The leaves stuttered and danced, and the sky was lights out when the grey-tinged werewolf made its way through the walloping door of the large manor. Its hide swirled like bits of sand as it shrunk into a figure of a man — who, despite his raven-black hair flying everywhere, was a gorgeous piece of work. The moon goddess might have spilled the bucket of handsomeness all over the pot when she made him. Not that he'd complain about it. If ever, he would probably even commend and praise the muse.
Striding on the hall with his bare feet against the cold marble floor, he grabbed a black, gold-threaded robe carried by a blushing young maid, who had already seen his crotch more than she could count with her fingers, wrapped it around his waist and headed straight to the grand staircase.
The maid's red cheeks died down and turned into raised brows when — for the first time — the man did not flirt with her! She was even more confused about the troubled scowl on his face, which looked unusual than the usual grimace which she had seen more than she had with his under part.
"Um, sir—"
"What?" the man snapped.
She flinched, confusion swerving to intimidation now. The latter noticed, shocked with his sudden reaction with his cute maid. He shook his head, tried to flash a lady-killer grin like he always did. But he couldn't find the will to do so.
He sighed, slightly rubbing his eye with his palm as he uttered, "What is it?"
"Um— I was wondering if y-you'd like a cup of coffee?"
The man mentally snapped at himself due to his current self. Course it was the coffee. He had been asking her to bring one to his room every time he'd return to the mansion after a long night out for almost an uncountable cycle now.
"Right, the usual," he said before the confused maid timidly moved on her way.
Suddenly, the man became conscious of the hurried heavy-soled steps echoing closer and closer. His eyes widened, and he tried to hurry to the bifurcated staircase, repeating profanities under his breath as he did, familiar to whoever's shoes that were.
Too late. Midways up to the next floor, someone hollered at him. He cursed.
"Kain, there you are," Alistair called out.
Kain slightly clenched his jaw, slowly running his fingers through his hair as he turned from his spot. His blue eyes trailed the bald man who wore beige trousers and white sleeves. It was their most trusted pack's advisor, who, as Kain thought, specialized in being a nagging wise, old man.
Alistair made his way towards the bottom of the stairs. He tilted his head up to look eye to eye with the man that looked like he just woke up and was just about to jump into a jacuzzi leisurely.
"Hey, Alis," Kain greeted, trying to keep his natural face. He leaned over the ornated iron railings, crossing his herculean arms against his broad chest.
"I heard about what happened."
"There's nothing to worry about. We already dealt with it—"
"I'm talking about the werecats."
Fuck, those babbler mouths, Kain mentally cursed, regretting not telling his men to zip their whole face.
"Oh. That one," he replied, shrugging. "They're nothing important."
Lies.
Alistair frowned. "Nothing important, yet you—" Alistair bit back his words. He knew better not to probe or question more and anger the younger man. Kain, after all, was an active volcano. "Anyways. You should probably lessen your. . . leisure activities and attend more to your responsibilities. Rumors keep on circulating."
Kain twirled a finger on the handrail. "Rumors like what?"
"That the vampires are running rampant, and one of the alphas is still collecting more vaginas."
The latter snorted. "Do I really look like a horn dog to those idiots?"
"You can't help them. It's mostly true, after all."
Kain smirked. "Well, that is a fact."
Alistair shook his head. "Anyways, you ought to attend the meeting tomorrow," he announced.
"Why should I? It's all just blah, blah, blah. Is there any change of course?"
"Your brother, Zach, is coming."
Kain's eyes snapped. Zach was in charge of managing their central business corp and was often thrown at different points on the map. For him to come back to the main estate just for a meeting must mean something.
He stared at Alistair. "Why is he coming?"
"They said there's something very vital that should be discussed tomorrow," Alistair replied.
Kain threw him an inquiring look.
"It concerns the disappearance of civilians."
The latter frowned.