "Do you know why I am upset with you Alex?"

"You're upset with me!" Alex screamed incredulously. "You're upset with me! I did what you order. In fact I was only following your orders. James is out of the game… you should be hap—"A sickening crack was heard not unlike the one that had felled James. Alex stood stock still stunned, fierce pain was emanating from his jaw. Wolf had… Wolf had slapped him.

"Now admit it you were not following your orders, you were ignoring them. You were trying to find a way around them. The only reason why you followed orders as you put it was because you let your temper get a hold of you. You disobeyed a direct order. And I cannot tolerate that. We are a unit more so now than ever. Now admit that you failed to follow orders"

Alex was shaking in pain and rage. "Admit it Alex, you had no intention of following orders." Wolf was right obviously right Alex had hoped that by keeping the ball from James he could justify his actions as taking James out of the game, he had no desire to hurt the boy in any way. He just wanted to get away, but Eagle held him fast.

Alex looked from Eagle, to Fox, to Snake all were quite stone-faced. Alex knew he would receive no help from them. Wolf was their leader a direct order was to be obeyed to do otherwise was unthinkable for these men who had spent their entire adult lives following orders and for the last ten years following Wolf's orders. He knew they would wait him out. No one would leave the rain until Alex capitulated.

Alex lowered his eyes, staring at his boots. "I had no intention of following orders" pain making it difficult to talk, he murmured ashamed. What did he care about James III these men had sacrificed their lives for him more than once and Wolf had sacrificed the most to care for him? James III would have gone down either way today, but at least he wouldn't have disobeyed, he would have been in this position. If James III had been more of a bully, it would have been easier, but instead Alex had failed to see him as a target and had allowed himself to be pulled in by James humanity and now Alex was the one suffering.

"Snake take him home, and see to his jaw. I think I might have dislocated it."

"Yes sir" Snake responded immediately, handing off the umbrella. Snake ushered Alex towards the car.

Silence ensued until they reached Alex's car. "Take those muddy boots and jersey off before you get in the car." Alex looked up surprised that even Snake was giving him orders, but in no position to argue Alex complied. Pulling a clean shirt out of his duffel he draped it over the passenger seat before climbing in so he would not dirty the car.

The ride was painful as the Alex's car seemed to hit every bump further jostling his jaw. Removing his shirt had revealed painful finger shaped bruises.

Samuels opened the door when he heard the car pull into the drive.

"Young master what happened?" He gasped seeing Cub's already blackening face. He was shocked. He knew that Wolf and the others would never let something happen to their Cub so the other must look worse or be dead.

Instead of answering his question Snake said "Send up and ice pack and a few pain killers." Samuel scurried to obey. Something was up, and Cub was injured.

"You're likely to be sore for a couple of days and the bruising will last for a while, but nothing that time won't heal. You'll have to wear that shoulder in a sling for a few days though, it will be tender. "Snake had worked on Cub's injuries with quiet competency, and no sympathy. Not only was Alex's jaw dislocated, but his shoulder as well from Wolf's vicious grip. "Try to avoid talking to much though it will cause more pain."

Alex had had worse injuries, the network of scars that crisscrossed his back and chest lent proof to that statement. But never…never by someone he trusted and admired as much as Wolf. Sure Ian had slapped him a time or two when he was younger but it wasn't the same, Ian had merely seen him as a student to train. There was very little emotional connection between them. Even with Jack the emotional connection had been tainted by the fact that she was paid, and that she was used to black mail Alex. Alex had loved Jack but she was someone who Alex must care for and protect. But Wolf had needed no protection, had not been paid and had no desire to mold Alex into the perfect machine. Alex had latched onto Wolf. He had spent his life longing for a connection, an emotional attachment, a father or even a mother figure, just someone in his life who he could depend on. And Wolf even after everything that had occurred at S.A.S. training, had filled that void.

"You really shouldn't have pissed him off like that." Snake said as he pulled the covers up over the wounded boy. When Alex didn't say anything he continued. "You know you broke his trust—he really depended on you"

Alex was seething with anger, HE broke Wolf's trust, what about his trust? Wolf had hit him! He was the victim! He turned his back to Snake unable to bear a lecture right now.

"Fine sleep, I'll check in on you later."

Much later, Alex woke to his door opening, thinking it was Snake to check on him he feigned sleep, however his bed soon dipped as a much heavier man than Snake sat down. The smell of smoke and alcohol emanated from the figure.

Alex didn't stir, he tried to keep his breathing the same steady rise and fall that indicated sleeping. He wasn't ready to face Wolf, the man sitting on the edge of his bed.

"Oh, Alex, what am I going to do to you? I've never been a father, Hell I've never even been a big brother." Wolf brushed the hair back from Alex's face. "I am just so scared. What if I screw you up. I mean come on you were already messed up, what if I make it worse? I worry that this revenge is to much for you. Do you know I almost sent you to my grandmother? She told me you would be better off with her. Before Burton offered to help us, I agreed with her, she could give you a life I couldn't a life you deserve Alex… She said she said she would have adopted you and when I told her of Burton's deal she said it was selfish of Burton to force you to take his revenge and that it was selfish of me to let you… And you know what?" Wolf drunkenly hiccupped. "She was right, I wanted to keep you with me. You are the son of my heart, Alex and I couldn't let you go. But I think this is too much for you. I should have listened to Grandmother…"

Wolf sat for a while longer staring silently at the unmoving boy, before leaving.

Alex woke up with a killer headache. His alarm was going off and its beeping echoing the pounding in his head. "Get up Alex!" Eagle yelled banging the door.

Alex unable to yell, groggly got out of bed and opened the door with his good arm. A glare replaced his normal growl of what?

"Yes you're going to school today! Hurry up and shower we have 15 minutes to make it to school." Apparently Eagle either was ignoring last nights volatile ending or it didn't faze him at all. A very sore Alex shuffled through his shower, gently scooping water on his tender face. He looked like a zombie in the mirror. His eye was swollen shut and the rest of the right side of his face was a deep, dark green. Alex knew it would turn all the colors of the rainbow before healing. He managed to get his boxers and pants on before Eagle barged in to help him. Surprisingly gentle Eagle helped Alex pull on his shirt and button it before putting his arm in the sling.

Snake took Eagle and Alex in the Rolls it was a smoother ride then Alex's Audi. No one mentioned last night. Eagle slung Alex's backpack over his shoulder as they got out of the car.

"Alex, come here." Snake called. Alex walked over to the driver side window. "Here is a note from the doctor. It will excuse you from P.E."

Alex mutely accepted the note before following Eagle into school. "Eagle?"

"Hmm?" Answered Eagle.

"What am I going to tell them about this?"

"Don't tell them anything." Eagle answered unhelpfully.

"Yeah, that'll work" Alex sarcastically replied.

"Your jaw makes it difficult to talk, use it."

Alex unsatisfied with his suggestion decided to go with falling down the stairs.

Upon entering his first class, Alex new his rumor free days were over. An unnatural hush had fallen over the class. And Alex could not help but

look straight at James III. His face looked liked he had been hit by a hammer. The nose had been reset, but it was still swollen and both eyes were black. James looked straight back at Alex taking in the dislocated shoulder and the battered face.

Alex broke the gaze first and slumped into his assigned seat. Eagle taking an empty seat in the back.

The teacher walked in and he obviously took note of both James III and Alex's battered features. Wisely he ignored it and took advantage of

the atypical silence.

The day crawled by in utter silence. No one said anything to Alex, although he knew he was gossip fodder and his battered appearance only

fed those rumors. The most popular rumor was that James III's friends had jumped him after the fight. But even those rumors were quickly

discredited after all wasn't his body guard with him? No one knew and speculation was wildly growing.

A tired Alex walked to the coach's office. He had see if he still had a place on the team and if he did then he had to let him know that he would be unable to practice for a few days.

Alex hesitantly knocked. "Come in" a gruff voice responded.

"Eagle, please wait outside."

"Alex, I'm not supposed too"

"Please Eagle?" Eagle nodded his assent.

"Fine."

Alex walked into the coach's office.

"Jeez kid what happened to you!" Alex winced at the coach is tone.

"I fell sir."

"I don't believe you."

"It's nothing sir. I didn't come to talk about this, well not completely."

"Let me guess… You came to see if you still have a place on this team right?"

"Yes, sir." Alex replied.

"Well son, the honest truth is I never wanted you on the team to begin with." Alex hung his head with shame. He had known that Eagle had to talk the coach into letting him play.

"Your bodyguard told me for that I would miss out on the best player I had ever seen." Alex's eyes widened Eagle had never see Alex play football, he had no idea of his skill level. For him to take that kind of risk of reputation was huge.

"And" the coach continued "he was right, you are the best player I have ever seen in my twenty years of coaching. The best ever. And I have

coached my fair share of pro's."

Alex was stunned he didn't think he was that good. He had always dreamt of being a professional footballer, but that dream was deemed to childish by his uncle and made impossible by MI6.

"I wish you had never walked on my field. Then I would have to deal with this situation." The coach lifted his cap and ran his hand through his thinning hair.

"I did some checking up on you Alejandro. I wondered why my two best players happen to have the same last name. Would you like to tell me or should I tell you what I found out?"

Alex swallowed. But otherwise remained silent. "Fine I'll tell you. "Mr. James your teammate was more forthcoming then you were, He told me

that you were half cousins. And that you had moved here after your mutual grandfather had passed away. He also told me that his father and your father were at odds. Care to elaborate on that."

Alex just remained mute. The Coach continued without response.

"People around here have long memories, and they remember your grandfather. Regardless of the press he was a good man to this town and to the school. I think your grandfather would have wanted his grandsons to get along. I think that the bad blood between your fathers has poisoned you. But I also know that Burton has made an effort, quite an effort to make a spot for you on the team. In fact the only reason I am letting you stay on the team is because Burton said he would quit if I kicked you off. Since you're both out for the next two weeks, I have an after school project that you will be working on. I also have called your father. He has invited me to dinner this evening in order discuss a further plan of action to prevent any further behavior of this sort. Burton's loyalty to this team and your talent are the only things that saved you young man."

"Thank you sir." Alex could not hide his grateful expression it seemed life continued to give him second chances.

"What did he say?" Questioned Eagle as soon as Alex walked into the hallway.

"I'm still on the team!" Alex whooped in delight.

"That's great Cub! I'll take you out for ice cream to celebrate."

Alex shot Eagle a dirty look. "I'm not five you know"

"Fine we don't have to get any."

"hey I'd still like some!"

Eagle just smiled. "Sure, but we have to get home in time for dinner. I hear your coach is coming over."

"You knew and you didn't tell me?"

"Wolf called while you were in talking to your coach."