Chapter 4
Hamish’s POV
Tundra bristled aggressively under my skin as Randall kept his arm around Andy’s shoulders. My fists were clenched at my sides as I tried to take maintain control, not being used to feeling so easily triggered. Lilith must have noticed cause she was eyeing me more than usual.
“Everything okay Hamish?” She nearly whispered as she walked beside me.
“Just peachy.” I grimaced, trying to look anywhere but directly in front of me.
We arrived at the den, later than I would have liked. Randall finally took his arm away from Andy, and I felt Tundra calm down a bit as I quickly pushed forward ahead of the group to walk towards the bar. I immediately began to fix an old fashioned with an orange peel garnish. Lilith, Jack, Randall, and Andy all made to get comfortable in the living area, taking over the couches.
“Can I get a drink Ham Sandwich?” Randall’s voice filled the room, making me look up to see him cross his legs on the coffee table.
“Anyone else?” I look around the room, getting a nod from Jack and a no from Lilith. “Andy?”
“I don’t drink, thank you though.” She smiled at me, and my mouth suddenly felt so dry.
Taking in a deep breath, I got to work making Jack and Randall’s drink, ignoring Tundra’s protests as he wanted nothing more than for me to go and sit with Andy, wrapping my arms around her to feel more of what I was feeling earlier. The sensation seemed to grow with extended physical contact.
“So you’re a sober fire mutant.” Randall began from across the room, making me shake my head lightly to myself as I grabbed the glasses, making my way towards the group.
“Yeah sure you could say that. And you guys are..?” She trailed off.
“It’s not really a secret society if you tell people.” Lilith huffed as she leaned further into the couch.
“That’s a valid point. Maybe you shouldn’t have taken me to your lair then.” Andy smiled as I moved to sit on the couch across from her since Randall already claimed the seat next to her. “How about we take turns answering questions. Like twenty questions. I’m an open book.”
“Were you one of those HYDRA experiments? Like the Winter Soldier?” Randall blurted out.
“Bucky wasn’t a mutant, and he was brainwashed, but no I was born like this.” Andy responded.
Bucky? Isn’t that the name of one of the guys she was talking to last night on her way home?
“You’re on first name basis with the Winter Soldier?” Jack asked.
“Ah ah, my turn. How are you guys enhanced?”
“Might as well tell her.” Lilith looked over at me.
“We’re werewolves dude!” Randall exclaimed, getting Andy’s attention. “We’re the Knights of Saint Christopher.”
She narrowed her eyes at him before turning to look at me. Our eyes met, and I could see she was curious. Maybe even a little skeptical.
“We were chosen by our werewolf hides to be their champions. We fight for a cause until the day we die, and then the hides will choose new champions.” I elaborated. “My hide’s name is Tundra. Lilith’s is Timber, Randall has Greybeard, and Jack has Silverback.”
“Interesting.” She whispered as my eyes flashed silver.
“Who are you really?” Lilith had a slight glare directed at Andy, which I understood. She always has her guard up, it’s one of the reasons why she’s Timber’s chosen champion.
Andy cleared her throat as she stood up a little straighter on the couch as opposed to how she was leaned back and comfortable on it.
“I guess it’s not that big of a deal, Nat leaked majority of our files to the world.” She spoke softly. “Anderson Hughes, SHIELD agent for about 15 years before it fell and our files were made public. I was brought onto the Avengers Initiative unofficially when it launched to combat Loki.”
I definitely didn’t expect that. I was wondering why none of us recognized her. I mean the rest of the Avengers and their alter egos were very public and publicized, but I don’t recognize her or her name. Speaking of her name, Anderson, it kind of suits her.
“This is incredible. What are the odds, a celebrity here at Belgrave.” Randall laughed, a wide smile on his face.
“More like a killer in our midst.” Jack spoke, causing a growl to escape past my lips before I could stop it. Everyone’s eyes were on me within a second.
“You doing okay over there?” Andy mused as she leaned back into the couch.
I felt my cheeks heat up as I looked down at my untouched glass. I slowly took a sip of the old fashioned, hoping the attention would turn away from me.
“So what’s the order?” Her velvety voice range through my ears, almost making me choke on my drink.
“How do you know about that?” Lilith growled, sitting up on the couch.
“Jack mentioned it earlier after I fried your guy.” Andy shrugged. “Is it safe to assume it’s another secret society I shouldn’t know about?”
“Absolutely.” Jack responded immediately.
“Why come to Belgrave? Why not keep being an Avenger?” My lips moving before I could help it.
I immediately regretted asking it when her face fell, her lips turning down into a frown as her brows pulled together at the middle. Her eyes also looked kind of glazed over, like she was reliving a scenario before us.
“I don’t think you can really quit being an Avenger, but I never really was one to begin with. After Steve and Tony’s death when we went up against Thanos again after the blip, I kind of just wanted to get out and do something normal.” She paused briefly, taking in a shaky breath. “SHIELD was all I knew for 15 years of my life. I’m 23. There has to be more out of life for me than to just keep fighting and fighting, and then sitting around looking for another fight.” She wiped her hands at her face, clearing away the tears that escaped.
My heart clenched at her words, her whole life had been nothing but focusing on using her to fight for the greater good. She couldn’t help that she was born with these extraordinary gifts. I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around her and kiss away her worries. She doesn’t deserve to be sucked up into all of this. This also meant that she couldn’t stick around for much longer, no matter how much Tundra and I protested, once Vera got wind of our slip up with Andy she’d force Andy to forget everything. But that didn’t mean we couldn’t enjoy whatever time we got to have with her.
“If we keep going at this tone, I’m going to need a few more drinks.” Randall sighed insensitively.
“Here here.” Lilith agreed as she relaxed a bit more as she started to warm up to Andy, probably sympathizing with her situation.
Anderson’s POV
“You’re right, I’m sorry.” I sighed. “It’s been a rough few months, it just felt so good to get that out in the open.”
“Thank you for being honest with us at least.” Jack sent a shy smile my way, and I couldn’t help but smile back at him. “And I’m sorry for calling you a killer.”
“Oh please, that label can probably be placed on every one of us in this room.”
“Well you’re welcome around here anytime you want, even after the semester does finally start, I’d be happy to see you around here. Just no more sad stories, I need more of the action and adventure Avenger stories.” Randall put a hand on my shoulder, giving it a light squeeze before he got up off the couch to walk towards the bar.
“I wouldn’t want to impose.” I looked down into my lap to wipe imaginary dust off my exposed thigh.
“I don’t live here, but I wouldn’t mind you being around.” Jack added in.
Looking towards Lilith, who seemed to be the most distrusting of me, she had a small smirk on her face.
“I don’t really care. As long as you don’t give us reason to kill you.”
I lifted my hands up in protest as I sent her a large smile. I knew she’d come around sooner or later. Women with strong personalities and attitudes like us are just naturally drawn to each other.
“As the leader of the Knights of Saint Christopher.” Hamish’s voice made me turn towards him. “It seems you’re an unofficial Knight yourself, for the meantime.” He teased, sending me a wink that made my heart stutter. He’s so handsome.
“So when’s your guys’ date?” Randall asked from across the room, making my eyes widen. “Hamish did ask you out right?”
“Thank you Randall.” Hamish sighed, sounding like an exasperated mother.
“Yeah when is our date Hamish?” I decided to join in, reveling in the way Hamish’s cheeks flushed pink. “Don’t worry, I won’t pressure you into it. But it’s getting late and I should be heading home.” Standing from the couch, I checked my pocket to make sure I still had my phone on me, which I did.
“I’ll walk you.” Hamish stood up as well, downing the remainder of his drink, putting the glass down on the coffee table.
“I appreciate that, but it’s not necessary. I’m sure you’ve got better things to do.” I made my way to the front door. “Thanks for letting me stick around guys.” I waved to the rest of the group as I opened the front door and stepped out.
I heard Hamish’s footsteps following behind me, and I didn’t really want to protest. I wouldn’t mind being in his company a little longer; maybe I could get some answers out of him. He probably knew what was going on, or I was going crazy and there really was no real tension happening between us. I started walking towards where we initially came from, towards the main path as Hamish caught up to walk beside me.
“So you’ve been with SHIELD since you were 8?” He questioned.
“Yeah, I was in an orphanage when my powers erupted, SHIELD caught wind of it and from there they took me in and tried to help me get things under control.” I responded, enjoying the slight breeze as I saw the sky start to slowly darken.
“That seems like a lot to handle for someone so young.”
“I can’t change what happened to me, just like I’m sure you can’t change the events and experiences you’ve had. We’ve just got to live with it and move forward.” I shrugged, turning my head to look over at him. “How did you become a Knight?”
He cleared his throat, reaching up to scratch at his neck. I was about to tell him that he didn’t have to share anything if he didn’t want, but before I could open my mouth he beat me to it.
“I met a girl, her name was Cassie. She turned out to be a werewolf, and I was so in love with her that I devoted my life to the cause to be with her. She died a few years back.” He sighed.
“I’m sorry for opening up old wounds.” I frowned, my heart clenching for him and his loss.
“I’ve been told it helps to talk about these things, it helps with the healing process.” He shrugs.
“I didn’t peg you for the therapy type.” I joked.
“I’m not, I read it in this thing called a book.” He retorted, making me look over at him.
“Oh wow, funny guy, I like that.” I smiled at him as we approached my building.
“Do you?” Hamish cleared his throat as we got closer to my door.
“I already agreed to go on a date with you Hamish, so what do you think?” I smirked at him, reaching out to unlock my door. “Did you want to come in?” I left the door open behind me as I slipped off my running shoes.
Hamish followed in quietly, closing the door behind himself and following my lead to remove his shoes as well, leaving him in his socks. I gestured for him to sit on the couch as I walked over the kitchen island which was in full view of the living room in the small sized home.
“Want anything to drink? I have tea, coffee, and water.” I offered, a small smile on my face as I saw him grimace. “I have a bottle of scotch.” I whispered as if I was telling a secret, causing Hamish’s eyebrow to raise at me.
“Do you now? I can probably throw something together with whatever ingredients you have on hand.” Standing from the couch, he made his way towards me in the kitchen area.
As he got closer, I gestured towards the cabinets behind me for him to grab a glass. Reaching into a cabinet underneath the island, I pulled out a bottle that resembled a decanter. Hamish had grabbed two glasses, despite me telling him earlier today that I don’t drink, and placed them on the island as he stood next to me. He eyed the bottle with wide eyes.
“I’ve never shared this with anyone.” I confessed, keeping my eyes on the bottle, my fingers tracing the decorative glass lid.
“The bottle doesn’t even look like it’s been opened.” Hamish pointed out.
“That’s because it hasn’t.”
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Hamish’s POV
“Can I ask why you have the fanciest bottle of scotch I’ve ever seen if you don’t drink?” I questioned as I saw a sad smile on her face, her eyes looked glassy as she looked down at the bottle.
The bottle she had on hand is a Macallan Lalique scotch that’s been aged for 72 years. They’re made in Scotland, and I’ve always wanted to taste it. But for about one hundred thousand dollars a bottle, I didn’t see myself ever getting this opportunity. I don’t even have to worry about adding anything to it, it wasn’t meant for mixing.
“It was a gift from Tony. He had a refined taste, told me I didn’t like liquor because I’ve only ever had cheap shit.” She snorted as she popped off the top and began to pour the liquid into a glass.
“This must have a lot of sentimental value for you, so I appreciate you sharing this with me.” She pushed the glass a little closer to me before putting the top of the decanter back on.
“I don’t mind?” Andy didn’t sound too sure as she looked down at her hands, leaning on her elbows on the island, making me raise an eyebrow at her. “Bear with me, I have a lot going on in my mind right now that I have to say.” She looked up from her hands, making eye contact with me. “I know we’ve known each other for all of a day, but I don’t know why I don’t mind sharing something so sacred with you, and I feel like I’m going crazy being around you. I feel like I know you, and there’s something about you that just makes me feel, comfortable?”
“I don’t know what to say to that besides I feel the same way right now.” I said after a beat of silence. “Ever since you walked into the bar, Tundra and I have been drawn to you.” I made my way closer to her, causing her to stand up straight, our eyes still staring into the others’. “When I’m in your presence I feel, at peace? Like there’s nowhere else I need to be.” I took a deep breath as we were almost touching, the smell of smoke and spices becoming more familiar. “And since my last relationship ended the way it did, I’ll admit that I’m scared of whatever this is.”
“I am too.” She whispered.
Lifting my right hand up, I placed it upon her cheek to caress it, my thumb rubbing along her cheekbone, that familiar shock running through my body as it began to heat up. Her eyes closed as she let out a sigh, her body visibly relaxing as she leaned into my touch.
“Do you feel it too?” I asked softly.
“The shock and warm and fuzzy feeling whenever we touch?” She had a small smile on her face. “What does it mean?”
“I have no idea.” I whispered as my eyes lingered on her lips, and I almost couldn’t resist the urge to kiss her.
Her eyes slowly fluttered open, looking up into my eyes with dilated pupils. In the silent room, I could hear her heart beat speeding up and I knew she was feeling the same way I was. Her eyes flickered to my lips and I couldn’t stop myself from slowly leaning in.
“Wait.” She spoke, jerking me from my trance as I pulled my hand from her face, my thoughts clearing up slightly.
I immediately was filled with regret as I was obviously too forward with her. I didn’t want to come across as too eager but I couldn’t help myself. I hope she isn’t too upset with me.
“I have to be honest with you. I’m not in a committed relationship, not that that’s what I’m expecting out of this, but I do have someone I see every few months. We share an attraction to one another, but it’s very complicated.” She rushed out in one breath, her shoulders tensed as she maintained eye contact. I didn’t know what I was expecting her to say, but it definitely wasn’t that.
“Is it complicated because neither of you want to commit to one another?” I asked after a beat of silence.
“Yes? His father, wife, and son were killed over 9 years ago.” She sighed, making my eyes widen slightly. “He’s currently in a maximum security prison, our contact is limited to brief and few phone calls and visits every few months separated by reinforced glass. We’ve been in contact for the past 5 years.” I hope my face didn’t show how shocked I really was by her confession.
“That’s a lot to take in.” I mutter, letting my eyes roam across her features. “How does he feel about you moving here, taking the risk of meeting someone outside of bars?”
“He’s aware the possibility is there, and he wants nothing more than for me to be happy. But having his companionship is very important to me. He’s an important part of my life. He doesn’t mind sharing my affection.” She spoke confidently. “And neither do I. If that’s an issue for you, then I’m sorry for wasting your time.”
My eyes abruptly stopped their journey, looking back into her green orbs. The idea of sharing her affection with another man should be ridiculous to me, especially when said man had a whole life and family lost and is now apparently spending his life in prison. But for some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to really care about that. Tundra was practically purring underneath my skin at being in her presence, and I couldn’t see myself letting her out of my life now that I’ve had a taste of her in it. I wanted to enjoy my time with her to the fullest, before we had to deal with Vera and the order.
“I would still like to pursue, whatever this is, and see where we end up.” I admitted, a smile on my lips as my eyes trailed down to her lips.
“I’m happy to hear that. And I still need to shower, I’m all gross from my run earlier.” She smiled shyly at me. “How about you enjoy your drink while I get a bit more decent.” She pat me lightly on the chest before going around me and disappearing into what I assumed was her bedroom, leaving me at a loss for words.
I felt Tundra bristle at her sudden escape, and I couldn’t help but feel my body deflate at the loss of her presence. I really needed to get a grip, I was acting like a lovesick teenager. Talking some sense into myself, my eyes went to the glass of scotch still sitting on the kitchen island. My ears perked at the sound of the shower starting. Reaching for the glass on the island, I took a small sip, nearly letting out a groan as the liquid coated my taste buds. Christ this was amazing scotch. Cheers to Mr. Stark for gifting her such an exquisite liquor.
I heard the water to the shower shut off as I reached the bottom of the glass. Placing it gently into the sink behind me, I made my way towards the couch, getting comfortable as I waited for Andy to return. A few minutes later, she emerged from her room dressed in an oversized t shirt that stopped at her midthigh, and I wasn’t sure if she was wearing anything else; Tundra was stirring within me. I felt my cheeks heat up as I forced my eyes to look up to her face.
“I’m glad you didn’t run off just yet.” She laughed, walking over to plop down beside me on the couch, turning her body to face me.