“Many reasons,” Z replied. “None of which I plan on telling you at this point in time. Angela: who is your dad?”
Angela wasn’t sure she liked Z much.
“Why?”
“Two reasons. First, and most important – not that you’ll like it much – this world does not know how to deal with Mutants. Or Triggered,” Z added with a wry look at the Hansons. “We like to keep a low profile. Or at least, keep our powers secret. I think the best thing for you to do is to get out of human society and into Mutant society.”
As Angela opened her mouth to object, the shape shifter held up a hand.
“I’m not going to force you into anything,” Z assured her. “It’s a recommendation, not a requirement. However, I do suggest you let me introduce you to other Mutants – they’re not all like me.”
Zac was a little shocked at her subtle admission that she knew that not many people liked her much. Or him – whatever.
“Second reason,” and Z glanced at Walker, “also one of the reasons I’m here. We’re looking for a werewolf pack leader.”
“Werewolf?” Taylor repeated.
“Yes, we have werewolves too. They call groups of them packs, of course, and most of them have an ‘alpha male’, as it were, who is the leader. We know he’s in the area. And we recently learnt he has a daughter, who is, coincidentally enough, a Hanson fan.”
“Do they really turn into wolves at a full moon?” Zac inquired.
“Some of them change at night, yes. But I haven’t heard of any that only change at the full moon. Some of them change under completely different circumstances. And some of them are more like the Goblin, half human, half wolf, and don’t change at all.”
“You – you think my dad...” Angela trailed off briefly. “No, no way is he a werewolf. That’s a lie!”
“Relax. I wasn’t accusing him of being one. I simply implied it was a possibility.”
“I think,” Diana cut in, “that this has already been too much for Angela to chew in one day. Will your parents expect you home soon?”
“I only live with my dad. And he works a night shift, so he won’t be home until morning,” then she noticed the look on Z’s face. “But doesn’t make him a werewolf!”
“Oh, you’re right. It doesn’t,” Z heartily agreed. “Lots of people work night shifts. What does he do?”
“Security.”
“Would you like to stay with us tonight Angela?” Diana cut in again. “I’m sure we could get you a room at the hotel. That way you don’t have to worry about your Dad seeing your wings. Werewolf or not, no parent would take that very well. Believe me, honey, I know.”
Angela opened her mouth to reply, closed it, smiled and opened it again.
“Thanks. I’d like to give Dad a call first though – so he won’t worry.”
“He lets you stay over at hotels often?” Zac asked with a grin.
“I’d tell him I’m staying at a friends – that wouldn’t be a total lie would it?” Angela asked hopefully.