《Wolf’s Bane》


 PROLOGUE: FIGHT OR FLIGHT

    ¡°Surrender now, Right Hand! We¡¯ll make it short and sweet if you do that!¡±


    ¡°Holy crap, Ogre, you really going to do this now? Yap yap yap instead of just shooting at me? Are we in a fucking B action movie or what?¡±


    ¡°We mean it, A-Bomb, stop joking around! Better that you just give up the fight and spare yourself the torture once we gun you down!¡±


    ¡°Bro! That¡¯s a ssic bad-guy move, ok? Once you start monologuing, it¡¯s over! You¡¯re gonna lose for sure!¡±


    ¡°Damn it, A! It¡¯s fight or flight! What do you really want to do? But whatever you choose, be prepared for the consequences!¡±


    ¡°Whatever I choose, I¡¯m never going back! NEVER, you hear me Hiro!¡±


    ¡°So be it¡­¡±


    The muscr man in the leather jacket, ck jeans, and ankle-high leather boots kept his Ruger American pistols near his chest as a continuous barrage of gunfire razed the wall where he was hiding. He knew that the cemented outdoor partition of the mall parking space where his former colleagues and underlings had forced him to hide was quite adequate to keep him safe for a while.


    A while meant fifteen minutes of continuous fire from semi-automatic handguns and artillery rounds from heavy assault rifles. He¡¯s lucky they didn¡¯t bring a bazooka.


    ¡°Or did they?¡± he mumbled to himself. ¡°If I knew my boss, he¡¯d probably insist on The Left Hand to bring one.¡±


    A split-second silence gave him the boost to sprint from his hiding ce, shooting as he ran to another wall to hide behind again. He counted at least three people that he was sure he hit fatally and around five that he had managed to injure with his continuous gunshots.


    ¡°Hooray for enhanced hearing! The sound of my bullets hitting body parts and those cries of pain and surprise are enough for me to know where I got them and who I just hit. Sorry, guys, but it¡¯s my life on the line here and I always put myself first in these situations. Now, where the heck is that car¡­¡± he whispered to himself as the poor wall he was hiding started to look like a sponge due to the new hail of bullets hitting it non-stop.


    From his vantage point, he was finally able to spot the ck and elegant Mercedes Benz, which was the car his boss had gifted him two months before. Of course, at that time he was still the beloved Right-Hand man of their district¡¯s governor.


    He¡¯s the only one the governor could trust to kill targets and make it look like an ident, while still managing to lead his boss¡¯ private army with The Left Hand.


    Now that he¡¯s nning to ¡°resign¡± he knew it wasn¡¯t going to be easy. Tonight¡¯s little ¡°incident¡± as he was going home after a short visit to the grocery store showed him how his boss would rather have him ¡°retired¡± than quit his position.


    The only solution to this ¡°problem¡± was for him to fight his way out. Hence, this evening¡¯s gun fight¡­


    He overheard The Left Hand giving orders to the other fighters with him: ¡°Our inside guy just gave the warning. The cops will be here in five minutes. We need to end this now!¡±


    ¡°Yep, we definitely should,¡± said The Right Hand to himself. ¡°Do it, Hero! Just fucking do it!¡±


    As if on cue, a hand grenade suddenly flew in from the other side of the wall. Swiftly, he spun with one leg extended while aiming a roundhouse kick at the flying object. It bounced off his boot perfectly and shot back into the darkness, where he hoped most of his attackers were.


    Bingo, the loud explosion proved his hopes to be true!


    The feared expert assassin took this chance to run towards his car at almost superhuman speed. He quickly got in the driver¡¯s seat, tossed his guns on the passenger¡¯s side, and mmed the door. Just in time too, hiding behind the car¡¯s bulletproof body as relentless and powerful rifle shots peppered the different parts of his vehicle.


    ¡°It¡¯s now or never!¡± The Right Hand yelled as he pulled down his car brakes, pressed on the clutch button and ced his thumb on the fingerprint panel to start his car.


    It took only three seconds toplete that.


    While it took less than two seconds for the car to start.


    And it took only one for the trigger to sound under the vehicle¡­ Then arge explosion blew up The Right Hand¡¯s ride!


    KABOOM!


    The mobsters who were after the A-bomb had no time to celebrate though¡­


    ¡°Boss, the cops!¡± screamed one of the minions, pointing at the approaching vehicles.


    ¡°Get to the cars! Go go go!¡±


    After less than ten minutes, and an extreme, intense car chase and fierce gunfightter, the three bulletproof Ford Explorer vans were all intact, and were on their way back to the secret hideaway for them to get cleaned, repaired, and given new license tes. Within twenty-four hours they would be ready to be driven by the governor¡¯s henchmen once again.


    Speaking of henchmen, The Left Hand took out his mobile as he walked out of the hideaway and left behind his team who were still being fixed by their private medics. He looked at the screen and scowled, then huffed disappointingly.


    ¡°Really, he can¡¯t even wait for me to get back to his house to make a face-to-face report,¡± grunted the private army¡¯s official second-inmand since their ¡°employer¡± obviously wanted to remain the leader but anonymously. ¡°Might as well, then¡­¡±


    The broad-shouldered and muscled man, who slightly resembled a more Asian version of Henry Cavill during his Superman days, pushed the green icon at the bottom of his mobile¡¯s screen, along with the speakerphone button, before speaking. ¡°Yes, boss?¡±


    ¡°I was waiting for your report. What¡¯s taking you so long?¡±Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°We had to leave the ¡®venue¡¯, Sir. The cops arrived a little too early.¡±


    ¡°What? What happened to our snitch? He was supposed to make sure that they didn¡¯t arrive too soon.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. But I¡¯ll be dealing with him tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°And did you deal with Aaron?¡±


    Again, the squad leader huffed derisively. It¡¯s as if the question was an insult to him. ¡°Of course, Sir. I would not dare go back home to you if I didn¡¯t finish my task tonight.¡±


    ¡°I want to see his body¡­¡±


    A slight pause¡­ then a sigh¡­


    ¡°Sir, his car exploded while he was inside. I rigged that bomb myself so I¡¯m sure he¡¯s dead.¡±


    ¡°Not even a video? Or maybe even a photograph? You seem to bepsing, my dear Left Hand. This is not like you¡­ at all.¡±


    ¡°The cops arrived too early, like I said. You¡¯ll see it in the news for sure. I¡¯m sure the media can give you photos and videos, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Hero, please¡­ you know who we are dealing with, right? This is the man who can easily make his targets look like they died due to an ident or by natural means. On that note, I believe he is quite capable of faking his own death. So¡­ until I am sure that whatever body the media releases is truly Aaron¡¯s then I will insist that you don¡¯t assure me that he is indeed dead. Am. I. Clear?¡±


    The Left Hand inhaled deeply just to keep himself calm before speaking, ¡°Yes, Sir. I¡¯ll get on it as soon as I can.¡±


    ¡°Good. Now you can go back to my mansion and rest. You have a lot to do in the morning.¡±


    Hero¡¯s jaw tightened as he tried to control his thoughts and his tone. ¡°Yes, Sir.¡±

 NEW BEGINNINGS

    Where would you say is the best ce to hide when you¡¯re starting a new life? Some people say it¡¯s in in sight, right in front of the people who might look for you. Some others dream of a peaceful, quiet hideaway, that¡¯s located a good distance from everything familiar.


    Like a remote lumberjack camp up in the mountains, so far, far away.


    ¡°I can hardly believe that you were just a security guard back in your city, or how they let go of a guy that looks so menacing as you. Are you sure you were just that?¡± a smiling man with brown hair and blue eyes said.


    He was walking and talking with another man, with a simr description as his, having the same height of six feet, broader shoulders though, and a slightly more muscr body. Also, the second one happened to have brown-reddish hair, hazel eyes closer to green than brown, and a more obvious tan.


    It had been less than an hour since the job interview, and the employer decided to make sure his newly hired employee would be ok with his first day at work, especially since this neer said he had never worked as a logger before ¡°but he could manage¡±.


    It was necessary to make sure that this newbie could really get by with his new job, right?


    ¡°Well yeah, I¡¯m sure. I don¡¯t know about the ¡®menacing¡¯ part though,¡± the second man said, while memories were suddenly triggered inside his head due to that particr adjective.


    These same realizations also reflected in his light-coloured hazel eyes, but he kept mum about it¡­


    His thoughts: ¡°That¡¯s a topic that should never be touched. Not ever again, if I could help it. So yeah, stop thinking about that, Eron. And you have to be a little moreid back¡­ let The Charmer out instead of the dark one.¡±


    ¡°Why the question, Mr. Schneider?¡±


    ¡°Told you already, Eron, just call me Jack. Mr. Schneider is still my father. I asked because I got curious, simple as that. You don¡¯t look like the usual guy who would work out here in the boondocks.¡±


    And it was true.


    Jack had developed muscles by working hard up the mountain, but the new guy in the loggingpany juste from the city and was born in another city in a different country supposedly.


    And those two facts were making Jack even more curious and made it hard for him to believe.


    Mr. Schneider¡¯s thoughts: ¡°Sorry bro, but you don¡¯t look like a regr security guard¡­ maybe a gym buff¡­ a bouncer in a nightclub¡­ even a stripper¡­ but a security guard? The ones I know have a belly, not an eight-pack¡­ damn, I think I¡¯m looking too much into it¡­ I guess I¡¯m used to different things. Those guys from the city care too much for the looks.¡±


    ¡°A stripper, huh? Ok, Jack, then. I¡¯m really thankful for the chance to work with you guys, especially since I have no experience in this,¡± Eron said, a small relieved smile marking his face. ¡°But I really was a private security guard and no way am I any of those.¡±


    Now, got to get into the groove¡­ heh, tree grooves¡­ pun intended¡­


    Half an hour into working, his perfect tan shone with the small drops of sweat that ran wild over his skin as he regrly and strongly raised his axe. His naked torso showed how his toned muscles flexed and then contracted when he powerfully let the axe fall on the fallen massive tree trunk that Jack had directed him to chop.


    This was the easiest job they could give him while he got used to the machinery. Although Jack was still unsure of his new worker¡¯s inexperience since, after about an hour, the neer had already demolished a few logs.


    The foreman/owner looked from his new hire to the bunch of fast-increasing, well-cut pieces of wood that Eron had stacked up already, and felt his jaw suddenly dropping.


    ¡°Looks like you came here at the right time, too. We¡¯re starting a new season of harvests, and the more help we can get, the better,¡± said Jack, after he had closed his mouth and had recovered from the shock.¡± There¡¯s more to this lumberyard than just cutting down trees, you know.¡±


    ¡°Heh, as long as I can earn from it, I¡¯m all good, Jack.¡±


    ¡°Damn, I wish I looked like that¡­ the boss sadly thought as he continued to watch his new employee cut through more wood. ¡°Maybe that way I¡¯d easily get a girlfriend and not be friend-zoned all the time¡­¡±


    Even if he was well built, he didn¡¯t have the confidence that the guy in front of him, who simply exuded charm. And somehow, he knew that well, just by looking at Eron. Besides, the city mouse just looked too good-looking to just be cutting up wood.


    ¡°Anyway, I just came to check how it was going for you. Call me if you need anything,¡± Jack finally said and was almost leaving when he heard a question from the sweaty, tanned newbie.


    ¡°Well, there is something I wanna ask, but it isn¡¯t an urgent matter really¡­ I¡¯m looking for a room to rent. Do you know about any? I got here literally a couple of days ago, and I don¡¯t mind camping. I actually like it, but if it rains, I¡¯ll be in trouble. Well, at least my bike will be for sure.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just CAMPING?! ALL ALONE?! Where?¡±


    ¡°Not far from here. I have all I need, but, yeah, as I told you, rain would be a big problem.¡±


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s someone I know that maybe¡­ but I¡¯ll ask first. I¡¯ll let you know what the answer is.¡±


    ¡°Okay, thank you,¡± Eron said, now more rxed and softly smiling as he got back to work.


    Jack looked once more at him, suspicion in his eyes. It was not usual to receive tourists in that part of the mountains, not locals, and it was even rarer to see foreigners. It wasn¡¯t about distrust, after all, but that feeling of the unusual which was poking at the lumberjack¡¯s brain¡­


    A foreigner that had just arrived in their country, and was camping in the forest, and cutting wood as if it was his second nature. And insisting that he just got tired of the city, which is why he¡¯s doing all this?


    ¡°I swear, bro, not a bodyguard, not a bouncer, not a stripper. I had a simple job because I always liked to live a simple life. But I just got tired of it all. The job, the city, the people over there, all stressed and rushing all the time. I just needed a break, and this ce seemed to be exactly what I needed,¡± Eron said with a chuckle, surprising Jack, as he noticed the disbelief in the way his boss looked at him.


    Jack too, was lost in his thoughts, not noticing that he was still staring: ¡°How does a guy like him get tired of the city? I could bet a month of sry on him being followed tirelessly by a group ofdies, and I dare say, a few guys like Uncle Louie¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I think I still have ¡®The Charm¡¯ as they used to say. Sorry boss, it¡¯s not you. I was trained to cause that kind of attraction on people,¡± thought Eron to himself as he chuckled. ¡°Well, to make us security guards more approachable, I mean¡­¡±


    Good save, Eron¡­


    Jake snapped back to reality and exined hurriedly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I was seriously wondering, if I was to leave my country, I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about my mother and father, and if any of my brothers are helping them, if there were any, that is. I don¡¯t like to ask questions; you know? I do try to mind my own business, but you happen to be the first foreigner I¡¯ve seen in a while. Do you not miss your family, man?¡±


    These words triggered another trip through Eron¡¯s memories, which he quickly put aside. This was another conversation that he wasn¡¯t willing to have. At least his n wasn¡¯t to go any deeper than what was necessary.


    ¡°I kinda miss my older brother. But with the rest of the family, I really wasn¡¯t that close. I talked a lot with his¡­ uh¡­ wife¡­ and I do miss her, too. But really, not much with my parents, or the¡­ town we lived in.¡±


    The small pauses and second thoughts had caught Jake¡¯s attention. He had noticed that these clues were heavily hinting at a deeper and hidden part in Eron¡¯s story.


    That part that the foreigner refused to let anybody know¡­


    ¡°So, you left without thinking of going back? That¡¯s really something¡­ And chose here to stay?! You¡¯re either crazy or are a loose killer who¡¯s been wanted by the police in different countries and thinks that he won¡¯t be found here. Sorry bro, but your story is that¡­ uh¡­ unique.¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ if you only knew,¡± the newbie whispered.


    Eron let out a heartyugh, more out of irony than sincerity, and started editing the words in his head before it spilled out of his mouth¡­This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°To be honest, Jack, I wasn¡¯t really living or spending time with my family anymore. It had been like that for quite a long while now. My father wasn¡¯t really happy with me and always favoured my older brother, because I wasn¡¯t up to his standards. Meanwhile, my brother ended up being an obnoxious overachiever, but I guess thates with the role he¡¯s supposed to have in the family. Although, I¡¯m still thankful that he made me feel like his brother from time to time. I just had to find my own life away from them, that¡¯s all.¡±


    And so that was it. If there was something truly real from what Eron said to Jack during his job interview or any time after, it was that.


    ¡°So, I got myself into different countries, mostly using working visas, and got busy. And here I am today at your lumberpany, and I think I¡¯m gonna like it here. Compared to my former work, this is all pretty amazing for me.¡±


    He paused a moment, still seeing in the back of his mind the countless memories that the conversation was triggering. So many things he never talked about, or would even dare to tell just anyone.


    ¡°Aaaand¡­ if you ever, for any reason, wanted to go back home, Eron, will you give me notice or just disappear?¡± asked the boss with concern.


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll leave. My father would never take me back. As a matter of fact, he would probably kill me the moment he saw me walking towards the family house,¡± Eron said with a sad smile.


    ¡°That¡¯s a shame¡­ Families are meant to be close; you know. Especially during the hard times¡­¡±


    Now it was Jack¡¯s turn to stare out into the distance, his memories now running scenes from his past. He couldn¡¯t help it, since every time he thought of his family, he would think of all of them.


    Including the ones whom he was not even certain if they were still alive¡­

 THE PAST MEETS THE PRESENT

    More than a decade ago¡­


    ¡°Sorah, what are you doing out of the house at this time? You know we shouldn¡¯t be outside at this hour!¡± A teenager Jack hissed/yelled at his sister, who was just a year older than him.


    ¡°What? Nothing¡¯s gonna happen! Besides, I¡¯m technically not even outside the house, I¡¯m just sitting on the roof, Jack, what could go wrong?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but you know they tell us those stories for a reason, Sorah¡­¡±


    ¡°The legends? Just fairy tales to keep us kids inside the house at night. Do you really believe that it is possible that something like a werewolf exists? I¡¯m no longer a child and I can¡¯t really believe those tales, brother, sorry.¡±


    ¡°Just because you¡¯re eighteen now, doesn¡¯t mean that you just can do whatever, sis¡­ Please,e back in or I¡¯ll tell Mom and Dad.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, fine, fine¡­ you¡¯re a traitor, Jack, you know that? And you talk like an old grandma.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m your brother and I¡¯m supposed to watch over you.¡±


    The youngdy tried to go back inside the house, carefully walking on the roof shingles and down to the ledge. It took all of her self-control and bnce just so she wouldn¡¯t fall while trying to get back to her room via the upstairs window.


    Her brother moved away and allowed her to jump in, still serious while she giggled and fixed her skirt.


    ¡°Grumpy kid, aren¡¯t you too young to be so serious?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a kid! I¡¯m just a year younger than you. And I¡¯m not grumpy, just not as crazy as you are¡­¡±


    She still giggled and danced around the room, opened the door, and then started to walk away. ¡°Remember what I said, though. You need to learn how to have some fun!¡±


    As soon as the words left the girl¡¯s mouth, a loud thud was heard downstairs. Their parents ran out of their room that was right next door. From the looks of them, they were just about to get ready to go to bed.


    ¡°You stay here. Jack, protect your mother and sister.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Father.¡±


    Followed by their mother, the young man pulled his sister into their parent¡¯s bedroom. The door closed behind them, and Jack stood with his back glued to it. In front of him, her sister sat in bed beside their mom, concern written all over their faces.


    Not long after, the noises of a fight, things falling down, a scream, and another thud resounded downstairs.


    Then it was silent.


    The quiet that hung in the air was more unnerving than the earlier racket.


    A few more minutes and then there were sounds of growling, soft sniffing, and muted shuffling¡­


    Were those the products of an imagination fed by the old stories told all over town? Those that his friends repeated to scare one another? Or like the ones, some worried mothers would tell their children?


    Jack pushed his back even harder against the door. His knuckles got white as he grabbed the doorknob with all his strength, and he couldn¡¯t exin why did he start to feel that fear¡­


    Increasing from the pit of his stomach, making his cold sweat roll down his face.


    But why was he so afraid?


    The three of them stayed in the room, waiting for the head of the family to go back to them, and tell them that it was a roon that got into the house¡­


    A veryrge, angry, and violent roon.


    The first flight of stairs creaked down on the first floor, pressed by the weight of something that was wayrger than the one they called father.


    ¡°Get under the bed, and don¡¯t make a sound!¡± Jack whispered, rushing to thedies, who followed his instructions immediately.


    After they were secured, he went back to the door and positioned himself against it again. The second step creaked, and then the third, and slowly, whatever it was, moved up to the top of the flight of stairs.


    The three within the bedroom wished with all their might that it was their beloved parent and husband¡­ Hoped with all their beings, almost with blind, irrational faith, that it was he that was just outside the door¡­ Unfortunately, these beliefs were only fueled by the denial of what could be now lurking inside their house¡­


    Something ¨C or someone ¨C who they had no idea on how to fight, let alone win against.


    BAM!


    A gunshot was heard from downstairs, aimed at whatever was now right at the other side of the door that Jack naively held with all his strength.


    And after that, a bloodcurdling, angry, and deafening snarl!


    The rest happened in just a blink of an eye¡­


    The door flew off of its hinges, throwing the young man into the room. A monster with huge ws and fangs stood tall, about seven feet high, right in front of the shocked and hurt Jack!


    Mother and daughter covered their mouths and noses to avoid even breathing so that things would not find them. However, the monster sniffed the air and with one paw grabbed one corner of the bed, then shoved it high in the air as if it was a weightless sheet of paper. It then pulled the younger woman, Sorah, towards him, hugging her from behind, his arm around her waist.


    Her clothes immediately soaked in the blood that was on the creature¡¯s paws, ws, and furry torso.


    It didn¡¯t seem to matter to the monster that he had a bullet hole through his shoulder. After all, the legend said that no regr bullet could kill them. It didn¡¯t matter too that the teenager he held in his arms was screaming her lungs out while trying with all her might to get free.


    Rushed steps were now thumping up the stairs!


    The monster looked at Sorah, then behind her, and finally at the window. As if barely caring about her, he curled over the girl¡¯s thrashing form, right before jumping through the window!


    All of that happened during the few seconds that it took Jack to get back on his feet due to all the pain and bruises on his body. He stumbled to the window and tried to see if he could still find her, but it was too dark. Also, the two were now out of sight.


    He couldn¡¯t even hear his sister now, nor the monster¡¯s growls. Just the cries of his mother as she ran to her husband, checking if he was alright and, at the same time, telling him about their daughter.


    Jack cursed under his breath and was soon nning to go after the beast¡¯s trail of blood. But even as he shuffled out, his father entered the room and grabbed him with a firm hold, stopping him in his tracks.


    ¡°Father, we can still find them, please! We have to get her back!¡± Tears started to fall down the younger man¡¯s face. Tears of frustration, impotence, sadness, and disbelief¡­


    The father didn¡¯t say a word. He just put his rifle away and hugged his son tightly against him. They both cried grieving tears, sure that he wouldn¡¯t let his son follow his daughter¡¯s fate.


    ¡°Father¡­ Please!¡± Jack tried once more, but knowing that his father would not let him¡­ would never let him go¡­


    The mother joined the hug and continued crying, saddened that their girl was now lost, but happy that there were survivors in her family. As it was, they were lucky that they were still alive at all.


    Of course, back then, going to the town, and asking for help to go after a werewolf, would have stigmatized their family forever. Most likely, they would get no help at all, justughs.


    The parents chose not to do that for the sake of their son and carried on with their lives.


    It took a long time for Jack to understand that, but they did not hold that against him and unconditionally loved him, no matter what he thought about them.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Family should stay together¡­


    Always.

 SECRET MEETINGS

    The barn showed signs of being abandoned, while the farmhouse that was about fifty feet away looked uninhabited as well. Technically both were, since the family who owned this farm had obviously gone abroad, died out, or was killed off by an angry mob.


    Considering how off-grid the ce was, even thest option was possible.


    So, when two expensive cars arrived to park near the barn, thirty minutes apart from each other, and then two men in suits and long coats went out of the said vehicles to meet under the shade of a nearby tree, it¡¯s obvious that this was a meeting that¡¯s out of the ordinary.


    ¡°It took a while to scrape off enough tissue and blood just to get a proper sample, Hero. Other than the initial evidence that I ran off with before, I really can¡¯t promise you more of that any time soon, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Myron the Insider said as he passed over two vials to the other man.


    Hiromoto raised the two ss tubes to look at them carefully before replying, ¡°We appreciate what you¡¯ve already given us initially, although we couldn¡¯t get anything substantial from those samples that you gave a week ago.¡±


    ¡°I really would like to help you out, but that st was so intense it practically vaporized some of the aluminum off his vehicle. It¡¯s as if it was more of an airne crash than a car bomb. You can¡¯t imagine what that kind of explosion can do to a human body.¡±


    ¡°Well, that sounds just like him. With his kind of expertise with explosives and bombs, I can understand why the governor is a little iffy at how he supposedly died.¡±


    ¡°So, are you guys really buying that theory that he set this all up himself? Faking his own death and then disappearing into the beyond forever? Kinda far-fetched if you ask me,¡± asked the cop with the strawberry blond hair and dark green eyes while he started to shuffle pebbles with his shiny ck leather ankle-high boots.


    ¡°Well, if he didn¡¯t do it himself, someone else other than us would probably have done it and they should have the connections and the money to get that kind of bomb. Considering that he never worked for anyone else other than the governor before, and he was practically invisible to his targets and his contacts, I really can¡¯t think who else can do this. And we certainly didn¡¯t do this.¡±


    ¡°Could it have been an inside job?¡±


    ¡°How could it have been an inside job if he wanted to get out of the group and he was practically doing it solo?¡± the half-Japanese former gangster lord asked with an irritated tone while one of his eyebrows raised sharply.


    ¡°Beats me. You¡¯re the Left Hand, the logical analyst and tactician. That¡¯s your job to figure out, hehe,¡± guffawed Myron as he ced his hands inside his Constantine-like trench coat.


    ¡°Thanks a lot for your confidence and faith in my skills, bro. Somehow, the way you say it doesn¡¯t sound like apliment, though,¡± chuckled The Left Hand, hitching his thumbs on his thick belt.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m paid to give information. If you want me topliment you, I¡¯ll give you a price list, Hero, haha!¡±


    ¡°Touch¨¦, Myron. At least you are principled. Disloyal but very principled.¡±


    ¡°Yep, that¡¯s definitely me. I¡¯ll give you more info when I can get some more,¡± agreed the Detective while taking out a legal-sized envelope from inside his trench coat. ¡°Meanwhile, the photos you have right there are exactly what we got in forensics and that¡¯s the more legit versions, too. Compared to the other pics that the media picked up and are dumping into the inte, this is prime stuff I¡¯m giving you, as always.¡±


    The private army leader took a quick look inside the envelope before speaking. ¡°Thanks, bro. And expect your payment within the hour. Commensurate with your performance as usual and arge bonus from the Boss himself.¡±


    ¡°Got it, and thanks too, bro. You¡¯ve got to rake in the cash, you know. nning to get married by the end of the year. Need to get the ring and the house ready, hehe.¡±


    ¡°On my behalf, just tell the unlucky bride she¡¯s getting a dud. She should be looking for a real man,¡± said Hero with a grin.


    ¡°Oooohhh¡­ just for that, you¡¯re not invited to the wedding,¡± fake-snapped Myron with a bigger grin.


    The Left Hand actuallyughed aloud ¨C which was a rare urrence ¨C as he replied, ¡°Yes, I was counting on that and you fell for it. I never liked shopping for wedding presents and I get bored during the ceremony.¡±


    The Detective pped his hands on his thighs as he guffawed loudly. ¡°Damn H, you can always give cash, you know.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not that close, Detective, and it¡¯s a lot better if it stays that way.¡±


    ¡°Well, I do hope I get invited to your wedding if that ever even happens, haha.¡±


    Sudden silence¡­


    The smile had already dropped from Hiromoto¡¯s face when he replied a few momentster. ¡°Let¡¯s not¡­ go there¡­¡±


    The Detective also paused and turned suddenly serious. ¡°Of course, Hero. I¡¯m sorry for being a little personal.¡±


    It took a while for the taller and more muscled man to answer. ¡°Well, that¡¯s not the worst thing you can do, Detective. But yes, please don¡¯t do that again. We¡¯d hate to lose a perfectly good snitch, you know.¡±


    Myron¡¯sugh was a bit forced and nervous. ¡°Haha, nice joke, Left Hand. That¡¯s a joke, right?¡±


    Silence, as the dark-haired man in the ck trench coat walked over to his car. The detective was soon running after him secondster.


    ¡°Hey, Hero, tell me it¡¯s just a joke¡­ Come on!¡±


    ¡°Good day, Detective. Thanks for your time. Be safe going back to the city. I just need to do something PERSONAL before going back,¡± was the Left Hand¡¯s cold reply, as he raised the driver¡¯s window with a touch of a button.


    ¡°Ouch,¡± mumbled Myron as he backed away from the governor¡¯s second-inmand. ¡°Memo to me: Don¡¯t be toofortable with these boys, no matter how friendly they can be.¡±


    Meanwhile, inside the car, the Left Hand dialed a number. The answer came after the third ring¡­


    ¡°Hello, bro.¡±


    ¡°Hey, bro. So how is he?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s fine. He called me yesterday. Told me he was settling in. And don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s the perfect ce. No way will our boss find him if he stays there.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s really far off, man¡­ even for us. I¡¯m wondering how the heck you know of that ce since it¡¯s so isted.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I kinda visited the ce once. Never got to go back, but yeah, it¡¯s the perfect ce to go if you ever decide to disappear.¡±


    ¡°Yes, very true. Thanks a lot for your help, bro. I owe you one.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that makes two of you brothers owe me now. And it¡¯s an honor, no worries¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an honor, too, Hero. Got to go, and thanks again.¡±


    ¡°My pleasure. Just message me if you need anything. He does the same thing, anyway.¡±


    The call ended. Just in time, too, since The Snitch had already driven away.


    Turning the ignition on with his fingerprint, he started driving out of the barnyard¡¯s gravel driveway and into the countryside road. Meanwhile, his mobile beeped to notify him of an iing message.


    The Left Hand looked at the screen. His smile was warm and instantly made his face bright and almost unrecognizable. Though his brooding poker face and mysterious scowl were both feared and infamous within his circles, this unfamiliar, rxed, and blissful look was quite refreshing, even to him¡­


    And especially to the one who had just sent him the message.


    His small smile was still growing strong as he sent a voice message. ¡°I¡¯m just a few minutes away. Wait for me.¡±


    +++


    Meanwhile, miles and miles away¡­


    ¡°Hey, are you ok, boss?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Jack returned to the present and found Eron waving his hand in front of his face.


    ¡°Yes¡­ I am, yeah¡­¡± the lumberyard head said, blinking away a wild tear that escaped his eye. ¡°I suddenly remembered an old story¡­ Which reminds me, you shouldn¡¯t be alone in the forest¡­ there are¡­ wolves there¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t see how wolves are rted to the talk about our family that we were just having, but I¡¯m d we¡¯re not talking about that anymore. So yes, on that note, wolves are all the more reason for me to find myself a room. Hope you can help.¡±


    ¡°Heh, so you¡¯re afraid of wolves, then?¡±


    ¡°No, I just don¡¯t want to end up killing them if they attack. Don¡¯t want to harm the local ecosystem, you know, me being a foreigner and all. Rangers just might arrest me for that,¡± Eron replied with a slight smirk.


    Jack once again intently looked at the hefty newbie, not knowing if the guy was serious or joking.


    Either way, Eron had guts saying that, and that was quite impressive. It also helped that, based on the way he saw this neer was strongly and expertly swinging that axe, he probably was telling the truth.


    ¡°HELLO!¡± a cheerful woman loudly greeted as she waved at the loggers.


    Thedy was quite a sight for sore eyes, with her blue, flowery knee-length dress, and a matching handkerchief over her midnight ck hair. She started walking closer and talking to the lumber mill¡¯s workers, who were working a bit far from Eron and Jack.


    Eron took one nce and gulped.


    ¡°Who is she?¡± the new hire asked, visibly captivated by the slightly chunky but very curvydy who just arrived.


    ¡°She¡¯s Diwana,¡± Jack said. ¡°Shees here to the sawmill every day to sell her dishes here. Cooks all of it herself, since she recently lost her husband and she needs the extra ie.¡±


    ¡°Really now, I just might want to have a taste¡­¡±


    The foreman nced at Eron with ¡°that look¡± again.


    The new arrival was quick to answer. ¡°Whaaat? A taste of her cooking! What the heck were you thinking, man?¡±


    ¡°Cooking, huh? There are a few of our guys who kinda like her because of that. You know how it is, the way to a man¡¯s heart is through his stomach, right?¡± Jack replied with a smirk. ¡°If you¡¯re interested in her, you might have somepetitioning your way, city boy.¡±


    ¡°Competition, huh?¡± Eron said, smirking back at Jack. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that. Let¡¯s see what she has to offer first.¡±


    And again, Jack paused and had to stare at the man standing beside him.


    Eron was also swift to reply once more. ¡°Her pastries, Jack! What the heck did you think I meant? I just love desserts. Come on, I¡¯m hungry¡­¡±


    Somehow, thatst statement didn¡¯t sound so safe and wholesome but Jack had no choice but to follow the starving guy with the hopes that there won¡¯t be any trouble any time soon. After all, he didn¡¯t want to lose such a hardworking, focused, and charming worker who¡¯s a natural logger just when he¡¯s just newly hired and all.


    Even if this mysterious man was quite a hard one to make out¡­


    ¡°Wait, bro¡­ How did you know she makes pastries?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a good nose on me for great food. Come on, let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Hold your horses. She¡¯s already walking towards us¡­¡± Jack said, his eyes still narrowed at Eron¡¯s eager look.


    The boss¡¯ thoughts: ¡°Well, he did say he was hungry¡­¡±

 THE GOVERNOR

    Hourster back in the city, inside a ssy but modern conference room, a number of distinguished men were seated at a luxurious long ss table with matching chairs¡­


    ¡°So, gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that I have found more samples taken from the site. However, our contact can no longer give us any additional ones in the future since there are no more.¡±


    ¡°Well, unfortunately, the ones that we received before are already quite tainted by the chemicals and heat of the explosions, Left Hand. It was quite impossible to be sure if the source of the samples is indeed Aaron Keiser.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you understand what I¡¯m trying toplete here, Doctor. It¡¯s very simple: I want absolute proof that the body ¨C or body parts ¨C of the burnt corpse found in the destroyed vehicle of Aaron Keiser is indeed him.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you mean was, Governor?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like repeating myself, Doctor Hauptman, but I believe that Aaron Keiser IS still out there, alive and kicking. I also believe he set up this ¡®incident¡¯ so he could fake his own death and escape his responsibilities to me and my private army. That being said, I intend to find absolute and undeniable proof of his death first before I start referring to him in the past tense. He remains alive to me unless any of you can show me indisputable evidence that he is indeed dead.¡±


    The silence that followed was quite thick in the air. No one seemed to want to break it due to some dangerous, unmentionable warning.


    But after a minute or so, someone dared to¡­


    ¡°What I don¡¯t understand is why do you still need to find this guy IF he¡¯s really still alive. Why can¡¯t he just be reced with someone better?¡±


    And the cold, heavy silence returned. This time, though, it was mixed with dread.


    The awkward moment was broken by a slim, pale senior with brown greying hair and thick-rimmed sses. He was sitting at the head of the table, quite a contrast to all the broad-shouldered suited men, and the intelligent-lookingb-coated doctors that sat with him at the long conference table.


    However, everyone was paying close attention to him and his reactions, even with extreme apprehension¡­


    Even when he was slowly chuckling to himself, his mouth twisted into a sardonic smile, one couldn¡¯t help but feel their hairs stand up on end hearing him and seeing him do so. His bodyguards and private army members were probably the only ones who knew what was about to happen next.


    And they all knew better than to stop The Governor¡­


    This average-looking thin man of 5¡¯10¡± stood up, and took out his Koth Combat revolver¡­


    Then shot thest speaker, Doctor Hauptman, in the face.


    Half the room erupted in yells of shock and even screams of terror. The other half were sighing with resignation, some of them smirking knowingly or even calmly wiping sttered blood from their clothes.


    ¡°Calm down, gentlemen, please sit down and rx,¡± stated The Governor, as if what he did was the most normal and logical thing in the world to do. ¡°Realize that I had to shoot him because he wasn¡¯t using his brain. And that¡¯s not right for a doctor of his caliber. Definitely, not right¡­¡±


    He sat back down on his luxurious leather executive chair, leaned back a bit, and put up his feet on the ss table. He looked at some of his medical advisers, still pale and shaking as they took their seats, waiting until they had calmed down enough to give him their full attention.


    ¡°The reason why he shouldn¡¯t have asked me why Aaron Keiser can¡¯t be reced with someone better is quite simple.¡± Governor Edward Kagu paused dramatically before continuing. ¡°It¡¯s simply because there is NO ONE better than Aaron Keiser at what he does. All the more reason why I want him back with us if he is indeed alive.¡±


    As the meeting ¨C more like a monologue ¨C continued, one of the men in the ck suits was looking down in an effort to remove the disgust and disappointment that was starting to reflect on his face due to the newest cold-blooded murder the governormitted. He knew that, as usual, the crime would never be brought to the courts, no thanks to the governor¡¯s private militia army and hiswork of corrupt government, military, and judicial officials.


    And after these few years of watching this repeatedly happen, he was getting less and less assured that this was the right ce for him.


    When he was younger, during his wild, do-or-die days, he definitely felt at home with the violence, bloodshed, criminality, and cruelty that the governor¡¯s personal death squad was well known for. But now, he knew he was getting too wise and mature for this kind of lifestyle and career. However, there was someone who was behind the changes in him.


    And he was starting to like the way she was affecting him, after years of him holding back and even resenting how she was making him more caring¡­passionate¡­


    Soft¡­


    Something he never wanted to admit to himself before. Unfortunately, the more he spent time under the governor¡¯s service, the more aware he was of how wrong, how perverse, and how perverted his superior was.


    Ironically, she was also the most important reason why he did not dare to leave.


    ¡°And I know she will not leave me just to save herself. I¡¯m definitely sure of that,¡± he murmured to himself.


    On that cue, Governor Edward turned to his Left Hand. ¡°So, Hero, are you absolutely sure that there can be no way to find more tissue and blood samples that can be used by our very willing and INTELLIGENT medical team?¡±


    His boss¡¯ question cut through the Left Hand¡¯s mind. He immediately reeled in his deep thoughts to swiftly answer his superior¡¯s question.


    ¡°Our contact has assured me that those vials contain thest of whatever biological evidence they have of the car¡¯s driver.¡±


    ¡°That is unfortunate. This would probably mean more dead scientists in the next week or so, hahaha!¡±


    As the governor¡¯s sadisticugh rang out, forcing the other people in the room tough along with him whether he was saying a joke or not, the Left Hand just smiledmely. Underneath the table, both his hands were curled into tight fists, knowing that his boss was not joking.


    His thoughts: ¡°I may have to rethink the n I had before if I want to save these doctors from my crazed superior. But that can easily put me in the wringer, along with my friends¡­ and her¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, please, our dearest governor, don¡¯t be too concerned about our findings,¡± one of the medical experts said in a groveling tone. ¡°By the end of the week, we can definitely give you an answer. Hopefully, it will be the very thing you do want to hear.¡±


    ¡°I would like to see that happen, Doctor Mariveles. Especially since you are the head of our medical department. I know you would not put any of your underlings in danger by not giving me what I want.¡±


    At this point, The Governor stood up and started to walk out the door.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    The Left Hand was quick to speak. ¡°I¡¯ll be overseeing clean-up and debriefing, Sir. I¡¯ll just follow you back to the mansion after I¡¯m done here.¡±


    To his relief, the governor gave him an approving smirk and a nod. Hero then watched him walk out of the door with this set of bodyguards for the day.


    Hero¡¯s thoughts: ¡°Now, to oversee everything¡­ but first, I need to call him¡­¡±

 HUNGER

    ¡°Me and my big mouth,¡± mumbled Eron beneath his breath. ¡°And damn it, her rice cakes and cassava sweets are absolutely delicious!¡±


    No thanks to him insisting that they go and talk with the woman he saw from afar, his boss had relieved him from his work and had insisted that they apany her back to the sawmill. So, after having several small pastries which he bought from the beautiful, buxom woman, he found himself carrying her other eco-bag since she insisted on carrying her basket.


    And to his rm, he was now trying to control his lust as he strolled beside her, so very close to just ravishing her as she talked to his new boss. He suddenly was wishing he never came near her¡­


    How thankful he was that Jack was the one talking to her and not him.


    ¡°I really think that it would be good for all of us, Diwana¡­ I know I¡¯ve mentioned it many times, but, if you had a diner here in the camp, you¡¯d make a lot more money, and also, you¡¯d avoid having to take long walks back and forth every day. We would have avable, hot and fresh food during at least part of the day while you can settle down and rest. And it would be exclusive! I can promise you that, it would be just you if you decide to open your diner here. Please, think about it a little more instead of rejecting it at once?¡±


    Jack and Eron were now walking with thedy called Diwana. Her natural beauty, without a taint of makeup, and her shy smile were even more captivating than any charm The Charmer could ever show. He even found himself checking on his looks, his clothes, even his stride as they slowly strolled with her, sandwiched between himself and Jack.


    For some reason, he was getting anxious about making the right impression on her, especially now that she was right beside him.


    Come on Eron, do I have to remind you that she is not like the girls you can just buy to spend a night with¡­. not like the dozens of made-up women in the city who would throw themselves at your feet with just a wink¡­ look at her¡­ YES¡­ look at her shining but sad eyes¡­ her soft, pink, full lips¡­ her perfect smooth golden skin¡­ LOOK ERON! DAMN IT! ¡­ And look at yourself nowpletely losing it with ady¡­ a REAL LADY¡­ who should have nothing to do with a guy like you. So just keep it together, man, and show her some respect!


    He found himself fighting the unusual uncontroble lust that this much lessplicateddy was not just awakening but was causing him to explode within. To his shame, it hade to the point where it was now very easy for him topletely lose it.


    Eros zipped up his leather jacket halfway. He had to. His pants were already bulging at the groin just by his looking at the little curve of cleavage that had escaped from her modest, yet pretty dress. The rounded shape of her breasts against her neckline was making his mind go wild, imagining the smallest and most sensitive curvature and folds that her clothed body had for him to touch¡­ to kiss¡­ to lick¡­.


    And he wanted to do all of that¡­ to all of her.


    His wildest side was starting to show with her proximity, and the temptation to tear the blue, flowery dress to rags and uncover the magnificent treasure that it hid, was getting really, really HARD to control.


    And the worst part? To his dismay, this beautiful curvaceous brte didn¡¯t seem to be very impressed with the handsome, muscr Charmer!


    He found himself unsure of how to proceed.


    ¡°Jack, I don¡¯t think I can do that right now,¡± Diwana said after a while, making a very ufortable Erone back to reality. ¡°Even if I had the time, or the money needed to start a new business like that, what would I do with the kids back at home? They need me, and they are definitely my priority.¡±


    Eron could hear the firm decision in the lovelydy¡¯s voice as the three of them slowly walked toward the logging camp. They were now quite near, so he took the chance to finally speak and be noticed¡­


    ¡°Well, the guys here seem to love you¡­ r food¡­ very much. You would be very sessful and you could have a better life for yourself and your children. It will take a lot less effort to do that while you¡¯re doing something that you like and are really good at,¡± Eron added.


    Diwana¡¯s face grimaced with a pained smile at hearing the words ¡°your children¡± and it was for good reason, too¡­


    ¡°Oh, they¡¯re not mine,¡± she said, just barely above a whisper. ¡°I just house them; you see? They have no parents. I like to take care of them while they find a permanent ce. But they tend to take care¡­ of me more. It was all because of the pandemic outbreakst year¡­ when¡­ I lost my own husband¡­ and child.¡±


    The neer¡¯s mouth twisted as he got angry at himself. His first words after they were introduced, too!


    Very well done, Eron! Now, how will you take your foot out of your mouth?


    He tried to recover. ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m very sorry to hear that. I Didn¡¯t know!¡±


    ¡°Of course, you didn¡¯t,¡± Diwana said with a small smile. ¡°How could you know something like that, if I didn¡¯t tell you?¡±


    ¡°Well, at least you know that I¡¯m not going around talking about your story,¡± Jack mumbled audibly enough, trying to change the mood.


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t and won¡¯t,¡± Diwa said, her smile finally back to being cheerful. ¡°You know how bad it will be for you if I find out that you¡¯re doing that?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Are you going to throw a frying pan at my head like Rapunzel, Miss Diwana?¡± the lumberyard owner joked.


    ¡°No. I¡¯ll stoping to sell my food to your camp, and all of you will starve,¡± she giggled, and her eyes shone even brighter.


    The smile that illuminated her face sent rays of warmth to Eron¡¯s heart. A small pressure on his chest startled him, sending him shocking warning rms in his head.


    His thoughts: ¡°Hey, what the¡­ Well, I know she¡¯s pretty, and I¡¯m going crazy to take her¡­ out¡­ but this? What is this? What¡¯s happening to me?¡±


    Her sweet smell surrounded him and danced around his head, drowning his senses and once again taking him to the moon. His already strong libido also increased, which he didn¡¯t think possible considering how turned on he already was.


    ¡°I like her perfume too¡­ flowers¡­¡± the newbie said to himself. ¡°Are those roses? And strawberries. Really, what is going on all of a sudden? I was never the flower-love type of person.¡±


    ¡°Eron, tell her!¡± Jack said suddenly, snapping the new hire out of his out-of-control feelings.


    ¡°Huh? What? I¡¯m sorry, I just¡­ got lost for a second.¡±


    Her eyes, mischievous yet innocent, were fixed on him, and he felt a maic pull towards her sweet mouth. He focused with all his might on what she was saying, to avoid his thoughts of kissing her.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Jack was saying that I can¡¯t do that to a whole camp of hard-working men and then asked you to agree with him. Too bad for him, but I think you¡¯re remembering your girl back in your town, so you missed the chance to defend him,¡± Diwana said, and giggled some more.


    But this time, the smile didn¡¯t reach her eyes and her voice sounded hollow, even unfamiliar to her.


    Her thoughts: ¡°Well, he¡¯s that handsome, so he has to have someone already, right? That¡¯s why we don¡¯t go after guys like him, Diwana. And girl, please stop looking at his well-defined torso under that tight undershirt¡­ and his muscled biceps¡­. Ugh, stop it! I think it¡¯s getting too hot in here.¡±


    Di tried to speed up her steps so they could reach the sawmill sooner, just so they could already reach the other men in the loggingpany. She sighed in relief as she saw some of her regr customers waving at her.


    ¡°Hello, Diwa!¡±


    ¡°Hey, Diwana! Took you longer to get here today, I¡¯m dying here!¡±


    ¡°Nice to see you, Di.¡±


    The men around started respectfully greeting thedy, who was still walking towards one of the tables nearby, protected by the two well-built males that had been walking beside her, one on each side.


    ¡°Oh no, that¡¯s not true. I traveled at the same time as always but was intercepted by these two and I got slowed down by them cause they were so entertaining,¡± she replied as she started bringing out the goods in her basket to ce on therge wooden tables in front of her.


    The guys that were further away started running towards the table. The smell of her skillfully prepared dishes called out to hungry, rumbling bellies.


    Soon, there was nothing left on the table and in the basket.


    ¡°You see, Diwana!? Less than 15 minutes and all your food is gone! Please¡­¡±


    ¡°No, Jack, I told you already¡­ Right now, I have three kids at home, and there are no adults in there to protect them, especially now that there are no men living with us. How can I leave them alone the whole day?¡±


    ¡°Well, it wouldn¡¯t be the whole day¡­ and you can bring them to stay here with you while you¡¯re here. They¡¯re not toddlers anymore, Di. Besides¡­¡± Jack paused as his smile grew bigger. ¡°If what you want is a man at home, then I have one ready for you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m interested in you that way, dear Jack, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Diwanaughed, and so did the others around who were within hearing distance.


    ¡°Well, thanks for breaking my heart,dy,¡± he said,ughing. ¡°But I wasn¡¯t even volunteering. It so happens that there¡¯s someone that¡¯s looking for a room to rent.¡±


    Eron, upon hearing what Jack said, felt the warning alerts in his mind and body intensify to code red!


    ¡°Aw hell no, it¡¯s been HARD for me since she got here, and it¡¯s only for a few minutes!¡± he thought in a panic. ¡°And now, if I end up living in her house, what will I end up doing to her?! No no no, Jack¡­ not with HER¡­ not in HER house!¡±


    Eron started moving his head from side to side, his eyebrows knitting while his mouth twisted without him realizing it. He was trying to call Jack¡¯s attention by making small movements with his hands without all the rest of the camp noticing¡­


    But the only one who saw him was Diwana.


    Yeah, this is not your day, Eron Camden.


    Diwana¡¯s thoughts: ¡°Oh, so he¡¯s the one looking for a room¡­ but why is he acting that way? He doesn¡¯t want to stay at my house? But he hasn¡¯t even seen the ce and yet¡­ Oh well, better for me, then. Had he insisted on living there, it would have been very hard for me¡­ Shoot, I can¡¯t¡­ God knows what I¡¯d end up doing with him there. No, that can¡¯t happen¡­ Especially if he¡¯s so intent on avoiding it¡­ maybe even¡­ avoiding me¡­?¡±


    The gentle woman¡¯s deep, dark eyes turned sad once more.


    ¡°Oh Jack, are you being serious now?¡± she asked as she looked around, finding a few ufortable looks from the other loggers, which they tried to fake as indifference.


    ¡°Of course, I am! The city boy here is literally camping out in the woods right now. I promised that I¡¯d ask around if there was a room for rent, and you were my first thought. That¡¯s why I texted you a while back about it. Look, he¡¯s okay, doesn¡¯t bite or anything,¡± Jack said with a smirk, cing a heavy muscr arm over Eron¡¯s shoulders and then pping his hand on the awkward man¡¯s other upper arm.


    ¡°Well, if Mr. ¡®City boy¡¯ wants to rent a room in my house, he¡¯ll need to keep an eye over his shoulders. You know what I mean, Jack,¡± Diwana stated, no longer as cheery as before.


    ¡°Maybe he doesn¡¯t mind that Diwana, there are¡­ wolves¡­ out there, you know.¡±


    ¡°Not only out there, Jack¡­¡±


    Eron¡¯s brows knitted together as his skilled analytical mind ran at sixty miles an hour: ¡°Wait, that doesn¡¯t sound good. I saw how some guys were looking at her, and it seemed that she was not very interested in them¡­ I wonder who¡¯s the ¡®wolf¡¯ that¡¯s bothering my Blue Riding Hood.¡±


    ¡°Sorry to interrupt, but, if you really have some space, and have considered renting it, I would be very interested, if you agree. Please think about it,¡± Eron said with a warm, sincere smile.


    Diwana was now surprised. Even a little confused¡­


    Her own analytical thoughts were churning: ¡°What is this now? So, he suddenly changed his mind? Well, I still think that you¡¯re safer in the forest with the wolves, considering what might happen when you stay with me, Mr. Eye Candy of the Year.¡±


    She replied once she recovered, ¡°I already gave you fair warning. I hope you understand that it¡¯s not as easy, especially with you being new to our town. You might have some problems in the vige if you rent a room in my boarding house.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care much about easy, Miss. But would you mind telling me, why is that the case?¡±


    Silence¡­ which left Eron¡¯s question hanging in the air.


    ¡°Well, I think that¡¯s all for today. Thank you all for buying my food,¡± Di said a little louder, and with a big smile full of sincere gratitude, she stood up from the table. ¡°I¡¯ll see you again tomorrow!¡±


    And with that, she picked up her basket and a few other items she used to bring her dishes and pastries safely to the site. Diwa then started her walk back home.


    He wanted to go after her, but he forced himself to stay standing where he was, his boss¡¯ arm still around his shoulders.


    She wanted to go back and apologize to him, but she kept on walking, forcing herself not to look back and take onest look at him.


    From the other side of the lumberyard, a certain individual with squintingrge brown eyes was looking at the trio as they entered the camp. It¡¯s obvious from his look that he was not at all happy with what he was seeing. This man may not be as tall or muscr as the other lumberjacks surrounding him, but everyone could see that he was the one who stood out from the group.


    And no, he wasn¡¯t that good-looking, but he did have an intense presence that wasn¡¯t exactly the pleasant kind. And he did maximize on that more than his other characteristics.


    ¡°Hey, looks like someone is sniffing around your ¡®territory¡¯, man,¡± said one of the taller workers beside him.


    ¡°Yeah, and he¡¯s a looker, too. You gonna let him muscle his way to your girl, dude?¡± another bearded one warned.


    ¡°No way! Diwana is too good for any of them damn pretty boy yers,¡± their leader retorted, as he started to touch himself without unzipping, not caring if his lewd actions were seen by his underlings. ¡°Besides, nobody in their right mind should ever get in between her and me. So, he better watch out if he knows what¡¯s good for him¡­¡±

 CHALLENGES

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, bro, if she doesn¡¯t ept your request, you can stay with me,¡± Jack said, still hugging Eron, who turned and looked at the smiling, innocent boss of the site.


    ¡°Bro, I don¡¯t know what to think about what you¡¯re offering me,¡± Eron said, smiling/smirking, but above everything, putting a big effort not to burst intoughter.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Jack looked at the newbie¡¯s naughty expression and took two steps back.


    ¡°What the hell, bro!?¡± heughed. ¡°Seriously? I mean that we have a campsite, way safer than the middle of the forest, and you can stay there for free as long as you¡¯re working here. Damn bro, your mind¡­ it¡¯s filthy, haha!¡±


    Eron¡¯s thoughts: ¡°Sure¡­ My mind¡­ filthy? After the way you¡¯ve been looking at me, I hope it¡¯s really just my mind, bro.¡±


    ¡°Well, doesn¡¯t sound bad at all. I¡¯ll take it. Hope it¡¯s less dangerous than the forest, though,¡± he said, now letting out a heartyugh. ¡°Who knows, there might be more people there that would be giving me invitations to ¡®stay with them¡¯, hehe¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up, man,¡± Jack said,ughing hard as well.


    After finishing the day¡¯s quota of chopped lumber, Eron found himself relieved from his job hours earlier than usual. Jack was obviously impressed and was very happy to show him the location of the campsite via a map. He even marked the ce where Eron could set up his tent and park his motorbike.


    *Well, it was a pretty good first day. It¡¯s more physical than myst ¡°job,¡± but not more than the regr training that I¡¯m used to¡­ *


    Eron walked, following the instructions that Jack gave him, and arrived at the Logging Camp, which was under a massive tarp that was stretched and hung over a treeless area of more than a hundred meters in size. Underneath it were various tents, a few vehicles, and a lot of vacant spaces.


    However, as soon as he arrived, a group of workers turned to look at him and whispered something among themselves while ¡°checking him out¡±, all of it so obvious that Eron felt embarrassed for them. He braced himself, then they finally walked towards him.


    ¡°Damn it guys, please don¡¯t do this on the first day. I am REALLY not in the mood,¡± the new arrival whispered to himself, his jaw tightening.


    ¡°Hey,¡± one of the approaching men said loudly, aggression oozing out of his tone.


    Eron nced at the speaker. He was a shorter, slightly smaller man with reddish hair as well, but it was obviously dyed. He could see this clearly now since this stranger¡¯s mushed-up hair had ck roots showing below the orange strands.


    ¡°Hello there,¡± Eron answered with a fake happy tone but with a wide smile in full force. ¡°Anything you need, dude?¡±


    It may have been the new hire¡¯s face or voice that was ¡°wrong¡± but whatever it was, it evidently pissed the guy in front of him even more. His face and stance showed it off more than his reply¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m Maximilian Fuchs, and I¡¯m the team leader of your squad. I saw you today, sorry that I didn¡¯t introduce myself. The day got kind of¡­ busy.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Maxi. I¡¯m Eron,¡± he said while smiling even wider, enjoying the look of surprise that the other guy couldn¡¯t manage to hide.


    ¡°Yeah, so I¡¯ve been told. Here they call me Mad Max,¡± the carrot top announced, taking the time to pause for effect. ¡°And that¡¯s because I¡¯m that good at work. That¡¯s also why I¡¯m the team leader.¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re mad?¡± Eron chuckled in his face, not minding anymore how pissed this braggart was getting. He continued walking, searching for the ce Jack said he could set up his tent.


    ¡°No, because I¡¯m so good and so fast that my record is almost humanly impossible to beat. And that¡¯s for all kinds of lumber work. Or even more¡­¡±


    Eron could hear Mad Max following him while continuing his unwanted self-promotion. The city guy stopped for a moment and chose to humor this country mouse.


    ¡°That¡¯s VERY HUMBLE of you to say, Maddy. Or do you prefer Maxi?¡±


    ¡°Maximilian, or Mad Max. Choose one and stick to it. And I didn¡¯t finish talking to you, yet, PRETTY BOY,¡± the veteran logger snapped while catching up to Eron. ¡°I also saw you walking with Diwana.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes. Really beautifuldy. She deserves a REAL MAN with her, bro.¡±


    ¡°Well, I am VERY REAL, ¡®bro¡¯ and I don¡¯t just let any yer, pretty face, get close to her.¡±


    ¡°Well, is she your wife? Yourdy? At the very least, have you told her that you like her? Because you¡¯re not a man if you can¡¯t AT LEAST DO THAT!¡±


    The words that came out of Eron¡¯s chest were mixed with a blood-chilling growl.


    In his head he was already puzzled at his reaction: ¡°Wait, when did I get that affected by what he¡¯s saying? And why? I was even having fun with his stupid superiorityplex AKA insecurity game¡­ Why did I suddenly¡­?¡±


    Max¡¯s voice interrupted his thoughts¡­.


    ¡°No, she¡¯s nothing like that¡­ YET. For now, I reserve the right to call her MINE! So, BACK OFF Prince Fucking Charming!¡±


    Eron¡¯s sarcasticugh was nowced with barely controlled anger. Also, that dangerous side of him, the side that had gotten him into so much trouble in the past, was now sliding out¡­


    And he wasn¡¯t even sure if he wanted to stop it.


    ¡°Mine, huh? Well, I think that¡¯s entirely HER CHOICE! And BRO, if you don¡¯t have the balls to tell her what you feel, don¡¯t you dare start iming rights that are not even yours! First, BE A FUCKING MAN AND TELL THE LADY, SO SHE CAN CHOOSE HERSELF!¡± Eron roared once more, then began to walk away.


    Oh wait, there¡¯s more¡­


    The neer turned around swiftly, one finger in front of his face as if he suddenly had an afterthought that he felt should really be said to this arrogant son of a bitch¡­


    ¡°Ooooh, wait, wait, wait¡­ I know why you¡¯re not telling HER, and you¡¯re telling everybody else instead! It¡¯s because YOU KNOW that she would NEVER choose a COWARD like YOU! And that¡¯s why!¡± dered Eron as he turned to walk away again. ¡°Oh, by the way, I think a squirrel died on your head, man. Better give it the burial it deserves¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not FUCKING DONE WITH YOU, new guy!¡±


    The angry newbie felt a sinewy arm stretch while a gnarly hand grabbed his shoulder¡­


    And that¡¯s when he saw red!


    However, as Eron was turning, his hands already clenched into fists and his thoughts intent on sending the guy to the hospital, he suddenly heard Jack yelling in the background.


    ¡°What the HELL is going on here?! MAX!!!! You¡¯re supposed to keep the ce in order, not mess it up! Why are you looking for trouble, AGAIN?! I thought we were clear on this matter already. Don¡¯t make me look for somebody else to take your ce, you hear me? You might be good, but you¡¯re NOT irreceable!¡±


    Eron¡¯s gaze cleared as he looked at his boss, who was fast approaching him and Max. The Foreman¡¯s face waspletely red as he was yelling at the top of his lungs.


    He definitely didn¡¯t look like the fun guy that he saw with him the whole day today. But this was quite a wee change.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Max said, lowering his head as their employer stepped up to the group.


    Of course, the bully still managed to send killer looks towards the new hire, while turning to leave with the rest of his groupies. As if he fucking cared¡­


    As soon as they were alone, Eron spoke up, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, boss. I do admit that I was having too much fun teasing him. I really tend to avoid guys like him.¡±


    ¡°And I think you have the right to tease him. But yeah, I can¡¯t get involved with anything personal, just with anything and everything connected to my family business. Speaking of which, did you find the spot I¡¯ve offered to you here?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡­ I¡¯m sorry, Jack, but I think I¡¯m not a good fit for your campsite. You¡¯re a good man and that was nice of you to offer, but I had my doubts about staying here from the start¡­¡±


    ¡°Because of Max? Did he say anything that you didn¡¯t like?¡±


    ¡°No, I mean, there¡¯s always a guy like that one but¡­ Look, I¡¯m ok. I¡¯ll just go back to my tent, no worries,¡± Eron said with a smile as he turned to leave, bringing whatever things he had with him.


    Jack just sighed as he watched his new hire walk back into the heavily forested area of the mountainside. He was just thankful that Eron still decided to stay despite the ¡°wee wagon¡± care of Mad Max. He nced back at the rowdy group of men who had their bully team leader standing in the middle of them.


    ¡°One of these days, you¡¯re going to find someone who will teach you that you¡¯re not always right, Max. You¡¯ll then learn the meaning of true respect. When that happens, I¡¯ll be there to tell you ¡®I told you so¡¯, you just see.¡±


    +++


    Eron managed to get back to his own personal campsite in less than half an hour. It wasn¡¯t too far, really.


    The small tent was positioned in the middle of two big, old trees. Leaning on one of the bigger moss-covered wooden trunks was a ck BMW K1600 under an army camouge-colored tarp.


    ¡°Hey girl, I¡¯m sorry I left you for a while, but I¡¯m back now,¡± he said to his wheeledpanion, then sat on one of the nearby logs that he had turned into small stools around his campfire.


    After about half an hour more, his small bonfire was burning and crackling. He also had coffee boiling in a dented stainless-steel teapot, while an opened can of beef and potato stew was ced near the roaring fire in order for it to heat up.


    ¡°Yes, a lot, a lot better,¡± he sighed, talking to himself as he sipped a massive tin mug of coffee. ¡°So girl, anything interesting happened to you today?¡±


    He paused for a minute, half-hoping that there would be an answer, half-scared for the same reason. Considering the many years, he had wished and waited that there would finally be a voice who would answer his internal and vocal monologues, he was a little unsure if he really still wanted to hear it.


    Meanwhile, his father was a different story¡­

 SILENCE

    His mind wandered back into the past, almost against his will¡­


    He was called by his brother after his hand-to-hand sparring session because of an important meeting with his father. Eron cringed inside, knowing that this would most likely be about the same damn topic that he had heard from his old man even way back since he turned eighteen.


    And yes, unfortunately for him, it was indeed that dreaded topic.


    Yet again¡­


    Good thing that it was just between him and his father, this time.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Son, are you absolutely sure that you don¡¯t hear him in your head?¡±


    He tried to keep his voice toneless just so his irritation wouldn¡¯t show, ¡°No, father.¡±


    ¡°Not even a whisper? Or even feel him?¡±


    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m telling you, I don¡¯t have a voice in my head that answers me back. I keep talking to practically nothing! I¡¯ve tried everything, but I really can¡¯t hear anything ¨C or anyone ¨C inside me. Besides, does it really matter to you? I can still do whatever you ask me to. I can easily win in a fight, a battle, even a fucking challenge! I can do all that and more! I can even beat Brother in¡­¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand, Eron. It¡¯s not the same, son! Having that voice inside of you is essential to everyone who is in our line. Our generation demands that we continue the traditions and rituals that are required for us to continue our race. I cannot imagine what kind of grandchildren you will produce for me, considering your ¡®unique¡¯ situation.¡±


    The younger man could no longer hide the disappointment in his voice, ¡°Really, is that all you see me as? Someone who continues the traditions? Someone who creates a perfect generation in the future? Is this why I¡¯m born, Father?¡±


    ¡°That is what is expected of us, my son. It¡¯s not just from me. It also includes our people¡¯s needs¡­ our race¡¯s identity¡­ our family¡¯s honor¡­¡±


    He has heard this line of reasoning before. However, what he was about to ask his dad now would be the first time he would dare say something that could truly be disrespectful to many.


    And to be honest, during that singr time, he didn¡¯t give a damn anymore.


    ¡°Father, answer me this, please. Does my being unique make me less of a son to you?¡±


    His dad¡¯s long and meaningful silence was enough of an answer for Eron.


    And even if his father did leave him alone in the meeting room after that, it was fine for him. He needed time alone to n, anyway.


    It was thest face-to-face descent conversation he had with his dad because he soon left the home where he was born¡­ where he grew up¡­ where he was trained in the skills that he has now¡­


    Which, again, was alright for him.


    He¡¯d rather be tied down to the expectations of others who epted him for who he really is than be in a family that expected the impossible from him. However, that¡¯s the same reason why he made his most recent mistake.


    +++


    So now, here he was¡­


    He¡¯s stuck in the jungle with just a tent and a teapot. Chilling with his motorbike, who chooses to snub him because she¡¯s exposed to the elements. No thanks to him saying no to the offer he was given a few hours before.


    ¡°Ae on, Scorpia, she told me no in the end, ok? I know I fucked up and didn¡¯t jump in the minute Jack asked me if I wanted to rent a room in Diwana¡¯s house! But I have my reasons, ok? And they are very good reasons, too¡­¡±


    And then it hit him¡­


    ¡°Oh damn, that¡¯s her perfume¡­¡± he hissed, his voice suddenly going down in volume and confidence. ¡°Is she nearby? And why the heck is she around here?¡±


    He immediately stood up and used his enhanced senses to try and find the woman who had affected him so badly just a few hours ago. For sure, she wasn¡¯t that far from his campsite. It would be quite easy to find her with his scouting skills¡­


    But did he dare find her?


    And what would happen if he did find her¡­


    +++


    She was very upset as she left the lumberyard¡­


    And she didn¡¯t know why.


    Whatever the reason may be, whether it¡¯s because this new guy originally rejected the idea of renting a room in her house, or it¡¯s because she rejected him when he already changed his mind, she felt only one thing now could cool her head.


    Well, more than just her head, if she was going to be honest.


    After a few hours of searching, she finally found her secret garden. As soon as she saw the crystal waters falling from a small waterfall and into a clear ss-like pool also fed by a hot spring, she already felt a lot better.


    She sat there a while, just enjoying the view since the spring-fed pond waspletely shielded and surrounded by trees and nts. Which was why it took her a while to find it.


    As far as she knows, no one in the vige or the sawmill was aware of this mini-paradise hidden deep in the forest¡­


    And she had no ns of sharing it.


    Soon after, she started removing her clothes, hanging each item ¨C including her delicatece panties and bra ¨C on top of the bushes surrounding the spring. Now that she was fully naked, she slowly walked into the waters and started to soak herself.


    Unknown to her, her natural scents and body smell that were clinging to her clothes were now wafting through the air. And there was now a man following the fragrance of her ¡°perfume¡± to where she was bathing¡­


    Unfortunately for the man, he was also unaware of what he would find as he continued his search.


    Unfortunately for her too, she was unaware that somebody has found her in her personal secret forest spot.

 TWO SPECIAL WOMEN

    ¡°Oh, my Goddess!¡± he whispered to himself as he viewed the naked woman¡¯s back as she waded waist-high in the clear waters of the pool. ¡°She¡¯s absolutely gorgeous¡­¡±


    The view of the small waterfall, therge ferns, bushes, and trees surrounding the pool was the perfect frame for this curvaceous, tanned, naturally beautiful female who had her midnight ck hair up in a bun. He was struck speechless and was frozen in ce at the stunning beauty of the whole scene, but his eyes would not leave that one glorious focal point of his attention.


    And the way she smelled! It wasn¡¯t just roses and strawberries now. There was something else and although he found it hard to identify it was overwhelming all his senses as if he was dunked into the perfume that she was exuding, threatening to drown him¡­


    Eron just wanted to stay there, breathing, drinking, eating her scent without caring if he ever inhaled air again.


    But he didn¡¯t know why¡­


    It just seemed to be the most natural thing in the world for him to do. Breathe her in, watching her voluptuous body in its full naked glory, and him feelingplete just making sure she¡¯s alright.


    And somehow, he knew she wasn¡¯t¡­


    His thoughts, despite his muddled senses, were burning through his brain: ¡°What is happening to me? Why am I feeling this way for a woman I only met once? This isn¡¯t normal for me¡­¡±


    And why her?


    Right at that moment, he suddenly saw her move sharply as she started looking around. The way she moved was how a sparrow would react if it felt that it was being watched.


    Then he watched her go down into the waters of the pool,pletely disappearing from view.


    He saw this as a chance to relieve himself since he knew she couldn¡¯t possibly see him while she stayed underwater. Eron then fumbled with his belt, fly, and zipper and released his throbbing tool which had already been painfully pulsing within his pants the minute he saw her.


    And was now even worse because of him taking a whiff of her scent¡­


    +++


    Diwa, for some reason, suddenly felt she was being watched. Weirdly enough, she didn¡¯t feel vited or creeped out. It was just a feeling that there was someone viewing her while staying hidden.


    Yes, the feeling should rm her, and yet she¡¯s not¡­


    ¡°Peculiar, but somehow reassuring,¡± she told herself. ¡°Now when was thest time I¡¯ve felt something like that¡­?¡±


    Too long ago, that she could hardly remember now. She¡¯s been away from her native country for a decade now and that was thest time she ever felt that since her father was still alive back then.


    And then he died, and somehow, she got med for his death¡­


    In the same way, she was med by the vige for her mother¡¯s death.


    Death child, they called her. The ursed one who was meant to be alone for the rest of her life, since everyone she would be with would eventually die before their time.


    The saddened widow stood still in the waters now, thinking of the many times she visited various soothsayers, shamans, and witches to find out how she could escape her curse. She had dozens upon dozens of talismans, amulets, crystals, rings, and even blessed handwritten notes to protect the people she was with from dying.


    It seemed none of them worked. And she didn¡¯t want to remember any of those incidents right now. Not when she¡¯s enjoying the peacefulness of the forest, the soothing sensations of the water, and the amazing assurance of that feeling of being watched as if it was to protect her.


    She submerged herself in the water, now intent on doing something a little more pleasurable¡­This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    But should be done a little more privately.


    Her fingers slipped inside her pinkish pussy and she started to move her hand slowly¡­ pushing deeply¡­


    And she then started to visualize a partner in her head¡­


    To her surprise and slight embarrassment, the face that came to her mind was familiar. And that had never happened before.


    Still staying underwater, she continued to pump two fingers into her continuously as she imagined a man spooning her, his long and thick dick sliding in and out of her while using the water as lubrication. Normally, she would take longer, finally rising to the surface in the middle of her masturbation.


    But with the image of this handsome, well-built male with a charming smile and tantalizing hazel eyes, she found herself reaching her peak much faster¡­


    She couldn¡¯t help but say his name as she fondled her breast with her free hand, while she kept pleasuring her pussy under the clear waters of the pool. Bubbles rose to the surface as she spoke aloud, and she knew she needed to get some air soon.


    But she was close, and she couldn¡¯t help but wonder at how fast her orgasm was this time¡­


    Another first is for a woman who hardly had fast or strong orgasms.


    +++


    Eron saw the bubbles rise to the surface of the pool, and he¡¯s now wondering if she was drowning and needed to be rescued. But even as he slightly panicked at the sight, he was also aware of how embarrassing and awkward it would be if he did ¡°save¡± her and she didn¡¯t need him to.


    After all, she¡¯s a native in these parts and from what he saw, she¡¯s at ease in the water and dived in on her own. Most likely, she did this regrly and was used to doing this.


    But just to be sure, he started beating his engorged penis faster since she might still need help and she should not see him rescuing her with a hard-on. With that shamefaced thought in mind, the newly-hired woodcutter held his angry, rock-hard eight-incher with an even tighter grip and increased his pace¡­


    To his surprise, he realized that he was near.


    The vision of the naked, tanned female bather nearby was making his libido rise to levels he had not even thought was possible for him. And for someone who was well-known for being able to hold off his orgasm for even an hour, the idea of losing it in just mere minutes over a woman he just met today was beyond his imagination or understanding¡­


    And yet, to his intense amazement and surprise, it was truly happening.


    As Eron felt his whole body tense up, while his groin exploded with sensations that were stronger than what he was used to, he found himself groaning out her name, which he hoped she did not hear¡­


    ¡°Diwana¡­ I¡¯m close¡­¡±


    A split secondter, he released his cum into the roots of the tree where he was hiding behind. With voiceless sighs, he tried to normalize his breathing so he could stay in stealth mode despite his recent breathtaking and ¡°explosive¡± experience.


    And that¡¯s when he saw more bubblesing to the surface of the pond.


    He decided to count to three before doing anything¡­


    Very wise choice there, Eron Camden.


    +++


    Diwana came, saying his name again, and she was d she said it underwater where not even the forest could easily hear¡­


    ¡°Eron¡­ I¡¯ming¡­ ahhhh!¡±


    Right after saying those lines, she broke through the waterline and took a long and sharp intake of breath while her juices spurted from her now reddened and swollen slit, mixing with the pool¡¯s pristine waters.


    Diwa then continued to pant and gasp, as she tried to calm herself down and at the same time normalize her breathing by taking in much-needed oxygen. She knew it would be a while before she could.


    However, she wanted to bask a little longer in the sensations¡­ imagining that her recent ¡°partner¡± was still pleasuring her with kisses and caresses.


    Something that she had not felt from her former husband¡­


    +++


    With extreme effort, Eron tore his gaze away from Diwana and moved slowly away from the area, knowing that she would not be able to know that he was there. Eron knew it was the best thing for him to do, despite him having second thoughts of leaving her naked and alone while submerged in a natural pool deep in the forest.


    Eron¡¯s former upation required that he practice stealth as a second nature. Even now, he pushed himself to stealthily creep back towards his camp, despite every iota in him screaming that he stayed. But of course, that wasn¡¯t the only time he had walked away from something he didn¡¯t want to leave behind.


    But the feeling this time was ten times stronger than on any other asion that he had to do so in the past.


    Even during the time that he had to leave his family¡­


    And her¡­


    +++


    Back then at home, years before¡­


    ¡°Eron, where have you been? Father¡¯s been looking for you and we couldn¡¯t find you anywhere.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I was busy bro and I still am with my¡­ secret project. Will have to go now¡­¡±


    And before his older brother was able to speak, he had already swiftly sped away and had ¡°disappeared¡± from view.


    As it was, he had always been stealthy even before he left home simply because he just didn¡¯t want to catch the attention of his immediate family¡¯s male members if he could help it. After all, his father would just be demanding that he turn into the ideal second son overnight, while his only brother would be reminding him of that irritating smooth condescending tone and how he should try his best to please their father.


    Eron¡¯s reasoning: Sure, I¡¯ll please him¡­ thing is, he can¡¯t even ept me. How the hell can I begin to please him, bro?


    And since he was never the type to keep pushing his point of view if he knew the audience didn¡¯t give a damn, he would rather just sneak around and make himself invisible most of the time. In the end, it worked for him and his family since he got to continually improve his stealth skills with actual everyday experience. Meanwhile, he gave his family members peace of mind.


    Including his own¡­


    Well, there was one member of the family who he didn¡¯t have to worry about since she never bothered him. As a matter of fact, she epted him for everything he was, even more than his blood rtives ever did. To be honest, he even thinks she¡¯s more of a family to him than his own brother and father.


    ¡°Is your brother giving you a hard time again?¡± she then asked him with her signature sassy smile which she reserved for him on really bad days. And this was one of them. ¡°I can easily get him in line on your behalf. I can¡¯t do much about father, though.¡±


    He leaned against a tree that was located about a kilometer from their home. ¡°I know, Twinny. I¡¯m ok, don¡¯t worry too much about it. Since my adolescent years, they¡¯ve been like that so I¡¯m not about to expect that they change their minds about me out of the blue a decadeter, and just because you insisted that they understand. I know they respect you and all but I don¡¯t think you should put that much effort into me. They obviously don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Ae on twin, don¡¯t think like that,¡± the dark brown-haireddy in front of him said as she ced a hand on his arm tofort him. ¡°You know that I really don¡¯t like you feeling sad. I know that sounds selfish but you really don¡¯t deserve this treatment, even from my mate.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t me them Twinny, since they did look forward to me being the next rising superstar, no thanks to me being sopetitive due to my brother being the same way,¡± Eron responded with a sad smile. ¡°I guess I really am a disappointment to everyone.¡±


    ¡°Twin brother, noooo, you¡¯re not. I¡¯m not disappointed with you,¡± she replied while suddenly hugging him. ¡°You are my twin star brother, even if we were born from different wombs. And that¡¯sing from the moon goddess and not only she says so but even the higher line of the Faye has affirmed it. I¡¯m actually proud to call you twin.¡±


    He hugged her back, appreciative of her sisterly encouragement. ¡°Thanks, twin sister. At least there¡¯s one member in my father¡¯s group who thinks I¡¯m worth some time and attention. But if you¡¯re gonna be the only one who will believe in me, I don¡¯t see why I should stay here trying to prove my worth to everyone else.¡±


    ¡°Eron please, you shouldn¡¯t leave us. After all, where would my twin brother go?¡±


    ¡°Well, if it everes to that Twinny, I will still find a way to talk to you,¡± Eron answered with a smile as he looked down at her frowning face. ¡°You¡¯re the one person in our n who I will not cut ties with. You don¡¯t deserve that and I really do want to stay your brother. Not even my going away will stop me from being that to you.¡±


    +++


    And that is still the case to this day, despite him being away from his father, brother, and their n members. They still talk, him and his sister-inw¡­


    He trusted her enough to not tell his big brother too much about their kinship¡¯s prodigal son. And now, he had more reasons to talk to her as he hurried away from the pool, stealthy as a shadow.


    Eron needed someone to talk about a certain beautiful widow and his mysterious and puzzling reactions to her¡­


    And when he finally reached the camp, he knew that this was the perfect time to do so.


    The logger brought out his expensive high-tech phone and used his fingerprint to unlock it. Her name was third on his mobile¡¯s recent call list, so he was dialing her number within seconds of sitting down in front of his campsite¡¯s fire¡­


    ¡°Twin! I¡¯m so d you called. I¡¯ve got a ton of things to tell you!¡±


    ¡°Hello, Twinny. So do I. Well, not really a ton¡­ just one, really but it feels like a ton.¡±


    ¡°Whoa¡­ you¡¯ve got my curiosity piqued, twin brother! Tell me about your ¡®things¡¯ first.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Twinny, but it¡¯s not really a ¡®thing¡¯¡­ She¡¯s a ¡®her¡¯¡­¡±


    A short pause¡­


    ¡°Ohhhh¡­ do tell, twin. I¡¯m all ears.¡± ??

 SECRECY & SAFETY

    The darkness in the room made it hard to make out what was happening within. However, once your eyes adjust to the shadows in the room, you realize that it¡¯s actually arger-than-average bedroom. And if you would just listen intently, there were two people on therge king-sized bed.


    It was a man and a woman, and they were both naked¡­


    And¡­ well, they were doing more than just sleeping.


    ¡°My love, p-please¡­ go faster¡­ harder¡­ I¡¯m close¡­¡± begged a low and lusty female voice as she breathed hard in between her words.


    The muscr man above her kept moving in and out of her, his manhood tightly gripped by the woman¡¯s wet and luscious walls. He increased his pace and moved deeper into her; his strength being fueled by his fiery passions. This caused the woman to writhe and tremble even more, and he felt his libido rising at the sight of her pained pleasure.


    Hero knew she was close, based on her impassioned moans, the wetness of her slick pussy, and how her lips were now tightening around his long and thick shaft. It had always surprised him before how they always seemed to move, feel, and think as one whenever they made love, even from the first time they did.


    And it still amazed him that it¡¯s still the same many yearster¡­


    ¡°My love,¡± The Left Hand hoarsely gasped, ¡°I¡¯m about to¡­e¡­ love¡­e with me¡­e¡­ with me¡­¡±


    ¡°Y-yes¡­ YES¡­ H-Hero¡­ I¡¯ming! I¡¯M COMING! Ahhhhhhh!¡±


    As she eximed while she released, her liquids spurting from within her, the man on top of her fiercely buried his full length into her. Hero groaned aloud as his own semen mixed with her juices, their orgasms just milliseconds apart.


    For that one moment, the world disappeared for them both, and within the next seconds, he slowly settled on top of her, his arms hugging her nude, sweaty, sexy body to his own perspiring, muscled torso. A few more minutes of kissing and fondlingter, she settled with a satisfied sigh underneath his right bicep, her arms hugging his wide, well-defined chest to herrge, bouncy breasts.


    ¡°So, how is your former partner-in-crime? Is he doing well?¡± the woman asked after both their breathing had settled down to a more normal pace.


    ¡°For a supposed dead guy, you mean? Yes, he is doing surprisingly well, my love.¡±


    The female could hear her lover¡¯s smile in his tone, and she found herself smiling as well. ¡°I¡¯m d, then. He¡¯s one of those poor unfortunate souls who can¡¯t seem to get a break in life. Reminds me very much of another bloke who was like that years ago.¡±N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t doing that bad, love. At least, I didn¡¯t have a father who demanded things that I could not provide,¡± Hero answered with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.


    Again, the woman could ¡°hear¡± Hero¡¯s facial expression in his tone and sheughed in amusement before she answered as she nuzzled the side of his toned torso, ¡°No, of course not. You¡¯ve been a rogue all your life because you did NOT have a father. You don¡¯t even know of any blood rtives who are still alive. In a way, I think you were even worse, back then, than he is now.¡±


    ¡°And now, you believe I¡¯m in a much better situation than he? He¡¯s out there free, while I¡¯m still under the governor¡¯s wing, despite me no longer wanting to be there. I¡¯m not sure how you view our ¡®simrities¡¯ but I do know that he may be better off than me in many ways.¡±


    ¡°So, would you like to exchange ces with him right now? Live up there in that mountain vige, after everything that happened there before?¡±


    Silence¡­


    ¡°I thought so,¡± she said softly. ¡°I doubt if you will even consider the possibility since even, I can¡¯t imagine living there after all the years we¡¯ve spent together here in the suburbs.¡±


    ¡°We both know why you don¡¯t want to live in such a ce, beloved. I sometimes wonder if you have reconsidered it, though¡­¡±


    ¡°No, Hero. My life is now with you. I can¡¯t imagine having a life apart from you. As it is, this arrangement of you living with your boss while I stay alone and anonymous here at the farm is already intolerable. All the more if I lose you because I return to¡­ No, I can¡¯t. I won¡¯t.¡±


    Hero paused a while before asking a question that had been bothering him ever since he talked to the former Right Hand. ¡°Be honest with me, my love¡­ don¡¯t you ever miss them? Don¡¯t you even have that small inclination to return and let them know the truth¡­ or tell them about the life you have now¡­ with me?¡±


    Her answer did not skip a beat, nor did it have any tone of uncertainty. ¡°Not at the possibility of never being able toe back to you, my love. Worse, what if they use me to find you? No, absolutely not. I would rather turn my back on them than abandon you.¡±


    ¡°The same is true with me, my dearest. I don¡¯t dare let the governor know about you. He may use you as leverage against me just so I would remain loyal to him, whatever happens. And he is the kind to always doubt those who are with him, so I am never safe from his insecurities and fear. He should NEVER¡­ EVER¡­ know about you. I would rather die than lose you to him.¡±


    The woman beside him kissed him deeply and tenderly before speaking her mind, ¡°And they should NEVER¡­ EVER know about you either, beloved. I can¡¯t¡­ must not lose you. Like you, it will be the death of me. So yes, I choose to stay hidden for both our sakes.¡±


    +++


    ¡°Yes, I will stay hidden watching you, my beauty. Somehow, I know that this is your way of allowing me a glimpse of you, without making it too obvious to others of how much you want me. And only I can understand that¡­ or understand you¡­¡± the lusting man murmured as he continued to beat his erect six-and-a-half-inch dick with his hand.


    From behind another tree, another shadowy figure was keeping watch over the newly bathed Diwana as she started to dress herself. He had already feasted on the vision of her naked body several times since the very first time he had followed her home after she would sell her dishes and pastries at the lumberyard.


    And in his mind, he truly believed that Diwana was aware of him following her, which is why she would take these baths in the middle of this hidden forest pool. Of course, he never had tried to show himself to her during her special exhibitions to him since he also believed that he shouldn¡¯t be the one to first show how much he wanted her.


    After all, she was the first one to show him her willingness to please him. It should only follow that she be the one to tell him first about her feelings for him.


    Funny though, that it never urred to him that what she was doing had absolutely nothing to do with him. That it just might have been something she was doing for herself. Oh no, he was very VERY sure that she was doing all of this to assure him that she did have feelings for him.


    ¡°So yes Diwa, I will wait until you¡¯re strong enough to approach me directly and invite me to your bed where we will finally consummate our love,¡± the sinewy but short man gasped in glee as he continued to pleasure himself. ¡°I will wait patiently for that to happen. Meanwhile, I will maximize the chances of watching your curvy, smooth naked body from afar and imagining what I will do to it once youe to me of your own free will.¡±


    And again, it never urred to him that she was in no way a woman who would admit her feelings to any man, no matter how much she liked him. Besides, she¡¯s not one to just fall for any man.


    She believed in a connection¡­ sincerity¡­ honesty¡­ something so many people don¡¯t get¡­


    No, in his mind she wanted him¡­ lusted after him¡­ but was ying hard to get¡­


    And out of the magnanimity of his heart, he was letting her y her game. But once she could no longer hold back her passion for him, he would make her wish that she never yed with his passions.


    ¡°Oh no, she will regret ying with me and I will make sure that she remembers her lessons well¡­¡± he snarled as he finally felt himself getting closer to his climax, images of his future ns dancing in his head. ¡°I¡­ will¡­ have¡­ you¡­ and no one¡­ else¡­ will evere¡­ near you¡­ mine¡­ all mine¡­¡±


    A few secondster, the man finally came, his seed spurting on the wild grass and foliage around him. He also noticed that the woman he was watching had now picked up her basket and had already left the pool.


    He smiled to himself as he zipped his pants up, not even bothering to wipe or clean his hands and dick anymore. ¡°And as usual, she leaves me hoping I will follow her. Well, I will just have to disappoint you again, Diwana. I won¡¯t y your game. But you will y mine in the near future. I¡¯m definitely sure of that.¡±


    +++


    Diwana was rushing away from the pool, this time with the more familiar feeling of rm and danger in her bones. She didn¡¯t understand why but the feeling of being watched while still feeling safe had now been reced by that invasive, scary sensation of being spied on unwillingly.


    Much as she was extremely troubled over the feeling of being watched by someone she felt was a threat, it would hurt her more that she would lose her special time in the forest due to this unwanted presence.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling that for a while now, and I keep telling myself I should just stop if I don¡¯t feel safe for one reason or another. After all, I go to the pool for peace of mind and if I can¡¯t find it there anymore, I shouldn¡¯t keep going back there. But I so love the ce¡­ who the hell would want to invade my privacy there and why would it scare me so much¡­?¡± the still-frightened widow said to herself as she kept walking briskly and steadily.


    Diwa kept moving instinctively, knowing by heart this part of the forest, since she had used this area as her ce of peace and refuge when life became too tough for her to handle. After all, she¡¯s been doing this since the first time her dearly departed husband had brought her here as a young mail-to-order bride. She knew she could get home with her eyes closed.


    But would she safely get home?


    Just as her panic was about to trigger a full-blown anxiety attack, she smelled a fire burning from a few yards in front of her. And something was cooking, so she knew it was not the beginning of a forest ze.


    Dee walked a little faster toward theseforting and familiar smells. And again, she didn¡¯t understand why but at the sight of the small tent, a canvas-covered motorbike against arge ancient tree, and the broad back of a newly found friend sitting in front of a small campfire, it all brought back the feeling of safety to her in a rush.


    Diwa couldn¡¯t help it anymore since she knew she really needed to feel safe again, and just seeing him sitting there was already doing wonders for her frazzled emotions.


    The anxious widow ran towards the auburn-haired man as if her life depended on it!


    And maybe it really did¡­??

 LUSTFUL THOUGHTS

    ¡°Twinny, I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ll have to call youter, OK?¡± Eron said, suddenly conscious of a known smell approaching him from behind.


    ¡°Everything alright?¡± she asked worriedly, as it was her usual habit to make sure her twin was fine.


    Especially now that he had decided to stay away from his childhood home¡­


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll get back to you soon, I promise.¡±


    ¡°You better,¡± she said with a smile, finally dropping the call.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eron listened carefully to the crackling of the leaves, getting lost once more in the scent that was now an immediate trigger to the memories of what he saw at the pool.


    How her wet, long, ck hair fell on her body half-covering her back and full breasts, making him want to move it aside and have a taste of the luscious body that, after a first look, he now craved like water in the desert.


    He felt his dick getting hard once again and tried to control himself before she was too close to notice.


    ¡°Come on, Eron! Really?¡± he told himself, now blushing.


    Who could have thought that the second son of the head of his n, and the right hand of a criminal organization, could have his pulse raised and his cheeks reddened by ady that he just met?


    ¡°Get a grip, man!¡± Eron kept scolding himself.


    He abruptly got up and paced, so suddenly that thedy paused in her walking, having second thoughts for a moment.


    ¡°Diwana, what are you doing? You just met him today¡­ He still hasn¡¯t seen you; you still can leave!¡± the confused woman thought.


    Of course, she was unaware that he knew perfectly well who was near him. He knew even her exact position and distance from where he remained standing, although he was making it look like he was just checking the food cooking on the fire.


    ¡°But, on second thought, there¡¯s that feeling¡­ Come on, Di¡­ maybe we should follow our instinct and just get to him¡­¡±


    And just like that, she kept walking, slowing down when she was about a few feet from him. Diwa then allowed her senses to enjoy him in the only way she could for now: devouring him with her eyes in the very discreet way that her self-doubt ¨C especially with this gentleman ¨C was allowing her.


    His muscled back was a treat, especially since he was wearing a thin and tight shirt. With each small movement of his body that he secretly made on purpose, she could enjoy the sight of his well-defined torso in almost full detail, imagining how it would feel to wake up in the morning beside his drool-worthy physique. Heck, how would it feel like to climb on top of him in the night, and feel how his hands would go tight and strong, then soft while caressing on her skin¡­


    By now, Eron could perfectly smell not only her natural scent but her lustful thoughts, with slight surprise. Soon after, he was smiling while still trying to control his own exhration.


    His thoughts: ¡°And here we are again. How is she causing me such strong feelings? I need to either find some semnce of control or some kind of release. Damn it, if she wasn¡¯t thedy she is, I would take her right here, right now¡­ But no. No, Eron, she IS thatdy. BREATHE! And focus on trying to find out what she¡¯s doing here.¡±


    And with that, still careful that the huge pulsing bulge in his pants was not the first thing she would see as she approached, he half-turned, genuinely surprised that she woulde near, yet faking surprise to see her there.


    ¡°Diwana! Uh¡­ hi,¡± he said, scratching his neck. Yes, the handsome, big-city guy could be shy too, and that surprised him.


    ¡°Oh my God! He just turned! Di, he probably saw you checking on him! And now, what the hell reason are you going to tell him for being here!?¡± Diwana¡¯s mind panicked and made her blush more than she wasfortable with.


    Now he was sure that she was lusting over someone, but quite unsure if it was really for him.


    ¡°Oh Goddess, now she blushed. She is the cutest, sexiest thing I¡¯ve seen. And she¡¯s still lusting for¡­ But, why? Is she in heat? Is it her remembering someone else? I hope it¡¯s for me, but I¡­ Don¡¯t be so full of yourself Eron¡­ it can¡¯t be you¡­ can it?¡± he thought, checking her in the same discreet way that he would skillfully analyze an enemy, without ever being even noticed.


    ¡°I¡­¡± she said, her cheeks still naturally tinted red, and she looked down with a shy smile that was unknowingly melting the puzzled guy in front of her. ¡°Sometimes I like to walk around, you know¡­ it¡¯s refreshing and rxing¡­¡±


    She paused as her brown eyes left his hazel ones, looking around now and realizing what she was seeing¡­


    ¡°Jack was not lying; you really are camping directly in the forest¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ He offered me a space in his campsite, but I don¡¯t think I can fit in there¡­ So, I came back to Scorpia here.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± she said, now surprised, suddenly thinking he meant a weird pet.


    ¡°Oh, please,e closer. I¡¯ll introduce you to Scorpia. I promise, me or she won¡¯t bite,¡± he said, with a smirk on his face, while a wink escaped as well before he could avoid this one usual and pretty much subconscious charming move.


    And now, because of it, he was kicking himself inside his head.


    ¡°Good job, Eron, she will definitely misinterpret you now. That¡¯s exactly what we needed!¡±


    But then, she smiled some more, maybe blushed a little more, and walked towards the hand that he gentlemanly extended to help her not fall or stumble over any of the nearby tree roots.


    For the first time, their bodies made physical contact.


    And a distinct spark went through both of them¡­


    But, despite both pausing and looking at each other¡¯s eyes, they dismissed the sensation with any weird, ¡°logical¡± exnation their minds could create at that moment.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be THE sign¡­ Like the one Twinny mentioned¡­ or is it?¡± Eron thought.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be a sign¡­ he wouldn¡¯t like me¡­ Didn¡¯t even like at first the idea of staying in my¡­ I mean, rent¡­ a room¡­ at my house¡­ He wouldn¡¯t look at me that way, would he?¡± were Di¡¯s pained thoughts.


    ¡°She is Scorpia,¡± Eron said proudly after pulling Diwana in front of him as fast and gently as he could, and then letting go of her hand as if it burned.


    Because it did burn.


    The feeling he was now fighting to ignore was the clear sign of something he thought would never happen, especially not in the middle of that forest, and with the life he left¡­


    Both of his lives, as a matter of fact.


    ¡°Whoa, it¡¯s beautiful!¡± she said, admiring his treasured, big and shiny motorcycle.


    ¡°Oh, you like her?! I thought you would joke and ask about the name, and why a ¡®she¡¯, you know¡­¡±


    ¡°Then, maybe you pre-judged me a little,¡± she said, still admiring with sparkly eyes the marvelous piece of machinery that stood proudly in front of her. ¡°Hello Scorpia, I¡¯m Diwana, and it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you!¡± she said, smiling genuinely.


    Eron smiled widely, suddenly feeling more pleased and yet more shy than before.


    ¡°W-Would you like to get some food? I was about to eat¡­ dinner, I mean¡­ would you like to¡­ eat¡­ dinner with me?¡± was what he said.


    In his head: ¡°I can¡¯t believe she just talked to my motorbike. Oh, Twinny will die when I tell her¡­ If not for my¡­ sigh¡­ current lifestyle, Miss Diwana, I would be thinking very seriously about you and me¡­ and where the hell do those thoughtse from, suddenly?¡± He got so distracted that he didn¡¯t notice her answering him already.


    ¡°¡­ but I don¡¯t want to take your food and leave you¡­ hungry¡­¡± Diwa replied.


    Thest word she said brought him back to their conversation because indeed, he was hungry. STARVING, as a matter of fact.


    ¡°Oh no, no, no, please, don¡¯t worry. I insist, please, EAT with me, Miss Diwana, and then I¡¯ll go back to the vige with you. And I insist on that, too. It¡¯s not safe for you to walk around here all alone. There can be a creep around who might go after you,¡± he said to her.


    At the sudden silence he got from Diwa while she sat down, Eron knew he struck a chord. Then suddenly, someone called MAX came to mind¡­


    ¡°Goddess, for his own good, I hope he doesn¡¯t¡­ or I¡­¡± the camper thought while forcing himself to stop before his other side coulde out and in anger.


    ¡°Well, I appreciate that and it¡¯s very nice of you, but really¡­ Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°I am,¡± he finished with a smile, serving the stew for both of them quickly. ¡°Did you grow up here, Miss Diwana? To be walking around a forest, you must know it very well.¡±


    ¡°Actually¡­¡± she said, suddenly finding herself looking at the images of her not-too-distant past. ?

 MASON

    Around ten years ago¡­


    ¡°Diwana Armanaz,¡± read the small piece of cardboard that the tall, thin, brown-skinned man held at the exit of ¡®arrivals¡¯ in the airport.


    He was indeed nervous, but nobody would ever know that.


    He was the kind of man that was raised to be a ¡®man¡¯ in the old meaning of the word, suffering in silence and having no idea on how to feel or interpret feelings in any way. Too shy to find a girlfriend that one day would be his wife, he grew older, and tired of being alone while thinking of himself as too old to learn how to get a wife that he would really love, he found the way to get a mail-order bride.


    She was beautiful, at least from what he had seen in the pictures.


    ¡°How was it possible that she¡¯s avable?¡± he thought more than once. ¡°What would I do when she¡¯s right in front of me?¡± he thought right then and there as she was just steps away from him.


    The airport¡¯s automatic doors opened and all the arriving tourists, visitors, and family members walked past him, greeting joyfully and being greeted by whoever was there to take them home.


    Then, there was the beautifuldy standing almostst in the group. She looked lost, and innocent, and a mixture of sadness, worry, and fear showed up in her eyes.


    He really wanted to give her something good in exchange for the family and the life that she would be giving him. His heart almost stopped when he saw her, and he had topose himself and hide again any and all of his emotions.


    But he really wanted to try to make things work with her.


    ¡°Diwana!¡± he started calling in a louder monotone, making her look his way. Her dip brown eyes fixed on him. He looked like his picture as well and she was not nning toin about that.


    ¡°The only thing I want for now is to forget¡­ My vige, my unloving family¡­ I hope this was a good idea and I can find some peace and love here,¡± she thought, walking straight to him, not taking her eyes from his.


    But then, as soon as they got to the hotel room, the middle point between the faraway airport, and what would be her new house, she had a taste of a reality that was far from what she hoped.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m getting naked. Do the same now, will ya?¡±


    ¡°I just flew for more than ten hours. Please, can you¡­ wait? Please?¡±


    ¡°The only purpose that you have here is to give me a family. I thought we were clear on that,¡± he said, still removing his clothes.


    ¡°It is clear, but¡­ I thought you could consider a little that¡­¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter. Besides, I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll take too long. Just remove your clothes already, lie down, and spread your legs.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t¡­ want to,¡± she said to him, tired but strongly.


    ¡°You forget that you owe me, Diwana. I brought you here, paid a lot of money for your flight, and have also paid for your other paperwork and expenses as well. If you have the money to give all that back to me right now, then do that. So, pay me back then take a ne back to your country, or do what I¡¯m telling you to do, NOW.¡±


    Sadly, she knew there was no way out of it. She had no money and even more than that, she had no wish to go back to her country.


    With a heavy heart, Diwana followed his instructions, hoping that at least he would be nicer while ¡®making love¡¯¡­


    But she was stillpletely dry when he pushed his half-aroused six-inch dick inside of her and started moving.


    It hurt her.


    Her body and her heart were broken right then, and he still didn¡¯t stop. Not even the tears of frustration and pain that escaped the eyes of the very strong woman changed his mind.


    After a while, her walls finally lubricated due to the continuous force of friction, but not because she could feel any pleasure or desire at all.


    How could she, when he didn¡¯t touch her curvaceous, enticing body beyond holding her in ce, nor did he kiss her full, soft pink lips? There was not even eye contact. For the next eternally long five minutes, he just moved back and forth, making noises every now and then. And finally, after what was apparently an orgasm, he roughly pulled out of her.


    Still naked, he strolled to the other bed in the room, sat on the edge, and made a phone call to order food.


    ¡°Diwana, I don¡¯t think this was the right choice¡­ I don¡¯t think this will be what you hoped for¡­¡± she thought, covering her naked body as she turned her back on the guy who was now her husband and cried.


    ¡°Food is here. Sit, you need to eat to be healthy,¡± he said, sounding more like a kidnapper than a husband.


    They ate in silence, her tears still falling over her food.


    ¡°Lie down and open your legs again,¡± he said, finishing thest of his meal while she had not been able to eat more than half of hers.


    And this time, she didn¡¯t try to argue anymore.


    After a very sad first night with the man, they travelled to his vi. Her body ached after having to stand him, but then, he now offered his hand to her and helped her up and down the car, opening doors for her, and asking her if she wanted breakfast or lunch along the road.


    ¡°Why the hell did you do that, Mason? Did you have to prove a point? If you liked her so much if you wanted her so much, you could have at least listened to her,¡± he internally med himself on the road, trying to find a way to be nicer to her.


    He would still be having this personal conversation when he had sex with her again that night in their bedroom, where she justid lifelessly under him while he pumped inside of her still-dry pussy yet again. And the thoughts continued well into the night after he had finished off and had turned away from his new wife, who had also turned her back on him.


    Of course, he knew she was silently crying.


    ¡°You never learned how to treat a woman, but tears are never a good sign and it normally means you¡¯re doing something bad. Also, threatening or telling her that she can pay you and go? Be gentle, or what kind of life do you think you¡¯ll have with her like that?¡± he thought to himself, deciding to really make an effort to treat her better in the future.


    Unfortunately, Diwana would find out all about his thoughts about this from him only on his deathbed¡­


    +++


    Eron saw her looking away, her thoughts lost in a time that she really didn¡¯t want to go back to.


    ¡°Hey, is everything okay?¡± he asked her softly, gently putting his hand on her shoulder and feeling again the strong electric shock that this time he couldn¡¯t attribute it to anything else.


    Diwana was taken back to reality by that same shocking sensation, and, after all the memories that assaulted her mind, she remembered why she didn¡¯t like to be touched.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, I really need to go now¡­ I-it¡¯s gettingte¡­¡± she quickly apologized, putting down her te and picking up her things, then almost running back to the vige in an almost-panic attack.


    ¡°Hey wait!¡± Eron called, frozen in ce after seeing her reaction.


    The puzzled and slightly frightened woman continued walking briskly away from him as if she didn¡¯t hear him. Whatever it is he did, she certainly got freaked by it.


    ¡°Awesome¡­ just great¡­ I better just shift and make sure that she gets back to her house safely,¡± the neer said to himself, still a bit confused about thest part of their evening, but quickly standing, taking his clothes off¡­


    And letting the other side of what he is, out.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Eron shiftedpletely to hisrge wolf form with brown fur and light green eyes.


    He then ran after her, never letting her see him. After half an hour of brisk walking, Diwa reached arge, beautiful house, light yellowish-cream with dark grey window sills and a roof.


    His thoughts as he stayed well hidden in the shadows: ¡°OK. Whatever happened a while ago, at least she is safe now.¡±

 SIGNS AND WARNINGS

    Eron was about to go back to his tent when he heard that the door was opening, and children¡¯s voices were heard from inside.


    ¡°Di!!!¡± said Katya, the youngest of the three, just nine years old, small, jumping and waving her ck, straight hair up and down with each bounce.


    ¡°Diwa,¡± Erica, the oldest, fifteen, said worriedly, looking at how pale their caretaker was. ¡°Please, let here in, guys, I think she¡¯s not ok.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Di, you look very pale. Come on, Katya, let¡¯s move aside for a moment,¡± Macky, the one in the middle, twelve years old, tall, and a well-educated gentleman asked his little sister and then with his older sister helped Diwana get inside the house to the kitchen.


    They took her to one of the high chairs that surrounded the kitchen bar, and then young Katya, who walked behind them, went ahead, taking one of the sses and filling it up with cold water from the filter.


    ¡°Please drink this, Di,¡± she said with her soft, still-childlike voice.


    ¡°Thank you, dear,¡± Diwana said, taking the ss from the youngest of ¡°her¡± kids with a shaking hand, and drinking it.


    ¡°So those are the children that she takes care of. They seem to love her, as much as she loves them. That¡¯s good. They all seem happy together, and for the little I¡¯ve seen so far, it¡¯s for the best that she doesn¡¯t live alone. Maybe I should try again and ask her about her rental rooms,¡± Eron thought while looking with his wolf eyes at the scene through the kitchen window.


    As he continued to listen to the merry voices in the house with his enhanced hearing, his thoughts continued to reconsider his residential choices. If he was going to be perfectly honest with himself, the idea of living in this house was bing more and more inviting by the minute.


    ¡°But then, I¡¯ll have to be nice and careful¡­ hehe. It will be even fun to try to be a respectable guy after all the things I¡¯ve done¡­ and after noticing the effect she has on me¡­ Oh, Miss Diwana, if only you were not just who you are¡­¡±


    ¡°Please have some of these while we finish cooking dinner,¡± Erica said to Di, offering a small bag of peanuts.


    ¡°Thank you but please, let me help you with dinner,¡± Diwana replied, getting up from the chair but Macky and Katya stopped her.


    ¡°Please rest and let us do this,¡± Macky responded. ¡°You do so much for us so we want to take care of you today,¡± he said while smiling.


    ¡°But children, you are always taking care of me. Besides, that¡¯s the idea, adults take care of kids, and not the other way around.¡± Di smiled, looking at the three worried faces that surrounded her.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Meanwhile, outside of the house, with all his enhanced senses, Eron was moved to see what real care, love, and family were all about.


    ¡°Yeah, they definitely need someone who can protect them,¡± he said with determination, and yet he was still thoughtful.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Diwana said, finally giving in to the pure intention of the kids, and sitting back on her high chair. ¡°But please, don¡¯t worry too much about me, ok? I¡­ had some food before I came home.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Erica said, with a small spark in her eyes. ¡°Did someone handsome ask you out?¡±


    Di was taken by surprise, but the youngdy was already a teenager, and she was happy that she trusted her enough to be able to talk about any topic with her. She still smiled and blushed a little bit, and that was more than enough for Erica, whose eyes sparkled even more and went wide. Her mouth was shaped in an ¡®O¡¯ and she started bouncing on her toes.


    ¡°Oh My GOD!!! Please, please tell us!¡± Erica said.


    ¡°E, did you kiss him?¡± little Katya asked, half-amazed and half-disgusted.


    ¡°Nooo, I¡­ we just talked¡­¡± Diwa said, still shy.


    ¡°So, THERE IS someone,¡± Erica said, smirking while taking care of the food she was cooking. ¡°Is he good-looking and has a great bod? Please don¡¯t tell us it¡¯s Max dead squirrel!¡±


    ¡°Who?!¡± Diwanaughed.


    ¡°The lumberjack with the dyed hair that looks like a dead squirrel. We see how he looks at you,¡± Macky said with a slightly jealous and strongly protective tone.


    ¡°No. Max is ONLY a friend. Besides, whatever he thinks or feels, he¡¯s NEVER going to say it, because it¡¯s nothing serious, alright? Sometimes people see other people as attractive, but that doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re really interested. And well, I don¡¯t think he¡¯s interested, and I¡¯m d because I see him as my friend ONLY, and that¡¯s it.¡±


    ¡°Ok, but¡­ tell us about the guy you ate!¡± Katya said, sweet and curious, making Di¡¯s face blush with the deepest shade of red.


    ¡°Ate WITH, Katya,¡± Erica corrected her sister. ¡°We don¡¯t eat people.¡±


    Even Eron outside blushed at the innocent mistake of the youngest.


    Well, actually¡­ But oh, how much I¡¯d love to,¡± he told himself, thinking about the gorgeous blushingdy, and thoroughly entertained and happy with the conversation that was taking ce inside the house.


    And then a new set of thoughts invaded his amused mind: ¡°But then, why are you, Eron Camden, second son of the leader of the Camden n and Alpha of the Silver w Werewolf Pack, also The Right hand of a certain secret mafia, so interested in this conversation? Might that be what Helena told you that time?¡±


    Suddenly he was going back in his memory to where he was having one of the few conversations in which his older brother, him, and his Twinny were taking part.


    It was not so long ago, actually¡­


    +++


    ¡°Well, you know, all of those things that you¡¯re supposed to feel when you find your real, true mate¡­ all that usually happens at eighteen when our werewolves awaken,¡± Helena said while Virgil, her mate and, back then, future alpha of the pack, walked towards her and wrapped her in his arms.


    ¡°I honestly haven¡¯t paid much attention to that, Twinny, you know, since my wolf never woke up,¡± he said to the onlydy in the room.


    ¡°Of course, it did. Do you really think if you didn¡¯t have a wolf, you¡¯d be able to shift? For some reason, you can¡¯t hear him, but I¡¯mpletely sure that he¡¯s there¡­ please, twin, be patient with yourself¡­¡±


    ¡°You know I am, Twinny. If he doesn¡¯t want to talk, he doesn¡¯t need to talk to me, but I just wish there was a sign. You know what Father says about our n having the most powerful Alpha men, women, and wolves. His own, Tabashir is the biggest pristine white wolf I¡¯ve seen! And have you seen his eyes? He just imposes respect and fear as soon as he shifts. And then¡­¡±


    ¡°And then?¡± Helena asked. ¡°Your father and you are two different people, Twinny.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t think I have a wolf¡­¡± Eron concluded sadly¡­ ¡°And without a wolf, I can¡¯t find my mate. No signs, so I¡¯ve¡­ I don¡¯t even think about it, Twinny.¡±


    ¡°But there are signs, and you should find out more about them. How will you know if you don¡¯t try to look for them?¡± she said, getting closer to her brother-inw, whom she called twin.


    ¡°Well, ok but then, who will tell me about those things? If father married just for the sake of making our n stronger, and the Packrger and richer. I don¡¯t think he would know about those mates¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, I can,¡± she said, smiling. ¡°I found my mate, and that¡¯s how I joined your family, remember?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I remember. It was not even a long time ago¡­ and¡­¡±


    ¡°And it went against father¡¯s wishes. I remember too.¡± The older brother¡¯s voice was heard for the first time in the conversation. ¡°But I¡¯m not letting Father get in the middle of this one. If he insists on pushing to get things the way he wants them, then I¡¯ll leave the pack.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that,¡± both Eron and Helena said at the same time¡­ as twins would¡­


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you run from your responsibilities with the pack,¡± she added.


    ¡°Yeah, besides, if you go, that responsibility will fall on me, bro! Can you imagine what my life will be like?¡± Eron joked, but his brother was taking him seriously and the eldest son knew he really couldn¡¯t leave.


    ¡°Well, okay, but whatever happens, whatever he does or says, Helena is my mate, and that won¡¯t change. And since that won¡¯t change, my decision of being with her won¡¯t change either.¡±


    Eron was surprised at his brother¡¯s firm determination, not because it was out of character for the Alpha¡¯s favorite to be strong-willed in defying their father¡­


    It was because it was really a first for his older brother.


    ¡°Well, maybe you¡¯re right and it¡¯s because I haven¡¯t found my mate. But seriously, why does it matter so much? Not that I¡¯m against it, since Helena is a great choice, brother, and I¡¯m sure she will do great things for the pack¡­ and for you¡­ but¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, the Moon Goddess gives us only one mate. Some people don¡¯t find their mate, some others find them and then lose them, and few have a second chance mate, but there is essentially one person only for us,¡± V said with conviction, at the proud eyes of his Helena, and the surprised ones of his younger brother.


    ¡°Yes, and that¡¯s why the Moon Goddess gave us the ability to feel them¡­ so it¡¯s not impossible to find them. One of them is the tingles, almost like an electric discharge going through your body, as soon as your skin makes contact with your mate¡¯s, and it never goes away,¡± she exined.


    ¡°Ok, what else, Twinny?¡±


    ¡°Then, the smell. Your mate will have a scent that affects you in a very peculiar and addictive way. It fills your senses and almost drugs you and makes you go wild for her. It¡¯s a smell only you can perceive, and that will be calming and exciting at the same time,¡± Virgil said, hugging his mate tightly once again.


    ¡°And then, the longing,¡± Helena added. ¡°After you see them, they will never leave your mind. No matter how hard you try, you won¡¯t be able to forget about them. This is also rted to the mate bond¡­ you will feel when she needs you or wants you. When she¡¯s sad, happy, sick, or in danger, but that will be even stronger when you mark each other.¡±


    ¡°You will feel the opposite too, if you try to reject her. You¡¯ll feel a sharp pain, like a knife piercing your heart. The same applies if she tries to reject you, not only with the words as a permanent rejection, but when you see her not wanting you, or she tells you to leave her alone. That can even be physically painful,¡± V added.


    +++


    ¡°Physically painful, huh? I remember when she just got up and left earlier. I thought it was just the guilt of thinking that, again, I did something wrong¡­ but then¡­ It hurt, and¡­ scared me,¡± he whispered to himself as his thoughts went back to the present, as he kept looking through the kitchen window.


    Suddenly, he gasped at how his ideas were flowing¡­


    ¡°What the hell, Eron, are you really thinking that she could be your mate? You can¡¯t have a mate, remember? You¡¯re just fooling yourself, man, so¡­ stop being an idiot! Your perfect brother found his perfect mate, but you¡¯re NOT him, remember?¡± he scolded himself angrily, ¡°You just stop fooling yourself over small things and go back to your tent, okay?¡±


    But then, for some reason, he just¡­ stayed¡­ almost hypnotized by the sweetest smile that hisdy had, as she sat in her kitchen, enjoying the care and love of her children.


    ¡°The beauty of the simple things,¡± he said, unable to avoid seeing himself being part of it.


    Sharing a meal, talking the usual day by day,ughing, and then, after a tiring day, getting in bed with someone who was not meant to run away from you when you wake up the next morning. The calmness in knowing that every day when you wake up, your loved one will still be there.


    While he was lost in thoughts, a more rxed Di walked out of the house.


    From the outside, he could still hear how the kids were joking around and wondering who her ¡®special guy¡¯ could be while they finished their cooking and got the table ready to finally have their meal.


    ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful night, casually perfect¡­ Look, there¡¯s not one cloud in the sky,¡± she said to herself as if someone could hear her. ¡°Perfect to look at it with someone by my side,¡± then she thought.


    Suddenly she noticed that feeling again¡­ She looked around, scared, and feeling threatened in her own house.


    ¡°This is not good. Lately, I feel it more and more often. Maybe Jack is right, and I should have a man here in the house, even if he¡¯s just renting a room. I don¡¯t like this feeling,¡± she thought, still carefully examining her surroundings before finally rushing back into the house.


    As soon as Diwa showed up and felt rmed, the werewolf that had been looking after her and making sure that she was okay felt his alert mode being triggered as well.


    There was someone out there, and Eron knew that this stranger did not belong there. ?

 SECRET DISCOVERIES

    He still hadn¡¯t shifted to his human form, and he knew staying as a wolf kept his senses sharper than his already impressive hearing and visual capacities were. As it was, his intensive training with his father¡¯s pack had prepared and turned him into one of the most superior warriors in their n, even equaling his older brother, but his experiences outside the packhouse had increased his fighting skills even more.     Much as Eron hated that part of his life, he couldn¡¯t help but appreciate it for truly improving his skills and abilities.     Especially in times like these¡­     He expertly jumped to the ground, his front pawsnding silently first then swiftly ran towards the direction where he ¡°felt¡± several presences. Since he did shift to werewolf as he climbed up a tree earlier on just so he could see the house better, along with its residents, he had decided to change to wolf as he hid behind the branches and continued in that form in his present personal mission.     ¡°Whoever those people are, it¡¯s obvious they¡¯ve been doing this regrly. And yes, it¡¯s not just one¡­¡± he told himself as he followed the moving scents and sounds in the darkened forest.     Within a few minutes, he suddenly felt a shift in the group¡¯s direction. They were now moving farther away from the vige and the lumberyard, going even deeper into the forest. And they were slowing down as if they were carefully trying to find their way around the area.     And within a few minutes, he found proof of this¡­     They were now using high-powered shlights to move around this denser part of the trees. Eron decided to also slow down and staydeeper in the shadows. He knew that his dark-chocte-almost-ck-colored fur was the perfect cover while staying hidden in the darkness. However, he didn¡¯t want to risk being seen by these strangers.     He knew for sure now that he¡¯d smelled some of these people before. They were part of Mad Max¡¯s little gang of lumberjacks, but their team leader was obviously not with them.     ¡°Typical,¡± huffed Eron, as he slinked behind them, almost invisible in the night. ¡°I knew he was the kind of ¡®leader¡¯ who will send his minions to do his dirty work. Well, the first one is obviously to spy on Diwana, probably to find out if I was with her when she went home. But what are they up to now, I wonder¡­¡±     The slowly moving men were now approaching a sharp incline and Eron now realized that they were going up the higher parts of the mountainside. He had never been exploring in these parts, not even in his wolf form, and was now partly thankful that he suddenly had a reason to do so.     Even if it meant following a band of questionable ruffians into the unknown¡­     +++     Detective Myron Gabrielle got a callte that evening and he was quite surprised as the caller¡¯s name shed on his mobile¡¯s screen. His eyebrows knitted together and as he reread the words on his phone.     ¡°I know I have the guy¡¯s number on my phone list but never thought he would ever make a call directly to me¡­¡± the strawberry-blond snitch thought, as he finally pushed the green icon on the screen so he could receive the call.     ¡°Detective, good evening. I am so d to finally connect with you personally.¡±     ¡°Governor, hello there. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?¡±     ¡°Ah, very direct. I like that. Well, I want to give you a personal request, something that not even my Left Hand is aware of. And I insist that we keep it that way if you do intend to ept this mission.¡±     ¡°Hmmm¡­ that sounds very intriguing, Sir. Does this mean that you don¡¯t trust anyone among your men with this particr request?¡±     ¡°Well, I¡¯m quite sure that they are very qualified to do this mission, especially my Left Hand. However, I want to keep this outside of my internal circles, not because I don¡¯t trust them, but because I don¡¯t trust the target.¡±     ¡°Really? And who is the said target?¡±     ¡°Aaron, my Right Hand.¡±     A long pause suddenly took over the conversation, and the Detective was almost hesitant to break it¡­     ¡°Uhhhh¡­ isn¡¯t he deceased, Governor? I mean, that¡¯s what I knew,st time I heard¡­¡±     ¡°Exactly, Detective, which is why I want you to try to prove this theory wrong.¡±     ¡°But that¡¯s the problem, sir. He¡¯s not just dead in theory but his death certificate has been released and he is legally recorded as deceased already.¡±     ¡°And again, I agree with you, Detective Gabrielle. However, I am willing to pay good ¨C no, not good ¨C an insane amount of money to prove that Aaron is still alive and is probably in some god-forbidden ce somewhere in another part of the continent. Now, are you interested?¡±     Myron stopped speaking for a moment, his eyes now reverting to the slim, light-brown-haired woman who was cing dishes and cutlery on a nearby patio table out in the two-story house¡¯s balcony in preparation for a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars. Her dark green eyes connected with his own light green pupils, and she gave him a cheery, girly smile that seemed to light up the sky.     He couldn¡¯t help but feel a familiar warm sensation in his chest, plus a spreading heat in his groin, as he answered her loving look with a wide and pleasured grin of his own.     ¡°Detective, I am not a very patient man,¡± the slightly shrill voice of the Governor pierced through his thoughts. ¡°Please, let me know if you¡¯re interested or not. Do take note that you can name your price¡­¡±     Just then Raquel, his wife-to-be who was busy serving dinner, bowed down to ce her infamous stuffed chicken dish in the middle of the circr metal and ss table, giving him a peek of her buxom breast¡¯s deep cleavage. At the sight, the detective¡¯s tummy grumbled, as his manhood hardened.     The woman, and her cooking, was truly his weakness¡­     And the urge to please her with a beautiful and memorable wedding suddenly became even stronger.     ¡°Alright Sir, consider your challenge epted. Let me know when we can talk about this mission in detail and I will be ready. But for now, I hope you will excuse me while I eat¡­ Dinner¡­ ¡±     The older man at the other end of the lineughed heartily before replying, ¡°But of course, who am I to go against you fulfilling your more primal instincts, Detective Gabrielle? I¡¯ll give you a call tomorrow at around noontime and we can speak more about this offer you¡¯ve just epted. For now, good night, and thank you for epting my request.¡±     Then the call ended abruptly, not even giving the snitch a chance to give his caller a proper farewell.     ¡°Hey, pretty boy, are you finally done with your phone call? The food will get cold¡­¡±     Myron swiftly moved towards his cute and girlish fianc¨¦, who was still wearing an apron under her short, spaghetti-strapped pink mini-dress, and hugged her close to his muscled torso.     Raquel looked up at this beautiful boyish man with a now mischievous and slightly seductive smile. She couldn¡¯t help but suddenly get turned on by his presence. He may not have the physique of a bodybuilder, but his very toned swimmer-like body has always been a weakness for her.     That, and his handsome smile and sense of humor¡­     ¡°I honestly don¡¯t mind the food getting cold, dearest. What I¡¯m afraid of is you getting cold¡­¡±     Raquel giggled girlishly. ¡°But how can I get cold when I have you to always warm me up, my cute darling?¡±     The Detectiveughed at her, knowing she was probably the only person he knew who could call him cute and get away with it.     Or he could make her pay for it now¡­     Myron picked her up in his muscled arms in one swift, smooth motion as she squealed into his neck. He chuckled again at her very girly reaction and the tickling sensation her breath and her lips were giving his shoulders and neck.     ¡°MYRON! Noooo¡­ What about my chicken?!¡±     ¡°Oh, your ¡®chicken¡¯ will be taken care of by my own cock. It will be stuffed and very happy in just a few moments.¡±     Raquel could be heard protesting and giggling loudly as she was brought back inside their rented house by her very eager and randy fianc¨¦e. Of course, they would be ¡°eating¡± first before having dinnerter.     It¡¯s only normal since Myron had a lot to celebrate about.     And it¡¯s not just their anniversary as a couple¡­     +++     ¡°A cave? Here? Who would have thought¡­¡±     The dark-furred wolf had finally shortened the distance between him and the men he was following since they had already entered the opening of the cave.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    But wait, there¡¯s more¡­     ¡°That looks more like a mine than just a cave¡­¡± the wolf thought to himself as he started to sneak towards therge opening at the side of the mountain. ¡°And it actually looks ancient¡­¡±     Eron knew it was risky to get too close since he could still see the shlight glow near the cave entrance and could even hear the men talking loudly inside as well. However, he also knew he couldn¡¯t get much visuals just by standing at a distance.     ¡°No guts, no glory,¡± he told himself as he crept behind bushes just to finally reach his target.     Well, more like targets, really¡­     ¡°Dude, how many more days do you think we can finish this job?¡± a raspy voice asked from the interior of the cave.     ¡°Well, this job would probably take a week more. But the next one will definitely take longer.¡±     ¡°What? What the hell other stuff would we be doing in this damn cave, anyway?¡± said another with a whiny tone.     ¡°Heh, so no one told you? I¡¯m not the one who¡¯s going to tell you, then.¡±     ¡°This ce is rumored to have been a gold mine, bro.¡±     ¡°Why the hell did you tell him?¡±     ¡°Why the hell shouldn¡¯t I? He agreed to join us in this, he might as well be told,¡± the bossier one retorted irritably.     ¡°Spoilsport! I was gonna tell him the version of the haunted hidden treasure instead.¡±     ¡°WHAT? Dude, if it¡¯s anything scary like that, I¡¯m out.¡±     ¡°Ohhhh noooo¡­ the little cowardly crybaby is scared of scawy ghost curse¡­ hahaha!¡±     ¡°Knock it off, you guys! Look, we only get like five hours of work here so we don¡¯t get caught after lights out in the lumber camp. So, get your asses in gear or we¡¯ll be dyed again and you know who will have our heads!¡±     ¡°Yeah, he-who-must-not-be-named. Damn, talk about paranoia. As if there would be anyone passing by this ce in the middle of the night who might hear us say his name¡­¡±     ¡°That¡¯s his number one rule, boy. So yeah, follow his instructions or you¡¯ll get a reduction in your share,¡± replied the bossy one again.     ¡°Humph, fine! I¡¯ll call him Voldemort, then! Hahahaha!¡±     A few of the joker¡¯spanionsughed along with him, but they were all told to continue working by another irritated but authoritative voice. Eron then took this chance to stealthily move away¡­     ¡°I¡¯lle back here when they are busy at the campsite. The question is, when can I do that? And who the hell is this Voldemort, since he¡¯s obviously the head of this operation,¡± the wolf thought to himself once again. ¡°The more I stay in this vige, the more secrets I seem to be unearthing. I might have to say goodbye to my perceived idea of peace and quiet while staying here in the mountains.¡±     He had already walked quite a distance when he was suddenly surprised by a familiar sound from afar, and then another one zinging past his ear.     Eron¡¯s thoughts: ¡°That¡¯s a fucking gunshot! And It¡¯s aimed at me?¡±     And then a male¡¯s screeching shout echoed from far behind him, ¡°WOLF! THERE¡¯S A WOLF HERE GUYS!¡±     ¡°FUCK!¡± the wolf yelled internally, as he swiftly ran as fast as he could back into the forest.     He didn¡¯t even get far when he was suddenly assailed by a lot more gunshots. Eron knew he had to get away, and he was d that these guys didn¡¯t have a vehicle that could chase him through this very dense forest.     Then out of the blue, he felt himself suddenly thrown up into the air by a force he couldn¡¯t see until he was already hanging far from the forest floor and high up in arge tree¡¯s thick branches.     It was toote for him to sense the trap that he stepped on and he was now in a around ten meters from the ground!     ¡°Damn it!¡± the wolf thought as he could now see from a distance the armed humans who were fast approaching him, running as far as their feet could carry them.     Knowing it was his only chance to escape, he shifted to his werewolf form. His huge 7-and-a-half-foot size and massive width tore through the as if they were spider webs, and he dropped to the ground like a typical superheronding from a tall jump.     And since he was even swifter and stronger in this form, he was soon gone from the scene, leaving his pursuers way behind. Soon, the puzzled men were looking up at the torn of their trap hanging from above, along with more pieces of thick nylonting on the forest floor.     One of them took pictures of the site and it waster that they noticed the mysterious prints left on the moist ground.     They were massive monster footprints. ?

 BLUE-BALLED

    ¡°Argh, pain! How is this possible?!¡± Eron started his morningining.


    The rm went off near his ear, and it suddenly brought him back to his forest campsite, where his whole body was aching. As soon as he moved into his tent to turn to his side, the pain became even more evident.


    ¡°How great would it be to get a massage,¡± he thought,zily closing his eyes again, stuck between sleepiness and pain, thinking of just resting one more minute before getting up and starting the day, then his mind would betray him once again with the need to shut down or nk out.


    ¡°Would you like me to massage you, Eron?¡±


    ¡°Di¡­ Miss Diwana, when did you get here? What are you doing in my tent?¡±


    ¡°I never left,¡± she said in a whisper, looking seductively at the naked, tanned, handsome man by her side. ¡°You don¡¯t remember?¡±


    His thoughts: ¡°I wish I did¡­ Maybe it¡¯s because of THAT that my body is hurting. I¡¯d be happy if that was the case¡­ but then, what did I do to her to be so sore myself?¡±


    Eron stayed silent, doubting for a moment what he was seeing but looking eagerly at her nakedness as she reached for her bag, and took out a small bottle of massage oil. The thought of her hands all over him¡­ he just couldn¡¯t think anymore.


    Hepletely lost it¡­


    His hands went towards her at once and grabbed her from behind, pulling her against his hard chest and abs. His mouth started to hungrily devour her neck and back, making her giggle and gasp. His hands held her full, round breasts, feeling how her nipples got hard as he teased them with his fingers.


    ¡°Nooo,¡± she said yfully, as she turned towards him. ¡°Let me, please, I really want to massage you, especially if your body got so tired from all we Didst night. You can¡¯t go to work like this, right? So let me make it up to you,¡± she said with a raised eyebrow while looking straight into his eyes and smirking.


    His hard, throbbing dick started protesting, but she had already escaped his embrace and had gotten him to lie down on his stomach, somehow. The next thing he knew; she was now on top of him.


    Not that he¡¯sining¡­


    ¡°Tell me where it hurts, okay?¡± she bent over his wide, muscr back, slightly brushing her hard nipples against his bare skin to whisper in his ear.


    He closed his eyes and was barely able to nod.


    The bottle in her hand squirted just the perfect amount of oil directly over his skin.


    The sweet natural fragrance of hers mixed up with the citrusy scent from the oil as she moved her hands up and down his back, pressing with her thumbs along his spine, was pure heaven. Her massage was causing some pleasurable pain that he was not really used to the feeling, but from her, it was perfect.


    It didn¡¯t take long for Eron to start moaning at the way she expertly handled his body, and she didn¡¯t take long either before she started to slide her own naked body against his back while giggling musically.


    ¡°Are you teasing me now, Miss Diwana?¡± he said, turning around, softly letting her slide beside him on the tent¡¯s cushioned floor.


    Even before she could reply, he quickly started to touch her soft and partially oiled body. His kisses also started to move downwards¡­


    Shoulder, breast, nipple, where he entertained himself a little longer, pleased with the reactions he was hearing and feeling from her. He was also now able to smell how her body was warming up because of his attentions, being even more ¡°weing¡± to his hunger as he continued his tender assault on her nakedness.


    He slowly groaned at the confirmation of her own hunger when she slid her alluring body closer under him and wrapped her legs around his hips.


    ¡°Do you¡­ like me¡­ Eron?¡± she said breathlessly, in between moans.


    ¡°Very much, Miss Diwana,¡± he said, devouring her lips.


    He was just about to eagerly thrust inside of her when¡­


    BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!


    ¡°What the¡­ AAAGH!¡±


    He opened his eyes, startled. The sudden movement sentshes of pain through his body once again.


    Taking advantage of his enhanced senses, he inhaled deeply, looking for a known scent that he now craved. His eyes got greener and lighter, and he was almost too sleepy to stop the wilder side that was menacing to the surface.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    His manhood angrily throbbed and tented his light nket.


    He touched his skin and was surprised to find it dry and not oily. He paid closer attention to his surroundings, trying to hear steps, giggles, voices, anything at all that could havee from her.


    Nothing.


    To his frustration, he realized that his body still ached, and it was not because of continuous lovemaking sessions, but because of all the running, jumping, and hiding that he had to do just to escape the men he was following the previous night.


    Slowly and sadly, his consciousness started to awaken.


    Self-pleasure would have to be enough for the moment, and he was not really pleased. After all, he saw and felt from the most realistic dream that he¡¯s ever had in his life¡­


    And, to his added irritation, it was also the shortest, forcing him to be content with relieving his body¡¯s ¡°hunger pangs¡±¡­ which didn¡¯t involve food.


    ¡°Agh, at this rate, I¡¯m gonna end up going crazy,¡± he sighed. ¡°What are you doing to me, Miss Di?¡± he said, angrily sliding his hand up and down his hardness.


    A few minutester, Eron was already up and preparing coffee in a rush while still sore in body and mind. Obviously, he didn¡¯t get much satisfaction from his earlier ¡°release¡± and was now in a bad mood over it.


    ¡°Blue-balled by a dream¡­¡± he thought, still a bit mad with himself. ¡°Andst night too, I was so distracted that I ended up caught in a trap¡­ excellent job, Eron! You followed these people and almost got trapped by them¡­ I can only imagine what they would do to you if they found out that you were the wolf, they saw¡­ Even more, what the people who are helping me out would do when they hear about a werewolf caught alive in a small mountain town¡¯? Ugh, whoever said there¡¯s no such thing as bad publicity¡­? Maybe I¡¯m finally losing my assassin touch¡­ or maybe I¡¯m getting softer because of a certain very attractive localdy,¡± he said, dreamily.


    He couldn¡¯t help but go back to one of hisst missions, using it topare the failure that he experiencedst night¡­


    ¡°Thest time I went on a mission for my boss¡­ yeah, can¡¯t believe it¡¯s not even been a month ago¡­¡±

 COLD-BLOODED MURDER

    The memory hit him without notice, and he was immediately transported to a building about four stories tall. It was an elegant old wooden mansion colored light blue and green with a pawn and antique shop in the front. The store was really just a facade for a very different kind of business being offered inside the house itself.


    Thest customer entered the pawnshop, and then never exited.


    Eron waited for them to turn the ¡®Open¡¯ sign to ¡®Closed,¡¯ and, a couple of hourster, the store had the lights off and the whole business had moved in full to their secondary entrance. It was the one that was reserved only for very regr, well-known, VVIP customers that visited the night workers of the ce.


    ¡®The Temptation House¡¯ was at the top of the businesses that were on his old boss¡¯ cklist. Because of that, of course, the job would be reserved for only him toplete.


    ¡°Good. I¡¯ll give it fifteen more minutes and then go in,¡± the then-assassin thought to himself. ¡°It should be a clean job. Just kill the owner and leave. From what I¡¯ve been able to see before, at this time, he¡¯s passed out on his suite already.¡±


    And boy, had Eron seen a lot¡­


    He had to be one of the regrs of the house to get firsthand information. It was not without some enjoyment for himself, though, and that much he was very happy about.


    The rest of what he did there was all purely professional, as was required by his superior.


    It didn¡¯t take long for his money to allow him entry into the Temptation House¡¯s backdoor business. Of course, there were a few sets of sexy legs that opened up to him as well in that underground whorehouse.


    Its rooms were painted in cliche red, the low lights and the manydies walking around in expensivece underwear, or less. Even the catalog that he was offered more than once for him to choose from among the ¡°Higher ss,¡± or, ¡°Premium Selection¡± allowed him entry into all parts of the property.


    By the time he was given free roam enough times to be trusted, he had already created a very exact blueprint of the house in his mind.


    ¡°Oh, damn, how HARD my job seems to be right now, and how many BIG sacrifices I have to DO to seed,¡± Eron would sarcastically say to himself with a smirk, while he was enjoying one or two seductivedies at a time.


    Despite all his pleasurable activities, he was such an expert at keeping his focus that he still kept his senses attentive to entrances, emergency exits, guards, private rooms, and ¨C the most important detail ¨C every single move that the owner, Zayne, would make inside his house.


    And he was now going through his mental files while waiting for the right time to attack.


    ¡°Ready,¡± he whispered to himself when the time was up, and stealthily walked towards the house, dressed in a ck bodysuit that was perfect for working in the shadows.


    Coming all the way up using the balconies was nothing. They were almost adder for him, who easily jumped and climbed up steep walls as easily as breathing.


    ¡°Right, this is his window, and the guy is so confident that he leaves it open. Thanks, Zayne, you really make it too easy for me.¡±


    He listened carefully first, using his enhanced hearing, and he counted five people in the room. Based on their breathing pattern, all of them were sleeping soundly.


    ¡°Now let¡¯s check my weapon onest time,¡± he said, taking out his Beretta 92 FS Fusion luxury semi-automatic. It was an expensive and ssy weapon gifted to him by The Boss himself when he took the position of second-inmand.


    He checked the charger and the silencer, both properly in ce, then strolled silently into the room.


    The owner was lying down naked on his canopied bed in the middle of three nakeddies and a boyish-looking young man.


    Eron raised his right hand and, with no hesitation whatsoever, pulled the trigger. His bullet then thudded into Zayne¡¯s forehead.


    That would have been the end of it if not for that one woman near Zayne who ended up with part of the stter¡­


    Unfortunately, that suddenly woke her up.


    ¡°AAAAAAAHHHH!¡±


    As soon as she opened her eyes and noticed the blood that was now pooling on the silk sheets under her boss¡¯ body, she started hysterically screaming.


    ¡°Damn it, why couldn¡¯t she have stayed asleep?¡±


    Eron hesitated for a moment, not wanting to kill someone who was not his target, but before he could react, he heard the hammer of another gun click right behind him, and the sound of a bullet cutting through the air.


    The assassin froze in ce,pletely zoning out the screams of the girl for a second before the bullet hit her right in the middle of her forehead, silencing her. She slid lifelessly out of the bed and stayed still on the shiny wooden floor, her blood moistening the mahogany tiles.


    ¡°What the hell!?!¡±


    Eron looked behind him and towards the door that had been just widely opened. He immediately recognized the man who was standing there.


    ¡°Julio, you¡¯re not supposed to be here! I¡¯m the highest-ranking officer in our organization, you know that! This is my mission, and it was supposed to be a SOLO one. How dare you invade it without my permission! Go back to our headquarters, NOW! I¡¯ll deal with you myself when I¡¯m done here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sir, but I can¡¯t do that,¡± the slightly younger man said, as he bowed to Eron.


    ¡°And why is that?¡±


    Julio kept his head down but took his phone out. He speed-dialed a number and gave the phone to Eron.


    ¡°Hello?¡± the miffed officer said, waiting to see what the mystery was all about.


    ¡°I¡¯m very happy to hear your voice, my loyal friend. This means that you were sessful with your mission. Don¡¯t worry about the rest. You can go downstairs now. The Left Hand is waiting for you to take you back here.¡±


    Eron was surprised to hear the exuberant voice of his boss. He was also so shocked with what the speaker was saying he couldn¡¯t say a word.


    ¡°My private army is there too,¡± his superior stated. ¡°And they will take care of the ¡®selection and clean up,¡¯ ok? Just do as I say.¡±


    ¡°Selection and clean up?¡± Eron said, ¡°What do you mean by that, Boss? I thought this was a solo mission, and it was just about eliminating Zayne!¡±


    ¡°Yes, your mission was him, and I couldn¡¯t trust anyone else for that. The other guys there have another mission, and youpleted yours so you don¡¯t need to be part of what they will do next. Again, don¡¯t tempt my patience and do as I say.¡±


    Right at that moment, he saw how seven other suited men that he recognized walk down the hall, guns out. He followed their march with his hearing, noticing doors forcefully being opened.


    And then came the screams¡­N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    As more screams resounded, some shots were fired.


    Soon there were more gunshots than screaming.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Eron thought furiously as he stood helplessly inside his target¡¯s room, Julio now shoving the remaining living prostitutes out the bedroom door at gunpoint. ¡°This was not about just removing an obstacle. It¡¯s about my filthy, sex-starved boss getting new flesh workers so he can take them again¡­ and again¡­ and again. He¡¯ll probably keep the prettiest for his own use until he gets tired of them.¡±


    ¡°Right, are you listening to me?¡± his leader said over the phone, waiting for confirmation as if this was another one of his tests to prove his loyalty.


    ¡°Yes, boss, I¡¯m leaving now. Will see you back at headquarters,¡± Eron said tonelessly.


    ¡°Good boy,¡± the Boss said, satisfactioncing his voice. ¡°That¡¯s what I like to hear. Later, then.¡±


    His superior then finished the call.


    ¡°Thanks, Julio, see youter,¡± Eron said as he went out of the room to give the phone back to his underling, making an inhuman effort to not let what he was really feeling and thinkinge out in the open.


    Especially not with his ¡®wild¡¯ side¡­


    It would be really bad if his boss found out about that.


    After all, besides all his skills and abilities as a fighter, tactician, and assassin, he was also a werewolf.


    He could only imagine what could happen to him, and even to his pack, if this maniac knew. So, no, that could never happen.


    Julio took the phone and proceeded with his own instructions and checked the still naked and scareddies and the young man that were on the bed a while ago. Meanwhile, Eron walked down the three sets of stairs, and opened the main door of the house, as if it was his own.


    He then stiffly strolled over to the parked ck Alfa Romeo Giulia TI Sport car near the sidewalk; opened the door, and got in the front passenger¡¯s seat. His dark-haired co-leader, who was sitting in, nodded, acknowledging his presence, and then started the car.


    No questions asked.


    Eron¡¯s face, which was ashen at first, then turned red in fury as he sat in silence, could perfectly tell the story to his friend beside him since the man was infamous for his analytical skills and experience as a negotiator.


    After the driver made the next turn after leaving the Temptation House, Eron let loose with his fist on the very expensive car¡¯s dashboard, almost punching a hole in it. They weren¡¯t that far away from his target¡¯s ce yet, but he could no longer keep it inside anymore.


    ¡°You should let out all that anger out at the gym when we get home. I¡¯m not going soft on you today, you know that not even because you just had a mission,¡± The Left Hand said to him.


    ¡°Bro, I really can¡¯t¡­ This guy is a sick bastard and the way he does whatever he wants because he is who he is¡­ I can¡¯t stomach it now. I can¡¯t be part of this anymore. I don¡¯t mind killing, when the person is guilty, even his partners who are as dirty as him, I couldn¡¯t care less! But then, when there are innocent people that he just ns to use, thinking they¡¯re his personal toys or servants, or whatever the hell he has in his fucking twisted mind¡­ I refuse, bro. That¡¯s¡­ no. I¡¯ve had enough!¡±


    Eron was redder and angrier by the second, letting out for the first time what he really felt in years. All this he nned to unleash verbally before they reached their headquarters, the ce they also called ¡®home.¡¯


    ¡°I really need out, bro¡­ No matter what, I¡¯m leaving all this, or I¡¯ll end up crazy¡­¡±


    ¡°Crazier you mean?¡± hispanion said with a smirk that made Eron sigh and let out a small chuckle.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ Crazier¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, I think you¡¯re right¡­¡± the serious man stated with his famous unreadable expression, while he was still carefully reasoning and analyzing his next few words.


    Eron¡¯s jaw slightly fell, and he turned to look at the guy beside him.


    ¡°Who the hell are you, and where is my unfeeling co-leader? Or did you go crazy as well?¡±


    ¡°Maybe, yeah¡­ maybe a little crazier¡­ I have been thinking about it, and it might really work for you, so¡­ Wanna listen to my n, see if you like the idea?¡±


    Even more surprised, Eron nodded.


    ¡°OK, go on, share your craziness with me. Let¡¯s see what you got.¡±?

 DREAMS AND HOAXES

    ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m going to bete! Why didn¡¯t I wake up with the rm?¡±


    Of course, she knew why. The question was really more of a frustrated statement than an actual query, especially since the answer was already part of the dream, she just had¡­


    Di dreamed of him. And she¡¯s feeling a lot of embarrassment about it.


    Even more so since she liked the dream.


    Extremely liked it¡­


    So, as she continued to rush about prepping for her cooking time at four in the morning while the whole house was still asleep, she allowed herself a few moments to remember her dream.


    And she felt her face flush even more at the memory¡­


    +++


    The widow found herself outside the house, somewhere in the forest that seemed unfamiliar to her. That should have given her a clue that she was just dreaming. But then, everything felt so real.


    The smells¡­ the coldness¡­ the sounds¡­ the full moon¡¯s glow illuminating everything, even allowing her to see the muted colors of the trees and bushes in the darkness¡­


    All of it was beautiful, so she started walking through the foliage, trying to look for anything familiar that she could use to find her way back to her house. Then, from the corner of her eye, she saw something move¡­


    ¡°Well, hello there, Miss Diwana. What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?¡±


    Diwana turned towards the smooth, charming voice and came face to face with the handsome, hazel-eyed city-boy-turned-logger who was now smiling at her. Despite the darkness, she could almost see some sort of glowing from him, and the same feeling of safety and security that she had felt from him before was also overwhelming her now¡­


    Along with all that came, from her loins, the same newfound warmth that both pleasured and puzzled her.


    And this time, it was stronger.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­ Thest thing I remember, I was at home¡­ in bed¡­ was about to fall asleep, and then I¡­¡±


    As she looked downwards, partially due to her wanting to avoid his intense stare, and felt herself blush even more¡­


    She was wearing one of her thin, short, silky nightgowns, which hugged herrge, full breasts tightly while exposing her smooth, curvy thighs. To her horror, due to the cold, her nipples were now taut and hardened enough that they were leaving seductive-looking impressions on her gown.


    Diwana¡¯s arms instinctively drew up to her chest, in an effort to hide her exposed ¡°features,¡± but Eron mistook it for something else.


    ¡°Oh, are you feeling cold? You shouldn¡¯t have left your home without a coat, or a robe at least,¡± the concerned man said as he removed his leather jacket and wrapped it around her. ¡°Well, at least you wore shoes.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t help but join his low chuckles with her own melodic giggle. He just had a way of making herugh¡­


    And much more.


    ¡°Miss, do you mind if I just bring you somewhere safe? I don¡¯t want to leave you like this in the middle of the woods.¡±


    ¡°I normally can find my way around here, but all these seem so out of ce. None of these trees or rocks or paths are familiar to me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s odd, then. But if you¡¯ll let me, I can bring you somewhere you¡¯ve been before.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I would love that. Thank you.¡±


    His smile, for her, seemed to light up the darkness like the sun. Her own smile was as warm as his, too, and she hoped it made their walk a little less awkward.


    But as she walked two steps forward, her foot got lodged in arge root that was above ground. Her fault, since she kept looking at the muscled man beside her.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Diwana gave a short scream as she fell, and a pair of strong, well-defined arms swiftly caught her, holding her close¡­


    And a beautiful man¡¯s face was now bowed over hers, his breath warming her mouth, their lips merely inches away from each other. Her own breathing seemed to have stoppedpletely, though.


    ¡°Diwana¡­¡±


    ¡°E-Eron¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to¡­ disrespect you¡­ in any way¡­¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t¡­ You haven¡¯t¡­ You aren¡¯t¡­¡±


    She could smell him, his natural scent so inviting to her.


    She could feel him, his hands warm and her skin tingling from his touch.


    She could almost taste him, and she couldn¡¯t stop herself anymore, so she brought her head up to his¡­


    And kissed him deeply.


    His mouth immediately responded to hers, his tongue swiftly searching for her own. Their lips locked eagerly, hungrily, even while their hands started to touch cheeks, hair, shoulders¡­


    Diwa didn¡¯t remember how or where she ended up on a soft mattress inside a tent, but that was exactly where she saw she was once she opened her eyes. Meanwhile, Eron was still on top of her, but he was already looking down at her with fire in his eyes.


    And he was already shirtless.


    She gasped, not because she felt fear at seeing him like this, but because she felt extreme admiration at the view she was now enjoying. His beautiful, sinewy body was in its full glory just inches away from her, and her hands moved instinctively to touch those well-defined abs and bulging chest.


    He inhaled sharply and closed his eyes at her touch. She watched in fascination at the pleasured, impassioned look on this desirable man¡¯s face, even as her hands continued to travel down his torso and towards his belt¡­ his jeans¡­ his zipper¡­


    Diwana heard him growl low, his chest rumbling with the sound, as her hand settled on the bulge that was tenting Eron¡¯s pants. She took this as his way of agreeing to what she wanted to do next, so she pulled down his zipper and put her soft, gentle hand inside the opening¡­


    And Eron stiffened at her touch, then did the unthinkable¡­


    He howled!


    That¡¯s when Diwa woke up to the Silent Hill siren ringtone of her phone. And it seemed she had hit the snooze button three times already.


    How she did that, she still didn¡¯t know.


    +++


    Once again, the same ringtone resounded in the kitchen, where she was now working fully on her cooking. It was giving her the reminder that she needed to be finished prepping her dishes and pastries by now and should be already dressing up. Unfortunately, she still needed half an hour toplete her preparations, and she hated her ringtone even more for the stressful reminder.


    ¡°I really should choose another melody soon. I don¡¯t want to wake up with that kind of ending to my dream just because of a damned ringtone,¡± the flustered woman muttered to herself as she scooped up her chicken macaroni cream soup into individual serving packs.


    ¡°Hey Diwa, are you ok? You look all red and rushed.¡±


    Diwana swiftly looked up to see Erica at the entrance of the kitchen, rubbing one of her eyes with her right hand as she looked towards the almost-finished preparation. The troubled surrogate mom smiled in relief, trying to find an excuse to give to the concerned teen and at the same time asking for some assistance.


    ¡°Oh Erica, so d you¡¯re here. Yes, red and rushed because I will bete if I don¡¯t get dressed now. Can you take charge of packing all of these while I take a bath and get myself ready? Pretty please¡­¡±


    ¡°Say no more. Go, go, go, go! I¡¯ll take care of this,¡± the teenager replied while tying her long, naturally frizzy ck hair in a tight ponytail, even as pushed Di out into the hall. ¡°Good thing you don¡¯t use makeup or you¡¯d take longer dressing up, hahaha!¡±


    The beautiful but sweaty womanughed a little at her ward¡¯sst statement before rushing towards her bedroom, where she had her own private bathroom,plete with its own bathtub. Of course, she only used the shower this time because she needed to be ready within half an hour if she was to get to the lumberyard in time for their breakfast.


    Inside the shower, as she soaped herself, she couldn¡¯t help but remember parts of the dream again, the image of thoserge caressing hands touching her all over. With all her might, she stopped herself from thinking and went on mindlessly with her bath. Diwa did not want to bete¡­


    Nor be weakened by a wrongly timed orgasm.


    +++


    As Erica finished cing all the wrapped pastries and single-serve dishes into her surrogate mom¡¯s woven native basket and eco-bag, she heard a hurried knocking on the back door. Normally, they kept that door unlocked the whole day and secured it only at night.


    It was the door that most of the neighbors used to get into the house, and since everyone was a long-time friend of the widow, they could juste and go as they pleased.


    ¡°Looks like Di was in so much of a hurry, shepletely forgot to unlock it. She normally would do that before she started cooking,¡± the youngss mumbled to herself as she walked over to the other end of the kitchen where the door was.


    As she opened the door, a woman in her early thirties eagerly barged through the doorway and immediately started talking the minute she stepped into the vi¡¯s threshold.


    ¡°Oh my gosh, Erica, did you hear? There¡¯s a new shitty werewolf story going around! Someone stuck a picture ofrge footprints from an unknown location up in the mountains on our town hall bulletin board! Those things did not look human and are so fucking huge!¡± the slim and tall amber-eyeddy eximed as she flipped her long, loosely tied tresses back from her face.


    ¡°Whoa, easy on the curse words, Ma¡¯am Leena¡­ and¡­ wait¡­ what¡­ did you just say werewolves?¡±


    The visitor, Diwana¡¯s closest friend and who was actually one of her fans when ites to cooking, nodded briskly and continued her story, now at the speed of forty words per minute¡­


    ¡°Yes, and no one is talking about the picture. No one seems to know about it, too! It just showed up in the town hall, mysterious-like. Also, no one had admitted to being attacked by wolves these days so it¡¯s unclear if that picture even happened nearby or somewhere else.¡±


    Erica hurried back to her almost-finished food packing, Leena right behind her, as she gave her thoughts about the news. ¡°I¡¯m not sure about what to think about that, Miss Leena. After all, this town used to be a tourist attraction for werewolves, until it was proven to be a fraud created by ourst mayor. I was just a little child back then when it happened, but I do remember my mother¡¯s stories about that.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that the mayor ran off and disappeared after his ¡®hoax¡¯ was exposed,¡± Leena answered as she sat on one of the kitchen¡¯s ind stools, her amber eyes wide. ¡°That he wanted to make money out of the werewolf legends of our vige and even hired goons to dress up like wolves and were sent to attack travelers and even homes.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not forget about the fake videos and photos that he leaked to the media,¡± the slightly chubby teenager added eagerly. ¡°That actually was his biggest mistake because it¡¯s also the media that showed the true nature of his schemes. Too bad, he was never prosecuted.¡±


    ¡°Yup, just took his money and ran. Good riddance! But with this new story about werewolves going around, could it be that someone¡¯s trying to revive that tourist scam once again? Or maybe, we really did have werewolves here, one time or another?¡±


    ¡°What on earth are youdies talking about so early in the morning? Did I just hear you say werewolves?¡±


    Both females in the kitchen looked up at the still wet-haired speaker that had just entered the room. The older one jumped off her seat and rushed towards the woman in the short, lc sundress.


    ¡°Oh my gosh, Di, you need to hear what I¡¯m about to tell you before you go to the lumberyard¡­¡± the brownish-blond-haired visitor eagerly piped up, intent on not letting her friend leave without hearing her out.

 TEMPTATIONS RIGHT AT THE DOOR

    The memory was over. Eron was back in his camp. The coffee was now ready and served in his oversized tin cup. He shook the sugar at the bottom of it with his not-silver spoon, and he was about to have a sip of the very hot beverage.


    His mind had been very active in the little time this morning that he had been ¡®conscious¡¯ so far, and after the massage that never happened, along with the memory of his past missions, he was deeply thoughtful.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s for the best if I¡¯m not an expert assassin anymore. Just maybe, if I really am losing it and I cannot be a killer again, I can finally do what I came here for, which is to genuinely start over, have a new life, be a new person and truly turn over a new leaf,¡± he thought, with a certaindy at the back of his mind all the time.


    At first, he didn¡¯t seem to realize it, but then¡­


    ¡°And, of course, Diwana doesn¡¯t deserve a killer for a partner¡­¡±


    He took another sip of his coffee, then froze.


    ¡°Wait, what? What did I just say? No no no no, Eron, you don¡¯t deserve her. Maybe here you¡¯re not under your father¡¯s pressure, or under anybody else¡¯smands, but you ran away from all of it, remember? You may be putting aside the thought right now but knowing your boss, he must still be looking for definite proof of your supposed ¡®current condition¡¯ and if he finds out the truth, what will you do when that happens, huh?¡±


    But then again, his heart was still warm with the idea of a soft, lovely body by his side while waking up this very morning¡­


    ¡°Dammit, just¡­ a bit closer¡­ maybe not her man, but I could protect her¡­ make sure she and the kids are safe¡­ happy¡­ you know, stay for a while, try to¡­ damn Eron¡­ She¡¯s too good for you, man¡­ and still, I¡¯d love to¡­ so much that¡­¡± he suddenly sniffed¡­ ¡°I can¡­¡± sniffed again¡­ ¡°Smell her, and¡­ hell, I can see her!¡±


    Even while his mind continued the fight with himself, his eyes looked around, trying to find the ce where the sweet, familiar, andforting scent wasing from. And he did catch a glimpse of her from afar¡­ or did he?


    ¡°This can¡¯t be happening. It¡¯s the third hallucination in one morning that my brain is putting me through. Come on, man, what did I do to you so you¡¯re ying with me like that?¡± he sadly said, loud enough that if she had been very close to him, she would have perfectly heard him. ¡°She even looks like she¡¯s rushing to get here, lugging that oversized food basket and bag of hers. Damn, that¡¯s one very powerful imagination you got, Eron¡­¡±


    He pinched his arm so strongly that the pain made his bicep twitch, causing him to wrench his mug of still very hot coffee, which caused the steaming beverage to spill on his shirt¡­


    And he yelled out of pain¡­


    ¡°Okay! Okay! I¡¯m awake¡­ aaagh¡­ sheesh,¡± he protested andined, still trying to stop paying attention to that wonderful feminine smell getting closer, the crackling on the leaves getting louder¡­


    Since he was still thinking that all that wasn¡¯t real, he calmly took his shirt off and was looking for a clean one, when he heard her voice.


    ¡°Eron!¡± she said, louder than usual, concern in her eyes, still rushing to him, so worried that even the sight of the very attractive, shirtless man didn¡¯t stop her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    He turned when he heard his name, finally realizing ¨C in both shock and pleasure ¨C that it wasn¡¯t all just an illusion. For a second, he even thought he saw the worry in her eyes, which quickly disappeared, and then she sighed in relief when she saw his ted expression at seeing her.


    But why?


    ¡°Ok, the pinch and the hot coffee were painful enough, so I¡¯m not dreaming. GO HELP HER, ERON!¡± he thought, seeing her still a bit agitated since she was still hurrying towards him while carrying her full and heavy loads of food.


    When he stood up and rushed in front of her, shirtless, he was surprised that the young woman started checking his body with both her eyes and hands. It was as if she was doing what a wife would normally do to her husband, or a mom to her child, making sure that he was okay,plete, and unharmed.


    Of course, due to his elerated healing, which was typical in his line of werewolves, there wasn¡¯t a scratch or a mark on his wless skin.


    Her face started to get red when she noticed that her hands were grabbing, touching and sliding all over his upper body while he looked down at her, his eyes full of curiosity and his face with a charming smirk.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said suddenly¡­ ¡°I was really worried when I heard you scream in pain. I didn¡¯t mean to cross any lines¡­¡±


    ¡°Worried, huh?¡± he thought to himself, wanting to hug her but stopping himself. ¡°And we only met yesterday¡­¡±


    He took hold of the items she was carrying, leaned back on a nearby tree, and looked tenderly, almost sweetly, at her.


    ¡°Why would you be worried, Miss Diwana?¡±


    She looked at him for a second, and wondered what kind of look that was¡­ Nobody had seen her like this before and she didn¡¯t want to give him the wrong idea, but she couldn¡¯t identify whatever she was reading in his eyes¡­N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    One of the reasons why she usually didn¡¯t look at men in their eyes was because it was either hate or lust that she¡¯d find there, and she didn¡¯t like either. No, not after all she had been through¡­


    But him¡­ he made her feel safe¡­ sofortable, so¡­ herself.


    ¡°I¡­ Well, I¡¯m also worried about¡­¡± Diwana exined as a recent story came to mind. ¡°Did you notice anything around herest night? Noises, or yelling, or animal sounds in the forest?¡±


    ¡°Not really, no¡­ I tend to sleep like a rock, more so after yesterday¡¯s first day at work¡­ I¡¯m still a bit sore with the¡­ exercise,¡± he said the truth, but not the one she was asking about¡­


    ¡°The best way to lie is not to. I¡¯m still telling the truth¡­¡± he thought, trying to convince himself, but still failing¡­ ¡°I actually wish I could tell you the whole, real truth, Miss Di¡­ I¡¯m really sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, of course¡­ Well, there¡¯s a rumor spreading like a wildfire around the area. Apparently more than a rumor¡­ People back at the vige are saying as a fact that there was a wolf herest night, huge and with very dark fur, and that was not the worst¡­¡±


    Eron had a hard time keeping his face expressionless, but he did it despite the feeling of dread crawling under his skin. He continued listening to her story as they started walking back to his camp.


    ¡°When the tracks of the huge wolf were lost, they came across monster footprints, too big to be of any one of the animals that are usually residing here up on the mountains. It¡¯s even toorge to belong to the wolf they say they saw¡­ that it even might be the footprints of a¡­ werewolf,¡± she said, making Eron¡¯s heart skip a beat.


    ¡°A werewolf¡­? And people here believe in that?¡± he asked, trying to look calm, but still taking her story seriously.


    ¡°Well, you can look for yourself¡­¡± she said, extending the piece of paper, and as he took it, his hand slightly touched hers, sending that now familiar shiver down their bodies and reminding them of the curious dreams that, unknowingly, both had with each other¡­


    But thatsted only for an instant, and they both went back to the more questionable story at hand.


    He looked at the picture, internally kicking himself once again because he remembered the dream, but then, more worried about the fact that she was actually carrying proof of something that he wished she would never find out about.


    Worse, this printout could actually make her believe this rumor, which was another secret he should be hiding from her. And did she really run all the way to his camp just because she was worried about him possibly being mangled by a monster?


    ¡°Is it possible that she knows something? That she might havee all the way here because she knows about me being¡­ No, Eron, you¡¯re being too paranoid. Why would she do that? In a rush, to see if you¡¯re the one who left the ¡°monster¡¯s footprint¡±, really? Get a grip, Eron, you can do it. Rx and think logically, damn it!¡±


    And then, he started to really think about the past few minutes¡­


    She was still a bit agitated now that he took the time to carefully look, and her naturally colored cheeks because of her rushing made her look so beautiful.


    ¡°The picture of the footprint was added anonymously to the vige¡¯s newspaper, apparently sent to one of the elders¡¯ emails in the same way¡­ It was also posted on the vigemunity board and when a neighbor told me about it¡­ well¡­ I had to¡­ be sure¡­ that¡­¡±


    Diwana¡¯s words were now slowing down and even stopped as she suddenly looked down¡­


    He smiled and slightly bent his head down towards hers, hoping he could look into her deep brown eyes once again.


    What was that instinct that made him want to be sweet and attentive to her? Even forgetting what the vige was talking about, which was actually a very big problem that could affect him¡­


    It was not only the physical attraction, not anymore, but the way she was the cutest thing he¡¯d ever seen, and he found himself wanting only to protect her and see her smile again¡­


    For a second, he doubted this feeling, but it was so much stronger than him.


    ¡°Miss Di¡­ thank you for worrying about me. To be honest, I haven¡¯t felt that in a long time and I¡­ well, I hardly get any of that so I¡­ appreciate it.¡±


    She looked back up, and now he was looking away¡­


    ¡°But¡­ What about your family?¡± ?

 TEMPTATIONS RIGHT AT THE DOOR TOO

    ¡°Nah¡­ My father wanted me to be something I can never be,¡± Eron said as he ced Di¡¯s things inside his tent for safekeeping. ¡°My brother was pushed to be perfect, and the only one that really cared for me, I had to leave behind¡­¡±


    ¡°I see¡­ was¡­ uh¡­ was it ady? You don¡¯t have to answer if you don¡¯t want to, of course,¡± she said, feeling her cheeks turning a bit red as she rushed through herst words¡­


    Her thoughts: ¡°Why do I care if this person is a woman or not? A man like him was probably surrounded by girls all the time! Diwana¡­ What are you thinking now? He¡¯s nicer than what you¡¯re used to and now you¡¯re thinking more than you should dare to. Remember your ce¡­ and also¡­ remember your curse¡­¡± She was almost lost in her thoughts, getting sad again, when his words surprised her.


    ¡°Oh, yes. Indeed, she is a woman. My brother¡¯s wife¡­ everybody saw us more brother and sister than they would see my brother and I as siblings. We¡¯re so close that we call each other twins¡­ Well, I call her Twinny, and she calls me Twin, so¡­ hehe, maybe you¡¯ll think it¡¯s silly, or weird¡­ Truth is, back there, she was the only one that believed in me¡­¡±


    Now it was he who looked sad, and she was somehow¡­ happy¡­


    Her thoughts again: ¡°Why would he be opening up to me like that? He¡¯s telling me about his family! And not only that but who still matters to him from back there¡­ Maybe he liked her, but when she got married to his brother¡­ Oh¡­ Jesus Christ Diwana, he trusts you with some of his past and you¡¯re thinking of all that drama about his admissions? What¡¯s wrong with you?! No more of those stupid telenovs for you¡­!¡±


    For a few more seconds, Diwana continued to scold herself, still not happy with the way she was reacting to his trust. And yeah, he was trusting her and she should do something right about it, to show her appreciation.


    ¡°Well, maybe she cane and visit you¡­ But I don¡¯t think if you consider her your sister, you would really like to have her here, right? I mean¡­ I don¡¯t believe you¡¯d let yourself worry about your twin if you¡¯re so close¡­ You might¡­ uh¡­ want to find a¡­ ce to stay¡­ rent somewhere or something¡­¡± she shyly hinted¡­


    ¡°That would be good¡­ I¡¯m not really into getting visitors, but I think it would be good to find something more proper to live in than just a tent,¡± he said distractedly, still a bit clueless about what she meant since she did react coldly to his past request to rent a room in her house.


    ¡°Yeah, especially with a wolf¡­ or a werewolf¡­ on the loose¡­¡± she looked at him intently, waiting for him to get it¡­


    ¡°Yes, the problem is that I don¡¯t think I know anyone that could be renting, or wanting to rent particrly to me¡­ so¡­¡± he said, and immediately his brain came back to reality¡­


    His thoughts: ¡°What the hell, Eron, are you missing the opportunity you were waiting for again?! I hope she doesn¡¯t take it wrongly and can forgive your temporal stupidity since you¡¯ve done that yesterday already!¡±


    Eron looked at her, realization now clearly stamped all over his face.


    ¡°You know¡­ I¡­ happen to know¡­ a woman that has¡­ arge enough house¡­ and also is uh¡­ renting¡­¡± she hinted again, but thinking ¡°Come on Diwana! My God, can you be less obvious about your offer? He will think so many improper things about you for sure¡­¡±


    ¡°Miss Diwana, do you mean that you¡¯d consider renting to me now?¡± Eron finally risked saying.


    ¡°After getting to know you a bit better, and seeing how you live¡­ and, of course, the current dangers of living out here¡­ well, I can¡¯t be so heartless, can I?¡± she said, changing colors like a chameleon, and trying not to be too obvious. ¡°Besides, I believe I should apologize to you¡­ I¡¯m sorry about how I left your camp yesterday, so suddenly and¡­ yeah, you were really kind and even shared your food with me, and I just ran away¡­ I am very sorry about that.¡±


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t worry about it,¡± he answered, now going back to his tent to look for a clean shirt to go to work in, and ¡°identally¡± leaving the scrap of newspaper that she gave him in his belongings to checkter.


    ¡°Oh, but I¡­¡±


    ¡°I was actually a bit concerned about if I had offended you in any way, so I should apologize as well,¡± he interrupted her, as he finished getting ready in front of her, so naturally that any person who saw it would think they¡¯ve known each other for the longest time¡­ maybe even that they knew their nakedness so well that they were no longer shy¡­


    And, in a way, they did.


    ¡°I also apologize for rejecting you as a possible renter before. I¡­ feel morefortable now¡­ It¡¯s weird of me, I know,¡± she responded, a bit unsure for a moment¡­ ¡°But please, ept my apology ande with me to my house¡­ I mean¡­ to find a room¡­ to rent¡­ of course¡­ I could never forgive myself if anything happened to you because of¡­ I mean not because¡­ you don¡¯t deserve that¡­ kind of treatment from me.¡±


    Eron made an effort to try to hide his smile. Herst few words not only made him funnily think of how much of a lusty man he was in her presence, and how he could misinterpret her words, but also, there was a warmth that her care brought out in him.


    And that emotion, whatever it was, he didn¡¯t want to stop feeling.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be d to go and check you¡­ r¡­ rooms, Miss Di¡­ I mean, Miss Diwana. Your¡­ home¡­ I mean, the rental¡­ I am very thankful that you reconsidered, and of course, we can talk about the details on the way to the lumberyard, just give me a moment to finish fixing this ce, and I¡¯ll help you with your bag and basket.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Diwa blurted out loud, then she realized what she had just done and tried to lose the exuberance she was disying in her voice and face. ¡°I mean¡­ Thank you, Eron. I appreciate the help a lot.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the least I can do after you took such a big detour just to check on me,¡± he answered with a shy smile that surprised her.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe he¡¯s being shy with me¡­ nah, how could that be possible with a charmer like him¡­ Oh, Diwana, what will I do with you?¡± she thought while seeing him move around organizing his belongings and backpack that he¡¯ll be bringing to work. ¡°First the dream, and now the daydreams¡­ and yeah, he looks amazing even doing the simplest things, too.¡±


    In a few moments, Eron was ready. He slung his backpack onto his broad back, then brought Diwa¡¯s bags out again.


    ¡°Miss Diwana¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, Eron?¡±


    ¡°May I ask you something?¡±


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll do my best to answer you.¡±


    ¡°Do you believe in werewolves?¡± he said, looking straight at her as they started walking out of the camp side by side.


    ¡°Oh¡­ well, that¡¯s part of the history of this ce,¡± she said, trying to match his stride, both with bright smiles as he eagerly listened to her animated talk. ¡°In the past, the vige had this mayor who¡­¡±


    They were so into the conversation ¨C and into each other ¨C that they were not even aware of who was looking at them right at that moment.


    Not too far, and hiding like the creep and coward that he was, Mad Max spied on them, sending furious looks their way.


    ¡°I see that my warning was not enough to persuade you huh, new guy?¡± he mumbled, still fearing they could hear him. ¡°Then, I will have to find a way to make you understand that I¡¯m serious when I tell you to stay away from her, you damned pretty boy.¡±Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    He was still whispering to himself as he crawled out from his hiding ce, and tried his best to follow the two without being seen. ¡°You just wait and see¡­ And don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you¡­¡± ?

 DISTURBING SECRETS

    Myron woke up pretty early for this task since he didn¡¯t want too many people at the precinct when he finally got there. He didn¡¯t n to stay there for long, either. Just get the stuff and go, hit and run as he would always say as a joke among his colleagues.


    He was quite the charmer in their department, which made his ¡°sideline¡± even less likely to be discovered. Besides, the fact that he¡¯s a locally decorated hero twice in his lifetime would definitely put any naysayers or doubters at bay.


    All he really needed to do was to be careful so he wouldn¡¯t be caught while making sure his ¡°client¡± would be satisfied with his services.


    So far, he¡¯s doing pretty well¡­


    ¡°Baby, it¡¯s still too early¡­ Why are you getting up already¡­?¡± a sleepy, sweet voice said beside him.


    He looked at his naked wife-to-be who was looking up at him with cute goo-goo eyes, obviously upset that he wouldn¡¯t be staying to snuggle. The boyish-looking cop smiled at her, feeling himself going hard at the longing expression on her face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll only be gone for a few hours, baby love. I promise, when I get back, I¡¯ll give you extra cuddling. Meanwhile, you can go grocery shopping while waiting for me.¡±


    The slim, pixie-looking female, with herrge amber eyes, pinkish lips, and heart-shaped face, pouted at him, trying to look angry. It wasn¡¯t really working, as he felt himself melting instead of being rmed.


    But he can¡¯t give in. He really needed to go soon, or he would lose one day of work on his new mission.


    ¡°Please, Raquel¡­ Just for today. Look, I can go by your beloved bakery and get you your favorite cake,¡± Myron soothingly crooned while nuzzling his girl¡¯s earlobe, while she hugged him tightly around his waist in an effort to keep him with her on their king-sized bed. ¡°I know you¡¯d like that¡­¡±


    ¡°Not as much as I like what you¡¯re doing to me right now, lover boy,¡± she replied with an adorable pout and cutesy voice that made Myron even harder.


    ¡°Baby, I need to go to work double effort because we are nning to have our wedding this year, remember? I can¡¯t wait to call you my wife for real.¡±


    Raquel found herself smiling widely now, and it was not just because of her fianc¨¦¡¯s kisses. She turned her face towards him, her lips now recing her ear on her lover¡¯s open mouth.


    Their kiss was full of tenderness and desire, but eventually, the girly woman decided to give in to the request of her handsome ¡°boy¡± ¡­


    ¡°Fine,¡± she whispered into his lips as she pulled away. ¡°Just make sure you take your work home or I¡¯ll be forced to visit you at the precinct¡­ again.¡±


    Myron heard the naughtiness in her voice, but he still considered what she said as a threat. And it¡¯s not because he would be embarrassed if she decided to ¡°fetch¡± him from his office¡­


    It¡¯s because he had seen how many of his co-workers have checked out his girl, and even flirted with her right in his face. Not that he didn¡¯t trust his Raquel, but he would rather not have her deal with men who saw her only as a sex object.


    And he knew there were many who seemed to automatically see her like that, not that it¡¯s her fault¡­


    She just seemed to trigger a man¡¯s natural instinct for protection¡­


    Or, in some cases, lust¡­


    No, he had no ns of her going to the precinct more than she needed to.


    ¡°Ok, ok, I promise to just pick up my workload and then I¡¯ll be back here in a jiff!¡±


    Raquel¡¯s naughty smile turned cheerful this time, ¡°Good, now run along before I decide to share the shower with you and make you even morete.¡±


    Myronughed and jumped off the bed in a hurry, afraid that she would do what she said since he would have no power to stop her ¨C or himself ¨C if and when this lovable and desirable female would attack him.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    After a rushed shower, a fast-paced shave, and swiftly dressing up, he was soon driving his Mercedes-AMG GTr C190 towards the precinct. He didn¡¯t have to worry about exining his very expensive sports car to his superiors or the auditing department since it was part of the gifts he received for his most recent civil service award.


    Of course, his client was partially responsible for him receiving this much-coveted award.


    His thoughts as he parked his car in his reserved parking space beside their police headquarters: ¡°Oh, the benefits of being well-connected. So good to be me¡­¡±


    +++


    ¡°Thank you all for attending this quick meeting¡­ I know it¡¯s early, and the topic will be a little bit off since it¡¯s not about our work today, but it is actually a matter that concerns all of us who live and work here. I know you heard that yesterday night some people saw a wolf in our mountain. I¡¯m sure many of us have seen the bulletin today, and the ones who came from the vige also saw it on the Town Hall wall. I need for you all to think about any possible thing connected to this incident that you might know about.¡±


    Jack started the morning by calling in the workers who arrived early to work. Everyone could see that he was very much concerned and unusually troubled by the news going around town.


    They didn¡¯t expect this reaction though¡­


    Some of the men who were present looked at each other wondering why he would be so interested. There were a few who even yawned and murmured an ¡°It¡¯s too early to argue about the town¡¯s gossip.¡± However, there were those who found his concern worthy of attention, since it was not only Jack¡¯s family¡¯s business territory but also his family and friends who might be at risk.


    Along with their own lives and families.


    ¡°Anyone who remembers anything, even if it¡¯s not directly rted tost night¡¯s incident, but other sightings recently, or whatever you might think of that¡¯s connected to the appearance of wolves, you can talk now, or if you prefer, you cane to my office and speak to me about it in private. But please, any small piece of information, pictures, something you remember, whatever you have or know, please tell me,¡± he finished and looked around waiting for people to talk.


    ¡°But Boss, wasn¡¯t it proved before that this werewolf story was a trick of the old Mayor to bring tourists and money to the town? I mean, once I saw a big footprint too, but since the truth was unmasked, there was nothing to think of that. As the media said, it¡¯s all fake. Maybe the same people who helped him back then came here to prank us¡­¡± one of the workers spoke from the back, and the murmur started to go around.


    ¡°Yes, I think it¡¯s all a fraud, too. Especially because not even the elders can tell who sent the information and the picture to them. Come on, Boss, who could believe in monsters in this day and age?¡± another one said aloud.


    ¡°The more reason for us to pay attention!¡± Jack shouted back to the murmuring crowd. ¡°It is even more important for us to find out and make sure if all of this is fake or real. Imagine, what if there really is a dangerous monster out there and we don¡¯t even know it? So, whatever you know or find out, as I said before,e forward. I¡¯ll be joining some other people and we¡¯ll investigate the matter, true or not. We need to make sure that everybody is safe on our mountain!¡±


    With his authoritative demeanor and a speech like that, one would wonder why Jack hasn¡¯t run for office. The townspeople would easily vote for him as Mayor if he continued at this rate.


    But Jack himself was not interested in all of that. Right now, as he stood in front of his workers, he couldn¡¯t help but be deeply affected by all the talk, the news, and the opinions that he was hearing around him.


    ¡°Yeah, who would believe in werewolves, right?¡± he thought, his mind suddenly leaving the lumber camp. Instead, he was now seeing the old vige a few weeks after his sister was taken from their family house.


    ¡°Oh, Schneider, hello! It¡¯s been a while since west saw you at church, and even longer since we saw your daughter. Is she not okay?¡± one of the very well-known gossipdies of the town asked as she approached the remaining members of Jack¡¯s family.


    This was after they went to church, as they were trying to get back to a more normal life after the dreadful incident. They had just finished shopping at the town¡¯s small market and the elderly rumormonger had just finished buying food for herself as well.


    ¡°Hello Mrs. Hadi, it¡¯s really nice to see you again. My daughter met a foreign gentleman and he invited her to meet his family. They are nning their wedding and their new life¡¯s other details so we don¡¯t really know when they wille back to see us. You know how young ones are, they live so differently from us. Always in a rush¡­¡± Jack¡¯s mother said with a forced smile, while his father put their shopping bags at the back of their car since they were now ready to go back home.


    ¡°Dad, why is Mom telling that story to other people?¡± Jack asked softly as he helped his father load their purchases. ¡°We should tell them the truth, Dad¡­ they¡¯re talking about my sister¡­ horrible things about her too. Dad, how can we let them think dirty thoughts about her when she never even disobeyed you in anything¡­ Please, Dad, let me tell everybody that she was taken¡­ please! We all saw the monster and they should know, too!¡±


    ¡°Stop it, Jack¡­¡± his father murmured breathlessly and fiercely, the tone that Jack feared the most, as there was evident rage contained in the slow pace of his words. ¡°Son, you might not understand it now, but we are trying to give you a good life. We just want you to don¡¯t have to live with people thinking that you are crazy because of what happened. You wouldn¡¯t want to live here your whole life with that kind of reputation!¡±


    ¡°And my sister¡¯s reputation will be the price I¡¯ll pay for my own? Father, please! I don¡¯t care about what these people say about me! If it is for me, then don¡¯t do it! Let¡¯s do something for her, instead. We might still be able to find her!¡±


    ¡°I SAID, STOP IT, JACK!!!¡± his father now shouted, making his wife look back at them, and what was happening to them as they talked near the car.


    Jack stopped talking. He has seen his father explode before and he knew his father was still controlled right now. The young man would never want to be there when his dad did finally burst.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Mrs. Hadi, but I believe I need to go. My men in the car need some lunch, you know how boys get when hungry, right?¡± she smiled, leaving hurriedly the old gossip that she respectfully called Missus but was never even close to getting married.


    Still in the middle of her goodbyes to the elderly woman, Jack¡¯s mom got into the car. As soon as her door closed, her husband stepped on the elerator, leaving the gossiper in a cloud of dust.


    ¡°May I know what all that screaming was about?¡± Mrs. Schneider asked a bit irritably.


    ¡°Your son still wants to tell everybody that his sister was kidnapped. I don¡¯t know how many times I¡¯ve exined to him, but he doesn¡¯t understand!¡±


    ¡°Mom¡­ It¡¯s my sister Sorah¡­¡± the teenager answered, now with tears in his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t care if they think I¡¯m crazy, I need them to know what happened to my sister¡­ Mom¡­ I can¡¯t just sit still and let her be forgotten¡­ especially by you!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not forgetting her, son, but you¡¯re the only thing we have left, and our duty as parents is to give you a better life for you. Can you at least understand that?¡±


    ¡°How can this be better? I need to know¡­¡± he thought looking out the window as his tears rolled down his cheeks. ¡°How, when I have lost her¡­¡±


    And that phrase echoed in his mind through the years, until this very day when he was already a grown man, standing in front of his employees¡­


    ¡°I need to know¡­¡±


    +++


    Raquel watched as her newly bathed and still-flustered fianc¨¦ walked out the door. She wasn¡¯t exactly happy when he had to leave her this early since he hadn¡¯t done that in a while. To be honest, she wasn¡¯t really happy when he was far away from her.


    She continuously got tortured by this feeling that he might get himself into serious trouble. And it would all be because of her¡­


    Just at that very moment, her phone rang. She jumped a little upon seeing the name that was shing on her mobile¡¯s screen.


    Reluctantly, she pushed the reply button. ¡°Hello¡­¡±


    A hated male voice spoke out, ¡°Hello there, Raquel. How is our handsome little boy detective today?¡± ?

 SERG, THE PROTEGE

    Myron knew exactly who was at the evidence section that day so he was confident that he wouldn¡¯t be questioned. It was quite a surprise for him to hear Constable Sergei Grant, AKA Serg, to actually ask him what his request was for.


    ¡°No offence intended, Sir, but you aren¡¯t connected to the team in charge of this case if I remember correctly,¡± the younger officer said while scratching behind his uniform¡¯s cor.


    The Detective¡¯s thoughts: ¡°Ok, he¡¯s not exactly aggressive towards me so that would mean he¡¯s just a little unsure about the consequences of giving in to my request. Not so hard to deal with¡­¡±


    ¡°Yup, I do admit it. I¡¯m not part of the investigators in this case. However, I have this feeling that there¡¯s an angle here that we can use to finally bring down those bastards.¡±


    ¡°Do you mean the governor¡¯s private army, The Argerlich?¡±Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Shhh, be careful what you say out loud, Serg. You know that there¡¯s no proof that the governor is indeed the leader of those Argers.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Lieutenant, I don¡¯t believe that you¡¯re actually afraid of that old geezer. Besides, isn¡¯t it an open secret that he really is paying for those mercenary ¡®ogres¡¯ to be loyal to him?¡±


    Myron looked at the lower-ranking officer with slight shock and a bit of admiration. Shock, because this youngster seemed to be acting stupidly and naively, especially for someone who had just been assigned here after recently graduating from the police academy. Yet he couldn¡¯t help but admire the youngster¡¯s courage in saying these taboo topics out loud. All of a sudden, the decorated senior officer decided to take this young arrival under his wing.


    Hopefully, he could save this brave one¡¯s life by teaching him the ways of survival in this corrupt city of theirs while he got himself an assistant.


    Two birds with one stone¡­


    Wait a minute¡­ It could actually be three birds with one stone!


    ¡°Serg, how long have you been here at the precinct? Just came in the middle ofst year, right?¡± Myron asked while half sitting/half leaning on the constable¡¯s desk.


    ¡°Yes, Sir. I didn¡¯t expect to be sent here, to be honest,¡± Sergei answered while continuing to go through the tall pile of folders on his desk. ¡°There¡¯s already a lot of great cops here so I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll make a mark at all if I serve here. I¡¯ve always dreamed of being a two-time decorated officer like you so I don¡¯t mind making a big ssh in a small pond instead of making a small one in a really bigke.¡±


    ¡°What if I tell you, I can help you out with that? I can mentor you on how to be a go-getter like me, because really¡­ you aren¡¯t going to get anywhere if you don¡¯t bend the rules a little. You know, stepping out of yourfort zone and making waves? Because that¡¯s exactly what I did to get all those awards. I know some of the stuff I do can be viewed as underhanded by some, but I do get results and it¡¯s the kind the higher-ups appreciate and reward.¡±


    Serg¡¯s face perked up a little, his curiosity reflecting in his eyes. ¡°You don¡¯t say? Well, that sounds really tempting, Detective. Are you sure you¡¯re okay with having me as your prot¨¦g¨¦? I mean, why not the others here?¡±


    The Lieutenant smiled the most endearing grin he could manage. ¡°I just so happen to have a heart for newbies, especially the ones who are very driven. And I can see that in you, Sergei¡­ I was just like you back then. So, if I can make it up thedder, I¡¯m sure you can do so too. Besides, I prefer working with people who are empty cups, the humble ones who are open to guidance. Most of the officers here are already set on their ways and won¡¯t take advice that well.¡±


    ¡°Especially if it¡¯s a young upstart who has a tendency to be an ass-kisser and a bootlicker?¡± Serg asked with an amused and knowing look, his eyes sparkling mischievously.


    Myron¡¯s shocked expression couldn¡¯t be hidden this time. But yes, there was still admiration for this young cop¡¯s brevity.


    ¡°Sorry, Sir, but I got good ears. And since I¡¯m just a nobody here, they tend to forget that I¡¯m around when they start talking about the more infamous and famous personalities of the precinct.¡±


    The Detective answered Serg¡¯s naughty smirk with another one of his own. ¡°So, I guess that¡¯s you telling me that you ept my proposal? Or do you really intend to impress me first?¡±


    ¡°Both, since I did say I look up to you, Sir. So, when do we start?¡±


    With a meaningful smile, Myron sat down on one of the chairs that was in front of the Constable¡¯s desk. ¡°We begin immediately when you finally release the case file that I requested from you a while ago, S.¡±


    The slimmer cop¡¯s smirk turned into a full grin. ¡°Just give me a few minutes, Detective, and we¡¯re a go¡­¡± ?


    +++


    Jack was still in front of the mass of lumber workers, slowlying out of the memories of hisst teenage years. Yet, the images didn¡¯t stop, and the ones that came next were not the easiest ones¡­     Not too long after the small argument between Jack and his father after church, he would be sent away to study.     His father would have said at the time that it was because he had to continue the family business, and even if that was believable for him, he always kept in the back of his mind that his parents Did that to keep him from thinking about his lost sister.     It had only been a few months since he left the vige and lived in the city of another country while he graduated from his career in business administration.     It would even help make the lie believable¡­     That his sister was now with a guy¡­     A foreigner, happy somewhere else¡­     Even Jack wanted to believe that.     But then, the other girls that disappeared from the vige, where did they go? It couldn¡¯t have been all fake, since he saw the monster with his own eyes. But then if it was all a fraud as the media said, what really happened back then?

 QUESTIONABLE COINCIDENCES

    The memories and thoughts kept mixing up in his mind, and thest one was the most puzzling and hurtful: It was of that woman he saw once while he was in his senior year in college.     There was thisdy, walking down the same side of the street, but was strolling in the opposite direction. She was lost in a conversation with a very young boy, almost a baby, who was insisting on walking by his mother¡¯s side but could barely do that. Maybe a year and a half old, at most. A boy with white skin and dark hair, proud and still making an effort to walk while holding her hand. Meanwhile, the mom had a baby girl in her arms. The small girl had the same blond hair his sister had, bright and yellow like the sun.     And their mum was the living image of his sister!     The same grey-greenish eyes, the same shape as her face, and even with that small scar on her chin¡­     But then, many things could have happened for that particr woman to have gotten that nick on her skin. After all, in the whole wide world, it¡¯s impossible that only his sister had a bicycle ident when she was a kid, right?     He remembered the scar because he was there when the ident happened.     Riding with her on the same bike.     He was on the bar in front of her when she hit arge rock, lost her bnce, and she hit him instead of flying above him and onto the ground. Both their heads hit while they fell to the side of the road.     He got upining while rubbing his head, but she didn¡¯t get up for a moment and was bleeding.     They were close enough to their house to be heard, so he yelled for his father, who came out immediately. They then took his sister to the hospital.     After being released from the hospital, the only prize his sister got left to show was the scar she got from hitting her chin against her brother¡¯s hard head. Of course, this gave her a free ticket to tease him and joke about it for the rest of their lives.     Well, until she was kidnapped, that is¡­     It was the one scar he could recognize, even if she was standing at the top of Mount Everest while he looked up from below. Which was one of the teasing statements he would tell her before. A little over the top, but he still felt it was kinda true.     It was then proven as soon as Jack saw her that day. He felt his heart stopping and almost going out of his chest and through his throat.     She didn¡¯t even see him until they were very close, then smiled at him, like a stranger would do. And in those few seconds, she showed the same single dimple that his sister also had on the right side of her face¡­     This ¡°familiar¡± stranger continued to walk, her attention back to her talk with her young children.     ¡°Anyone can have a scar like that¡­ and her hair is red, not blond¡­ she even had freckles, and Sorah didn¡¯t¡­ or did she?¡± he whispered, barely breathing, trying to think¡­ trying to reason what the truth was, wondering if his mind was just showing him what he wanted so badly to see¡­     When she finally passed him, that¡¯s when the tears came to his eyes.     ¡°My sister would look exactly like her¡­ and the kids¡­ the ones she never got to have¡­ Her scar was smaller, Jack¡­ don¡¯t kid yourself. Sorah is already gone¡­¡±     Jackpletely stopped a few minutester. For quite some time, he didn¡¯t move, didn¡¯t look back, didn¡¯t keep on his way to where he was going¡­     He just let himself hurt.     Jack blinked away the tears that threatened toe out, both on the vivid memory and on his current ce and time.     ¡°Yes, for her, I need to know,¡± he thought once more.     ¡°But then, where would a wolf that bige from?¡± one of his employees said, fully bringing Jack¡¯s thoughts back to the meeting.     ¡°That¡¯s one of the reasons why we need to make sure about the story being true¡­ any part of it is true, as a matter of fact. We will start patrolling in teams, especially around the camp, since many of us live here practically out in the open. Also, the Elders will make a bigger effort to find the source of the information and picture, so, again, you can let me know if you think you have seen anything of importance. Thank you, that will be all.¡±     As everyone dispersed and Jack was now intently conversing one-on-one with the attendants, he suddenly saw Diwana and Eron arrive at the camp. He quickly ended his talk with his staff and went straight towards the couple like an arrow to a bullseye.     ¡°Hey, Eron! You just missed the meeting. We were talking about the wolf spotted around here. It¡¯s good that you¡¯re safe, man. For a moment, when I heard about the wolf story, I thought you wouldn¡¯t being back. Can¡¯t me you though, between the wolf and the wee Mad Max and his team gave you,¡± Jack said to his new hire, making Di worriedly look at Eron as she tried with all her might to hide it so that the neer wouldn¡¯t notice.     ¡°Heh, between the wolf and the dead squirrel, eh?¡± the charmer chuckled, sarcasmcing his words. ¡°Yeah, hard to tell which one is the bigger danger for sure.¡±     ¡°Come on Eron, I¡¯m serious! When the news was phoned into me today, I thought you might have been already eaten by that wild animal. I seriously think you should take a room at Diwana¡¯s house¡­¡± Jack finished, more worried about Eron¡¯s well-being than the effect of thest few words he said to the two people in front of him.     ¡°Yeah, she was actually telling me about it¡­ I mean, the wolf, and the stories around it,¡± Eron said, slightly blushing.     His thoughts: ¡°Taking a room at her house, huh? Maybe I could take her room¡­ damn it, Eron, shut up! The woman has been very caring about your welfare and here you are having lusty thoughts about her¡­ again¡­ and again¡­ and again¡­¡±     ¡°Yes, and I also offered him to sleep at the house again¡­ I mean¡­ for him¡­ to rent a room¡­ at my¡­ the house¡­ again¡­¡± she said, her face getting redder than Eron¡¯s, as her words became slower and softer at the end.     To her relief, it seemed that neither man noticed, especially Eron, who was too shy to look in her direction at the moment¡­     ¡°Am I¡­ missing something?¡± Jack said, scratching his neck with a small, mischievous smile on his face.     ¡°Oh no, nothing at all,¡± both Eron and Diwana said at the same time. That caused them to blush even more.     ¡°Okay¡­ whatever you say, you two¡­¡± Jack stated, his smile changing to a smirk, with one slightly raised eyebrow. ¡°Just don¡¯t die on me, ok, bro? You just got here so make sure you¡¯re safe¡­ please.¡±     ¡°Sure, I¡­ will,¡± Eron said, then trying to change the topic to one a bit morefortable for him. ¡°Miss Diwana, where would you like to settle to sell your food? I¡¯m getting hungry¡­ for food¡­ I mean¡­¡±     Even the charmer was surprised at how his words were so affected with her looking flustered and concerned. The change of subject he suggested definitely didn¡¯t help him get the desired effect.     ¡°I¡¯m starting to think I should leave you two alone,¡± Jack said, his smirk turning into a grin.     The foreman got a heavy p on his arm, care of Diwana.     ¡°What are you trying to say?!¡± the female food seller said, her face now red like a strawberry.     ¡°NOTHING! I¡¯m just having some fun because you seem to be getting along a lot better todaypared to yesterday. Nothing wrong with that¡­ riiiight?¡± Jack replied, rubbing his arm on the reddening spot that was hit by thedy.     Meanwhile, Eron was trying to stay quiet and thinking about all the wrong things his words and thoughts had done so far.     ¡°Hungry, Eron?¡± he thought to himself, a bit angry. ¡°Your big mouth never ceases to surprise me! I can almost see iting ¨C because of your poor choice of words she would probably take back her offer to rent you a room!¡±     ¡°Come on, Eron, please put the food here on the table. I appreciate your help very much,¡± Diwana said, still side-eyeing Jack as she walked to the group of benches and tables nearest them.     ¡°Damn, it¡¯s a miracle that Mad Max hasn¡¯t shown up fuming with what I just saw¡­ and where the fuck is he?¡± the lumber camp¡¯s boss mumbled to himself, as he now wondered where his mill supervisor, Mad Max, was.     He kept looking around, trying to find the supposed lumberyard¡¯s resident ¡°bad boy¡± since it was too out of character for Max to just not be around when his schedule was right about to start.     And even weirder, not to be around when someone talked to Diwana¡­Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    This was what was happening right this minute as Eron was helping the pretty widow set up her wares¡­     And a few more minutester, the unusual ¨C even incredible -incident truly Did happen¡­     The egotistic squirrel-head waste for work. ?

 THE OGRE

    He was also called ¡°The Ogre¡± by the majority of the city¡¯s popce¡­


    At least, that was the name given to him by those who were aware of the private army he led and operated. Of course, he was also aware that this dreaded nickname of his was due to the constant mispronunciation of his highly feared organization¡¯s name and not because he chose it.


    Well, he didn¡¯t mind¡­


    As long as they remained a threat to their enemies and their dreadful reputation remained strong in their territories, then he would keep such a tag. After all, it was the people who had given him that frighteningbel, and if it worked to him and his men¡¯s advantage, then so be it.


    Besides, he would rather have his real name remain a secret.


    And speaking of secrets, though it was an ¡°open secret¡± that his mafia-like band of around 100 or so men was actually owned by the governor himself, there was still no solid evidence or proof that these allegations were true. Due to this, he was considered the leader of this group of untouchables, because they were really yet to be proven truly guilty of any illegal actions.


    It was quite simple, really¡­


    If one of their members was caught doing a crime, they were either disavowed by The Argerlich and its members who were called the Argers. And to the death, these men would never speak of their fellow Argers ¨C which many have mistakenly called ogres ¨C since they knew that they would suffer repercussions and these would be on their friends and family. However, if they were worthy of being saved, The Ogre would pull several strings to get them out of their predicament, release them from jail, and be reabsorbed by their organization.


    But then again, there was The Assassin who he considered like a brother.


    His co-leader¡¯s recent death at the hands of his own group mates was their more recent statement and warning to anyone who would go against The Argerlich. It truly helped their reputation that the man they had targeted was actually one of the organization¡¯s superiors.


    And now the continuous concern of their highest ¡°sponsor¡± and biggest ¡°investor¡± at the loss of his favored Assassin was slowly bing a problem for The Ogre. To deal with this situation, he had called in favors from his third-party contacts and secret partners to ensure that everything proceeded ording to n.


    As a matter of fact, he¡¯s now talking to one of histest acquired connections over his mobile, while he was patiently waiting in a five-star hotel lounge for another simr contact¡­


    Unfortunately for him, he wasn¡¯t sure if what he was hearing over his phone was good or bad news.


    ¡°Yep, your hunch is right. The Detective just passed by here and was asking for The Right Hand¡¯s case file. Said there might be evidence there that can connect the Argers to his death.¡±


    The Ogre¡¯s lips twisted as he pulled on his ck suit to keep it looking neat and creaseless. ¡°There really is no need for that. We¡¯ve already paid the police to look the other way since this is an ¡®internal problem¡¯ and won¡¯t need to be investigated any further. As a matter of fact, our dear little snitch is the first one to have received his ¡®gift¡¯ from the governor himself. It¡¯s got to be a personal mission.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, seems like. And he¡¯s got the money for it, too,¡± the boyish voice replied from the other end of the call. ¡°He gave quite a huge ¡®gift of gratitude¡¯ for his request. Better watch out, Ogre. Looks like your little boy is turning traitor.¡±N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    ¡°Well, that can be easily solved by you, I¡¯m sure. After all, what would be the best counter to him but another little boy, too?¡±


    ¡°Haha! Speaking of which, I think I will be giving you more info on your snitch pretty soon. I¡¯ll tell you more when I¡¯m not in the precinct. It¡¯s already risky calling you like this even if I¡¯m alone here in the evidence room but I really like our face-to-face talks.¡±


    ¡°Anytime, boy. Just remember to text me a few days in advance so I can cancel appointments for you,¡± the Argerlich leader reminded me as he drank fragrant and robust Barako coffee from a gold-trimmed porcin cup.


    ¡°A, you¡¯re making me feel sooo important, Ogre. Bad move, hehe! Kidding¡­ see you soon!¡±


    ¡°Yes, see you, and thanks. Expect a bonus from meter.¡±


    ¡°Damn, you guys are spoiling me,¡± the caller said while clicking his tongue. ¡°But I ain¡¯t saying no, haha! Later, there¡¯s someone about to enter the room.¡±


    The phone call abruptly ended. The call¡¯s recipient put away his hi-tech phone inside his suit¡¯s inner chest pocket, just as another broad-shouldered man in an expensive dark blue suit took his seat at the opposite end of the ssy circr cafe table.


    ¡°Was that who I think it is?¡± asked the dirty blond neer as he rubbed his thinly bearded face with his hand.


    ¡°No, brother, it¡¯s not. He doesn¡¯t call me; I call him but only after we¡¯ve exchanged text messages. Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯s safe. And I¡¯m d you didn¡¯t arrive toote for our meeting.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, good thing I used thepany helicopter. I think I¡¯m recing my limo with that in the near future, especially if the traffic doesn¡¯t improve in this city. I can¡¯t imagine how we will manage to travel here from our ce regrly when we set up our branch here,¡± the new arrival said, while a waiter instantly served him thepulsory coffee in a China cup that¡¯s automatically offered to anyone who sat at the massive hotel lounge.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s afort to know that we aren¡¯t the biggest problem in the metropolis. Traffic is still number one in thetest survey while The Argerlich is not even mentioned in the top twenty.¡± The Ogre chuckled as he continued to drink from his coffee cup.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s rigged by your precious sponsor,¡± the blond businessman answered while stirring his java with the stainless-steel spoon that the Ogre had requested the hotel to rece their normal silverware with even before he was seated.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­ that never urred to me. But at the rate that man is getting involved with his territories, I wouldn¡¯t put it past him.¡±


    ¡°I agree. I¡¯m just d he approved our business license to operate here. Seems like he had already forgiven my father for turning down his request years ago when he was still living up in the mountains.¡±


    ¡°Forgiven, yes. Forgotten, most likely not. Knowing how he operates; he probably knows that you¡¯re the head of thepany now and not your father. Expect to be approached any time soon about a request. Do take his ¡®suggestions¡¯ with a grain of salt.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll negotiate if it¡¯s too extreme. After all, it¡¯s required that we set up shop here in your area for our ns to work,¡± the dirty blond contact said as he finally drank his coffee.


    ¡°Yes, and in the end, that¡¯s what¡¯s truly important at this point, or we might lose the people we consider important in our lives. And I¡¯m not willing to risk that. I¡¯ve stopped him before without being found out. Twice with two people I treasure. I¡¯m not risking any more beyond them.¡±


    The neer paused a bit, a lump in his throat swiftly forming at the words ¡°two people¡± and it took him a while to finally respond¡­


    ¡°I just want to tell you, bro, how grateful we are that you helped HIM. We are in debt to you for that.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s still not safe, though. However, it would help a lot if the WE you¡¯re mentioning included your father.¡±


    The blue-eyed one with the matching blue suit stayed silent. It wasn¡¯t the answer the dark-haired man with the matching ck suit wanted to receive.


    ¡°He still has issues with his youngest son, I see?¡± The Ogre said in a low voice.


    ¡°As far as my father is concerned, his second son is dead. When I said ¡®we¡¯, it would mean me and my wife. And I believe my brother is still contacting her, but she¡¯s not confirming nor denying this.¡±


    ¡°Well, considering what happened back then when he left you all, I can¡¯t me her, but no worries. You can easily get your updates about him from me. And that¡¯s another thing we need to talk about in detail. Because if we y this right, him being there will be a double-edged sword that we can use against his former boss.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let me hear your proposals. I¡¯m all ears¡­¡± the business owner and eldest brother replied with a determined look and firm nod. ¡°Especially since there are more precious lives that we need to protect now.¡±


    The dark brown eyes of the Arger leader clouded for a moment as he suddenly remembered his mate,ughing joyously as she was ying with two lovely children in a backyard garden in a faraway ce. His jaw tightened and his teeth clenched at the thought of them in any kind of danger.


    ¡°Yes, we need to be very sure of our ns, brother¡­ for their sake.¡± ?

 DANGEROUS PLANS

    ¡°Diwa, this mushroom soup is great!¡± one of the guys around her, spoon in his mouth, told her,plimenting her food which definitely deserved it.


    ¡°The pastries are perfect, Di, I love them,¡± another one said, his face full of crumbles.


    From one of her sides, Eron looked at her dreamily, feeling even more proud than if he had made an achievement himself. And he wasn¡¯t fully conscious of what he was feeling, or noticing how he was lost looking at her.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe how good this pasta smells, Miss Di,¡± one of the younger workers said. ¡°I can barely stop myself from eating it now instead of at lunch! So tempting!¡±


    Meanwhile, Jack thought and wondered what had happened today with the craziest of the guys that worked for him.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Where the hell did this man go, seriously? In the two years that he has been supervisor here, he has beente twice, and both times he at least texted me.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Jack, why so serious? What happened?¡± Eron asked, seeing the worry on his boss¡¯s face.


    The foreman¡¯s attention was taken abruptly from his thoughts again. He then intently looked at the former city boy, who was chomping on a coconut caramel rice cake.


    ¡°I was just thinking¡­ that you¡¯re my man!¡± Jack replied joyfully while still staring at Eron and putting an arm around his new hire¡¯s shoulders.


    ¡°Bro¡­¡± Eronughed. ¡°First the thing about staying with you, and now you¡¯re saying I¡¯m your man? Haven¡¯t I told you that you¡¯re not my type already?¡± he joked while chuckling.


    ¡°Is it possible that you stop your mind from misinterpreting everything that I say in THAT way?¡± Jack said with a short guffaw. ¡°What the heck! Seriously, you need a girlfriend, bro, and I hope you get one soon!¡±


    Eron¡¯s thoughts: ¡°Yeah, sure¡­ my mind? Bro, I really still think that, since yesterday, you¡¯re trying to get me hooked up on something that¡¯s more than what I signed for! Ok, I better hear him out now since he¡¯s already exining what he meant¡­¡±


    ¡°Anyway, listen, there¡¯s one of the guys that apparently didn¡¯te to work, so I will need you to work on the first sawmill today, instead of out here. Do you think you could cover for him? It¡¯s easy work, you just need to be focused and careful. I¡¯ll teach you how to use the tool, I mean machine¡­ and, if you¡¯re notfortable with it, I¡¯ll have you change positions,¡± Jack said innocently, while Eron tried not tough at all he said.


    ¡°Damn¡­ teach me to use the ¡®tool¡¯? Change positions? And then I¡¯m the one who¡¯s taking things the wrong way? Sheesh¡­¡± Eron said to himself.


    However, he easily answered ¡°Yes, boss,¡± aloud and with a sardonic smile.


    ¡°Ok, follow me. I¡¯ll show you where you¡¯ll work today,¡± Jack replied as he started walking towards arge piece of machinery at one corner of the open space.


    Diwana was still surrounded by buyers, but even as busy as she was, she suddenly felt that something ¨C or someone ¨C was missing from around her when he left.


    Eron could just look back for a moment, feeling as if she was searching for him, and then he followed his boss.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Eron, she¡¯s busy and will not even notice¡­ after all, what are you so worried about?¡± he tried to convince himself while walking right behind Jack. ¡°Luckily, it¡¯s not that far. I can even see her from here if I want to¡­ And oh, I do want to.¡±


    Eron kept his mind trained on her, thinking of her, and then scolding himself. His focus would then, unconsciously, go back to looking at her, and focusing on her, and then yelling at himself to stop it because he couldn¡¯t have her, and she deserved better¡­


    ¡°So you see, it¡¯s pretty easy. What you need is just to be very careful, like I said before. Understand, Eron?¡­ Eron?¡±


    ¡°Understood, boss,¡± Eron answered distractedly, as he looked at the ¡°tool¡± his boss was showing him. It was actually arge machine that had a ss and metal booth with a long tform with trenches on it and arge circr saw in the middle.


    ¡°What is it with everybody today? He was very attentive to me when I was giving instructions to him yesterday but now¡­ Damn, suddenly I feel like I woke up in a different reality¡­¡± Jack whispered to himself.


    ¡°Pardon me?¡± Eron said, finally looking back at Jack. ¡°So uh¡­ can you run by thatst thing you told me again?¡±


    ¡°Oh, hello! Well, I was talking to myself, so it¡¯s really funny that you are paying attention now¡­¡±


    Jack repeated his whole instructional speech just to be sure Eron got it all by the end of it. By the way, the newbie was touching the panel, knobs, and rods, he knew the guy had already understood everything he heard.


    ¡°Anyway, give it a try, and see if you¡¯refortable,¡± Jack said as he ended his talk. ¡°Remember that those control handles are kinda hard, so you need to push and pull with a little more force than usual. Give it a good thrust to get it into position, but be sure to handle everything with care¡­¡±


    ¡°Daaaaamn¡­ the things he¡¯s saying¡­ Maybe I really do need a girlfriend,¡± Eron thought with a smirk that his boss understood, and just let go¡­


    ¡°How can this guy have such a dirty mind? Are all the people from where he used to live and work in so lusty? Damn bro, and this is at work, too! I¡¯m sorry for your hand, but maybe you had a lot of willing females to ¡®relieve¡¯ you of your heat,¡± Jack thought, trying to remain serious while supervising Eron¡¯s work.


    The Charmer carefully pulled the handle, activating the machine that started with a whirring noise. Then, slowly, he pulled another Lyoner that would get the machine to pass and push therger pieces of wood loaded on its upper Lyonels through the marked lines so it get sawed off into the right sizes.


    Jack looked happily at his new employee, who seemed to be able to do whatever he asked of him. Well, as long as he wasn¡¯t distracted from looking at a certain busty and tanneddy at the other end of the area.


    ¡°Good work, bro. I¡¯ll leave you at that. Just be careful and stay alert, ok? And again, if you need anything, just let me know.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the trust, man. I¡¯ll do my best. And yeah, will be careful too,¡± Eron said with a smile and a short wave.


    The former assassin was so thankful that he had mastered the skill of mimicking his mentors. All he needed was to be taught only once with a short demo and he¡¯d swiftly and perfectly learn what he had to do.


    His memory was one of the skills that was first honed in his pack life. Afterwards, his assassin assignments had polished his expertise even more. He continuously improved on this skill to this day, making it difficult for him to miss any important details and info.


    He even joked that his memory was so neatly organized that they were in mental boxes withbels on them. Due to this, it was easy for him to retrieve from these storage bins whatever information he had seen, heard, done, or passed through any of his senses.


    And Eron found this skill very useful now when he¡¯s trying to start a new life doing a job that he¡¯s never done before.


    Meanwhile, Mad Max, who was still in hiding, angrily looked at Diwana. The way she seemed sofortable and happy just the day he wasn¡¯t openly around was getting on his nerves.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure she knows that I¡¯m always taking care of her, even if she hasn¡¯te forward and told me about her feelings¡­ Argh, those games of hers that I can¡¯t understand! Anyway, the pretty boy doesn¡¯t know what ising his way. You¡¯ve been warned, ¡®bro¡¯ so this is all on you¡­¡± Max whispered from his secret hiding ce.


    From the sawmill¡¯s ss cubby, Eron had been smelling the dead squirrel¡¯s creeper stink even from the time when Diwa and he left his campsite. He knew Mad Max meant trouble and was nning to do something against him. Why would the bully even go near his camp in the first ce, if it wasn¡¯t due to that?


    However, our new lumberjack star was soonpletely focused on his work and was now expertly flipping the rods and Lyoners of the sawmill. It was then that he noticed ¡°the mad one¡± walking towards him and getting closer.


    What Eron didn¡¯t see was how Max had taken a piece of hard rock, just big enough to fit his hand, before the lumberyard team leader started walking up to the sawmill¡­?

 CLOSENESS AND CONFLICTS

    The morning was warm and bright and it was the perfect time for her and her children to harvest the ripe fruits and fresh vegetables from their backyard. The smiling redhead was now carrying arge woven basket with her, as her grinning seven-year-old son and giggling five-year-old daughter followed her with smaller baskets of their own.


    ¡°Mommy, mommy, look at this!¡± loudly announced the sweet littless with blond, curly hair that was tied and braided with a cute violet ribbon. ¡°My strawberry nts have ripe fruits now.¡±


    The mommy gave a pretend gasp of delight that was totally believable to her children. ¡°Oh, my goodness, baby. You¡¯re right! They are finally ripe! Good girl!¡±


    ¡°But they look so small, Mommy,¡± stated the big brother, who earned a pout from his little sister.


    ¡°Oh, they may be tiny, my darling boy, but they are twice sweeter than the ones we buy at the grocery store. Come on, both of you try it.¡±


    ¡°NO! He said bad things about my strawberries. He has no right to eat them!¡±


    ¡°Baby, remember he also took care of your strawberries by watering them since you¡¯re still too small to carry the big watering can, right? Please forgive your brother and let him taste one.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll apologize, little sister. And I promise not to talk bad about your nts again. Would you let me taste the strawberries then?¡±


    ¡°Oh, ok¡­ but don¡¯t just apologize to me. You have to apologize to my strawberry bushes too.¡±


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll do that¡­ hello, I¡¯m your owner¡¯s big brother and I¡¯m sorry that I called you small. Although, you are kinda that¡­¡±


    ¡°BROTHER! That¡¯s not how you apologize! Do it again or I won¡¯t give you strawberries!¡±


    The slim but top-heavy mother couldn¡¯t help but giggle a little as the two adorable kids started to talk to the bushes as if they were long-time friends. She decided to leave them for a while, turning towards the vines that were climbing a small homemade wooden trellis as she started to pick some bitter gourds, long beans, and peas.


    Her children adored the peas while she enjoyed the long beans in a special stew with shrimp or fish paste and crispy pork pieces. Of course, the bitter gourds ¨C which happened to be her beloved husband¡¯s favorite vegetable ¨C were also served in this stew, along with kidney beans, tomatoes, eggnts and okra. She wanted to be sure that she had these ingredients ready, just in case he decided to show up unannounced.


    And he usually did.


    Like now¡­


    ¡°Mom! What is that?¡± asked the little boy as he ran to his mother with his baby sister in tow. ¡°It¡¯s so big, windy, and noisy!¡±


    The young mum couldn¡¯t help butugh a bit at the way her boy described the approaching vehicle. She was now very much aware of the dark-haired man who was peeking out of the back windows with a smirk on his handsome, clean-shaven face.


    ¡°That¡¯s a helicopter, Victor. Now, don¡¯t go near until itnds and bes quiet, ok? That way, you two will be able to see the surprise that it¡¯s carrying.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, that¡¯s daddy! He¡¯s inside! Happy, happy day!¡± squealed the little girl, Myrrh, as she danced behind her mum¡¯s jeans, trying to hide from the strong wind brought about by the whirring des of her father¡¯s ride.


    The helicopter finally settled on therge open space outside the white picket fence of the house. Even before the engine died down, the two good-looking passengers ¨C looking very impressive, masculine and attractive in their signature Italian suits, branded Swiss watches, and personalized leather shoes ¨C went out their powerful vehicle¡¯s door and strolled confidently towards the delighted woman and her awestruck offspring.


    ¡°Alicia, I needed to bring my friend to meet¡­¡± said the dark-haired man when he was just a few feet from the trio, but was suddenly cut off by the two kids happily yelling while running towards him.


    ¡°DADDYYYYY!!!¡± they both screamed in unison, as they hugged the man¡¯s legs tightly, as if they were never going to let go.


    ¡°Victor! Myrrh! Ahahaha! Wait, wait¡­ I¡¯m going to fall if you don¡¯t let me go!¡±


    The other man, a bit taller than the kids¡¯ father and with dirty blonde hair,ughed along with his friend and knelt in front of the two rambunctious kids. ¡°Well, hello there. d to finally meet you two. I believe I¡¯m your godfather, Vic¡­¡±


    ¡°Godfather? Oh, my goodness, can it truly be¡­¡± thedy gasped as she approached the two men and her children. ¡°Are you¡­?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am. And I would like to personally thank you for allowing your husband to help my brother, even to the point of suggesting where he can hide.¡±


    ¡°Oh please, that was my pleasure. It¡¯s only natural that we should help each other, considering what we are¡­ But where are my manners? Please let us go into the house so we can at least have something to eat and drink while we talk.¡±


    And with that, the small parade that included a widely grinning father as he carried his son via a piggyback ride while his daughter settled in his arms, a very amused businessman who was looking at the children with slight longing as if he wanted some of his own, and a woman carrying three baskets of vegetables and wild strawberries, entered the two-story farm residence.


    Meanwhile, the helicopter pilot exited his seat while bringing out an impressive-looking AK-47 with a high-end scope. He then walked over to the house to stand outside the front door, which gave him a full view of the copter and the surrounding open spaces, an orchard, chicken coops and a small fenced area with geese, goats, and horses who were still slightly upset at the arrival of therge noisy metallic bird.


    ¡°All is clear, Sir,¡± the pilot Antoine murmured as if he was talking to someone nearby, even when he was very much on his own outside.


    Inside his head, a smooth, low voice answered. ¡°Good, stay alert and always update me, Antoine.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir.¡±


    +++


    The machine that Eron was using to slice off the bark of therge logs that were loaded on the tform beside it was quite easy for him to master. As a matter of fact, he was already using the highest setting for the saw speed in order to finish up more lumber output. He¡¯s no expert, but he could definitely see himself doing this job quite efficiently by the end of the week, if Jack was going to let him take over the dead squirrel¡¯s job.


    Yep, he had finally realized that he wasn¡¯t just smelling Max because he was near enough for his wolf senses to sniff him out within a good distance. It was because the whole cab of this sawmill was actually reeking of the man¡¯s scent. And he could¡¯ve sworn it wasn¡¯t just the bully¡¯s sweat that he could smell in here, but even the stench of day-old semen.


    Well, it seemed that it was just the topyer that smelled like that. If he could trust his enhanced and highly trained nose, and he knew that he could, Mad Max was using this booth every day as a ce to ¡°relieve¡± himself.


    ¡°Damn it, even a human can probably smell this stink by now. What the heck is he doing? Marking his territory?¡± Eron mumbled to himself in disgust. ¡°Not even a self-respecting dog would do this.¡±


    Just then, he turned towards the table where Diwa was still selling her wares. She had brought quite a lot today, so she was spending more time than usual on her usual spot¡­Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Wait a fucking minute¡­¡± Eron whispered as a thought hit him like a sledgehammer.


    He looked at where Diwa was standing, then turned to stare at the sperm-sttered console of the sawmill¡¯s cubicle¡­


    ¡°No fucking way¡­ What the hell? Ok, stop being so judgmental Eron, you also masturbated when you saw her taking a bath in the forest pond, alright! But then again, the number of times this dude has been doing this, practically out in the open and with her in in sight?! Man, why didn¡¯t he ever make a move on her¡­ Ok, shut up, Eron! You decided that you won¡¯t make a move on her too, remember? So, what¡¯s so different between you and this maniac, huh?¡±


    And even as he was fighting with himself, he saw Di look at him with that soft, concerned expression on her face and he felt his chest constrict. To his embarrassment, his manhood also reacted simrly, so he quickly broke eye contact with her and looked in the opposite direction¡­


    ¡°Well, look who¡¯s here¡­¡± Eron hissed through clenched teeth, while all his protective instincts came out in a rush, threatening to engulf himpletely as the subject of his anger came into view. ¡°What the hell does he want with me now?¡±


    Max had stopped right in front of the saw machine and was now trying to tell him something with gestures and facial expressions. Part of him wanted to ignore the guy, but The Charmer¡¯s curiosity got the best of him.


    He turned off the saw¡¯s engine, while keeping his intense and narrowed gaze trained on theter.


    ¡°Hey, good job there. d someone was able to take my ce with this machine. It¡¯s pretty temperamental, and no one wants to operate it but me. They say it only likes me so there¡¯s hardly any ident when I¡¯m using it.¡±


    ¡°Look, man, I¡¯m kinda busy and you asking me to stop midway work hours is not part of my job description,¡± Eron asked in a slightly irritated tone, his normally charming side no longer evident no thanks to his recent disturbing discovery. ¡°What the heck is your point?¡±


    Max gave him a small smile and an almost sincere, repentant look. ¡°I guess I want to apologize for underestimating you. I¡¯m sorry, and it won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    The newbie knew that tone. This long-time lumberjack was saying something that was supposedly positive, but his words were filled with double meaning and hidden agendas. How he wanted to just expose the guy¡¯s intention and meaning right there and then, but he knew it wouldn¡¯t do him any good.


    If he showed any kind of aggression against this asshole, for sure he would be the one who would look bad to everyone. Max would then use whatever he said against him, and would make himself look like the attacked and pitiful victim of this ¡°hostile¡± city boy.


    Eron would have probably yed his game if this was one of his moneyed, high-ranking and famous targets in the past. But he knew better to go down to the mad one¡¯s level¡­


    He nodded silently at Max, then turned on the sawmill again.


    The dead squirrel smirked, his lusty eyes then turning towards Diwana¡­


    Automatically, Eron also looked toward the direction where this bully was staring at, and felt the hairs on the back of his neck bristle.


    This was all Max needed to do toplete his secret deed.


    Just before Eron was able to pull the lever to release the lumber into the saw¡¯s slot, he swiftly ced the rock he was carrying a few inches in front of the circr saw¡¯s teeth. Once he was sure that the stone was in ce, he walked away towards his posse, which was on the opposite side of the lumberyard¡¯s open area.


    Now, all the scheming team leader needed to do was wait¡­?

 MIRACULOUS RESCUE

    ¡°Hey Diwa, where¡¯s my reserved cake?¡±     ¡°Oh finally! I thought you¡¯d never stop talking to your staff. I really need to go back home, Jack and you¡¯re the only one that I¡¯m waiting for.¡±     ¡°Heh, nothing left but my banana walnut cake, I see. Good thing I reserved that or else that would probably have been bought before any of your other desserts, haha!¡± the foreman chuckled while taking therge piece of cake from the female vendor.     ¡°Oh Jack, you know you¡¯ve got dibs on this cake since it¡¯s your absolute favorite.¡±     ¡°Well, I was thinking you¡¯d probably give HIM the cake if he asked for it, haha!¡±     ¡°Him?¡± Di said with wide eyes, as she paused from fixing her things, readying them so she could finally leave. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you mean, Jack¡­¡±     The lumberyard foreman smirked, as he swallowed the pastry piece he was chewing. ¡°Uhhh, I may not be the smartest man here in the lumberyard, Diwana, but I don¡¯t think I can miss the special¡­ ummm, connection¡­ that you seem to be sharing with HIM.¡±     Di looked in the direction where this smirking male was staring out and pouted. ¡°Jack, really¡­ you have quite a wild imagination¡­¡±     Silence¡­     A very awkward one.     ¡°Hmmm¡­ I don¡¯t think I like what you mean there, Di.¡±     The woman was instantly repentant, suddenly remembering an admission that her friend had told her a long time ago. ¡°Oh Jack, I¡¯m sorry. I forgot how affected you can get when people question your story¡­¡±     ¡°Nah, don¡¯t worry about it, Di,¡± Jack replied while looking down at his feet. ¡°I mean, only a few trusted people in the vige know about that, anyway. Also, my parents continuing to deny that ¡°version¡± of the story isn¡¯t helping me get more proof or even clues to find out where my sister really is. And yeah, thanks for believing what I told you about that monster. I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d take it seriously.¡±     Diwana ced a caring hand on the lumberjack¡¯s arm, which happened to be the spot that she hit earlier. ¡°Jack, I absolutely believe you, and that has nothing to do with the fact that you rescued me from an attacker years before. I know that was probably not a werewolf, but I¡¯ve seen weirder stuff back when I was still living in my country. Besides, there¡¯s no reason for me to doubt your word.¡±     ¡°Thanks, Di, and I really want to find that wolf now. I just hope that we can find out more about it. Oh, and thanks for convincing Eron to take a room at your house. I can finally rest at night knowing that he won¡¯t be murdered in his sleep.¡±     ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure¡­¡± Di said, then stuttered a moment, realizing what she just said. ¡°I-I m-mean, you¡¯re wee, Jack¡­ Well, now that you¡¯re done eating, I better go back home now. Any requests for tomorrow¡¯s food items, Jack?¡±     ¡°Well, I was thinking¡­¡±     Just then a loud metallic ng resounded through the air, followed by a loud grating noise that was deafening!     And also, very dangerous¡­     ¡°DIWA!!!¡± a loud, familiar male voice yelled above the din.     After that, hardly anything registered in both the widow¡¯s and foreman¡¯s thoughts.     In the blink of an eye, both Jack and Diwa felt as if they were hit by a gust of strong wind that brought them down to the ground, while empty baskets and stic containers rained around them. They didn¡¯t even see what pushed them off their feet, connected with their chests, andid their backs on the open areas of a rough patch ofpacted soil.¡­     It was after half a minute that they were able to breathe and were finally conscious of their rescuer.     Eron was on all fours on top of Jack, while his other hand was holding Diwa down.


    And above them, was a piece of lumber that was lodged into the wooden wall of the lumberyard office that was just behind the table where Diwa¡¯s food was disyed.     ¡°Are you both ok?¡± breathed the new hire just inches away from Jack¡¯s shocked face. ¡°Let me know if any of you are hurt,¡± Eron added as he looked worriedly at the startled and silent woman beside him.     It took Diwa and Jack a few moments to recover enough of their senses to realize what happened and finally speak¡­     Meanwhile, another set of eyes was looking at the three with bewilderment as well. He saw everything from where he was. But it would seem he was the only one who did.     And even worse for him, he¡¯s not even sure of what he saw¡­


    +++


    ¡°Thank you for apanying me, Miss Diwana, you really didn¡¯t have to,¡± Eron said, putting a few pieces of fresh steak that he bought on his way back from the lumber camp into an already hot pot over his small bonfire.     With a smile, he then added a few herbs, a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. Eron couldn¡¯t help but grin at the chance to actually cook a meal for the woman beside him.     It was truly an advantage to live in a ce where people cultivated and bred their own food and then sold it themselves. They were mostly driving in with a truck loaded with vegetables and/or newly butchered meats, and even cheese with other kinds of produce to ces like the lumber camp, a few far-off ces where workers were, in the same style that Diwana sold her food. Just so happened that a small truck passed by the lumberyard as they were about to leave.     And how they ended up leaving his workce together was still something that Eron was quite happy about. He couldn¡¯t help but remember it as the pieces of meat sizzled on the pan¡­     +++     Just an hour or so ago, back at the lumberyard¡­     ¡°Dude¡­ Diwa¡­ Are you both ok?¡±     Jack was the first to speak, since he had already recovered from the fall and had already caught his breath. He also was a little ufortable now at the awkward ¡°position¡± that he was in¡­Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

 THE CREEP AND THE HERO

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Eron, thanks to you. Could you help us up, please?


    Eron suddenly realized that his lower body was right on top of his employer¡¯s groin. He was suddenly relieved that he wasn¡¯t¡­


    Never mind¡­


    ¡°Uhhh, sure, Jack,¡± Eron mumbled as he picked himself up. He then offered both hands to the man and woman, who were both still lying on the ground.


    As soon as they were all on their feet, the whole area erupted in apuse!


    Eron looked around sheepishly, a little bit embarrassed at the attention but very much relieved that no one seemed to have noticed his little ¡°stunt¡± that he needed to do during the rescue.


    Jack, too, had already started to p his hands.


    Meanwhile, Diwa had once again automatically searched his body and face for any sign of wounds, blood, or even anything as simple as a scratch¡­


    And she did.


    ¡°ERON! Oh my gosh, you¡¯re bleeding!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    The rescuer looked at what the widow was showing him as she raised his elbow for him to see. He almost chuckled at how worried she looked and how small the scratch was, but the concern on Diwa¡¯s face stopped him.


    Plus, the feeling of warmth going through his chest at her concern was now taking over his thoughts¡­


    ¡°Diwa, it¡¯s just a scratch. Look, it¡¯s so small, I only need a Band-Aid for that.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care¡­ You need to get that treated and not with just a Band-Aid.¡±


    Then their eyes met.


    They both froze.


    And Diwa felt her cheeks warming up¡­


    Eron felt himself blushing too¡­


    ¡°Medic!¡± Jack yelled all of a sudden, making Diwa slightly jump and Eron slightly gasp. ¡°Get him fixed up! And I¡¯ve got an announcement to make!¡±


    ¡°Wait, what? I don¡¯t need medical attention¡­¡±


    ¡°Just follow what the medic says, Eron,¡± insisted Diwa as a man with a first aid kit approached them. ¡°Come on, sit down¡­ please¡­¡±


    Reluctantly, Eron sat on one of the stools nearest him and let the medical man use antiseptic on his wound. Of course, he didn¡¯t grimace in pain due to the treatment¡­


    He did, however, grimace at Jack¡¯s announcement.


    ¡°Alright, due to Eron¡¯s heroic rescue of both me and our favorite cook, Diwana, I¡¯m giving him a bonus and the day off. This is my thanks to him, for his good work despite being hired only yesterday, and his heroism. May we all look up to him for all of those reasons.¡±


    And once again, everyone there apuded and even went over to Eron to give their congrattions personally¡­


    Well, everybody except one¡­


    Max stayed well away from the crowd, now all by his lonesome at the edge of the lumberyard¡¯s open area, since his teammates had abandoned him and had gone to shake the hand of the new hero. And he was not happy.


    That scowl made him even more obviously visible to a few sets of eyes, and they watched him stomp angrily away.


    Eron saw the scene despite the enthusiastic crowd around him.


    Diwa saw it, too.


    So did Jack¡­


    Di moved towards Jack, leaving Eron with the medic and his newfound fans, not sure if she did see what she saw. She then put a hand on the foreman¡¯s arms, which were now folded over his brawny chest.


    ¡°Jack, did you see that?¡±


    ¡°Yep, I did, and I think I really need to talk to that guy. But before that, I need to check something out.¡±


    +++


    That was how they ended up being at the camp together. And soon they would be sharing a meal¡­


    The pieces of beef that he was cooking were definitely of high quality. They could both tell by the aroma rising from the pan that, soon enough, even without adding too much, filled the air, making their tummies growl.


    ¡°You were injured in trying to save Jack and I, Eron, the least I could do was to make sure you¡¯d be okay getting back here,¡± Diwana said, paying attention to the charming gentleman¡¯sing and going around hispact campsite. ¡°What I didn¡¯t expect was that you¡¯d go through so much trouble because I came¡­¡± she paused, then blushed slightly. ¡°¡­ with you here¡­ I mean¡­ I¡¯m here with you now.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s no bother, actually I¡¯m d to have you for lunch, Miss Diwana¡­¡± he paused, unaware that he too was now as flustered as her. ¡°I mean¡­ as a guest¡­ If it was just me, I wouldn¡¯t bother cooking, I¡¯d just heat a can of soup. But no worries, after all, it¡¯s just an easy meal to make. You¡¯ll see, it¡¯ll be ready in no time.¡±


    He then added a chunk of butter to the pot while he was turning the steaks. While those were frying, he was already prepping his other cooking ingredients and utensils for the next steps of his recipe.


    The widow¡¯s thoughts: ¡°Wow, if this is easy cooking, I wonder what he can do with a full kitchen and more ingredients¡­ you keep surprising me, Eron¡­ ¡®The whole package¡¯ sounds more and more like an appropriate description of you, the more time I spend with you.¡±


    He set out his small cutting board and arge kitchen knife, then quickly and skillfully cut the meat and threw it once more into the pot.


    ¡°Is there anything you can¡¯t do, Eron? I¡¯m impressed. You make everything you do look very easy,¡± she said, still distracted by the smells and the food, and the very good-looking man who looked even more handsome when he was that sweet.


    Something she hasn¡¯t experienced before with anyone else¡­


    ¡°Trust me, as I said before, it¡¯s really easy, especially when thest part of it is adding this,¡± he said with a wide smile, opening and adding two cans of potato soup to the pot, and then carefully stirring.


    ¡°Ooohhh¡­ That is easy, and it looks and smells amazing!¡±


    Heughed a bit more, fascinated with how happy andfortable she looked while he was just fixing some meat and canned soup¡­


    ¡°She¡¯s not demanding at all, not like the women I knew back in the city. Her being happy with a meal in the middle of a forest? I find it so¡­ surreal¡­¡± Eron thought, watching the woman sniff at the pot while waving her hand towards her heart-shaped pixie-like face.


    He then reacted to her praise. ¡°I hope you actually don¡¯t mind the canned stuff. This is far from a proper home-cooked meal,¡± Eron said, addingrge handfuls of cheese as thest ingredient to the soup. When it melted, he stirred the soup a little bit more, and then he was ready to serve.


    His honest but proud, toothy grin made her feel warm inside.


    ¡°It is more than okay,¡± she said, thoughtful for just a moment, as she took the hot bowl that he had carefully handed to her. ¡°You know? I believe¡­ no, I know¡­ this is the very first time that I tried food that a man has prepared for me¡­¡±


    As he watched Di deeply inhale theforting dish¡¯s aroma, his expression went dark for a moment. But then, he couldn¡¯t let her see him like that.


    ¡°Then you¡¯ll need to see me more often,¡± he almost mumbled, taking a seat near her. Eron said without thinking much about what he said.


    He was more worried about how a woman like her had been treated before, without her being aware of it.


    She looked at him with surprise, due to the way he just honestly blurted out his thoughts to her.


    Her thoughts: ¡°Diwana, please, don¡¯t take something like that the wrong way. He doesn¡¯t mean it literally¡­ I mean, how could he? Look at him, so perfect and lost in thought. That was nothing close to a romantic proposition, okay? No misinterpretations, period.¡±


    To distract herself, she finally took her first spoonful of the creamy soup.


    ¡°Oh my God, this is delicious!!!¡± Di eximed, bringing herpanion back to reality¡­


    Well, out of his thoughts about her, to be exact.


    ¡°Really!? I¡¯m so d!¡± Eron said with obvious relief as he also started eating. ¡°For a moment there I remembered that I didn¡¯t ask you what ingredients you might have disliked, or even if you were allergic to anything I added to it. I¡¯m sorry, that was so uncaring of me¡­¡±


    ¡°What?! Eron, you just made a dish for us! That is the most caring thing I¡¯ve seen from a neer, and the food tastes amazing¡­ not just theyers of vor but the texture. This is great!¡±


    ¡°Wow, that is a bigpliment,ing from someone who cooks like you. Thank you,¡± he said, suddenly feeling shy, looking down at his shoes.


    ¡°My pleasure, and I mean it,¡± she said with augh, and then he joined her with a hearty chuckle.


    Their talk got a lot more rxed, as both were impressed by how easy it was for them to get along while spending time together. Of course, even if they rationalized it and resisted the obvious, their sharing of thoughts and food came so naturally.


    ¡°And really, what you did back at the mill was impressive! You have quite the reflexes, and¡­¡± she stopped for a moment, both her talk and her eating.


    Eron nced at her with a puzzled, even a bit worried, expression. ¡°Miss Diwa, what is it?¡±


    ¡°Why did you risk yourself to save us?¡± she finally said, looking straight into his hazel eyes.


    He couldn¡¯t keep the stare and looked out into the forest before answering. ¡°Honestly? I don¡¯t know¡­ I felt it more than thought about it, and then just reacted. When I came to my senses, everything was over and you were both safe. I¡¯m d that it happened like that.¡±


    Eron smiled again, and her own mouth mirrored the gesture. There was a long pause between them, both trying to find the right words to say.


    ¡°You¡¯re not the kind of guy that I¡¯m used to meeting. Are all of the guys in that ce you lived before, like you?¡± Di said curiously, finally breaking the silence.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ Maybe not so different, but not the same¡­ Here in your ce, though, I¡¯ve met a few very weird male specimens¡­ You know, like Mad Max. He¡¯s a peculiar one¡­ And I mean no offence since I believe you are friends?¡±


    Eron did lift his tone at the end of his sentence, intent on making it sound like a question more than a statement. He was unsure of how Diwa saw the guy, so he needed to be careful with his words regarding the said squirrel head.


    Thedy¡¯s answer was apanied by an awkward, unsure look, which Eron was quick to note with a bit of rm.


    ¡°Sort of¡­ I find him strange myself,¡± she giggled, but still with a hint of difort. ¡°Before, he was just the best logger at the lumber camp, and I admired his dedication and the way he worked. He was funny at times, and then, on some asions, he said things that made me feel good, or special, you know, like he cared somehow¡­¡±


    Then she paused and her face became a bit serious, including her voice, ¡°But then, he would act weird towards me again, and I became more awkward with him the more he talked to me. More often than not, I have no idea of what¡¯s in his mind, or what he means with what he does. Sometimes I even feel he only talks to push his opinions on me, or maybe he¡¯s trying to say something that I don¡¯t get. It came to the point that we stopped speaking with each other and I didn¡¯t understand that but, in a way, I¡¯m relieved¡­¡±


    Eron kept staring at Diwana, and the way her smile started to slowly turn into a frown. The difort that her memories were making her feel was now very evident. Definitely, Mad Max was not only not telling her what he felt for her, but was somehow making her more than ufortable.


    Eron kept silent, letting her open up to him without him prodding or doubting her words¡­?

 PARTY FAVORS

    ¡°You know, everybody has told me before that he likes me, even when my husband was still around. Every single person in the camp and the vige¡­ Everyone but himself. Even my children have mentioned it in a not-so-happy way. For a while, I did wait for him to tell me, but as things progressed, I just stopped trying to figure him out years ago. Like today, he waste for work, which I know never happened before. Then the way he looks at you, and how he reacts when something good happens to you, even after you risked yourself for us! He doesn¡¯t make any sense¡­¡±


    Her words faded away as Diwana¡¯s thoughts were lost again for a moment. She suddenly remembered an incident between her and Max that happened a few months before Eron arrived¡­


    Back then, Jack was offering a party for the guys at the lumberjack camp and had asked Diwana to prepare the side dishes and dessert for the party. He also invited her to stay after delivering the food.


    ¡°You need some time off, Diwana. You know it. Just try and spend some time out of your house, get distracted, and have some fun and goodpany. You might not forget what happened, but you might feel a little better even for just a little while,¡± the foreman exined.


    She had been a widow for just a few months and she was still grieving for her lost child, more than anything else. What Jack was telling her actually made sense¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ try. I can¡¯t promise to stay the whole night, but I can stay for a bit.¡±


    ¡°Great! The guys will love to have you there. Some attention andughs will be good for you,¡± Jack had said even while she looked at him with surprise and a bit of puzzlement at her friend¡¯sst phrase.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that¡­ But I do agree with you that I definitely need a change of scenery.¡±Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Hoping for the best, she cooked the food. There were fruit tarts, chocte cake, and banana walnut bread. She also made spicy cheddar-bacon sauce and cream cheese dips, mini sandwiches, sweet and salty small pastries, potato sd, tuna sd, chicken sd and an apple and nuts sd with kale. Thest one, even the ones that didn¡¯t like sds, loved it.


    All of her dishes and dessertsbined perfectly with the main dishes, which were barbecued wings, burgers, pork chops and ribs, and steak.


    That evening, the lumberyard workers started a bonfire in the middle of the campgrounds and started singing and storytelling. After cing all her sides and desserts on the long table that was set up for that night¡¯s festivities, Di stretched her legs and walked around the party area, soda in hand.


    She still felt like a lost stranger who didn¡¯t belong, but she was hoping for the best somehow, and decided to sit down by the campfire and join the crowd. At that time, it was Max¡¯s turn to entertain the lively audience.


    ¡°Then, there was the werewolf! Tall and thin, and with his eyespletely red! He looked angry, but I stood up in front of him and yelled at him with all my might!!¡±


    Max was telling one of his werewolf stories which he imed was based on his real-life experience. Jack really hated it but who was he to tell what was true or wasn¡¯t? Besides, he has heard it so many times that he would just stay and try to follow the group, evenughing with them or faking surprise at the right moments.


    Life and experience had taught him that it was better not to talk much about his own memories. He found that his father and mother were right in that aspect. People questioned even things that they knew were real, and even when they came from very honest and sincere individuals.


    But would believe those whose integrity or experiences were doubtful¡­


    ¡°Hey¡­ are you ok?¡± Di shyly asked as she sat beside Jack, finding a vacant space on the long log, which fitted her small frame and rounded hips.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I just don¡¯t like their stories. I get the feeling that they find it funny to joke with something that ended up affecting so many families around a decade ago,¡± Jack said, ying with his empty paper cup. ¡°And it¡¯s all in the wrong way too.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know much about those events, but I can listen if you need to talk about it.¡±


    The lumberyard owner smiled at the new widow but kept silent. This woman was the kind of person that, if it was within her capacity to help, for sure she would do it. And it didn¡¯t matter if she was in pain herself or if people misunderstood her, were ungrateful to her or just stabbed her in the back more than once¡­


    She would still be willing to help, and Jack didn¡¯t want her to feel that he was taking advantage of her kindness. Diwa needed to heal and he¡¯s not one to get in the way of that because of his long-time emotional wound.


    ¡°Ok, now that I¡¯ve finished my story, I¡¯ll sing you a song,¡± Max announced as he took his guitar and started to y an originalposition. ¡°It took me less than an hour to write this, too.¡±


    Di was surprised that Max sang and yed well. For a while, she and Jack focused on the impromptu entertainer.


    But as Max kept singing, he continued to walk closer to her, still ying his guitar¡­


    ¡°Because you¡¯re beautiful¡­ oooh so beautiful,¡± he sang, smiling at Di. ¡°The most beautiful woman to me.¡±


    She blushed, and even more so because Jack decided then to tease her.


    ¡°I think he¡¯s singing to you, Di.¡±


    ¡°Stop it, Jack¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, he¡¯s definitely not singing that to me? Or I hope he¡¯s not¡­¡±


    All who heard smiled, joked, and teased, and Diwana finally felt a little less ufortable. Even Jack forgot about what they were originally chatting about and cheered Max, while continuing to make small jokes aimed at Di.


    Now, it started to feel like a party.


    After everybody got some food and continued with singing and storytelling, the party started to slow down. Di thought that this was the perfect time for her to leave.


    ¡°Why are you leaving so early?¡± Max approached her from behind as she was packing up her things.


    ¡°Oh! You scared me. I need to go back home, and it¡¯s getting toote for that,¡± she replied, still shy and smiling. ¡°You sing pretty well,¡± Diwa added.


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m d you liked it. I can just sing for you whenever you want. All you need to do is tell me¡­¡± the man answered, as he looked at her with one of those stares that she didn¡¯t understand.


    To be honest, Diwana felt that she didn¡¯t really want to understand¡­


    His eyes were looking intently at hers, too open, almost like the wolf dressed in grandma¡¯s clothing from the Red Riding Hood fairy tale. The light of the still crackling fire made him look menacing¡­ almost scary.


    And even if he was just a couple of inches taller than her, she felt somethinging from him that she could not describe, but made her feel that she should be running away.


    ¡°Diwana, he¡¯s just being gentle, you know. Come on, he¡¯s one of the best workers at the lumber camp, almost the only one with a permanent job instead of a seasonal one. He¡¯s a good guy, ok? Why are you reacting to him like this?¡± she thought, almost forcing herself to stay.


    ¡°So, are you going to stay so you can listen to another one of mypositions?¡±


    ¡°Thank you, I¡¯d like that, you really are a good singer,¡± she pushed the words out of her mouth. ¡°But I really need to go¡­¡±


    ¡°Too bad, but maybe we can get friendly sometimes. You know, just you and me, and I¡¯ll bring you somewhere¡­¡± he offered, getting even closer to her, and making her throw all her food containers in her bags to leave him in a rush.


    ¡°Yes, being friendly sounds good, but I¡¯m busy these days. Okay, bye!¡± Di blurted out hurriedly as she speed-walked away, not stopping until she got to her house.


    As she crawled into herrge king-size bed, she was still berating herself under her breath, ¡°Diwana, why in the world did you do that? He even told you that you can be friends! Just try to be friends with him, OK? He seemed like a decent guy.¡±


    Meanwhile, someone was up a tree, which was not so far from Di¡¯s house. He was looking directly through her window, stroking his not-so-big and hardened manhood. ¡°Yeah, I scored with this girl, and it was pretty easy. She must have been after me for a while because just singing to her made her melt already¡­ Hmmm, and she¡¯s just my type,¡± he moaned. ¡°I¡¯m d she said yes to be ¡®friendly¡¯ because I¡¯m kind of thirsty to try her.¡±


    Max would keep saying that to himself, as he continued to beat his dick at the sight of the almost-slumbering Diwana¡­?

 MATES

    ¡°So, I felt ufortable back then, and it became something more usual, you know? Him being sort of nice, and then being really weird, even sometimes I got the feeling that he was possessive,¡± she said, her eyes looking far away even while, from time to time, she continued eating another spoonful of soup.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite a story,¡± Eron said, but more focused on thatst part. ¡°Possessive? With you? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Well, yeah, kind of territorial. I dismiss it as if it¡¯s a joke, when ites from him, getting closer and telling weird things as if I was an object that belongs to him, and even more when ites from others around me. And I hear people say things like ¡®oh, don¡¯t get too close to her, you know Mad Max will get madder,¡¯ or something like that but I find it very ufortable, to be honest.¡±


    She finished thest of the soup in her bowl and was nowpletely full while enjoying thepany¡­ Diwa was even happier because it was still early and she was out in the forest, a ce that she liked so much.


    Eron continued to intently look at her, still making a big effort to hide how upset he was with the mad one of the lumber camp since he did know about THAT sawmill booth. But then, there was something that he needed to know¡­


    ¡°Miss Diwana, please forgive the question, but¡­ were you ever interested in him?¡± The Charmer finally asked, and for an unknown and puzzling reason, but he didn¡¯t want to ept.


    It pained him to ask it, but even more so was to wait for her answer. It was something he really didn¡¯t want to hear, but in the end, he had to know.


    ¡°Oh,¡± she blushed again, still surprised that her face could continue to keep changing colors. ¡°Well, I was. I sort of still am, but DEFINITELY not in a romantic way. He started weird, as I was telling you, even when my husband was alive. Mason justughed and told me to ignore him. He said it was not worth the trouble, and so I did. I tried to be courteous, even friendly, but I think he keeps misunderstanding, or saying things with double meaning that I, for the life of me, can never understand,¡± she admitted, more and more willing to tell Eron things she hadn¡¯t been able to tell anybody else, even regarding a simple matter like this one. ¡°Max is interesting, can talk deeply about certain topics but he would never ept an opinion different from his, you know? And that is in everything! I¡¯ve been trying to discuss a few paranormal topics with him once or twice, and he tantly¡­ refuses¡­¡±


    At this point, Di noticed that she¡¯d gone too far with opening up to her charmingpanion, and now, hopefully, he would notugh at her¡­ or worse¡­.


    ¡°That¡¯s all very interesting¡­ As a matter of fact, I find it even more interesting than my opinions about Max,¡± Eron responded, smiling widely. ¡°Please, Miss Diwana, tell me about those paranormal topics. I have to admit that I¡¯m a fan¡­ Please, do tell me what you believe, what you think, even if you¡¯ve seen anything like that. I promise I won¡¯tugh. I won¡¯t even interrupt.¡±Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    The young woman looked a bit unsure at this well-built man whose eyes were eagerly shining. Even Eron¡¯s bodynguage was now showing her his full attention.


    Wow, she thought, this is a positive surprise¡­ I wonder¡­ Mr. Eron, you¡¯re indeed so full of surprises.


    ¡°I¡¯d love to¡­ I will¡­ but possibly another time, if you don¡¯t mind. I find that a much longer and deeper topic, and I believe I went around yourst question¡­¡± Di said with a small smile, most interested in leaving this clear to Eron, ¡°So, yeah, I was in no way interested in him as a man, ONLY and EXCLUSIVELY as a friend, but he wasn¡¯t much of a friend to me. When I needed a friend the most, he would just vanish or stay quiet. When I was at my best, he would then show up and act weird again. So yes, I tried to understand him, but I honestly don¡¯t need that kind of ¡®friend¡¯ in my life. For now, I justugh it off. Well, that was until what happened today¡­¡±


    Diwana was now cutely frowning and then adorably pouting, ending her statement with a very energetic and passionate tone. Eron couldn¡¯t still stop smiling, even if he tried to, as he watched her facial expressions change.


    ¡°Then, do you mind me asking, what do you like in a man? What would a guy need to have to be worthy of being yours?¡± he half whispered in that charming, seductive way that made manydies beforeying their hearts at his feet.


    But this time, he was the oneying his heart at her feet, even ready to be her wolf rug in front of a chimney on a cold winter night.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­ what?¡± she nervously giggled, trying topose herself.


    Maybe she imagined the tone, or the small sparkle in his eyes when he said it. Or perhaps she was dreaming again¡­


    Diwa secretly pinched her forearm to make sure it was not a dream, just as Eron, who was still intently looking at her, as he had done before when he saw her almost running towards him that morning. And just like him, she jumped slightly as a response to the pain.


    ¡°I¡­ is that a serious question, Eron? Why would you like to know that?¡±


    He was surprised at the question.


    ¡°Well, I am a very curious guy¡­ and¡­ I haven¡¯t met manydies like you, Miss Di,¡± he said distractedly, looking at his feet, and not noticing that she smiled a bit more when he called her in that closer way. ¡°I know what girls like to hear and see, but a properdy just like you, I¡¯ve never¡­ uh¡­ I¡¯m sorry, am I bothering you with the question? Please feel free not to answer if you¡¯re notfortable with it.¡±


    Eron looked back at her eyes, feeling himself getting flustered yet again. He hardly breathed as he waited for her to reply.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not usual that I¡¯m asked that. I¡¯m just surprised, not ufortable¡­ and I like¡­ gentlemen. Respectful, caring men¡­ uh¡­ usually tanned, and with brown hair¡­ I like lighter colors of eyes; I find them sweet and fasci¡­ nating¡­ uh but that¡¯s enough of me¡­ ¡± she hurriedly changed the topic. ¡°Actually, you know what? Let¡¯s go to my house. Yes¡­ we can do that right now¡­¡±


    Diwa¡¯s invitation was given animatedly, without her noticing at first, ¡°I mean¡­ you need to see what you¡¯re getting before you decide to take it, right?¡±


    Her thoughts: What the hell am I saying now? Thatst phrase sounds so¡­ bad. Ugh!


    Eron was surprised at what he heard, to say the least, and waspletely sure that she was either joking or not even noticing how his slightly twisted and hungry mind was taking all she said¡­


    ¡°I mean the ROOM!¡± she eximed, now with a higher, nervous pitch than she expected. ¡°Ahem¡­ the room that you will rent¡­ we have a few¡­ avable, and¡­ you can choose, so¡­ we can go there¡­ now and you can¡­ choose which¡­ room you would like to have.¡±


    His thoughts: At this rate, Miss Diwana, I only want your room¡­ with you in it! Damn, Eron, this will be really HARD to go through¡­ but be nice, you heard her, right? A gentleman¡­ be the gentleman you¡¯ve been only with your Twinny. Good boy, you can do it!


    On that motivational note, he stood up, took the bowl in her hand, and then offered his own hand to pull her up from her seat. She epted by putting her dainty fingers on his long ones. Then she found herself on her feet, facing him.


    ¡°I want nothing more but to see that, Miss Di¡­ that¡­ I mean, the house¡­ cause the wolf¡­ yeah, I need to¡­ move from here soon, so¡­ I¡­ follow you now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please,e with me¡­ I mean, let¡¯s go¡­¡± she replied, now scolding herself¡­ Oh for goodness¡¯ sake, Diwana¡­ How can a conversation go so wrong? He surely noticed all those hungry phrases you let out! He will take back the offer to rent at your ce if you continue talking like that!


    Meanwhile, Eron was also having a\ simr convo in his head¡­ ¡°Daaaamn, you and your big mouth, man! At the rate you¡¯re going, she¡¯ll be more weirded out with you than she ever was with Max. Get a grip, will you?¡±


    Her soft shy voice broke into his thoughts. ¡°Uhhh, Eron?¡±


    He looked down at her since the top of her head reached just about his shoulders. ¡°Yes, Miss Diwana¡­¡±


    ¡°You can let go of my hand now¡­¡±


    Silence¡­ But just a short one this time.


    ¡°OH! I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Eron said with a sheepish smile, while suddenly releasing her fingers.


    Well, after a longer and slightly awkward silence, they started talking again.


    They wereughing and joking about more innocent and light topics as if they had known each other for several lives already. As he fixed up his camp, and she led him to the path going to her home.


    Mates¡­?

 WE’RE ALL MAD HERE

    ¡°Thank you for stepping in, Max. There are a few topics that we need to talk about,¡± Jack said, opening the door, letting the team leader in and closing it after him so they could finally walk to his desk.


    Jack sat on his office chair while the mad one took one of the seats in front of his superior¡¯s desk.


    ¡°Of course, boss, what would you like to discuss with me?¡± Max replied distractedly, with that air of ¡®Just remember, I¡¯m the best you got!¡¯ that Jack was getting so tired of.


    ¡°First of all, we need to talk about you beingte today. Can you tell me what happened to you, and why I was not given any prior notice so I can find someone avable that can take your ce? I had to find a recement on the fly. Luckily no one got hurt, but an ident was barely avoided because of you not being here.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my cellphone had a small ident, boss, and I couldn¡¯t make the call early in the morning,¡± the logger lied.


    Just at that moment, however, his phone sounded off loudly, as he usually had the ringtones and alerts at full volume to hear it over the sound of the machines that he usually operated.


    Jack raised his eyebrow at his flustered employee. ¡°You were saying?¡±


    ¡°This is not my usual phone, boss. Mine was left at the repair shop, and I got this one temporarily, with no phone numbers,¡± he exined, now taking the phone out of his pocket and trying to look at the screen for the caller¡¯s identity without his boss noticing.


    It was a text message, intended to give him a report of what was happening at Eron¡¯s camp, since ¡®his¡¯ girl and the hated ¡®pretty boy¡¯ left together. Max was taking the risk of looking because he cared so much more for that report than his boss¡¯ words.


    After all, he was ¡°so good¡± that Jack wouldn¡¯t dare kick him out¡­ right?


    ¡°You do realize that you live here at the camp, right? So, you could have stopped by my cabin and told me that you needed to be away for a while, instead of just disappearing like that.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Jack wouldn¡¯t buy that stupid lie, make a bit of an effort, Max!¡± the bully thought, thinking swiftly for a usible excuse.


    His exnation: ¡°Of course, boss, but it was pretty early, since I had to walk to the vige¡­ I didn¡¯t want to wake you up.¡±


    Max ended the bare-faced lie with a smile, trying to look genuinely sincere.


    Jack blinked twice in disbelief at the guy who was sitting right in front of him.


    ¡°Ok, let¡¯s say I¡¯ll let it pass this time, only because this was the very first time that you werete. BUT make sure you let me know, or at least talk to me the moment you arrive at the camp if you¡¯reing inte, understood?¡± Jackmanded firmly, not believing a word of what Max said.


    He even noticed that the phone that the liar had in his hand was the same phone, with even his usual notification tone. But there was plenty more to talk about and he wasn¡¯t about to let Max walk away just like that.


    Jack¡¯s thoughts: ¡°This guy really doesn¡¯t care about anything at all¡­ lying to my face, and thinking I¡¯m stupid? Keep going, man¡­ you¡¯re not THAT GOOD for me to put up with your shit¡­ Just give me a reason, ONE good reason and you won¡¯t even know that you¡¯re already out on your ass!¡±


    ¡°Yes, boss,¡± Max answered, distractedly and not even looking at Jack since his mind was focused on that message, and he was still holding on to his mobile.


    ¡°Ok, next topic¡­ Please exin to me why you put a rock in the sawmill, knowing that it could easily cause the wood to get kicked back and fly off like a rocket.¡±


    Now Jack looked intently at Max. Of course, he was sure that this man would never admit what he did wrong, and probably wouldn¡¯t even believe he made a mistake, or that his actions were incorrect at all. However, being caught red-handed was something that would show in his face, and Jack wanted to see that even more than hearing an excuse, or even a confession.


    And there it was.


    Max¡¯s eyes opened wide, almost popping out of their sockets. His jaw clenched and his lips pressed tightly shut. His shoulders were pulled back as if avoiding a blow thrown at him.


    His whole body screamed ¡°GUILTY¡± and actions always spoke louder than words.


    ¡°What?!¡± Max said, faking an insulted tone. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you just said that, boss. Before Eron came, you trusted me!¡±


    ¡°Before Eron came, huh? Well, before he arrived, you didn¡¯t act so much like a madman. Now, exin yourself!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do that! I didn¡¯t put a small rock near the saw of the machine!¡±


    ¡°I see¡­ and how do you know it was small? How do you know where it was ced? I didn¡¯t tell you any of those details.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ because¡­ of the type of¡­ ident it caused, of course! I didn¡¯t do anything, and if you had proof, we wouldn¡¯t just be talking about it, so there!¡± Max finished, pouting severely, close to throwing a tantrum like a spoiled five-year-old.


    Jack sat back in his chair and let out a long sigh.


    ¡°Let¡¯s say you didn¡¯t. I will still hold you ountable for what happened today. Had you not beente and without notifying me that something happened to you, all of this wouldn¡¯t have happened. You¡¯re not going to be paid today, and your pay will go to the person that covered for you.¡±


    ¡°The new guy!?¡±


    ¡°The new guy. Yes. And his name is Eron.¡±


    Max stood up, hitting Jack¡¯s table with his fist as he yelled, ¡°So you have a new favorite now, huh? Well, I wonder if you noticed the supernatural speed that he used to get to you before the wood could hit you. Or maybe you liked to have him on top of you and that¡¯s why you¡¯re giving him my pay!¡±


    Jack was instantly on his feet as well, his volume also rising. ¡°What the hell are you saying? This is too much! Lying, disrespecting me, then ming anything and everything on someone else when it¡¯s YOUR MISTAKE, Max! Damn it, you¡¯re going from bad to worse, and you know what? I have NO FUCKING REASON to put up with your ASSHOLE attitude. You¡¯re suspended for today. Leave now, before I fire you!¡±


    Max was about to scream out a number of ¡°reasons¡± for saying what he just said, but seeing that, for some reason that he really didn¡¯t understand, Jack was pissed off more than usual. He bit his lip, literally, turned around and left in a huff. He even had the guts to bang on the door as he exited the office. Well, that didn¡¯t matter to him.


    After all, he had a few things to do now, and those were more important to him at this point¡­


    Meanwhile, Jack was left in shock inside his office and he slowly sat down while trying topose himself. He just couldn¡¯t believe what had just happened.


    ¡°What the hell is happening with this guy? I knew he was notpletely sane to begin with, but he was going further than I could have imagined! I¡¯ll have to keep an eye on him¡­ and damn, Eron, thanks for saving me. But why did you have to fall precisely on top of me? At least you weren¡¯t¡­ well¡­ Damn, why would people think that I might like him?¡± Jack thought as soon as he had gotten control of his temper. ¡°I guess I really do need a girlfriend¡­¡±


    The truth was that he had been so worried about getting clues and news of his sister¡¯s whereabouts, that he never noticed thedies¡¯ interest in him. Add to that, no matter how innocent his actions and talks with Eron were, the reasons why the newbie joked so much about him wanting something else seemed to paint his intentions in a different light.


    It didn¡¯t help that his friendship with Diwana ¨C which was not in any way the kind of interest that all the other men in the lumberyard had for her ¨C seemed to have tagged him as ¡®swinging both ways.¡¯ and even worse, it could also be thought of as ¡®swinging the other way¡¯ or ¡®going the other way¡¯¡­


    Then the ident that ced both guys, who had brotherly connected so well and so soon, putting them in a spot¡­


    Oh. The. Gossip!


    Meanwhile, from his boss¡¯ office in the lumber camp, Max continued to speedily walk away, checking the message that was sent to him, with all the details that the spy could get from where he was.


    His thoughts: ¡°So, My Di is entertaining THAT guy¡­ Hmmm, she¡¯s ying that game again¡­ trying to show me that she¡¯s not interested in me when she clearly has been in love with me since the first time we met. Of course, she would do that to make me jealous. I would know¡­ I¡¯ve yed that game too. I¡¯ll have to do something about this, but for now¡­ let¡¯s continue with my n.¡±Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    After an hour or two, the mad one was sitting with his ¡®team¡¯ in the lumber camp, telling them how Eron ¡®stole¡¯ his money, and how Jack was now on the pretty boy¡¯s side.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, be careful of that city boy charmer! At this rate, he will take all of what¡¯s ours, our money, our jobs, our women! Or maybe even our boss,¡± he stated with conviction, producing a fewughs from all the others.


    However, they were starting to take the bully¡¯s words seriously, and it showed in their faces.


    ¡°But then, what can we do, team leader? He¡¯s out and about enjoying his day off, and yourdy¡¯spany¡­ how do we make him pay you back?¡± asked one of his underlings.


    Then, Mad Maxughed, a terrible imitation of a viin¡¯sugh from a horror movie, but effectively letting everybody around him know that he had undeniably lost it.


    ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t need to worry about that. There¡¯s something that I did already, and he will find out soon enough,¡± Max finally said with a smirk.

 FRIENDS AND FOES

    There¡¯s a saying that things look different when you see them at night, and since he had only seen the house during the nighttime ¨C and his concentration waspletely focused on SOMEONE else ¨C he was practically seeing it for the first time.     And he was quite amazed at what he was seeing.     It didn¡¯t look anything like a farmhouse. As a matter of fact, it looked like one of those old Victorian homes in Germany, with porches going around the house, multiple floors, and a signature spire that¡¯s the highest part of the structure. The tall windows with slightly frosted ss and mosaic ents on toppleted the magnificent antique finish of the residence.     There¡¯s even a part that slightly resembled a typical creamy white American country home with flower-filled window nters, grey bricks, and a spacious patio space in front. In broad daylight, this was a far cry from the dark shadowy Addams family-like mansion that he sawst night.     The city boy, who had never really cared much about old houses before, found his mouth dropping at such a beaut of a home. He counted at least four stories, including those on the spire, and the brickden basement garage that was also the house¡¯s foundation, and wondered how a property such as this could be found in such an out-of-the-way vige up in the mountain ranges.     ¡°Well, here we are. And from the look on your face, it shows that you like what you see,¡± stated the owner of the massive abode, with a slight giggle. ¡°This belonged to my deceased husband¡¯s parents who happened to be the first couple to actually settle here. I don¡¯t think I can afford to buy this ce on my own, just so it¡¯s clear.¡±     ¡°Wow, and how the heck did they get to build a house like this here?¡± Eron asked, still craning his neck to look around while they walked up to the porch¡¯s creaking wooden steps.     ¡°It was originally meant to be a Bed and Breakfast sh Resort, but eventually they moved here when their businesses in the city closed down. They used to own a chain of motels, but the bigger hotel franchises put them out of business, and this was the only property they kept. They eventually turned it into a vacation spot that offered transient amodations when they decided to live here. I believe my husband was just a wee tyke then.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Diwana, at this point, had settled down on one of therge woven lounge seats on the porch while waving her hand at the vacant one beside her. Eron was quick to ept the invitation, even while he kept feasting on the small feminine touches of decor all around the patio that he was sure was Di¡¯s doing.     His thoughts: ¡°Wow, those small dangling vines of flowering nts with the crocheted pot holders look so refreshing¡­ and those antique rocking chairs, they look like they were sanded, stained, and varnished recently¡­ and for an old house, the wooden floor and banisters seem so well-maintained¡­¡±     He felt a pair of deep brown eyes ¨C almost the same color as his wolf¡¯s fur ¨C looking at him then, so he turned to her. She was staring at him with amusement, and he felt she was reading his mind.     ¡°Myte husband and I hardly had anything inmon, but we did enjoy fixing things up. No matter what it was, whether it be wood, machinery, textiles, gardening, you name it. We could work at those together or apart and be satisfied with our work at the end of the day. So much of what you see now is our personal handiwork. He preferred machines, gadgets and vehicles though, while I preferred crocheting, woodworking and cooking.¡±


    Eron¡¯s eyes widened at what she said. It¡¯s as if she was really answering his unspoken queries!     ¡°So that wasn¡¯t just my imagination,¡± he said to himself. ¡°Somehow, I feel at ease with that. If anyone else did that to me, I¡¯d feel threatened. Well, there is someone else who can, but she¡¯s my Twinny, has certain special skills and we¡¯ve known each other for a long while. Does Diwana have the same gifts? And what about the connection and feeling of safety? How could that be when I just met her¡­?¡±


    His thoughts were suddenly broken as the off-white carved front door opened wide, and out spilled three noisy youngsters. They all rushed towards them like an avnche. Their words piling one on top of the other¡­     ¡°There you are! We thought you¡¯d get home earlier like you said¡­ Oh my gosh, is that HIM?¡±     ¡°I wanted the extra chocte cake, but sister didn¡¯t want to give it before she asked you¡­ wait, is he the one we talked aboutst night?¡±     ¡°We kept some lunch for you Di, it¡¯s on the¡­ Hey, is he THE DUDE who fed you dinner yesterday?¡±     To an average human, everything the kids said would have been a jumbled-up mess of voices and words. To him, though, his enhanced hearing allowed him to get everything they said, despite them speaking in unison.     And he liked what he was hearing, as he tried to hide his smile.     Even their tone was very encouraging, as he tried to look confused.     ¡°Alright! SHUSH EVERYONE!¡± Diwa said with a firm but yful voice. ¡°Please¡­ calm down or we will scare our guest away.¡±


    Everyoneughed a little at that.     ¡°He doesn¡¯t look scared, though,¡± quipped the only boy among the three.     ¡°And he doesn¡¯t look scary,¡± stated the youngest as she tilted her head.     ¡°Do you want him to look scary?¡± asked the eldest in surprise while staring at her siblings.     ¡°He¡¯s right there in front of you guys, don¡¯t be rude,¡± reminded the curvaceous tanned woman sitting beside the impressively masculine visitor.     ¡°No, no, I don¡¯t mind, Miss Diwana. Really, it¡¯s fine. I used to be as precocious and outspoken as they were when I was a kid¡­ Well, I still am¡­ So, I do understand them. I¡¯m sure they¡¯re pretty curious about me, being a neer and all, so it¡¯s okay.¡±     His audience disyed their own version of approving smiles at what he said. Eron was quite surprised with their reactions since he wasn¡¯t even trying to be charming¡­     He was just being sincere.     This was a very unfamiliar but refreshing feeling, and he liked it very much. But he knew he shouldn¡¯t make this kind of honesty and openness a habit.     Not with the kind of past that he had¡­     ¡°Guys, I want you to meet Eron¡­ uhhh¡­ ¡±     ¡°Camden. That¡¯s Eron with an E, Miss Diwana.¡±     ¡°Oh, I see. Well, Eron Camden, meet Erica, Macky and Katya Wolf.¡±     Eron, who was about to give the kids a quick handshake, swiftly looked back at Di upon hearing herst word. ¡®Wolf? Did I hear that correctly?¡±     ¡°Yes, it¡¯s an old, respected surname in these parts. It¡¯s my husband¡¯s surname and they are actually my nieces and nephew from his side of the family.¡±     ¡°That¡¯s¡­ interesting¡­ So that means, yourst name is Wolf too, Miss Diwana?¡±     How ironic if it was. To Eron¡¯s delight, he watched the lovelydy nod her head at him.     ¡°It is, and we¡¯re proud of it,¡± Erica interrupted with a small smile. ¡°My dad and Diwa¡¯s husband were brothers, but we never really considered him an uncle.¡±     ¡°Well, he didn¡¯t act like an uncle,¡± mumbled Macky, thinking no one heard him.     One did, of course, and he kept that in the back of his mind to study forter.     ¡°Wee to the Oro Vi, which means Gold Mansion!¡± cheerfully chimed in the youngest in her genuinely cute voice. ¡°You likey what you see?¡±     ¡°Yes, yes¡­ I do,¡± he answered at once, slightly looking at Diwana. ¡°And that¡¯s a good sign, because I¡¯m actually looking for a ce to stay.¡±     The three sharp young ones did not miss the man¡¯s slight nce at their surrogate mother, but they decided to put that aside to talk about amongst themselves in private. But right now, they all chose to focus on the man¡¯s announcement.     Their thoughts: ¡°Oh happy day! This means more money for the family, a male protector for the house, a big brother for us and maybe even more for Diwa in the future¡­ YES!¡±     All three exploded once again, yelling out of excitement and exuberance at Eron¡¯s announcement.     ¡°Oh my gosh, you¡¯vee to the right ce! We¡¯re the only avable rental for miles!¡±     ¡°Wowowowowow! So you can stay here with us every day? That¡¯s awesooooome!¡±     ¡°What the heck are you waiting for, dude? Come on inside the house so you can choose from the rooms!¡±     Eron was pulled helplessly from his chair by the three youths, with the two girls grabbing his hands and arms and the adolescent boy pushing him from behind once he was standing up.     ¡°Mama, open the door!¡±manded the youngest, sounding as if she was the owner of the house and not Diwa.     Eron looked helplessly at Di while the woman giggled and went forward to open the door. And as everyone pushed and pulled him forward inside the vi, he was overwhelmed with a very unfamiliar feeling that he was only able to identify a few dayster.     He felt,pletely and blissfully, at home. ?

 FRIENDS AND FOES TOO

    Speaking of impressive homes¡­


    The three-story mansion ¨C not counting the attic and basement ¨C had at least 22 rooms and dozens of those had their own full bathrooms with bathtubs or hot tubs, while the rest just had the basic shower and toilet. However, those still had the johns that flushed automatically, faucets that flowed on their own when your hands were underneath them and high-end hot showers with rainfall shower heads.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Yes, those were actually just the bathrooms¡­


    The whole house was mostly automated, run by a centralputerized system that could be activated by voicemands, and a security system that was the best money could buy.


    And, as expected, the owner truly had a lot of money to buy everything and anything he wanted¡­


    Well, almost anything.


    Because right now, as he was lounging beside his humongous rooftop infinity pool with ck tiles and strong jets of water that doubled as fountains at the flip of a switch, he was intently thinking of a special ¡°someone¡± that he recently lost.


    Unfortunately, he knew that all the money in the world could not rece him. And he wanted him back desperately.


    ¡°Are you thinking about The Right Hand, again?¡± a shrill, trying-hard-to-be-cute female voice said beside him, as a small, almost childlike handnded on his slim and thin pale chest.


    ¡°What if I am, Chin?¡± the governor asked dismissively, as he removed his thick sses from his face,ying it on the circr marble side table beside him. ¡°You¡¯re missing the way he would directly reject your tant advances to him?¡±


    ¡°Oh please, he¡¯s just doing that because he knows I belong to you,¡± the dark-skinned, curly-haired woman with an almost non-existent waist semi-squealed. ¡°His fear for you is greater than his passions for me.¡±


    The man snorted derisively, his bony shoulders rising with the sound. He didn¡¯t want to have his wife with him today, but he needed her today.


    Of course, not in a matrimonial or reproductive way. They had already agreed years before that they should live independently of each other but not have a divorce. He was the one who made the request, and she agreed to it as long as he provided her with a big, fat monthly allowance and did not ask for her ¡°services¡± out of the blue.


    So far, they have both kept to the conditions of their present marital arrangement, since they did enjoy the benefits of their partnership¡­


    Besides, they never really did marry because of anything as ridiculous as true love, which they don¡¯t believe that existed. Oh no, it was all a political, economic and even tactical arrangement that had both given them advantages beyond most people¡¯s imagination.


    Well, most people did question their union since even their physical features seemed to be total opposites¡­


    He was tall and almost skeletal and slim. His skin was pale and his hair was thin and straight, lying t on top of his head as if it was glued to his scalp. His dark grey eyes wererge, almost like an owl, his nose straight and narrow and his lips were thick, almost feminine in shape. And to hide his almost non-existent chin, he had grown a mustache and a beard, which were as grey as his hair.


    Meanwhile, his wife was short, darkly tanned, with less-than-average breast and hip sizes. The older woman¡¯s hair could have been an afro if it wasn¡¯t treated regrly in her favorite famous salon. Her amber eyes were almond-shaped and her formerly rounded nose was now narrower and slightly upturned due to a recent surgery she¡¯s gotten. Her lips were thin and narrow and her chin was still a bit prominent despite it already being chiseled off during hertest operation, and it was a running joke that she should have donated that chipped part to her husband¡¯s face.


    Yes, indeed, they were so different, but they did have one thing inmon¡­


    They both craved power like a drug.


    And that was the reason he had asked her to visit. He needed her power so he could finally find out more about his missing Right Hand, since she did confirm his beliefs about his renegade assassin.


    ¡°So, when did you ¡®see¡¯ that he was still alive, Chin?¡± he asked while a waiter, dressed in a bow tie and speedo shorts of matching colors, served him a new ss of wine and a ss of champagne to her. ¡°And do you know where he is right now?¡±


    The womanughed shrilly, obviously reveling in the fact that she was actually searching for the missing man secretly due to her own personal agenda. ¡°Darling, my ¡®skills¡¯ don¡¯t work that way. Yes, I did see him alive and well somewhere ¨C although he seemed to have not shaved within the past week and is very scruffy looking ¨C but the ce where I saw him could have been anywhere mountainous and forest-filled. That could be anywhere in the world!¡±


    ¡°Well, I still would like to see him, so start preparing for your ritual. If you are sessful in this, I will double your allowance for this month.¡±


    Chin¡¯s amber eyes glittered even more. Not only was she going to get a chance to see her soon-to-be lover boy without putting in too much effort, but she would also get paid handsomely for it.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get to his room then. I would want to choose my ingredients wisely,¡± the lustful female said as she stood up from the elegant rattan deck chair, her mind already thinking of The Assassin¡¯s underwear drawer.


    ¡°You can take all the clothes he left there for all I care. I¡¯m not interested in his clothing. I want their owner back here in my mansion and my army like before. No one takes what¡¯s mine, not even the very people who think they own their lives!¡±


    Chin¡¯s thoughts: ¡°Well, that¡¯s what you think, husband dearest. Neither one of you may not know it yet but it¡¯s only a matter of time before he bes mine and mine alone.¡±


    Just then, the governor immediately got on his feet and briskly walked back to the rooftop¡¯s eLyonator, while the waiter ced a silk robe around his shoulders. Chin, on the other hand, winked at the waiter and gave him an inviting smile after he had done his task. She was so d that she had worn a swimsuit that showed off her legs and hid a multitude of sins underneath.


    ¡°I really should be getting a liposuction session ASAP. Thanks to my bonuster, I will be ready to find and face The Charmer Aaron pretty soon,¡± she thought with a smirk as she and her husband entered the eLyonator, the doors sliding closed. ¡°By that time, he wouldn¡¯t be able to say no to what I will offer him.¡±


    When they entered Aaron¡¯s room, she found everything exactly as she requested it to be: from the scrawls on the floor with ck chalk, the chalice in the middle of the drawing and to the ck candles, too.


    Her eyes narrowed as Chin¡¯s lips stretched into a maniacal grin¡­ ¡°Perfect!¡±?

 FAMILY AFFAIRS

    ¡°This is just perfect! I¡¯m d you¡¯re here, Eron, because Di will let me go into the garage now and that¡¯s where Mason kept all of his machines and tools and gizmos. We should go thereter¡­ Whoa, your back muscles are really hard! You working out, because there¡¯s gym equipment in the garage too, and¡­¡±


    ¡°And this is where the library is because Diwa loves books. We didn¡¯t use to read when our parents were still alive, but now, she¡¯s gotten us into it and we¡¯re hooked so¡­ Wow! These are pretty big biceps! What do you do for a living?¡±


    ¡°We have a yroom, too. We don¡¯t keep dolls because they are scawy but we have stuffed animals. I have a white horsey and a big wolfie and lots of small cat plushies. I want to introduce you to them and¡­ Oh geeeezzz, what big hands you haaaaave!!!¡±


    ¡°Guys! Guys! GUYS!¡± Di finally shouted with a smallugh. ¡°Stop mishandling my future pa¡­ renter! He won¡¯t be able to pay for his room if he ends up in the hospital!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t break that easily, Miss Diwana,¡± Eron answered with augh as he was dragged through the second-floor hallway, not really against his will. ¡°I don¡¯t have a fragile sticker on,st time I looked.¡±


    Before Diwa could reply, all three youngsters started to talk in unison again.


    ¡°Why do you keep calling her Miss Diwana? Bro! Just call her Diwa like we do.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, so formal. You sound like you¡¯re in a ssroom.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re making her sound so old¡­¡±


    ¡°Ok, ENOUGH! Let him call me whatever he wants.¡±


    Eron¡¯s thoughts: ¡°Oh please, don¡¯t say that Di¡­ I might actually do that and you might get scared of me when I tell you what I want to call you. Ok¡­ paying attention now to what she¡¯s saying¡­¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t mind him calling me Miss, if he¡¯sfortable with it. And can you please let go of him? I really want you guys to do something for me while I show him the avable rooms.¡±


    The three groaned aloud, knowing what was going to happen next.


    ¡°Let me guess, you¡¯re going to ask us to go and prepare tea and snacks for the two of you, right?¡± Erica answered, her lips twisting and one eyebrow rising, while she crossed her arms over herrger-than-average breasts.


    ¡°Yes, please¡­¡±


    ¡°A, you never let us have any fun¡­¡± whined Katya, pouting while looking up at her surrogate mom.


    ¡°That¡¯s not true, because if you do this for me, you can join us for tea. And I¡¯ll tell you a story about how Eron rescued me and Jack from an ident that happened this morning.¡±


    ¡°NO WAY! REALLY?!¡± shrieked the two girls and single boy in delight.


    ¡°Really¡­ now go, and bring out all the best goodies we have in storage, but don¡¯t overdo it, okay?¡±


    ¡°Ok! Thanks Di!¡± Erica said as she ran towards the stairs with a squealing Katya holding her hand. ¡°We won¡¯t overdo¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, they will overdo,¡± Diwa whispered to herself, which Eron heard. ¡°But that¡¯s fine. I can always make more desserts.¡±


    ¡°I can help you with that too, Miss Diwana if you need my assistance in any way.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ sorry, you heard that?¡±


    ¡°I have very good hearing¡­¡±


    ¡°And very fast reflexes too, based on what you did a while back¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just my adrenaline pumping, it was really nothing¡­¡±


    They didn¡¯t seem to notice it, but their voices were starting to get lower in volume and pitch¡­


    Their eyes were holding their gazes in ce¡­


    Their faces were now getting closer¡­


    ¡°Ahem!¡±


    Both adults suddenly stopped and, as if they had just been pulled out from a daze, they turned towards the boy who had just interrupted their ¡°deep¡± conversation.


    ¡°Eron, I really am d that you¡¯re here, dude, but I¡¯m telling you now, if you ever hurt my mama, you¡¯re gonna get it from me! Got that?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Diwa¡¯s eyes widened in surprise at Macky¡¯s serious statement. She almost couldn¡¯t believe her ears since thisd, although very protective of her and his sisters, had never directly confronted another male with this kind of warning. Before she could reply, Eron ced hisrge hand lightly on hers with an assuring pat, while shing her a quick, small smile.


    She blushed a little at his actions, which were not lost on the young Macky who was still waiting for Eron¡¯s reply.


    ¡°Macky, I promise you over my grandmother¡¯s grave that I will never EVER hurt your mama intentionally. Not even you and your sisters. Take my word for it.¡±


    ¡°Ok, and if you break it?¡±


    ¡°If that ever happens, I promise to give you my motorbike.¡±


    Now it was Macky¡¯s face that showed shock. ¡°NO WAY! REALLY?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a man of my word. I¡¯ll let you see her when we finalize my staying here with your mama¡­ I-I mean, here at your house, alright? Meanwhile, you go ahead and help your sisters. Deal?¡±


    The boy¡¯s face was now lit up like a Christmas tree in Times Square as he took the hand that the neer was offering him and shook it heartily. ¡°DEAL! Later, Eron!¡±


    The widow¡¯s eyes were also beaming as Eron turned his smiling face back towards her. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s final. I¡¯ll just have to choose a room now, Miss Diwa. Shall we?¡±


    It took a while for Di to nod in agreement, as the warmth in her heart made it difficult for her to react at once. To be honest, she really wanted to hug him with all her heart for what he just did. However, he could read her intentions on her face, and she was unaware.


    She decided not to do it.


    He really wished she would.


    They were both very regretful about itter on, but for now, they were both very happy.


    And they weren¡¯t really sure why¡­


    +++


    Antoine was still standing at attention at the farmhouse door, weapons in hand, and was not sure why his boss hadn¡¯t finished with his meeting yet.


    Well, it wasn¡¯t really a meeting, since this seemed more like a personal visit but the tone of the discussion ¨C which he couldn¡¯t help but overhear with his enhanced wolf hearing ¨C seemed to be getting less and less friendly andfortable as the talk progressed inside the house.


    ¡°Virgil, no¡­ I understand what you¡¯re both trying to tell me but I won¡¯t abandon my husband that way.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t be abandoning him, Alicia. You¡¯ll just be transferring to the packhouse, you and your children while we continue with our ns.¡±


    ¡°Beloved, it¡¯s to assure that you and the children will not be easily discovered. And if by chance he does find out, then you¡¯ll be in a very safe and secure ce.¡±


    ¡°And what about you? If he finds out that you¡¯ve been helping his precious runaway assassin, would you be safe from him? And will the pack allow me to go and rescue you if that happens?¡±


    A long pause ensued¡­


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think so¡­¡±


    ¡°My love, in the first ce I would not want you to put yourself in danger in any way, even if it meant my life¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, you are my life, Hero. I cannot be at ease at the thought of me being safe while you are still in danger.¡±


    ¡°The pack will take care of your husband, I guarantee it. We just feel it¡¯s a better option for you and your kids to be- ¡±


    ¡°Virgil, I do thank you for the offer and I will ept it, only when my mate has already left his employer. We will then BOTH transfer to your packhouse and be part of the Silverw pack. Until that happens, my children and I will be staying here where my husband and their father can easily reach him, and vice versa. Now, if you will excuse me, it¡¯s time for Myrrh and Victor¡¯s nap.¡±


    Antoine would then hear light feminine steps walking away and a door softly closing. A few minutester, the two men who were inside the house exited through the front door. They would be walking a few feet away from the pilot/bodyguard, but he could now hear their talk even more clearly.


    Well, he was used to his boss trusting him like this, anyway. After all, he had always proven himself dependable and trustworthy.


    ¡°Bro, I¡¯m sorry, but when she uses that tone¡­¡±


    ¡°I know. My own mate does that too when she wants to stick to her guns, so I can rte.¡±


    ¡°Wait a tick, I think you have something there¡­¡±


    ¡°What? About me rting to you?¡±


    ¡°Your wife, bro. I think she can help us here¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmmm¡­ It¡¯s a long shot, but I think Helena would understand our point of view. She has a soft spot for children, and she would want to meet the woman who had contributed to her twin¡¯s escape¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright, you go on and talk to her. I¡¯ll find my own way back to the governor¡¯s mansion after I pacify my mate and spend more time with my kids. This may be myst chance of doing this for quite a while.¡±


    ¡°Just be careful, brother. Under no circumstances should he know about your mate or your true nature. It¡¯s a risk that you can¡¯t afford to take.¡±


    Antoine watched the two men give each other a brotherly hug, pping each other on the back as they did so. Within a few minutes, he was already back in the helicopter¡¯s cockpit with only his Alpha sitting behind him. He then turned on the engine and soon they were off the ground and rising swiftly into the air.


    Meanwhile, Virgil looked at the farmhouse once more, wished the best for the family that lived within it, and then brought out his phone. He typed in a message¡­


    His text:Princess, I¡¯m on my way back there. Please meet me at our apartment suite when you can. I can¡¯t believe that I already miss you.


    The reply came about half a minuteter: Believe it. I miss you, too. Love you, and see you in the bedroom.


    Virgil could no longer hide his smile as he put his mobile back into his suit¡¯s jacket pocket. Count on his mate to always make him feel so amazing every damn time¡­?

 MORE FAMILY AFFAIRS

    I can¡¯t believe how amazing she is, even when it¡¯s just giving a simple tour of her own house.


    Eron couldn¡¯t help but say this to himself as he watched her show him around the second floor. They¡¯ve gone through the girls¡¯ rooms, the boy¡¯s room, the yroom, the library and the other three remaining empty rooms, and he fervently wished that the tour was longer so he could just hear her talk while they were alone together.


    ¡°And this is thest of the vacant rooms on this floor. If you still aren¡¯t sure about it, you can always take the other rooms on the ground floor. They are slightly smaller than any of the rooms here, but they are more easily essible than up here. There are also other rooms upstairs and, in the attic, but then you¡¯d all be on your lonesome. We hardly go up there, you see, since all of us sleep on this floor and have the library and yroom here as well.¡±


    The Charmer had not really been paying attention to the quality of the rooms being shown him within thest quarter of an hour. What he was focusing on was the location of each room and he hasn¡¯t found the one that satisfied his needs.


    ¡°Oh, I see. Well, I could choose to stay downstairs so there would be someone sleeping there, Miss Diwana. But as you said earlier, the rooms here on the second floor have their own bathrooms and I do prefer that.¡±


    The minute they got near enough for Di to open the door; his nose began to pick up scents that showed him that this room was the one he was looking for. He entered the doorway, breathing deeply, making sure that it was indeed the one he was looking for, even while his futurendy kept talking about the second-floor apartments.


    ¡°Yes, it is a luxury to have your own toilet and shower, so it¡¯s better to be up here on the second floor. Besides, you¡¯re supposed to be a boarder, not our security guard,¡± she said with a giggle that sent little tremors of pleasure up and down his spine.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t mind that since I was a security guard back then,¡± he said, inspecting one of the rooms. What he was actually doing was sniffing the scents from the other side of the wood and ster, and he was happy with what his wolf senses were picking up. ¡°It¡¯s actually the only job I ever had so I think I¡¯m pretty good at it.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ almost can¡¯t believe¡­ that¡­¡±


    He paused, sensing her hesitation. ¡°What don¡¯t you believe, Miss? That I¡¯m a great security guard?¡±


    ¡°Oh no, I really believe you¡¯re great¡­ I-I mean, great at¡­ anything¡­ you do¡­ I mean, your job. But I just can¡¯t believe that you¡¯re just a¡­ security guard¡­¡±


    Despite biting his lower lip, Eron¡¯s smirk was hard to hide, especially upon hearing Diwa¡¯s words. It took a while for him to swallow his amusement and pull on a more serious look as he faced her.


    ¡°You¡¯re not the first one to say that, Miss Diwana. I think you won¡¯t be thest.¡±


    ¡°Well, I just feel you¡¯re more than that. I see you almost as a bodyguard, even secret police or¡­ maybe a spy?¡±


    Eronughed half-nervously. The widow was hitting a little too close to home, and he needed to find a way out¡­ and fast. Just in time too, since he was already sure about his hunch and what his senses were telling him¡­


    Her room is just beside this one.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll take that as apliment, Miss Diwana. And speaking of which, I¡¯ll also be taking this room. Would that be all right?¡±


    It took a while for the widow to reply since her mind was now a bit jumbled with thoughts and emotions¡­


    YES!she said to herself.He took the room next to mine! But wait, isn¡¯t that a little awkward? Didn¡¯t he say he has a keen sense of hearing? But what if he hears me while I¡­ Oh no no no, that can¡¯t happen, can it? No man can hear through walls, can they, not unless he puts his ears on¡­ Stop it Diwana! How dare you think such things about him! He just saved your life, and has been a real gentleman to you and even a wonderful new friend to the kids. No, he doesn¡¯t deserve that from you so just tell him you agree because, look at him, eagerly waiting for your go. Come on, girl. Just tell him yes!


    ¡°Alright then,¡± she finally smiled, to Eron¡¯s relief. ¡°Yes, you can have this room.¡±


    The visitor, now a new renter, smiled widely in response. If he only knew the doubtful thoughts going through Di¡¯s head, he would have immediately exined that he wanted to be near her room so he could protect her more effectively. Considering what he had learned since his arrival, thispassionate littledy has had her share of stalkers and he would be more at ease at the thought of her being safe, even if it meant that he would personally handle it.


    Of course, he couldn¡¯t tell her that he sniffed out her scent from the room beside this one, so he was just happy that she had let him rent this particr room.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    ¡°Alright, but how much will I be paying for this?¡±


    ¡°Well, your meals will be included in your rent, along with water, electricity, use of the stove and even your inte. You will have to take one domestic task along with cleaning your own room since we still can¡¯t afford to pay for someone to do that for us on a daily basis, and I don¡¯t want the kids to feel they¡¯re servants in their own home. So, all of that will only cost you¡­¡±


    Eron heard Di give a price, and his jaw dropped in shock. ¡°You gotta be kidding me! That¡¯s too¡­ cheap! I mean, it¡¯s too low a price for such a room, with food and utilities included!¡±


    Again, she giggled, giving him delightful goosebumps as he listened to her reply. ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re still cleaning your room and will be responsible for one domestic chore, Eron. We can¡¯t give you an expensive rate because you won¡¯t really be a guest.¡±


    ¡°I know, I get it. From where I came from, we have our own responsibilities too and it¡¯s something we¡¯re not paid to do so we feel we¡¯re part of amunity¡­ Even a family¡­ But that rate is still dirt cheap!¡±


    ¡°Eron, this is not the city where everything is expensive. Everything here is affordable because people grow their own food and create their own tools. Items, clothing, decor, and even furniture. Besides, you said it yourself. Family¡­ We can¡¯t be forcing high rates on those who are family, right? I mean, and speaking of family, let¡¯s get to the kids before they eat all the cake they¡¯ve served.¡±


    His thoughts:Family¡­ She probably isn¡¯t even charging the kids anything since she sees them as her children¡­ What part of heaven did you fall from, Miss Diwa? You¡¯re just too good to be real!


    It took a few seconds for him to realize that he was already standing alone inside his chosen room because hisndy was already outside the door, waiting for him to follow her. Soon he was being handed the key, and he was handing her a few paper bills to cover for his advance payment.


    As she entered her room ¨C and yes, it was beside his ¨C to write him a receipt, he dared ask her the question while standing outside her door¡­


    ¡°Miss Diwana, about the kids¡­ How did they end up being with you? That is, if you don¡¯t mind me asking¡­¡±


    She was already walking up to him then with the receipt in her hand, so he stepped aside so she could pass. Her eyes already had that faraway look that he could now recognize easily as she sifted through her memories.


    Even Eron was amazed at how he could easily recognize it now, after just a couple of days of speaking with her¡­


    ¡°Well, I can tell youter while we¡¯re having tea with the kids. They won¡¯t mind. And we did promise them the story of your heroic rescue, so¡­¡±


    Within a few minutes, they were both smiling as the children received them at the patio table. It was now loaded with different kinds of pastries, several types of tea and all the tea things that were needed.


    And then, it wasn¡¯t long before the stories started to flow¡­

 EXTREME REACTIONS

    The patio doubled as the house¡¯s breakfast room. For now, it felt more like a party area due to theughter, giggles, happy tones and the continuous stories that Diwa and Eron were telling the kids¡­


    Of course, the one they insisted on hearing first was the ident that happened at the lumberyard that morning. It was interesting that the two adults were both telling the story in sync with each other, even finishing each other¡¯s sentences.


    They weren¡¯t aware, but the young ones were. And that added to their surprise and awe as they listened to their surrogate mom and her new boarder.


    ¡°He picked me and Jack up, and I immediately checked him if he was hurt,¡± thendy said, as she poured her and Eron a new batch of tea. ¡°Good thing he only had a small wound on his elbow.¡±


    ¡°Not even a deep one, too. It was just a scratch, see,¡± the man assured his audience as he showed them a small square of gauze and a bit of bandage on the lower part of his forearm. ¡°Good thing Jack and your mama weren¡¯t hurt. I made sure that they were okay even before I stood up and helped them.¡±


    ¡°Then Jack thanked him publicly and announced that he was giving Eron a bonus and the day off. So that¡¯s why we got home early.¡±


    ¡°Well, not really that early because we ate at my camp.¡±


    ¡°He cooked me a meal, and it was delicious.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not as good as all these goodies in front of me right now, though,¡± Eron said with a hearty chuckle as he reached for another piece of apple tart.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    And yes, the girls did overdo it. There were chicken puffs, meat empanadas, different kinds of sweet and savory pocket pies, at least a dozen cupcakes with various fruit frostings, and onerge box of tea bags with a variety of vors. You¡¯d think they were having a small fiesta instead of tea time for five people.


    Well, it did sound more like a fiesta than a small tea party¡­


    ¡°Oh wow! That¡¯s so amazing! So, you were the sh when you rescued Jack and Mama Di? WOWOWOWOWOWOW!¡± the youngest cheered.


    ¡°And everyone was probably totally gobsmacked by you, right, Eron? I wish I was there to see that happen, hahaha!¡± the eldest sighed as sheughed.


    ¡°Yeah, and I bet Max is talking about how younded on Jack and not on Diwa¡­¡±


    Everyone paused and did a double-take at Macky, who was popping a cheese pastry into his mouth. They waited for him to swallow so he could exin his statement, which he did¡­


    ¡°What? That guy never liked anybody stealing the spotlight from him. And suddenly, a neeres along and steals all the attention from everyone, including Jack and Diwana. I think you just made an enemy, Eron, but I¡¯m just a kid, so what do I know, right?¡±


    Everyone stayed silent for a while, still staring at Macky¡­


    Macky then looked at everyone, acting innocent. ¡°What? It¡¯s true, right? But I¡¯m still wondering who Max is really into¡­ Mama or Jack.¡±


    3, 2, 1¡­


    The whole group around the table burst out inughter all at the same time.


    ¡°Oh my gosh, Macky! The very idea¡­ It¡¯s so funny, ahahaha!¡± the widow eximed, hardly able to speak.


    ¡°That makes sense! No wonder Max never said anything to Mama! He¡¯s actually in love with Jack! Wahahahahaha!¡± gasped the youngest in between fits of giggles.


    ¡°Oh no, Eron, everybody must be thinking you¡¯re into Jack now! You chose tond on him instead of Diwana! Max is gonna be really pissed! Ahahahahaha!¡± Erica squealed, trying her best to stopughing while talking and failing miserably.


    ¡°Ahahahah, what the heck¡­ Just to be clear, I didn¡¯tnd on Ms. Diwa because I might hurt her doing that. At least Jack was stronger and bigger than her.¡±


    ¡°Ohhhh, don¡¯t let anyone hear that, Eron. They¡¯re gonna say, ¡®Oh he chose Jack over Diwana because he¡¯s stronger and bigger!¡¯ Ahahahahaha!¡± the eldest retorted in the middle of her mirth.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let Jack hear that. He might fall in love with you back, Eron, hahahaha!¡± screeched Macky, who was now holding his stomach as he guffawed loudly.


    ¡°Oh, the gossip! Stop! No more! Hahahaha!¡± Diwana managed to say whileughing really hard.


    ¡°Daaaamn¡­ You kids! I¡¯m not into Jack, OK? Where the heck did thate from? Ahahahaha!¡± Eron answered back, stillughing with a slightly embarrassed tone.


    ¡°So, if you don¡¯t like Jack, that means you like my mama?¡±


    At that point, everyone freezes once again to stare at the littlest person sitting at the table¡­


    Katya¡¯s face was very serious as she waited for an answer from the new renter. Eron could feel his cheeks slightly burning as he scrambled through his brain for a safe, but good enough reply.


    ¡°I like Jack as a boss¡­ And I like your mama as¡­ A friend andndy¡­¡±


    ¡°But you only have her as andy now and you were just friends yesterday, right? And do you like Jack only as a boss and not a friend?¡±


    ¡°Uhhh¡­ Well¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a littleplicated, baby K. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll exin it to you in a bit. Meanwhile, we should clean up the table and start getting dinner ready,¡± Erica replied, interrupting Eron, hoping to save the man from answering.


    ¡°A, but we were having so much fuuuuun¡­¡±


    ¡°We can have more funter during dinner. You are going to have dinner hereter, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course, Erica. I¡¯m just resting a bit before I go back to my camp and start packing up.¡±


    ¡°YES! Ok, more stories over dinnerter! HOORAY! Thankies, Eron!¡± the little girl happily stated as she pped.


    As the three children started to take away the dishes, cutlery and cups from the table, the two grown-ups decided to make more tea and just continue talking about anything that came to mind. It just felt so natural to share their thoughts with one another, they hardly noticed that the patio table was soon wiped clean, the kids were now inside the house, and they were now alone on the patio together.


    ¡°They really are something, aren¡¯t they?¡± Eron said with a sigh and a small smile. ¡°They¡¯re smart, outspoken, active and very responsible for their age.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s very true. They do a lot of the chores here in the house because I¡¯m also their mom, their homeschool tutor, and the provider of the family. We would still have holiday visitors before, but ever since the flu epidemic that hit us here a few years ago, we hardly get any guests up here now¡­¡±


    Diwa¡¯s voice trailed off, as if her mind was suddenly filled with unwanted memories. And yes, it was the case. Eron, who could now easily tell when she was already in her memory trance, ced a hand on hers and waited for her to look at him.


    When she did, he started speaking. ¡°Erica mentioned her parents died during that gue. Now that I¡¯m going to officially stay here with you all, I hope you don¡¯t mind if I ask again about the children¡¯s past¡­¡±


    His thoughts: ¡°And yours too, while I¡¯m at it, since that is what¡¯s more important to me.¡±


    It took a while before Diwana was able to begin her tale, and her voice even sounded breathless and soft¡­


    ¡°My husband¡¯s parents have always been focused on business. As a matter of fact, they¡¯d go as far as treating personal issues with business-like solutions. They set up their sons¡¯ futures by building them their own homes, investing in their businesses and setting up their own insurance policies.¡±


    Diwa then stopped, her eyes still nk and looking out into the trees. Eron tightened his hold on her hand, just to remind her that he was just there beside her.


    She mistook this as a sign to continue her story¡­


    ¡°Upon the death of their parents, my husband and his brother decided to put their properties and policies under an arrangement where they could pass them on to each other if they died. However, it was an unwritten agreement that the one who was alive would take care of the family members of those who passed away. Unfortunately, things don¡¯t always work out as nned¡­

 EXTREME REACTIONS AGAIN

    The children¡¯s parents had to be transferred to their uncle¡¯s home while they were sick so that they could be taken care of.


    Well, Diwa was the only one who took care of them since her husband never seemed to go to the sick room out of fear of the fatal illness that was taking so many lives in their vige. Also, she didn¡¯t want the children exposing themselves to their parents¡¯ sickness.


    However, the kids were so intent on helping out their benefactors that they were helping out with cleaning the house and even preparing the meals. Di also felt that this was their way of letting their parents feel they love them still, despite being sick. After all, the three couldn¡¯t exactly hug and snuggle with their mom and dad during this time.


    Because of this, Diwa also spent a lot of time with the children, trying her best tofort and encourage them during these dark times. Unknown to her, her husband was now starting to resent the attention she was giving to his brother¡¯s family.


    He seemed to forget that his brother¡¯s children were practically taking care of the whole house and his baby, while he kept himself busy as the vige¡¯s official mechanic and maintenance technician. Unfortunately, fear, resentment, and the ongoing epidemic were causing the man to be quite unreasonable.


    Then his most terrifying thought finally happened ¨C his brother- and sister-inw died only days apart. And while the rest of the people in the house mourned the loss of the couple, he was now panic-stricken at the thought of raising children that were not his. Especially now that he already had a baby boy of his own? Oh no, he just wouldn¡¯t agree to that¡­


    It all came to a head a couple of days after they had already buried their dead¡­


    ¡°Diwana, we can¡¯t keep them. I told you why already, and it doesn¡¯t matter how many times you ask for it. I¡¯m not taking them and that¡¯s final, understand?¡± Mason Wolf, Diwana¡¯s husband, stated to her, leaving no room for argument.


    And yet, she still did insist, despite whatever risk that her actions might bring her.


    ¡°They are only children. We can¡¯t just leave them on their own! Mason, please! We¡¯re not talking about puppies or kittens here, they¡¯re people! What will be of them if we don¡¯t take them? You¡¯re the only family they have left! How can you just refuse to let them stay with us?¡±


    ¡°I. Said. No! Why is it so difficult for you to understand such a simple word?¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not the word that I can¡¯t understand¡­ You¡¯ll inherit their house! The least we could do is to let them live with us if you n to sell THEIR OWN HOUSE!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you DARE USE THAT TONE on me, DIWANA! We can¡¯t afford three more mouths to feed, you understand? And they need to go to school too! Clothes, education, school supplies, food¡­ We don¡¯t have that much money, Diwa¡­ For how long do you think the money willst if we bring them up?!¡±


    ¡°And the Insurance money? Will you take that from them, too?¡±


    ¡°Diwana, ENOUGH!¡±


    ¡°I can work, Mason, if money is all you¡¯re worried about! I can get some extra money from cooking and selling my food, even offering catering services. And I can homeschool them too! The house is so big that I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t even notice they¡¯re with us, I¡¯ll make sure, ok? You said before that you wanted a family and now, you¡¯re opposing having YOUR OWN NIECES AND NEPHEW WITH US?!¡± she said, getting angry, but then regretting the tone, since the kids might have probably heard them. ¡°You¡¯re not making any sense¡­¡±N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    No, there was no sense in Mason¡¯s fears, but he was too far gone in the argument to give it up. Not that her husband was trying to avoid the conflict.


    Oh no, he wasn¡¯t.


    As a matter of fact, he seemed to be purposefully yelling as much as he could, and he was saying just the right words so his ¡®listeners¡¯ got to know his thoughts without him saying them to their faces¡­


    ¡°I SAID NO, OK? WE ARE NOT KEEPING MY BROTHER¡¯S CHILDREN! AND THAT IS FINAL!¡±


    The three sets of ears on the other side of the wall heard him perfectly, even without any extra effort on their part. The pain of hearing these words fell heavily on them since they had just lost their mother and father and their grief was still very deep and fresh.


    And now, their initial thoughts about their uncle have now been proven to be true¡­


    Despite their young ages, they now felt the world was caving in on them.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect anything different from him, to be honest,¡± Macky said, trying to be strong for his older and younger sisters, who were a lot more sensitive due to the recent events.


    Usually, it would be Erica who would take care of the two younger siblings, but now she was missing their parents so much, and feeling so rejected, that she could hardly hold herself together.


    Even if Mason Wolf was not a sweet or very expressive man with his feelings, and he had never been part of his brother¡¯s children¡¯s lives, they would have thought that the circumstances might make his more human side show a little bit more.


    But that didn¡¯t happen.


    Mason was keeping the house, and the insurance money, and letting them handle life on their own, and they were going to be sent away with nothing.


    Karma would have a say about that not long after, but Mason didn¡¯t believe in that right now, and carelessly was making sure that his thoughts and decisions were well heard by anyone and everyone inside Oro Vi.


    ¡°What do we do now?¡± the young Katya asked, looking up at her siblings, all troubled and scared.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry, little sister, Erica and I will make sure that everything is fine, ok? We¡¯ll take care of you, as always,¡± Macky said, looking down at her watery eyes, and her pouting mouth.


    The smallss then nced at her older sister, who, still crying, forced a smile and nodded to the little girl who needed them calm.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go back to our old house? Maybe, to start, we can just leave here,¡± Macky suggested. ¡°If he doesn¡¯t want us here, then we shouldn¡¯t stay.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ Diwana said¡­¡± Katya whined, her tears starting to drip despite her effort to stop them.


    ¡°She wants us to stay, but if we do stay, Mason will keep fighting her because of us. It¡¯s not fair to keep causing her problems since she has been so nice to us and to our parents,¡± Erica replied, agreeing with Macky while trying to swallow her tears and anger so she could be strong for her two younger siblings. ¡°He is dad¡¯s brother, but you know he hasn¡¯t really been family¡­ Poor dad, he thought that by leaving the house to him, he would take care of us.¡±


    Katya looked down while the shouting of the man of the house could still be heard through the walls as he fought an almost-crying Diwana, who continued to beg him to be a bit more human.


    Well, it didn¡¯t seem to be happening and probably never will¡­


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave then, before they finish fighting,¡± Macky ordered, taking Katya¡¯s hand. ¡°Come on, you two.¡±


    They crept about the room quietly, making an effort to pack a few of the belongings they brought with them when they moved to their uncle¡¯s house. Despite their young age, they also managed to nk out their feelings for a moment and do what needed to be done.


    Within just a few minutes, they had already managed to sneak out and ran as fast as they could while making an effort not to be seen. On foot, they finally got to their childhood home ¨C which was a smaller version of Oro Vi, hence the name Oro Vi Luna while the former is Alpha ¨C as nightfall crept into the horizon.


    ¡°Nobody will look for us here, especially if we go to the attic,¡± Macky said, opening one of the windows so they could get into the house that no longer had electricity or water connected.


    ¡°Nobody will look for us, period,¡± Erica mumbled and then sniffed; her nose red, and still with watery eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like the dark¡­¡± Katya said, once more pouting and tightening the grip on the hands of her siblings.


    ¡°We know, but we¡¯ll be together. Don¡¯t worry Katya, we¡¯ll be fine,¡± Erica said, reassuring her.


    Deep inside, the eldest of the Wolf children didn¡¯t feel very reassured, herself¡­ but she knew that there was nothing else they could do but run away¡­


    From everything¡­

 CONFLICTS AND CONSEQUENCES

    It was the longest argument they¡¯ve ever had as husband and wife, but Diwana knew that she wouldn¡¯t just give up the fight. Honestly, to her, her moment of silence was just a break since she needed to do something which was equally important¡­


    So right after the fight, Diwana went to check on the kids, wondering now what she could tell them, but determined to find a way to keep them together and with her, despite what her husband said¡­


    Whatever her husband said!


    ¡°Erica,¡± Di called, walking around, knocking on the door of their rooms, without hearing an answer or noises, not their voices, or the normal sound of movement in a kid¡¯s and teenager¡¯s room.


    ¡°Macky?¡± she tried again¡­


    A feeling of anxiety started to grow in the back of Diwana¡¯s mind, and a knot started forming in the pit of her stomach.


    Di started walking faster, checking room after room. She then went to the garden, the backyard, and the kitchen. At the end of her search, she ran through the house, yelling their names, but they were not to be found.


    She was mumbling angrily to herself by the time she entered the room which she shared with her husband. ¡°Damn you Mason, you had to do this¡­ I can take it when it¡¯s with me, but with the kids, I won¡¯t let you.¡±


    From the slightly open door, she could see him standing near their baby¡¯s crib, looking down at their young son. The furious woman then walked in, banging the door open right after entering, and her husband looked at her surprised, even incredulous, because of what he was seeing.


    This genteeldy that had been quiet, even obedient to him from the moment he demanded they had sex for the first time up until now; not saying no to anything, now was looking like a boxer getting ready for a championship fight.


    Or amando soldier about to attack the enemy fort¡­


    ¡°What are you doing, Diwana? If this is still about the children, I already told you that¡­¡±


    ¡°YOU IDIOT! Do you remember when you told me that I could just leave back then when we first met? Well, I¡¯ll leave alright, and I will take MY SON WITH ME, you understand? If I can¡¯t find those kids, wherever they ran away to, because their uncle is an ASSHOLE who has no feelings or heart, I will take my little boy and LEAVE YOUR SORRY ASS, got that?!¡±


    The heavy silence in the room was broken only by the feral female¡¯s deep furious panting¡­


    ¡°PRAY that I find them,¡± Di gritted with finality, her eyes almost popping out of their sockets, her cheeks red with rage and her lips trembling with fury.


    The beautiful woman¡¯s face was transfigured from angelic to terrifyingly livid. Meanwhile, her husband had not been able to speak a word while his countenance was frozen and pale in absolute shock.


    Before he came out of his state, Diwana walked out of the room, once again mming the door fiercely, and then ran out of the house to try and find help.


    Jack had visited the vige that day and was walking around the Oro house when he saw Diwana running past him. Feeling that there was something wrong, he ran after her.


    ¡°Leena!¡± Diwa yelled out to the first person she could see in front of her, thankful that she trusted her enough to talk about what had just happened. ¡°The kids!¡±


    Thedy neighbor looked back at the shouting woman, suddenly rmed, hearing and seeing the state of the usually quiet and calm Diwana.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the kids?! Di, you¡¯re scaring me, are they okay? Did they get sick from their parents? Need a doctor?¡± Leena said as soon as the young mother reached her, trying to get the information out from her without getting too excited.


    ¡°Leena, the kids are gone! I don¡¯t know where they are, but they¡¯re not in the house,¡± Diwana answered, not giving out too many details. There was no time to dwell on the reasons why they were not where they should be. The best way was to just focus on the solution for now.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Jack asked the two women as soon as he was able to catch up with Di. ¡°Can I help youdies with anything?¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Oh Jack, thank God you¡¯re here. The kids, they¡¯re missing. I think they ran away from home, and I don¡¯t have any idea where they¡¯ve gone.¡±


    ¡°OK, let¡¯s look for them. Don¡¯t worry, okay?¡± Jack replied.


    ¡°They must be still here at the vige. Let¡¯s split up and look for them. We can update each other through our mobiles, alright?¡±


    Diwana nodded, trying to catch her breath for a moment before they started the search.


    And Leena was right, they were still not too far. This trio¡¯s former home was actually at the other end of the vige properties.


    ¡°Macky¡­¡± the youngest sibling whispered with a still very sad tone, making an effort not to make too much noise.


    ¡°What is it, sis?¡± Macky answered. ¡°Tell me¡­¡±


    He was lying back down on one of the old broken mattresses stored in the attic with his eyes closed, trying not to think for a moment. The boy truly needed it after not taking a rest from his disturbed thoughts since their supposed uncle and Diwa started fighting. He was tired of wondering what they would do now, without a house, without parents or money.


    Without food¡­


    ¡°Brother, I¡¯m hungry¡­¡± Katya said, which were the exact words that Macky and Erica didn¡¯t want to say or hear, as they tried to ignore their own bodies, which were starting to grumble quite loudly.


    It was now Erica¡¯s turn to answer the little girl. ¡°Why don¡¯t we try to sleep a little bit more, Katya? And after some sleep, we can check downstairs. Maybe there¡¯s something we can eat or cook in the kitchen, right?¡±


    ¡°But my belly is getting angry, can¡¯t you hear it?¡± Katya replied. ¡°Now it¡¯s a grumpy belly, and I don¡¯t think it will let me sleep¡­¡±


    The little girl tried to show her brother and sister her sad face, while keeping her voice low and still trying not to make too much noise. But in the dark attic, they heard her frown in her words more than they could see it.


    Erica sadly smiled while reaching out towards Katya and rubbing thess¡¯ sore belly. They left the house in such a rush that they didn¡¯t even think about taking any food with them.


    Besides, how could they even take anything from there without making more trouble for Diwana and with Mason?


    The Wolf kidsy on that broken-down mattress up in the attic of their big house in silence for a moment, thinking what to do next. Then, as if on cue, the three bellies rumbled and grunted in unison¡­


    They sat up and stayed quiet for half a second¡­


    Then they startedughing.


    ¡°Ok, ok¡­ not sleeping then¡­ Let¡¯s see what we can find in the kitchen, but we need to be very quiet so nobody finds us, ok?¡± Macky reminded them as he took the shlight that he always kept stored in his backpack.


    The only brother then led the way to where he knew their parents kept some more shlights back then when the electricity failed for one reason or another. As he handed out the extra handheld torches, he repeated his reminder¡­


    ¡°Remember not to point the shlight to the windows, so if someone walks near the house they won¡¯t see our lights, ok?¡±


    Both of his sisters nodded and took one each.


    In the kitchen, Erica found some crackers, and Macky found a few canned goods that were hidden in their pantry¡¯s side drawer. These included tuna kes in oil, and some sweet corn.


    ¡°This will have to do,¡± he whispered to himself, looking for the bowls from the kitchen drawers, and a few spoons. ¡°We can eat these for now. When there¡¯s sunlight we can check for more food, or make a decision about what we will do. It¡¯s gonna be simple, but we¡¯ll be able to eat.¡±


    The girls nodded and walked behind him, Katya beingst in line. She was really entertained with the shlight, remembering how her dad used to y with his hands in front of one to make moving shadows for her, and even telling stories about them.


    She smiled widely, as she yed with the light and yet the little girl couldn¡¯t help feeling slightly sad. Completely immersed now in her happy memories of her father¡¯s shadow stories, she started moving the shlight around, trying to recreate the same shadowy shapes by pointing everywhere as her loving and gentle dad used to do.


    The other two siblings, who were now focused on putting all the food they found together in a bag; along with the bowls and cutlery, didn¡¯t notice the little one¡¯s actions untilter.


    ¡°Katya!¡± Erica hissed-yelled. ¡°The first thing Macky said was to not do that! Stop ying with thentern and point it at the floor, now!¡±


    ¡°But Rica¡­ you don¡¯t remember what dad used to do for us? You used to like it, and mom liked it too¡­¡± the young girl said sadly looking back at her older sister. ¡°See, I think I can make one of the shadows, like he did!¡±


    Erica felt her heart sink, suddenly sorrowful because of what had happened to her loving family¡­ her parents were dead, and now all of them did not even have anything to eat¡­


    Had their parents been alive¡­


    ¡°Katya, I do remember, but this is not the time for that. Stop ying right now or we¡¯ll be found and we¡¯ll get into trouble.¡±


    ¡°No! I want to y like what we did before here in this house!¡± the youngest cried as she continued making her light beam dance.


    ¡°Stop that, Katya. NOW!¡± Erica said, as she started to lose her patience and was also getting very frustrated.


    ¡°NO!¡± the little girl yelled.


    Erica gave Macky the crackers, which she was about to ce in the bag, and reached out to close her fist around her little sister¡¯s shlight.


    ¡°I. Said. STOP!¡± the eldest yelled back, at the loudest volume she could manage but still conscious that they still could be found if she was too loud.


    She then started fighting Katya so, she could take the shlight from her younger sibling¡¯s hands.


    ¡°You two, stop it! You¡¯ll give us away! Katya, I promise, I¡¯ll find a way for us to y with shadows in the attic, but for now, let go of themp, please!¡± Macky hissed-eximed too, worried and tired but trying hard to keep the peace.


    However, the shlight moved all around between the hands of his two sisters, and the knot in his stomach grew tighter. Finally, to his relief, Erica forcefully wrenched the shlight from Katya. With tears in her eyes, the eldest turned around and walked back towards their newfound stash.


    Katya started sobbing and crying immediately. Macky looked at both his sisters, knowing what was happening, but was helpless to solve it. He could feel his heart breaking for both¡­


    ¡°Come on, sis¡­ I¡¯ll still fulfil my promise, ok? And look, we¡¯re going to have food too. Isn¡¯t that what you wanted?¡± Macky smiled, trying his best as the older brother that he was for the crying kid.


    After a few seconds, Katya sadly nodded, wiped her tears with the back of her hand and started walking in front of him so she could follow Erica as she went out of the kitchen and up the attic stairs. Soon, all three were going up the attic stairs in silence.


    Macky let out a sigh and looked around, hoping that nobody was around the house at that moment while his sisters were fighting¡­


    But then¡­ there was.


    ¡°Hello? Diwa¡­ I think I found them. I¡¯m in front of their old house, and saw some lights moving inside¡­ Will wait for you, and meanwhile will try to contact Jack in case it¡¯s not the kids, OK?¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Leena I¡¯ll be there in a second.¡±


    +++


    Meanwhile, back at therger vi, Mason was suddenly feeling feverish. He didn¡¯t think much of it really, since he thought, he did get rained on thest time he went to the town hall the day before.


    With slight rm, he realized that he had been carrying and cuddling his little boy for quite some time, trying to findfort after being torn down by his wife¡¯s sudden and shocking disy of anger. He decided to check his son¡¯s temperature while he would take some aspirin to take away his difort.


    The now shivering husband went to their private bathroom and rummaged through the mirrored cab above the bathroom sink for some aspirin and their forehead thermometer. As he was doing so, he suddenly felt nauseous and dizzy right out of the blue.


    ¡°What the damn hell is happening to me? I can¡¯t be this upset with Diwana getting furious at me. After all, she¡¯s just a woman I bought to be my wife and bear me a child. But then, is that all she really is to me?¡± he mumbled to himself as he finally found the items he was looking for.


    As he stepped back into the bedroom, everything began to spin and the man found himself kneeling on the floor and then falling on all fours. He felt his breathing getting shallower, faster while his chest started heaving, and aching¡­


    ¡°Diwana¡­¡± the heartless man gasped, as he heard his baby crying from his crib.


    A few secondster, Mason fully lost consciousness a few feet from his son, who was now also suffering from a fever.

 LURKING IN THE SHADOWS

    ¡°So, do you want to let the other neighbors know now?¡± Leena asked Diwa, who was still looking around the house. ¡°I mean, you did say that the house has no electricity and water now because Mason had it cut off to avoid paying for the utilities while his brother and his family were staying with you, right? It¡¯s going to be real dark inside and there¡¯s only the two of us¡­¡±


    ¡°I think we should try and see for ourselves first. If there are too many people around, they might get scared and run away again. Besides, you did tell Jack to get here as soon as he can, right?¡±


    ¡°Okay then, how do we get in?¡± Leena said decisively as she rolled up her sleeves to get ready.


    Leena¡¯s characteristic strength and willingness to help easily counter those character features that were NOT somon within their neighborhood, AND THAT is why many didn¡¯t like her.


    But Diwana found it refreshing.


    Her neighbor, who was a mother of twins with enough money to hire a nanny and house helpers, lived in one of thergest houses in the vige. She didn¡¯t have a job, or at least the townspeople did not know of her ever working at all. All they knew was that she had a mysterious husband that THEY hardly ever saw and that she had no filter at all.


    People pretty much ran away from Leena, either in fear of what her ¡°real¡± story might be. Due to all that mystery surrounding her, or just because they had big ass secrets that could easily get them in big trouble once they¡¯re unlucky enough for Leena to Discover them.


    Even when she barely talked about it, she was still quite formidable in their eyes.


    And that¡¯s a certainty in that vige, where most of the inhabitants were not who they seemed to be or were quite backward with their opinions about strong women. Diwana, on the other hand, found this kind of honesty and sincerity as something that she needed from the people around her.


    One of the things Di could neverin about her husband was that he was a liar. Even in the most ufortable or painful of situations, she could say that he never told her anything but the absolute truth¡­


    At least that was in his favor¡­


    ¡°Right now, I think the doors are locked, so they must have gotten in through a window. We can try entering one of those on the first floor,¡± Di said, still looking for the lights that Leena had reported to her earlier.


    Leena was breathing deeply then, almost panting, making her worried neighbor wonder what was going on with her. However, whatever Leena was up to, Di would not ask her. Not in regr circumstances, and especially not in these extreme ones.


    ¡°I think we can get in from here,¡± Leena said, pointing at one of the windows that actually didn¡¯t seem to be fully closed. Upon looking at it closely, it showed some fingerprints on the ss.


    Only very strong observation skills could point that out though, and in that poorly illuminated ce, Diwana found it more than curious that Leena did see it.


    ¡°Wow, that was lucky. I believe you either have the best eyesight I have ever encountered, or you should try ying card games at a casino¡­¡± Di murmured, shining her mobile phone¡¯s shlight on the small, slightlyrger, and evenrger handprints decorating the window¡¯s ss panes.


    ¡°That was just probability¡­ or yeah, maybe luck that I happened to notice them,¡± Leena replied, smirking, and knowing more than she was allowed to tell, but hoping that Di would not notice then. ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s get inside as quietly as we can, and then split to search for them.¡±


    Diwana nodded, then put her phone away so she could use both hands to help Leena through the window. When Di looked back at her friend to help her up, she was surprised to see Lee leaping high on the window¡¯s ledge. Her neighbor then silentlynded on the floor like a cat on all fours, then stood up as if she was used to doing such things on a daily basis.


    Diwa tried not to care much about what she just saw through that window. In the past, she even found Leena¡¯s feats funny and sometimes even wanted to be able to do it herself. She trusted her neighbor enough to know whatever Leena felt, thought or knew, she would tell her for sure if she needed to.


    But these were the other reasons why many people in the town avoided the strong woman like the gue.


    Meanwhile, Leena could have spilled so many secrets about all of them, she didn¡¯t care so much about them. She was not that interested in other people¡¯s lives, or at least not in the way she cared about Diwana.


    And that¡¯s not just because neither of them grew up in the vige, which was only one of the things she had inmon with Di¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s funny how I know so little about you, Leena¡­ I think you¡¯re one of the very few people I have things inmon with, and yet I scarcely know you,¡± Diwana said after watching Leena easily get inside the house without much of a struggle and an almost unnatural agility.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Well, just saying that makes you a unique person around here, too. Everybody seems to think I¡¯m weird,¡± the helpful neighbor responded in an almost proud tone while offering her hands towards the worried mother to help her get up on the window¡¯s ledge, through the opening and into the house.


    Uponnding on the floor, Diwana brought out her mobile so she could use her shlight. Meanwhile, Leena was still doing this weird action that seemed to Di as if her neighbor was sniffing something in the air¡­


    But maybe she had a cold, or maybe she smelled a gas leak? Who knows¡­


    Diwana just dismissed it.


    Suddenly Leena froze as if surprised by something unseen, and when Diwa finally got close to her, she whispered very low. ¡°Ok, we¡¯ll go separate ways, so we can find them faster. You go upstairs, and I¡¯ll check this floor and basement, then go after you, agreed?¡± Leena asked, looking everywhere around, as if she was aware of someone nearby, maybe even feeling eyes on them.


    Di felt this uneasy feeling running down her spine. But if there was anyone out there, it would only be the children¡­ right?


    Nothing to worry about¡­


    ¡°Ok, that sounds like a n,¡± Diwana whispered back, dusting her dress, since she didn¡¯t even have time and was too angry at her husband to change into proper search-and-rescue clothes¡­


    Leena nodded, and both stealthily walked away from each other, trying not to make too much noise on the creaking wooden floor. Di noticed that her friend moved like a silent shadow. She couldn¡¯t hold back her amazement while wondering about thisdy¡¯s past.


    ¡°Still, I like her more than many other people here. She may be mysterious and all but she¡¯s still a lot more genuine than the lot of them,¡± Diwana thought, trying her weight on the first step of the stairs that led to the second floor. ¡°Now let¡¯s see. The children could be in their rooms, or maybe in the basement as Leena said¡­ maybe in the attic? Sigh, there¡¯s no saying where I guess¡­ so let¡¯s go slowly and surely and check out everything, room by room.¡±


    Resigned to do things the hard way, Di then started walking through the second floor¡¯s dark hallway with just her mobile¡¯s shlight in hand.


    Leena, on the other hand, had noticed something moving on the other side of the first floor, right when they were entering the house through the window. A very small creak on the wood under one of the other windows in that area alerted thedy, who was now searching the house with her friend, the Wolfdy, looking for the Wolf children with her heightened senses.


    ¡°Wolfdy¡­ What an irony,¡± Lee thought, smiling but still alert.


    Her well-trained body stepped exactly at the right ces so she could move around swiftly while remaining undetected. She managed to easily approach the wall that divided the living room from the dining area, where she was hearing the very, very low sounds that showed changes in the weight imposed over the wood.


    Leena could sense that it was someone heavier than her, but not much taller, as she was quite tall herself, standing at about 5¡¯7¡å in height. However, she¡¯s sure that he¡¯s way heavier than her.


    She suddenly stopped, took out her emergency hair scrunchy from her jeans¡¯ back pocket and tied her long, straight, ashen brown hair, and got ready for whatever she felt was there in the darkness.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think Diwana noticed her being followed, but this doesn¡¯t look good. Who the hell can be after her in these circumstances?¡± the Amazon-like woman thought while her hands flew up her head, creating a quick messy bun that would allow her a bit more movement and freedom.


    She crouched, expecting that the person on the other side of the wall would not look down if he ¨C she was almost sure it was a ¡®he¡¯ ¨C checked his surroundings. People subconsciously usually check only at their own height during a search¡­


    Then she peeked.


    The tall, muscr shadow showed shorter, messy, dark hair. He was indeed slightly taller than her. But, well, only a few guys in the vige were like that.


    Also, he had a very peculiar and expensive cologne, which made it easier to recognize who he was.


    Leena stood up again, letting out a sigh of relief. Without making a noise, she quickly walked towards the shadow, who had his back to her. As she stood right behind him, the relieved woman whispered to him, ¡°What the hell are you doing here?!¡±


    Jack¡¯s heart skipped a beat when he turned and saw the slim, ivory-skinneddy with the messy bun. Her form in the shadows, with her dark clothes, definitely seemed like an apparition even while he shed his mobile shlight at her. ¡°Leena, you almost killed me just now¡­ Damn¡­¡± he let out a short sigh and deeply inhaled, letting out the air slowly so he could calm himself down. ¡°I thought of what I would do myself if I were a kid that just lost his parents, and the only logical answer was to go back to my old house. So when you called me, I was already on my way here. Is Diwana with you too?¡±


    ¡°Yes, she went up to the next floor, but¡­ wait,¡± Leena said, pausing and turning her head to the side. Another noise, and this one was not as quiet as Jack¡¯s. ¡°Do you hear that?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but that doesn¡¯t sound like a child¡­ Who could be here?¡±


    ¡°Well, besides us? I wonder if another person hade to the same conclusion and got into the house as well, but the way this individual is carelessly making noise makes me think that they¡¯re not looking for the same thing as we are.¡±


    The steps moved upstairs in a seemingly rushed manner.


    Leena and Jack looked at each other, slight rm in their eyes. In silent agreement, both nodded, went towards the stairs and tried to stealthily climb them with as little noise as possible. The unknown noise kept moving right ahead of them. The darkness and the unknown environment were not helping the two protectors who were now coordinating their movements almost like an experienced assault team.


    Ahead of them as they reached the next level, Leena could now easily identify the lighter weight of Diwana, who vigorously walked in the darkness. But the other one, she could not make out and the growing uncertainty was making her surer by the second that the other person in there had no good intentions for her female friend. ?

 THE UNKNOWN STRANGER

    The stranger¡¯s smell was masculine. He was sweaty, but not because of him moving around. It seemed more like an¡­ erotic agitation, and Lee could almost swear she could hear the man¡¯s heart banging hard on his chest.


    She could also smell sex on him, but not female fluids, only masculine, and not all of it fresh. Maybe around a day old, but not older than that either.


    Yes, they were close to the mystery man; but not that close¡­


    Her instincts were also pushing her to action, but not as much as the growing difort inside her, that a bit slightly more difficult to control. However, her well-polished abilities that nobody in town knew of; neither did Diwana nor Jack, kept her in calm control.


    These skills of hers, others would only get to know quite a long whileter; when this story was told and retold.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go ahead through the hall. I believe I can go all the way to the attic and hide there waiting for whoever it is¡­ But, are you sure that person is not Diwana; who for some reason, just went back downstairs?¡± Jack whispered in the lowest volume that he could muster.


    Because Leena didn¡¯t answer at once, he thought that his voice was so soft that not even the woman beside him could hear him. He was already considering speaking a bit louder and repeating the question, yet he got a response before he spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯mpletely sure that¡¯s not her. Diwana would not want anybody else to know we¡¯re here so the kids don¡¯t run away. She would not make that much noise; which means one hundred per cent, that¡¯s not Di. And, if you go through the hall, you might stumble onto him, alert him, make him run off; and then we will lose him. I need to know who this guy is.¡±


    ¡°Ok, so now what?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep going slow and quiet. If he tries to go back, he is just a burr who¡¯s probably looking for something he saw inside the house. But if not¡­ well, we can get him at the end of the hall, where he can¡¯t escape,¡± Leena whispered in a practised clear and very low voice that Jack almost felt inside his head.


    He was now wondering how she could be so crystal at such a soft volume. Admittedly, there were many things about this richdy ¨C who lived near the outer part of the forest right near Oro Vi Luna ¨C that were currently surprising him intensely.


    Before he could reply to hisdypanion, a terrified female scream echoed around the house¡­


    Followed by a very loud and clear door mming shut!


    ¡°What the hell?¡± both said in unison.


    They rushed through the corridor, checking every room to see which door had just mmed shut.


    Just then, Leena heard rattling and movement upstairs. She was pretty sure, based on the amount of noise and weight of the footsteps; that they corresponded easily to the three missing children¡¯s movements¡­


    Meanwhile, the kids, who have just heard the noise right below them; including a scream that they could have sworn was Diwana¡¯s, and then a door mming shut. They looked at each other for a second.


    ¡°They found us,¡± Erica mumbled, freezing and looking at her two siblings as they stayed in the attic¡¯s shadows.


    ¡°More than that, I think it was Diwana and that scream¡­ I think she¡¯s in trouble,¡± Macky whispered, getting up and ready to run down the stairs to help her without much of a second thought.


    ¡°Wait!¡± His youngest sibling grabbed him by his arm as he was about to take a step. ¡°What if she wants to take us back? We¡¯ll be in a lot more trouble and more fights for her¡­ Should we go back, brother?¡±


    His face was covered by the shadows as she looked up at him. His answer was not long but was very convincing:¡°If that happens, we will escape again, but Katya¡­ Erica¡­ If Di¡¯s in trouble and we do nothing¡­¡± Macky paused for a moment. ¡°I refuse to lose more people that I care about!¡± he gritted.


    The other two, who were now firmly convinced by him, now armed themselves with their shlights¡­ Of course, along with a few other ¡°important¡± items on hand¡­


    Erica took a metal bar that belonged to an old clothes hanger rack that belonged to her mother. Macky found his old baseball bat; while Katya grabbed a set of pointy keys that her mother used to keep, whenever she found one because her mother couldn¡¯t remember in theirrge house which key opened what. Oftentimes it was of no use, and some of the keys were rusty, but now it was going to be of good use. Katya ced the keys between her right-hand fingers and clenched her hand so tightly, that her knuckles looked white.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    They looked like the back-up gang of the protagonist boy of ¡°Home Alone¡± by the time they were done prepping.


    ¡°All ready?¡± Macky asked.


    ¡°Ready,¡± his sisters said in unison.


    Right under them at that moment, Diwana was walking in the dark, like the kids and Leena had done since her phone was already dead. She was very much okay with the dark anyway, unlike many other people who couldn¡¯t walk without any light.


    For some reason that she didn¡¯tpletely understand, Di could ¡°feel¡± her surroundings even when she couldn¡¯t use her eyes for one reason or another.


    She had looked for logical exnations before, thinking that it was a kind of bat¡¯s vision, based on sound; which she could hear and then see inside her head. The young wife wanted to think that this was a lot moremon with others than she thought; but, just in case, she chose to never, ever talk about it with anyone.


    ¡°Damn you, Mason Wolf, we¡¯ll talk about this when we get back home. Making the children go through something like this after all that they¡¯ve experienced in the past weeks,¡± she angrily said to herself, distracted with her other senses since she could ¡°see¡± with her mind.


    And then she heard ¡°something¡± that she felt was standing too close to her. It made her go into instant alert mode.


    She immediately turned towards the ce where she heard the noise and saw a masculine figure standing right behind her. He was wearing a mask that fully covered his face.


    Unable to recognize him, she opened her eyes wide, trying to use her ¡®usual¡¯ senses to see him fully. but there was not even a full moon that could give her vision any rity.


    Before she could say anything, the figure in front of her; who had frozen temporarily due to shock, or perhaps he didn¡¯t expect her to discover him so easily¡­ or maybe because he thought she had recognized him¡­


    In the darkness¡­


    With a mask¡­


    The ¡°thief¡± was clearly not very bright.


    Or maybe he was sliiiightly crazy.


    ¡°Oh, still ying games with me, huh?¡± he then said in a very low mumble that would make Diwana wonder who he really was, even years after this event.


    Then, he grabbed her arm, pulled her inside the nearest room; which happened to be the deceased¡¯s master¡¯s bedroom, and mmed the door shut.


    Diwana noticed the cold, strong and rough hand on her soft, smooth skin; and she could feel her stomach instinctively twist at the contact. The surrogate mom then felt him pulling her inside a bedroom; and knew for sure this person was not helping her find the kids, and wasn¡¯t there to steal¡­


    Not material things, at least.


    Her surprised and slightly terrified scream built up from her diaphragm and came out loud, powerful, and deafening; despite her distance from where this stranger was.


    He evidently got angry and covered her mouth.


    With a clearly fake voice, he started talking.


    ¡°Why are you so mad to see me? You pretty much invited me here,¡± he squealed in a high nasal voice. ¡°We can be friends now¡­ INTIMATE friends.¡±


    He was hugging her firmly around her waist with his free arm, while he pulled her tightly against his body with his right hand. This unknown male was also hardened at a certain part of his anatomy, and she could feel it throbbing against her hip.


    ¡°I¡¯m married, are you crazy? Why would I invite anyone to do anything to me?¡± she angrily mumbled through his sausage-y, thick, and short fingers.


    ¡°You tell me,¡± wheezed the man with the faked high-pitched voice. ¡°You¡¯re the one who likes to y these games. It¡¯s funny that you mention your husband because I am a firm believer that you¡¯re interested in me; and not with him. Just admit it, my dear. We both know how much you want me, and I¡¯m willing to give in to your wishes¡­ at least for tonight.¡± ?

 STORIES FROM THE PAST

    Diwana was still in the middle of the story, with the very attentive Eron intently staring into her dark chocte brown eyes, when they heard the front door squeak open. They both turned towards it in unison, already knowing who they were going to see.     ¡°Hello, we just finished putting all the ingredients of the beef stew inside the Dutch oven and the potatoes are done too. Do you mind if we join you guys so we can listen to the story, too?¡±     Diwa¡¯s eyebrows knitted together while Eron couldn¡¯t help but smile a bit at what he heard.     ¡°Erica, how did you know¡­¡± the widow began.     ¡°Well¡­ I did kinda hear you¡­¡± Macky answered for his older sister, in a sheepish tone.     ¡°From the kitchen? I don¡¯t think your ears are that sharp¡­¡±     ¡°No¡­ I mean, sorta¡­ ¡± the young boy interrupted awkwardly, ¡°I kinda took some wild thyme and marjoram from the side of the house because Erica asked for some and¡­ well¡­¡±     Di¡¯s mouth fell open, ¡°You mean, you eavesdropped on us, Macky? That¡¯s not exactly a nice thing to do¡­¡±     ¡°No, no¡­ I overheard you saying stuff while I harvested the herbs¡­ I didn¡¯t stay to listen, honest!¡±     ¡°Are you sure?¡± asked the mom as her eyes narrowed again.     ¡°Yes, mama you know I always tell the truth¡­¡±     Eron was the one who interrupted Macky this time. ¡°I believe you Macky, and I¡¯m sure your mama does too. Right, Diwa?¡±     Diwa swiftly turned and stared at the man beside her. She was slightly amazed but also irritated that the neer was trying to take her adoptive son¡¯s side.     It was almostedic but the homeowner started wordlessly ¡®talking¡¯ with her new renter through facial expressions, mostly using her eyes and her curvy rose-colored lips.     For the sake of our readers, here is a summary of their thoughts as they had their wordless convo; which was quite cute because of how they could understand each other well despite their silence.     Diwa: I do know he tells the truth but he shouldn¡¯t have eavesdropped!     Then it was Eron¡¯s turn to do the same; with raised eyebrows, pleading looks and twisting lips.     Eron: I¡¯m sure he just got curious because we¡¯re saying their names. Sorry for that though, me and my big mouth.     Diwa: Fine, I guess I was a little harsh on him.     Eron: You ARE wee.     Diwana then pped the new boarder¡¯s upper arm, making sure she avoided the bandage at the crook of his elbow. The Charmerughed and feigned being hurt just so he didn¡¯t get into more trouble.     ¡°Ow¡­¡± the muscr man reacted while pretend-wincing, which made the woman feel sorry for him just a bit.     ¡°Sorry, but you¡¯re just so cheeky, Eron Camden,¡± Di countered with a slight pout on her face.     ¡°Whoa, you know myst name?¡± The Charmer said, his eyes widening.     ¡°I read it on your ID when you paid your advance and yes, I do know how to read, thank you very much!¡± Di announced, slightly irritated at how Eron was reacting. ¡°I¡¯m not stupid, you know¡­¡±     ¡°I never said that, Miss Diwana, I¡¯m just surprised that you remembered it¡­:¡±     ¡°Of course, I should remember it, you¡¯re my renter now and I should¡­¡±     ¡°Oh, I thought it was for another reason¡­¡±     ¡°What did you say?¡±     ¡°Ahem¡­ Are we okay with listening to the rest of the story, or not?¡± Erica decided to ask loudly; even if their two now-favorite adults were bantering with each other, and oh how they really were liking it¡­     ¡°Pweeeeassse? We¡¯ll keep extra quiet¡­ even if you¡¯re telling our part of the story,¡± the youngest begged in her sweetest and cutest tone.     ¡°We will just listen to you, mama, promise; since we already told you everything before. Just please let us stay¡­¡± begged the most masculine among the three.     Diwa had to smile at the pleading trio, but of course, she kept them in suspense with half a minute of silence¡­ ¡°Oh, alright. Just go back to your seats then.¡±     The children cheered while scrambling to their chairs in record time. At their speed, one would think that they were offered free unlimited ice cream instead of a story¡­     Well, this story was close to their hearts anyway so to them, it¡¯s much better than ice cream.     And to Diwa, it felt the same way.     +++     As if the night felt the mood of the children, thunder started to roll and lightning started to light up the sky. None of the kids were afraid of thunderstorms but even if they were, they were too worried about Diwana to worry about anything else.     The scare factor of an angry stormy sky was totally lost on them.     ¡°Wait, wait¡­ let¡¯s not use the attic¡¯s main door to get downstairs. We can use the secret doorway that goes straight to our parents¡¯ bedroom instead!¡±     ¡°Oh riiiight! That¡¯s a great idea! We can surprise the bad man that way. Well, if it is a bad guy¡­¡±     ¡°Alright, let¡¯s look for that door. It¡¯s behind that closet over there, right?¡±     ¡°Yes, but we all need to put our backs into it to move it. Come on, guys!¡±     And just then, Diwa screamed again¡­ longer this time and more terrified.


    ¡°Sister, brother, let¡¯s hurry! Diwa is really in trouble and we have to save her!¡±     ¡°Ok, ok¡­ everybody just hold on to the closet and use all your strength to move it to the right!¡±     ¡°GOT IT! Everyone get into position¡­ On Go, everyone¡­ 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­ GOOOO!¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

 ATTACK!

    ¡°What are you doing¡­ don¡¯t touch me!¡±     ¡°Huh, still ying hard to get again? Or is this you trying a rape role-y with me? Yeah, I think that¡¯s it¡­¡±     ¡°NO! Are you crazy? Why would I even want a rape role-y with you?! LET ME GO!¡±     Diwa¡¯s hair stood on end as she heard the man chuckle behind her, his tone dripping with lust and almost uncontrolled desire. And she didn¡¯t just hear it¡­     She felt it.     ¡°Good job with ying the rape victim, Diwana. I am so pleased that you want to make this more believable¡­¡±     ¡°NO! I MEAN IT! WHEN I SAY NO, I MEAN¡­ NOOO!!!¡±     Thest word in her statement was forced out of her mouth by the sudden move the stranger made on her. He picked her up in his arms and walked straight to the bed, dumping her on it.     As another batch of lightning and thunder loudly announced the arrival of rain; her unknown attacker jumped on top of Diwa, stretching her arms above her head by holding her wrists tightly on the mattress. His buffed-up thighs then pushed her own legs wide open so he could settle the pulsing bulge under his pants on top of her own groin.     Di screamed once more, longer and louder this time; as she felt him thrust that hard bump of his against her dress. His actions were also making her squirm and fight against him with all her might, but he was taking this as a positive.     ¡°Yes, my little hostage, keep it up. You¡¯re making me want you even more because of your struggle. Thank you for trying your best to please me¡­¡±     Just then the rain came down in a furious downpour and lightning lit up the room once more. The tanned, busty woman then felt that he was about to kiss her, judging from the way he licked his lips.     And she was right¡­     When he tried to smooch her, Diwa turned her head to the side; still screaming but now more out of fury than terror. The thunderp that followed hid the loud banging on the master¡¯s bedroom door for a few seconds before the stranger and his target heard them.     ¡°DIWA! OPEN UP! WHAT¡¯S HAPPENING IN THERE? HOLD ON WE¡¯RE GOING IN!¡± a female voice started shouting from the other side of the door.     ¡°DIWANA! WHO¡¯S THAT GUY WITH YOU?! DAMN YOU BASTARD, JUST WAIT UNTIL WE GET IN THERE!¡± a male speaker yelled as the ttering sounds continued to echo inside the room.     Di could feel that the horny attacker on top of her was now feeling distracted, confused and a little frightened. She took this chance to make a move on the guy.     Not the kind he wanted, of course¡­     With a loud battle cry, the desperate Mrs. Wolf raised her head with a surge of feral energy and connected with her attacker¡¯s forehead. Her vision darkened upon feeling and hearing the hard crack of the top of her skull against the shocked molester, who was also momentarily stunned.     ¡°WHY YOU FREAKING BITCH!¡± he screeched in that high nasal voice which almost sounded feminine. ¡°I¡¯LL FUCKING SHOW YOU!¡±     Instinctively, he had raised his hand to his forehead when Di head-butted him. Now, he swung the same open palm upwards, ready to hit the busty woman who was now dazed and helpless underneath him.     Diwana braced for the impact which was aimed at her face, even while trying to get her head to clear¡­     ¡°BANZAAAAIIIIIIIII!!!!¡±     ¡°ATTAAAAACK!!!!¡±     ¡°KIIIIIIIILLLL!!!¡±     Right about the same time that the three screaming children entered the bedroom; through the secret door and ran towards the bed in the middle of the spacious room, the door crashed open with a loud bang like a shotgun firing.


    .N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    And then a feral and extremely loud roar drowned out everyone else¡¯s cries¡­     Even the man on top of Diwa who had now screamed in terror; and could not be heard over that echoing. and long growl that echoed and re-echoed in the room. He didn¡¯t even wait to discover who the loud snarling attacker was from among the people inside the room¡­     He just turned and jumped away¡­ Off the bed in one sweeping and swift movement.     As he felt those in the room rush after him, the man in the mask ran towards one of therge French doors of the room; and crashed through them to force the doors wide open and letting ss rain everywhere. Eventually, he managed to swiftly run to the edge of the wet balcony and jump off the railings; as he sped off into the rain and the dark forest that was just behind the house.     Adrenaline could really do wonders when a man was scared shitless.     ¡°Diwa, goddess¡­ are you ok? Talk to me¡­¡± Lee asked as she got to the woman first.     ¡°Di, no! Will she be ok?¡± Erica cried out in panic.     ¡°Noooo! Please be ok, puh-leeeeassse¡­¡± Katya pleaded, near tears.     ¡°I know where the first aid kit is¡­ wait, I¡¯ll go get it¡­¡± Macky shouted, his fear of loss overpowering his self-control.     ¡°Leena¡­ kids? Head hurts¡­ body is¡­ aching¡­ dizzy¡­¡±     ¡°I¡¯ll try to go after him¡­ you take care of her, Leena¡­ Children, stay with thedies¡­¡±     ¡°Jack, NO! Let¡¯s get her to the doctor¡¯s house. He¡¯s probably already left his medical clinic. Children, since the rain has stopped, please go to the town hall and tell the Sheriff what just happened. Let¡¯s focus on Diwa. She¡¯s the one who needs help!¡±     And that¡¯s thest thing that Diwana remembered about the night inside the Wolf children¡¯s house. A few hourster, she woke up in one of the hospice rooms in the doctor¡¯s house and the three kids were there with her, watching over her.     It was they who told her about Mason Wolf¡¯s ident while he was alone in the Oro Vi house with the baby. At that time, he was in and out of consciousness because his head had hit the floor hard when he fell to the floor. The doctor felt he would be better off with a nurse and have him watched over at home, due to his being infected by the killer flu.     Meanwhile, their son Ceferino Antonio, nicknamed Ceno, was in critical condition and was just in the other room next to Diwana¡¯s. The doctor knew that it was the best option he could do for the child, who seemed to have cried himself until he was exhausted, even while the killer fever had already started to im his health.     Diwana only had a few bruises from her attacker and did not care to stay in bed after finding out about her son¡¯s status.     Even if she was warned to not touch the child, she continued to breastfeed her baby even while he was sick, hoping that her milk would help him recover. Di never left Doctor Sean¡¯s house while her child stayed there, not thinking of the dangers of her getting the fever. After all, she wasn¡¯t affected by the fever when she was taking care of her brother and sister-inw, so why should she worry now that it¡¯s her own son who¡¯s in danger?     Worse, she knew that based on how her husband¡¯s rtives had died, it was only a matter of time before she would lose her son. She was just thankful that there were friends like Jack and Leena who would check on her every now and then. They kept her sane and gave her news about the status of the three Wolf siblings who were now living at Oro Vi Alpha once again.     Meanwhile, Mason was kept at home while he too was ravaged with the fever. Ironically, the children were the ones who fed him, nursed him and stayed with him during his final days when the nurse also fell ill with the lethal flu.     Fortunately for him, though his wife never left their son¡¯s side and stayed with the baby until he drew hisst breath, their son crossed into the other side days before he did. Because of this, he was able to see Diwana for thest time.     Well, not without the Wolf children¡¯s help¡­     ¡°Mama Di, I know he was pretty awful to us before he got sick; and was even nning to send us to our other rtives in the city, but he¡¯s already sorry for what he did now. He¡¯s practically a changed man,¡± Erica said reassuringly.     ¡°Yeah, he was very humble and apologetic to us; especially since he knew you didn¡¯t want to see him after what he did to us. But we¡¯re okay with him now, and he is our Uncle Mason after all, even if we hardly felt it before,¡± Macky piped in.     ¡°Can you pleasee over and visit him? The doctor said he might notst this week and he¡¯s very sad about him not seeing you or your son,¡± little Katya pleaded with the Puss-In-Boot¡¯s wide teary eyes.     The grieving mother was not totally heartless, and at that time she was very soft and emotional. Of course, she would give in to the kids¡¯ requests.     Since it really was for them that she hardened her heart against her dying husband¡¯s wishes to see him. And again, it¡¯s not because she was unforgiving¡­     It¡¯s because her husband had to learn.     And ?how he did!     Right after Di returned to their home, he wrote a letter to the Sheriff to continuously investigate the attack on his wife until they finally found the perpetrator. He also called the Vige realtor andwyer to transfer the ownership of the Oro Vi Alpha and Oro Vi Luna ¨C the house owned by him and his brother ¨C to Diwana upon his death. He also had their local court and the town hall fully process the adoption of his brother¡¯s children to himself and Di.     He just waited for her toe back so they could sign the documents together.     And as the doctor predicted, Mason died within a few days after his son was buried. By that time, the tears his wife and the three children shed for him were very sincere.     But not one of them would really miss him.

 SPY GAMES

    ¡°And to this day, no one knew who that strange man was that went inside the Luna house to attack the young mother. The sheriff assured her that whoever it was might have been a past visitor to our rental house before and had somehow be obsessed with me. We gave them the records we had of our guests and those I identified as ¡®unusual¡¯ could not be found anymore. So, they gave up the search. Meanwhile, the mom would focus on bringing up her other children and just forget about the past. They are now happy with each other after selling the other vi, and they are living happily ever after in the bigger house to this day¡­¡±


    ¡°The end.¡± the littlest girl said with a huge grin while pping her hands.


    Everyone else near her started cheering and pping their hands, too¡­ except for a certain person who was also close enough to hear Diwa¡¯s story¡­


    He didn¡¯t exactly hear the whole tale, but he did recognize it; so he hurried back into the woods and hoped he wasn¡¯t noticed.


    Someone did, apparently, and he chose to just memorize the intruder¡¯s scent instead of scaring the children and Di by exposing the stranger¡¯s presence.


    ¡°I¡¯ll find you sooner orter¡­ I know for a fact you don¡¯t smell like the mad one so I¡¯ll let you go for now. Just don¡¯t decide toe back anytime soon since I n to stay here for a good, long while,¡± Eron thought to himself.


    Max was now very busy listening to his spy, who had a lot to tell him about whatever was going on in the young widow¡¯s home. And he wasn¡¯t happy about it at all¡­


    Well, he was happy about one part of the report¡­


    But he didn¡¯t dare tell the spy about it.


    As a matter of fact, this mad one was a man who was used to keeping deep, dark secrets even if he still demanded the attention and assistance of those who believed in him. For him, he preferred to stick to choices that would benefit him the most.


    This has been his personal principle ever since the time he lost his faith in humanity due to an incident that changed his life.


    And it¡¯s an incident he never wanted to talk about¡­ or even admit that it happened.


    Ultimately, that was really the problem with how he thought. Max never wanted to be wrong because he truly believed that he was always in the right. Those who insisted that he was wrong were either close-minded, narrow-minded, or were just damn fools.


    ¡°And yeah¡­ they were talking about the time Diwa got attacked and almost raped back then before her husband and baby died of the killer fever. And I think City Boy Charmer has agreed to be a boarder at her house, but I¡¯m not sure yet.¡±


    ¡°Then make sure, damn it! Let me know if it¡¯s true before you get back to me. And if I don¡¯t answer your call, then I¡¯m busy and will get back to youter. Got it?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Sure thing, Max, just as long as you fulfill your promise to me, ok? That you¡¯ll get me a job at the lumberyard?¡±


    ¡°How many times do I have to tell you that when you¡¯re on a mission, don¡¯t say my name out loud!¡± the logger team leader snapped back. ¡°And of course, you can always count on me. I always do what I say.¡±


    Max¡¯s thoughts:Well, only when it benefits me though¡­


    ¡°Ok,ter dude. Since they¡¯re just sitting there after the storytelling and not talking much I¡¯ll stay at a distance and update you when something happens.¡±


    ¡°Alright, over and out¡­¡±


    The angry lumberman then went into his tent to get a few items together. He then went back to the open area in front of the lumberyard offices, ignoring the other men who greeted him and then set to work on his new ¡°mission¡± while his co-workers curiously observed what he was doing.


    ¡°Uhhh Max, why are you measuring the ground from your sawmill to that piece of wood stuck to the wall?¡± one of the other team leaders asked upon approaching the busy logger.


    ¡°Just taking measurements and pictures of what happened for documentation purposes. That¡¯s what Jack and I talked about when I went inside the office. He wanted me to try and find out what happened so we could avoid simr idents in the future. I suggested the idea, of course¡­¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s an awesome idea, bro! Keep it up. I¡¯ll keep the others away from you so you can work in peace.¡±


    ¡°Thanks dude, I really do appreciate that,¡± answered Max with his own version of a charming smile while he stretched his construction-grade self-retracting measuring tape on the ground.


    ¡°Anytime, bro!¡± his co-worker said then turned around to face the other people in the area. ¡°HEY! Nobody bothers Max, ok? He¡¯s doing some important stuff¡­¡±


    The vengeful male smirked to himself as he continued to measure and write on his small notepad. These guys would really believe anything he says¡­


    Well, except for Jack and that only happened when Eron arrived. He really needed to do something about that damn cocky bastard, and fast!


    And now that he¡¯spleted his task, he now knew for sure that this fucking neer did have something to hide. With just a few more incidents like this, Max was sure he would be able to find out what this suck-up scumbag¡¯s secret was.


    He just had to make sure that more of these ¡°idents¡± would happen in the future, and next time he would be a lot more careful.


    ¡°Well Eron, all is fair in love and war, so you better be prepared¡­¡±


    +++


    ¡°Wow, that is¡­ quite a story,¡± Eron sighed, since he was having a hard time not showing how his feelings of concern and protectiveness were about to go wild and spill all over the ce.


    But of course, he couldn¡¯t do that right now in front of his newndy and the three kids who have weed him so warmly. They didn¡¯t need to be worried about him being worried.


    But somehow, Di felt him hiding his emotions again. ¡°Yes, it is quite a tale. I¡¯m hoping it wasn¡¯t too heavy for you. After all, you city boys are quite used to such tales of tragedy and violence, right?¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m used to such things but still¡­ thank you for sharing this with me, Miss Diwa¡­ and I¡¯m¡­ very sorry for your losses¡­¡±


    His long pauses were proof of how hard it was for him to find out about the many things that this small, broken family had to go through. The children, losing their mother and father, and the attractive widow ¨C who was making his mind go wild ¨C losing her beloved, only child, and the apparently careless husband.


    Definitely, He now HAD to take care of them and secretly vowed to do so.


    As his eyes zed with hidden fire, his thoughts were giving way to a secret oath that he was stating to himself alone, ¡°I know you lost so much, and maybe I can¡¯t fill any of those empty ces that your loved ones left, but at least nobody is entering this house again to threaten any of you¡­ not when I¡¯m around. Not the kids, and certainly not you, Miss Di. Over my dead body will any harm be done to any of you.¡±


    Eron forced a smile on his lips, so his audience wouldn¡¯t notice, and it seemed to work.


    ¡°Oh, please don¡¯t be so sorry. We¡¯ve got each other, right? I mean, the kids and I¡­ we¡¯ve got used to taking care of each other. It should be that the adult takes care of the children, but they are my protectors, and they always give me a reason to keep trying,¡± Diwana said with a soft smile.


    Her eyes, full of bittersweet memories, turned towards the kids. They were all still sitting on their chairs, now more quietly by her right side. The three looked grateful, even if a little sad.


    ¡°Now that you know, you can be at ¡®easy¡¯ with us, right, Eron?¡± Katya asked him, smiling.


    ¡°At ease, sister, not easy¡­ He¡¯s not easy, right, Eron?¡± Erica smirked, turning to the guy who was now part of the household, who was lightly blushing due to her sister¡¯s statement and her own question.


    ¡°I uh¡­ Oh! Miss Diwa, would you mind if I go back to my camp and get my things to move in?¡± Eron swiftly said as if it was an afterthought, which was his way of avoiding the eldest girl¡¯s query. ¡°I really hope it¡¯s no inconvenience if I move in right away.¡±


    Of course, Erica noticed and she was now shing a mischievous toothy grin.


    ¡°And Katya, I was at ease from the moment I met you all,¡± Eron finished his statement with a wink and an honest smile for the youngest sister. ¡°And I hope you will be more at ease now that I will live in the same house where you all are staying.¡±


    Katya smiled back at him, widely but shyly. She then looked down, pulled up her knees to her chin and curled up into a giggling ball of sweetness on her chair.


    ¡°Easy,¡± Erica murmured to herself after seeing The Charmer charming her little sister into this soft happy mess. ¡°Maybe Katya is right, and easy is the word best to describe him,¡± she thought, still smiling widely.


    ¡°I think we will be and you transferring ASAP is not a problem at all!¡± Diwa said quickly, just before he changed his mind; and before the kids said anything else that could make him ufortable. ¡°And if you need some help, I¡¯d be pleased¡­ er¡­ happy to help you.¡±


    Meanwhile, at the thought of the muscr, handsome newbie transferring to the room next door, Di was suddenly having conflicting feelings¡­


    Her thoughts:I can¡¯t wait to have you next door, Eron, and maybe this is very wrong, but¡­ Oh goodness, I really hope he can¡¯t hear any noisesing from my room! No no, I¡¯ll have to behave¡­ be good, Diwana¡­ be good!


    And, on cue, her mind raced through a storm of images that included Eron going in and out of his new room right beside hers with fewer and fewer clothes on each time. Finally, it ended with him entering HER room, pretty much naked.


    Ok, Diwana, just stop it! STOP IT!she yelled inside her head in exasperation.


    While her imagination was heating up, suddenly Eron could smell how wild she was getting, and with it, he was also feeling himself getting hard.


    I must be going crazy¡­ what is she thinking, right here and now, that she¡¯s feeling all this¡­ might she be in heat? No, that can¡¯t be it¡­ I mean, I¡¯m really just sitting here by her side and we¡¯ve been here for a while¡­ Then, why? Oh goddess, as if that mattered¡­ Now I¡¯m getting hard in front of the kids! HELP!!!Eron thought in panic as his jeans started to stretch above his growing manhood.


    This was one secret he didn¡¯t want anyone finding out: his lusting for Diwana. And it¡¯s under threat of being exposed.


    Literally¡­


    ¡°Are you sure, Miss Diwa? I don¡¯t want to make youe with me¡­ I mean GO with me then back again, and it¡¯s not exactly nearby. I mean, I appreciate your offer very much, but I don¡¯t want to keep bothering you,¡± he said, ufortably shifting in his chair while pulling his leather jacket into ce, trying to find the right position to keep his ¡°secret¡± without making everybody notice what he was hiding.


    ¡°Not at all, Eron. I¡¯d be happy to help you. Meanwhile, the kids can help you by cleaning the room you¡¯ve chosen so it¡¯s ready when wee¡­ get back here, right kids? And I usually like¡­ well, to be honest, I USED to like¡­ well¡­ before, I spent a lot of time in the forest, walking and exploring¡­ Myte husband showed me some interesting ces, and I fell in love with the peace and quiet. Until recently though, I started feeling something off over there¡­ it¡¯s weird but yeah, anyway¡­ I¡¯ll be d to help, it¡¯s not a bother at all.¡±


    Diwana ended up smiling, to hide her difort. The memory of what she had been feeling when she went to her ¡°secret¡± space in the forest was now troubling her. Although, she did remember the recent feeling of safety she had back there, too. It was still something that was provoking her thoughts even if she wasn¡¯t scared of it.


    ¡°You heard that, kids? We have a mission now, so let¡¯s go get Eron¡¯s room ready,¡± Erica stated with conviction and a small spark in her eyes, remembering that the neer¡¯s rental was right beside their surrogate mother¡¯s room.


    At the back of her mind, this same line of thought continued¡­


    If you hurt her, we¡¯ll kill you, but for now, you¡¯re ok,¡± Erica thought, looking at the gorgeous hunk sitting among them, and the way that he looked at Diwa.Good taste, mama. This one is better than Mason, in every way¡­ or at least, he looks like it.


    Erica was still smiling as she looked at her brother and sister, determined to get them moving so the adults could be on their way.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like swiping! Can I do dusting? Or something else? Maybe clean the windows or something,¡± Katya whined.


    ¡°Nobody likes sweeping, not swiping, Katya,¡± Macky corrected, as he got up and gently pushed his little sister out of her chair so they could go after Erica, who was now up and walking towards the front door. ¡°Nice try little sis, but we¡¯re deciding to use rock paper scissors, like always.¡±


    ¡°But I always lose!¡± Katya said, as she whimpered and stomped while her two older siblings shared a slightly mischievous smirk.


    ¡°That¡¯s not true, sis, but anyway, even if it was, it¡¯s just luck,¡± Erica said, her voice, unsessfully trying to mask her chuckle.


    It was thest statement that the adults could hear from the three young voices who were now scrambling up the stairs inside the veryrge house. And once again, they were alone¡­


    Eron found this the right time to try and find a way to keep his bulge hidden from the woman beside him. And the goddess seemed to be assisting him too.


    He felt his phone vibrating, as if on cue and he breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Excuse me for a second, please,¡± Eron said, jumping from his chair in the quickest movement that Diwana had ever seen, and standing not too far from her.


    His actions were actually more to hide the bulge that his tight pants were making so obvious than to get some privacy for him to answer his call.


    His phone was now on the third ring when he pressed the screen. It was also shing a familiar name¡­

 ADDITIONAL SPY GAMES

    Meanwhile, somewhere far, far away¡­


    ¡°Thank you for choosing me above all the other servants here to serve you, Mistress Chin.¡±


    ¡°Well, you were very convincing winking at me when we were still at the rooftop pool. Besides, I needed someone to act out my own ideal man and you just happened to be avable. Beggars can¡¯t be choosers, after all.¡±


    The waiter/server didn¡¯t reply. He knew better than to try and correct this sex-starved bitch about her delusional points of view. There were enough horror stories about her to fill a whole Meganovel App romantic novel category ¨C and then some ¨C for him to know that she wouldn¡¯t take it nicely.


    And the consequences could be very painful and even life-threatening as well¡­


    As of now, the now-naked server who had just finished pleasuring his master¡¯s wife, was just happy to be faking his own passions so he wouldn¡¯t be punished by the surgically ¡°enhanced¡± bitch. Good thing too that she seemed so focused on another man in her imagination to notice his award-winning ¡°performance¡± which was as fake as her hair color.


    ¡°Now that I¡¯m already partially satisfied, go get me some food. I want to keep repeating my ritual while I¡¯m still here. Doing it anywhere else is not as strong when I¡¯m doing it here. Now go!¡±


    Brenner was instantly on his feet, acting as if he were the most obedient ve in the world. Actually, he was just so relieved to get away from her nauseous presence even for just a moment.


    The thought of a quick shower was also very inviting¡­


    ¡°As you wish, my mistress,¡± the waiter said as he started to dress up hurriedly, happy to get out of her sight and her unwanted attention.


    ¡°Excuse me, something is missing in your statement, dear servant,¡± the pale woman snapped, one thick, drawn-up eyebrow raised.


    ¡°Oh, forgive me¡­ As you wish, my BEAUTIFUL mistress¡­¡±


    ¡°Good, and please close the door as you leave. And also¡­ take your time in preparing my meal¡­ I¡¯m hungry for other things right now¡­¡±


    Bren slightly bowed, already knowing what the foul middle-aged bitch meant. ¡°Of course, I will be back in an hour.¡±


    After receiving her smile, the already dressed-up waiter left, making sure he did as he was instructed. He was very much aware of the kinds of rituals she was performing and would rather be at a far-off distance when she was performing them. Brenner has seen such magical rites from a former master, who ended up dying because of them, which caused the very cautious servant to never get involved with such practices.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy with my skill in mixing concoctions, potions and powders. I don¡¯t think magic will ever be my thing,¡± Brenner said to himself, as he was taking that quick shower back in his room once he had talked to the kitchen staff to order her meal. ¡°Besides, she wouldn¡¯t be able to find him with just that. Her rituals have their limitations and as long as she only has his clothing and items, she can only see him and not his surroundings or the people around him. Well, she¡¯s only here to prove that he¡¯s alive and I think she¡¯s done her part with that¡­ but damn, still I need to warn someone about this¡­¡±


    As he stepped out of his private bathroom which was inside his own servant¡¯s quarters, he wrapped a towel under his well-defined six-pack and reached for his mobile. He chose a number to dial and waited for the answer even while his muscled and well-toned Olympic swimmer-type body was still dripping wet.


    He knew he should have made the phone call before his shower but he was too disgusted by his recent ¡°service¡± to bypass a bath.


    The phone clicked on the fifth ring, ¡°Hello, Brenner. What have you got for me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not good, boss¡­ not good¡­¡±


    +++


    ¡°Hello?¡± Eron answered, unconsciously shifting his legs which caused him to move his butt back and forth in an unconscious sensual and almost hypnotizing motion.


    Diwana, who had turned her head so she could look at her new renter while he took his call, had nowpletely zoned out. Instinctively, she had focused on the perfectly tight, sexy, rounded bubble-butt that the man had. And since he was just at arm¡¯s length, she was almost wishing that she could just stretch out her arms to squeeze his luscious behind with both hands.


    Yes, she¡¯s secretly into asses.


    Unfortunately, it¡¯s a secret she had never admitted to anyone. Definitely, she wasn¡¯t about to do that now¡­


    ¡°Hey, bro! I hope I¡¯m not interrupting or waking you up. I just wanted to check on you, you know, make sure you¡¯re okay after what happened with the sawmill,¡± Jack greeted Eron cheerily while sitting behind the desk and still going through some paperwork in his lumber camp¡¯s office.


    ¡°Everything¡¯s A-OK, bro. I told you, it¡¯s just a scratch. I appreciate you checking on me, but you really didn¡¯t have to. I¡¯m gonna get used to your attention if you keep this up,¡± Eron replied, ending it with a very obvious teasing tone.


    ¡°Bro¡­ wasn¡¯t it enough that you rubbed yourself on me this morning when you rescued me and Diwa and now, you¡¯re making jokes about it? It¡¯s my duty as the boss to check up on my staff. Besides, I care for my people even after work hours,¡± Jack said with augh, now that he was getting more and more used to his new hire¡¯s sense of humor.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t rub ANYTHING on ANYONE bro, haha! Had I done that, you¡¯d have known first,¡± Eron said with a smirk and evenughed a bit. ¡°A, and you care for me? Thaank youuu!¡±


    Jack chuckled while sitting behind his desk and shook his head. ¡°OK, I¡¯m d to see you¡¯re the same as usual and so yeah, you¡¯re good. Get some rest, hopefully not somewhere out there in the middle of the forest. Damn Eron, I really wish you can manage to move somewhere else pretty soon.¡±


    ¡°Interesting that you mentioned, because I¡¯m at Di¡¯s¡­ I mean, Miss Diwana¡¯s ce right now. We just closed the deal and I¡¯m about to go get my stuff to move in with her¡­ I mean¡­ into her¡­ HOUSE¡­ into her house, dude, like right now.¡±


    Jack paused a bit at what he just heard but he did recover fast enough for Eron not to notice. ¡°Oh, really? I¡¯m almost done for the day. Let me give you a hand with your stuff¡­¡±


    ¡°My stuff, Jack?¡± Eron interrupted with a chuckle. ¡°Bro, I told you, I appreciate you offering but you¡¯re not my type. And I¡¯m not that easy, anyway.¡±


    ¡°Damn bro, I¡¯ll definitely know that you¡¯re sick and dying when you stop making those kinds of jokes. Look, since you¡¯re moving your belongings to Diwana¡¯s house, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re gonna need help so stop ying hard to get,¡± Jack responded, also chuckling.


    The city boyughed first before answering, ¡°Ok, won¡¯t y hard to get. I really do appreciate the offer and I actually think I will ept it, too. Miss Diwa offered to help as well, but I didn¡¯t want to go so rough on her on the first day¡­ I mean, abuse her¡­ er, of her kindness¡­ I don¡¯t want to put her through such a heavy load on my first day with her¡­ I mean, at her house¡­¡± Eron was just a couple of steps from Diwana, and he knew she was probably hearing everything he said.


    Since she was waiting for him to go to his camp, he was now beet red thinking of what she might be thinking of him upon hearing what he just said. Eron decided then that he needed to be more careful because he was sure that her mind couldn¡¯t be as dirty as his.


    Riiight¡­


    ¡°Talking about heavy loads, when you¡¯re done stumbling over your own tongue, send me the location of your camp. I¡¯ll see you there¡­ unless you and ¡®Miss Diwana¡¯ need time alone,¡± Jack said with a snicker, noticing how much Eron was interested in Diwana.


    Jack had finally seen the neer¡¯s pattern. He could joke all he wanted with Jack, tell the dirtiest jokes, but when the smallest word he¡¯d say could be misunderstood by Diwana, he would correct it immediately¡­


    Oh yes, Mr. Eye Candy had it bad for the little Country Mouse.


    ¡°Ah Eron, I wonder if you¡¯ve noticed yourself how much you like her,¡± Jack thought while the city boy sorted his thoughts and came around with an answer¡­


    Which ended up being quite simple: ¡°Ok bro, I¡¯ll send the location to you right now. Thanks again for your offer to help. See you there.¡±


    Eron then hung up, finishing the conversation with relief. He then opened the right messaging app to send his camp¡¯s GPS location to Jack.


    He distractedly turned towards Diwana with one smooth and quick movement. It was so quick that she ¨C who was still enjoying the view of his wide, strong back and well-defined behind ¨C was now looking at the front of his jeans¡­


    Unfortunately for him, since he was no longer painfully hard and throbbing, he thought it was now right to face hisndy.


    He would have been correct, partially, had she not been sitting at his hips¡¯ height¡­


    Her thoughts as her eyes were suddenly glued to Eron¡¯s crotch:Oh. My. God! Diwa¡­ how will we live with THAT next door to our room? Please, Diwana, PLEASE! LOOK AWAY BEFORE HE SEES YOU!


    In her head, she was begging herself, unable to follow through with her own instructions. However, she was hoping that her new renter would take a little bit more time on the phone¡­


    ¡°Phone!¡± she mumbled out her light bulb moment, relieved at the sudden idea.


    With her hands, she searched the table¡¯s surface for the device. As soon as she had it in her hand, she swiftly looked at it.


    Her phone, OK?


    And it was just right on time¡­


    ¡°Miss Diwa, Jack will be waiting for us at the camp¡­ I¡¯m honestly d that he¡¯ll be there, be¡­ cause¡­.¡± he finally unglued his eyes from the phone and looked at thedy right in front of him, who had blushed in what probably was a new shade of red, and he didn¡¯t understand why¡­


    Until he remembered he just had an erection when he got out of his chair¡­


    And now it was his turn to heavily blush.


    ¡°I¡­ uh¡­ would you like to go now?¡± he blustered. ¡°I think he might be on his way already, and I wouldn¡¯t like to do what we¡¯re going to do¡­ I meanplete everything before we get too deep¡­ into the night¡­ I mean¡­¡±


    Eron was floundering, not even noticing the possible double meaning of what he was saying until the words had actually left his mouth. Once again, he was now hoping with all his heart that he wouldn¡¯t mess things up with her just because of his ¡®big mouth¡¯ and his dirty mind.


    ¡°Yes, I want to do it now,¡± Di replied as she stood up but still not looking at Eron directly. A secondter, a sudden realization made her eyes open wide and a new batch of redness colored her cheeks.


    When she looked up at him, he was looking straight into her face.


    ¡°I mean¡­ I¡­ you know¡­ what I meant¡­ right?¡± she stumbled.


    ¡°I¡­ honestly am not sure of what you were saying¡­ Miss Diwa,¡± he lied to her, feeling how his pants were again slowly getting tight due to a specific part of his anatomy. ¡°But yes, let¡¯s go!¡±


    The Charmer took her by the shoulders, swiftly turned her around then started to push her out of the porch.


    She couldn¡¯t help but giggle at his actions.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to push me, Eron, I¡¯m going with you on my free will, I promise!¡± Di assured him, pleased with the sensations that all the new things he was bringing into her life gave her.


    That included the tingles, theughter, thefort¡­


    ¡°May I join you, please?¡± Macky shouted as he rushed out the front door. ¡°We¡¯re almost done cleaning his room, and I¡¯d really¡­ uh¡­ want to help.¡±


    ¡°Have you ever been camping before, Mack?¡± Eron asked while smiling at the boy, and also, self-consciously hiding himself behind Diwana.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t¡­ ever. I¡¯m not used to going to the forest, even when our parents were still alive¡­ and not as often as mama Diwa does¡­ but for some reason, I really like it there¡­¡± the youngster admitted while scratching the back of his neck.


    ¡°OK then. When the situation with the wolf is solved, maybe we can go camping. I think you will like it¡­ if Miss Diwa agrees, of course,¡± The Charmer replied, making both the boy and her smile.


    That was something new as well, for both youngsters and widow. Feeling validated and knowing that her opinion mattered to him? And offering to introduce the child to new experiences?


    Eron was scoring big points that afternoon, without even noticing it.


    ¡°Of course, I agree. But only until it¡¯s safe again, not before, alright, you two? For now, let¡¯s go, so we¡¯re done before the night is over. Just tell your sisters, and I hope you¡¯re not just leaving all the work to them¡­¡±


    ¡°No mama, I¡¯m not, promise! I finished my part so fast just so I could go with you guys!¡± Macky answered with genuine enthusiasm. ¡°You can ask them, mama, I¡¯m not lying!¡±


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t lie, and I trust you, I just wanted to make sure that they knew that you¡¯re nning to go ande ba-¡±


    The teen jerked the door open and yelled, ¡°ERICA! I¡¯M GOING TO HELP ERON WITH PACKING UP HIS CAMP! WILL COME BACK SOON!¡±


    ¡°OK, TAKE CARE!¡± his older sister yelled back.


    ¡°See mama?¡± Macky grinned some more, which made Eron and Diwa smile as well.


    The three went out of the house and happily walked, talking normal small talk, like people who have known each other for ages. They were sofortable with each other that even their silences then were never awkward.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Not long after, and while Eron enjoyed the simple and good things in life with that short walk with Diwana and Macky, Jack arrived at the neer¡¯s camp.


    That¡¯s when he found it a total mess¡­

 THREATS AND ASSURANCES

    It was evidently thrashed since, obviously, Eron was never this messy. The camp looked like someone violently went through The Charmer¡¯s tent and belongings with a fine-toothedb to look for something of value, or maybe arge wild animal was just passing through and decided to destroy everything that wasn¡¯t rted to the forest.


    But the worst scene the lumberyard owner saw was the beautiful motorcycle that he didn¡¯t know Eron had. It waspletely destroyed, dismantled and was half-buried among the other debris.


    Near the scattered motorcycle parts, under one of the tent ps, Jack saw something very familiar, and couldn¡¯t believe what his eyes were showing him. He took a closer look¡­


    ¡°Is it possible that you went that far, boy?¡± the foreman asked himself, as he looked down at the small, hand-held hatchet which he perfectly recognized. He personally requested this custom-made tool to be made in bulk, since it¡¯s supposed to be an appreciation gift to all lumberyard workers who passed from contractual to permanent position in his family business.


    While Jack was contemting the crime weapon, Diwa, Eron and Macky arrived at the camp. He heard them quickly approach upon seeing the area all ravaged and in shambles.


    Eron was the most worried of all and immediately started looking for his beloved ¡°friend¡± ¡­


    ¡°Scorpia!¡± the city boy yelled as if the motorbike could answer him. ¡°No! Baby, what have they done to you¡­¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Jack lowered his eyes as a sign of understanding and even condolences. He was already anticipating the fits of anger that Eron would let out because of what had just happened¡­


    And he was right to do so¡­


    Also, he really wanted to continue checking the hatchet. That thing, definitely, was there, not without reason.


    Eron was not a full-timer, so the hatchet was not his, for sure¡­


    But there was a very, very small number of permanent workers in the lumberyard, and of those very few individuals, only one had been behaving strangely towards Eron.


    And it was the same person that put that stone in the sawmill which almost carelessly and uncaringly killed people¡­ him included.


    Jack was getting seriously worried at the Lyonel this issue was escting to¡­


    ¡°Oh no¡­ Scorpia¡­¡± Diwana gasped, looking at Scorpia while bringing her hands to her open mouth. ¡°Eron, I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡±


    Eron was evidently furious, his facepletely red, his jaw tight and his hands tightly sped into fists. He had already knelt in front of what used to be his lovely ride and was just staring at the demolished parts with narrowed livid eyes.


    Jack said nothing about his suspicions but took note of all he saw. After all, he didn¡¯t have enough to prove his theory since it was all supposition.


    The foreman¡¯s thoughts: ¡°But yeah, things are umting against the Mad one, and at some point, not very far, he would be unmasked if it really was him.¡±


    Meanwhile, Diwana got closer to the remains of Scorpia and looked at them carefully, taking in every gory detail. Eron was suddenly intrigued by her intense look and wondered what it was for.


    ¡°I¡¯m not an expert, but you know¡­ I believe with some time, love, and the right tools, you could put her back together, Eron¡± she stated with surety.


    He kept looking in her direction, waiting for her to exin what she meant, but she never took her eyes off the motorbike¡­ or what was left of it. So, he had to finally ask¡­


    ¡°What do you mean, Miss Diwa?¡± Eron said, not sure of what she would say next.


    ¡°Well, you remember me saying about Mason being a handyman for the entire vige? In the vi¡¯s garage, we have all the tools to fix machines and vehicles, maybe even some parts you could use¡­ I do know that my departed husband had fixed up and refurbished two or more motorcycles down there, so you lose nothing if we check what he left there, right?¡±


    Now her eyes turned to his, which showed strength and encouragement. Eron almost felt hope and assurance returning to his enraged mind.


    ¡°I can also help, bro. I know a thing or two about bikes, as well. Let¡¯s go pick up your things and bring them all to the Oro house,¡± Jack suggested, pping Eron¡¯s shoulder. ¡°The faster we get there, the faster we can get started with putting your beautiful bike together again.¡±


    Macky, on the other hand, still looked stunned. The tears in his eyes were about to fall as he wondered how anyone could do such a horrible thing to such a majestic vintage vehicle.


    Eron saw the kid¡¯s face and got up to walk to him¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Mack, I hoped the first time you saw her was¡­ well¡­ she would be wonderful and whole¡­ sigh¡­ but you¡¯ll help us put her back together, right? And don¡¯t worry, if I ever do anything to hurt your mama, I¡¯ll still give you a motorbike,¡± Eron whispered as he softly smiled, trying to cheer up the young man who seemed more devastated than he was.


    ¡°Oh¡­ I¡¯m just¡­ shocked about how people can be so¡­ why¡­ who would be so crazy to destroy what other people worked hard for and cared a lot about?¡± Macky whined, looking back at Eron who stood by his side. ¡°I really don¡¯t get it¡­¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t make the bike, you know, just refurbished it. Also, I know how to fix it, but I didn¡¯t put it together¡­¡± Eron said, scratching his neck.


    ¡°I know, but you had to work hard to upgrade it, didn¡¯t you? And worked hard to keep it looking new and it really looks expensive, too. Nobody has the right to ruin what another person has worked so hard on, that¡¯s what I believe¡­¡± the boy huffed angrily.


    Macky stood quietly for a moment, still looking at the scattered pieces of motorbike parts and the messed-up camp, too distracted to notice the three adults around him, who stopped what they were doing to pay attention to what he was saying. All of them had pride in their eyes, and even in the middle of that mess, soft smiles did finally appear on their faces.


    During that long silence, Macky finally looked up and around, slightly confused. ¡°What? What did I say?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, really, but yeah, let¡¯s go.¡± Eron put his arm around the youth¡¯s shoulders and pped him on his left arm in a friendly and almost brotherly way. ¡°Let¡¯s get to work, I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be able to put it back together.¡±


    All the while, the group was still being watched, and that someone stayed behind the trees, from what he thought was a safe distance. He took out his mobile to make a phone call, and in a whisper, reported everything he saw.


    ¡°Follow them¡­ but¡­ stay way far from them¡­ I¡¯m starting to believe that Pretty Boy is not just what we think he is¡­¡± the voice on the other line said.


    When the call ended, the spy got ready to do as instructed, having in mind the precautions he was just warned about. Soon he was expertly shadowing the four and making mental notes about everything he was observing.


    Eron, Jack, Macky and Diwana managed to pick up all the mess and items in the camp and all walked back to the vige with Eron¡¯s belongings before darkness had settled in. They then dropped Scorpia inside the vi¡¯s garage then they all went up to the second floor with the rest of his belongings.


    Inside Eron¡¯s room, where the girls were just chatting animatedly as they sat waiting, Macky ran into it and started telling them what they found. His sisters reacted ordingly to everything he said, going from shocked to sad, to motivated and then ending as encouraging.


    The three adults looked at them amused and smiling, as they ced Eron¡¯s things in one corner of the room for the new hire to fixter. For now, they would rather just watch Macky be the storyteller for his siblings.


    All the three grownups could only wonder at how much an innocent kid, or three of them actually, could change the mood even in the most adverse of situations¡­


    ¡°You¡¯ll stay for dinner, Jack. And that¡¯s not a suggestion,¡± said Diwana with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s the least we could do to help my new renter out.¡±


    ¡°Wow, you make it sound like a punishment though,¡± the foreman said with a short guffaw.


    Eron looked at Diwa with approval and gratitude in his eyes, but his mind was going in the opposite direction.


    ¡°Yes, punishment indeed. I¡¯ll find you for sure, whoever you are, and squeeze the truth out of you. It doesn¡¯t matter that you masked your scent with gasoline from my very own Scorpia, I¡¯ll still manage to find you. You just wait and see, The Right Hand¡¯s reach is long and wide, while his grip is fast and strong.¡±

 DISTRESSING PHONE CALL #1

    ¡°Yeah bro, so that¡¯s all she¡¯s got on The Right Hand but she¡¯s still a threat. I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re nning but I think you should give her a bit of your attention.¡±


    ¡°I agree, thank you for your input,¡± answered the one the server had called over the phone. ¡°Also, I¡¯m really sorry that you had to go through all of that to get the information that you¡¯re now passing on to me, bro. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make it all worth your while, in the end.¡±


    ¡°As long as you bring down the governor, bro, then we¡¯re all good. We just can¡¯t take any more of what he¡¯s doing to our ce. This is where we grew up and he¡¯s been fucking it up ever since he came into office. This has got to stop,¡± the waiter stated with gritted teeth while he activated the speakerphone so he could get dressed.


    ¡°I know, and we promise you we will do what we can to deal with this as peacefully and as legally as possible to avoid any more bloodshed and violence. I wish I could do something about that directly but my hands are tied, and I could put a lot of lives in danger if I waspromised.¡±


    ¡°I know, and I understand,¡± Brenner said as he put on underwear, not wishing to gomando when he faced the governor¡¯s wife once again. ¡°Look, if not for you saving me and my family from that greedy old bastard, I wouldn¡¯t even have a reason for living. I owe you more than my life, bro and I¡¯m thest person you need to exin to. That¡¯s why I¡¯m here now and helping you out and I fully trust you with my life.¡±


    ¡°Thanks man, I need those little assurances every now and then. And of course, your help is really appreciated. I will have to talk to my contacts about this, just so we cane up with a counter. I¡¯m truly grateful for this.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, my pleasure bro. Now I gotta go or she might have me for lunch,¡± Brenner replied as he put on a cored shirt that showed off his masculine torso quite well.


    ¡°I thought she already did¡­¡±


    ¡°Bro, please¡­¡±


    ¡°Kidding dude. Just imagine she¡¯s someone you like so she would be easier to take.¡±


    ¡°Does that really work? I mean, have you tried it?¡± the waiter asked as he put on a loose coat to cover the muscled contours that his shirt was disying.


    ¡°No, never had to. She avoids me like the gue. Later bro, and be careful.¡±


    ¡°Later¡­ for the pack that moves as one¡­¡±


    ¡°For the pack that moves as one¡­ will wait for your next update.¡±


    The call ended, and the one who received it sped-dialed a number¡­


    ¡°Hello,¡± another male voice answered. This one¡¯s lower, smoother and more authoritative than the one who had called him earlier. ¡°Hope you¡¯ve got something good for me, man.¡±


    ¡°Hello, bro. Unfortunately, it¡¯s not. I just got disturbing news from one of our insiders. The governor¡¯s bitch wife just used her sorcery to find The Right Hand. ording to him, she seeded.¡¯


    ¡°WHAT?! Bro, that¡¯s not good¡­ not good at all¡­¡±


    ¡°Tell me about it! But since I haven¡¯t been given an order to retrieve him, it only means they still don¡¯t know where he is, despite knowing that he¡¯s still alive. Either that or the governor is waiting for affirmation of his wife¡¯s ¡®reading¡¯ before deciding to do anything about it. Or maybe even both of those reasons¡­¡± the caller exined while letting his hand go through his wavy, dark brown hair, more out of habit than frustration.


    ¡°Hmmmm¡­ I think you should tell HIM about this, bro. Just as a warning¡­¡± replied the voice from the other line. ¡°He should be aware so he will be ready for any eventualities.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will call him. Although I don¡¯t think the governor will be making himself visible in that ce, even if he finds out that his precious assassin is there. Too many people in that ce still know who he really is and he would be in real trouble if the vigers talked. Not unless the bastard decided to kill everyone in sight¡­¡±


    ¡°Which is why we need to let my brother know about the bitch¡¯s info, dude. On my part, I¡¯ll get in touch with our sleeper agent in that vige, just in case our enemies decide to make a stupid move.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it would be stupid for them to do anything now. Gives us some time to get the ball rolling. Speaking of which, what did Helena say about my suggestion? Is she ok with it?¡±


    ¡°I still haven¡¯t talked to her about it. Got a little ¡®busy¡¯ but will do that tonight during our date.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to talk ¡®business¡¯ with her during your date? Bro, who are you and where is my close friend?¡±


    ¡°Ahahaha, very funny ¡®close friend¡¯. But yes, I can still talk business with her during date nights as long as it¡¯s not the only thing we talk about.¡±


    ¡°Yes, and knowing you, you probably end up talking more about it and you end up getting punished by Helena. Which I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t mind¡­¡±


    ¡°Haha, bro! How well you know me¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, I better not get in the way of your punishments then. Just let me know what Helena says, alright? I¡¯ll be waiting.¡±


    ¡°OK, you¡¯ll get an answer tonight. Meanwhile, we need to think of a way to deal with this new information. And maybe find something to use against that shitty witch bitch.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I think I already know how bro. Will keep you posted, as well. And please, don¡¯t get punished too much. That¡¯s speaking from experience.¡±


    ¡°Haha! Alright,ter bro.¡±


    The call ended.


    ¡°Will you be going back to your boss tonight?¡±


    He turned around and saw her walking up to him. Seems like the kids were all asleep now since she didn¡¯t have them with her at that time. Instinctively, he turned towards her with a smile and hugged her tightly while his mouth automatically moved towards hers.


    Alicia allowed her husband to pull her towards him but swiftly turned her head away when he tried to kiss her.


    Hero¡¯s eyebrows knitted together, ¡°What is it, beloved? Is it still about my wish that you leave the farmhouse?¡±


    ¡°Not the farmhouse, no. It¡¯s you asking me to leave YOU behind. That¡¯s what bothers me¡­¡±


    ¡°My love, please¡­ that¡¯s only to protect you and our children.¡±


    ¡°And what about you, beloved? What do you think will happen to me and the children if we lose you?¡±


    ¡°You will be safe, that what¡¯s important to me.¡±


    ¡°We want you safe, that¡¯s what¡¯s important to us.¡±


    Hero sighed, as he watched a tear fall from his mate¡¯s eye. It was soon followed by another and he kissed both away, tasting the salt in her grief.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re only thinking of us, Hero but I already lost my family before. I don¡¯t want to lose the family that I have now with you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to lose any of you either my love, but alright, I won¡¯t talk about that anymore. Please¡­ I don¡¯t want you grieving, my dear mate. This is a chance for us to be together and I don¡¯t want it marred with your unhappiness. I¡¯m sorry, let¡¯s set it aside for now, shall we?¡±


    The woman in his arms nodded while still sniffing, as more tears started to flow down her cheeks. He took out his handkerchief from his suit¡¯s chest pocket and used it to wipe her face, while he continued to croon and whisper sweet words of assurances to his precious wife.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry too, Hero. It¡¯s not my intention that we had a fight in front of our guest, especially since this is practically the first time, he¡¯s seen the kids. I shouldn¡¯t have¡­ Forgive me, I couldn¡¯t help it¡­¡±


    ¡°Shhhh, it¡¯s ok my love. I truly understand. Look, is there anything I can do to make you smile again? I really had no intention to upset you.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ you can bring me to the bedroom and¡­ show me how much you missed me¡­¡±


    Hero chuckled before replying, his eyes already burning with passion. ¡°That¡¯s already a given, my sweet wife. Is there anything else that you can think of?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do but I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ll agree to it.¡±


    ¡°Ask me first then I¡¯ll let you know.¡±


    It took a while for his wife to reply. ¡°Is it possible for you to ask your friend to find out more about my family¡­ the one I left up there in the mountains¡­ and I would really like to know how¡­ my little brother is¡­ right now¡­¡±


    Hero stared right into her eyes and read the longing in them. Of course, he totally understood why she asked for this favor, and how she was feeling about it.


    It didn¡¯t take too long for him to give her an answer¡­


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go talk to him¡­¡±

 DISTRESSING PHONE CALL #2

    The Detective had been alone in the condominium apartment ever since he returned from the precinct. It suited him fine since he did need to concentrate on all the documents and images that he had brought home, and his biggest distraction has always been his soon-to-be-wife.


    It¡¯s as if the lyrics for the song ¡°All of Me¡± by John Legend were made just for him regarding how he sees her. Yes, it¡¯s not going to be easy to focus on his investigation if she was around. Even now, he found himself humming the song while it was ying inside his head.


    Just as he was about to hit the chorus, he noticed something in therge photo that he had in hand. He immediately took out a t rectangr-shaped ss item from his shirt pocket ¨C which was actually a high-end magnifying ss ¨C and ced it on top of the questionable image.


    ¡°What the heck¡­ what is THAT doing there?¡±


    He brought the photo nearer themp which he had set up on the dining table, along with the case box files and the other materials that he was studying. Bringing his face nearer to the photograph, he squinted at the image that his magnifying ss was blowing up and then twisted his lip.


    ¡°Yep, that¡¯s his motorcycle, alright. But why the hell is his bike parked there if he had a car ready to take him home? And most importantly, where the hell is that vehicle now?¡±


    Myron was about to pick up his mobile to dial Serg¡¯s number when he heard the doorknob jiggling and then turning. In came his girlfriend, dressed in a pink body-hugging dress that showed off her curves and cuteness all at the same time. Her lean, fair-toned arms were loaded with grocery bags.


    ¡°Honeyyyy, I¡¯m hhhhhommme!¡± Raquel loudly announced in her cheery, girly tone. ¡°Please help me¡­¡±


    Even before she finished her sentence, the smiling ¡®boyfie¡¯ was already at her side, carefully taking the bigger paper bag from her. She shed him her most grateful and charming smile as he felt the warmth and fuzziness spread throughout his arms and torso.


    He couldn¡¯t help but give her a small peck on her lips before bringing the bag to the kitchen countertop. As Raquel joined him there, they started to bring out her purchases and ssify them on the counter. They¡¯ve already mastered this system of grocery shopping, unloading, arranging and putting the items away in the proper ces that they could practically do it while they were talking and blindfolded.


    Well, they haven¡¯t tried the blindfolded part but they did start talking. Mostly nonsensical but entertaining things¡­


    ¡°So, there was this guy who was following me around and kept choosing the exact items I was getting from the shelves¡­¡±


    ¡°Let me guess, before you got to the cashier, he asked you questions and they weren¡¯t about the groceries you got¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh wow, you¡¯re so smart! That¡¯s so amazing, baby!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be smart to figure that one out, baby girl. I mean, look at you¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, stop it,¡± giggled Raquel as she gave him a can of peas and a bottle of olive oil, which her man easily ced on the top shelf of one of their kitchen cupboards. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I didn¡¯t give him my phone number, even if he asked.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Well, of course not,¡± Myron said with a wide, toothy grin. ¡°I trust that my girl will always be loyal to me.¡±


    Raquel smiled and then gave him more cans and bottles to put on the top shelf. It was her way of avoiding her lover¡¯s eyes so he couldn¡¯t see the sudden worry and guilt in hers.


    ¡°You trust me to always be loyal to you,¡± she thought to herself. ¡°God, how I wish that was true¡­ Oh baby, I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡±


    Her mind had already gone into shback mode, remembering the phone call she received from the governor that morning¡­


    +++


    ¡°Are you sure that you don¡¯t have anything else to report about him? I already know about his assignment. As a matter of fact, that¡¯s what I sent him to do for me so no need to tell me about that.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I have nothing else¡­ to give you, Sir. Other than the fact that he still doesn¡¯t have any idea that you know me or that you set us up to meet, I don¡¯t have anything else to give you right now. I¡¯m sorry for disappointing you.¡±


    ¡°As long as you keep telling me anything that he might be involved in, or anyone that he might be talking to that you feel is important. And most of all, do keep him enamored with you, dear girl. That is the most essential role that you need to y for us to consider you useful.¡±


    Raquel found herself too scared to speak, just thinking of what her caller was insinuating. And yes, she knew exactly what had happened to many of the other girls like her who were suddenly tagged as ¡°no longer useful¡± by the governor¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Sir. I promise you that he will never let me go. I did say that he¡¯s already nning out our wedding since he gave me the ring¡­¡±


    ¡°True, and since you said yes, you truly have the advantage now. Do not lose that and he must never know about you and I talking, is that clear?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir. Crystal clear¡­¡±


    ¡°Good, until tomorrow then, my pet. Just don¡¯t forget to text me if by chance he¡¯s still in your apartment before our usual chat time. Goodbye for now.¡±


    She whispered her answer to the disconnected caller since this was the only time when she was brave enough to speak her mind¡­


    ¡°If only that was a permanent goodbye¡­¡±


    +++


    ¡°What did you say, sweetheart?¡±


    ¡°H-huh,¡± Raquel suddenly stuttered, realizing that she had fazed out into memoryne. ¡°W-what do you mean? I didn¡¯t say anything¡­ did I?¡±


    And once again Myron melted as he looked down at the beautiful girl who was staring up at him with thoserge innocent eyes that slightly resembled a deer¡¯s look when about to be hit by a car. Yes, the thought was indeed slightly Gothically morbid, but still very apt.


    Finally putting away the final grocery item that she had handed to him, he turned towards her and started to deeply kiss her. As her lips responded hungrily to his, he put one of his strong, sinewy arms behind her back while cing the other one under her knees¡­


    In one smooth and swift movement, he brought her up into his arms and immediately carried her into their bedroom. Meanwhile, the littledy hugged his neck tightly as she moaned into his mouth.


    The Detective¡¯s photo and the phone call would have to wait untilter.


    Much, muchter¡­

 MEMORABLE AND TREASURED MOMENTS

    He had brought her inside their simple farmhouse bedroom. Nothing fancy here, except perhaps the size of the king-sized bed with its plush, sturdy and high-end mattress underneath all those soft, thick country quilts and bed covers.


    And right now, that¡¯s all that mattered to the Left Hand as he focused on the woman, he loved with all his heart and soul.


    ¡°Are the children asleep, my love?¡± he half-growled into the soft dainty ear that he was licking and sucking.


    ¡°Mmmm¡­ yes, my love. And they usually stay in their room ying or just get snacks from the cupboard if I¡¯m still asleep in my room. They are very obedient children and always follow your rule of never leaving the house if there are no grown-ups with them.¡±


    ¡°Good¡­ because I want to have you all to myself for a few hours.¡±


    ¡°Oh, just a few hours? Such a shame¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, because by the time I¡¯m through with you, you¡¯ll be asleep until the morning. And I¡¯ll be taking care of our children.¡±


    His wife giggled under him, and he took that moment to sh her a smile while he quickly and expertly undressed her. He then started to remove his tie, shirt and undershirt as she took the liberty of pulling off his belt and unzipping his pants. His mouth then hungrilynded on hers while his hands started to fondle and pinch her nipples until they hardened beneath his fingers.


    She moaned into his tongue and lips, as her smooth feminine hands started to peel his pants off from his beautiful well-built body, exposing thick muscled thighs and calves that were now pushing apart her own soft, curvy legs. Alicia always found this man the most attractive and desirable male she had ever seen even from the first time she had ever seen him.


    And that would be one memory that she would never forget¡­


    +++


    At that time, she was the only one left in the house. Her parents were both at the lumberyard while her younger brother was feeding the cattle and horses at the barn, which was quite a distance away from their farmhouse. They were assured of the safety of the vige at that time because, back then, the werewolf stories were exactly that¡­


    Just stories¡­


    Folk tales¡­


    And there were still no cases of women being kidnapped by these monsters then.


    Upon hearing the doorbell, the pretty teenager ran towards the front door from her bedroom upstairs. Without checking the peephole-sh-door viewer, she turned the doorknob and pulled it at once¡­


    In front of her stood three men in leather coats and jackets, dark jeans andce-up boots. They also hadrge shades of various designs on their eyes and lewd leering grins on their faces.


    Instantly, the young girl¡¯s weing smile was reced with a doubtful look. She didn¡¯t like the vibe these men were giving out, and she usually went with what her instincts would initially tell her.


    And right now, it was telling her that she was in danger¡­


    Extreme danger¡­


    ¡°Well, hello there, lovelydy. Can wee in? We just want a drink of water,¡± slurred one of the guys who had a two-day stubble. ¡°And I¡¯m looking at one tall ss right now.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and she¡¯s definitely gonna quench my thirst for sure,¡± leered the heavily bearded one.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t let you in. I¡¯m alone at home at the moment¡­¡±N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Mistake number one when a stranger tries to enter your house: NEVER tell them you¡¯re alone.


    Try to make it look like there¡¯s someone else with you, like yelling, ¡°Dad, there¡¯s someone here looking for you!¡± and then suddenly close the door in their faces once they freeze or show fear of being caught lying.


    Unfortunately, she didn¡¯t know those things back then, since she was just a simple country girl.


    ¡°Oh reeeeallyyy noooow¡­ ¡°said the clean-shaven of the three as he pushed the door open and barged into the house. ¡°That¡¯s perfect then, sweet honey pie¡­¡±


    The other two took the cue to follow their cohort inside the living room where the now-frightened girl was retreating. Their faces all had that unfamiliar but dreadful expression that was causing her skin to crawl while her mind was screaming ¡°danger.¡±


    ¡°P-please, I¡¯m not supposed to let strangers in the house. My parents will be angry and my brother will being back soon¡­¡±


    ¡°Ooohhh, so you have a brother too, huh? That would be really niiiiice¡­¡±


    The stubble-faced one reached out to grab her by the waist. She screamed and started to kick and punch with all her might but all three men were now holding her hands and even pulling her hair.


    ¡°Noooo!!! Let me goooo!!! HELP! HELP MEEEEE!!!¡± she screamed in panic as the three offensive men started to pull her towards therge velvet couch in the middle of the living room. ¡°PLEASE, SOMEBODY HELP MEEEE!!!¡±


    And someone did¡­


    She suddenly felt herself thrown towards the nearest armchair by an unseen force. It was so fast; all she saw was a blur as the three men were also thrown out of the door. They went flying through the air, one at a time, mere seconds apart, their yells of surprise and terror echoing throughout the house and into the front yard.


    Then she saw him¡­


    He was standing with his back to her, wearing a ck long coat which allowed her a peek at his ck cks and formal leather shoes. Turning around slowly, the tall broad-shouldered mystery man let his ebony irises gaze into her gray-greenish eyes¡­


    Within that split second, she instantly felt that she was safe. She didn¡¯t know why but there it was. A slow seeping calm was now flowing through her the longer she looked at the dark-haired stranger.


    And the more they stared at each other the more blissful she felt, while this wondrous unexinable feeling in her chest blossomed and grew¡­


    Then, in a sh, he had exited the front door.


    Within a split-second, she saw him already standing near the rude men who were still groaning on the ground. Then the door closed, blocking out her view.


    A few blood-curdling screams of terror echoed from the outside, and then silence¡­


    Several minutester, her younger brother would find her glued to the armchair and staring out as if she was in aa. She practically couldn¡¯t hear her sibling while he continually asked her what had just happened.


    All she could think about was the man who had saved her.


    The sheriff and his men checked the area but said they didn¡¯t find anything except a few drops of blood ¨C all from unidentified and unknown human sources ¨C on thewn outside the house. Other than that, there was no physical evidence of the said attackers or the mystery rescuer ever being on their property.


    She never forgot him¡­


    Even when he came to save her again, she was able to recognize him.


    And now, they were together for good and she had no regrets¡­


    But she did miss the family she had left behind very much¡­


    Especially her brother.


    +++


    Alicia felt her husband¡¯s mouth moving downwards, touching her almost everywhere while staying for longer moments on the more sensitive parts of her trembling, naked body. She moaned in pleasure as he slowly traced a trail towards her open legs, settling on her inner thighs for about a minute each.


    And then he went straight for his target.


    She gasped as his lips found that little lump on the upper part of her slit, her legs almost squeezing his head as they came together instinctively. Smiling to himself as her thighs massaged the sides of his skull, he sucked on that delicate, overly sensitive nub that was peeking through her folds, enjoying her cries of delight and torture.


    He could never get enough of how she sounded¡­ how she smelled¡­ how she felt¡­ how she tasted¡­


    Then, as he continued to suck on her clit, he pushed his finger around three inches into her wet and throbbing folds¡­


    Then he curved his finger, hitting her G-spot as he started to use his teeth to nibble on that now reddened and aroused lump.


    Her cry of passion was almost heard by the whole house, if not for her suddenly mping her own hand over her mouth just in time.


    The aroused female would continue to bite her palm, as her mate intensified his amorous attentions on her womanhood. After a few more minutes of this delicious punishment, her right hand was still between her clenched teeth and the other was grabbing a pillow with an iron grip; while she was already raising her hips towards her husband¡¯s mouth, almost drowning him in her sensual liquids.


    And he would have died happy¡­ but he intended to live for her¡­


    How he wished she could understand that he wasn¡¯t aiming to die just to bring the governor down¡­


    He wished for them to live in peace together and the only way to do that was to make sure he followed through with the ns he and the Right Hand had made.


    Well, if she would insist on her foolish decision to stay, he was going to make sure they made the most of the time they had together. After all, he didn¡¯t intend to lose.


    Or lose her¡­


    The Ogre returned his full attention to his beloved mate. He knew she was close. He could feel it from the tightening muscles within her womanhood, the way she was moaning and groaning and how her whole body was trembling as if out of control.


    Well, he too was about to lose it¡­


    As he felt her about toe, he rushed upwards and aimed his extremely hardened manhood at her moist and pulsing opening¡­


    Then he buried his entire length into her with the strength of a piledriver!


    His mate yelled into her hand as she felt her orgasm explode while he stayed still on top of her¡­ inside of her¡­


    And as he removed his hand to let her take a long intake of breath, his lips once againtched on to hers. He kissed her fervently and passionately as she responded with hunger and desire¡­


    Then he started to move inside of her.


    Oh yes, she would be sleeping soundly after all her husband had nned for her tonight.

 MEMORABLE AND TREASURED MOMENTS (PART2)

    Meanwhile, in a condominium building deep within the city¡¯s most modern metropolitan center, another pair was also enjoying each other¡¯spany. At this moment, they were already in the middle of their second round, and were still far from beingpletely satisfied.


    For Myron, that has never happened with any other woman¡­


    Before, he would already be sated with one round with his sexual partner, no matter how sexy or beautiful they were. Somehow, he never really felt this passionate need to continuously sexually satisfy a woman and find himself content as well.


    It all changed when he met her¡­


    ¡°Lie down, baby. I want to take you for a ride¡­¡±


    ¡°W-what? Wait, what are you doing¡­¡±


    His dainty fianc¨¦ pushed him down onto the bed, as her legs held his waist captive and her bouncy rounded ass kept him in ce while she sat on him.


    ¡°Stay still, horsey¡­ your rider is about to give you a fun time,¡± Raquel said in a girly but lusty whisper. ¡°Don¡¯t move¡­¡±     She then raised her body off his about 10 inches, positioned her wet pulsing opening over his massive hard-on¡­


    Then dropped on top of him like a sledgehammer.


    He yelled out in pain and pleasure as her throbbing walls tightened their grip around his reddened length. She also echoed his cry of passion and delight as her tunnel was suddenly filled and stretched by his long shaft.


    After leaning down and kissing him into silence, Raquel once again sat up straight and started moving up and down his manhood.


    Myron felt as if he was being transported to seventh heaven and he never wanted to leave. As he admitted to himself again and again, he had never met anyone like her, even from the very start when he first saw her face to face¡­


    +++


    ¡°Sir, pleasey back in your bed. We will need this one for another patient.¡±


    Myron was a bit irritated at the nurse who was telling him to move back to the bed assigned to him in the emergency room. After all, he was a decorated police officer and he did get shot. Shouldn¡¯t he be given a choice where he would want to lie down right after he had been treated?


    Ok, so the bullet just grazed him and he didn¡¯t need surgery, but he still should be given that choice, right?


    Wrong¡­


    He realized that the minute they brought in the woman who was going to take over the bed that he wanted to im.


    Despite her face having a ck eye and a dark bluish bruise with a bleeding cut on top of it, she was undoubtedly the loveliestdy he had ever seen in his life. He couldn¡¯t help but notice the other ck-bluish bruises that were all over her arms and legs, and while the nurses and doctor cut away her mini-dress, he could see more of those same injuries all over her torso.


    He then felt rage seeping into his mind, while his heart was hurting as if it was on fire.


    The detective has seen many crime victims in his life and there were quite a great number of them that were much worse than this woman, but he was so emotionally affected by seeing her like this. As a matter of fact, if he was totally honest about it, the anger and hurt that he was feeling for this beautiful female was stronger than all the fury and pain he had ever felt for all the victims he had seen in his careerbined.


    And soon, his furious and pained expression became very evident to the medical team who was helping this poordy.


    ¡°Sir, please lie down on your bed and stay there. Let us do our jobs, ok?¡± the bossiest medic said as he pushed him down to his mattress and then pulled the curtain between the beds.


    Myron drew in a deep breath to control his rising temper, which surprised even him. He had never been known to lose his patience over such things. However, he found himself calming down only when the medical team shoved back the curtain and he could see that she looked a lot better.


    He then decided to use his authority to find out more about her.


    That¡¯s another first for him¡­


    ¡°Nurse, what happened to her?¡± Myron asked as he shed his badge at the surpriseddy.


    ¡°Oh, officer, I didn¡¯t know¡­ well, she got mugged and a couple of men left her at the hospital entrance then left. We have her bag and her IDs are there so we know who she is. We just don¡¯t know who brought her in.¡±


    ¡°OK, may I have her name and what room will she be transferred to? I want to take care of her case myself.¡±


    ¡°That would be wonderful, Officer. How absolutely kind of you. Here, just give me a moment while I get a pen¡­¡±


    And the rest was history.


    He would befriend herter when she woke up; and before she was transferred, he had offered to file a report for her at the precinct, when he got out of the hospital¡­


    When she was transferred to her own room since she needed a longer recovery time, he would be visiting herter on when he was released. Of course, he brought fruits and flowers with him during his daily visits.


    During herst day at the hospital, he asked her if he could have a date with her in the near future and even offered to drive her home when she was released. She smiled sweetly but weakly at him then shyly agreed to both his requests.


    And yes, it took only one month before she agreed to live with him.


    Well, he wasn¡¯t about to let the chance to ask her pass by so easily¡­


    Which is why he also asked her to marry her within months of them living together.


    No regrets¡­


    At least, none from him.


    +++


    ¡°Baby, I¡¯ming¡­¡± he gasped as the naked girl moved on top of him, her breasts bouncing to her pace which she was now speeding up in time to her own intensifying libido.


    ¡°Yes, baby¡­ yes,e with me¡­ I¡¯m close too¡­¡±


    Myron then grabbed Raquel¡¯s waist with both hands, keeping her in ce a few inches above him. He then moved his hips upward and then back, his pace fast and strong while his hardened member pierced her slit again and again and again while she was immobile above him.


    The woman gasped and cried as she squirmed against his hold, trying to take over the pace but to no avail. Her man was now pounding into her like a madman and their heat was about to explode with an intensity that they both could hardly manage¡­


    But were truly adoring¡­ treasuring¡­ enjoying¡­ each other¡­ and the moment.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°MYRON! I¡¯m COMING¡­ AHHHHH!!!¡±


    ¡°RAQUEL! YES, COME WITH ME BABY! Arrrghhh!!!¡±


    They reached their peak simultaneously and she fell on top of him, her heart beating hard and fast against his.


    Myron would be remembering how they met as they tightly embraced, as sleepiness was now settling in.


    Raquel would be pushing the memory of the morning phone calls away from her mind as she snuggled against her lover, letting sleep take over.


    For now, all they were focused on was each other¡­

 OLD FRIENDS

    ¡°Do you want me to wait for you, Alpha?¡±


    The helicopter had justnded on the rooftop helipad of the veryrge Silverw¡¯s Packhouse, which, for the rest of the world, was just an entricallyrge mansion that one of the most powerful business conglomerates¡¯ owner¡¯s n in Europe shared.


    Completely surrounded by forests, withrge and carefully tended gardens, the huge Victorian-style vi ¨C towers and all ¨C extended about five floors tall, and had hundreds of rooms; including the shared pack areas, like the dining room, the entertainment room, arge ballroom, private offices, and meeting rooms of different sizes.


    These are what old pack money had built through centuries of running clean businesses, and ran for thest few generations by the powerful Alpha n of the Camden family. After all, this was a name that more than one of their enemies had tried to throw dirt at.


    ¡°Yes please, Antoine, although it might take a while. I¡¯m picking up my Luna for our date night,¡± V smiled at the prospect of taking his beautiful mate to an event that she¡¯s been waiting for a few months already. He knew that she really wanted it, but was kept too busy to keep track of the date. The surprise in her eyes and her smile were more than enough motivation for him to keep tabs on this event, but he only told her to be ready by five today.


    Even though they kept full agendas, or more of them keeping themselves busy, their date night was a must for them. They both always made sure that nothing got between them and their time together.


    The pilot, now slightly more rxed since they were now within their territory, started checking the aircraft to get it ready for the next flight. He was very focused on making sure that everything was in order, even doing his task with a wide smile on his face.


    The pack loved their Alpha and Luna¡¯s rtionship, especially because, separately, they both had very strong personalities. But when they were together, their toughness seemed to melt away.


    To think that many have tried to get the Luna position before¡­ But that¡¯s another story.


    Meanwhile, Helena checked the finishing details of her long, dark blue dress that worked perfectly with her ¡®cheat¡¯ shoes, which made her look taller than her 5¡¯4¡å height, without killing her feet.


    The dress hugged her slim but curvy body right around her waist, entuating it, and from there, the fabric split into two thick straps. From her waist these same straps ¨C going thinner as they flowed to the ce where they hung from behind her neck ¨C ended up with a dip V neckline, allowing her cleavage to be exposed. It was definitely very seductive but still very ssy.


    The skirt had two long slits in the front of the inner fabric that, even when it was covered with a thick, all-around overskirt of tulle, allowed a peek of her sexy, curvy legs.


    She was pleased with how she looked, and hoped, not so secretly, that her love would drool over her and would be tempted to shred the dress from her body the moment he saw her.


    And just then, when she put on her sapphire earrings and adjusted the spaghetti straps behind her neck, the door of their room opened, allowing her to see the love of her life.


    ¡°Handsome, are you never worried that you might open the door and I¡¯d be naked? People could see me when you do that¡­¡±


    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m not that lucky,¡± Virgil said as he smiled widely, and even wider when hisdy answered with a soft, pleased smile and a short giggle.


    The Alpha stood at the door for a moment, looking at her, eating her with his eyes, and holding his gaze for a bit too long on her breasts.


    ¡°Do you like what you see?¡± she murmured with a smirk.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Scratch what I said about me being unlucky. I am, in fact, the luckiest man on Earth,¡± he said, finally walking into the room, closing the door behind him and taking the distance between them in two or three long steps, while consuming his attention on her body.


    ¡°Love, I thought we were going out,¡± she said, still smiling, not bothered if date night was just making love and cuddling for hours, without worrying about anything else.


    That was the best of days. The whole pack knew they would be unavable until the next day, so there would not even be a text message sent to them that night.


    ¡°Princess, why do you torture me like this?¡± he said, sliding a hand under one of the sides of her dress, cupping her breast and nibbling her nipple until it was hard, while he kissed her exposed skin from breasts to neck to earlobe, and whispered in her ear¡­ ¡°I really want to take you right now.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t love¡­ Can we?¡± she said, starting to moan in his ear, aware of the seconds when they were still not toote with their schedule and could still follow their n if they did allow themselves to end up making love.


    Then he remembered the event that took ce only once per year, and his lust couldn¡¯t be the reason for his beloved one to miss it. He still held her in his arms but with a huge effort, he slowed down the kisses and tried to rein in his consciousness and self-control¡­


    ¡°Think of her happiness, she deserves a night out man,e on¡­¡± he thought, pushing, scolding and reasoning with himself until his hunger was under control again.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, baby¡­ what I have nned for tonight is really worth it for me to calm down¡­¡± he let out a sigh,posed himself and, still not letting go, he looked into her hazel eyes with a toothy grin. ¡°You look beautiful, my love.¡±


    She shed him a wide smile as well.


    ¡°Dress mission aplished. No matter that he kept himself in check for now. I¡¯ll get him going when we¡¯re back here, after this whole night of teasing is through,¡± Helena thought, andpleted it with the heartiest viinugh, still within her mind as well.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look bad at all, handsome, and I can¡¯t imagine what you have nned for us today¡­ you have me puzzled and extremely curious now.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go, so you know that this date is really worth it for us to go out for,¡± he sighed, finally letting her out of his embrace and taking her hand, He then walked with her to their bedroom door and opened it, allowing her to step out first, as a true gentleman would.


    She walked in front of him swinging her hips seductively. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her naked back, and he felt himself doubting his decision to leave the bedroom once again.


    ¡°Damn those dresses,¡± he mumbled, taking the coat that she had ready for the night while following her.


    He walked behind her all the way up to the helipad, with just enough focus to barely let Antoine know that they were almost there via the pack mindlink. Soon, they were finally sitting inside the helicopter to start their not-so-long trip. She sat by his side, and while still holding hands, he began their mindlink talk.


    ¡°Beautiful, before we get there, there¡¯s a topic that I need to talk to you¡­¡±


    ¡°Is it business rted? Pack rted? You know the rules, love. You were actually the one who asked that we avoid talking about work during our couple time, remember?¡±


    ¡°Yes, baby, but this is a small exception, and I hope you can forgive me¡­ It¡¯s not exactly pack or business after all. It¡¯s a part of¡­ something else¡­¡±


    ¡°And you have gotten me extremely intrigued again. That¡¯s not fair, love,¡± she smiled as her head still rested on her man¡¯s shoulder while he softly caressed her forearm with the tip of his fingers.


    ¡°Well, at least one thing I can tell you about¡­ Today, Hero and I went to see Alicia.¡±

 MORE OF THEIR OLD FRIENDS

    She sat up straight and looked at him, surprised, smiling, but still slightly worried. She knew well enough of the story of the people he was mentioning, and she also knew that they hadn¡¯t seen her for a few years already¡­


    Because Alicia was in hiding, they never nned to make social visits with her. They could risk both their close friends¡¯ covers and their lives, so there was definitely SOMETHING going on. Helena knew quite a lot about the situation, but that just added to her concern.


    So, V knows about Hiromoto helping Eron¡­? Damn twin, we¡¯ll need to talk sooner than I thought¡­ she thought, cautious of not letting it through their mindlink talk, and allowing her thoughts to run through her full business mode, as the implications of what her mate was telling her required to do so.


    ¡°I met their kids,¡± he smiled trying to soften the topic, ¡°our godson and goddaughter. They¡¯re living small copies of their parents, cute, nice and polite. I hope you can see them as well soon enough, princess.


    ¡°I know you, handsome, you¡¯re not just telling me your day, especially after letting me know that there was a particr matter you wanted to discuss before our date. Please, go on and tell me,¡± she said, almost wanting to tie her hair in her usual business-bun, and sit in front of him to ¡®read¡¯ him better.


    ¡°I think what I need to tell you involves a few other things, my beloved mate¡­ One of the most controversial is that¡­ I met with Edward Kagu¡­ He was very eager to meet with me, to say the least, especially after father refused to see him for so long¡­¡±


    He paused, letting his mate digest what he had just told her¡­


    ¡°He¡¯s building a newmercialplex and the ce looks amazing. It has apartments, shopping malls, gyms, green spaces, everything together, connected by paths and bridges¡­ like a small city within the city, in the style of the metropolitan shopping centers in the Philippines. His acquisition team has been looking for us, and I finally agreed to have a meeting with him, and we¡¯re approved to have our stores there as well,¡± he continued, feeling his mate tense up with each word he said.


    ¡°V, this¡­ Do you know how your father will react? That¡¯s why he was looking for you, even if he knew we wouldn¡¯t be avable¡­¡±


    ¡°He was? Damn, he probably was told already¡­ The least I need right now is to have a fight with him¡­ and there¡¯s a lot more, princess¡­ I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t mention much of all this before¡­¡±


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t do anything without a reason, V, but this is a very risky move, especially after what happened in the past with that dirty bastard¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, princess, I do have a reason, and there¡¯s a good n in ce, but for it to work optimally, I¡­ or more like, we, need your help¡­¡±


    ¡°We? Who is that ¡®we,¡¯ love?¡± she thought for a moment and soon rted one thing with the other. ¡°Hmm, of course¡­ you¡¯re working with Hero¡­ and that¡¯s why you visited his family¡­¡±


    ¡°Pretty much, yes¡­ We went to try to convince his mate that she needed to move to a safer ce, like the packhouse, but she refused to leave Hero¡­ She¡¯s been a little¡­ unreasonable, and we¡¯re trying to make her understand that she¡¯s putting herself and her children at risk living where they are right now, and with the way things will go down¡­ well¡­¡±


    ¡°Sounds like her indeed, I can still remember when we met her¡­¡±


    +++


    ¡°Alicia, you need to understand that this transformation is not an easy one,¡± Hero followed his mate as she paced back and forth in Helena¡¯s packhouse office, where the four of them were reunited for the asion.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been telling you; I can¡¯t go back to my family without consequences, and I can¡¯t defend myself from your enemies or bear our children if I don¡¯t do this¡­ it¡¯s my choice, Hero, I made up my mind already, and you won¡¯t make me change it,¡± she said with determination, folding her arms across her chest.


    Virgil and Helena both looked at the scene and tried to hide their smiles.


    Hero had been an old friend since V and he were children. They met each other in a park, near one of the office buildings of the Pack¡¯s conglomerate, where young Virgil was ying with his brother Eron under the care of one of their nannies, an omega, that each time was a different one.


    ¡°Who are your new friends, Hero?¡± his mother had asked when she saw him, and more than that, smelled the people that were now close to her son.


    ¡°Don¡¯t know, just met them. What are your names?¡± the small boy with ck hair asked, smiling at his game partners.


    ¡°Eron, Virgil, it¡¯s time to go,¡± a voice cried out, not far from them, and the three kids lost their smiles.


    Hero¡¯s mom¡¯s eyes went wider when she heard the voice of her boss calling for the kids.


    ¡°Dad, we¡¯re ying with the boy,¡± Eron pointed a small, thin finger to Hero. ¡°Can we please stay a bit longer?¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t stay, I need to go back to the house, son,¡± Alpha Henkjan said, but paused for a moment, sniffing discreetly and crouching to his son¡¯s new friend¡¯s height. ¡°Is she your mom?¡± he asked Hero.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    The young boy looked at the big, strong and important man who had just attempted to ask for his mom. He ran to her, stepping in front of her in a protective way, making the Alpha smile.


    ¡°I believe I know you. You work with us, correct? So, I assume you¡¯re like us, too, but I¡¯m sure you¡¯re not part of our pack. Are you part of another pack?¡± Henkjan inquired, intently looking at the boy¡¯s mother.


    ¡°No, sir,¡± she said, moving her head from side to side, slightly overpowered by the Alpha aura, and the overwhelming figure of her boss.


    Even if she was very strong herself, she knew how to respect an Alpha and she found herself being exceedingly shy around him.


    ¡°Interesting, then, how are you not¡­ rogues?¡± he said more to himself, and then looked towards his children. ¡°Kids, would you like to invite your friend to our house?¡±


    The children¡¯s faces shone brightly and they started jumping with joy. Their father stretched back up and smiled as well when he got back on his feet.


    He may be very strict, but he cared a lot for his two little boys.


    The three kids started talking one over the other and making ns of what they could do that afternoon, Eron and Virgil were also telling Hero the many things they wanted to y with, and the many toys they had back in the packhouse.


    ¡°But the best is our chef¡¯s cookies! You will love them!¡± Eron said, smiling and looking up dreamily.


    ¡°Mom, can we go? Please! Can we?¡± Hero begged his mother to ept the invitation, and she, in turn, looked at her boss, who nodded approvingly.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t have any other ns¡­ I promise we don¡¯t bite. My wife would also like to have a new friend to talk to,¡± he said with a friendly grin, showing her that he didn¡¯t have other questionable intentions.


    ¡°Okay, we can go,¡± she said, now smiling at her son.


    Their friendship survived when Hero¡¯s parents had the fatal ident, and they were teenagers already¡­


    They tried to convince Hero to join the pack, but he was too broken, lonely and angry to hear any reasons. Unfortunately, with time, his heart hardened. He became bitter and careless, and they lost contact with each other for years.


    Until one day, he arrived at the packhouse with ady.


    A humandy who insisted on being transformed into a werewolf.


    The sooner, the better, too.


    And she had quite a temper¡­

 TROUBLING NEWS

    ¡°How are they doing, by the way? It¡¯s really been a while and I don¡¯t think we saw them much after their stay back then¡­ at least I didn¡¯t, especially because of her circumstances.¡±


    Virgil and his mate were still sitting in the helicopter on their way to their date¡¯s venue, talking about the mysterious topic that V intended to ask Helena.


    ¡°They¡¯re doing fairly good, actually. Hero wanted to introduce us to them for a while, but things have kept happening, especially at his work, where things get messy easily.¡±


    ¡°I still wish he could have epted to join the pack¡­ both of them¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much, princess. Things get worse before they get better,¡± Virgil assured her, and the way he said it gave chills to his wife, who preferred not to go into that part of the conversation for the moment¡­


    ¡°So, after all the background talk, can you finally tell me, my love, what are you going to ask of me? I hope you nned an offering in exchange, because, as things are right now with your story, I¡¯m kind of worried,¡± she admitted, still on their mindlink.


    V chuckled and, letting go of her hand, passed his arm around her shoulders, hugging her tightly while kissing her cheek.


    ¡°You can ask whatever you want from me, beautiful, you know that. It doesn¡¯t need to be an exchange for anything¡­ or are you thinking of something in particr?¡±


    ¡°Well, it depends on what you want me to do and how hard it is¡­¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Helena felt that he was still trying to avoid the topic, especially since she kept trying to bring their conversation back to what it was originally about.


    ¡°We¡­ Hero and I¡­ need you to visit Alicia¡­¡±


    ¡°Huh? That can¡¯t be all, of it. That¡¯s too easy¡­¡±


    ¡°No, baby, there¡¯s a bit more¡­ We need you to convince her to move, even if temporarily, to the packhouse. We have to make sure that she and the kids arepletely safe before we start the n. It¡¯s also for Hero to move more freely about and without worrying about his family.¡±


    ¡°Oh wow¡­ What made you two think that she might do it if I asked her? And what is that PLAN you¡¯re mentioning, anyway?¡±


    ¡°Because that¡¯s your specialty, my love. You¡¯re great at convincing people and that¡¯s not justing from me. H was the one who suggested it since he believes you might be sessful where we failed. Now about the n, I¡¯d rather not talk about it right now, if possible.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll do it,¡± she said after a bit of a pause. She knew she could trust her mate, and not only that, but her man had a very hard time keeping secrets from her. The Luna knew for sure that, sooner orter ¨C probably even sooner ¨C he would eventually tell her. ¡°But I need to know something. In exchange, if I may¡­¡±


    ¡°Whatever you want, my love.¡±


    ¡°I need to know if you know anything at all about Eron. How he is, where he¡¯s currently or any information about him.¡±


    Her eyes fixed on his face, looking for the smallest sign of his awareness.


    ¡°I know that he¡¯s alive,¡± he said after a small twitch that she knew perfectly well.


    She knew it appeared every time he had to talk about a topic he didn¡¯t like.


    His telltale sign¡­


    ¡°Just that?¡± she asked, looking for the same small twitch AGAIN. ¡°Nothing else?¡±


    She waited for a second, and¡­ yes¡­ RIGHT THERE!


    ¡°Beautiful¡­ I can see, too, that you¡¯re not surprised, so I would like to know what you know. Has my brother called you? Have you two talked?¡±


    ¡°I had a hunch that, if anything happened, you would know. You care that much. Please, tell me how he is¡­ what do you know?¡± she said, still smiling and avoiding the question.


    Her thoughts were slightly different though: I¡¯ll have to add this to the list of topics my twin and I can talk aboutter when I call him¡­ That Virgil knows and wants to know how much I know. Until I speak to him, I¡¯ll have to avoid the questions. I¡¯m sorry my love, it¡¯s not a lie, it¡¯s just not my secret to tell.


    ¡°He seems to be okay, precious¡­ but there are a few¡­plications¡­ that we need to handle. In connection with that, it is definitely of utmost importance that we get Alicia to a safe ce as soon as we can, and I¡¯m really sorry, wife, but that¡¯s all I can tell.¡±


    ¡°Okay then. I¡¯ll make sure that she moves with us to the packhouse. You can consider it done,¡± she assured him, yet slightly frowning.


    More concerned than relieved, her mind screamed ¡°trouble,¡± and she couldn¡¯t help but notice how her man, who always told all the truths of the tale without her needing to dig too much, was now protecting that information carefully and not letting anything out. It¡¯s simr to asions when business got tough, or there were unexpected attacks on the pack and he didn¡¯t want her to worry too much about it¡­


    What are you protecting me from, handsome? she wondered, still intently looking at him.


    ¡°Sorry for the interruption, Alpha, Luna, but we¡¯re near our destination, and I¡¯m pretty sure that you¡¯ll want to look down,¡± Antoine interrupted through his headset¡¯s microphone, stealing the couple¡¯s attention from their intense conversation.


    And right on time to remind them that it was their date night, too.


    Below them, the Nuernberg Castle was illuminated with hazy blue light, which also spilled over to all of its surroundings. They could easily see arge number of people happily mingling around, enjoying one of the more spectacr festivals of the region.


    ¡°Die ue Nacht,¡± the blue night festival, which is the one event that she had waited to see for so long¡­


    ¡°Oh, my Goddess, V!!! I can¡¯t believe that you remembered!!!¡±


    He was right, the smile on her face right then and there was worth the wait and the effort to keep their date details a secret. This included the strong will and self-control that he had to exercise to let go of her soft, tempting body just so they could give way to a very different activity and experience that night.


    Her eyes were glued to the projections on the tall walls that surrounded the castle, the continuously moving lights, and the live music that she started to quietly lip-sync along to. He noticed how, almost immediately, her shoulders rxed and her mind temporarily left all her worries and pending behind.


    His own lips parted to allow himself a toothy grin, and he hugged her tightly from behind, with the excuse to see with her, from her window. However, his actions were also secretly allowing his connection with her to grow stronger so it allowed him to feel her happiness, which was in fact his as well.


    Not long after, their expert pilotnded and they were off to their date, closely followed by Antoine, who took his job very seriously to make sure that the happy couple was safe onnd or air.

 AWKWARD ADMISSIONS

    ¡°Hey man! I¡¯ve been thinking of you a lot!¡± Eron said, walking out of the house to the porch, too happy to notice the meaning his friend would give to his words.


    ¡°I know we¡¯ve been close, Eron, but you know I have a mate¡­ a FEMALE mate, and I¡¯m not nning on changing her for you. Sorry to disappoint,¡± the low sonorous voice on the phone said, in his regr monotone.


    People could never tell if this was the man¡¯s way of joking or beingpletely serious. Unknown to many, this was his own way of having fun and Eron knew this.


    ¡°What the hell? I¡¯m not even¡­ Bro, seriously, nothing like that!¡± Eron said,ughing, while a very clear image of a certaindy stayed in his mind. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking of you because I¡¯m really happy here. This ce is amazing, and people are friendly and willing to help even if they don¡¯t have any idea of who I am¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d that you¡¯re having a good time. You sound very differentpared to the guy I used to work with,¡± the male voice said with a certain reserve that the other one didn¡¯t notice at first.


    ¡°Yes, I have to actually thank you, not only for all you did to help me out, but for rmending this ce to me. I¡¯m really happy here.¡±


    ¡°You sound happy indeed¡­¡±


    The pause that followed made Eron notice that there was more motivation for his friend to call than just checking up on him¡­


    ¡°What is it, H? What happened?¡± Eron said, now focused and slightly anxious about whatever he was going to hear from his caller.


    True, his friend was serious most of the time. Actually, very few people had seen him genuinely smile, especially when he meant business. However, even then, Eron knew when his former co-worker was open to humorous jokes, and was very aware when his guard was up.


    ¡°Remember the governor¡¯s missus, Chin, and her peculiar ways? Your former boss called his wife and asked her to find out if you really were dead. She performed a ritual here in your room with your old things, and saw you alive,¡± Hero said, making a small pause to hear Eron¡¯s reactions.


    If he saw anything suspicious or felt anything weird, this was the time in which H would know, in his tone, his pauses or even his breathing¡­


    After all, Hiromoto analyzed people for a living.


    It took a while for The Charmer to answer but when he eventually did, all the humor and mirth had gone from his voice.


    ¡°So, they finally know¡­ I remember that he used her ¡®consultation¡¯ services only on special asions. If it wasn¡¯t them that we¡¯re talking about, I would even be ttered at them putting so much effort into finding me,¡± Eron huffed, as serious as his remaining charming self would allow him, with a tone still partially rxed.


    The Assassin¡¯s reaction allowed The Ogre to rx a bit as well. ¡°Yeah¡­ I see what you mean. Luckily, she still didn¡¯t see where you are, and from what I heard, it¡¯s not that easy for her to get that information. Just warning you, she seems to be very¡­ motivated. Almost as motivated as her husband is to find you, and honestly, I wonder if they have the same intentions with you when they finally get you back into their hands.¡±


    ¡°What!? H! What creeps me out the most is thatst part¡­ I know she wanted me in her bed, but the other part¡­ ugh¡­ nightmare material bro! I hope to never, EVER find out if the governor wants that kind of shit from me, too.¡±


    ¡°I always had my doubts, because of how he looked at you, like a piece of freshly cut juicy meat. I just got confirmation when you finally ¡®died¡¯ and he couldn¡¯t even rest without being absolutely certain that you were¡­¡±


    Now Eron could hear the slight mocking tone on his friend¡¯s voice. Very rare, and almost imperceptible, that only people who knew him for a very long time could know about. He felt himself cringing at the possibility of his close pal¡¯s suggestion even as the man continued speaking over the phone.


    ¡°Whatever the case, be careful, you understand? Don¡¯t do anything that would put you on the cover of a newspaper¡­ dead or alive. Do you understand, Eron?¡±


    And with that voice, he knew how dead serious that part of H¡¯s ¡®advice¡¯ was.


    ¡°Yes, nanny Hero. I¡¯ll be a good boy and keep myself safe and far from trouble,¡± he joked, but Hero knew that he really meant it.


    ¡°Good. Now, tell me how things are going over there, in your tone I heard something that puzzled me.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°And what might that be?¡± Eron said, curious.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, you were just too happy¡­ not just rxed orfortable, but happy¡­ Have you met someone new there? Or have you already tried out the whole town¡¯s female poption?¡±


    ¡°Bro, are you insinuating that I¡¯m a manwhore? That hurt¡­¡±


    ¡°You are a manwhore, and that was not an insinuation¡­ I have a good memory, remember? And I know who I¡¯m talking to very well.¡±


    ¡°Well let me tell you this, Mr. Ogre: As a matter of fact, I haven¡¯t slept with anyone since I came here,¡± he proudly announced.


    And then, the realization hit him.


    He really hasn¡¯t even been looking for a sexual partner.


    Not for quite a while, since he saw her¡­


    ¡°Okay. Who are you, and what have you done to my bro?¡± Hero said after a small pause, between incredulity and amazement.


    ¡°No¡­ Really, I¡­ To be honest, I didn¡¯t even realize it until now¡­ I mean¡­¡±


    Eron¡¯s mind ran wild at the thought. He knew his interest in this certaindy went way beyond the physical, and that she turned him on incredibly easily. Even his self-control would always attempt to jump out the window when he was with her and it was VERY HARD¡­


    Well, not only that he really got so hard too easily, or that it was difficult for him to control himself, but even with all the thoughts and fantasies of him taking her, he had never been able to even hold her hand too long except during that ONE single moment at his camp before she led him to her home to choose his rented room. He was even shy with her and around her.


    Heck, she was actually the first woman in his life to make him blush!


    ¡°What the hell is going on with me?¡± he thought, allowing the voice of his Twinny to remind him in his head¡­


    ¡°When you find your mate, not only does your body react differently but your mind and your heart will react to that special someone so naturally,¡± she had said back then, in the only conversation that they had had about the topic which he had also kept denying.


    ¡°H¡­?¡± he said after a long silence that was starting to worry his friend. ¡°You¡­ have your wolf, right?¡± Eron asked in an awkward tone, trying to start the ufortable topic from a known point.


    ¡°You know I do, bro. You actually saw Lyon once or twice already¡­ but I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s not what you want to ask me about¡­¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I know that we¡¯ve talked once or twice about how you found out you had your wolf, even when you were not part of a pack and during the time when you were also keeping us away, but¡­ I¡¯ve been wondering¡­ How was it for you to know that your mate really is your mate? I mean¡­¡±


    ¡°You want to know the signs? I honestly don¡¯t know much about the typical ones since I was never told about them, but I can tell you from personal experience¡­¡± Hero replied, pausing midway as he waited for an answer.


    But the only reaction he got from Eron was a long attentive silence. This man, who was known for speaking non-stop was now quiet and eager to hear his version of the mates¡¯ story.


    And that¡¯s even if it was obvious that The Charmer already heard a simr tale from his Twinny and older brother a long time ago.


    So, despite truly wondering if he was still talking to his friend or a body snatcher, he continued¡­


    ¡°The moment I saw her; things were different for me¡­ All the cold I was, all the resentment, all the facades and walls that I took years building around me, fell at her feet with not even a look. The first thing I felt was the urge to protect her, and that was the first time she saw me. There¡¯s a lot of unreasonable¡­ unexinable¡­ so many things that will happen to you, that arepletely out of character. It¡¯s like¡­ she could take out the very best in you, the good that you never knew existed and make you believe that that¡¯s your true self all along. The courage, understanding¡­ and the care¡­ A warmth that you can¡¯t feel with anybody else¡­¡±


    It was actually amazing to hear someone like H talking so openly about his feelings, and to Eron, hearing that from him made it more wondrous and incredible.


    It sounded like Hero could not even hold himself from talking about his most intimate feelings for his mate as he spoke more about her. Was that even possible?


    And then, word for word, what he was hearing from his long-time ally ¨C all those emotions that were inside of this supposedly unfeeling colleague ¨C were now describing exactly what Eron had been feeling towards Diwana, which he hadn¡¯t been able to exin or understand¡­


    Or even ept.


    ¡°Bro¡­ Eron? Are you still there?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah, sorry, I¡­ kind of¡­ zoned out¡­¡±


    ¡°E, I¡¯m starting to worry, why are you asking me? I noticed you¡¯re not only distracted but¡­ different. What happened, really? Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°Well, it so happens that¡­ bro, do you think that someone who has no wolf can find his mate?¡± Eron finally said while the possibility and hope of another thought found a small crack to filter itself into his mind¡­


    What if she was really his mate

 DOUBTS AND CLARIFICATIONS

    Even as the kids were busy washing dishes and Jack was calling someone on Diwana¡¯sndline, Eron was still talking with his friend via mobile while leaning against the porch¡¯s antique wooden railing. Since he had already cleaned up the dining table, he was quite at ease continuing his conversations with his former co-worker.


    Also, he made sure that the body scents of everybody in the house were nowhere near him, along with the smell of that irritating spy that he kept sniffing out the whole day. For everyone¡¯s safety, he needed to, so he was sure that whatever his close friend was telling him stayed between them.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Too bad they¡¯re not in the same pack, so they could just easily mindlink¡­


    ¡°Well Eron, you said that you can shift, right? If you can shift, then I don¡¯t see why you couldn¡¯t do any of the other things that a werewolf can do, especially finding your mate. And judging by how you¡¯re acting right now¡­ I¡¯d like to think¡­ no, not think¡­ BELIEVE that you have found your mate¡­ She¡¯s a her, right?¡±


    ¡°Of course, she¡¯s a HER! What the hell, did you think my mate is a him?¡±


    ¡°Hey, no judgement bro, whatever floats your boat,¡± The Ogre replied, and that was one of those weird asions in which a smile could be heard in his voice.


    And yeah, Hero knew that anything was possible with his close friend, yet he was not ready to see exactly what Eron was talking about since the newbie had just arrived at the vige.


    There was a short silence on the line as realization hit our dear Eron like he was a punching bag.


    It was true! Each and every word Hero told him in that conversation resonated with him: The way he felt, more than anything else, the many things that Eron thought and even the things he ignored, the way he was trying to avoid the topic by finding exnations or excuses.


    In the end, he knew better than to deny what H said.


    But there was one big issue that was troubling him the most¡­


    And he blurted it out, almost automatically, over the phone.


    ¡°Hero, I¡­ don¡¯t deserve a mate¡­¡±


    ¡°Excuse me, do you know who you¡¯re talking to? Who I¡¯ve been? The things I¡¯ve done? You¡¯re not even close to how dirty my history ispared to yours¡­ except for being a manwhore and that¡¯s indeed on you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, bro¡­ I really needed that,¡± Eron chuckled at the reminder, yet, he was still unsure how a professional killer ¨C and add to that, a womanizer ¨C would ever be worthy of calling ady, like the one in question, his mate.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, bro. You know me, I¡¯m not into sugarcoating. And by the way, I never lived with other werewolves, but I¡¯m pretty sure that if you didn¡¯t have a wolf, you wouldn¡¯t be able to have any special abilities at all. I¡¯m pretty much saying that maybe you have a mute wolf¡­¡±


    ¡°A mute wolf? That is not exactlyforting, H.¡±


    ¡°At least that is more possible than you not having a wolf at all.¡±


    More realizations hit¡­


    And another long silence via Eron.


    The Ogre found it strange that he was now the one talking while the former assassin was very quiet. Never had Hero thought it possible that The Charmer could shut ever up with this topic, and yet there they were.


    ¡°But anyway, aren¡¯t you going to tell me about her?¡± Hero finished, bringing Eron back from Lnd.


    ¡°Oh¡­ yeah¡­ well, I live with her now¡­ I mean¡­¡±


    ¡°What the¡­?¡±


    ¡°NO! No, it¡¯s not like that! I haven¡¯t even touched a hair on her head, man, I swear¡­¡±


    ¡°WHAT?! And you¡¯re already living with her but haven¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t because I just want to protect her¡­ and her kids!¡±


    Their pause was almost tense this time¡­


    ¡°Eron¡­ bro¡­ do you have a fever? I believe you need a doctor¡­ Or really, I¡¯m thinking someone is impersonating you. I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d live to see the day where you¡­¡± the disbelief was still evident in Hero¡¯s tone, so he then took a couple of deep breaths to get himself a bit calmer before going back to the topic. ¡°Ok, ok¡­ tell me more¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, she¡¯s ady¡­ a real one, proper, smart, interesting, funny¡­ We¡¯ve met within such a short time but it feels¡­ I mean, I already feel¡­ trust¡­fort¡­ warmth¡­ I even feel so at home¡­ but I¡¯ve been so sure that it wasn¡¯t possible¡­ what do I do if she really is¡­ you know¡­¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to make choices, bro. Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll feel the urges, and it will be almost impossible to resist them. And I don¡¯t mean only to make love to her, but everything else¡­ That¡¯s the clearest sign for you to be sure, so you can just¡­ Well, try not to hurt her, ok? And the rest will happen on its own. Believe me, you¡¯ll see.¡±


    ¡°I do believe you, I¡¯ve just never¡­ been like this¡­¡±


    ¡°I know¡­ I had a hard time at first but my mate¡­ she chose me¡­ and kept choosing me, even despite the¡­ circumstances, even if she was¡­ human¡­ The mate bond is amazing, and when you start experiencing it, you don¡¯t go back to the simple, the ¡®normal,¡¯ the push to not to be alone, or to choose just any pretty girl for the sake of fucking her¡­¡±


    ¡°Thatst one hurt bro, hehe. I won¡¯t even ask because you already called me a manwhore¡­ But just so you know, I¡¯m not that easy. Sure, sex is enjoyable¡­ even amazing, but I don¡¯t just feel I¡¯m at ease with someone just because I banged her. But with HER, I haven¡¯t even touched her but I already feel like I¡¯m supposed to be here with her and her children. That¡¯s not normal, bro! Especially for me!¡±


    ¡°Talking about normal¡­¡± Hero said slowly, even squeezing in a deep breath as if he was unsure of what he was about to say, ¡°Before I forget, there is something that I need to ask you.¡±


    ¡°Oh-kaaayyy, that¡¯s new¡­ Anything for you, bro. Just tell me.¡±


    ¡°There are some people that I need to get some information about, and I was wondering if you could get it for me¡­ It¡¯s about Jack Schneider and his parents.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm¡­ Is that because of¡­you know, what happened here back then?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s a very personal favor, so if you can, please help me out. I¡¯ll find a way to thank you, you know that.¡±


    ¡°No need, bro¡­ You have no idea of how much this conversation has done for me, so I¡¯ll dly tell you. Besides, since I¡¯m already working for the guy, I can easily find a way to ask him. Leave it to me, I¡¯ll keep you updated.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, bro, I really appreciate it. And, about your mate, like I said before, don¡¯t force it, ok?¡±


    ¡°Thank you H, you¡¯re a lifesaver¡­ quite literally.¡±


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t mention it. Now, this has been a lot of fun, but I need to go. My kids will want some snacks. Enjoy your new adventure, bro. And don¡¯t forget what I told you about Chin. Please be very careful, you hear me?¡±


    ¡°I will. Thanks again.¡±

 DOUBTS AND CLARIFICATIONS YET AGAIN

    The call ended right at that moment when the main door opened and Jack came out of the house and into the front porch.


    ¡°Hey bro, everything okay?¡± cheerfully greeted the lumberyard foreman.


    ¡°Jack, I¡¯ll get used to that attention if you keep it up. Just warning you, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be happy with me if I reciprocate your feelings. I¡¯m a pretty jealous boyfriend, hehe.¡±


    ¡°Yep, with that kind of answer, I can see that everything is back to normal. And that¡¯s good,¡± Jack replied with a small smile. ¡°I thought your mood would be darker because of what happened to your motorbike.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I guess in normal conditions, I would have been really down, but now¡­¡± Eron looked at his cellphone, still in his hand then ced it inside his shirt¡¯s chest pocket.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Jack asked as he leaned on the banister quite near his new hire.


    ¡°Well, Scorpia has been my friend in times when I was really lonely, but I don¡¯t feel like that for now, I mean¡­ I used to need her when I had fights with my dad and couldn¡¯t handle staying at home, but then¡­ here¡­ with you worrying all the time about me,¡± Eron said as he fluttered his eyshes while leaning closer to Jack.


    ¡°What the hell!?¡± Jackughed as he pushed Eron and stepped away. ¡°Damn bro, are you sure I¡¯m not your type? You seem to be TOO OPEN to me right now.¡±


    ¡°Nah, you¡¯ll get used to me¡­ but I really did mean it, bro¡­ Miss Diwa¡¯s care andpany, the children¡¯s interest and time, your trust and worry¡­ I feel that I¡¯m in a higher and even different Lyonel offort here, you know? It was really hard for me to ever feel like I belonged but now I¡¯m starting to think I found it¡­ Do you know what I mean, bro?¡±


    ¡°Yep, I do. I used to feel like that with my sister¡­ We got along great, even if we fought sometimes. I like taking care of her even though she¡¯s older than me, since she was my only sister¡­ Well, she IS my only sister. Also, for some reason, I still feel her out there, you know? I can¡¯t exactly tell you how, but I know that she¡¯s still alive. I just can¡¯t tell where she is or how she survived¡­¡±


    ¡°You never told me what happened to your sister, man¡­ I mean, if you want to¡­ talk about it¡­¡±


    Jack took a deep breath.


    His thoughts: ¡°Why am I not careful with what I say to this guy? Am I sofortable with Eron now to just open up topics that I don¡¯t even talk much about, except for very few people who knew me years before? Damn, I just met the guy a few days ago and I¡¯m talking about the ¡®incident¡¯ that I don¡¯t even discuss with my parents these days. Ok, so I need to figure out how to escape this topic, especially since Eron seems intent on making me talk¡­¡±


    ¡°Nah, you¡¯ll just think I¡¯m crazy¡­ At that time, many simr tales were told but now¡­ Everyone would believe that I just lost it if I talked about it again. Most people think that she married a man in the city and just never came back¡­ and Mom and Dad prefer it that way.¡±


    ¡°Your parents are not looking for their daughter who just disappeared? But they¡¯re alive and healthy, right?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes, they are still doing very well, living in the same house that they¡¯ve lived in since they got married. It¡¯s somewhere on the other side of the vige, bro. I¡¯m the one who prefers to stay at the camp. I admit, it¡¯s not just to take care of the business. I guess I got used to living alone when I was still in college. And yeah, they¡¯re not looking for her because they think she¡¯s dead. It¡¯s not that she disappeared, it¡¯s how she disappeared¡­ Sometimes I wonder if I just imagined it¡­ or if I dreamed it, and she is really living in the city with a guy that takes really good care of her. Maybe she¡¯s too busy being happy that she can¡¯te back here, I don¡¯t know¡­¡±


    ¡°So, if your parents think she died, then¡­ have you heard anything about her? I know you said that you have this hunch that keeps you thinking that she¡¯s somewhere out there, but besides that, anything else?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. Honestly, I keep asking around, looking for information, and checking all the news, online or printed¡­ All sources that I can get, but nothing. Just once, I thought I saw someone on the street back in the city who looked very much like her, but that¡¯s not possible¡­¡± Jack let out a long sigh and checked his phone, which suddenly vibrated. ¡°Talking about my parents, I need to go see them. I¡¯m d that you¡¯re out of the forest, Eron. Honest. You don¡¯t know what kind of monster that can be lurking behind the trees. See you tomorrow at work, and hope you find a way to fix your Scorpia¡­¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Thanks Jack, I really hope I do.¡±


    Just as the foreman was about to leave, he stopped at the bottom of the porch¡¯s three steps and then looked back, ¡°Oh, by the way¡­ I¡¯m kinda suspecting that what happened to your bike was not because of a wild animal or any kind of ident. You need to be careful; you know? Especially now that you live here at Di¡¯s Vi. I have a feeling that weirder situations mighte your way.¡±


    ¡°Do you have SOMEONE in mind, bro?¡± Eron asked, standing straight and then walking a couple of steps closer to Jack.


    ¡°I can¡¯t be sure yet. But believe me that if I confirm what I suspect¡­ Well, I won¡¯t jinx myself. For now, just be careful. Some mad people might be around you even now,¡± the lumberyard boss said as he put his big and heavy hand on Eron¡¯s shoulder.


    After receiving a nod from his new hire, the foreman-turned-friend then smiled and left.

 MORE DOUBTS AND CLARIFICATIONS

    Despite hearing the clear footsteps of his boss on the path, Eron could also easily hear the grass and bushes around the house as they moved in time to the cool night wind. With the strong breeze came the smell of the same person he noticed around his camp before, who was also the same stranger he sniffed out within the Vi¡¯s grounds.


    This person he didn¡¯t fully recognize yet, but he could now hear him and not just smell him. Based on the direction from which the sound wasing from, whoever was watching them a while ago was now following Jack.


    Eron¡¯s thoughts: ¡°Probably someone else is going to take his ce here tonight. At least I know it¡¯s just surveince and not really a threat. They don¡¯t seem to be doing anything else for now, except just gathering information. Max, so manly of you to send your spies but such a cowardly little mouse you are that you can¡¯t even tell thedy how you feel. I¡¯m sure you know she would reject you but then why the hell do you keep this weird fantasy of her being yours? Or is it that you¡¯re just crazier than what most would believe?¡±


    The Charmer looked around and still tried his best to recognize their uninvited visitor since he had never smelled him before. However, as the scent got lost in the distance, he turned and walked into the house.


    ¡°I think this is a good time to try and finish sorting my stuff in my new room. I can¡¯t believe that such a small number of personal belongings and clothing could take such a long time to arrange,¡± he said to himself, now walking through the first floor, climbing the stairs and then walking down the corridor that connected all the rooms.


    He walked, still a little distracted, as he was thinking about the new information he just got from The Ogre. The former assassin then took his phone out of his pocket and started typing a message, as he walked up to his room¡¯s door.


    Just when he was about to reach for the doorknob, he suddenly smelled a strong scent of roses and strawberries and it hit him like an out-of-control cannonball. He took a few steps back to get his bearings.


    ¡°Oh no¡­ it¡¯s only just day one and I¡¯m getting hit HARD already¡­¡±


    He stopped typing the message, and even tried walking back towards the room but he only got as far as the door itself. He stood frozen for a moment by the door of his new space, taking deep breaths in an effort to calm himself.


    Instead, he ended up taking full breaths of the amazing smells that he found irresistible and was really so fond of now.


    And the effect on him was beyond his control¡­


    As he stood by his door, torn between what he should do and what he wanted to do, soon enough his heightened senses also allowed him to sense and almost see what was happening on the other side of the Diwa¡¯s wall.


    Unfortunately for him, the images that started going through his mind were too crystal clear forfort.


    Warm water cascaded over her naked body. Her hands roamed over her soft, wless golden skin, sliding the bubbly sponge up and down, and around her torso. The soapy slippery substance covered her skin little by little and the smell mixed with her own body¡¯s natural scent was overwhelmingly seductive.


    Eron felt he was so close that he felt that if he extended his hand, he could easily caress one of her voluptuous breasts. maybe lick one of her nipples while whispering against her skin how good she felt when she¡¯s that close to him.


    In an effort to control himself, the boarder then opened his eyes, trying to avoid any more of those images that were slowly making him go crazy. He then tried with all his might to step forward into his room as he opened the door, but along with that single step, the sound of the shower intensified and the scents were overwhelmingly stronger.


    ¡°What kind of soap can have a smell THAT strong¡­ and oh¡­ so good¡­¡± he thought, still continuing to inhale deeply.


    He started calcting distances, wondering if he could just wolfspeed to the farthest corner of the room then he might be far enough from Diwa¡¯s private bathroom so he wouldn¡¯t be affected by all the things that were happening inside her shower. But as he was sensing this out, and while his manhood was almost immediately and continually reacting to all these sensations, he realized to his chagrin that his room¡¯s farthest corner was probably not going to be far enough.


    ¡°Oh, hello Eron!¡± Macky was just leaving his room, which wasn¡¯t that far away, and Eron tried even harder to hide the hard-on that was more and more obvious by the second.


    His body froze, but his mouth was quick to reply, ¡°Hey Mack! Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m doing some homework so I just stopped for a moment to get a snack. Would you like anything from the kitchen? I mean, I¡¯m going there right now.¡±


    ¡°I really would love to have some strawberries right now¡­ I¡¯m badly craving for them for some reason,¡± Eron said with a nervous chuckle. ¡°But don¡¯t worry, I think I¡¯ll wait for breakfast and have some then.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay. Uh¡­ is there anything wrong with your room?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Why do you say that?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re right at the door, but don¡¯t seem to want to walk in. Just wondering if you saw a spider or something. I don¡¯t like spiders either but I can help you take it out if you need me to,¡± Macky exined while smiling at Eron, whose heart kept melting at how weed and appreciated they made him feel.


    ¡°Thank you, Mack. For now, it¡¯s not a spider. I think I got too distracted by a text message that I was sending to an old friend of mine. Male¡­ friend¡­ that I forgot¡­ about my walking¡­ into my room.¡± Eron replied, adding some more of his nervousugh. ¡°At least I didn¡¯t enter a bathroom or go to another floor, hehe¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see. Okay then. Careful with the walls, mama always says we shouldn¡¯t text and walk because we might crash into a wall,¡± the boy said, smiling and then walking away towards the stairs on the other side of the floor. ¡°Or fall down the stairs¡­¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, I would choose to fall down the stairs right now. Oh, goddess, why is this situation suddenly so HARD¡­¡± Eron mumbled to himself as he watched Macky go down to the first floor. ¡°Right now, if I crash into a wall, it would probably be this one which is Diwa¡¯s room and I¡¯d just walk through and take her in my arms¡­ Oh damn it, might as well¡­¡±


    Eron closed the door behind him and zoomed to the farthest edge of his bedroom. He had managed to take a nket on the bed on his way to that corner and had now wrapped it around himself to try and keep his senses in control.


    Good luck with that¡­

 HIDDEN PASSIONS

    She originally nned to stay the night at her husband¡¯s mansion.


    Unfortunately, it was not supposed to be.


    The Mistress Chin was not at all happy about what she overheard from the waiter who serviced her. True, she was dallying with him in the Right Hand¡¯s room, going through the third round with this very virile male specimen when her newest sexual conquest slipped and spilled a few select pieces of info that she didn¡¯t exactly like to hear.


    But needed to know about it anyway¡­


    ¡°Yes, YES, YYYYESSSSS!!! FUUUUCK! SHOW ME HOW MUCH YOU LOVE MY PUSSY! DON¡¯T YOU DARE SLOW DOWN DAMNIT! SHIIIITT!!!¡±


    The said woman with the naked and very straight body beneath Bren was screaming at the top of her lungs, as the hunky, smooth-shaven man with the mocha-colored hair did as he was told to the best of his ability. To be honest, he was having a hard time keeping his manhood up because of how shrill and noisy this demanding female was.


    Even worse, he could hardly feel the tension of her loose walls against his hardness and that was truly enough to make him lose his libido altogether. Of course, he had a dozen otherints about this woman who had demanded to be serviced for the third time within thest five hours but he knew the minute he displeased her, he might pay dearly for it.


    Too many stories about this pair. They were sometimes called a match made in hell. Others called them the de and the gloom. There were a lot more disparaging names that these two were called but there was always some sort of tale connected to each tag given to them.


    He had no intention of having any sort of firsthand experience to prove those horror stories.


    So, he continued to pound into her artificially whitened, chemically slimmed down and surgically enhanced body despite him wishing he was in another country right now. He hated to admit it but he preferred making love to a sex doll than this lousy excuse of a female.


    At least you could blow up the boobs of some dolls and even control the tightness of their slits. The one he¡¯s fucking right now couldn¡¯t even be bothered with contracting her tunnel and her boobs have shrunken because of her continuous use of diet pills.


    And she was certainly no doll, even if she thought she looked like one.


    ¡°Yes, moan for me! SHOW ME HOW MUCH YOU LOVE ME YOU BASTARD! I want to HEAR YOUR PLEASURE! MAKE ME FEEL YOUR DESIRE FOR ME!!! LOUDER DAMN IT! LOOOUDERRRR!!!¡±


    Bren did groan but not out of pleasure. It was mostly out of irritation as this ravenous female¡¯s bony legs that were now poking at his ribs as she wrapped them tightly around his torso. He could have sworn that she¡¯s dangerously close to damaging his kidneys while she used her sped knees and his hips to raise her groin to meet his continuously.


    He needed to do something now before he ended up being physically harmed by this whorish woman. A short script was now forming in his head and he knew this was the perfect way to get her Distracted on something else other than him and his sexual prowess.


    ¡°Oh yes, Mistress¡­ You truly are soooo¡­ disgu¡­ desirable¡­ I can¡¯t imagine¡­ why the governor would¡­ rece you with so many other¡­ YOUNG and BEAUTIFUL¡­ and VERY SEXY girls¡­ even handsome¡­ guys, like the ones he¡¯s¡­ having sex with¡­ right at this¡­ very moment¡­in his personal suite¡¯s orgy¡­¡±


    ¡°WHAT?!¡±


    Mrs. Kagu had suddenly stopped moving and was now looking up at him with narrowed snake-like eyes.


    ¡°WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST SAY, SLAVE?!¡±


    ¡°Why, Mistress? I thought you and the Master had an arrangement¡­ that this kind of pleasurable activity is¡­ allowed between the two of you,¡± the ve said, using his most groveling tone.


    Bren knew he was pushing the right buttons to get the governor¡¯s missus mad. So furious, as a matter of fact, to get her off him so she could face her husband about the ¡°information¡± he had allowed to ¡°slip¡± by ¡°ident¡± ¡­


    ¡°Get off me, you damn idiot, and give me a robe! NOW!¡± she hissed as she forcefully pushed him off her with both her hands. ¡°And how the hell did you know that he¡¯s having an orgy in his room? TELL ME! YOU COME WITH ME WHEN I GO TO HIM, UNDERSTAND!¡±


    Brenner was internally gloating as he took two robes from The Right Hand¡¯s closet. He knew exactly where the former assassin kept the female clothing that he would buy for his regr conquests when he was still living in the mansion, so he speedily offered a red silk garment to Mistress Chin while he took a thicker bathrobe for himself.


    ¡°I heard it from the kitchen when I was preparing the food you ordered, Mistress. At that time, your husband also ordered a whole buffet table to be ced in his suite, right outside his bedroom door. And the amount of food is good for at least a dozen people.¡±


    ¡°STOP YAPPING AND FOLLOW ME YOU, WORTHLESS IMBECILE!¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Even as he rushed after the angry woman, he already knew from her facial expression that his ¡°Mistress¡± was already doing the math on how many people were servicing her husband. A buffet table for a dozen would mean at least six to seven people since they would have arger appetite after their sessions, and her face was darkening as they were getting closer to the governor¡¯s suite.


    The woman was muttering to herself as she rushed through the marble corridor, her bare feet not minding the cold due to the fury that was zing within her. ¡°How dare he do this while I¡¯m here in this house. True, I¡¯m making out with his waiter even while I have The Right Hand in my mind, but how dare he not bring me into his sessions while I¡¯m here! We had a fucking deal¡­¡±


    Soon the duo had finally arrived at their destination and was greeted by a closed door and a very formidable security staff member wearing the required ck suit and shades. She didn¡¯t seem fazed by him at all and stood in front of him to bellow her order.


    ¡°OPEN THE GODDAMN DOOR RIGHT NOW!!!¡±


    ¡°Mistress Chin, I¡¯m sorry but you¡¯re not allowed to enter¡­¡± said the ck, bald, and burly bodyguard that was guarding therge crested double doors of the corrupt politician¡¯s suite.


    The small but fiery bitch looked at the imposing male who towered high above her with a gaze that could melt metal. ¡°Open the door if you don¡¯t want me to send you a hex that will melt your balls within twenty-four hours.¡±


    The guardsman in front of her ¨C who looked like a wider, more muscr version of J of the MIB movie franchise ¨C took a small step back and his eyes almost popped out of his face, upon hearing what Chin said. Meanwhile, Brenner tried his best to not burst intoughter at what he was seeing then.


    ¡°M-ma¡¯am¡­ I really can¡¯t let you in¡­ the governor will¡­¡±


    ¡°At the count of three I will indeed put a curse on you if you don¡¯t open this door, do you hear me?¡±


    ¡°Madame, you will cost me my job. I don¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°One¡­¡±


    ¡°Miss Chin, please be reasonable¡­¡±


    ¡°Two¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright¡­ ALRIGHT¡­ But please let us do it my way¡­¡±


    The livid dy¡± bit her lip in annoyance but decided to nod as a sign of agreement.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± the bodyguard sighed as he then turned to Bren, who was still wearing nothing but The Right Hand¡¯s bathrobe. ¡°Hit me, bro¡­¡±


    Brenner¡¯s eyebrow raised as he looked at the guard. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°Hit me so you can make it look like you knocked me out.¡±


    The waiter smirked, quicklyparing their sizes and knowing that not many would believe the bodyguard¡¯s story.


    The guard looked at Bren¡¯s questioning gaze and the Mistress¡¯ impatient look. ¡°I¡¯ll tell everyone your punch is really that strong. Come on, bro, help me out here.¡±


    ¡°Fine, put your jaw out, Nick,¡± said the server as he stepped up to the man. ¡°Like, where I can see it.¡±


    The bodyguard obeyed the waiter¡¯smand and Bren swung back. Their height difference wasn¡¯t too great but Nick¡¯s muscle mass and width were definitely more intensive than his.


    But the guy did tell him to make it believable¡­


    Brenner, with all his strength, heaved his fist between Nick¡¯s upper jaw and his earlobe. He connected solidly¡­


    And Nick twirled from the force of the punch, his head hit the solid door frame then he finally crumpled in a heap in front of the door.


    Knockout!


    Bren¡¯s thoughts:Thanks for the short training, Left Hand. I owe you one.


    The second Nick was finally out like a light on the floor, the still-angry Chin ced both her long bony hands on the gold-ted door knobs in front of her, turned them at the same time, and pushed the carved, white double doors wide open¡­


    The elegant, ssy but ssically themed living room area of the suite, with its rich and luxurious furnishings, greeted both the Mistress and her impromptu ve. She then stomped angrily towards another set of double doors near the ssy and antique dining area.


    With a flick of her wrists and another strong push at the doors, the governor¡¯s bedroom doorway flew open for both to see¡­


    And what a scene it was that greeted them!


    There, on the massive double king-sized bed with the governor were around five other females and then two males. And they were all as naked as the day they were born, their bodies entangled with one another as they were all sleeping and snoring.


    ¡°WHAT is the meaning of THIS!?¡± the missus yelled with her high-pitched screeching voice.


    None of the younger people on the bed moved or reacted. Only the oldest one did¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s my bedroom and you¡¯re making a scene, my dear. Now what, may I ask, is the meaning of THIS?¡±

 MORE HIDDEN PASSIONS

    ¡°This is¡­ quite a pleasant surprise, Twinny. You don¡¯t usually call me around this time,¡± the new boarder said while trying to minimize the number of breaths he could take in a minute.


    ¡°I just have a few minutes for this, Eron. I¡¯m in the middle of a date night with your brother and I just went to thedies¡¯ room¡­ wait, why do you sound like you¡¯re in a really small space? Is everything alright?¡±


    Eron was quick to bring the talk back to the original subject just so he could avoid her questions. ¡°Whoa¡­ date night, huh? Niiiiice¡­ bet my brother brought you to some fancy shmanzee ce, hehe. Knowing how much he loves you, I¡¯m sure he would.¡±


    ¡°Yes, he did, and it¡¯s an amazing surprise,¡± she said with a short giggle. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry if I can¡¯t tell you too much right now but I will in the near future, I promise. But I really did need to speak to you because we started talking about your present situation and¡­


    ¡°Whoaaaa, slow down¡­¡± the good-looking renter replied, mostly telling himself since his hand was already on the growing lump between his legs. ¡°You¡¯re talking too fast, Twinny. I could have sworn you said you¡¯re both were talking about little ol¡¯ me¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, WE started talking about YOU, but he¡¯s the first one who asked me. He was curious¡­ too curious, if I may say so myself, to know if we have had any contact ever since you left your old job.¡±


    ¡°Wow, and what did you tell him?¡± curiously retorted the aroused one, who suddenly felt his libido recede a bit due to what he just heard.


    ¡°Nothing YET, since I haven¡¯t asked permission from you until now.¡±


    Eron let out a long sigh of relief upon hearing his twin sister¡¯s answer. Much as he still loved his big brother, hisst memory of V taking his father¡¯s side before he finally left the family wasn¡¯t exactly reassuring.


    ¡°Twinny, I thank you for asking me first before you gave your reply to my brother Virgil. That is REALLY important for me¡­¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯ll say yes, Eron?¡±


    ¡°Actually, I really don¡¯t want my older brother to know about me and my situation right now, Twinny. I¡¯m really sorry but I hope you don¡¯t mind my decision.¡±


    ¡°Twin, of course I don¡¯t mind. Look, I took your side and supported you all throughout this, ok? I¡¯m not about to turn the tables on you now. Twins, right?¡±


    The Charmer chuckled a bit awkwardly, not just because his Twinny¡¯s tone was so reassuring but also due to his pulsing shaft which was now painfully pushing against his pants. No thanks to the smell of Diwana¡¯s bath and her other ¡°activities¡± that he was sensing now¡­


    And damn, no way was he going to ¡°release¡± himself when he was in the middle of a private phone call with his twin sister.


    UGH, NO FUCKING WAY EVER!


    ¡°Thank you, Twinny, for respecting my choice. I just need a little more time to settle down. Maybe I can finally talk to Virgil then, even thru phone or mindlink. In the meantime, you remain my ultimate keeper of secrets.¡±


    ¡°My pleasure twin, when can I possibly call you again?¡±


    ¡°Whenever you can Twinny. But preferably when you are not with your mate, please?¡±


    ¡°Alright, I understand Twinny. Now I need to go and thank you for the time and your answer. However, before I go, tell me, are you really ok, Eron?¡±


    He wanted to sincerely tell her the truth:No, I¡¯m NOT really ok because my room is right beside the bedroom of the woman who might be my mate and she¡¯s now taking a damn bath. It¡¯s driving me really crazy and ufortable, so I¡¯m DEFINITELY. NOT. OK!


    Instead, Eron chose the safer route. He answers,plete with short pants and gasps, ¡°Of course, I¡¯m ok. Never felt better¡­ Well, technically, I¡¯m feeling very¡­ very¡­ good right now.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? You seem a little¡­ sore¡­ even distraught¡­ and distressed.¡±


    ¡°Me? Sore? Distraught? Distressed? Ahahaha¡­ nahhhh¡­ I¡¯m not. Now you go on ahead before my brother thinks you¡¯ve already got flushed down the john, Twinny. Love you, ok?¡±


    He heard her very amusedugh at the other end of the line before she replied, ¡°And I love you too, twin. And yes, I would think he¡¯s already calling the maintenance staff to check out what has happened to me. See you¡­¡±


    ¡°Laters¡­¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    And the phone went dead¡­


    But Eron really wished his mobile wasn¡¯t the only thing that went dead right then and there¡­


    ¡°Damn it, Bazooka!¡± he hissed furiously at his dick, which he calls that when he¡¯s alone. ¡°Can you just NOT get HARD for one damned night!¡±


    Of course, he knew the answer to that.


    Eron then jumped into his bed, and ced the nket over himself in ast-ditch effort to keep his fiery passions under control¡­


    Well, the mission failed, unfortunately. And it will continue to fail as long as the widow bathing beside his room does not finish her shower.


    Nope, this is definitely not your day, Mister Eron Camden, sorry¡­


    ¡°DAMN, IT ALL!¡± he eximed and breathed into the fibers of his nket while his hand went straight to his belt buckle¡­ then his zipper¡­


    Then he released¡­ The Kraken¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Diwana, I just can¡¯t help myself¡­¡± Eron whispered to himself as his hand enclosed over his massive throbbing tackle in an effort to release his hard-to-control desires for the bathing woman in the other room. ¡°I just can¡¯t¡­ stop myself¡­¡±


    Eron closed his eyes and allowed his enhanced senses free rein. Just as Daredevil would envision scenes with his sense of smell, hearing and other sensory skills, the former assassin managed to get a mental image of what was happening in the other room.


    And he was totally awestruck, amazed, and overwhelmed by what he was sensing there¡­


    Yes, he would definitely need to ¡®help¡¯ and ¡®relieve¡¯ himself before he ¡®explodes¡¯ on his own.

 DREAM OR REALITY

    ¡°He¡¯s inside his room now¡­¡±


    Try not to think of this as another shower scene that most movies would squeeze into the script even if it didn¡¯t have anything to do with the story. Neither was it a lonely woman¡¯s way to get the attention of a very attractive man who was just at the other side of her wall.


    Actually, it really was Diwana¡¯s habit to take a short shower before going to bed because it helped her sleep more soundly. For some reason though, she hasn¡¯t been able to find a deep enough slumber to fully recharge these past few days.


    No thanks to those damn dreams about a handsome muscled man who had just arrived recently into her life¡­


    Correction, their lives.


    As the warm water continued to flow down her supple silky skin, she found herself smiling at the memory of him eating dinner with her and the kids, along with Jack as their guest. The way that he was joking around with everyone, passing the salt, pepper and what not, all with that charming smile on his face. Even offering to help clear the table and sweep the floor at the end of their meal.


    And everyone was positively reacting to him and everything he did¡­


    Including her¡­Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    The memory of their recently finished dinner came to mind as she continued to soap her curvy tanned torso¡­


    +++


    ¡°So bro, you have a special someone right now? I mean, it¡¯s not something to be ashamed of, since I¡¯m single too.¡±


    She watched as Eron almost choked on his food and then took a quick drink of water as the girls giggled along with her. Somehow Jack¡¯s statement didn¡¯t sound right and judging from her renter¡¯s reaction, he had the same thoughts as they did.


    And he did¡­


    ¡°Jack, please¡­ I told you, you¡¯re not my type so stop offering, ok?¡± Eron replied with a chuckle, as he wiped his mouth with a white embroidered napkin.


    ¡°Damn bro, not in front of the kids!¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Macky said with a toothy grin. ¡°We kinda heard that you were under him when he saved you and Mama from that flying piece of lumber.¡±


    ¡°We think it¡¯s so romantic¡­¡± Erica quipped in with a mischievous tone.


    The two men looked at each other in surprise, then stared at the kids at the same time¡­


    ¡°Who¡¯s WE?¡± the two lumberjacks asked in unison.


    ¡°All of us, haha!¡± squealed Katya. ¡°JOKE!¡±


    Everyoneughed, including the two men, though they sounded a little unsure.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not,¡± Diwa countered, her naughty smile full st. ¡°Is it?¡±


    Moreughter around the table, and this time everyone was truly at ease with the joke. Looks like this would be a running gag in the future and the two muscled males would not hear the end of it.


    Well, at least they won¡¯t be offended by it, based on their reactions.


    ¡°But seriously, do you already have a girlfriend? I don¡¯t see a wedding ring there, brother Eron,¡± Erica asked, surprising the renter with her frankness but mostly for the word ¡°brother¡± that the teenager had added to his name.


    ¡°Nope, he¡¯s not married. His application says he¡¯s single.¡±


    ¡°Hey, out of all the info about me you had to remember THAT part? Now I¡¯m really starting to doubt your true intentions with me bro,¡± joked Eron, trying to shift the topic.


    Jackughed first before retorting, ¡°I know more about you than that, man, and I¡¯m known to be a boss who remembers a lot about his employees, alright.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t our applications supposed to be ssified, BOSS?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go there, bro! Ahahaha!¡±


    ¡°Enough of the jokes. Come on Eron, do you have someone in your life right now?¡±


    ¡°Erica, please¡­. It seems he doesn¡¯t want to answer your question. Please don¡¯t force him.¡±


    Eron was fast to speak out upon seeing the frowns on the youngster¡¯s faces, ¡°No, no it¡¯s ok. I don¡¯t have anyone¡­ right now¡­ Sorry for not answering at once.¡±


    She noticed the city boy nce at her when he paused, but she didn¡¯t want to read into that. But to be honest, she was eagerly waiting for his answer too, which is why her eyes were on him as he replied.


    At the end of his sentence though, he returned his look on her and their eyes connected. Their gazes locked for a while before Jack spoke up, breaking their momentary and unexined link¡­


    ¡°Soe on, bro. Spill the beans! What do you like in a girl¡­?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s WOMAN, dude. I don¡¯t think she¡­ I mean, whoever I choose would be JUST a girl.¡±


    ¡°Wow, such high standards, bro¡­¡±


    ¡°No, not really. I¡¯ve had romantic rtionships before but nothing solid or longsting. Never found the time for it or maybe didn¡¯t put that much effort to keep anyone by my side¡­¡±


    ¡°Maybe you haven¡¯t found the right one¡­¡± said the male teenager opposite him.


    ¡°Maybe¡­¡±


    And once again, Eron¡¯s eyes sought hers.


    This time, she avoided them.


    She¡¯s not supposed to think anything about that. She couldn¡¯t do that to him¡­


    Eron looked into the distance, through the dining room window, before he continued his answer, ¡°I honestly like older women, those who are loving,passionate, responsible and thoughtful. Physically, I prefer them curvaceous, more meat than bones, simple feminine outfits, hardly any make-up, natural long hair¡­¡±


    ¡°Slightly tanned?¡± Katya interrupted with a naughty smirk.


    ¡°Dark brown eyes?¡± Macky spoke up with a sparkling look.


    ¡°Not too tall?¡± Erica meaningfully chirped in. ¡°Like up to your shoulders?¡±


    ¡°Haha! That sounds all so¡­ very specific¡­ Are you guys trying to be matchmakers or something?¡± Jack joked.


    ¡°Alright, enough,¡± Diwa ordered in the middle of Eron¡¯s uneasyughter and the more mirthful ones from everyone else around the table. ¡°Time for dessert, everybody.¡±


    ¡°A, he never got to answer¡­¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t have to, Katya. Especially if he¡¯s forced to do all that because you keep asking him very specific and embarrassing questions.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mind answering, Diwana¡­ I just didn¡¯t know if I should¡­¡±


    Diwa looked at Eron instantly. She could have sworn she heard his voice inside her head.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± the widow asked her boarder who was sitting beside her, a surprised look on his face.


    ¡°Nothing¡­ I didn¡¯t say anything¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mama. I didn¡¯t see him talking¡­¡± the bright-eyed youngest affirmed with her head slightly tilted to the right.


    ¡°Wait¡­ What did you hear me saying, Miss Diwa?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ N-nothing, Eron¡­. I-I¡¯ll just go get the pie from the oven¡­ Kids, get the dessert tes ready.¡±


    The long and lusty cheer from the kids drowned out the thoughts of wonder in her head as she tried to exin to herself what she thought had just happened.


    Maybe, it was just her imagination ying with her. After all, she knew that she was attracted to Eron. It would be crazy for her to deny something so obvious but she would never admit that to anyone else since she couldn¡¯t risk him finding out about her feelings for him.


    But she didn¡¯t dare give him any reason to like her beyond being a friend, like the way Jack and she were. She couldn¡¯t do that to her new boarder and friend. Besides, she¡¯s sure he wouldn¡¯t give her the time of day since she¡¯s practically a nobodypared to the other women he¡¯s obviously met in the city.


    No, why would he want a poor little country mouse with three young ones who were under her care?


    ¡°This is just the best apple pie I¡¯ve ever tasted in my life! It¡¯s even better than the pies from the more popr Michelin-star restaurants in the city¡¯s five-star hotels!¡±


    ¡°Bro, how the hell can you afford that kind of ssy pastry on a security guard¡¯s sry?¡± Jack asked while guffawing.


    ¡°Uhhh¡­ my boss bought me one¡­ for my birthday¡­¡±


    ¡°Nice boss¡­ makes me wonder why you left¡­¡±


    ¡°Already told you, bro¡­e on¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, just don¡¯t expect me to buy pies as a gift for you¡­¡±


    ¡°A, I¡¯m hurt, bro. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll ask Di¡­ uhhh, request Miss Diwa to just cook me pies¡­ I¡¯ll pay for them, too.¡±


    Everyoneughed.


    Her thoughts:You don¡¯t have to¡­ I can cook for you anytime, Eron¡­

 DREAM OR REALITY (PART 2)

    ¡°Did I actually hear it in my head, or was it just that, my imagination?¡±


    As Eron¡¯s hand gripped his massive, rock-hard tackle, he pushed from his head the mental image of the lovely woman taking her bath just a few feet away from him and forced himself to just remember her clothed and proper during dinner. As he brought back that very happy time, including the awkward and embarrassing moments, he suddenly thought of the instant he mentioned her baking pies for him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to¡­ I can cook for you anytime Eron¡­¡± he heard her say¡­


    Or at least, that¡¯s what he thought.


    But her voice was in his head, and he didn¡¯t see her opening her lips either.


    And then even before that, when she was telling everyone, they shouldn¡¯t keep asking him awkward questions, he answered her in his head¡­


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mind answering, Diwana¡­ I just didn¡¯t know if I should¡­¡± he murmured as he reviewed the memory.


    Diwa looked at him then, as if she heard him. She even asked him if he said anything a while back¡­


    His thoughts: What is happening here? All those things Hero told me a while ago¡­ ¡°There¡¯s a lot of unreasonable¡­ unexinable¡­ so many things that will happen to you,¡± he said¡­


    Then his thoughts were interrupted by a sigh¡­


    A familiar feminine one¡­


    Eron could hear that sigh so clearly. It¡¯s as if she was just right beside him on his bed. He knew he really sensed her sigh from the shower but she suddenly felt so near¡­


    His past cellphone call with The Ogre was running through his head again, ¡°The mate bond is amazing, and when you start experiencing it, you don¡¯t go back to the simple, the normal¡­¡±


    He could now smell her!


    Not just her fruity soap or her flower-scented shampoo¡­


    Her hair¡­ her skin¡­ her¡­.


    Soon he was drowning in his senses, all self-control nowpletely lost and abandoned!


    ¡°You¡¯ll feel the urges, and it will be almost impossible to resist them. And I don¡¯t mean only to make love to her, but everything else¡­¡±


    His hand was now gripping and pumping his manhood very tightly and swiftly. Even if he could still hear his colleague¡¯s voice in his head, his mind was focused on the irresistible and delectable female who was bathing at the other side of the wall.


    He could sense her hands touching herrge breasts, her hardening nipples, her wet, slick slit¡­


    ¡°That¡¯s the clearest sign for you to be sure, so you can just¡­ Well, try not to hurt her, ok? And the rest will happen on its own.¡±


    As this reminder shed through his brain, he forced himself to stop what he¡¯s doing, thinking that this was all wrong and it could easily hurt Diwana if she did find out about it. He wouldn¡¯t even know what to say if she ever found out!


    ¡°No, I need to¡­ I can¡¯t¡­¡± Eron gasped as his grip became tighter, his pace went faster and his passions continued to burn even hotter and brighter. ¡°I¡¯m s-sorry¡­ Di¡­ Diwanaaaa¡­¡±


    He kept his voice low as he felt his desires finally explode from his loins.


    The sensations were so strong, he felt his butt rise a few inches off the bed as his leg muscles strained hard against the mattress. His seed spurted forcefully out from his dick¡¯s bulging head, spraying the nket and flowing down his pants and the bed sheet.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Staying in that rigid position for a few seconds as he let his arousal ebb and his breathing slow down, he focused on an image of Diwana smiling at him. He didn¡¯t want to see the rest of her in that same seductive vision under the shower, afraid that he might do what he just did to her again.


    And feel worse because he¡¯s supposed to be protecting her¡­


    Not using her like this!


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m so, so sorry,¡± Eron said as he little by little started to gain control of his senses. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t do this to you after all the kindness you¡¯ve given me. Forgive me. I¡¯ll try my best¡­ not to do it¡­ again.¡±


    He then fell into a deep slumber, no longer aware of anything but sleep.


    +++


    Diwa, right around the same time, was also busy inside the bathroom while she remained under the continuous flow of water. Even if she had already finished her bath, she had stayed inside the ss booth, hoping it would hide the evidence of what she was doing right at that moment.


    She couldn¡¯t help herself, but as she continued to think of the man she heard speaking from the other side of her shower room¡¯s wall, the widow felt that she needed to release her heat.


    And it surprised her, because this has not happened to her, at all, in the past¡­


    She was never a woman who would easily give in to her passions. Truth be told, she never even realized that she had this kind of desire for anyone. It had never been triggered by any man she had ever known before.


    Until this charming man came along¡­


    The fingers on her right hand were now holding one of her breasts and pinching her dark hard nipples, too. She was imagining Eron behind her, standing inside the shower¡¯s zed ss walls as hisrge hands fondled her full boobs, in time to how she was touching herself.


    ¡°Tell me that you want me, Miss Diwana¡­¡±


    ¡°Please, just call me Diwa¡­ And yes, I want you. I want you so much!¡±


    As Eron started fondling her slit, her other hand also started to touch herself between her legs, searching for that small nub of pleasure hidden within her moist and now pulsing folds. Imagining this virile man fondling her in the same ce, she started to sigh as she bit her lip to stop herself from moaning.


    Her thoughts: You shouldn¡¯t hear me¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ let you hear me¡­ Eroooon¡­.


    ¡°No, I need to¡­ I can¡¯t help it¡­¡±


    Her eyes flew open at what she heard inside her head. It¡¯s Eron¡¯s voice again, like when she heard it during dinner, she couldn¡¯t be mistaken. And it seemed as if the man didn¡¯t want what was happening.


    Or was not sure if he should be doing this¡­


    Diwa¡¯s mind was now crying out questions, as her hand kept in time to the visual image of Eron digging his fingers deep into her: Is this really him? Or is this how I project him, as the man who would never waste his time on someone like me? Is this my mind imagining him as I think he is? Or is this truly him and he does not at all¡­ want me¡­ as I want him?


    ¡°I¡¯m s-sorry¡­ Di¡­ Diwanaaaa¡­¡±


    And just as she heard that familiar male voice cry out in her head, she came¡­


    Along with her juices, and her peak, she felt her heart clench painfully. She gasped as her tears flowed with the shower¡¯s spray. Yes, she was indeed pleasured, even satisfied, but her emotions were torn and her thoughts were confused.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m so, so sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°What is happening? Why is his voice in my head?¡± Diwana whispered, feeling suddenly ashamed of what she was doing. ¡°Is this really him? And if it is, does this mean he can never feel anything for me at all?¡±


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t do this to you after all the kindness you¡¯ve given me. Forgive me¡­¡±


    Di turned off the shower and stepped out. Despite the tears, she managed to find her towel with her blurry eyes and she began to wipe herself dry. Even then, she was still talking to herself¡­


    ¡°But isn¡¯t this the right thing, Diwana? Isn¡¯t this what you want? You don¡¯t want him to be cursed because of you, right? You won¡¯t want him suffering as your husband had suffered, or your parents have. You¡¯re the one who said that he shouldn¡¯t take notice of you in that way and that you should just be friends. If what you¡¯re hearing now is really true, then that solves your problem already.¡±


    Then The Charmer¡¯s voice returned, echoing in her mind¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best¡­ not to do it¡­ again¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Eron,¡± Diwa murmured as she started to put on one of her dainty silk sleeping gowns. ¡°If that is really you in my head, you won¡¯t need to worry about doing it to me again. I know you don¡¯t really want me, and you probably just yed along with what I wanted. But yes, it¡¯s better that you just don¡¯t¡­ do this again and I won¡¯t do this again too¡­ For your own sake.¡±


    Half an hourter, even while she tried to fall asleep, Diwana decided to leave her bed because she was still wide awake and she knew she wouldn¡¯t fall asleep so easily no matter what she did.


    Not with these thoughts in her head¡­


    The unhappy woman took one of her red satin robes and wrapped it around her, ready to start cooking the meals that she nned to sell to the lumberyard tomorrow. She realized that it was still too early to prepare her dishes, but she couldn¡¯t think of anything else to do to get herself sleepy enough so she could go back to bed.


    ¡°I¡¯m better off doing this than thinking about what had just happened. Besides, it¡¯s too weird to be true and it¡¯s not fair that I think of Eron that way. It¡¯s not right,¡± she muttered as she started slicing vegetables. ¡°It¡¯s just not right¡­¡±


    Speaking of what¡¯s not right¡­


    About 20 meters or more from the house¡¯s fence, a mysterious shadow was sitting high up in the trees and was observing the widow from far away through one of the Vi¡¯s kitchen windows. He was a masked man dressed in ck from head to toe¡­


    In his hands were a pair of powerful binocrs that were trained on the Wolf widow, who remained unaware of her unwanted and unknown observer.


    And after a few minutes, he unzipped his pants and started masturbating at the sight of the woman in the window.

 ACCIDENTAL OFFERINGS

    ¡°I am now swiftly LOSING PATIENCE with you my darling wife, so you better start exining yourself for this uneptable behavior!¡±


    The governor had to get dressed in a sleeping robe, and then dragged Chin from his bedroom to the dining room area of his suite, just so the woman wouldn¡¯t wake up all his sexual partners as she continued to make a scene. Bren followed them, like any normal servant would, and stayed quietly in the background around a few steps away from the quarreling pair.


    ¡°You heard me, Ed! I am STILL YOUR WIFE and we had a deal that I will still be part of your ¡®activities¡¯ when I¡¯m in your house. Why was I NOT INVITED to join your ORGY?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me, but I believe you broke the agreement first when you didn¡¯t invite me to your little ¡®soiree¡¯ with one of my swimming pool attendants! That is him with you, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    The woman with the longish face suddenly looked behind her, realizing toote that she had asked Bren to follow her to her husband¡¯s bedroom. ¡°Well¡­ he¡¯s wearing a bathrobe because¡­ he just came from your pool and was walking towards your room when I saw him and¡­¡±


    ¡°With him wearing The Right Hand¡¯s robe? I recognize that bathrobe since I ordered it, especially for him. And those are his initials in ck thread, right? A for Aaron and K for Keizer, right?


    ¡°Wha¡­ I-I mean¡­ well, he probably¡­ Fine! I did have him but only for one round!¡±


    ¡°If I ask him how many times you had him since you arrived, I¡¯m sure he will tell me the truth. When he does, and I¡¯m sure it¡¯s not just one round, you might lose the promised bonus I was nning to give you. Do you really want to keep lying to me, my sweet and precious wife?¡±


    Chin¡¯s exnations were cut short by her husband¡¯s threat and the rage returned to her eyes. But you could also feel the defeat reflected in how she stood and the way she was wringing her hands.


    ¡°Alright¡­ ALRIGHT! GUH! I WISH I NEVER GAVE YOU THAT POWERFUL PROTECTION TALISMAN! ARGH! OK, I admit it! I had him more than once! I just didn¡¯t like the idea of you having all the fun while I¡¯m just in your mansion.¡±


    ¡°Well, tit for tat, Chin. And may I remind you that this is still my house and I didn¡¯t invite you here so you can partake in my little party. If my memory serves me right, you¡¯re here to tell me if the Right Hand is truly alive and where he could possibly be.¡±


    ¡°And I already told you he is and that I need more time to find him using my enchantments! That can¡¯t be done in just a few hours, Ed! We¡¯ve been together long enough for you to be familiar with my ways and you know that it won¡¯t be easy to locate him despite me having all of his things!¡±


    ¡°Alright, fair enough. So, what do you want to do?¡±


    The lividdy, now a little calmer, fell silent. From the look on her face, it was clear that she was deliberating what she wanted to say, making sure that she covered all the bases for her to finish her task effectively.


    ¡°I want all Aaron¡¯s things packed and delivered to my mansion. I¡¯ll choose a room there that I can convert to mimic his room in the best way possible. I want servants to do the packing, the move, and the setting up. And I also want your pool servant to go with me. I need someone who was here in the mansion when your handsome little assassin was still here for my spells to work more effectively.¡±


    Brenner swallowed hard upon hearing the mistress¡¯ demands. He didn¡¯t expect to be part of that list¡­


    ¡°Yes, Bren was already here when our little assassin became part of The Left Hand¡¯s group. He even assisted and served The Right Hand when he was ¡®entertainingpany¡¯ in his room. So yes, it¡¯s best that you bring him with you since I can¡¯t spare The Left Hand right now. He¡¯s practically taken over both roles ¨C his and Aaron¡¯s ¨C in my organization.¡±


    Bren was now sweating a little upon hearing the governor¡¯s answer. But he hated Mrs. Kagu¡¯s reply even more¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother offering Hero to me. This¡­ boy¡­ will do nicely. You know how much I detest that man. And I still believe he cannot be trusted, husband dearest, and should be observed. He may even have something to do with the Right Hand¡¯s disappearance.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps¡­ but unless you have proof, which you have never presented to me by the way, then there is no real reason for me to doubt his loyalty to our causes. Now, I will make calls for your requests to bepleted before the sun rises. Meanwhile, because you have been ¡®behaved¡¯ I will still give you your bonus and allow you to join us in our orgy.¡±


    ¡°Really? Oh, thank you, husband dearest¡­¡±


    ¡°And Bren, you will join us too. Don¡¯t bother packing. We will be providing you with your things. Now, we feast¡­¡±


    Of course, Brenner knew that the governor wasn¡¯t just talking about the buffet table. He was just thankful that he wouldn¡¯t be servicing Mistress Chin alone. It was the perfect way to release the stress that he was feeling now over everything that he heard from the governor and his wife.


    His thoughts: ¡°DAMN! So, I will have to fuck her every day until I return here? And what about my duties as an informant to The Ogre? Well, it would be a better option that I spy on the Mistress since no one is assigned to her yet. I really need to let H know about this so we can find a recement for me here.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me, young man? Will it be the bed or the buffet table first?¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Bren looked at the jiggling, wriggling mass that was now converging on the whore that he had been servicing since this afternoon, and he was quite quick to answer the politician¡¯s question¡­


    ¡°The buffet table, Sir¡­¡±


    The governor¡¯s lustful grin slowly spread on his unappealing face. ¡°Yes, I was hoping you would choose that. Shall we? I¡¯m starving myself.¡±


    Bren smiled, even while he hid his cringing face from the spindly man, who put his arm around the server¡¯s waist while leading him to the table.


    This was going to be one torturous and tiring night for the pool waiter, for sure.

 ADDITIONAL ACCIDENTAL OFFERINGS

    ¡°Ugh, what just happened¡­ Damn, fell asleep when I should have been fixing my stuff¡­¡±


    Eron wasn¡¯t at all happy when he woke up and it¡¯s not just that he lost precious time because he slept. To his horror, he realized that the mess he made with his ¡°release¡± had now steeped into the nket, the bed sheet, and his jeans.


    It had even dried into hardened patches here and there.


    ¡°Shit, I would need to wash this off myself. No way am I letting Diwana or any of the kids see this in theundry.¡±


    He stood up from the bed and started to get naked, deciding that he should take a bath first to clean himself up and clear his head. However, as he slowly moved towards his private bathroom, he suddenly had an idea¡­


    ¡°Hell yeah, that could work! Two birds with one stone¡­¡±


    He then picked up his soiled clothes and dumped them in the shower stall. Running back to the bed stark naked, he stripped the bed sheets and nket off the mattress, rolled them up together and threw them on top of his pants.


    As a finishing touch to his n, he rummaged through his campsite things ¨C which were still a cluttered mess in one corner of the room ¨C and found a travel soap along with some shampoo sachets from one of the many roadside motels that he stayed in on his way to the vige.


    ¡°Yeah, I think this might work.¡±


    Armed with one of the clean towels left by the girls on top of a tall antique dresser earlier that day, Eron then went into the ss-lined stall and turned the shower on, not bothering with heating. He let the cold water flow down his body, which ended up being absorbed by the linen under his heels. As the water slightly pooled below, he then started to shampoo his hair.


    Then he started to stomp on the clothes and bed linen with his feet.


    He then continued to soap his well-defined abs and muscr chest, letting the water rinse the suds off him and onto the nket, bed sheet, and pants below.


    ¡°Haha, it IS working. Congrats to me, for being such a genius,¡± Eron said to himself as he continued tother up the soap that he had just used all over his tanned, hairy and sinewy body.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to hang these things up to dry somewhere. I believe there are a couple of clotheslines at the side of the house. Need to be careful though that no one sees me hanging these up in the middle of the night or I might have some exining to do. Good thing that everyone is sure to be asleep now.¡±


    Just at that moment, he suddenly caught the scent of something he didn¡¯t expect. He¡¯s not even really sure of it, since he did just finish himself off because of a certain woman taking a bath in the shower just opposite his.


    However, what he was smelling underneath the mild soap and shampoo scent was very real to his mind.


    ¡°Is that¡­ her cum? What the¡­ It can¡¯t be¡­¡±


    Then, at the same moment, he had another surprising revtion even while he was still wet and slippery¡­


    His room and hers were identical.


    In size¡­ the position of the beds¡­ the number of windows¡­ the furnishings of the bathroom¡­


    When he entered her room a while back to get his first rental receipt from her, he was able to see her bedroom¡¯s size andyout then. He was able to see everything¡­


    Well, not really everything¡­Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    But he did see that her bathroom¡¯s cement was just parallel to his, with just the bedroom wall between them. And based on what he sensed a while back, his bathroom was the photo-negative of hers.


    The old w foot bathtub in the other corner¡­ the john near the door¡­ The antique copper sink and tiled vanity lining one wall¡­


    And her shower was just right in front of his¡­


    Yin and yang¡­


    This made absolute sense when you consider that thisyout would make it easier to install plumbing and drainage if you ced bathrooms opposite each other when on the same floor. The same principle applied when they were ced one on top of the other when on separate floors.


    He would know since he was a natural tinkerer.


    And what he was smelling wasing from the drainage of his shower room, which was basically connected to hers.


    ¡°She masturbated while she was showering? It would make sense but¡­¡± he muttered, then shook his head spraying the booth¡¯s wall with shower water. ¡°Eron, stop it! It¡¯s normal that she would¡­ After all, she had lost her husband and must be very hard for her to¡­ OK, stop thinking that it¡¯s all about you¡­ It¡¯s not, you jerk and you¡¯re so full of yourself to even think that. JUST. STOP. IT!¡±


    Hurriedly, he continued his ¡®footundering¡¯ and finished his bath. Stepping out of the ss cubicle, he toweled himself off, wrapped the slightly wet towel around his waist then started twisting the linens in the shower room to remove their excess water.


    After checking everything to make sure that the hardened patches were gone, he gave everything ast strong wringing then rolled them tightly to make them easier to carry.


    ¡°Have to make sure that everybody is asleep first before I go out to the yard. Now do I dress up or just go like this?¡±


    He decided to just tighten the towel around his waist and then just step out of his room as is. Of course, he did sniff the air from behind his door before he peeked into the corridor.


    The coast is clear¡­


    Stepping into therge hallway, he used his enhanced hearing along with his sharp sense of smell to find the kids¡¯ current locations. The girls¡¯ soft breathing he could hear from their bedroom while Macky¡¯s snoring could also be hearding from another room next to his sisters¡¯.


    And his sense of smell confirmed all this but then he realized he couldn¡¯t hear Diwana¡­


    ¡°Maaaan, she¡¯s not in her room. I was so engrossed in smelling her heat in the bathroom that I didn¡¯t even notice it. Geez Eron, priorities! How the hell can you be her protector when you can¡¯t even tell if she¡¯s safe in her bedroom or not? You¡¯re useless, you know that?¡±


    Even while The Charmer was angrily berating himself, he was already creeping towards the stairs, his muscled thighs bulging to make sure he was tiptoeing quietly. That¡¯s when he suddenly heard the sharp sound of hot bubbling can oil and the smell of frying meat.


    ¡°Cooking? At this hour? Well, at least she¡¯s safe inside the house. And she better not see me right now¡­ Not like this¡­¡±


    He moved back into his room in a blur, expertly using his wolfspeed silently and stealthily. It took him just a minute to dress up in a ck wife beater and his favorite dark blue running shorts since he never did use underwear. He didn¡¯t even bother putting on shoes this time since it wasn¡¯t needed.


    Speaking of dressing up, our male protagonist was so focused on trying to hide from Diwana, while putting on clothes to go out, that he didn¡¯t realize he had left something lying on the hallway.


    His towel¡­


    Still unaware of his ¡°loss¡±, Eron decided to use one of therge and long zed ss windows in his room as a means to exit the house to avoid being detected.


    Upon standing on the window¡¯s ledge, the three wet rolls of freshly washed items under his arm, he stealthily leapt from the second floor and smoothlynded on the ground, superhero style. The grass and soil easily muffled his descent and the clotheslines were now just a few feet away from him, too.


    ¡°Bingo!¡± he muttered as he rushed towards the tight and taut nylon lines hanging high above the ground. ¡°Oh, and they even have clothespins here on the lines. Nice! Better make this quick¡­¡±


    He was already hanging thest of hisundered things ¨C which were his pants ¨C when he heard movement from the backdoor. Knowing who was the only other person that was still awake at that time, and suddenly realizing that she might possibly see him if she stepped onto the patio that circled the house, he finished his task quickly.


    Then jumped up high with a mighty leap so he could get back to his window¡¯s ledge while avoiding the first-floor ledge altogether¡­


    It only took him a few seconds to find a new set of bed covers and nkets in the same dresser drawer, fix up his bed, wash his feet in the bathroom, go naked ¨C since he slept in the nude ¨C and finally rest.


    Not sleeping yet, though¡­


    He wanted to be sure that Diwana would be back in her bedroom by the time he got some shut-eye.


    Willing all his senses to be on maximum level, he focused his attention on the corridor outside his room and on her bedroom. Soon enough, he heard her going up the stairs, pausing midway to her room in the hallway, then walking to her door.


    Within a few minutes, he could hear her soft and slow breathing showing him that she was finally asleep.


    He then allowed himself to fall into a deep slumber, unaware of two incidents that had just happened outside his room¡­


    First: Diwana was indeed asleep on her bed but she was hugging a slightly wet bath towel. Obviously, she dozed into dreand with the fantasy of how that towel got lost in the hallway and wanted to be there when it happened.


    Second: There was someone who did see the former assassin exiting the house and hanging hisundry up and this mystery man had taken pictures silently in the dark. Too bad for him, there was not enough light for his mobile camera to work, since he didn¡¯t dare use a sh at that time.


    But he was definitely sure of what he saw, and his suspicions were now being proven to be true.


    He just needed to find and record more proof¡­


    And he intended to do that as soon as possible.

 A MATE’S MEMORY LANE

    ¡°So, what do you think, Princess? Maybe our next date night we can do something more intimate¡­ or did you like the surprise I got for you?¡± Virgil smiled widely, knowing the answer that she was going to give him.


    His mate was shining like a star.


    The wide smile that she got when Antoine suggested for them to look down towards the amazing view of the castle, didn¡¯t disappear for the whole night. And now that he had her wrapped in his arms, sitting on the same aircraft, seeing her eyes sparkle, and her bodypletely rxed; he couldn¡¯t help but feel amazing himself.


    Not that he didn¡¯t like the presentations or the art exhibitions, but mostly his eyes were on her reactions, her surprise, her approval and disapproval. He even gave his attention to the way her dress suited her skin color, which allowed him to see the exact amount of skin for him to easily imagine his hands under the soft fabric, touching her even softer, supple, and seductive body.


    ¡°I think you did great with your choice,¡± she assured him, as she got closer and gently kissed him. ¡°The night¡¯s been amazing, love, and I¡¯m really thankful for what you did.¡±


    ¡°And what was that? Getting tickets? It wasn¡¯t really difficult, you know-¡±


    ¡°No, mate, I mean remembering this and what it means to me. I really appreciate it¡­¡± she said, slightly shy, even after all those years. ¡°Do you really think of me that much?¡±


    ¡°Of course I do, beautiful,¡± he said, pulling her closer to him and kissing her, even more hungrily and passionately than before, making her smile a different kind of smile.


    Her hands wrapped around his waist as he let his fingers slide from her neck, all the way down to her hip, grabbing and squeezing her butt cheek.


    ¡°Uh¡­ I¡¯m sorry to interrupt once again. We¡¯vended at the packhouse,¡± Antoine cut in, his smirk still clear in his voice. ¡°We¡¯re already back at home.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Antoine. you did a great job today,¡± Virgil said, reluctant to let go of his wife¡¯s body.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stay up toote, Antoine, you need rest!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Alpha, and I won¡¯t, Luna. I wish you well for the rest of the night,¡± Antoine said, watching how his very strong, relentless, and tough Alpha took his mate in his arms and walked with her towards the house¡¯s rooftop entrance.


    Their answer was not needed since V and his Helena was alreadypletely focused on each other.


    Not minding the rest of the world, Virgil walked down the stairs and opened the door to their apartment, still holding her, until they got to their veryrge private bathroom. Upon entering, he put her down and opened the hot water to fill up the Jacuzzi.


    ¡°I knew the night was not yet finished,¡± she smiled.


    ¡°Oh no, I can¡¯t go to bed like this,¡± he said as he got close to her, cupping her face with one hand and pulling her tight against him while his free hand held her around her waist.


    As she leaned against him. she could feel his throbbing manhood through the thin fabric of her dress.


    ¡°Mmmmm, definitely notining,¡± she nuzzled him and started kissing the side of his neck then biting his earlobe.


    His hands ran wild looking for the fastest means to get her dress out of the way, and going crazy because he couldn¡¯t find out fast enough.


    Helena giggled. She was very pleased because she did want her man to get even hungrier.


    ¡°I wonder if this time he¡¯ll get to the point of shredding the dress from my body. I kinda love it when he gets like that,¡± she thought, slowly moving her hips against him, sliding her teeth on the skin of his neck, all the way down to that spot between his strong neckline and shoulder, where her mark on him was.


    She bit harder on that same spot, making him groan.


    ¡°Got it!¡± he whispered triumphantly when his right hand found the dress¡¯ hidden zipper. He slid down his hand, pulling the small metal piece downwards, and then carefully pulled the fabric off her.


    He took a look at his almost naked, beautiful wife, whose only garment left on her body was a very small, signature, ck-transparentce hip hugger panty with a bow right above her butt cheeks.


    Like a present for him, that he was dying to open and dive into.


    His hands got under the silken cloth and he strongly pulled both sides as he growled low right into her ear¡­


    ¡°Thank you for my gift, beautiful,¡± he said in a whisper, giving her the most pleasant chills. ¡°Sorry about the wrapper though, but I¡¯m getting a bit¡­ anxious here¡­¡±


    ¡°d that this time it wasn¡¯t my dress,¡± she moaned. ¡°And d to see you still want me,¡± she said shyly, looking down for a second.


    He suddenly paused, hearing what she said.


    V bent a bit to look into her eyes, and spoke with surety, still sweet, but strong, ¡°Beautiful, I will never stop wanting you¡­ besides, you say it like it¡¯s been a century or more¡­ we¡¯ve been together for barely nine years!¡±


    ¡°Nine years, handsome¡­ guys get bored of their partners very easily,¡± she replied, smiling at the way her man said years as if it was days or even minutes.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ partners¡­ guys¡­ we¡¯re not just partners, baby, we¡¯re mates. And I¡¯m not just any guy. I¡¯m your man¡­ Only yours, to please you and make you happy in all thinkable and possible ways. That¡¯s my pleasure and honor¡­¡± he answered intensely, kissing her suddenly and making her giggle. ¡°Now¡­ where were we?¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Their bodies tangled in hugs and caresses as she was now the one who hurriedly pulled away his tie and almost tore open the ck Italian shirt that he was wearing. In any other circumstance, this was one of her favorites and would have been handled gently.


    Not this time, though¡­


    I¡¯m d you two are back because I need to talk to my son.


    A very familiar voice rumbled in both their heads and for a second, they still tried to ignore it.


    Helena was already fighting her V¡¯s belt when the voice resounded in their minds once again.


    Virgil, I need to talk to you. NOW. Don¡¯t make me go and pay you a visit. I¡¯ll be at your Packhouse¡¯s office waiting for you. You have ten minutes or I¡¯ll go and see you in your suite, regardless of whatever state you are in or whatever you¡¯re presently doing.


    And with that, the mood waspletely killed.


    Helena smiled at her disgruntled mate, hugging him tighter for one second and then kissing his lips, now with more love than lust.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, my love, I promise you, I won¡¯t go anywhere. I¡¯ll have a bath and then wait for you in bed. If the urgent matter that we know he wants to discuss doesn¡¯t take that long, you might even find me in the Jacuzzi,¡± she smirked. ¡°But the sooner you go, the sooner you¡¯ll be back, handsome, so just go.¡±


    ¡°Damn it, and I can¡¯t even tell him why I did what I did¡­¡±


    ¡°Maybe you can¡¯t tell your father everything, but you can tell him what you think of this situation, like you told me. Even maybe negotiate with him. I know that he has changed in thest few years, getting colder towards you guys, but¡­ maybe,¡± she said, leaning against the ck, zed porcin tiles of the bathroom wall while her man put his shirt back on and fixed himself up to go see his father.


    ¡°Maybe¡­ we¡¯ll see. For now,¡± he said, leaning his whole body against hers, pressing her against the tiles and taking her wrists in his hands. ¡°I have a harder task.¡±


    ¡°What task, love?¡± she said, feeling how the sparks that ignited his touch spread all over her body and easily turned her on once again, even if she tried to fight it.


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to leave my naked wife alone in our bathroom,¡± he said, kissing her lips, biting her neck, and ending up licking her hard nipples. ¡°Damn it, it¡¯s getting harder and harder to¡­¡±


    ¡°I noticed,¡± she giggled, ¡°and I love what you¡¯re doing, but really, I don¡¯t want your father visiting us in his current mood on our date night¡­ Please baby, go and finish that at once, then we can finish the day with something more¡­ pleasant,¡± she gently crooned while winking at him.


    And with his wife¡¯s promise of something better forter, he put all his willpower to let go of her.


    ¡°Okay. Okay. I¡¯m going now¡­¡± he said with a sigh, leaving the bathroom without looking back, but hearing how she threw a kiss at him as he walked away.


    ¡°Thank you, Father, I hope you don¡¯t start with the ¡®Why don¡¯t you have children yet?¡¯ when you keep interrupting us as we¡¯re about to make love.¡± V deeply sighed in frustration as he steeped out of their Packhouse suite.


    She let out a long sigh and got herself in the hot water of the jetted,rge bathtub, pouring a good amount of bubble bath soap and turning on the jets at the second lowest speed to create some bubbles.


    ¡°Now, it¡¯s funny that V remembered how long we¡¯ve been together,¡± she said with a grin and allowing herself a look back at how everything started.

 A MATE’S MEMORY LANE (PART 2)

    ¡°Helena! Come downstairs, you have a visitor!¡± her mother said right at the bottom of the stairs, as she stood on the first floor of therge house.


    It was not even a week after her 18th birthday, and she and her wolf, Kira had been spending all the time they could getting to know each other during this time.


    ¡°Who is it Mom?¡± she asked aloud,pletely sure that she was not expecting any visitors. In fact, Helena was the social but distant kind of girl. Many people knew her and got along with her, but not a tenth of them talked to her outside of the very impersonal environments that they shared, which were mainly elementary, middle, and high school.


    And, to make it more interesting, at the time, all of her three friends were already sleeping at that hour, so she knew it wouldn¡¯t be any of them.


    ¡°There¡¯s a boy at the door, and insists that he¡¯s your friend. He said that he needs to talk to you,¡± thedy said to her daughter with a very thick ent. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen him before, Cara¡­ Vai bambina, presto. Lui ¨¨ molto bello e se lo fai aspettare, quando uscirai sar¨¤ preso da un¡¯altra donna.¡±


    ¡°Mama che dici? Perch¨¦ un uomo cos¨¬ dovrebbe cercarmi?¡± Helena retorted, still in her room.


    ¡°We have to go see him,¡± Kira said to her loudly and had been the most uneasy she¡¯d ever seen her.


    They were barely getting used to each other, but she could easily notice that her wolf¡¯s behavior waspletely out of the ordinary.


    ¡°Kira¡­ we were minding our own business, and I really would like us to stay like that. I don¡¯t believe we know him, and I¡¯m not interested in just any guy¡­ we¡¯re supposed to have a mate¡­ aren¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯re not really used to pack life because your father keeps moving because of his work, but I strongly suggest that we must go AND. MEET. HIM!¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright¡­ COMING!¡± she said to her mother, and her wolf at the same time.


    ¡°By the way, did you notice that funny smell? It¡¯s like¡­ incense¡­¡± Helena sniffed. ¡°Like pine woods, but¡­ very gentle¡­forting, not strong like when my mom turns that scent thing on and I feel like she¡¯s trying to choke me¡­ and it¡¯s mixed with something¡­ I think it¡¯s chocte¡­ like you know, the bitter kind of chocte¡­? But it can¡¯t be¡­ or maybe someone is smoking hookah around here,¡± she said to her wolf who was not paying the least attention to her.


    Helena shrugged her shoulders, and finally got dressed in more than her underwear, which she was just wearing a few minutes before. Now she was wearing very short blue denim shorts and an oversized white blouse with a dreamcatcher and a howling gray wolf on the left side. She kept her socks on instead of wearing her shoes, and she wore her hair in a tall messy bun as she walked down the stairs.


    ¡°Mama, stai facendo i biscotti?¡± she asked as soon as she got downstairs.


    ¡°No Cara, perch¨¦?¡±


    ¡°Because the whole house smells like¡­ choco¡­te?¡± She finally turned towards the door.


    He was older than her, that she could tell, and his light and well-trimmed beard made him look even older.


    She walked towards him, making an inhuman effort not to show the signs that she was strongly feeling the mate bond.


    ¡°Hello. You¡¯re looking for me?¡±


    ¡°I am, and I¡¯m very pleased to find you,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t know what was appropriate for the asion, so I brought a bottle of wine¡­ for your family,¡± the very handsome man extended the expensive-looking bottle that her mother rushed to take.


    ¡°Helena, why are you still seeing your visitor out here? Please,e sit in the living room,¡± the slimdy, dressed in a cream flowery short sunny dress with very long, ck, straight hair and the greenest eyes that the visitor had seen said enthusiastically as she pulled both of them inside the house and left them standing in the living room.


    To Helena¡¯s surprise, she was not protesting over her mother¡¯s embarrassing matchmaking manners.


    No, it wasn¡¯t the bottle of wine or the expensive clothes that he was wearing.


    Helena¡¯s family was in a very good economic position, so her mother wasn¡¯t gold-digging. The matriarch was sincerely hoping that her daughter found her mate, and the biggest hint for this eager mother was the question her daughter had recently asked about a strong smell inside the house.


    It was very hard for Mrs. Altieri not to take a peek or eavesdrop, but this was a very important moment for her daughter, and she couldn¡¯t allow herself to ruin it.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    That is if her motherly gut feeling was indeed correct.


    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± Helena apologized as she blushed, still standing in the middle of the living room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She seems to be very strong, cheerful and energetic. I actually like her,¡± he replied calmly.


    Helena smiled at his positivement. Not everybody understood the ways of her mom, but she was the most well-intentioned person in the world. She was secretly happy that the handsome man that was making the world shake under her feet, seemed to understand that.


    She walked to the sofa, sat and extended her hand inviting the stranger to sit with her.


    He smiled and took her invitation.


    ¡°Pardon my question, but what were you talking about in Italian? I believe I understood a couple of phrases, but it¡¯s too funny to believe it¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, my mother believes that you¡¯re really handsome, and warned me that if I let you stay out the door for too long, someone else would have already taken you when I¡¯vee out to greet you. I guess you noticed that she likes to y matchmaker¡­ but it¡¯s the first time hat she tried it with me¡­ I wonder what happened for her to act like that¡­¡±


    ¡°No coincidences,¡± he muttered.


    She looked at him a little weirded out, perfectly hearing what he said, but not very sure that she should ask about it. After all, he was a stranger.


    And now that she thought about it, she was so focused on him that¡­ she forgot about him being¡­


    ¡°By the way,¡± she said, blushing due to the small mistake in manners that she hoped he¡¯d oversee. ¡°What¡¯s your name? Uh¡­ and, why are you looking for me?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± he said even more embarrassed, noticing that he forgot the most basic part of what he had to do upon first meeting her.


    ¡°Damn it, Virgil, what the hell¡­¡±


    ¡°Kodan, can you not do what you always do, right now?¡± It seemed it wasn¡¯t enough for him to beat himself over his error but his wolf Kodan had to add to it.


    ¡°It was pretty simple. We¡¯ve been practising for days already!¡± Kodan reminded him, his wolf¡¯s voice echoing in his head again.


    ¡°My name is Virgil, and uh¡­ I needed to meet you,¡± the twenty-two-year-old and inexperienced V said to his mate.


    ¡°That¡¯s it!? What¡¯s about what we repeated for hours in front of the mirror!?¡± Kodan spurted once again deep inside his head.


    ¡°So why would you¡­ need to do¡­ that?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I¡­¡± he said, trying hard to continue. ¡°I¡­ the ce where you applied for work a few days ago¡­ I was there, and I thought you were a really interesting person,¡± V finished, trying to avoid making more of a mess with his lines.


    ¡°You were there? At the Silverw Enterprises building?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡­ yeah¡­¡±


    ¡°And you got my address by bribing an employee? Threatened? This is getting weirder; you know?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ Helena¡­ I¡¯m your mate¡­¡± he said, immediately feeling his own face getting hot and red.


    And finally, for just a moment, she shut up.

 FATHER AND SONS

    ¡°My¡­ mate?¡±


    Comfortably reclined in the bathtub, with some soft instrumental music as a background, Helena was still very much focused on that moment when she saw her man for the first time, so handsome, so sweet, that she couldn¡¯t help but smile and allow herself to rx and continue to remember.


    +++


    ¡°Well¡­ yeah¡­ I know that you¡¯re aware you¡¯re a werewolf, of course, because I¡­¡± he had to stop himself once again from telling her that the application on Silverw Enterprises was reviewed by him since he was the one who was going to be her boss, and he didn¡¯t think she would be the type to like that sort of approach¡­


    ¡°Can you imagine, V? Day one at work, she stays at the office door, looks at you and sniffs, then turns back and leaves. We can¡¯t let that happen,¡± Kodan had convinced him of that.


    ¡°I could bet our tail, bro, she won¡¯t like that kind of story¡­ Besides, look at her, I don¡¯t believe she¡¯s looking for a job because she needs the money¡­¡± the wolf said, literally making young Virgil unceremoniously scan thedy that was being interviewed not far from where they were standing, her smell still intoxicating them, as they looked, almost hypnotized, at her. From head to toe her clothes were Italian signature, and a couple of inches of slits on both sides of her pencil skirt, which wasn¡¯t even short, made them drool like they were poisoned.


    ¡°Kodan, since when, my dear wolf, do you have any knowledge of women?¡± Virgil said, making an effort to control himself.


    ¡°Virgil, she¡¯s not just any woman, she¡¯s our mate! I can feel her¡­ remember the mate bond?¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay, Mr. Brainy¡­ I hope you have a n¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I do,¡± his wolf assured him. ¡°I always do¡­¡±


    And Virgil trusted the n until he was standing at the door of therge Altieri house, listening to his future mother-inw, or who he hoped would be, yell at his mate toe downstairs because a guy she¡¯d never seen before, but who had scanned her over already, was at the door.


    ¡°Damn you, Kodan¡­ What the hell was I thinking?¡± V told his wolf while looking at the awkward scene unfold in front of him.


    ¡°Trust me, okay? Aren¡¯t you the powerful Alpha of the infamous Silverw Pack? The next leader of the Camden n?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ You know father is still unsure¡­ even if my brother and I keep trying our best to please him, he¡¯s still unsure of us. Even unsure of me if I should receive the title, and that¡¯s after he¡¯s trained me for that role during my entire lifetime¡­ Eron will be 18 next month, and father¡¯s expectations of him are now very high¡­ Kodan, I feel father changing¡­ he¡¯s not the same man that I knew when we were kids¡­¡±


    But right then and there, the youngdy that was his mate finally came downstairs and looked at him, and he felt an almost maic impulse to go to her, hug her, and never let her go.


    An impulse he did his best to resist¡­ especially since she didn¡¯t look like she felt the same for him.


    And all that passed through Virgil¡¯s mind that very second, and he had to stop before telling her how he got to know about her¡­


    But sitting in her living room, face to face, a few inches from each other, she was looking at him like he was a creep who bribed his way to get her personal information.


    ¡°Helena, I¡­ damn¡­okay, you know what? The best thing I can do is toe clean¡­ my wolf made me rehearse all my lines, but I don¡¯t think that would work,¡± he said, throwing his act to the winds.


    He was not good at acting, but that actually worked to his advantage because his admission earned the first smile from her. It was that kind of smile that he would keep making constant efforts to get from her through the years.


    ¡°Rehearse? Why would you need something like that?¡±


    ¡°I know, right?¡± was V¡¯s answer, more towards his wolf than to her¡­ ¡°But ok¡­ I¡¯ll¡­ tell you this¡­ as I should have from the beginning¡­ I am Virgil Camden, the oldest son of Alpha Henkjan Camden, leader of the n Camden in Silverw¡¯s pack. I saw you at thepany because I have a position there, and I would have been your boss. My wolf Kodan said you wouldn¡¯t like to find out that your boss is your mate, so he convinced me to pay you a visit and tell you that you¡¯re our mate first. And I think¡­ that¡¯s all I can¡­ say for now¡­¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    She stayed speechless once again, sitting by his side and looking at him with a puzzled expression.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll have to thank your wolf,¡± she finally said after an eternal pause that almost killed Virgil. ¡°It was a very good assessment, I gotta say¡­ I¡¯m Helena Altieri. I¡¯m Italian, and we left our pack for a simpler life when I was just a baby, so I really don¡¯t know anything about pack life. For some reason, my parents don¡¯t talk too much about it, not even when teaching me about celebrations and history, or while exining to me what we are¡­ by the way, isn¡¯t it true that an Alpha is usually paired with a very strong and prepared female? I mean, I don¡¯t see myself like that.¡±


    ¡°Depends on the pack. Some Alphas do get married out of convenience, some for money, some to join the packs¡­ but I found my mate¡­ I¡¯m 22 and I didn¡¯t get married before, for any of those reasons. I hope I¡¯m not being too forward, but I¡¯m really happy that I found you, mate¡­¡±


    And there were hardly any more honest words than those he said.


    She smiled widely at him, who seemed to be as happy as a puppy who had seen his owner and was wiggling his tail at them.


    His eyes shone bright, and only by her mere existence, he felt proud of who she was.


    His father would have his doubts about her, and the fact that she was not even aware of a Luna¡¯s duties to her pack. But that was a very different story¡­

 FATHER AND SONS ONCE AGAIN

    Meanwhile, Virgil walked, focused and determined, thinking over and over again about ways to tell his father how things really were. Also, in the back of his mind, a thought, encouraged by his beloved mate, was opening a way and was threatening toe out.


    If it only had the chance to¡­


    V, the loving mate, was a very different man from Virgil the friend, the business partner, and even more so, different from Alpha Virgil Camden. He¡¯s known by many as a coolly calcting, ruthless man and that¡¯s why many thought his only bnce was his mate.


    This is a reputation he¡¯d have to maintain especially, if not more so, with his father, who long ago had stopped being the loving patriarch of the two boys. His senior has now be a proud man only worried about position, money, lineage, and appearances, and was warmed by very, very few things.


    Virgil opened the double doors of his office, and walked in tall and proud, almost as if marking his territory.


    The man he found inside, tall as him, and muscr too, was looking out therge office window towards the faraway city lights, down the valley that rested at the feet of the mountain where the veryrge packhouse was located.


    His back was towards the door, but his sharp, enhanced wolf senses knew perfectly where his son was, even before he opened that door.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for interrupting your mating night,¡± he carelessly said. ¡°You could have taken a shower. I can smell it on you.¡±


    ¡°What is the point of this request, father? I know you didn¡¯t urge me away from my mate just to tell me that I smell like sex.¡±


    The former Alpha turned towards his son, both men with very serious expressions. His hazel irises, more green than brown, looked immediately at the deep blue of Virgil¡¯s. Both pairs of eyes were cold like ice, and both were a perpetual reminder of people that were no longer with them, but whom they were not intending to forget.


    V¡¯s hair and eyes came from his mother, and it was a firm reminder of all that Henkjan had lost because of the way he had changed in recent years.


    A reason, and a reminder too, of why he was even colder, especially with his sons.


    Eron looked more like his father and his side of the family, and with that, V was reminded of the reason why what he was doing at the moment was that important.


    ¡°Of course not, your sex life is your problem, although one would think you don¡¯t have one, since you haven¡¯t had any children.¡±


    ¡°If that is why you called me, I will remind you, father, that¡¯s not your, or the pack¡¯s business. And with that, I will go back to whatever I was doing before your interruption,¡± V firmly stated as he tried to control his temper, especially because he knew that was not even the tip of the iceberg.


    Yet, as he turned and was about to leave his office; his sped hands were now on the expensive double door knobs, when he heard his father¡¯s low voice behind him¡­N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡°I know about your visit to Ed Kagu,¡± Henkjan said.


    Virgil clenched his hands tighter around the doorknobs, still trying to keep himself unruffled.


    ¡°I did visit him, father. I see the news travels fast around here.¡±


    ¡°Why, may I ask, did you do such a stupid thing?¡±


    ¡°Because I am the Alpha and the CEO of the pack¡¯s business conglomerate, and as both, I thought that was the best course of action towards his requests.¡±


    ¡°So, you think that making a deal with such a rat is the best for our business? I don¡¯t think you remember, because you¡¯re still young; but let me remind you-¡± Henkjan started, but was soon interrupted by his firstborn.


    ¡°That he tried to throw dirt on ourpany¡¯s name? That we¡¯ve been in business for more than a hundred years, and you¡¯re not about to let me ruin what generations of Camdens have achieved just because I¡¯m naive and young? I¡¯m not that young, Father, and I was trained by you, may I remind you of that as well? Also, I have to tell you that I¡¯ve been an Alpha for a few years already, and it was your decision to pass the title to me.¡±


    ¡°To whom would I pass it on to, if not to you? To your brother? To any of your cousins? They¡¯re not fit to lead a pack.¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯re contradicting yourself by saying that I am? I would think that if a person like you makes such an important decision, it is because they think, and more than think, that they arepletely sure, beyond any reasonable doubt, that they are absolutely right in their choice. I don¡¯t ask for you to trust me, because there¡¯s no such thing when ites to you¡­ But I ask you right now if you can even trust yourself?¡±


    Silence reigned between the two men for the moment. Both of them still stood tall and immovable, not letting their guards down. Their hands were now turned into fists, and the tension between them could be cut with a knife.


    ¡°Listen, Virgil, I wasn¡¯t nning toe and have an argument with you, but why in the world didn¡¯t you discuss your decision with me?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t n to argue? You interrupt my night with my mate, demanding, ordering, and threatening that I meet with you as quickly as I can and you tell me about the obvious smell that I have because you called me in those circumstances. And then you start asking me why I do one thing or the other as if I didn¡¯t know how to do what I need to do. Father, YOU put me in this position. YOU passed the responsibility TO ME, not so that I keep updating you, not as a subordinate, but as the person in charge INSTEAD OF YOU. Why would I go to you and tell you of each decision that we have to make both in the business and the pack?¡±


    Henkjan knew this situation was not going in his favor. He was blinded by the illusion of power and responsibility that he once had. As the new Alpha, he owed that respect to his son, yet he would never admit to the mistake he just made even though he knew that his son was right.


    ¡°I had toe and tell you, at the earliest, so you can still undo the business you made with him. You must remember what happened back then,¡± the father told his son firmly.


    +++


    ¡°It is a pleasure to do business with you, and I am very grateful that you took time from your very tight agenda toe and see me, CEO Camden,¡± said a man with a deep but squeaking voice that almost sounded like a big rat¡­


    ¡°How is it possible that a person can have such an annoying voice?¡± Henkjan thought while shaking the man¡¯s hand, carefully keeping a poker face while wondering in astonishment at the sound that was easily mistaken for screeches of a car¡¯s brakes that urgently needed to be reced.


    Edward looked back at him as if waiting for an answer, even if there was not a question. Just then, the man who was the Alpha at the time noticed that he didn¡¯t pay any attention to whatever protocry bullshit the man in front of him was telling him as a meeting closure.


    ¡°Thank you very much for the invite, Mr. Kagu. We hope that this project will bring many benefits to all of us involved,¡± the very seasoned, experienced man would say without even blinking and making it look like he was paying attention.


    All the other attendees to the project presentation meeting had left the room already and were having final talks with allies, old friends, or future business interests among the attendees, and more than once looked back inside the meeting room, where Edward and Henkjan would still be talking,


    Henkjan¡¯s back was towards the door, which was purposely left open, and the other man, facing them, had a mischievous smile.


    That insignificant moment, where the former Alpha and the former Mayor were talking by themselves, was going to be trouble for the former but he wouldn¡¯t know this until shit would hit the fan.


    The investors agreed and signed the contracts handed to them by the mayor. Extremely long contracts full of legal loopholes that theirwyers would fail to detect, or be paid to oversee.


    Silverw would not only be investing but it was agreed that the constructionpany branch would take care of the building of a very modern metro city, much like the one that would be built yearster and Henkjan¡¯s son, Virgil, would agree to be part of it without telling his father.


    The ce was nned to be as ecologically friendly as possible, as it was supposed toe to modernize a small vige in the middle of a mountain.


    A vige where the inhabitants had also been tricked to give money and/or property, promised to be their investment for the buildup of the ¡°Dream City,¡± that was the name that the governor gave to the project.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for the contract to start the construction, of course. Mywyer will meet with yours as soon as you let us know, as we agreed,¡± Henkjan said.


    ¡°And for sure you¡¯ll hear from us, at the earliest, my dear friend,¡± was Edward¡¯s answer, still smiling like the Grinch when he put together his n to steal Christmas.


    But the construction never started.


    After months ofings and goings between Silverw¡¯s and the Mayor¡¯swyers, because the construction contracts were wrong, each time in a different part, there was never an agreement.


    The investors called for an emergency status meeting, and this time, Henkjan offered Silverw¡¯s local instations to hold it, but when they were all reunited, the mayor was nowhere to be found.


    ¡°Boss,¡± one day, not long after the status meeting, the CEO¡¯s assistant gave his superior a very concerned look. ¡°There are at least tenwyers waiting for you downstairs. They say that Silverw took the money for the build of the ¡®Dream City¡¯ Project and never started the construction.¡±


    ¡°WHAT!!!?¡± was the furious answer from Henkjan.


    At least he had proof that they never got one penny from that money.


    ¡°Call ourwyers immediately, and cancel my meetings, events and whatever is nned for the next week, at least. I¡¯m not attending anything else until this is solved.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, immediately.¡±


    Most of the investors were big names in their country. Almost luckily, Silverw was the only one that was international, allowing them to take the blow without killing theirpany. And of course, this was the very reason why the mayor had insisted so much for them to be part of his fraudulent project.


    ¡°That damned rat¡­ he¡¯ll pay for all this!¡±


    It was more than a week in the end, and most of the investors chose to go to court, trying to get their money returned and refunded. However, since there were several loopholes in the contract, they couldn¡¯t get anything back.


    Nothing was proven against Silverw, but their image was deeply scarred, and Alpha Henkjan could never forgive himself for trusting Kagu so much.


    And yet now, his son was doing business with the rat again¡­

 WHAT REALLY MATTERS

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to say this, father, but your mistakes are not mine.¡±


    Virgil listened once again to that story that happened a few years before he took the lead of the pack and the rted businesses. Once again, he listened carefully, but again too, was convinced of his motivations to agree with the business proposal that the Governor, the same man that had cost millions to Silverw and many others, years before, had discussed with him earlier that same day.


    ¡°What is that supposed to mean, Virgil?¡± Henkjan walked a step closer to his son, still looking at him with the same cold stare.


    ¡°If I tell you that I have not only strong reasons to go through with this business but have more intentions behind it, would you trust me and be calmer?¡±


    V said this as an answer, but in his mind, there was not only business, but a few other things that in recent times he¡¯s been holding against his father, whom he once admired blindly.


    The question hit the older man hard, but there was no response. After all, that was the reaction that Virgil expected.


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing what you requested. The business has to go forward so we can work the n as we intend to finish.¡±


    ¡°Who is that ¡®we¡¯ that you¡¯re mentioning?¡± Henkjan said, suspicious, but this time it was his son who did not give an answer. ¡°Virgil, I can¡¯t trust your actions with that man. And I definitely do not have any confidence in him or his intentions either. I can¡¯t let you make the same mistake I made in the past.¡±


    ¡°So, you see that much of a fool in me? Do you think that I just think this time will be different because I¡¯m some kind of exceptionally lucky guy? It was his mistake to try to do the same thing to the same people twice, and I will use it in our favor. I don¡¯t need your approval, but I would appreciate it that we have peace over this matter. Besides, there are many things that I¡¯m making sure not to do as you have.¡±


    ¡°This is the second time that you said that in less than five minutes, Virgil. If you have something to say, just say it at once!¡±


    ¡°I meant that I¡¯M NOT LOSING WHAT¡¯S LEFT OF MY FAMILY!¡±


    V was tired, but even if he was the Alpha, Henkjan was his father.


    The senior Camden crossed the room in two steps, and standing before his son, raised his hand and pped him.


    Hard¡­N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    But V barely moved¡­


    ¡°You can keep at this the whole night if you want, that won¡¯t change the fact that mom left you and that you¡¯re letting your own youngest son be alone while running for his life. That also doesn¡¯t change the fact that you make mistakes like the rest of us, and are too proud to recognize them. Come on, keep hitting me until you¡¯repletely satisfied and satiate your conscience, but that won¡¯t change a thing!¡±


    ¡°Your brother chose his own destiny! I will not help him because he got himself in that mess!¡±


    ¡°What was he supposed to do? Stay here listening to you praise me in front of him, and only in front of him, because I was never enough for you either? Stay even if you keep telling him how much of a failure he was, for things that he couldn¡¯t even change? You wanted him to endure your continuous humiliations until you thought it was sufficient, even if it never even was? You lost a son, and your mate, and that¡¯s not adequate for you to see what you¡¯re doing?¡±


    ¡°That is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!¡± The older man shouted, still face to face with the present Alpha.


    Henkjan was so enraged that his face waspletely red, so red that it seemed it would explode at any second. Meanwhile, his eldest was looking at him silently¡­ even calmly.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Virgil said after a pause. ¡°Your life might be none of my business since those are your choices, but my mother is, and my brother¡­ my ONLY brother, is my business, and I will do whatever I can to give him his life back. And that is thest time that I will discuss with you anything that¡¯s connected with the deal that I have with Governor Edward Kagu.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s why¡­ Are you trying to buy his freedom? Are you putting our name once again on the line for that ungrateful son of mine?¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ I hope you can hear yourself¡­ I hope at some point what you just said haunts you back to sanity. It¡¯s been a long time since the man who was our father had disappeared, and I will treat you as such due to this. Former Alpha Henkjan, rest assured that thepany is safe. Although I would not hesitate to exchange it to get my brother back, I will still fulfill my responsibilities to all the people who depend on it. I will always remember my duties, so you have nothing to worry about. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I think this talk is already redundant and I¡¯m going back to the woman I love. I would never forgive myself if, for any reason, she would find herself with motives to leave me, especially if it involves you. Good night,¡± Virgil stated grimly, now in a low, monotone voice, knowing very well which buttons he pushed with each and every word he said.


    He slightly bowed his head, not breaking eye contact with Henkjan, then turned and walked towards the double doors.


    ¡°Virgil¡­¡±


    V heard his name called from behind, but he Didn¡¯t stop. He Didn¡¯t want to wait or pay attention anymore.


    His hands rested once more, for just a second, on the doorknobs, then turned them, and without looking back, he opened the doors, exited his office and closed the doors behind him, leaving the proud man who once was loving and caring, alone with himself in therge space of the office. As far as V was concerned, it was empty if not for the books and furniture, all very expensive, but heartless just like him¡­


    Or was it?


    ¡°If you ask me, you deserved it.¡±


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t ask, Tabashir.¡±


    ¡°Ok then, I stand corrected. You deserve every word your kid said to you.¡±


    ¡°I said¡­ I didn¡¯t ask.¡±


    ¡°I think you forget that I¡¯m not under yourmand. I am your wolf, and you¡¯re my human, I can say whatever I want WHEN I want, and you should be thankful that I have decided to talk to you once again.¡±


    ¡°I know you have been silent since she left. I don¡¯t care. That was her choice, and that was yours. If everybody leaves because I¡¯m trying to do the right thing for thepany and the pack, then SO BE IT!¡±


    ¡°You fool yourself¡­ I know what you¡¯re feeling. I know that you miss being your children¡¯s dad. I know that you¡¯re worried about Eron, so much that you can¡¯t sleep at night, and I know that you miss our mate so much so that you don¡¯t know how to be a decent human being anymore without her. I also know that the p that you gave your eldest was more for yourself than for him. You don¡¯t understand that he¡¯s the only family you have left and that even with him, you might lose any time. Also, I¡¯mpletely sure that even if you know all that, you won¡¯t do anything about it, so I¡¯ll leave you alone again, exactly the way you like it.¡±


    And with that, the voice in his head went quiet once more, and he could feel how his presence was less and less strong until, like a candle, it went out.


    The lonely man hit the mahogany executive desk in front of him, once and twice, and until his knuckles bled and the wood fractured.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing the right thing,¡± he said to himself. ¡°I¡¯M DOING THE RIGHT THING!¡± he yelled at the top of his lungs, followed by a heartbreaking bellow that would have been heard through the whole, extensive packhouse, if not for the special soundproofing treatment that most of the rooms had.


    He fell on his knees, and with his bleeding hands started hitting the floor, trying to make the emotional pain turn physical, into something he could have some control over, but even if he was in a lot of physical pain, he couldn¡¯t avoid the tears that burned their way out his eyes.


    His chest felt tight, and with each drop that rolled down his cheeks, he felt angrier at himself, angrier for losing control, enraged for doubting himself, and the resolutions that he chose to follow no matter what happened.


    He was furious¡­


    Furious, because his son was right, and he was no longer man enough to ept it.


    Silently, he stayed there on the floor, on his knees.


    Buried under a mountain of undealt emotions, his heart hardened once more¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m. Doing. The. Right. Thing.¡±

 WHAT REALLY MATTERS, THE SEQUEL

    ¡°Calm down, V¡­ Calm down, now. She can¡¯t see you like this¡­ not today. You put a lot of effort into making her happy tonight. Don¡¯t make her worry about you now¡­¡± Virgil told himself over and over as he walked all the way to their apartment, trying to let go of the conversation that had just happened.


    The bruise from the p was pretty much healed ¨C advantages of a werewolf¡¯s fast healing ¨C but there were other internal ¡°bruises¡± that wouldn¡¯t heal so soon.


    At least for that night, though, he would make sure that everything was perfect for his beloved mate.


    He finally stood in front of their door. V took a couple of deep breaths and then went in.


    ¡°Beautiful? Where are you, princess?¡±


    ¡°In the bathtub, love. I¡¯m trying to see if I stay long enough, I¡¯ll grow a mermaid tail,¡± she giggled. ¡°The water is still warm. You actually didn¡¯t take as long as I thought you would¡­ though I look like a raisin already.¡±


    He was received by low mood lighting and the soft romantic music that she herself had set up. The nakeddy in the bubbly bath was smiling widely, and her smile grew wider when she saw her love enter the bathroom.


    ¡°While you were away, I¡¯ve spent all the time alone remembering that day when you first visited my house just to tell me that you were my mate, all thanks to Kodan, remember? My mom was so excited at that time to see that I had already had a mate.¡±


    ¡°How could I forget, princess? That was a very happy day indeed! Despite all the embarrassment that I felt with you and your mom.¡±


    He let out a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes, and even if she felt that something bad had happened, that halfway smile was the confirmation that allowed her to ask him how his small meeting was.


    He finished removing his clothes and sat right by her side, hugging her like they¡¯d been away from each other for years, and not just a few minutes. She gave her the sweetest kiss that she could pour onto him from her heart.


    And with that kiss he knew that she knew.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡°So¡­?¡± she started.


    ¡°So?¡± he answered, still trying to y dumb.


    ¡°How was it? I mean, the talk with father¡­¡±


    ¡°Not so bad¡­¡± he mumbled, trying not to lie since his priority was to keep her happy still, despite however he was actually feeling right now.


    But something doing the right thing doesn¡¯t always delete a wrong.


    ¡°Baby, don¡¯t lie to me¡­ you know I dislike it very much. And also, I¡¯m your mate, you know I can feel you.¡±


    He tried to hold her gaze and tell her that everything was fine, but the truth was that, in there, in the only safe ce that the strongest man of the pack had, his feelings finally started to overflow.


    At first, there was only one tear¡­


    And then another¡­


    Then before he even noticed the wet trickles on his cheeks, they were now streaming uncontrobly out of his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, princess. I wanted to keep our night happy.¡±


    ¡°How can I be happy if you don¡¯t tell me what worries you this much¡­? Was your conversation with him that bad?¡±


    A small sob escaped him, so she just hugged him and allowed him to let it all out.


    That was how much he trusted her¡­


    The big bad Alpha, feared by many, and considered unbreakable, held onto her and allowed himself to break for the many things that he was taught to keep. Even if he¡¯s been trained to ¡®not feel¡¯ the many things that even he thought could not affect him, there was that one person that made it alle out.


    And he was d that she¡¯s right there listening to him¡­


    ¡°He got angry when he thought that I was risking thepany to get my little brother back¡­ His own son¡­ He stopped being our father so long ago,¡± he told her after giving her the highlights of what ended up being a fight, as she softly caressed him with the tips of her fingers which gently went up and down his back.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, handsome¡­¡± she said, hugging him tighter. ¡°But I¡¯m really proud that you told him your thoughts and stood your ground. I wish your brother knew how much you really care and love him¡­¡±


    ¡°I guess at some point I¡¯ll tell him¡­ if we make it and we seed in getting him out of his mess alive¡­ Dammit Eron¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, so that¡¯s the n?¡± she smiled widely, reminding her mate that he was opening up too much and giving more information than he nned to give her.


    ¡°Uh¡­ don¡¯t know. I can¡¯t confirm or deny that information, even if you try to seduce me, Miss.¡±


    ¡°Miss? Excuse me, but I¡¯m happily married, Mister! And I¡¯m not trying to seduce you¡­ I¡¯m only interested in my husband¡­ And, you know? You look a lot like him,¡± she said, smiling naughtily.


    ¡°Oh, do I? Is that a good thing?¡±


    ¡°It is for you; my man is very handsome.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯replimenting me now, but you say you¡¯re not trying to seduce me Mrs.? I think I don¡¯t know how to take what you¡¯re telling me¡­¡± He smirked.


    ¡°Maybe we could start by you removing your hands from my body, Sir. I just told you that¡¯s my husband¡¯s right only,¡± she smirked back.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t¡­ You¡¯re too soft and sexy to let go of, especially in this present condition,¡± the Alpha countered, hugging her tighter and teasingly lowering his mouth to gently enclose one of her light brown nipples.


    ¡°Oh my goddess! What are you doing to me, Sir? HELP!!!¡± she said with a giggle. ¡°Somebody stop him!¡±


    ¡°Oh no, there¡¯s nobody here who can help you. It¡¯s only you and me,dy. And even if that¡¯s not the case, I dare to see them try.¡±


    She looked up at him, her smile so sweet and so inviting. It was all the approval he needed¡­


    His right hand went to the back of her neck, while his left fondled her breasts and lightly pinched her nipples. His hips unconsciously started moving against her, making her feel him getting bigger and harder against her belly.


    He looked back at her, and noticed her sweetly looking at him.


    ¡°What happened, baby? Why the look?¡±


    ¡°I just like to gaze at you¡­ to see you wanting me.¡±


    ¡°I love you, beautiful. More than just wanting you or like you, I¡¯m crazy for you,¡± he said, almost in a whisper, looking into her eyes and very gently kissing her.


    He hugged her tighter, taking her in his arms then got up and out of therge bathtub, stepping on the first small concrete patch that was the pathway out of the bathroom. Virgil then walked to their bed and gentlyid Helena down, then pinned her delectable nakedness against the soft covers with his well-defined body.


    ¡°I loved the bathtub, and even more the vored bubble bath,¡± he said, licking her neck and biting her earlobe. ¡°But what I really want to do is THIS,¡± he said, still smiling and leaving a path of gentle kisses all the way down her torso, then pleasuring himself by tickling her with small sexy bites on her inner thighs, not forgetting to stop in between pleasure points.


    Soft moans started escaping her mouth, her fingers dipped in his wet hair and held him in ce while he pleased her. However, she couldn¡¯t resist him anymore and, ditching the forey, she pulled him up to her, embracing him again, looking into his eyes and eagerly tasting his soft, gentle kisses once again.


    ¡°I love you, handsome,¡± she whispered to him.


    Their bodies entangled once more. He let himself inside of her, slowly, listening carefully at her reactions.


    Her moans¡­ her gasps¡­ her sighs¡­


    Her hands held him tightly against her, her nails sank into his skin and her lips kissed and sucked his neck and chest, leaving small red spots around the mark that she made on his perfect body years before.


    They moved in sync. Their bodies, their breathing, their hearts in pure love and devotion, till they reached their ecstasy together.


    Finally, theyy in bed, still naked, as they usually slept. He hugged her from behind, kissing her neck and back the way she loved it, right before falling asleep. He used to do that, not only because he liked it, but because it helped her fall into a deep slumber.


    But this time around¡­


    ¡°Aaaah!!!¡± she screamed, more in surprise than pain. ¡°Husband, what are you doing!?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m tasting you. It¡¯s your fault for adding fruity bubbles to your bath. That makes you even tastier and softer and¡­ bite-able¡­. Hmmmm miiiine¡­¡± was his answer before sleepily biting her again.


    She could feel his body getting heavier.


    ¡°His day was really difficult, and still, he made time for our date, even with the meeting with the Governor, andter with his father¡­ Sometimes I can¡¯t understand how he keeps making so much effort to make me happy,¡± she thought, letting her mind wander before finally falling asleep.


    And just like that, one thought followed the other, and she ended up remembering all the things V told her that happened when he and his father talked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think either my twin or my mate will like it, but I have to talk to him. I might not be his favorite person, but¡­ I have to try. It¡¯s the least I can do for both of them.¡±


    Her eyelids started feeling heavier and heavier.


    ¡°Yes¡­ I¡¯ll talk to my father-inw¡­ soon¡­¡±

 OLD AND NEW FAMILY

    It was still dark when the mysterious stranger made his phone call. He tried to keep his voice low as he heard his call being picked up on the fifth ring.


    ¡°Where the hell did you end upst night, Ondo?!¡± the caller hissed through his thick weaved mask. ¡°I was looking all over for you for hours but I couldn¡¯t find you anywhere. Where the hell were you?¡±


    ¡°Sorry Boss, I didn¡¯t mean to leave you hanging. Something big happenedst night and I gotta tell you, things just happened so fast that I didn¡¯t realize what was happening and then I couldn¡¯t do anything about it and¡­¡±


    ¡°Whoa, whoa, whoa¡­ stop right there¡­ I need to get back to work today and I don¡¯t dare bete, not after what happenedst time. You should reallye over to rece me. There really is something going on with this Eye Candy City Boy and I need someone spying on him as much as possible. You can go ahead and tell me everything when I rece you here after work tonight, but I really need you to shut up right now and get over here, pronto!¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°But that¡¯s what I¡¯ve been trying to tell you, Sir. Something happenedst night and now I¡¯m going to apply for a job at the lumberyard.¡±


    ¡°WHAT?! I¡¯m supposed to help you with that! How the hell did that happen?¡±


    ¡°Well, I kinda followed the foreman back home when I left you at your spot, and I was supposed to spy on him, but¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright, STOP. RIGHT. THERE¡­. AGAIN! You know what, just get your ass here and we will talk about all thister. If you¡¯re applying for a job at the lumberyard, I really need to get there first to rmend you to Jack before you even get there. Don¡¯t tell me anything that happened, I¡¯ll use that to my advantage and it¡¯s better that I don¡¯t lie about not knowing. Just get the fuck to the spot right now, because they¡¯re about to wake up and I need to go. GOT IT?!¡±


    ¡°Ok, ok, boss. Don¡¯t panic, I¡¯ll be there in a jiffy. And just so you know, I did tell him that I know you¡­¡±


    ¡°You WHAT?¡±


    ¡°Wait, wait¡­ It¡¯s all good. I put in a good word for you and made sure you sounded like a real hero to me. Which you are, you know, but¡­¡±


    ¡°SHUT THE HELL UP AND GET THE FUCK DOWN HERE!¡±


    ¡°Sorry, sorry¡­ OK, bye now. On my way¡­ You just go on, Boss. I¡¯ll be able to get there soon, so just get to the lumberyard. See youter.¡±


    The call ended.


    The man in the all-ck outfit and mask put his mobile away, then made his way down the tree where he had been sleeping for a few hours already.


    The sun was now peeping from the horizon and the night sky was slowly getting brighter. He had to be sure that he wouldn¡¯t be seen creeping away from his hiding ce so he was swiftly but expertly moving among the leaves and branches while still trying to stay out of sight from any person in the Oro Vi house who was possibly looking out their windows right now.


    Although he¡¯s aware of where Diwana¡¯s room is, since it was one of the first things he found out about her house, he¡¯s quite sure to be able to hide from her window¡¯s line of sight. What he wasn¡¯t sure of is which room that damn bastard newbie was sleeping in.


    This made him a bit more cautious and he better be more than twice his usual careful self as he made his smooth getaway from the Wolf¡¯s family property.


    Of course, he conveniently forgot that he was just yelling into his mobile a while ago, and though he was still speaking through the thick cloth of his ski mask, he probably had no idea of how sharp Eron Camden¡¯s ears were.


    Even when the former assassin was asleep¡­


    +++


    Meanwhile, somewhere on the second floor of Diwa¡¯s home¡­


    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± the new Oro Vi renter grumbled as he was jarred wide awake because of someone yelling from a distance. ¡°Damn, can¡¯t a guy get any decent sleep around here? Wait, where the fuck am I? What party did I go tost night?¡±


    And then, as the delicious and delectable smells of frying eggs, ham, and bacon hit his very sharp sense of smell, along with the sounds of the cooking food, he suddenly realized where he was.


    ¡°Oh yeah, I¡¯m not in the city¡­ and no longer in the forest either¡­ not anymore. Ugh, got to get used to these types of noises now. I guess that man yelling a while ago was actually just a nightmare, considering it sounded like Mad Maxie. What a damn way to wake up¡­ Wish it was through a hug, and a kiss from someone so sweet, nice, beautiful and tanned, with dark hair and brown eyes¡­ Ok, Eron, shut the damn fuck up, you hear me. Shut up¡­¡±


    He let his mind, and his heat, settle down for a while so he had no choice but to continue to lie still and silently on the bed. However, he could soon hear movement in the other rooms and he knew he needed to get his ass moving. Besides, he had a lot to do today¡­


    The question is, what exactly should he do today?


    As the Charmer sat up he looked around the room and realized he hadn¡¯t really finished putting away his things. Also, he needed to take hisundry from the backyard without making it too obvious so he wouldn¡¯t have to exin what happened.


    More importantly, he knew he had to take a closer look at his murdered and massacred motorcycle and see what he could do about it.


    To be honest, he¡¯s not even sure if there was really anything he could do for Scorpia at this point. First, whoever did this had an idea on how to take apart a bike. Second, he also knew how to destroy the said vehicle.


    Finally, he knew that whoever did this, either hated him so much or was trying too hard to get his attention.


    And to be honest, he couldn¡¯t care any less. He loved his ride, so much so, it was the only thing he brought with him when he left the city. After all, there were many memories connected to that motorcycle.


    A lot of very precious ¨C even if painful ¨C memories¡­

 OLD AND NEW FAMILY (PART 2)

    ¡°Ah yes¡­ I still remember this one. Dad was nning to give it to me before but wepletely forgot about it. It¡¯s quite remarkable that you found it. Didn¡¯t even think it was still around since Mom was the one who named it when they were still dating.¡±


    ¡°Oh wow, really? So that¡¯s why we would give names to our stuff. I didn¡¯t know that it was her idea.¡±


    ¡°Well, she believed that machines also are aware of their masters. If the owners would name them, that would strengthen the bonds between them and even energize the machine to perform better and live longer. Since Dad hadn¡¯t named his motorcycle yet after Grandad bought it for him, Mom did it for him.¡±


    ¡°Bro, I suddenly have an idea¡­¡±


    He went to his father¡¯s office that day because of a discovery he made in one of the deepest parts of their basement garage. Since he was a teenager, he was totally excited with his find and he really intended to bring it back to life.


    Especially when his older brother told him the story behind the forgotten and dying piece of metal and machine that was rotting in one of the neglected corners of the Packhouse¡¯s massive basement.


    It was a good thing, though, that his father sent all the staff out of the room before he let his youngest son speak what was on his mind. Upon hearing the request though, Henkjan fell silent.


    He immediately went back to his massive executive chair that was behind his equallyrge mahogany desk and continued shifting through his papers.


    ¡°Dad, please, give me a chance at this¡­¡±


    ¡°No, absolutely not, Eron. That motorcycle is a piece of junk and I see no reason why you would waste precious time and money trying to take it back to its former glory. Your efforts are better off used in preparation for youring-of-age rites. Up until now, you still show no signs that your wolf is already beginning to be aware, and that should be taking all your attention.¡±


    ¡°But Dad, I know I can fix it, I¡¯m sure of it. Besides, I want to do it because you did say that you and Mom used to ride it when you just met her back then. You know, when you and she were still not Alpha and Luna, and I think¡­¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°¡­ that it¡¯s pretty romantic¡­¡±


    ¡°I said NO!¡±


    ¡°And now that she¡¯s not with us anymore, I just want to make things better by bringing you back the good memories you once had with her, then maybe¡­¡±


    ¡°ERON! I! SAID! NO!¡±


    The silence that reigned in the room was long and heavy.


    The man behind the desk eyed his son with narrowed eyes before he started to exin himself. The Alpha was obviously slightly irritated by this because he felt that he didn¡¯t even need to exin to his youngest if the boy just knew what he and his mom were going through.


    But that was something the proud patriarch was not willing to talk about with his sons.


    ¡°I realize that you¡¯re doing this out of good intentions but I am telling you now that none of this matters here in the present. Whatever you¡¯re trying to bring back from the past, it¡¯s not as important as your future, and I say that is what you should prioritize. Now, I really have a lot of work to do and a great number of tasks toplete so I would appreciate it if you could just do as I requested. I hope that this talk has settled this Eron and I¡¯ll be seeing you and your brother at dinnertime.¡±


    The youngest Camden still wanted to put up a fight, since he was well-known for being quite stubborn and strong-willed. But he honestly didn¡¯t want to add to his father¡¯s burden right now.


    Well, he could be bad but not that kind of bad¡­


    ¡°Ok, Dad. Sorry about that. Will see youter,¡± the repentant but discouraged son said before leaving his father¡¯s office so he could go back to his brother who was waiting in the dark recesses of the garage, watching after their father¡¯s forgotten and rusted motorbike while waiting for him to return.


    As Eron approached, he knew Virgil could read what happened just by the expression on his face, which clearly had a crestfallen and dejected look. He even had to sigh long and deep just to release the heaviness in his chest.


    The eldest was quick to respond the minute his brother was standing forlornly beside him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Eron, I did tell you he would say no.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t get it, bro! Why would he say no when he¡¯s not even gonna be the one fixing the bike? And you know what, I just realized that I still don¡¯t get why Mom left, or worse, why he doesn¡¯t just go after her! I mean Mom is one of the most amazing and strongest women I know and it¡¯s not because she¡¯s our mother. If I had a mate just like her, I would move heaven and earth to keep her with me.¡±


    ¡°I really have no clear idea on how it went this far, bro. At least not yet. I am hoping he would tell me someday but I don¡¯t know¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, I was hoping that me asking him to put this bike together would be a way to trigger him into missing her so much he¡¯d just go find her. From the way he reacted right now, I don¡¯t think that will happen any time soon.¡±


    At this point, Virgil was already bowed over the metal structure of the motorbike and was picking up a few pieces to study. Eron found himself following his big brother¡¯s example while they continued to talk.


    ¡°It was a great idea, Eron. Too bad it didn¡¯t work. At the very least, you would get to use a really awesome ride. From what I read about this model, they really are very powerful and beautiful beasts.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I mean, it¡¯s my time and effort that I¡¯m ¡®wasting¡¯ here. I wasn¡¯t asking for his help! I was just asking for permission!¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute, why are you asking for permission again?¡± V asked as he set aside a piece of the handlebars, which still looked salvageable.


    ¡°Because it was his before and he had a lot of good memories connected to it,¡± E answered as he was checking one of the wheels with the huge rusty shocks still attached to it.


    ¡°Yeah, but he did say it¡¯s all nonsense now and he would not waste his time on putting his bike back together? So basically, he¡¯s given up the right to be the bike¡¯s owner, am I right?¡± V mysteriously said with a knowing grin.


    ¡°He did say that but I don¡¯t see how¡­ Wait a minute, I think you¡¯re onto something there, Virgil!¡±


    ¡°Yes, why would you need to get permission from a former owner who had obviously already thrown his stuff away, and you just happened to find it? After all, one man¡¯s garbage is another man¡¯s treasure,¡± V smirked, as he looked at his smiling younger brother.


    ¡°He¡¯s gonna be furious if he finds out that I still went ahead when he said no¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s your time, your effort and that bike, in his own words, he had already abandoned. So, I say, finders¡¯ keepers and losers weepers!¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Eron¡¯s grin could have easily lit up the whole basement! ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right, bro. What the heck would I do without you?¡±


    ¡°You would not have a helper, that¡¯s for sure¡­¡± Virgil¡¯s wide decided smile mirrored his little brother¡¯s.


    Eron paused before speaking. ¡°Excuse me, V. What do you mean helper?¡±


    His older brother beamed widely before answering, ¡°Helper, meaning assistant or backup. You still don¡¯t get it, bro?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I get it, big bro. I just don¡¯t get why you would want to help me with this since you¡¯re really busy with your new responsibilities in thepany and your training with Dad and¡­¡±


    ¡°And I still want to take time to be with my little brother, right? Might as well, do something productive together. Two birds with one stone, Eron. That¡¯s what mom used to say!¡±


    ¡°Speaking of mom, what name did she give Dad¡¯s¡­ I mean MY motorcycle?¡± the youngest Camden asked, the wide smile back on his face.


    ¡°Scorpia¡­¡± the eldest son replied and his grin was even wider.

 OLD AND NEW FAMILY (PART 3)

    His trip down memoryne was not so pleasant but it did give Eron enough strength to push aside his sleepiness and get up from the bed. He tossed aside the nket and tried to look around for the towel that he worest night to temporarily cover his nakedness.


    It was nowhere to be found¡­


    ¡°That¡¯s odd, I could have sworn I was wearing itst night when I went back to the room¡­¡± he whispered to himself, still searching around the bed just in case it fell off the mattress as he slept. ¡°Or was I? Wait a tick¡­¡±


    Just then he heard fast but not-so-heavy footsteps rushing from one room and going through the corridor. It was followed by another set of firmer footsteps and it sounded like it was running after the lighter runner.


    And they were both headed towards his door!


    Eron¡¯s thoughts: ¡°Shit, did I even lock that thing? Damn, toote to find out¡­¡±


    As he wolf-sped towards the farthest corner of his room where his clothes were still piled messily, one on top of the other, his hands swiftly moved like a blur to choose something for him to wear before that damned door opened.


    ¡°Katya, don¡¯t just run into his room without knocking!¡± a teenage boy¡¯s voice yelled from the hallway, overpowering the sound of their running.


    ¡°I just want him to see my plushy!¡± a younger, sweeter voice piped up, as it became louder by the second.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    He knew they would soon be entering his room¡­


    ¡°Shit!¡± Eron mumbled, still in the middle of dressing up like the sh, while hoping he wouldn¡¯t tear through his clothes in the process. ¡°Shitshitshitshitshit!¡±


    The door burst open and in ran Katya with arge stuffed toy in her arms and her older brother Macky just a few steps behind her.


    ¡°Good morning, biggest brother!¡± the little girl yelled cheerfully.


    +++


    Jack woke up pretty early just so he could go back to the lumberyard without having to wake up anyone else in the house. Besides, he had to make sure that Max got back to work without any more incidents.


    He also needed to meet up with the new applicant who he ¡°bumped into¡± identally the previous night.


    ¡°What is it about these days that everything would turn into something dramatic or exciting? I¡¯m starting to miss the good old boring times I used to have. Heh, or do I really want that?¡±


    It was still dark when he stepped out of the house, so he was armed with a dark brown, fur-lined coat, a ck baseball cap hiding his dark hair and a shlight in his big right hand. He didn¡¯t dare prepare himself some breakfast, even if it was just cereal and milk, just so he could avoid making a racket in the kitchen.


    If they did wake up, Jack was sure that his parents would make himte by asking him questions about what had gone onst night after they both went to bed.


    And he couldn¡¯t let them do that.


    There was just too much that happened during histe-night visit that he needed to think about. The brisk walk back to the lumberyard would give him the chance to do that before his workday started.


    Besides, he was known to overthink and this was the perfect time to do it¡­


    And with all the right reasons, too¡­


    +++


    Almost five hours before¡­


    ¡°You really shoulde home more often, Jack. We aren¡¯t exactly that far away from the lumberyard.¡±


    Yes, that sounded about right. Whenever he was in the vige, he knew he should show up at his parents¡¯ house or there would be hell to face and it would be mostly from his mother.


    Even now, when he already took the time to visit, he was still being gently scolded for having dinner at a friend¡¯s house and not at his parents¡¯ home. It didn¡¯t help, too, that they had friends over whom he never considered as his acquaintances. He had good reasons for that, though¡­


    ¡°Your mother is absolutely right, son. It would be quite easy for you to leave yourpany and go home every day, especially since you are the boss there now,¡± says Miss Nelia, who happened to be a former school teacher and she still talked to everyone like they were her students. ¡°Or maybe, you¡¯ve found someone special up there in your workce¡­?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible, Nelly! There are hardly any women working in the lumberyard and those who are, are taken already. Well, not unless he¡¯s into having malepanions, which I don¡¯t think is a problem, if he¡¯s really into that kind of thing,¡± interrupted Miss Maritess, the other gossip who was a former Hollywood actress that never really made it as a star and got stuck with part-time roles in horror movies where she always got killed off.


    Yes, hearing them talk, Jack could easily remember now why he never liked these dies¡± ¡­


    First off, these two women were not of his generation and were around the same age as his dad.


    Well, he did have friends who were even older than his father so that¡¯s not the real reason¡­


    Second, they were the most irritating town gossips, and they were never ashamed of speaking about other people¡¯s affairs with as many individuals as they could talk to. Since they were retirees, they had a lot of time in their hands to tell their personal versions of whatever stories they heard, and they would always add in their own opinions and make it sound like it was a fact.


    Finally, and this was the biggest reason why he disliked them, was that they didn¡¯t exactly approve of foreigners or non-locals. It would make sense, since the really old families here who put up the vige had a tendency to be proud of being the original citizens, as if that made a real difference to the state of this sleepy little town.


    To them, it seemed to be the case, though, not that it mattered to the rest of the vigers. And these two happened to be thest of their line so they¡¯re making the most of it.


    If not for the fact that they could be very entertaining, he would have just gone upstairs to rest instead of staying there on the porch with his parents and their guests. But he didn¡¯t dare be that rude to these people so he chose to ignore the two singledies who were, sadly, already there having dinner with his parents before he arrived.


    ¡°Oh, Maritess, he doesn¡¯t swing that way,¡± Mrs. Schneider said soothingly, hoping her husband and son didn¡¯t mind that statement. ¡°He actually did bring a few girls over when he was still in university but they just didn¡¯t work out. But Jack dear, it would be better if you cane home more often¡­¡±


    ¡°Mom, ourpany is growing now. We¡¯re not just into lumber anymore and we¡¯re already gearing up our carpentry and furniture department. I need to be on-site most of the time so I can supervise everything myself,¡± the foreman said, looking towards his mother who was sitting on the porch¡¯s rattan sofa while he sat on the balustrade like he used to do when he was a teenager.


    ¡°You know I¡¯ve already suggested that you use the jeep so you can just drive home when you need to get here.¡±


    Jack hid his smirk from his father as he took a sip from his beer. He knew his parents long enough to know that if he did take that vehicle ¨C or even buy his own ¨C he would probably be ¡°requested¡± toe ¡°home¡± a lot more than he wanted.


    And he wasn¡¯t really into the drama, gossip and intrigue that seemed to be part of the vige¡¯s history. Especially, since his sister¡¯s story would mostly be talked about to this day¡­


    Honestly, that was thest thing he needed right now.


    He loved his parents very much, but there was always that un-closed matter in the back of his mind¡­ The thought of what happened in the past and the reason why he couldn¡¯t talk about their family¡¯s personal tragedy to anyone in the vige¡­ Not even asking family or friends for help in his search for his sister¡­


    Whether he wanted it or not, this was still something he couldn¡¯t let go of. And his parents¡¯ insistence that it be kept under wraps didn¡¯t help him find closure.


    Unfortunately, his mom and dad never changed their mind¡­


    And it¡¯s still the same to this day so he would rather deal with this all by himself than bring in other people into the picture and then listen to them ¡°interpret¡± his actions.

 UNWELCOMED GOSSIPY GUESTS

    ¡°Dad, I consider walking as my only exercise these days because of how busy I am. That jeep won¡¯t be helping me at all.¡±


    ¡°It would help you get home a lot more, so you can be with your parents more,¡± snapped the former schoolteacher.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you mean well, Ma¡¯am, but I do have my reasons,¡± Jack replied as he took another swig of his drink, then he whispered, ¡°And I¡¯m sure you have yours¡­¡±


    ¡°Did you say something, son?¡± Ms. Nelia said, trying to catch what she thought she heard.


    ¡°Nothing, Ma¡¯am¡­¡±


    Jack knew he should stop saying his thoughts aloud. At work, people didn¡¯t mind him doing that since he¡¯s the boss, but, even though he knew that this gossip¡¯s hearing was now slowly deteriorating, he knew that was not a free pass to voice all his thoughts.


    Nope, definitely not for these talkative women¡¯s ears.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t understand why you had to eat at Diwana¡¯s house instead of here with your parents, son. Of course, we were here with them but I¡¯m sure there you could have easily joined us though we did eat dinner early.¡±


    Of course, Jack didn¡¯t like what he just heard. He tried to be as civil as he could with his reply, but it was very difficult.


    ¡°Miss Maritess, I didn¡¯t even n toe over to the vige today. I just happened to end up helping out a new hire that was moving from his camp in the forest to Diwana¡¯s house.¡±


    ¡°A new hire? Isn¡¯t he from here, or one of the neighboring viges?¡±


    ¡°No dad, he¡¯s from the city. He was looking for a ce to stay and he was camping out in the woods. The guy didn¡¯t even have a truck, just a motorcycle and a tent, and he found a room at Diwa¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Someone from the city? Dear, they usually are bad news. Did you do a check on him before you hired him?¡±


    ¡°Yes Miss Nel, I did,¡± Jack answered in a cold monotone, regretting that he broke his earlier decision to ignore the two elderly women. ¡°He¡¯s not the first visitor, or foreigner, to be hired by ourpany since I took over, so I think I¡¯m quite well-versed on how to hire employees by now.¡±


    His tone said it all: As if YOU have ANY experience running apany, Ma¡¯am¡­


    ¡°Jack, I don¡¯t think I like your tone of voice. Please remember that, once upon a time, I was still your teacher back then when you were just an innocent and RESPECTFUL tyke. We¡¯re just making sure that your newly hired employee is not an ex-convict or a wanted man who¡¯s hiding out here to get away from authorities. We need to protect our vige from outsiders because most of them are secretly rotten to the core!¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m sorry if I offended you in any way, MA¡¯AM. I was just saying things as they are, too. I do have considerable experience running the lumberyard, after all, and you seem to overlook that.¡±


    ¡°She may have sounded like she doesn¡¯t trust you, son, but you know that isn¡¯t true. Your Ma¡¯am Nelia is just a little upset with the talk of foreigners because we¡¯re not very happy with the lot of them that havee here over the years. For example, Diwana¡­¡±


    Jack¡¯s fist curled around his beer can. ¡°Miss Maritess, I prefer that we don¡¯t talk about that¡­¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯re fond of her and she is quite a wonderful cook and mother for her sister-inw¡¯s children but remember, after she arrived, it wasn¡¯t long before that killer flu started here in our vige.¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, please don¡¯t go there¡­¡±


    ¡°And then their family almost got wiped out, along with other vigers here, and all of them were people who didn¡¯t like her¡­ or she didn¡¯t like¡­¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am¡­ I¡¯m truly sorry to cut you off but may I remind you that this is our house and we would rather NOT talk about that¡­¡±


    Everyone then looked at Jack. His parents had a worried look while the visitors were looking quite shocked, even a bit terrified at the lumberjack¡¯s frigid look and voice.


    ¡°Nelia, Maritess¡­ Please, we consider Diwana as our friend and more so with our son. We hope that you can understand how awkward this topic can be for him¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, alright. We do apologize for that. I didn¡¯t think he would take it so personally¡­¡±


    ¡°I do, and I¡¯m also sorry that I seemed to have upset you as well,¡± the younger Schneider responded.


    ¡°Apology epted, oh gosh¡­ look at the time. We would need to go on home now. Thank you for the lovely Dinner and we¡¯ll be seeing you around soon.¡±


    ¡°Yes, good night. Let¡¯s go, Nelly¡­¡±


    The Schneider family watched the two elderlydies in their oversized dresses ¨C both dies¡¯ were incredibly small and spindly ¨C hurry down their old porch¡¯s steps and were soon walking away into the darkness with their huge shlights.


    It took a while for the family of three to break their silence with long sighs of relief¡­


    Paul, Jack¡¯s Dad, sighed but he couldn¡¯t help but smile, ¡°For sure they will have their own version of what happened tonight, son¡­¡±


    ¡°That I¡¯m gay and I just showed my being gay because I whooped their poor little gossipy female asses with my Ru Paul attitude and snarkiness?¡± the foreman replied jokingly. ¡°I think they¡¯re already saying those things before, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Well, you just gave them confirmation, son,¡± giggled Carmel, the Schneider wife. ¡°I hope that whoever you did hire is on the up and up, just so they don¡¯t get to say ¡®I told you so¡¯, which they will do if they find any dirt on our new logger.¡±


    ¡°I made sure Eron¡¯s records were clean when I hired him, Mom. Even checked with one of my old friends back in college who¡¯s now a security agency owner. No prior criminal records. Not even an overdue library book.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s good to hear. And his reason foring here?¡± asked the Schneider patriarch as he swigged from his own beer can.


    ¡°He got burned out because of city life and wanted to get a new start in life. ording to him, he tried out a few suburban locations but it still didn¡¯t help him de-stress. He finally came up here to the mountains as per the rmendation of a friend of his who visited long ago, and now he¡¯s loving the life here. Might even stay for good¡­¡±


    ¡°And is he any good with lumber?¡±


    ¡°Yes Dad, he seems to be a natural and learns pretty fast. The guy even managed to save my life and Diwana from an ident.¡±N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Jack ended his story there since he¡¯s still not sure if what happened was really an ident. Good for him, since his father decided to focus on something else¡­

 THE DINNER INVITATION

    ¡°He did, huh? Well then, if he saved your life, I¡¯m indebted to him. As a matter of fact, I think we should even meet him and thank him personally. What do you think, Carmel?¡±


    ¡°Why that¡¯s a great idea, Paul. And you said he¡¯s now living at Diwana¡¯s ce, right? I¡¯m sure he can manage to walk over after work and meet us. That is, if that¡¯s ok with you, Jack.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Jack almost choked on thest bit of his beer, but he did manage to take thatst swallow without spitting it out.


    ¡°You want to meet him?¡± he asked with a rasping voice.


    ¡°Yes, your mom and I. It would be very d to meet the savior of my son and get to know more about him.¡±


    ¡°We can make him feel even more wee since you did say that he is a neer¡­¡±


    Jack¡¯s thoughts: Me and my big mouth¡­ and my parents happen to be Maximilian¡¯s fans. Oh boy¡­


    ¡°Uhhh, he¡¯s just fairly new out here, dad. It wouldn¡¯t be good to force him to meet people just because his boss said so.¡±


    ¡°Well, tell him that you mother and I are still the owners of the lumberyard, even if you are running it. I think it¡¯s only right that we get to meet him. Besides, why shouldn¡¯t we honor him even with just dinner with us?¡±


    More of Jack¡¯s thoughts: Well, that¡¯s true. Maybe Eron can charm my parents, too. I mean, he has been able to charm everyone at the camp, except for my lead team leader, since he¡¯s showing signs of liking Di. Besides, Eron is really dependable and hardworking, not to mention he¡¯s starting to be a really good friend¡­ Yeah, why not since we¡¯ll need all the help we can get to make him a part of the vige¡­


    ¡°Ok, sure Dad, I¡¯ll invite him over. However, it¡¯s an invitation, ok? I won¡¯t force him to have dinner with us just because we are his employers. That wouldn¡¯t be right.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I understand, son. But if he has nothing to hide, I don¡¯t see why he shouldn¡¯t ept our invitation and our way of personally thanking him, right?¡±


    ¡°True, but still¡­ Also, can we not talk about cursed foreigners in front of him, since he is not a local himself? Besides, he¡¯s now living in Diwana¡¯s ce and bringing that topic up may make him feel unwee. And I really, REALLY need people like him while we¡¯re expanding our business.¡±


    ¡°Son, don¡¯t worry about that. Just because we¡¯re fairly decent around the two senior town criers of our vige, it doesn¡¯t mean we already think like them,¡± his mother said with a short and amusedugh. ¡°We won¡¯t make him feel ufortable just because he¡¯s from the city.¡±


    ¡°Ok, Mom, thanks. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll appreciate that.¡±


    ¡°But Jack, I need to ask you¡­ why do you need new hires like him? Isn¡¯t Max and the other veterans in our staff enough for our expansion needs?¡± his father asked from his overstuffed patio chair.


    Jack carefully went through what he was about to tell his father, knowing that if he said the wrong thing, this may end up as a pretty bad argument¡­


    And after the dramatic scene that happened with the Miss Tess and Ma¡¯am Nelia just a little while back, he really didn¡¯t need to add to that.


    Not for his sake, at least¡­


    ¡°Well, like I said, we¡¯re expanding. We need new blood to bring life back into ourpany. You know what they say in business, right? If you don¡¯t evolve, you dissolve, and I don¡¯t want that to happen to our business.¡±


    His father nodded sagely at him and then finished his beer before speaking. ¡°Alright, son. You know I trust you when ites to running our lumberyard. But please remember that you should be loyal to those who have been with you longer because they¡¯ve already proven themselves to be trustworthy. Don¡¯t just exchange new people with the old ones in your life or you might lose a lot more in the process.¡±


    Jack, at this point, just wanted to say what was in his mind: Oh I don¡¯t know Dad¡­  bet if I told you about what Max did with his sawmill, you¡¯d be axing his sorry ass even if he is one of our best and most dependable workers. But then, I bet you¡¯d still ask me for proof and right now, I don¡¯t have any to convince you or anyone of what I think did happen. So yeah, shutting up for now, and hoping things don¡¯t get worse. The thing is, if Max finds out that Eron is going to be invited here for a special dinner, things WILL get worse. What to do¡­ What to do¡­


    ¡°Did you say anything, Jack? Speak up, I don¡¯t like hearing you mumble¡­¡±


    ¡°I said, don¡¯t worry, Dad¡­ mom¡­ I¡¯ll keep your advice in mind.¡±


    The senior Schneider smiled at his son and stood up, patting Jack¡¯s shoulder. His mother also stood up from the porch sofa and kissed her son¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°Good night, son. Lock the door when youe in,¡± his mother said as she entered the door. ¡°We hope to hear from you about your new hire pretty soon.¡±


    ¡°Ok, mom¡­ goodnight. Goodnight too, dad.¡±


    ¡°Sleep tight, son,¡± his father answered as he walked into their two-story country house with his wife in one hand and his empty beer bottle in the other.


    And Jack was left alone¡­


    As usual.


    I really should get used to this by now, the younger Schneider said to himself as he decided to get another beer from the kitchen. I don¡¯t even know why I¡¯m bothered these days by this feeling. Damn, I think I really need to seriously look for a girlfriend.


    As he stood up, he happened to hear some movement from a ledge of bushes near their house. He squinted at that area, trying to make out whatever it was that was behind the thick leaves of the ledge.


    And there it was again¡­


    Now that he was sure that it wasn¡¯t a small animal, he heaved his bottle straight into the thick bushes, hoping to scare off whatever was there.


    ¡°OW!¡±


    Jack¡¯s eyes opened wide, then narrowed right after. He immediately jumped over their porch¡¯s balustrade then rushed through the bushy, dense foliage and dived straight into a man who was still rubbing the bruise on his head.


    ¡°SHIT!¡± the tall and slim stranger yelled as Jack collided with him full force.


    Momentster, the disoriented stranger found himself underneath the big, burly lumberjack who was now sitting on top of his waist with his muscr thighs framing his torso.


    ¡°Ok, you¡­ TALK! Who the hell are you and what the fuck are you doing here?¡± the foreman hissed, one hand on the trespasser¡¯s shirt and his other hand raised, curled into a fist and aimed downward towards the captured man¡¯s face. ¡°Tell me now or you WILL be LOSING TEETH¡­¡±


    ¡°ALRIGHT SIR! I¡¯ll talk¡­ Just don¡¯t hurt me and I¡¯ll tell you everything¡­¡±


    +++


    Just then, Jack¡¯s deep and intense thoughts about the previous night were cut short by something in the forest.


    Actually, it was not something¡­


    It was someone¡­


    And it was someone he knew¡­


    Not caring if the person he saw could see him or not, Jack walked swiftly up to him, dodging underbrush, bushes, and trees along the way. Just at thest moment, he stopped walking and reached out to put a hand on his target¡¯s shoulder, who seemed to be also deep in thought.


    The man in ck visibly jumped as he felt Jack¡¯s strong grip on his shoulder de then turned around to face his ¡°captor¡±¡­


    ¡°SHIT! Motherfucker JACK, you FUCKING SCARED ME!¡±


    ¡°Really? And why is that, Max?¡±

 HEARTFELT ADVICE

    ¡°Hallooo? ¡­ Big brother, there¡¯s nobody here¡­¡±


    ¡°Here I am¡­ Good morning, Katya¡­ Hello Macky¡­¡±


    The teenager and the youngss swiftly looked towards him and both their eyes grew wide¡­


    ¡°WHOA! You¡¯re so biiiiig!¡±


    ¡°Uhhh, thank you, Katya, just let me finish dressing up, alright¡­¡±


    ¡°Wow Eron¡­ I didn¡¯t realize¡­ your muscles are¡­ big¡­ I mean, really biiiig!¡±


    The tall muscled man had his wide back turned towards the kids since he was hiding his blushing face as he was putting on a ck sleeveless runner¡¯s shirt. Thankfully, he already had his jeans on and he just let his heart rate calm down and his blushing to abate before turning around to face the children.


    ¡°Thanks guys, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯m that muscr. You should see my male bestie! Now he¡¯s got really massive biceps and a huge bulging chest and¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, but I think you¡¯ve got great-looking muscles, Eron. Yours are even bigger than Jack¡¯s!¡±


    ¡°Ahaha, just don¡¯t let Jack hear that, Katya, or he might get jealous of Eron.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, I got to agree with Macky since he¡¯s my boss and I don¡¯t want him thinking bad thoughts about me¡­ uhhhh¡­ I mean, I don¡¯t want to get him mad at me for that,¡± The Charmer said as he finally turned around to face the kids as he grabbed his leather jacket from the pile and proceeded to put it on. ¡°Ok, here I am.¡±


    Admittedly, he was still horrified at the thought of still being naked when the kids barged into his room as he turned around and smiled at them. Good thing that his wolf speed was even faster than a typical werewolf¡¯s abilities due to his training, regr practice, and assassin experience.


    Besides his Alpha blood, which was a part of him that he¡¯s almost forgotten, though not exactly by ident, was another factor for his superior lycan skills¡­


    The little girl ran straight into him, arms outstretched. She bumped into his legs, her facending on his shirt which was covering his well-defined lower abdomen, while the happyss hugged his hips with all her might.


    ¡°Oh hey! Hahaha! Easy there, you might hurt yourself, Kat.¡±


    ¡°You have a hard tummy too, Eron, and it¡¯s not as tough as Jack¡¯s when I hug him. And I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll get mad about your musk-kles because he likes you a lot!¡±


    ¡°Uhhhh¡­ yeahhhh¡­ thanks Katya. But I¡¯d rather we don¡¯t talk about that when he¡¯s around, ok?¡±


    ¡°Ok, that¡¯s fine with me¡­ Oh, I came here to show you my favorite plushie toy! I¡¯ve got lots and I¡¯ll show you the rest of themter but right now I want you to see Wuff Wuff!¡±


    And just like that, his view of Katya waspletely covered by arge stuffed toy. The first thing he noticed was that the light brown/reddish hue of the wolf plushie¡¯s fur was very simr to his own hair color.


    Then he noticed the eyes of the furry wolf toy¡­


    His thoughts: How the hell did the manufacturers of this plushie get a hold of stic optics that look like my own hazel eyes? It is even more green than brown which is exactly like mine!


    Eron reached out and took the little girl in his arms, carrying her up in one smooth movement. She was now face to face with him, still holding the toy wolf which easily was more than half her size, and said the exact words that he wanted to say.


    ¡°He looks just like you¡­¡±


    More of Eron¡¯s thoughts: And it has to be a damned wolf plushie, too.


    ¡°He¡¯s got the same color of hair¡­¡±


    Eron, you gotta wonder at this. It¡¯s too much of a coincidence¡­


    ¡°You both have the same eyes¡­¡±


    I just wonder what would happen if she ever found out about me being a werewolf¡­


    ¡°You¡¯re both nice and friendly and huggable¡­¡±


    Or if the other kids find out¡­


    ¡°And I really, really like him¡­¡±


    Damn, what if Diwa finds out¡­? A hell, no¡­


    ¡°Wuff Wuff is my ultimate bestest friend in the world¡­¡±


    Especially since everyone seems to be afraid of wolves in these parts¡­


    ¡°And I want you and him to be friends, too¡­¡±


    No, I can¡¯t¡­ I mean even Jack hates those wolves!


    ¡°Can you please be friends too? Please¡­¡±


    I think I really need to find out more about the vige¡¯s wolf stories.


    ¡°I know he would love to be friends with you¡­¡±


    And I think I know who I should start asking¡­


    ¡°So, will you be friends with him, Eron? Puh-leeeeasssse¡­¡±


    Eros reined in his internal thoughts and focused on the little girl that he was carrying. Fortunately, that was another skill that he had. Somehow, he could have these monologues in his head and yet he could hear the conversations that were being spoken around him.


    It was a very useful skill for an assassin, However, he found it endearing to be able to use it on his newly found family.


    Family¡­ And there was that feeling again!


    ¡°Ok, OK! Let me talk with him on the bed. I¡¯d like us to get to know each other better. Is that all right, Katya?¡±


    The little girl nodded then pushed her Wuff Wuff towards Eron¡¯s chest. The man then took the soft plushie toy and walked towards the bed.


    ¡°Come and join us, Macky. We need you as a witness.¡±


    ¡°Ok,¡± the young boy said with a grin then bounded towards the bed, sitting there before Eron and his sister were able to reach him. ¡°Come on, slowpokes. We still need to have breakfast.¡±


    Eronughed as he ced Katya on the bed right beside her brother, then he put the stuffed toy on hisp, facing him. ¡°Hi, Eron! Wee to our house. I¡¯m Wuff Wuff and I¡¯m Katya¡¯s bestest friend, and I want to be your friend too!¡±


    The little girl giggled and the young boyughed as they watched Eron move the stuffed toy as if it was alive and talking. Of course, the new renter was using a cuter, scratchier version of his own voice for Wuff Wuff to use.


    ¡°Hi there, Wuff Wuff. I¡¯m so d to meet you and everyone else here in the house,¡± continued Eron while quickly shifting back to using his own friendly tenor voice. ¡°Yes, I would like to be your friend but I was wondering, can you help me with something?¡±


    ¡°Sure Eron, anything for you as long as you will help my bestest friend.¡±


    Eron then looked at Katya and then whispered back to the stuffed wolf, ¡°You know, I would really like to help her by giving her advice but I don¡¯t know how she¡¯ll take it, Wuff Wuff. Can you tell her what I¡¯m about to say?¡±


    ¡°Sure Eron, what is it?¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    At this point, Katya sat up straight and looked at the muscr renter intently, her attention now fully focused on the amateur puppeteer.


    ¡°Can you tell her that she shouldn¡¯t be running into other people¡¯s rooms without knocking first? And she should wait for the person to open the door or say e in¡¯ before she enters?¡±


    ¡°Ooooohhh, OK Eron. But she¡¯s right there, maybe you can talk to her about it. I¡¯ll ask her first, okay?¡±


    ¡°All right, you can go ahead and do that, Wuff Wuff. Thank you.¡±


    Eron then turned the wolf plushie towards Katya and started to make that rough but cute voice again, ¡°Bestie Katya, Big Brother Eron has something important to say to you. Is it okay if he tells you now? Because he really cares about you.¡±


    The smilingss nodded, then scrambled over to the muscled lumberjack¡¯sp and whispered at him, ¡°I heard you and Wuff Wuff talking and I understand. But what about the time when we had to save Mama from that bad man in our house? We didn¡¯t knock on the door then but we saved her.¡±


    ¡°And that was a very brave thing you and your siblings did back then, Katya. But when it¡¯s someone you know who¡¯s in their room, you really should knock first, OK? Then wait for them to answer. It¡¯s the right thing to do, alright. I hope you understand¡­¡±


    Both children were now smiling so warmly and widely at him and he could feel their agreement and eptance of what he said. Soon they would both be hugging him and promising to always knock before entering any door.


    Somehow, that just made their day¡­


    All of them¡­


    Including Wuff Wuff¡­


    Inside Eron¡¯s head: Hey, I guess I can really be a part of this family after all.


    Within Macky¡¯s mind: Yeah, I think he¡¯ll be great for us¡­ and Mama.


    From Katya¡¯s thoughts: He¡¯s really like my Wuff Wuff. Too bad he¡¯s not a real wolf¡­

 NEW ARRANGEMENTS

    Meanwhile, deep in the forest¡­


    ¡°What the hell, Jack, you didn¡¯t have to scare me like that!¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t even see why you should be scared¡­¡±


    ¡°Creeping up on me when we¡¯re in the middle of a wolf alert? I know we fought yesterday over me beingte and all but you didn¡¯t have to do that to me, sheesh!¡±


    ¡°Correction, you fought with me, Max. Besides, what the heck are you doing out here in the woods this early? You live in the lumberyard¡¯s campsite and I don¡¯t even know why you¡¯re here. Of course, you can easily tell me it¡¯s none of my business but in the light of all these weird things happening, I think you bettere clean with me.¡±


    Max¡¯s eyes narrowed at the nonchnt tone Jack used on him, knowing that the man was actually threatening him underneath all that nice, civil speech of his. The message was, in simplenguage, ¡°Don¡¯t fuck with me, I know you¡¯re hiding something so ¡®fess up!¡±


    The team leader sighed and racked his brains in a rush to try and find an exnation that could get him out of this pickle. Now he¡¯s really regretting not being stealthy on his way back to the lumberyard, as he silently cursed Ondo in his head for beingte in recing him as a lookout.


    ¡°Okay, okay¡­ fine¡­ I¡¯m out here because¡­ I actually went to the city yesterday¡­ after we fought¡­ I needed to go there and clear my head¡­ so I drank at this pub¡­ sang a bit of karaoke and met some new folks¡­ and only got home now¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, really now¡­? Which pub were you atst night¡­?¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t¡­ remember now¡­ It was in the seedier part of town¡­ it¡¯s one of those hard-to-find ones¡­ ¡±


    ¡°If there really is such a pub, Max¡­ ¡±


    ¡°I swear to God there is¡­ It¡¯s very real, Jack¡­ but I just forgot where it was¡­¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­ where did you sleepst night then?¡±


    ¡°H-huh? Last night?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you just said that you came from the city just now so that meant you didn¡¯t sleep at the camp. So, I repeat, where did you sleepst night?¡±


    ¡°Well, I kinda¡­ met this¡­ girl¡­ Like I saw her from far off and she was sitting alone in one corner of the bar¡­ And we connected¡­ so when she invited me over to her house¡­ I epted and we¡­ you know, kinda made out¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you banged her, is that right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I did and it was amazing, Jack! Really awesome!¡±


    ¡°And her name?¡±


    ¡°Her name? It¡¯s uhhhh¡­ China¡­ yeah, China¡­¡±


    ¡°China, like the country?¡±


    ¡°Or was it Gina¡­?¡±


    ¡°Ok, Max, let¡¯s drop this shit. Now, until the time that you can bring that girl here to our ce in the mountains, you¡¯re still on my watch list.¡± Jack gritted as he started to walk away from his disgruntled worker.


    ¡°Oh,e on, Jack! A good-looking newbie from the cityes along and you suddenly think I¡¯m the bad guy after years of being your top employee? You¡¯re either ying favoritism or you¡¯re just being damn unfair!¡±


    Jack came stomping back to Max within a few seconds. ¡°What the hell did you just say?¡±


    ¡°You heard!¡± Max yelled up to Jack¡¯s face since his boss was taller than he was.


    ¡°Listen here, Max, if you just said that to any other boss, and that includes my father, you¡¯ll be out of a job! Also, I¡¯m not the one who changed when Mr. Charmer came along. IT. WAS. YOU! And I hope to God, too, that it¡¯s not because of a woman you¡¯re into and I¡¯m fucking sure her name IS NOT CHINA! Now, if you don¡¯t want me ying more favoritism on your sorry ass, you¡¯reing with me to work because we need to talk about your friend Ondo before you start the day.¡±


    ¡°O-Ondo¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ondo, the guy who I almost punchedst night because he was acting like a damn stalker hiding at my parents¡¯ house and watching me. He told me you¡¯re rmending him and I want to get that on paper, considering your rep isn¡¯t as sterling as it used to be. Now, are youing with me or not?¡±


    ¡°Y-yes, Sir. I¡¯m right behind you.¡±


    ¡°No, walk beside me where I can see you. Nothing personal, it¡¯s just business.¡±


    ¡°Sure Jack, I¡¯m not into guys though¡­¡± Max mumbled under his breath.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Jack snapped back at his team leader, not sure of what he heard.


    ¡°Nothing Boss, let¡¯s get going.¡±


    +++


    Back at Diwana¡¯s house, twodies were rushing through preparing breakfast, along with the dishes to be sold at the lumberyard. The thing is, they were not in the best of moods at that time.


    ¡°Is everything packed? Oh my gosh¡­ I¡¯m going to bete¡­ Oh why did I sleep sote¡­ and now I woke upte¡­ Damn it, everything iste¡­¡±


    ¡°Sorry Di, I couldn¡¯t take care of all that when you took a bath because I was taking care of breakfast. We already have a renter and we can¡¯t let him go hungry especially since he¡¯s supposed to go to the lumberyard around the same time as you.¡±


    ¡°No, of course not, Erica and you¡¯re being such a lovely girl doing this for him since it¡¯s part of what he¡¯s paying for here in the house. But I can¡¯t join you for breakfast anymore because I need to pack everything and have to be out of the house within half an hour¡­¡±


    ¡°Diwa, noooo! You need to eat something before you go. We can¡¯t have you fainting in the middle of the forest because of hunger.  Besides, I cooked enough for all of us, including you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll just have something that I can eat while walking. It¡¯s ok Erica, I¡¯ll manage. This isn¡¯t the first time it has happened and nothing bad happened to me back then, anyway. I¡¯m sure I can get to the lumberyard without passing out.¡±


    ¡°It has happened before, OK¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s only once, and it never happened again.¡±


    ¡°Good morning¡­ And what never happened again?¡±


    Both women looked at the entrance of the kitchen/Dining room area upon hearing that familiar charming and very masculine voice. They couldn¡¯t help but smile in unison as they saw Katya in the man¡¯s arms with her favorite stuffed toy and Macky standing proudly by the brawny boarder¡¯s side.


    ¡°Good morning too, Eron! Just in time, too. Breakfast is ready, and I need to go now. Please just sit at the table everybody and Erica will take care of everything¡­ See youter, guys¡­¡±


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you having breakfast, Miss Diwa?¡±


    Diwana froze in the middle of picking up her basket and cloth bag at the concerned but firm tone that Eron used to ask his question. Meanwhile, all the kids who were already serving themselves stacks of buttered pancakes drizzled with maple syrup also fell silent at the question.


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t want to bete since people in the lumberyard would need some food and¡­¡±


    ¡°But they usually just have coffee, eggs, and bread for breakfast which I know they make themselves. They usually eat the food you sell during coffee breaks and lunch. I¡¯m sure they really don¡¯t need you to be there so early. Besides, I think the kids would really like you to have breakfast with them.¡±


    ¡°Ummm, yeah Di, we do want you to have breakfast with us,¡± Erica said, agreeing with Eron as she finally took her seat at the round dining table.


    ¡°Yeah, mom. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You said that yourself, right?¡± Macky reminded their surrogate mom as she stood unmoving and looking in disbelief at him.


    ¡°And the most important meal of the day should be spent with the most important people. That¡¯s us, right mama?¡±


    Diwa¡¯s shocked look now turned towards the grinning little girl with the stuffed toy on herp. ¡°Y-yes, Katya. You are the most important people to me but I don¡¯t want to bete¡­¡±


    ¡°Listen, Di¡­ I mean, Miss Diwa¡­ if you stay and have a leisurely breakfast with me and the kids, I will help you carry your things to the lumberyard since we both will be going there at the same time. I will also offer the same service for you every day and you won¡¯t need to carry your heavy stuff on your own, since I will be going to work there as well. It will be the perfect setup for you and we can all have breakfast together every day as well. What do you say?¡±


    Diwana looked at theely neer for a long while, her face showing one emotion on top of another. Eron wasn¡¯t sure why she was reacting that way but deep inside his heart, he really wanted her to say yes. It would be a hard thing for him to control himself around her in the morning, with her all smelling nice from her shower and looking beautiful in one of her colorful country dresses, but he was only looking out for her well-being.


    He certainly didn¡¯t want her skipping meals or walking unprotected through the forest now that he was around.


    As Eron looked at Diwana, she didn¡¯t know how to react to what he just said. She was remembering what she heard in her head while she was inside the bathroom and somehow, it didn¡¯t connect to how concerned and caring The Charmer was now. However, she also didn¡¯t want to read too deeply into what he was saying because it could just be that he¡¯s just worried about her. After all, she¡¯s a widow with three children to feed and she was, after all, hisndy.


    She would just have to clear her thoughts when he was with her, even if she Did see him as the most handsome and virile man that she had ever met.


    ¡°Alright Eron, it¡¯s a deal.¡±


    The whole table erupted in gleeful cheers, and soon everyone was heartily demolishing their soft fluffy pancakes. It certainly was turning out to be a very good morning.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°OK, everyone, we need to go. See youter, children. Don¡¯t forget your chores.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, see you around, guys. Oh, and by the way, if any of you find my towel lying around somewhere, can you bring it back to my room? I kind of dropped it somewhere and I can¡¯t find it¡­¡±


    It took a while for Diwa to finally face Eron while they were walking in the forest because she was hiding her blushing face from him. Of course, the missing towel was never mentioned during their walk to the lumberyard.

 SECRET WEAPON

    The first, very light vibration of his cell phone that rested on the nightstand had awakened Hiromoto, who stealthily moved out of the bed and sneaked out of the house, taking with him one of the light bed sheets that slipped to the floor during his night ¡®activities¡¯ so he could wrap his naked body.


    He quickly twisted it around his waist, allowing a full view of his muscr upper torso, and then he sat up on the porch swing where he thought he wouldn¡¯t be heard.


    The morning breeze yed with his hair, arranging and rearranging it, bringing the smell of soil wet with the night dew to him and deeply rxing him.


    For a moment, while he felt the few first rays of sun on his skin, he smiled.


    A light of hope sparkled in him during those mornings when he could be nothing but a loving husband in a farmhouse, far away from the city and its noise.


    The phone rang for the fifth time, and then he answered to the well-known name that was shing on the screen.


    ¡°Good morning, bro, hope you¡¯ve had an easy night,¡± Virgil greeted his long-time friend with a smile on his face that could be heard through the other side of the line.


    Virgil was cheery as well. That¡¯s the usual happy-go-lucky way he woke up every morning that followed the date night with his beloved mate.


    He had been awake for just about five minutes, and covered his nudity with a light robe, so he couldzily walk to the balcony of the bedroom while looking at the canopied bed where his mate still tried to catch a few more minutes of sleep.


    She turned her body, allowing her mate a full view of her bare back, down to her rounded butt cheeks as the silky white sheets slipped from her body. He smiled widely, feeling his morning mood asking for attention while he made a call that he was actually happy to make¡­


    Even if he was hungry.


    If the small n that he and his friend had ended up with their expected oue, then they could move on to bigger ns with total freedom.


    That could also mean that the two Organization heads could be having thest few minutes of peace and quiet that could be easily seen as the peace right before the storm.


    But that wasn¡¯t a problem.


    They would dly go through the storm to keep the people who mattered the most to them safe,fortable and happy.


    Speaking of being happy¡­


    ¡°You sound happy, I guess you had a good night. Then that makes two of us. I¡¯m still at the farm, but I¡¯m notpletelyfortable staying and risking the Arger who mighte looking for me, or leaving when they doe to look for me and find Alicia and the kids.¡±


    ¡°Say no more.¡± V¡¯s grin grew bigger. ¡°I talked to Helenast night. She agreed to go and talk to Alicia. We¡¯ll go pay a visitter today. She was actually kind of surprised when I told her that you suggested it. I guess she remembers well the day she met you,¡± V said with a chuckle.


    ¡°Excellent news, bro. I can¡¯t remember being so happy to see anyone other than my mate, ever. And yeah¡­ I think that was enough experience, for me, and for Alicia¡­ Your mate can talk to walls, bro.¡±


    ¡°I know, she¡¯s awesome, but damn¡­ Ouch, bro, that hurt¡­ you mean that you don¡¯t feel happy to see me!? Sheesh! ¡­ you¡¯re a cold bastard.¡±


    ¡°Rx Camden, you¡¯ve always known that I like you, but not that much,¡± the Ogre said, with an evident smile in his face, that weird, umon happening that was more usual with the Camden n brothers, with whom he had the best childhood memories.


    As well as the most painful¡­


    Whatever he remembered from that time, they would always be there¡­


    +++


    Back then, when his parents were alive, Hero would beg for them to join their pack. Virgil, Eron, and even Henkjan have mentioned the possibility to Hero¡¯s parents, but they were never convinced.


    Pack life didn¡¯t seem so promising for them, even if they were practically part of Silverw already anyway, with both of them working for the SC Business Conglomerate and visiting or even staying at the packhouse more and more often, due to the frequent slumber parties that the three children had and the tight friendship between Eline Camden, the Luna of the pack that Virgil resembled so much with her deep blue eyes and dark blond hair, and Hiromoto¡¯s mother, Bianca, a tall, beautifuldy with natural strawberry blond hair and hazel eyes that looked a lot more like Eron¡¯s mother than Hero¡¯s.


    They joked about that often, that H and Virgil looked more like biological brothers ¨C and acted as such, in their ying and their fighting ¨C and Eron looked more like the beloved visitor¡¯s best friend.


    Especially true when Eron¡¯s bond with Mrs. Bianca Konig grew tighter and he would run to her when the two older kids would go on ¡°missions¡± and, from time to time, unintentionally forgetting about him.


    Mrs. Konig would hug the young boy and take her time to sit and y with him.


    On some of those asions, both Eline and Bianca would y with Eron, especially hide and seek, which was one of his favorite games.


    Eline wouldugh about the resemnce her friend and her youngest child had, as the three boys grew up together, and the twodies became closer and closer.


    ¡°Hey Eron, it¡¯s Hero!¡± Virgil called his younger brother when their friend finally called. They had been waiting for hours for the arrival of their friend and were starting to get worried, even Virgil had called him a few times already. ¡°H, when are you co-¡±


    ¡°V¡­ they¡¯re gone,¡± was heard on the other side of the line.


    Virgil noticed the distressed tone in Hero¡¯s voice, but could not understand what happened, even if he started to feel his insides knotting tightly.


    ¡°What? Who¡¯s gone? What are you talking about? Aren¡¯t youing here today? We¡¯re all waiting for you,¡± the older brother would say to his friend then, not understanding what he was telling him.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°They¡¯re dead¡­¡±


    Virgil felt a tight twisting in his chest.


    ¡°What is he saying? Why haven¡¯t they arrived?¡± Eron whispered, getting closer as soon as he noticed the pale, ashen look on his always-collected older brother¡¯s face.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± was the only coherent thing that Virgil managed to say at the moment.


    ¡°There was an ident¡­ They¡­ they wereing to pick me up at a ssmate¡¯s house. They dropped me off because I had a ss project with him, but when I called to let them know that we already finished and I was going to the packhouse on my own, they said they¡¯de get me. I insisted they didn¡¯t have to, that I was old enough to go to your house alone¡­ they fought me, so I waited for them¡­ I was called by the hospital an hourter¡­ they said that mom and dad were injured, and I got here as soon as I could¡­ but they¡­ they¡­ didn¡¯t wait for me¡­¡±


    Hero was obviously toughening himself up, holding on so he would not break there, while he was all alone¡­


    Alone. He had no one left after what happened¡­


    ¡°Wait there. Will see you in ten minutes.¡±


    Teen Virgil ended the call and ran to his mother, with Eron still closely following, trying to ask more about what was happening.


    When Virgil told his mother, it was very easy to see how close they all were.


    V was cold, and collected, acting as the circumstances required. His seriousness and controlled reactions were as expected, after years of training had taught him already, yet, the worry could be seen through his ¡¯emergency mode¡¯ while Eron looked, and felt like a grenade had just exploded near him. He could hear nothing and the world became a blur of confusion and pain.


    He saw his mother getting up from her chair and walking with Virgil, but he couldn¡¯t follow them anymore.


    It felt like it was his own parents who had had the ident.


    He knew his friend needed him, but at the moment it was impossible for him to think and feel at the same time.


    Besides, he had Virgil.


    Not long after, the helicopter would leave the helipad at the packhouse and would arrive at the hospital where Hero was. Eline took care of all the paperwork and payments, while V took care of H.


    Those were very difficult days.


    Hero was taken to the packhouse for a while, and Henkjan took him in as his own son, back then, when he was still a caring father and a loving mate. He also took care of every detail of the funeral in the traditional way of the pack, with all the honours that higher-ranking members of their n had.


    But the pain never left Hero. If anything, it kept growing bigger, hardening the young man and making him bitter. Then one morning, when Eron went to look for him in his room, he was gone, and a fewbelled envelopes rested on his desk.


    ¡°A man does what he thinks he has to do,¡± Henkjan would say back then, in understanding, after reading the letter that was left for him.


    Eron and V kept looking for their missing friend, but there was no trace of him. Both kids would see him again until that day when he would show up with a feral human mate who demanded to be transformed into a Werewolf.

 MORE ON THE SECRET WEAPON

    ¡°Nah, not even you believe your own lies. I know you love me. You¡¯re just a mean, cold asshole, bro¡± Virgil  quickly said with the same joking tone that was considered unusual by everybody around him, with very, very few exceptions.


    ¡°Whatever you say, bro. At what time do you n to arrive here? I gotta say, you have great timing, I was already nning to go back to the Governor¡¯s house before he misses me too much, you know. Especially now that he¡¯s so desperate to get Eron back, even if it means getting him back from the grave.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know¡­ We¡¯re going there around past noon, but I believe it would be better if we can take Alicia by surprise.¡±


    ¡°I agree with that move, man. Hopefully, she doesn¡¯t even suspect so she¡¯s not defensive when the ¡®secret weapon¡¯ arrives.¡±


    ¡°By secret weapon, you mean¡­?¡±


    ¡°Bro, I guess you don¡¯t remember when the two of them met¡­ do you?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I perfectly remember. Twodies made to perfection to handle two hardheaded guys like us. Our gifts from the Moon Goddess, bro. How could I ever forget?¡±


    ¡°Well then, ¡®secret weapon¡¯ it is,¡± Hero¡¯s smile was heard through his words again. ¡°See youter bro and good luck to Helena. I¡¯ll start softening my wife for your arrival.¡±


    ¡°Meaning that you¡¯re about to wake her up and ¡®get busy¡¯ with her¡­ I hope that is the case because you and I, bro, are the worst in trying to keep secrets from them, and I¡¯m also suspecting that whatever you think you¡¯ll do, you¡¯ll be too obvious. So better focus on making her feel good.¡±


    ¡°I was going to be nice and make breakfast in bed for her, but I¡¯m liking your idea more than mine¡­ and it still includes the bed and eating, haha!. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be careful not to give any of our ns away before to our mates until you arrive. For now, I will take care of the ¡®mission¡¯ at hand. You have some fun too, bro. See youter¡­ and V¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°I really appreciate this, bro¡­ Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it, bro. Later.¡±


    The two men, who were deeply in love with their mates, walked back to therge beds they shared with their respectivedies, hugged them from behind, and, as if in unexpected sync, their wives woke up, smiled at them and embraced their men with tight, loving hugs.


    As much as the two men were alike, the two strong females were as well.


    ¡°Good morning, handsome,¡± the Luna said as a response to her man¡¯s nuzzling and tickling. ¡°Hungry already, my love?¡±


    ¡°Always, beautiful,¡± he smiled as he pulled her towards him, where she was received by her man¡¯s already hard and pulsing manhood.


    While on the farm, the most important female to the second most important man in the city,zily smiled at the muscr male who was tenderly invading her space.


    Among other things¡­


    ¡°Hey love, where were you?¡±


    ¡°I was taking a call, beloved. Nothing to worry about,¡± he would say, wrapping the red-haired woman against him, while fondling her breasts the moment he touched the bed.


    ¡°I see it was good news,¡± she smirked and turned to face him, her arms entangling behind his neck and letting her elbow¡¯s soft skin caress the sensitive nipples of her man, which she knew would give her the key to whatever secret he might be attempting to keep from her.


    He, knowing her so well, held her tighter and didn¡¯t let her move, but started to softly bite and kiss her arm and shoulder.


    ¡°Not really news, love. Just Virgil being Virgil and waking me up this early just because he has to be up that early too.¡±


    ¡°Virgil, huh?¡± she said, and her smirk turned into a wide grin. ¡°What are you two up to these days, that you both are suddenly so close that you are even waking each other up?¡±


    Her eyes shone with curiosity, and was not ready to let that question go until she received an answer. She then wrapped her legs around her man¡¯s waist and she moved her hips upward, teasing the hard dick her husband was greeting her with that morning.


    ¡°Up to? Suddenly? Wife, I grew up with him, you know that, besides, we¡¯re now kind of taking care of all that¡¯s rted to Eron¡¯s escape. It wasn¡¯t that long ago, and his brother is that obsessive with the details.¡±


    ¡°As if you weren¡¯t,¡± she said, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Exactly, that¡¯s why he called me,¡± he grinned back at her, knowing that it would be enough to satisfy her morning curiosity, as he worked a bit HARDER on satisfying her morning appetites.


    He pinched one of her dark brown nipples, which was one of her most sensitive parts, as well, then swiftly rolled over to stay on top of her.


    ¡°Woman, I think I really crave something special for breakfast today,¡± he said in his usualmanding tone that she would take as a joke when nobody else would. ¡°Care to guess what it is?¡±


    ¡°And what might that be, if I may, Mr. Left Hand?¡± she asked defiantly, teasing him the way he hated the most which was using his current title.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    But he wasn¡¯t taken aback. Not even bothered.


    If anything, his eyes reflected more and more of his lust and hunger for her, even a spark of lewdness as well.


    ¡°You. And I hope you¡¯re ready to spend a while at this because I¡¯m not letting you go until I¡¯m drowning in your fluids,¡± he whispered in her ear, sending chills all over her body.


    She knew what he was offering her and she was suddenly as hungry as he was.


    ¡°Oh really? Well, I would like to see that,¡± she challenged him once more. ¡°IF you really can¡­¡±


    He raised a thick bushy eyebrow, looking at her deeply in the eyes. He knew the way she loved to provoke his wildest side and enjoyed his reactions as much as the pleasure that she received from him.


    As an answer, he hungrily kissed her, knowing perfectly well that actions spoke louder than words.

 TREASURED PAST FRIENDS

    ¡°We¡¯re ready tond, sir,¡± Antoine said as soon as the field was cleared and the tall, muscr, handsome, dark brown-haired, and clean-cut man, who, in another ce and circumstances would have passed as a model, confirmed with a sign to the pilot that everybody was safely waiting inside the house.


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s, my friend. Although this kind of entrance is far from the surprise I would have liked,¡± Another tall, handsome, muscr male, but this one lightly bearded and with dark blond hair, who was inside the helicopter said to his pilot-sh-bodyguard.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, handsome. She might notice that you¡¯re here, but I¡¯m sure she has no idea about me,¡± his wife gave him a knowing smirk that immediately let him know she was up for the mission, and not taking a ¡®no¡¯ for an answer.


    He could easily get excited because of his mate¡¯s show of determination, and the way in which whatever she would focus on she would get. It was a mental turn-on for him and somehow, she knew that well.


    The aircraft finally touched the ground and they removed their headsets.


    He smiled back at her smirking face, hugging her tightly and kissing her.


    ¡°Damn, you¡¯re hot when you¡¯re like that,¡± he whispered huskily in her ear. ¡°You¡¯re lucky we¡¯re on a mission.¡±


    ¡°Lucky, huh? We¡¯ll see how lucky we are when we¡¯re back at home,¡± she whispered back, making him even harder, right when Antoine opened the door of the helicopter for them.


    Their pilot/bodyguard was already armed and at full attention, ready for any eventuality.


    ¡°Thank you, Antoine,¡± Helena said, taking the hand that the young, 5¡¯11¡± man with grayish green eyes and very light tan offered to help her with to get her down to the ground, and leaving her husband with an evident and painful hard-on that he wished won¡¯t be too obvious¡­


    ¡°Boss, you uh¡­¡± Antoine attempted, with his Luna right behind him, hiding her musicalugh as she noticed her man¡¯s ufortable situation.


    Yes, obviously, the Alpha was failing miserably with THAT mission.


    ¡°Yes, give me a minute, please, Antoine. Baby, you can go ahead and find Alicia, I¡¯ll¡­ follow in a second¡­¡±


    ¡°I see that you can¡¯t hold yourself around her, bro,¡± a known voice, with a hidden smile in it, sounded from right behind Helena, and the Alpha and Luna recognized it immediately.


    ¡°Hero!¡± she eximed as the Luna turned and hugged him while V stared at him intently.


    ¡°What can I do, bro? I¡¯m crazy for her¡­¡± V answered, still a bit ufortable with his engorged length tenting his pants.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to see you again, Luna,¡± Hero said to the woman in front of him, respectfully returning the hug.


    ¡°Oh,e on, Mr. Wall, I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve been so distant for you to call me only by my title, have we?¡±


    ¡°And she remembers,¡± Hero stated, his face slightly tinted pink now.


    ¡°She has a great memory¡­ on what is of use and interest to her,¡± V added, finally leaving his seat, since he had already ¡°rxed¡± enough to look decent.


    ¡°I hear a familiar voice, and I can¡¯t believe what my eyes are seeing now.¡± This time, it was an enthusiastic yet shocked female voice that was talking from the door of the rustic, beautiful farmhouse.


    ¡°Sorah!!! I can¡¯t believe it!!! How long has it been!?¡± Helena ran towards her old friend with a wide toothy grin on her lovely face, while their mates looked at the scene smirking.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s Alicia now, Helena¡­¡±


    ¡°I know, but I can¡¯t help but call you that way since it¡¯s the name you were introduced to me in the past. How have you been?¡±


    As the two women continued their cheerful chatter, their two mates hung back just a little so they could talk on their own.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure it will work,¡± Hero whispered.


    ¡°Yeah, I think so too,¡± V answered, offering a hidden fist bump that thedies were too happy and busy to notice. His childhood friend returned it and then both crossed their arms on their wide chests, satisfied with the possible sess of their n.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since anyone called me by that name¡­¡± Alicia said, hugging her friend, as her eyes clouded over a few treasured memories.


    ¡°I always loved that name of yours, I know big guy Mr. Wall calls you Alicia, but I know only one Sorah. A very distinctive name, just like the one who carries it¡­ or maybe you forgot?¡±


    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m still the same,¡± sheughed, remembering.


    +++


    Back then, Helena, almost twenty years old, sat in her office and looked at the very new married couple walking in. Thedy was blindly determined, and moving all around was trying to convince her man that the right thing was that she was turned into what he was.


    ¡°Hero, I understand that you care and worry, but nothing will happen to me, I promise! I¡¯ll be fine!¡±


    ¡°Alicia, I can¡¯t just not worry. We just went through all this, running away and hiding you for weeks because we had to save you, and now you want to try something that could possibly kill you in the process!? Did you just go crazy, woman?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s crazy. You took me from everything I know, and right now I¡¯m in the middle of both worlds, helpless because I can¡¯t defend myself, and can¡¯t even have a normal couple life with you because you¡¯re too worried that I can get pregnant and wouldn¡¯t survive it! Can you please tell me then, how am I supposed to understand what is happening? What do you expect from me, Hero?¡±


    ¡°Well, I expect that you remain alive, whatever it takes. That¡¯s what I originally want and it¡¯s still what I need to happen now, Alicia!¡±


    ¡°And what kind of life is that then? How can I feel alive when I can¡¯t go back and can¡¯t move forward? What the hell, Hero! Might as well DIE TRYING!¡±


    ¡°NO! YOU¡¯RE. NOT. DYING!¡±


    Virgil looked at the scene speechless, understanding more than anything, his friend¡¯s position and worry. Meanwhile, his mate analyzed the desperate youngdy¡¯s request, which was actually very valid.


    ¡°Forgive my interruption. Mate, can you take your friend for a drink, please? I think he needs it, and I need to hear what his mate has to say¡­ all that information that we don¡¯t have and more. Can we do that, please?¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course, baby¡­ Hero,e with me, let¡¯s give thedies a minute. Any of you would like us to bring you something?¡±


    ¡°I think some sweet wolfwine would be good, love, thank you. You drink¡­ Alicia, right?¡±


    ¡°I do¡­ and yes, Sorah¡­ Alicia¡­ you can call me whichever you prefer.¡±


    ¡°Wine it will be, then. We¡¯ll be back when you call me, princess, take your time,¡± V said, kissing her cheek and then walking to Hero, whom he almost had to drag by his arm out of the office.


    ¡°Come, take a seat with me,¡± Helena told the young woman who was around her same age, if not a mere few months younger. ¡°Take a deep breath and tell me what happened. I understand that you¡¯re human, and you found out that he¡¯s your mate, and a werewolf, right?¡±


    ¡°Sort of¡­ I lived a very normal life until a few months ago, when a few weird guys walked to my door, and that angry man that just walked in to save me. After that, life continued almost as usual, but after the first time I saw him, I could not forget about him¡­ Then one day, a werewolf, who I wouldter find out is him, got into my house, and with the subtle steps of an elephant, after breaking and wrecking half of my house, took me and jumped through a window, and that was thest time I saw my family¡­¡±


    Sorah then paused, taking a deeper breath since that took a lot out of her just to talk about it. Soon, however, she was already continuing her story with Helena taking in every little detail of her tale.


    ¡°He was wounded, so we had to stay in hiding for a while near my old town and ady friend of his helped us with food and a ce to hide for a while¡­ We had a lot of time to talk about him and about why he took me from my family. He exined to me all about mates, and I epted it. All of it! And stayed, too!¡±


    Alicia paused for a moment, still slightly angry. Helena knew that the exnation for their sudden visit and her unexpected request was right after that introduction.


    The host/Luna walked to her mini bar and served a couple of sses with soda and a few drops of lemon, then walked back to Alicia.


    ¡°Here,¡± she offered with a smile. ¡°Not alcohol yet, unless you want something stronger.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I thought the guys would bring¡­¡± Alicia said, taking the ss that Helena offered and sipping on it, yet slightly confused, as her thoughts changed focus from the memories of the events to what was taking ce in front of her.


    ¡°Your ogre mate would not let us talk if we kept him here. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take care of him when theye back. Now, please continue,¡± Helena sipped too from the refreshing, very light drink and kept her smile in ce.


    ¡°Well¡­ after all that, I wondered why, when he was fully recovered and we started getting closer¡­ you know¡­¡±


    ¡°Why he didn¡¯t touch you?¡±


    Alice moved her head from side to side, blushing a little.


    ¡°I was a virgin, but I really, really wanted him. He avoided me exining that I was feeling the mate¡¯s bond pull and I don¡¯t know what more excuses he said. Then one day I woke up and he was sitting in a corner with his eyes narrowed and glowing with an orange light and his fangs were slightly longer. I asked him if there was any problem and tried to approach him. I knew his wolf wasing out, but didn¡¯t know why.¡±


    ¡°And you were not afraid at all?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ I mean, he saved me in his werewolf form¡­ and yet¡­ it all felt natural¡­ but that day, I didn¡¯t see a reason for him to be like that. I tried to get closer but he said I couldn¡¯t¡­ shouldn¡¯t¡­ I asked him why and he said that I was in heat, and my smell was making him go crazy. I asked him then why was it that he didn¡¯t want to take me. I also wondered if he didn¡¯t like me, and so he talked to me about all his fears¡­ What could happen to me if he marked me, or if I got pregnant with him¡­ I got closer and he didn¡¯t fight it anymore¡­ He couldn¡¯t, as he says and we made love like crazy until the heat passed¡­ but then he got guilty and I demanded that he help me shift¡­¡±


    ¡°And you ended up here¡­?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­ I¡¯ll ask V to bring him back and will talk to him. Whatever you hear, please don¡¯t say a word while I¡¯m talking to him, ok? I find your request valid, and I¡¯m willing and in full agreement to help, but you¡¯ll need to trust me and not say a word. Agreed?¡±


    Sorah nodded and took another sip of the water in her ss, bracing for what was to happen next.

 MORE FROM TREASURED PAST FRIENDS

    In less than five minutes, the door of the office opened and the two gentlemen walked in.


    ¡°Hello beautiful, how was your talk?¡± V kissed and hugged her, as he would every time, they were separated for more than two minutes, and then walked straight to the minibar to serve four sses of the wine that from a time before had won over his inws and was actually produced by their pack.


    ¡°It was¡­ enlightening. Now I need to hear the other side of the situation and talk to your friend here.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± Hero said distractedly.


    ¡°You, of course, who else? I would like to know your reasons for refusing her to shift.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m just not doing it. With all due respect, Luna, I hoped you guys would help me get her to see some sense¡­¡±


    ¡°You wanted us to tell her that your decision is the right one?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Not try to help you, but make sure she agrees to what you are saying?¡±


    ¡°Exactly, because mine is the logical choice and I¡¯m absolutely right.¡±


    ¡°Oh, are you really? Damn, you¡¯re too sure of yourself¡­¡±


    ¡°Pardon me?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re keeping your very limited point of view and don¡¯t want to hear anybody else¡¯s opinion? You¡¯re not even willing to give your own reasons so we can agree or disagree¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, I can tell you, but I made up my mind already.¡±


    ¡°Then I don¡¯t think we can help you, Mr. Wall.¡±


    ¡°Wh¡­ What did you just call me?¡± The man who was already leading one of thergest international crime organizations, and had escted to higher ranks so swiftly, had not even been questioned for a long while like this.


    Instantly, his manners had turned rough and his eyes were now cold.


    The way their conversation turned was making it look as if the paid assassin was keeping it together only because thedy ¨C more than a foot smaller than him who stood right in front of him while looking up at his frigid face ¨C was the mate of one of the only two people that he saw and loved as brothers in the whole wide world.


    ¡°I called you Mr. Wall because you listen andmunicate as much as an actual wall does.¡±


    The Ogre turned towards the Alpha beside him, ¡°Bro¡­ can you PLEASE tell your mate that I¡¯m right?¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy if you think I¡¯ll do that, BRO. I¡¯m not gonna risk sleeping on the sofa for you¡­ I love you but you won¡¯t ever give me what she can¡­¡± Virgil scoffed as he sipped from his wine ss. ¡°Besides, I agree with her.¡±


    Hero paused then sighed loudly, his obvious impatience taking over. ¡°Then what do you suggest we do, missy?¡± he asked, reverting his attention back to the Luna.


    ¡°Exactly what I just said. I offered you an opportunity to say what your reasons are, but what I¡¯ve seen is that you¡¯re just afraid to open up, like a puppy during a thunderstorm.¡±


    ¡°I AM NOT LIKE THAT IN ANY WAY!¡±


    ¡°No? I didn¡¯t even hear one good reason from you¡­ I¡¯ll give you time. You sit in your lonely, angry corner of the sofa while us three have a rxing chat over wine. If when we¡¯re done and you don¡¯t have one good, convincing reason not to help her, WE will help her. And that WE include YOU, Mr. Wall.¡±


    And yes, Hero did sit alone on that sofa, holding and sipping from his ss, deeply annoyed by the talk andughter that he could hear from the people sitting on the high chairs that surrounded the mini bar.


    ¡°OKAY!¡± H suddenly said. ¡°FINE! I agree¡­¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Helena said.


    ¡°I said I agree¡­¡± he sighed once more. ¡°I ept that I¡¯m afraid of losing her¡­ Alicia, I don¡¯t want to be without you¡­ I¡¯ve had you for such a short time¡­ I don¡¯t want to try and live by myself again¡­ I¡¯ve lost all the people I care about, and¡­¡±


    ¡°AHEM,¡± loudly interrupted Virgil. ¡°All?¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay¡­ Almost all the people I care about¡­ happy, bro?¡±


    V smiled and went back to his drink.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ can¡¯t lose you¡­ that¡¯s why I can¡¯t let you go through that¡­ yet¡­ but the Luna is right¡­ I¡¯ll help you¡­ I took you from your previous life, and now I can¡¯t just say I won¡¯t give you a new one¡­ it¡¯s the least you deserve.¡±


    Alicia got down from the high chair and ran to the sofa where her man was. She throws herself at him and started hugging him then kissing him deeply even while she smiled widely.


    ¡°Thank you, my love,¡± she whispered joyfully after that long passion-filled kiss. ¡°You will NOT regret your decision, I am sure of it.¡±


    ¡°Whoa, are we so happy about this? I mean it, it¡¯s really dangerous¡­ and not done so regrly that it¡¯s considered normal¡­ I know too little about it, but enough to know those two things¡­¡± Hiromoto said to the smiling exultant woman in his arms, who he now helped to sit on hisp.


    ¡°That¡¯s kind of true¡­ I mean, it¡¯s painful¡­ and in some cases even severely torturous since your body will have to be rearranged on a gic level. Your brain will change and your bones and muscles will have to shift to be stronger and more flexible¡­ Well there will be a lot of physical changes that will happen, and I hope you have a very high tolerance for pain because you¡¯ll feel a lot of it, for at least twelve hours. But hey, after that you¡¯ll be one of us!¡± Helena smiled, as she stood up and walked closer to the hugging couple.


    All the others looked at each other. V¡¯s expression was unreadable, Hero suddenly went even paler, and Alicia got up and hugged Helena.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind the pain. I¡¯m ready. I entered this whole thing with my eyes open and for my mate, I¡¯m willing to do anything to make this whole thing work and nothing will stop me from being with him for good and forever.¡±


    Hero upon hearing Sorah¡¯s words and the determination in her voice could not help but feel his heart constrict and his eyes to water.


    Bothdies smiled widely, in an almost celebratory manner, and then Helena spoke.


    ¡°Okay then, let¡¯s prepare you guys now.¡±

 LOVE AND PAIN

    ¡°Please, follow me. I¡¯m so d to see you. The kids will love to meet their godmother,¡± Alicia said, letting her old friend out of her embrace and excitedly pulling her by her wrist so they could enter inside the house where the young mom lived her peaceful life.


    The memory, however, still sparked in the mind of all present as if it all had happened just the previous day.


    +++


    ¡°What do we have to do?¡± Hero got up from Helena¡¯s office sofa and stood right behind Sorah, hugging her protectively.


    ¡°Make love to her and bite her,¡± Helena said, sounding as if it was the most obvious and easy thing to do.


    ¡°Huh? In¡­ front of you¡­?¡± Alicia asked, immediately blushing.


    ¡°You mean the marks ceremony, Luna?¡± Hero asked.


    ¡°No, you¡¯ll have that when and how you choose to. You could just bite her, deep and hard, even out of bed, but I believe that you both would have a nicer experience if you did that while making love. You¡¯ll do that in one of the rooms on our medical wing, and immediately after you¡¯re done, I¡¯ll enter the room to help you take care of her. I¡¯ve seen the process only once, but I know pretty well how it goes, and we¡¯ll have our Dr. Sawyer, who is a very good medical practitioner.¡±


    Helena then went quiet and the silence reigned among them for a while.


    ¡°Well, your room is being prepared right now¡­¡± the Luna said, breaking the pause. ¡°I just mindlinked the Doctor, and she¡¯ll get everything ready and let me know when we can go to the room. For now, I don¡¯t rmend that you have any dinner because most probably you¡¯ll be throwing it up when the pain starts¡­ However, you can drink as much water as you want since it¡¯s necessary to keep you hydrated.¡±


    ¡°I would have thought that we¡¯d need to wait for the full moon,¡± Alicia murmured, trying to make some conversation since she was more excited than nervous at that moment.


    ¡°Well, the full moon favors us, giving us more energy, but it¡¯s not exactly a need for this process,¡± Helena smiled. ¡°Except perhaps for the pop culture references in most stories and Hollywood movies.¡±


    ¡°I just didn¡¯t think that it would be that soon¡­¡± Hero said shakily, still pale like a paper sheet.


    ¡°If I give you time to think much about it, you might change your mind again, Mr. Wall. I¡¯m not letting that happen. Now, I¡¯ll take your mate. She might want a bubble bath and something rxing before going through this. V will take care of you, ok? We will see you in an hour, down at the clinic.¡±


    And with those not soforting but factual reminders, Helena took Alicia to her room.


    ¡°Bro, does she really know what she¡¯s doing?¡± Hero let his well-built body fall on the sofa again, as if there were weights tied to his broad shoulders and he couldn¡¯t stay standing any longer.


    ¡°Bro, she didn¡¯t grow up in a pack¡­ but she has a lot more knowledge than me on wolf history and unusual matters like this one. I believe her grandma had a special ce in the pack that her family left behind when she was a baby, so she passed a lot of knowledge to my mate. The elders trust her and I ce my full faith in her and her knowledge.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I¡¯m sounding like an ungrateful doubting Thomas here, bro, but this is my mate we¡¯re talking about¡­ and I just¡­ well¡­¡± the slumped mob leader sighed uncharacteristically as he kept his arms tensely folded in front of him.


    ¡°I know there¡¯s not much that I can say for you to rx. I have to say, I understand your point perfectly, but I understand your mate¡¯s, too,¡± the pack leader said as he sat beside his distraught childhood friend. ¡°You¡¯re doing the right thing, and I¡¯m d that you counted on us to go through this with you.¡±


    Then, V raised his fist and hit Hero as hard as he could on his shoulder.


    ¡°What the HELL!!!¡± Hero looked back at him, and from paper white his face swiftly turned red. ¡°What¡¯s WRONG WITH YOU, MAN!?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you remember, asshole, but you left without saying a word! I¡¯m d to see you again, but I still have many questions. And because of that, I¡¯ll have to drag you downstairs so you can apologize to dad and Eron, who missed you like hell! We¡¯ll spend your mate¡¯s preparation time with them, so get up off your sorry ass and walk with me.¡± V ordered, half-mockingly and half chuckling.


    ¡°Of course, Alpha Camden, your wish is mymand¡­ damn crazy man you¡¯ve be now¡­ nice to see you, too.¡± Hero sarcastically said, rubbing where V hit him but not making a bigger fuss.


    After all, Hero knew that Virgil was right.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    He didn¡¯t even think of the circumstances in which he left the packhouse before and didn¡¯t think of the possible consequences either. He just found himself in an emergency situation, and the only people he could count on were them and yet he still left¡­


    And now, he was home, and d to be back, even if it was just for a day or two.


    +++


    ¡°This is the room,¡± the feminine, tall and slim dark-eyed doctor with long ck hair in a ponytail said as she opened the door and let herpanions walk in.


    An hourter, Hero and Sorah were with Virgil and Helena, following the doctor through the medical instations in one of the wings of therge packhouse.


    Theirs was a simpler hotel room instead of a hospital room, yet it had an oxygen tank and the required monitoring machines that would be connected to thedy who was about to be turned after their small ¡°conversion ritual¡± as Helena called it.


    Therge bed was waiting for them, and for the first time, the Ogre and his mate were hesitant to jump in.


    ¡°Bathroom is right there, with shower and bathtub. However, I rmend that right after the bite we should be called in so we can start monitoring her,¡± Dr. Sawyer said.


    ¡°No time to be romantic then,¡± Alice joked with an awkward smile on her face. ¡°Am I to turn into a werewolf as soon as he bites me?¡±


    ¡°No. You¡¯ll just be ¡®rewired¡¯ and might start hearing a voice in your head. The first shift will happen when you and your wolf arefortable with each other and both decide to try shifting,¡± Helena stated, in that cold, business mode that V knew so well, which was the exact opposite demeanor of the nervous Alicia.


    It was the Luna¡¯s way to keep herself together during delicate situations, and this definitely was one.


    ¡°O¡­ kay, I think we need to leave them alone now. Good luck bro!¡± Virgil said as he began walking out of the room specially prepared for the task ahead.


    ¡°Yes, I agree with Alpha Virgil. When you¡¯re done, there are some hospital clothes for you both right over there,¡± the doctor stated as she pointed towards the nightstand that had a small pile of neatly folded clothes.


    ¡°Thank you all, we¡¯ll¡­ uh¡­ let you know,¡± Hero said, slightly blushing as everybody started to leave the room.


    ¡°Remember, it needs to be really deep¡­ if you¡¯ve ever let your wolf have full control, this is a good time to do it again. He will know how hard to bite. Trust him,¡± Helena somberly said, hugging both the scared man and excited woman, then leaving the room.


    ¡°My wolf¡­¡± Hero thought¡­ ¡°Lyon¡­ can you really take care of that?¡±


    He was not used to asking requests from his wolf, even if Lyon still trusted him and had saved him on more than one very dangerous asion.


    She¡¯s my mate too, bro. Leave it to me, I promise that I¡¯ll do it right.

 LOVE AND PAIN (BOOK 2)

    Lyon being so sure of himself was, nevertheless, not enough reassurance for an almost panicky Hero who was now trying his best to hold his emotions under control as he had done so many years before. However, he was now noticing, to his absolute chagrin, that his coldness would go out the window every time the situation was about his mate.


    ¡°So¡­ finally alone, huh?¡± Alicia said, nervous and blushing as she sat on the bed.


    ¡°Mm-hmm,¡± was the sole response that she got from the tall, broad-shouldered man in front of her.


    Alicia couldn¡¯t help but smile then, for him looking so vulnerable. She looked up at her worried mate, standing almost unmoving and yet, ncing at the door as if he was nning to run away, and smiled at him.


    For a moment, she remembered when he saved her and she saw him for the first time, his wide shoulders and marked muscr back that she had loved to sink her nails into. The few days in which the only thing they did was to make love were still so recent and fresh in her memory¡­


    The way his hands grabbed and held her¡­


    And his lips ran up and down her bare body¡­


    Just with that memory, she could feel her body getting hot¡­


    Wanting him¡­ passionately¡­ hungrily¡­


    As soon as he perceived the smell of her arousal, his concerns and doubts, and even the world around him started to fade.


    Soon he was kneeling down in front of her, pushing her dress up and her panties down, and she looked at him with a lustful smirk in anticipation.


    He opened her legs and tasted her, and then hungrily jumped on top of her, grabbing the front of her dress and tearing it apart and desperately attacking her breasts, making her tremble and moan.


    The three people on the other side of the door could hear what the two mates were now starting and knowingly smiled at each other.


    ¡°Maybe we should wait a bit further away,¡± Helena said with a smirk, to which the doctor and her mate agreed. They walked a few meters away, finally stopping and standing where they could still see the door, but not hear the ¡°action¡± taking ce inside.


    Meanwhile, Alicia was now riding her man.


    She sat on top of him and moved her hips fast front and back, very close to her climax, and he¡¯s reactions were now getting wilder and wilder. She could tell that his wolf was almost fully in control, not only because his eyes were his wolf¡¯s color now, but because of the way he tightly held her.


    More raw¡­


    More violent¡­


    And she was definitely liking it¡­ a lot¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m almost¡­ ah¡­ ALMOST!¡± she screamed. ¡°HEROOO!¡±


    He wildly hugged her, threw her down back to the bed and started moving fast, going deep and hard into her¡­


    Feeling her walls tightly holding his manhood¡­


    Smelling her body scent¡­


    Hearing her loud moans¡­


    Until he couldn¡¯t hold it anymore.


    Right then and there, he embraced her tightly against him and bit her shoulder, right where his mark was supposed to be.


    He bit her hard, right at the same time they both came.


    And the pleasure they felt was truly intense, hitting them with the explosion of a supernova.


    When they were done, and as they slowly descended from their peak, he licked the small amount of blood that came out of the bite and hugged her, while gently kissing her.


    Now his ebony eyes looked lovingly and worriedly into her gray-greenish eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you get dressed and then will call the others,¡± he said, getting up from the bed and checking out the robe for her and the very thin hospital pants and shirt that was opened in the back for him, with a light smile.


    His thoughts: Wearing this might not be as bad as I thought. Well, this whole shifting thing may turn out ok, after all.


    Hero got dressed and when he turned back to help her, she was lying still and silent on the bed. Her naked body was covered in sweat and her eyes were staring absently at a point in the ceiling,


    He spoke too soon, apparently¡­


    ¡°Alicia!¡± the Ogre eximed, not noticing that his voice was loud enough to make the three people waiting for them outside to rush inside the room.


    ¡°Okay, she¡¯s reacting already. Let¡¯s get her dressed, Hero,¡± Helena ordered as she hurried inside, speed walking towards the nudedy on the bed.


    ¡°Y¡­ yes¡­¡± was all the worried mate could say, shocked at seeing his beloved going through the first stages of pain, while moving towards her with the robe that was still in his hands.


    ¡°Please let me check her,¡± the doctor said, starting to connect all the machines to Alicia¡¯s body.


    ¡°You can take him for some food, Virgil, he will need it, especially since he¡¯s not going to sleep. We¡¯ll be right here with her and whatever happens, I¡¯ll mindlink you so you cane back when needed,¡± Helenamanded, while still busy dressing up Alicia.


    The two men obeyed and left the room, although not without some effort since Hero was reluctant to leave his mate¡¯s side. Finally, the two friends were on their way out of the medical area.


    ¡°Bro¡­ I know this can¡¯t be undone anymore¡­ I just¡­ damn, she was okay a minute ago,¡± Hero murmured as they walked into the Dining area.


    ¡°I know, but it¡¯s a good thing that she¡¯s reacting this soon. That means that enough ¡®venom¡¯ was put into her system,¡± Virgil said, serious and thoughtful. ¡°Nice job, bro.¡±


    ¡°Thanks? I don¡¯t know¡­  I hope you¡¯re right, bro¡­¡±


    ¡°I am, don¡¯t worry¡­ Besides that, it might even go¡­ well¡­ You won¡¯t like it, but this process might be¡­ stronger, but that means it can end sooner¡­¡± V tried to reassure H as they found a table for them to enjoy their meal.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I prefer now¡­. If slow and less painful, or fast and more painful. If it was me, I wouldn¡¯t give a damn, but bro¡­ it¡¯s her¡­¡±


    ¡°I know bro¡­ your mate bes your soft spot but also your strength¡­ I¡¯m really happy that you found her, even if you had to¡­ uh¡­ kidnap her to save her¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t care being a kidnapper if that means she¡¯ll be safe with me.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let Helena hear you, or instead of Mr. Wall, you¡¯ll be called ¡®the kidnapper¡¯ instead.¡±


    A small smile showed up on Hero¡¯s face, and only in that ce, with this particr person, could he smile in such a serious situation.


    ¡°Damn you, V¡­ You can joke at a time like this?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just telling the truth,¡± Virgil smirked. ¡°I know my mate that well.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, sure,¡± Hero smirked back and focused on the te of food that was brought by one of the servers and ced in front of him a few minutes earlier.


    Admittedly, they both had been ying with their food for quite a while already. Considering the situation they were in, they couldn¡¯t really be med for this.


    They tried finishing their dinner quickly and, besides the ¡®kidnapper¡¯ talk, remained inplete silence even as they walked back to the hospital room.


    When the Ogre entered the door, the bed was empty, and his heart almost stopped beatingpletely.


    Hero and V looked at each other with sudden concern and even rm.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°We¡¯re here!¡± Helena said from the bathroom.


    Both men rushed in, almost running.


    Alicia was lying in the bathtub.


    There was a towel on her forehead, and her hair was wet now, with water as much as with her sweat. Her eyes were closed then, and she was as pale as Hero had been during the short moment that the ¡°ritual¡± had been in progress.


    ¡°Alicia¡­ beloved, can you hear me?¡± Hero said barely in a whisper, kneeling by her side and dipping his hand in the very cold water to hold her equally icy fingers.


    As he noticed the temperature of the water, he looked at Helena.


    And she answered him as if knowing what he was thinking, ¡°We needed to lower her temperature. It was raised sooner than I thought. She¡¯s tough. For now, we¡¯re allowing her body to cool down, and the cold is helping her with the pain so she¡¯s resting a little. Unfortunately, we can¡¯t use painkillers or sedatives so nothing interferes with the process¡­ but I¡¯m pretty sure she will be okay.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Alicia said, barely opening her eyes while showing her mate a small attempt at a smile.


    ¡°Shhh¡­ My beloved mate, please rest while you can,¡± Hero said, smiling back at her, feeling proud of how strong she was, andpletely broken for not being able to take the pain from her.


    He realized that she was going through all this for him.


    To be with him¡­


    Of course, he would devote his life to her and in making her happy.


    About one hourter, Alicia had started to shake and they had to carry her out of the cold bath back to the bed, where Hero hugged her as they got under a thick nket to bnce her temperature,


    Then not long after, she would start screaming in excruciating pain.


    Hero, by her side in the bed, could hear how her bones cracked and re-adjusted into their sockets, how her muscles got tight and trembled. He could only hold her tight, and, with tears in his eyes, reassured her with soft whispers that he was there and would never leave her side.


    He would never let anything happen to her.

 GAMES WE PLAY (VOL. 1)

    Yearster, Helena would be the one who would travel to their house to make sure that Hero¡¯s vow would still remain, and that nothing would ever happen to hisdy again.


    This means that she should seed in her mission¡­


    And she intended to do so.


    ¡°Oh, hello there kids, I¡¯m so d to meet you both¡­¡±


    Meanwhile the two young lovers were talking with each other inside their powerful and ssy vehicle¡­


    ¡°Baby, I can¡¯t believe we¡¯re really going on a cross-country vacation right in the middle of you wanting to work double time to earn enough for our wedding. What happened to change your mind?¡±


    ¡°Well, I still need to use my paid leave and the higher-ups demanded it since I¡¯ve been putting it on hold for years now. Besides, got myself a sweet assignment my dear baby girl, and it¡¯s going to pay me extra moh, too. It¡¯s so big, we can have a really cool vacay without worrying about spending our savings, aaaand even add to our bank ount, too.¡±


    The city¡¯s multi-awarded blond and boyish Detective was smiling widely throughout his exnation, as he hugged his darling light brown-haired fianc¨¦ around her narrow waist and brought her towards him for a quick but loving kiss. He was in such a good mood today that he felt like having a Different kind of ¡°meal¡± but since Raquel had just served him breakfast in bed, he knew had no choice but to eat the bacon, eggs, buttery French toast, and baked apples with cream and cinnamon instead of what he was actually craving for.


    Past experiences had shown him that bypassing any of the meals his sweet girlfriend had served him would not end well, even if the food items in front of him were not cooked by his lover and she just ordered it from room service.


    Oh no, not even if the alternative included him satisfying their rabid sexual appetites in bed.


    Maybe she would be intensely pleasured at first, but wait until you¡¯ve both already climaxed and realized her dishes had grown cold as it waited for the couple¡¯s attention. Oh, Myron had learned never to let it happen again.


    So now, he was just getting himself pepped up as Raquel ced the tray table in front of him and was extremely thankful that she was close enough to grab and hug her while his breakfast feast was right in front of him waiting to be devoured BEFORE he devoured anything else.


    Or someone, in particr¡­


    ¡°Oh, that sounds amazing, my handsome hubby! Does this have anything to do with the work you¡¯ve been doing at home for the past few days?¡± Raquel asked as she scooped sugar and cream into Myron¡¯s empty coffee mug that sat on the tray, and then proceeded to pour their French press¡¯ contents into it. ¡°I hope you like the new coffee mix I¡¯ve made you, by the way, my love.¡±


    Myron inhaled the very hot brew that was now in his cup and felt instant satisfaction for his other senses. He smiled up at her in thanks and kissed her small fingers as she ced them on his lips just to show his affection, then took a sip.


    Oh, how he loved his coffee and this beautifuldy¡­


    ¡°Love, you forgot about my question. I realize you¡¯re not yourself in the morning if you haven¡¯t had your coffee yet but¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ OH yes, THAT question¡­ Yes, the work I¡¯ve done these past few days has been really fruitful and my client has been so happy with my reports to him. That¡¯s why I need to go on the road to check out some of the leads that I found. Of course, he¡¯s very willing to cover all my expenses, and what better way to maximize this opportunity but to bring you along with me?¡±


    ¡°You are such a genius, boyfie. I¡¯m so proud of you, and yes, I would love to spend more time with you. I am really missing you a lot since you¡¯ve been in and out of the house so much and then you keep looking at your files andptop instead of me. So sad¡­¡±


    ¡°A, baby, you do know that this is for you too, right? Not just for the wedding but so I can take care of you, sweetheart. See, I¡¯ve managed to close this nice deal that both of us are now enjoying, right? So now, I can make everything up to you and I promise that I will, while working on my case, too.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t make a fuss but just be thankful that you still remember me even if you¡¯re so busy, my darling love.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, of course, I can never ever forget you. You¡¯re my sunshine, remember. And that¡¯s going to be forever.¡±


    The buxom but girly woman beside him smiled up at her man with a slightly shy expression, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel more ¡®hungry¡¯ for her. He loved it whenever she yed coy with him since he knew there was a rabid tigress underneath that supposed demure look.


    Besides, weren¡¯t they now checked into one of the most famous and luxurious resorts this part of the country had to offer? There really was nothing toin about at this point, especially since he had rented one of the more elegant and expensive beach houses in the area.


    All they needed to do now was to enjoy themselves and the passionate and loving couple intended to do that this morning before the detective started his special assignment. As he continued to enjoy breakfast and the attention of hisdy love, he couldn¡¯t help but congratte himself as he remembered the incident that gave them this very special treat.


    He couldn¡¯t believe it happened just yesterday¡­


    +++


    Myron¡¯s good mood had begun when he woke up to his phone vibrating on his bed stand back at their condo apartment in the city. Seeing that he was already alone on the bed, and he could hear and smell Raquel¡¯s cookinging from the kitchen, he didn¡¯t even bother looking at the screen to find out who it was.


    Besides, he hadn¡¯t had his coffee yet and he was still half-alive, practically in a zombified phase¡­


    ¡°Hello?¡± the detective slurred.


    ¡°Good morning, Myron. Based on your voice, I¡¯d say you¡¯re still half-asleep.¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh, Governor Kagu¡­¡± he immediately responded, his voice and energy immediately spiking as if he suddenly got an adrenaline shot through the chest. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ yes, I was about to send you an email to report on something I recently found out¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, you have my attention now. I do prefer a verbal report over a boring document, which I can¡¯t even ask on-the-spot questions when I want to. So yes, go ahead, Detective.¡±


    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind me asking you some questions first, Sir. Do you have any idea where the Right Hand¡¯s motorcycle is?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm¡­ I don¡¯t believe I do. Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°Because I saw it parked very near his car in a picture, and that was after his automobile exploded. Now my next question is, why was it there if he already had a ride avable? And, most importantly, where did the motorbike go because I¡¯ve checked the mall and it¡¯s nowhere to be found. I¡¯m suddenly starting to believe your theory, sir, that he really is still alive.¡±


    ¡°Inspector, no offense intended, but I didn¡¯t hire you to tell me that I¡¯m right. What I told you to do is to find proof that I am right in my opinion about my Right Hand¡¯s present state and conduct a search so you can tell me where he is.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Gov, sorry about myck of¡­ trust in you. And yes, I¡¯ve been checking roadway cameras and I have been able to identify ces where his bike was. I mean, it¡¯s not that difficult to filter my search using his bike¡¯s personalized novelty license te and I¡¯ve already found a few video clips and images to begin my travels but yes, I still need to go through authorization, due process¡­¡±


    ¡°Officer, I realize that you will need a ton of paperwork and go through quite a pile of red tape before you can leave and follow The Charmer to wherever part of the country he may be. However, can you please, for the love of God, get straight to the point.¡±


    ¡°Well, I am supposed to start my search as soon as I can process my paid leave at the precinct. I don¡¯t want anyone suspecting I¡¯m doing something that isn¡¯t part of my cases, and I don¡¯t want them to find out that you gave me this assignment if I don¡¯t do it under the guise of a vacation so I¡­¡±

 GAMES WE PLAY (VOL. 2)

    ¡°Done, you will be given approval the minute you file for your paid leave online. What else?¡±


    ¡°Uhhh¡­ This part of my task would take a bit of travelling and staying in remote ces, Sir. I really am in the middle of nning out my wedding within a few months so I can¡¯t use any of my own funds for this. I¡¯m sorry, you did promise me arge amount uponpleting this mission, but I really can¡¯t afford¡­¡±


    ¡°Done, and I¡¯ve just finished transferring a substantial amount to your personal bank ount which you can use for your travel expenses. It is a separate financial arrangement from your payment upon seeding with my request. Feel free to contact me at once if you need more funds for your cross-country trip, and I don¡¯t care if he goes out of the country, you go and follow him, Detective, is that clear?¡±


    ¡°Wow, Sir Kagu, I¡¯m so¡­ overwhelmed. Thank you so much!¡±


    ¡°No need to thank me as this is part of our arrangement, Officer. Now, is there anything else that you might need to begin this journey at once?¡±


    ¡°Actually, yes¡­ I will need a good alibi for being in these ces other than using up my vacation leave. I mean, I¡¯m pretty good with interrogation and information dissemination, but it would really help if I didn¡¯t go alone. People would trust me more when I have a femalepanion and you can be very sure that no one will suspect my asking questions and the precinct won¡¯t be wondering what I¡¯m doing vacationing alone, if ever and¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ve doubled your allowance so you can bring your fianc¨¦ along, and let me know when you need more. Now, I hope you have no other requests, for now, Detective¡­¡±


    ¡°Hehe¡­ nothing else, Sir. You are really quite a pleasure to work with and I keep wondering why a lot of citizens see you in a very negative light. I mean¡­¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Inspector, thank you for your extra effort in buttering me up but you really don¡¯t need to y this game. I am well aware of my positive traits and I¡¯m only interested in finding the man who abandoned his post in my organization for whatever reasons he may have. So again, is there anything else that I can help you with?¡±


    ¡°Not at all, Governor. Expect me to give you a daily update once we¡¯ve begun our trip¡­¡±


    ¡°As I expect you to do, my boy. And I want those reports to begin tomorrow, do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir. And again, thank you for everything.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t thank me yet, Myron. Finish your task and you will then have a really good reason to thank me. Goodbye for now.¡±


    And the call ended abruptly.


    Myron only managed to keep himself in control for three seconds before he whooped in joy, even while he was still naked in bed, and even rming his beautiful wife-to-be enough to go into the bedroom to ask what was wrong with him.


    ¡°HUBBY, WHAT HAPPENED?!¡± she yelled frantically as she entered their bedroom, all panicky from his ecstatic exmations and sweaty from cooking breakfast. ¡°Are you ok? Tell me what¡¯s wrong¡­¡±


    ¡°Come here,¡± he then said with augh, as he pulled her towards him and his long ¡°baton¡± that was now standing straight and at attention. ¡°We have something to celebrate about¡­¡±


    ¡°Luuuuuv¡­ wait, our food is already on the table¡­ we need to eat before it goes cold¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, I will definitely eat, baby girl, and I won¡¯t let IT go cold, either.¡±


    Soon his reluctant fianc¨¦ was already on the bed, in his arms and he swiftly stripped her clothes off despite her putting up a fuss. He would be making love to her repeatedly until she could no longer fight him and just surrendered to his intense lovemaking.


    Of course, he had to endure his punishmentter when, after their passionate encounter, they both realized that breakfast was now cold and ruined. He did say sorry but he didn¡¯t regret it, nor did his disciplinary actionter on.


    As a matter of fact, those were one of the few times that he truly enjoyed it and he would continue to pretend that he didn¡¯t.


    After all, it¡¯s part of their game.


    In less than twenty-four hours, they have already packed their bags, loaded their car, locked up their two-bedroom condominium and have given notice to the building¡¯s security department about their long absence. Just to be sure, Myron had activated their CCTV connection to his mobile phone andptop as well.


    And now, they were on the first leg of their trip.


    The street-smart cop wasn¡¯t really that much in a hurry, even if he knew that the governor was eager to hear some news about his former assassin-turned-renegade. For now, he really nned to enjoy their stay here for at least a few more hours or before dinner.


    Whichever came first¡­


    ¡°So, what do you want to do first today?¡± Raquel asked as she fed her now very aroused lover as she fed him another piece of bacon with her fingers.


    He immediately opened his mouth and mped it shut not just on the bacon but on half her very silky soft fingers, and then shed her a naughty smile, even while her fingertips remained between his thin lips. ¡°Yeshhh, I DO want TO DO firsshht thishh morning bhefore anyshhthing elssshe my preeshyyshee¡­¡±


    Raquel¡¯s amused giggle mixed with his mischievous chuckle. ¡°Boyfie, I think you¡¯ve forgotten my rule of NO EATING when we¡¯re eating a meal.¡±


    Myron¡¯s smile widened even while he kept his pretty lover¡¯s hand between his straight white teeth. ¡± But I havhen¡¯t shhhtarted eatshing yetsh, wifey.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you have¡­¡± she replied as she tried to remove her smile from her face while she looked sternly at her fingers that were still in his mouth. ¡°I think you need to be punished, my love.¡±


    ¡°Ooopsshhh¡­ hehe, I¡¯m shoooryy¡­¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not,¡± the lusciousdy still dressed in an apron on top of her short silky nightie countered. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but that will add to your offence.¡±


    ¡°Ohhh noooshh, whatsh whill you do shooo me misstresshh¡­¡± Myron said, his normal matter-of-fact voice now mixed with a begging whiny tone, and yet still not letting go of Raquel¡¯s fingers.


    The girlydy just couldn¡¯t help but giggle some more at the cute way her man was trying to get her under the sheets again. And not in the normal way, too¡­


    Yes, it¡¯s all part of the game they yed.


    ¡°Let me go, my little boy, or you will get severely disciplined. That¡¯s your first warning¡­¡±


    ¡°A¡­¡± the ¡®little boy¡¯ moaned, as he piled on the whiny tone and Puss-in-Boots begging eyes while he finally released Raquel¡¯s fingers.


    But not before holding them and licking them continuously.


    ¡°Myron¡­ let me go, so I can punish you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, mistress¡­¡± the detective said, trying to hide the excitement in his eyes and voice but failing miserably.


    When it came to this woman, he really couldn¡¯t hide his emotions at all.


    Raquel then took the tray from off the bed and ced it back in the dining room area. For a while she stayed outside, preparing herself to punish her beloved man. Meanwhile, the very same boyish man remained impatiently sitting on the bed, his long and erect manhood now tenting his nket.


    And then she stepped in the room, and Myron could feel himself growing even harder and more massive¡­


    She was now wearing high leather boots, a studded, leather body-hugging outfit that was cut strategically in different ces to expose her desirable curves and a ckce mask that highlighted her thick curvy lips which were now crimson with blood-red lip tint.


    Raquel then waved a pair of handcuffs at him, and Myron knew that those were his, since those were released to him by his precinct for his use.


    ¡°Oh no¡­ Mistress, be gentle with me¡­¡±


    Of course, he meant the opposite and Raquel was quick to y along.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Detective, but you have been a bad BAD boy¡­¡±


    Yep, looks like they¡¯d be staying in their room up until dinner time.

 UNTIL NEXT TIME

    The mansion was not in any way simr to the Governor¡¯s, not in style, colour scheme or size. Obviously, this residential property was around a third of the size of the ce that he had just left behind, due to him being a half-reluctant sacrificialmb, but that wasn¡¯t what he really minded about this ce.


    It was the fact that he was with someone he wished he never was with¡­


    Bren decided to leave Chin¡¯s bedroom as soon as he could hear the woman¡¯s snores. They weren¡¯t loud and he could easily take a sexual partner being loud. What he couldn¡¯t stand was her wheezing inhtion that was a continuous pattern in Different pitches.


    All of those nasal sounds were high-pitched, and all of them were intensely irritating for him.


    He would rather be beside a snoring pig, to be honest.


    ¡°How I got chosen to be her ¡®vor of the month¡¯ I still can¡¯t understand, but beggars can¡¯t be choosers. Besides, my being with her practically solves the problem of finding a spy who can report on her activities. It just so happens that I¡¯m the guy who HATES everything about her, and it¡¯s not because she¡¯s the damned governor¡¯s wife.¡±


    Well, maybe he¡¯s not the only one who hated everything about her, but he¡¯s the one who¡¯s currently stuck with her among those who hated everything about her¡­Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    As a habit, he would take a bath every time they fucked and he would proceed to one of the bathrooms downstairs to do that. Soon, he would have to choose one of the guest rooms on the ground floor for his own use, as he was ordered by Chin to do upon their arrival to her mansion. And he would¡­


    He even intended to get one with a bathtub so he could soak off that most hated female scent off himself since he usually took a long time to do that if he chose to just shower.


    But for now, one of the hallway bathrooms would have to suffice. Besides, he needed to do something soon and this was the perfect ce to do it.


    As soon as he entered thepact tiled room and locked the door, he was already speed dialing his phone.


    The man at the other end of the line picked up on the third ring. It was a given that he wouldn¡¯t be answering the call if the number of rings reached six.


    ¡°d to hear from you, Bren. I¡¯m d you survived your first few hours at her house.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve heard the stories too, and I consider myself either very lucky or I¡¯m just that physically fit.¡±


    ¡°Maybe, you¡¯re both¡­ but I¡¯m sure that you have a very strong stomach since you haven¡¯t goneatose. Anyway, I presume that she¡¯s now fast asleep.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it wasn¡¯t that easy, too.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you truly do have a strong stomach. So, this means I would need to find another source of information in the Governor¡¯s mansion, which I honestly don¡¯t mind. It¡¯s just that there are no more vacancies in the mansion where I can position one of ours.¡±


    ¡°Already handled that, Ogre. I dislocated someone¡¯s jaw yesterday and just found out that he was deemed unfit to work for a couple of days. Maybe you can find someone to rece him with the required three-month contractual offer just like you did with me. I¡¯m sure you can work it out so he gets a more permanent position in the future, which is my employment status now.¡±


    ¡°Good work, Brenner. Perfect timing, too, since I¡¯m on my way back to the mansion within the day. So, who did you put out like a light?¡±


    ¡°Nick¡­¡± the male household help replied as he started to remove his clothes in preparation for his shower.


    The person at the other end of the line took quite a while before he replied, ¡°Nick? The massive monster of a man who looks like that wrestler guy in the Guardians of the Gxy movie?¡±


    ¡°Yep, he¡¯s one of the governor¡¯s guards for his bedroom suite. Used that special one-punch technique you taught me. Worked like a charm,¡± Bren said with a proud chuckle as he stepped into the darkly tinted shower stall, happy that his phone was waterproof.


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s¡­ pretty impressive, Bren¡­ I believe I need to teach you more moves when we do get to meet again.¡±


    ¡°Yeah bro, I¡¯m eager to learn more, provided Mistress Sex Vampire doesn¡¯t suck everything out of me. I swear, she has enough appetite to eat up even a;; of my bone marrow and still be unsatisfied. Ugh¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, I thank my lucky stars that I¡¯ve never had to touch her, not even once. I made sure she hated me the first time we personally met just so I¡¯m sure that I wouldn¡¯t have to deal with her in any way.¡±


    ¡°Wish I could do the same, but I don¡¯t exactly have a whole gang of more than 200 crazy killers behind my back to cover for me, so yeahhhh¡­¡± Bren said smirking, as he turned on the shower, hoping H would be able to hear what he was saying over the loud sounding from the water heater.


    Hero didn¡¯t seem to mind the noise and was quick to reply¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make sure they are ready for infiltration and extraction if necessary. I¡¯ll even see to it myself, so consider yourself well-covered, my friend. And as long as you can continue to give us updates on Mistress Chin, you will be helping out our cause effectively. We¡¯re just sorry that you had to be sacrificed like this¡­¡±


    ¡°No worries, brother. I¡¯ll do anything to keep the governor from winning. You can definitely count on me.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, B. Just make sure she never finds out about us¡­ Uhhh¡­ about us talking¡­¡±


    Bren chuckled again as he continued to stand under the very loud and very strong shower, quite satisfied to know his present phone convo wouldn¡¯t be heard outside the bathroom. ¡°Bro, you¡¯re not my type, ok. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll keep what we have a secret¡­ I mean keep our calls¡­ uhhh¡­ keep our talks a secret¡­¡±


    It was H¡¯s turn tough. ¡°Yes, you¡¯re not my type either, bro, so don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll keep you safe with me¡­ I mean, you¡¯re safe with me, bro¡­ need to go now, I¡¯m currently cooking something special¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, with your wife?¡± asked the well-built manservant eagerly, familiar with his friend¡¯s penchant to cook alongside his beloved domestic partner when he had the chance.


    ¡°Well, no I¡¯m cooking with another man¡­ I mean, he¡¯s a partner¡­ business partner¡­ Never mind, forget I said anything about that¡­¡±


    A moment of awkward silence from Bren before he was able to answer. ¡°Uhhh¡­ forgotten, no problem¡­ and goodbye for now, Ogre. I¡¯ll be sending you messages or emails if I can¡¯t call you. If I don¡¯t send you anything for a day, feel free to check me out¡­ I mean, check on me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, and just for the record, I don¡¯t swing that way, Bren.¡±


    ¡°Same here. Bye now. Until next time.¡±


    The former swimming pool attendant ended the call and ced his mobile on a small shelf that¡¯s attached to the shower stall¡¯s heavily tinted ss. He sighed in relief since he now had his hands free to soap himself all over in an effort to wash away the memory of his recent unwanted bed scene.


    And they said men couldn¡¯t be taken against their will.


    If they only knew¡­

 UNTIL NEXT TIME AGAIN

    And just when H put down his phone so he could help out Virgil with cutting the meat for the meal he was nning, he suddenly got another call. Instinctively, he looked at his phone¡¯s shing screen and decided to take it.


    ¡°Give me a few more minutes, bro. I just need to get this report¡­¡±


    ¡°No problem, Hero. You can just tell me how to cut these carrots.¡±


    ¡°Just peel them. Use that vegetable peeler, and I¡¯ll do the slicingter¡­¡± The Ogre instructed as he answered the call. ¡°Hello¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey, just needed you to know that your favorite snitch has a lead on his target, and he¡¯s following it up as we speak.¡±


    ¡°Alright, what do you know about it?¡±


    ¡°Well, he made me gather information about a certain ¡®special ride¡¯ and I gave him my findings. But unknown to him I added a few itineraries that would kinda keep him travelling for a few extra days and that¡¯s the good news.¡±


    ¡°And what¡¯s the bad news?¡±


    At this point, Virgil finished peeling the carrots and held them up in silence, a questioning expression on his face. Hero waved his hand towards the sink as his way of telling his impromptu assistant cook to wash the peeled vegetables. The Alpha was quick to understand and follow the unspoken instruction as the Ogre returned his attention to his caller¡¯s reply.


    ¡°The Detective got lightning approval for his vacation leave. I was expecting that he would have taken a week at least to get the go. It¡¯s obvious that he¡¯s got a sponsor, and the name of the governor keeps getting whispered down the grapevine as The Detective¡¯s possible backer.¡±


    ¡°Hmmmm¡­ that is bad news, but now we have confirmation that he¡¯s being ¡®rented¡¯ by the ¡®good governor¡¯ to find his precious Right Hand. Good job, agent.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, and he is still unaware of what I¡¯m doing. So, what¡¯s next?¡±


    ¡°Virgil and I will discuss thitest update, but most likely, you may have to track him.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s easy. I was the one who gave him the locations that he needed to visit. Besides, he keeps chatting with me and calling me, too. I can easily follow him, Left Hand, no problem.¡±N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡°I suggest you tell your mate what¡¯s happening as well. It would be easier to deal with unwanted visitors if she¡¯s prepared for their arrival way before theye overto Mendez.¡±


    Right at that moment, Virgil raised an oversized onion and an equallyrge head of garlic and Hero pointed at the onion, and then at one of the sharp knives that was on the counter. Meanwhile, their spy continued his report¡­


    ¡°Alright, at least with my wife I can just use the mindlink. You really should do that too; bro. Makes it easier for all of us.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not the only one suggesting that, but I already exined to your Alpha that I would rather not have any strong or solid connections with the pack as of now. It would be safer for all of us if I stay a rogue.¡±


    ¡°Alright, suit yourself. Will wait for your update on what I¡¯m supposed to do next, Ogre. For the pack that moves as one, and may the goddess bless us all.¡±


    ¡°Yes, for the pack that moves as one andthank you for the updates. Until next time¡­¡±


    Hero ended the call and Virgil was now holdingup an impressively long eggnt and a super thick cucumber for his best friend to look at.


    ¡°Bro, the veggies you grow here are so BIG! So which ones are you going to use, H¡­ I mean, for the dish you¡¯re making¡­¡±


    ¡°Damn Virgil, the things you say¡­ I can¡¯t imagine using any of those for anything other than cooking¡­ ¡±


    +++


    Meanwhile, back at the Oro Vi¡­


    ¡°That was very nice of you toe back home with me, Eron. I mean, you could just go home after you¡¯re done with your meeting with Jack and just let me go home by myself.¡±


    ¡°No, I was really nning to go back home anyway so I can finish fixing my stuff in my room and even take a look at Scorpia. I don¡¯t have any ns of staying at the lumberyard today longer than I have to. And yeah, best that I escort you home while I¡¯m at it. I wouldn¡¯t want you to be going back to Oro without me if I¡¯m nning to get back to the house anyway.¡±


    Eron and Diwana were now in the former bed and breakfast¡¯s massive basement garage, looking through the avable tools and machines that were stored there. It was actually more extensive than the house itself since it was made to be wider and longer than the actual house¡¯s structure, and it¡¯s meant to be its foundation.


    The Charmer looked at the widow who was looking throughrge metal cases located in one corner of the basement¡¯s stonewall. He couldn¡¯t help but slightly smile at how cute she looked, as she was now wearing arge leather apron ¨C which obviously belonged to herte husband ¨C along with thin rubber gloves and a wide kerchief tying her head back like a headband.


    He was impressed by the fact that whatever she wore, she still was so beautiful in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for not remembering all the things that my husband had left here, Eron,¡± he heard her say as she continued getting dust all over her while she dug into the gigantic toolbox. ¡°I hardly ever visited this area when I got pregnant. Mason was always too overprotective of me since he wanted so much to have a child so I hardly knew what he added here during thest years of his life.¡±


    ¡°Understandable, Diwana. I¡¯d do the same thing if I was in his position¡­¡±


    ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    The Charmer paused momentarily as he was midway pulling off the huge canvas coverings of severalrge and medium-sized types of machinery. He was quickly reviewing what he just said and realized that what he said sounded awkward.


    ¡°What? Oh¡­ I mean, if I also had a pregnant wife, I wouldn¡¯t let her visit me here in the middle of my work since these things are all pretty heavy duty and¡­¡± Right then and there, he saw something that he could shift his topic to, just to reduce the feeling of uneasiness at hisndy¡¯s direct and unreadable look. ¡°Whoa, this is aser-cutting machine! We could really use this to cut practically anything¡­ including metal!¡±


    ¡°What did you say again, Eron?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Wait, what do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You called me by my first name¡­ without the Miss¡­¡±


    The former city boy had now fully frozen in ce, and to his horror, he could feel his cheeks growing warm. How he wished that his tan would be able to hide the crimson tinge he knew was now coloring his whole face.


    His thoughts:Damn it¡­ I must have gotten used to calling her by her first name during that talk I had with Max in Jack¡¯s office¡­Ugh, uber fail points for you, Eron. That talk shouldn¡¯t have happened but what was I supposed to do? Tell Jack to suck it and walk out the door? That would have made me as bad as Max was and I¡¯m not going down to his level.


    Especially after that talk that they had before the wolf got back home¡­


    A, hell no¡­

 UNTIL NEXT TIME ONCE AGAIN

    ¡°Hey Eron, are you already here at the lumberyard? I really need to talk to you before the workday starts.¡±


    He got Jack¡¯s call as soon as he finished helping Diwayout and disy her dishes and desserts on the vacant table of her choice. Even as the staff surrounded the widow and her offers, he would hear his mobile phone ringing and there was his boss¡¯ name shing on the screen of his smartphone.


    ¡°Hey, Jack. Sureboss, just wait for me,I¡¯m already walking towards the office building.¡± Eron answered as he waved a short goodbye to hisndy, as Diwa suddenly looked his way upon hearing him on the phone.¡°Just wait a moment, ok?


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯m not about to go anywhere. I really think we should deal with this now before we begin the day, soI hope you don¡¯t mind¡­¡±


    Eron heard the slightly apologetic tone in Jack¡¯s voice as he entered therge and spacious two-story office building of their workce. He climbed the metal stairs hurriedly so he could get to his employer right away since he was suddenly iffy about the man¡¯s request to talk to him.


    ¡°Ok, I¡¯m already at your office door. I won¡¯t knock anymore, all right,¡± the former assassin said into his phone¡¯s receiver as he turned the heavy knob and pushed Jack¡¯s office door open.¡°Hey Ja¡­¡±


    Eron never got to finish his enthused greeting. The first thing he saw as he entered the room automatically caused him to growl inwardly, which he hid with a long and deep sigh. Now, he understood what was behind his superior¡¯s tone, and it made his blood slightly boil. Slowly, he closed the office door and ced his high-tech mobile in one of his leather jacket¡¯s inner pockets.


    ¡°Good morning, newbie. But I¡¯m kinda wondering if it is really good since you¡¯re here in front of me right now¡­¡±


    ¡°I believe I can say the same to you, Maxie. So, what¡¯s up?¡±


    +++


    Meanwhile, back at a farmhouse that¡¯s almost out in the middle of nowhere¡­


    ¡°V says the food is ready. Wanna go back inside, Alicia? And please, think about what I told you, ok?¡±


    ¡°I will, Helena. Go ahead and get to the table, I¡¯ll just step into the kitchen for a moment,¡± Alicia said as they walked back into the house.


    The delicious and delectable smells guided Helena to the loaded dining table, and to the two proud cooksthat stood beside it.


    ¡°Well, Mr. Wall, I¡¯m very impressedwith this spread. Thank you very much for taking the time and effort to cook for us!¡± Helena eximed with an ecstatic smile as she looked at everything that was served on the table.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t just all me, though Luna. Your mate also helped me with all of this,¡± H humbly pointed out with a happy and content smile.


    ¡°Come on, bro! Don¡¯t sell yourself short now, hehe¡­¡± reminded V with a short but loudugh then quickly confessed, ¡°I helped with slicing some veggies but that¡¯s all I did, princess.¡±


    ¡®The princess¡¯was so happy with what she saw that she wasn¡¯t able to hold herself any longer soshe took her phone out to snap a couple of pictures.¡°They really look and smell delicious, you two! I hope prepping all of this wasn¡¯t too much of a bother for either one of you,¡± Helena repeatedly praised.


    The men were now truly glowing with pride.


    ¡°Definitely not a bother, Luna. I hope you like how it all tastes as much as it all looks¡­ the food, of course,¡± Hero said, teasingly, which earned mischievous side looks and a naughty smirk from his friend/assistant cook.


    ¡°Where is Alicia though?¡± Virgil asked, ¡°And how was your¡­ talk¡­?¡±


    ¡°Pretty sessful,¡± Alicia answered as she entered the dining area, sniffing, her eyes and nose slightly red. ¡°After lunch, I¡¯ll pack for the kids and me, and we¡¯ll be joining you at the packhouse, Alpha Camden.¡±


    Helena, Virgil and Hero looked at each otherintently, wondering what had suddenly happenedfor her to change her mind, but that wasn¡¯t what mattered to them. The very fact Alicia had finally agreed to what her husband had been begging her to do for months had now made their special lunch a celebration of their victory.


    They ate, talked, andughed, enjoying the fall-off-the-bone soft meat on the ribs, the mashed potatoesbining perfectly with the decadently rich, sweet, and tangy sauce that was actually the ribs¡¯ juices mixed with the beer and orange peels that Hero cooked them with. Meanwhile, the fresh special sd that was made with baby arug, apple, raisins, nuts, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and cucumber flowers with a dash of toasted sesame seeds and the sweet and sour vinaigrette was the perfect siding for their delectable main course.


    And no, Aliciawould be bringing the humongous eggnt along with her for another dish in the future, along with most of the vegetables that would go bad once they left the farmhousebehind. She hated wasting any sort of food that way and she knew that the packhouse kitchen would be weing her humble contribution to their food supply.


    The meal didn¡¯tst as long as it usually would since everyone was enjoying the dishes so much. When it was finally over, they didn¡¯t even mind that there wasn¡¯t any dessert since they were too full to have any.


    ¡°I¡¯m definitely impressed, guys. This was amazing,¡± Helena said, with a wide and fully satisfied smile.


    ¡°It was great, thank you both for a wonderful meal,¡± Alicia praised, but now back to her dead serious tone again. ¡°Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I¡¯ll pack so we can leave as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Baby, I¡¯ll help H with the dishes. If you want, please go and help her pack,¡± Virgil mindlinked Helena, who nodded and left after Alicia.


    ¡°HeySorah, I¡¯m really d that you agreed to this. I know how hard it¡¯s this decision to make, but I assure you that it¡¯s the right one,¡± Helena softly said as she caught up to her friend on her way to the bedrooms.


    ¡°I know, girl. And I thank you for taking the time and effort to make me realize it,¡± the former humandy murmured, remembering the talk they had before their deliciousmeal¡­Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

 LADIES’ CHOICE

    ¡°Look at you, Victor! You¡¯re all grown up! I can¡¯t believe I missed all the years that you were still a baby¡­ I hope you¡¯re taking good care of your little sister, Myrrh¡­¡± the Luna eximed in delight while holdingthe older, yet, still very young boy of the couple hosting them, and ying with the shiny, blond curls of the little girl by her side.


    Virgil looked at his mate with a big smile on his face.


    Alicia and Helena were the first to walk inside the cozy two-story home, and the second Helena saw the two cute kids ying together on the floor of the living room, she briskly walked towards them to instantly sit on the floor so they could y and talk together.


    ¡°I believe she likes children,¡± Hero slightly whispered to Virgil, avoidingat all costs to embarrass his old friend¡¯s mate, but slightly teasing V at the same time.


    ¡°She does. The kids at the packhouse love her¡­¡± V said, in the same almost whispering tone, and still not taking his eyes from hisdy.


    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind me asking, but, bro¡­ why haven¡¯t you had kids yet? I mean, I¡¯ve never asked because that¡¯s really personal. I thought one of you, or both, didn¡¯t want babies.But now that I¡¯ve seen you both with mine, I can¡¯t help but wonder¡­¡±


    ¡°Once, a long time ago, she told me that she didn¡¯t want to have kids. I respected it, thinking that you know, not everybody is made to be a parent¡­ but with time, I noticed that she doeslike them¡­and they liked her, too.¡±


    At this point, Virgil walked a little bit away from thediesand kids, and the Ogre closely followed.


    ¡°Truth is, she tells me different stories when we talk about that. First, she said she didn¡¯t want to have kids, then she said she wanted to enjoy time with me.Then just recently, she got so involved with pack matters that we didn¡¯t have time for anything, to the point that we had to schedule our weekly date nights, and let everybody know that we would not be avable during those times.¡±


    Hiromoto stared at his friend, then at Helena, and then at his friend again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be nosy, but bro¡­ I¡¯m getting the feeling that you need to talk to her again¡­ I mean, just look at her, bro! She¡¯s pretty much glowing with Myrrh and Vic¡­¡±


    ¡°I never wanted to pressure her. I myself don¡¯t know what kind of father I¡¯ll be, but seeing her this happy makes me wonder like you say, if she¡¯s finally ready¡­ I¡¯ve thought about it a lot, but mostly when my father tried tomand me to give the pack, and the n, an heir for the title¡­ So I kept putting it aside, just to piss him off, unfortunately.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ your father never was the same after¡­ that¡­ right?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ I wish he would understand, but it¡¯s almost impossible to talk to him these days¡­ not even with Eron¡¯s situation¡­ well, especiallywith Eron¡¯s situation¡­¡±


    ¡°What are you guys whispering over there?¡± Helena suddenly asked, causing the two gentlemen to look her way, to four pairs of eyes suddenly quiet and looking at them.


    ¡°Not much, baby, at least nothing to worry about,¡± Virgil walked back towards his mate and picked up the little girl sitting by her side. ¡°Hello Myrrh, Did you miss your godfather, Virgil?¡±


    The baby shook her head from side to side, and with her round, bright eyes, stared into his.


    ¡°I saw Godfather yesterday. But if you leave for a long time, I will miss you,¡± she said in the cutest, softest and shyest voice ever, which immediately melted all the adults who were listening around them.


    Even Antoine, who was currently standing outside the door, not meaning to eavesdrop but having enhanced senses, found himself widely smiling at the young girl¡¯s naturally adorable nature.


    ¡°Oh, I understand that,¡± Virgil said, kissing her round, squishy, rosy cheeks and hugging her tightly. ¡°I agree with you, too. I would miss you very much if I wasn¡¯t around for a long time.¡±


    He ced the smiling toddler back on the floor to continue ying with Helena and her little brother.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go and prepare some lunch, and let thediesenjoy themselves, bro?¡± Hero said with a smirk.


    ¡°Show off, and I know why you ask me. You worked on I don¡¯t know how many restaurants already, while I barely can make sandwiches for myself!¡±


    ¡°Well, then this is a good opportunity for you to learn a thing or two, don¡¯t you agree, Luna?¡± the ?rgerlich¡¯s second most important man stated as he grinned widely, looking from his old friend to his friend¡¯s mate, but not looking at his own wife since he could feel her smiling widely as well.


    ¡°You know, baby, I actually agree with Mr. Wall. I¡¯d die a happy girl after trying a meal that my man cooked,¡± Helena replied as she looked at V with shining eyes and a genuine smile.


    ¡°Really? Ok, let¡¯s prepare lunch! Where¡¯s your kitchen, bro?¡± eximed Virgil, now eager to make his mate happy.


    ¡°Follow me¡­ Alpha,¡± Hero scoffed, yet, he was quite awestruck at his friend¡¯s sudden enthusiasm.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t care about your teasing right now, H. Say whatever you want, I don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m almost in disbelief¡­ I mean, I¡¯ve seen you with her before, but damn¡­ how easy it was for thatdy to get the usually tough, all business-like and cold Virgil Camden to be a pleased puppy that would do whatever it takes to make her happy. Even if it means to cook something for her without almost any idea on how to do that,¡± Hero said as they got into the kitchen.


    Virgil removed his ck suit jacket, rolled up the sleeves of his equally ck shirt, and removed his tie.


    ¡°She¡¯s all my happiness, bro. You have a mate, you know how that is¡­ and like you said, I would do anything to make her smile. Now, tell me, what are we cooking?¡±


    Hero looked at V, now with a more serious expression. ¡°I do understand it¡­ so yes, let¡¯s cook some baby back ribs, a vegetable sd and mashed potatoes. Fast and easy, and I¡¯m sure your Luna will love it.¡±


    ¡°Damn¡­ well, that sounds great¡­ where do we start?¡±


    ¡°We need some vegetables. I¡¯ll go step by step so you can repeat the recipe for her. See? I¡¯m not such a bad guy after all, right?¡±


    ¡°Nah, but you¡¯re still a tease,¡± Virgil said with a hearty chuckle while the Ogreughed.


    Meanwhile, Alicia and Helena got up from their ce in the living room.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Would you like a beer? Wine?¡± Alicia offered. ¡°I don¡¯t think you came all the way here just to meet the kids, so I have a feeling that we¡¯ll need a drink for it.¡±


    ¡°If you ask me, I¡¯d like a video of our mates cooking. Heck, I would even pay for that. But I¡¯d take a cold beer while talking with you as well, but both choices are great.¡±


    Alicia raised an eyebrow and devilishly smirked. ¡°Well, I think I can get you both, just wait and see.¡±


    And with that, both smilingdieswalked into the kitchen.


    ¡°Sorry to interrupt,¡± Alicia said as she walked past the busy males. She then opened the fridge, to hide the fact that she was moving a tablet that was stored in one of the corners of the kitchen counter. ¡°We got thirsty and will take a beer. I hope you don¡¯t mind that I give some alcohol to your wife, V¡­¡±


    The Ogre¡¯s mate then turned on the tablet, shoved it back to its corner without any of the men noticing, and without waiting for an answer, opened both bottles and swiftly left the kitchen, leaving Virgil with an iplete and unsure reply.


    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t¡­ ok, I take it that THAT was a rhetorical question,¡± V said, talking to thin air with a shortugh, then shifted his attention back to Hero. ¡°Bro, our mates are still very much alike.¡±


    ¡°Tell me about it¡­ Okay, here are the vegetables, and here is the peeler. I¡¯ll prepare the ribs for the oven while you-¡± Hero was exining when his phone rang, and seeing the name on the screen, he knew he had to answer.


    And this was where the scene that you read a while ago in the other chapter happened, dear reader.


    But now, back to the women¡­.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think my man knows what I do with the tablet he got me¡­¡± Alicia said, walking to the porch with the two beers in hand, followed by Helena.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Well, he got it for me after seeing me fighting with my phone to follow a recipe, but I believe he forgot that the said tablet has a front camera, which is what I¡¯m using to record their cooking session right now.¡±


    ¡°Oh wow, that¡¯s clever,¡± Helena said, following the invitation of her hostess to sit on the rocking chairs outside on the porch while thanking her for the beer that was just handed to her.


    ¡°Well, not really, but Idid say I can give you both requests¡­¡±


    ¡°And I thank you for that. To our mates¡¯ cooking video!¡± Helena announced as she raised the bottle in her hand.


    ¡°To our mates¡¯ cooking AND the video,¡± Alicia responded, clinking bottles with her old friend whileughing aloud.


    ¡°Cheers!¡± said bothdiesat the same time, following it with a sip from their very cold drinks.


    ¡°Now,e on, tell me, what do you want to talk about?¡± Alicia asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m actually happy to see you after such a long time. I hope you don¡¯t think that we didn¡¯t wanna visit you before¡­ but we were very concerned about not blowing your cover,¡± Helena started, now more serious and leaving the bottle on the small table that was between the two rocking chairs.


    ¡°We know that¡­ Hero has been almost neurotic since we came to live here. Sometimes he even prefers not toe to see us for a while so he could be sure that we won¡¯t be found by his asshole boss.¡±


    ¡°I know that¡­ You know, since not so long ago, our mates have started talking a lot more often, and it¡¯s all rted to what¡¯s going on with Eron. I have bits and pieces of what V has let out, sometimes even unaware¡­ They seem to have a n, and Hero is really, REALLY worried about your safety¡­ and your kids, too. I also know that you already talked to the guys and you said no to moving all of you to the packhouse¡­¡±


    ¡°So, they chose you to convince me to go with you?¡±


    ¡°Pretty much¡­ My mission is to make sure that you¡¯ll be safe while they do whatever they have nned to do,¡± Helena said in a hesitating tone as she took another sip from her beer bottle. ¡°But anyway, why is it that you don¡¯t want to go to the packhouse?¡±


    Alicia looked away for a moment, decidingif she could really open up to her friend and tell her what her thoughts were.


    ¡°You promise that whatever I tell you will stay just between us?¡±


    ¡°Of course, if that¡¯s what you want, you have my word.¡±

 AGREE TO DISAGREE

    Who said working in a lumberyard was boring? Not for these three gentlemen, it wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°Jack, I don¡¯t mean to sound like some insubordinatejerk, but why the hell is he here?¡± the eye candy new hire asked as he approached his superior¡¯s desk.


    ¡°Well, I can tell you that I¡¯m not exactly happy being here but our beloved boss told me that if we don¡¯t talk to each other and fix this, then we will be having huge pay cuts this week,¡± replied the dead squirrel as he walked after Eron.


    ¡°Excuse me, what?¡± The Charmer snapped at the man behind him.


    ¡°Correction, Max¡­ it¡¯s supposed to be YOU who needed to talk to him and fix this or YOU will be having a huge pay cut this week,¡± interrupted Jack as he stood up and put both his hands on his table¡¯s edge.


    The team leader¡¯s eyes almost popped out of his head, ¡°ME?! I don¡¯t need to exin anything to him!¡±


    ¡°YES, YOU DO! I¡¯ve asked around and heard you¡¯ve been giving him a hard time ordingto some people. He¡¯s practically a newbie and you¡¯re bullying him? Really?¡±


    ¡°Jack, please, I don¡¯t need to be defended, ok?¡± Eron said, unintentionally cutting off the head lumberjack¡¯s words. ¡°I¡¯m good. If he thinks he hasn¡¯t done anything against me, I don¡¯t want an apology that¡¯s forced down my throat¡­ especially not from him.¡±


    ¡°Alright, at least you¡¯re making sense right now, city boy,¡± said Max in a smooth, snide tone. ¡°So can we just get outta here and get back to work instead?¡±


    ¡°NO! I refuse to have you both working out there with the possibility of more ¡®idents¡¯ happening in the future. And don¡¯t tell me that it¡¯s all coincidence, Max. Within a week¡¯s time we already have a broken sawmill, a destroyed motorbike, a possible werewolf and tons of rumours out there that are almost at the same level as the time of the fever pandemic.¡±


    ¡°And what the hell are you looking at me for?!¡± the lesser boss whined loudly. ¡°All these things happened when this newbie showed up out of nowhere and you¡¯re ming me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m ming you because I have witnesses who said you were the one who first challenged him at the campsite. Now fix this, team leader, or I will hold you ountable for fixing up the sawmill damages, and the possible hospitalization fees for me and Diwana and even this man¡¯s motorbike repairs. Got it?¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Fine, whatever¡­¡± Max replied with a derisive snort while looking at Eron with slitted eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that crap, Maximilian, if you don¡¯t want to lose a lot of money this week. I¡¯ll be leaving this room for now and when I get back, you two should be on better speaking terms, at least.Even if it means it¡¯s just during work hours. Otherwise, you know what will happen, Max. Now, get to it¡­¡±


    As he was talking, Jack was already walking, so by the end of his monologue, he had already gone out of his office and mmed the door. The two other men in the room looked at their exiting boss and then at each other, almost simultaneously. One could also feel the tense and heavy atmosphere in the air.


    ¡°Alright, Prince Charming,¡± dered Mad Max with a smirk, finally breaking the long and awkward silence between them. ¡°Our ¡®king¡¯ has spoken and we ¡®poor peasants¡¯ have to do what he says or we¡¯re gonna get our less favored asses kicked out of here. So, what do you want to hear from me, huh? Let me know so we can fix this already!¡±


    ¡°What the hell¡­ I¡¯m not the one who¡­¡± answered Eron in frustration as he pushed back his long bangs out of his face. ¡°Look, Maxie, I don¡¯t give a shit about what Jack thinks about you or our little fracas. All THAT should just be between YOU and ME. But I don¡¯t want our issues to bring any more problems to hispany or to anyone else I¡¯m close with in this vige. That¡¯s the ONLY thing I want to talk to you about.¡±


    ¡°And what issue do you mean exactly?¡±


    ¡°Diwana¡­¡±


    Maxughed almost sarcastically upon hearing her name. ¡°Oh, we actually have an issue regardingher? I already told you from the very first time you arrived that she¡¯s mine, so there really is no problem as long as you don¡¯t start getting grabby on her, city boy.¡±


    Eron¡¯s narrow eyes narrowed even more, ¡°Grabby on her? Dude, you don¡¯t treat a woman like her that way. You don¡¯t even say those things about her, much less think it! Especially, if she is unaware of WHAT YOU¡¯RE SAYING ABOUT HER!¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, well speak for yourself, Mr. Stranger Danger. At least she knows a lot about me, WHAT ABOUT YOU?¡± the team leader yelled back in Eron¡¯s face.


    The newbie took a step forward and stared the derisive man down. ¡°I don¡¯t know what the hell you¡¯re talking about, Max. Just spill it, and don¡¯t start acting the same way you act around her with me. That just gives me the creeps¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll say it straight.¡± answered the longtime lumberjack up at his newbie foe. ¡°Whatever or whoever you are, you¡¯re no security guard from the city. You are definitely hidingmore from her than I have so you don¡¯t have any right to tell me what I should and should not do when it¡¯s about her, you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, right, do you even hear yourself, dude?¡± Eron spat back. ¡°I¡¯m not the one telling random neers that she¡¯s my girl and to keep away from her. You did that to me from day one, and when I told you what you needed to hear, you started to get up my ass about it! If you really like her as you told me, you should be treating her right. She¡¯s ady, not property, and if that¡¯s how you¡¯re going to treat her, I will be up your gut faster than you can say her name, you hear me!¡±


    ¡°Really now? And what the hell is she to you?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s myndy, and she and her kids, they¡¯re all treating me like family. So, whatever you may be thinking about me and her, can it! That¡¯s not even supposed to be your business if you don¡¯t intend to say anything to her about how you feel. That being said, I will be decent and diplomatic around you during work time, Maddie, but don¡¯t you think I will let you do anything that will harm her or my new family! GOT THAT?!¡±


    Max fell silent for a good amount of time before finally replying with a smirk, ¡°Alright, fine. I am perfectly ok with that. As long as you know your boundaries with her, then we¡¯re good.¡±


    ¡°Well, as long as it¡¯s her boundaries and not yours, Maxie, then we ARE good.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re really going to be a smart ass about this?¡±


    ¡°As long as you insist on being an asshole, yes, I am.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough, but I¡¯m warning you that I don¡¯t y fair when it involves something I want.¡±


    ¡°I know, which is why I¡¯m warning you that I¡¯m really not a nice guyeither. I can be good, very VERY good¡­ but I am NOT¡­ and I am NEVER¡­ nice.¡±


    ¡°Alright, so we agree to disagree. We can continue to disagree but not during work. Agreed?¡± the shorter man said with finality as he reached out with a handshake.


    ¡°You betcha, and yes,¡± Eron said as he took Max¡¯s hand in a very firm grip. ¡°I will shake on that.¡±

 THE MAFIA COOK

    ¡°Hey wait a fucking minute¡­¡± The Charmer whispered to himself. ¡°Max didn¡¯t put up a fuss when Jack said he might have to pay for my motorbike¡­ Why that scumbag son of a bitch, I oughta¡­¡±


    ¡°Eron, what did you find?¡±


    ¡°Huh, uh¡­ what? Find? What do you mean?¡± he stammered as he looked around the basement trying to act busy.


    ¡°I mean you¡¯ve been staring at that machine for the longest time and not even saying anything. Anything the matter?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no, no¡­¡± the new boarder answered hisndy, realizing that he was too immersed in his memory a few minutes before. ¡°It¡¯s me just studying the way this works. Too bad there isn¡¯t a manual.¡±


    ¡°Of course, there is. Why didn¡¯t you just ask me? I can search the attic for itter after we¡¯ve finished eating lunch, which is about an hour from now.¡±


    ¡®Yeah, that sounds awesome. And thanks for showing me all of this, Miss Diwana. Now, I have more hopes of putting Scorpia together.¡±


    ¡°Well, you are free to use all this anytime you want, on one condition¡­¡±


    ¡°What condition?¡±


    ¡°That you never call me Miss again.¡± thedy in therge overalls said as she walked to where he was.


    ¡°Huh? But it¡¯s a sign of respect¡­¡± Eron exined in a flustered manner.


    ¡°I know and that¡¯s why I didn¡¯t ask you to change it before. But now that you slipped, which means you have been thinking about using my name without the Miss way back when I think it¡¯s only right that you call me the way that you really choose to. And Di is also fine¡­ or Diwa even,¡± she replied in a gentle voice while looking up at him with an unsure smile.


    He suddenly found himself stuttering, ¡°Uhhh¡­ ok then, D-Diwana. If you say so¡­¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t lose respect just because you don¡¯t use titles. You lose them when you act disrespectfully towards other people¡¯s feelings. At least, that¡¯s what I believe¡­¡±


    Eron¡¯s thoughts: Yeah, she¡¯s right, you know? After all, people may change their titles, their careers, and even their sexual preferences, but that doesn¡¯t mean they lose their people¡¯s respect. I mean, even ¡®The Feared Left Hand¡¯ has a dream that many will ridicule him for, like the pub goons in Disney¡¯s Rapunzel or Adam Sandler¡¯s Zohan, but no one would disrespect him for that. There is no way I can disrespect him if I ever called him cook¡­


    Or even chef¡­


    +++


    Meanwhile, back at the farmhouse around the same time¡­\


    ¡°Now, you need to take the cucumber, and with the same peeler, pull some long, thin slices off it. We¡¯ll prepare a vinaigrette and shape the cucumber-like flowers. You¡¯ll see, they will love it.¡±


    ¡°Very detailed, bro, that¡¯s nice. And the carrot?¡±


    ¡°When you¡¯re done making the slices, put them on that te, then you can grind the carrot. I¡¯ll cut some cherry tomatoes and prepare the vinaigrette. Look, it¡¯s easy¡­ salt, pepper, a pinch of sugar, olive oil and vinegar. That does magic in the sd, and even the kids will love it.¡±


    Vigil paused as he looked intently at his friend.


    ¡°When all of this is over, I¡¯ll hire you to teach me how to cook. And on that note, I believe you should have stayed working in the kitchen instead of turning to the mafia¡­ Hell, you could have stayed at home with us, but yeah¡­ you wouldn¡¯t have found your mate if you were with us¡­¡±


    ¡°Thanks, bro, I actually enjoyed being a cook even when it was really busy and tiring. However, I got tired of never having enough money. It was always on average pay, but when the Governor approached me and offered me a ce in his organization, I didn¡¯t think much of it. I was angry at life and the world¡­ at everything and everyone¡­ even at myself¡­ I was pretty much dead by then, so I didn¡¯t care about what might happen to me during that time.¡±


    ¡°And then she came along?¡± V said in the middle of slicing vegetables.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Hero said with a deep long sigh. ¡°And then, she came along and reminded me what it felt like to have a reason to stay alive¡­ Especially after that night, when she went through the transformation, and then, when she got pregnant¡­ Bro, even when I was a bastard and from time to time and was cold and mean to her, she stood there for me and with me¡­ even when she got to know all the truth about me, not just that I was a werewolf, but a mafia leader¡­. Damn, that was even more difficult for me to tell her¡­ that I worked with the guys that wanted to take her, and that¡¯s how I knew their n¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too hard on yourself, Hero¡­ even back then, when you were Mr. Wall, we knew that you¡¯d not hesitate to give your life for her¡­ despite being a bit rough on the edges¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I would have, back then. Now, I would do whatever as well, but would stay alive for her¡­ have to, Virgil¡­¡± The Ogre answered as he brought out the ribs from their marinade.


    ¡°I know what you mean¡­ Don¡¯t worry, this is risky, but if we do things right, we¡¯re all staying alive. Now, let¡¯s hope that Helena does convince her toe with us¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s hope. Hey, watch what you¡¯re doing, or you¡¯ll grind your fingers, and then your mate will kill me for sure!¡±


    Speaking of mates¡­


    ¡°I think he might do something stupid¡­ I really want to trust him, Helena, but I don¡¯t know if I could¡­¡± exins Alicia back at the front porch, while the kids yed around them. ¡°He cares so much and tries to be with us as much as he can, but really, I¡¯m not sure about how risky the n is or that he might even sacrifice himself for it to seed¡­ You know what kind of madman the Governor is, right? He cares for nobody, and the moment he finds out that Hero helped Eron out¡­¡±


    ¡°I know¡­ but the fact remains that, you being here, alone and vulnerable with your children, will make your mate more vulnerable. His mind is always thinking of what might happen to you three, and you¡¯re the only thing that he considers his weakness. Having you here, exposed to that same madman, weakens him. Sorah, the best you can do to help him, to protect him, and increase the possibility of his survival is if you go to the packhouse with us¡­ For him, and for your kids¡­ You¡¯re not leaving him; you¡¯re just giving him the peace of mind he needs to seed¡­¡±


    Alicia looked at Helena with wide eyes. Truly, she had not thought of that before, on the possibility that she could be the weak spot for a man that tough, that cold, and that important to his organization.


    If Helena was right, then it was a matter of time that either the Governor or any of his enemies, could show up there and try to take them.


    And in the back of Alicia¡¯s mind, she knew her friend was right¡­


    You know, for a guy who insists on you to go to the pack where his surrogate brothers were, while he did not stay with them after losing his parents, that can¡¯t be a very easy thing,a voice in Alicia¡¯s head said.


    Rys, I know you¡¯ve been in favor of us leaving, but what will we do if we lose him?Alicia replied in her head.


    Helena knew that Alice and her wolf were talking so she just kept silent for a while.


    Well, while you were distracted, I heard something from the kitchen. Check that video as soon as you can, ok? And I agree with Helena, you¡¯d be better off with them¡­ especially since he would be better, too. Think about it, and check the video,Rys suggested to Alicia, who then went back into her human¡¯s mind again.


    And the men indeed were too busy to notice the tablet that was continually recording their actions and conversations¡­Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Last, we prepare the mashed potatoes, right? What do you want me to do, bro?¡±


    ¡°Just peel the potatoes, but remember that they¡¯re very hot. Then we add some butter, cheese and milk, and you¡¯ll see¡­ We¡¯re almost done, so if you hurry¡­¡±


    ¡°Done,¡± V said after wolfspeeding the peeling process. ¡°Sorry bro, I¡¯m starving, and the smell of those ribs is to me.¡±


    ¡°Alright, very good, I guess.¡± Hero chuckled. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll cut and te. I¡¯ll just add the ingredients I mentioned to your bowl and will let you mash them. Careful that you don¡¯t make a mess and leave the bowl of mashed potatoes on the counter.¡±


    ¡°Got it, chef,¡± Virgil smiled some more. ¡°I really want to try this at home. It¡¯s pretty cool all the things you learned. Heck, even the sd looks great!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not difficult, maybe because I always liked to cook¡­ I have to admit that, at some point, I really wanted to be a chef and have my own big restaurant with Michelin stars, you know?¡±


    ¡°What!? Bro, you never told me that!¡±


    ¡°There was no reason to mention it, but had I not been so¡­ well, following that dream would have changed everything, so I¡¯m happy with the oue¡­¡± The Ogre exined while doing all the leftover work on the dishes. ¡°Just that I will not get to be the Gordon Ramsay of our country as I once wanted, but hey, notining.¡±


    ¡°Well, who knows what will happen after all this ends.¡±


    ¡°True¡­ OK, we¡¯re ready. Wanna call thedies and babies to the table?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll just mindlink Helena and help you get the food there,¡± Virgil said, taking his bowl of mashed potatoes, and therge sd te.


    Hey, baby, the food is ready. Come on in you both, before I die of starvation,Virgil mindlinked, making his mate smile.And kids, hope you¡¯re as hungry as me.¡±

 NEWCOMERS

    And now, back in the present, she had finally decided to leave the home that she had with her mate for the longest time. Yet, after so many previous years of hopping from one ce to another, to hide from Hero¡¯s past, and sadly, present, just as her friend promised, she and her family would have a future.


    It¡¯s just that she hated being away from him. or at the very least, hated not knowing what would be happening to him.


    Especially now, when she knew he would be scarcer since she would be somewhere he¡¯s assured that she and their children will be safe, and he had now decided to pursue his ns.


    ns that she knew nothing about¡­


    And that¡¯s what¡¯s scaring her so much more than being far away from him.


    ¡°Sorah, it will be alright. I know it will, ok?¡±


    The Ogre¡¯s mate came back to the present as she heard her friend¡¯sforting tone and the touch of her hand on her arm. Alicia¡¯s smile was sincere, but her voice was a bit shaky as she replied to Helena with a slow nod.


    ¡°I really, really hope, Helena. I guess I¡¯m just really scared for him right now.¡±


    ¡°We know, and he¡¯s just really scared for you right now, too and with good reason. Don¡¯t worry, like I said, everything is gonna be alright.¡±


    The two women looked at each other, one with an encouraging gaze while the other had a decisive expression on her face.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get back to packing before the guys are done with the Dishes.¡±


    Just then, two little tykes ran into the room, their arms full of toys and random items of clothes, squealing in glee at the thought of the new adventure that they overheard at the dinner table a while ago. They almost collided with thedies who immediately hugged them to keep them steady, and also, out of delight due to the two kids¡¯ exuberance.


    ¡°Mommy, mommy, I want to help pack too! Can I bring along my wolfie?¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Godmother, are we really going to stay at your packhouse? Like, for real?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Myrrh, you can definitely bring him. I¡¯m sure he¡¯d be sad if you didn¡¯t bring him along.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Victor, for real. We are all going to live in the packhouse starting today. I hope you will both love it there.¡±


    The excited cheers of the two children instantly lifted the spirits of their mom, along with their godmother¡¯s tion. As they continued their packing, the thrill and warmth between all of them were now fueling them to see this situation as something to look forward to.


    Meanwhile, the two men were now removing their aprons and wiping their hands while they grinned at each other,pletely pleased with what had just urred.


    ¡°Well, bro, we can at least have a toast while we wait for them to finish,¡± invited the smiling Left Hand as he eagerly poured wine into two newly dried sses.


    ¡°Yes, here¡¯s to us finally continuing the n,¡± replied the Alpha as he raised the half-full wine ss that his friend had offered him. ¡°And finally seeing the governor¡¯s downfall¡­¡±


    ¡°Cheers to a peaceful and prosperous future for us, our families, and our people with the n¡­¡± continued The Left Hand as he clinked his ss against Virgil¡¯s own. ¡°And also, to the return of your younger brother to the pack¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, cheers to that as well.¡±


    +++


    Two friends were now in the middle of a phone call, around the middle of the day before taking their lunch. Well, one was nning to have a little overtime before the break because he needed to interview a new and unexpected job candidate. However, these two needed to finish their conversation before they did anything else.


    ¡°Hey Jack, just want to call and thank you for letting me have another day off today. Just got into The Cave of Wonders and I got to see the treasures in here, care of Diwana. She¡¯s one heck of a genie and I¡¯m a very happy ddin.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm¡­ although I¡¯d think more of her as Jasmine than the Genie, bro. He¡¯s a guy and too blue to be Diwana. Notice how Jasmine has the samerge, dark eyes, long dark hair and tannedplexion? Nope, Diwana¡¯s Jasmine if you¡¯re going to be ddin.¡±


    ¡°I suddenly remembered ddin doesn¡¯t have a beard but Jafar has one¡­¡± said the bearded man with a chuckle.


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know, I think Max would make a great Jafar and you¡¯d still be ddin. Or maybe you want to be Jasmine¡¯s Tiger?¡±


    ¡°I think Rajah fits you better, bro. Not unless you want to be Abu? I don¡¯t know, you¡¯d suck as a thief. You¡¯re too much of a good guy, Jack¡­¡±


    ¡°Ok, time out¡­ where did this alle from again?¡± asked the clean-shaven one with a shortugh.


    ¡°Me thanking you for letting me have another day off and me telling you about Diwana¡¯s basement.¡±


    ¡°Ok, now speaking of that, I might go check you out, Eron¡­ I mean, you and that motorbike of yourster. And I need to talk to you about something personal¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait, what? Bro, there you go again. How many times do I have to remind you that I¡¯m straight and you¡¯re not my type?¡± replied The Charmer with a louder and longer guffaw.


    ¡°Yes, ddin, I know who your type is, alright? But that¡¯s not what I mean and I¡¯m serious this time about what I¡¯m saying.¡±


    ¡°OH. MY. GOD. Are you serious? What the hell, man! I¡¯m gonna turn you down the moment you kneel in front of me with a ring, I frigging swear.¡±


    ¡°Hehehe, you really are something, Eron. But just for the record, it¡¯s someone else¡¯s request. I¡¯ll tell you all about it when I get over there,¡± replied the Lumberyard foreman with a smirk.


    ¡°Oh-kaaaayyyy¡­ now I¡¯m curious and sure, it¡¯s not like I can say no to my boss.¡±


    ¡°You just told me you would say no to me if I gave you a ring, so yes, I¡¯m d to ept your no if that is what I will ask you, God forbid!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that then, haha. See youter, Jack.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Later, bro.¡±


    Both of them ended their mobile calls almost at the same time.


    +++


    Jack put the phone down and pressed the inte button on his desk. ¡°Hey Pat, can you let the applicant in? I¡¯m ok to interview him now.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing, Jack. Hey, just wondering if this is Max¡¯s recruit?¡± asked the female voice on the other line. ¡°I¡¯m seeing them talking beside the coffee machine and the kid looks like he¡¯s being bullied or something. It looks like that time that I saw him bullying the cute new hire.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, I really hope not, Pat, or I¡¯ll really be giving him a pay cut. And about what you told me, thanks a lot for that information. It really helped me to deal with Max a while ago. Don¡¯t ever stop reporting whatever you see that¡¯s off around here, ok? I really appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°And I appreciate it too, boss. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got your back,¡± the chunky, salt-and-pepper-haired HR supervisor replied as she sat back on her ssy but antiquated office chair. ¡°Your family has always counted on me since the day you were born and I¡¯m not about to fail you guys. That¡¯s a promise.¡±


    ¡°I know Patricia, and we will always be thankful for you. Now, please save that Ondo guy from Max before he has second thoughts and leaves before I even talk to him.¡±


    ¡°Alright, Jack. Consider it done. He¡¯ll be there in a few minutes.¡±


    And, as promised, a timid knock would soon be heard at the boss¡¯s door¡­


    ¡°Come in and close the door behind you,¡± Jack loudly instructed as he sat on his plush leather boss chair.


    A light-haired, medium-built man who was slightly shorter than Jack poked his head through the door and then shyly entered the room, almost one limb at a time. If not for the fact that the lumberyard owner needed to be serious about conducting this interview, he would haveughed aloud due to extreme amusement, especially when he remembered how he met this nervous and hesitant applicant.

 ORLANDO

    ¡°ALL RIGHT! Alright, sir, don¡¯t hurt me! I¡¯LL TELL YOU¡­ I¡¯ll tell you why I¡¯m here!¡± said the stranger that Jack found hidingbehind the bushes of his parent¡¯s house.


    ¡°YOU¡¯D BETTER OR YOU¡¯LL BE HAULED TO JAIL FOR TRESPASSING! NOW SPEAK!¡± ordered the muscled foreman as he stayed sitting down on the man¡¯s abdomen with one hand holdinghis cor and the other aiming a fist at the man he just captured.


    ¡°What on earth is happening out here? JACK? Who the heck is that?!¡± asked an elderly man who had rushed out of the front door and into the patio. ¡°What is he doing here in the middle of the night?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m trying to find out, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯m just someone who happened to be around here looking for a job. Please, let me stand up and exin myself.¡±


    ¡°Jack, son, please¡­ let him speak with a little dignity¡­ But do check if he¡¯s armed¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not! I swear, I don¡¯t have any weapons,¡± whined the frightened guy with bright yellow hair as he was dragged from the ground to his feet in one swift motion by his captor.


    ¡°What do you call this, then?¡± asked Jack in a demanding toneafter findingan axe hanging from the guy¡¯s belt at the back of his pants.


    ¡°Wait, isn¡¯t this one of the axes that we award to our lumberjacks who pass their permanent status with thepany?¡± his father gasped.


    ¡°It sure is, Dad¡­ Alright, where the fuck did you get this from, creep?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s from a friend who rmended me to you guys. He wanted me to practice with it before I applied for a position in your lumberyard so I have a better chance of being epted. And he said that if I kinda dropped his name, I would be able to get in.¡±


    Jack¡¯s thoughts: Wait, so if this is Max¡¯s axe, whose axe was the one we saw in Eron¡¯s camp?


    The younger Schneider refocused his attention on the terrified man in front of him. ¡°Well, the final decision still falls on me so tell me who the hell you are first and who your backer is before I give you any answers.¡±


    ¡°Alright, please. My name is Ondo De Narra and the one who¡¯s helping me out is MaximilianFuchs.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re Mad Max¡¯s rmended worker?¡± the older Schneider cut in. ¡°Yes, he did tell us about you, but through email. You received a copy of that too, didn¡¯t you Jack?¡±


    ¡°I did, Dad, but I hardly thought that you would being over to our house just to apply for a position in our lumberyard, boy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I know it¡¯s already quitete at night but I just happened to be near the area and thought of making a quick stopover here. I¡¯m sorry if I was acting like a sneaky stalker or something like that, but you were all so busy talking I Didn¡¯t want to interrupt.¡±


    After a long pause, the oldest man in the group finally broke the silence. ¡°Jack, your call?¡±


    Jack sighed before answering, ¡°It¡¯s toote for me to talk to you tonight, so just go over to the lumberyard in the morning, Ondo. And just to make it clear, it¡¯s not who rmends you that gets you in¡­ it¡¯s how you answer me during the interview and how you perform if you do get hired. Is that clear?¡±


    ¡°Y-yes, S-sir¡­ Thank you, I¡¯ll see you tomorrow. I promise.¡±


    +++


    So now, here was Ondo, once again standinga little shakily in front of him. Now Jack was wondering if the young man was a little scared because of him being in this room or because he was talking to Max earlier.


    And the foreman couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it¡¯s thetter.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Ok, close the door behind you, Ondo, like I said earlier, then sit down.¡±


    ¡°T-thank you, Sir.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather you call me Boss since I¡¯m not exactly part of any royal line. But before I start asking questions about you, can I ask you about something ¨C or someone ¨C else¡­¡±


    Jack could have sworn that Ondo swallowed hard first before he sat down. He then nodded before replying. ¡°Of course, Boss. Whatever you want.¡±


    ¡°Alright, can I ask you about Max first and what your arrangements are, without you telling him?


    +++


    ¡°Wow, that smells really good, kids. Let me guess, steak and eggs?¡± asked the hungry motorbike owner as he followed hisndy into the informal dining room and kitchen area of the Vi.


    ¡°Haha, I know you like meat, Eron, and so does Mama Diwa, so we decided to cook that for lunch, even if a lot of people prefer it for breakfast,¡± the eldest child replied while scooping out the food onto the serving tes.


    ¡°Erica, go ahead and feed me steak anytime, breakfast, lunch, or dinner and I will be a happy man. I am a total meat-a-saur.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you mean predator? It¡¯s what we studiedtoday in our home schoolbooks,¡± interrupted little Katya as she climbed on her chair with a smaller stuffed animal, which was a white ponythis time. ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as a meat-a-saur.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯re looking at him right now, baby girl. RRRAAAAAWWWRRR!¡± eximed Eron jokingly as he y-tickled the youngest Wolf child making her burst into delighted giggles. ¡°Watch out, I¡¯m going to get youuuuu!¡±


    ¡°NOOOO! Baby Pony, protect meeeeee!¡± squealed the littlest girl in the room while raising her white and fluiditystuffed toy as a shield against the mischievous butical boarder who was now tickling her from behind. ¡°The big bad wolf is about to eat meeeee!¡±


    Eron almost choked at what he heard. ¡°Wh-what? Me, the big bad wolf?


    Katya gave him an impish smile and whispered her exnation as if she was sharing a secret. ¡°Wuf Wuf said that you¡¯re a nice big bad wolf, not like in the stories, because you will protect the three little pigs instead of eating them.¡±


    ¡°Hey, tell your stuffed wolf I¡¯m not a pig, ok? Ahahaha!¡± the slightly chubby Erica retorted while she put the loaded tes on the table.


    ¡°Yeah, besides Eron isn¡¯t eating anybody, right, Eron?¡± Macky interrupted while serving himself some steak.


    ¡°Uhhhh, yeah¡­ I¡¯m not¡­ that bad¡­¡± The Charmer replied awkwardly as he also started to serve himself. Although I wouldn¡¯t mind ¡®eating¡¯ a certain someone¡­ Shut up, Eron! She¡¯s just right there!  Besides, you don¡¯t fucking deserve her, remember?

 THE TOWEL

    ¡°Ummm¡­ you want to join meter in fixing Scorpia, Macky?¡± invited Eron in an effort to shift his mind to something less disheartening and a bit more productive.


    ¡°OH WOW, DO I? I definitely will!¡± cried the youngd, his eyes shining with excitement.


    ¡°As long as you finish the dishes first, Mack. We already did the cooking¡­¡± Erica reminded him before taking a big bite of her steak.


    ¡°A, but I cleaned our rooms a while ago already¡­¡±


    ¡°And we cleaned Mama and Eron¡¯s room so that doesn¡¯t excuse you from washing the dishes, ok?¡±


    ¡°Shucks, but I really want to join Eronter.¡±


    ¡°You can still do that, Macky, after you¡¯re done with washing,¡± the lumberjack piped in after he had swallowed a mouthful of the tender and juicy meat. ¡°I¡¯ll still be down in the basementfor a few hours, anyway. And I¡¯m sorry if there¡¯s still a mess in my room, girls. I was nning to fix everything up when I got back from the lumberyard.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s ok, Eron. We didn¡¯t touch any of your stuff even if we did clean the room,¡± the oldest sibling said with a smile.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Wait, wait, speaking of stuff!¡± the little girl chirped in and then went down from her chair and ran to the staircase.


    ¡°Katya, you aren¡¯t done eating yet,¡± Diwana reminded her as she speared a bit of her eggs.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back, I promise¡­¡±


    ¡°Please, no running in the house. You might slip and fall!¡± the surrogate mother yelled so that the child could still hear her.


    The cheery little girl didn¡¯t seem to hear Diwana¡¯s warning and was already back at the dining table within two minutes. Before she sat down, she shoved something into Eron¡¯s hands.


    Everyone at the table stared at the piece of fluffy cloth that Eron had in his long slender fingers. Upon seeing what The Charmer was holding, Di¡¯s face instantly turned warm and crimson.


    ¡°We found it in Mama¡¯s room. I don¡¯t know how it got there but we did see it and remembered that it was the same towel that we gave to you when you moved in. That¡¯s the right towel, right?¡±


    The former assassin looked at the towel in his hand in surprise and at the same time in wonder at what he just heard from Katya. He wasn¡¯t sure if he heard it right, but did the child just say that they saw his towel in Diwana¡¯s room?


    Judging by the mixed scents that wafted from it, which he could easily smell with his enhanced wolf senses, it seemed to carry Di¡¯s body scent as well.


    He instantly looked at hisndy who had suddenly left the table as she spoke¡­


    ¡°Just a minute guys, we forgot to get ourselves some dessert. I¡¯ll just look at our stash for some. Wait for me, ok?¡±


    The whole table fell silent as she started to look inside the freezer where most of the desserts were, wondering why she rushed off like that when the meal wasn¡¯t even half-finished.


    Meanwhile, D was hidingher face behind the cold ice box¡¯s door, hoping that the freezing temperature would reduce her intense blushing.


    ¡°Yes, Katya, thank you. This is my towel, and I¡¯m d you girls found it. It must have fallen somewhere and your mama may have picked it up and forgotten about it, right Diwana?¡±


    ¡°Y-yes!¡± the widow replied from behind the door, swiftly selecting random dessert items from inside. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sorry but I did forget about it¡­pletely¡­ Good work, girls¡­ for findingit, I mean¡­ Now, desserts anyone?¡±


    The cheers around the tablepletely took over the room and Di happily handed out the treats to everyone. Upon finishing their meal, Diwana went directly upstairs to rest, leaving the other members of her ¡®family¡¯ helping out at the dinner table.


    ¡°Oh, before I forget, congrattions, Eron,¡± Erica said with a smile as she watched their new housemate going up the stairs so he could leave the towel in his bedroom.


    The auburn-haired guy with the tousled bangs curiously looked back at the youngdy. ¡°Congrattions for what?¡±


    ¡°For dropping the Miss. Please keep it that way. She¡¯s not much older than you are, after all.¡±


    Eron stared at the two young females as they rushed up the stairs past him, giggling at the surprised and blushing face of their new housemate. He then walked up to the second floor with the towel still in his hand.


    As he closed his room¡¯s door behind him, he ced the towel against his nose and inhaled deeply, letting his senses drown in the mixed scents of her and his own body¡¯s aroma. He swallowed hard as his own manhood also went hard.


    Or should he say, harder?


    ¡°Ok, stop it, Eron. Leave the damn towel alone and stop disrespecting The Lady. She doesn¡¯t deserve that so just stop, ok?¡± he murmured to himself.


    As he folded the towel andid it on the bed, a thought came to him and he smiled on the way out of his room. Yes, that could work¡­


    His thoughts: Well, I can still hug the towel while I go to sleep. That isn¡¯t too bad, right?


    No Eron, it won¡¯t be too bad¡­


    It won¡¯t be ¡°bad¡± enough for her, though.


    +++


    Time flies when you¡¯re having fun. Soon, Eron was alone with Scorpia as Macky ran back into the house to help his siblings and his surrogate mom prepare Dinner. However, Jack would arrive within half an hour and would get busy helping Eron while they had their buddy talk.


    ¡°So how was work back at the lumberyard?¡±


    ¡°Well, other than a new applicant, it¡¯s all the usual. What¡¯s a little odd is the fact that it¡¯s Max who rmended the newbie, and this one is really fresh around the gills if you know what I mean.¡±


    ¡°You mean, he knows practically nothing about being a lumberjack?¡±


    ¡°He knows practically nothing about wood. Period! I mean, you at least know a little carpentry¡­ well, more with mechanical and automotive, as you told me before, which is why I let you try out the sawmill, but this kid knows nothing about chopping wood, cutting trees, or even holding a damn axe. And it¡¯s Max who¡¯s being his backer. I don¡¯t know what the guy is ying at, but he hasn¡¯t done anything like this before,¡± Jack exined as he held up Scorpia¡¯s body while Eron loosened some screws.


    ¡°So, he¡¯s never endorsed anybody who¡¯s this inexperienced in the past?¡±


    ¡°Nope, never. He¡¯s the kind of guy who wants to suggest really experienced guys so he can be creditedfor findingthem and get bragging rights¡­ But this Ondo guy, he¡¯s everything that Max would not rmend at all.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he suddenly becamepassionate after the little talk the three of us had in your office.¡±


    ¡°Really now? After you told me a bit about what happened between you and him? I¡¯m surprised you even shook hands.¡±

 MAIL-ORDER BRIDE

    ¡°The way you say that, bro, makes it sound like something else happened between him and me¡­ Damn, the hair on my arms is standing on end with the thought. Ugh¡­¡± groaned Eron as he grabbed a bigger screwdriver from one of the toolboxes around him.


    ¡°Ahaha bro, you said that, I didn¡¯t. Your green mind is making you think up thoughts that I never even said.¡±


    ¡°Bro, that is NOT helping me and you said you were gonna help. Come on, you can start by taking out these tires from the wheel rims. These I will definitely have to order because they can¡¯t be salvaged anymore. Damn, whoever did this¡­¡±


    ¡°Speaking of which, the axe we found with your stuff? I originally thought it was Max¡¯s but it¡¯s not his, apparently,¡± Jack said as he started using a long metal tool to remove the tires from the rims.


    ¡°I kinda thought it was him when I saw that axe. It¡¯s one of the things I saw around the campsite when I went there. He even had one hanging from his hip on the day he told me Diwana was HIS¡­ Fucking jerk¡­ If I ever prove that it was him¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, ording to the newbie, it¡¯s not, and that Mad Max let him borrow his axe for practice so he can have a better chance at being hired with us. Not that it¡¯s necessary since they get to be trained by their team leaders or work partners if they pass the interview, and I don¡¯t demand they cut wood to get my approval, as you well know too.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and I don¡¯t believe Max would do any good deeds if he wasn¡¯t going to get anything in return. I¡¯m sorry Jack, I know I¡¯m sounding really nasty right now, but he has done nothing to earn my trust, let alone my respect.¡±


    ¡°I gotta admit, from the time you showed interest in Diwana, I kinda noticed him getting a little bit possessive.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, well, I don¡¯t fucking care¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, that¡¯s funny¡­¡±


    ¡°What is?¡± Eron asked as he saw Jack looking weirdly at him.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t exactly counter what I said¡­¡±


    ¡°Of course, I won¡¯t counter what you said! He did get a little¡­ actually, A LOT possessive when¡­ I showed¡­ interest¡­ in¡­ ¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Jack inquired, his tone a bit amused at this point.


    ¡°Well, I¡­ uhhh¡­ I mean¡­¡±


    ¡°You mean, what?¡±


    ¡°I mean¡­ Could you get me that riveting kit, please? ¡­ Just lug over the whole hard case, thank you¡­¡±


    Jack¡¯s smirk had almost reached his right ear by the time he brought the heavy chain and rivet pack back to the flustered bike owner, whose cheeks were a little redder than usual then. Thepany owner decided to spare his employees from further embarrassment by moving to another topic entirely.


    Of course, that¡¯s because he already knew what he needed to know and didn¡¯t need to ask anything further.


    At least not about that topic¡­


    ¡°Looks like I can learn a thing or two with you working on Scorpia, bro,¡± Jack said as he watched Eron expertly wrestle with the tangled-up bike chain with rtive ease. ¡°Too bad that there¡¯s some work needed putting up the new department in thepany so I might not be able to help you with your motorcycle after tonight.¡±


    ¡°Bro, you don¡¯t even have to be here to begin with, but you still took time toe over and help me. That is a big thing already. If anything, I should be the one helping you out with stuff at the lumberyard instead of taking your time away from your work.¡±


    ¡°Well, you staying here with Diwa and the kids is actually a favor to me, alright. She¡¯s like a sister to me and ever since her husband died, I¡¯ve been really worried for her, especially since she also lost her baby boy just days after Mason passed away due to the killer fever.¡±


    ¡°So uhhh¡­ she was your childhood friend or something?¡±


    ¡°No, she¡¯s not a native here. I think it¡¯s pretty obvious¡­ She doesn¡¯t even look like a local¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but I was thinking she was probably a regr tourist here and she fell in love with her husband because she would always stay at the Oro Vi¡­¡±


    ¡°Bro¡­ she hasn¡¯t told you? Wow, she usually talks about that freely. I wonder why she didn¡¯t tell YOU¡­¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Jack, will you stop keeping me in suspense? ¡­ Did I make a mistake with profiling her? Because that would be a first for me¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, yeah you did make a mistake. She didn¡¯t fall in love with her husband, for starters. Diwana is a mail-order bride, bro.¡±


    Eron¡¯s hand froze in the middle of twisting arge wrench around a tight metal nut on one of Scorpia¡¯s wheels. The impromptu mechanic swiftly turned towards Jack, an expression of disbelief and sympathy in his hazel eyes.


    ¡°She what!? Why? How? No way, dude¡­¡±


    Jack¡¯s look was saddened and serious as he replied, ¡°Yes way, dude¡­¡±


    And yes, Eron¡¯s employer was now definitely sure of what he was reading on The Charmer¡¯s face¡­


    +++


    It was around dinner time when Myron and Raquel left their beach house to try out the ocean along with the seafood and steakhouse that the resort was famous for. Of course, Myron had more on his to-do list than these vacation activities and he did manage to sneak them in every chance he could.


    Unfortunately, for him, he found nothing that he could use.


    ¡°Hey bro, did you guys see this dude around here in the past few weeks?¡± he had asked one of the tanned, well-built lifeguards on the beach while showing thetest snapshot of the former Right Hand.


    ¡°Uhhh, no, I haven¡¯t seen him,¡± the dark-haired lifeguard replied as he nced at the colored image. ¡°What about you, Lexter, did you ever see him around here?¡±


    ¡°Well, no¡­¡± answered the other male and muscled beach staff. ¡°But I would definitely remember someone who looks as good as that if I ever see him.¡±


    Myron did a double take at the speaker before responding, ¡°Ok, thanks guys.¡±


    ¡°Leaving so soon? I think you¡¯re kinda cute, too. Wanna try me out?¡±


    ¡°Come on, Lexter, you might get into trouble again for propositioning the clients. Don¡¯t mind him, Sir. He¡¯s just too randy for his own good.¡±


    ¡°Uh hehe¡­ yeah¡­ gotta go, my wife is calling me now.¡±


    ¡°Oh, let us know if she wants to join in too¡­¡±


    Myron was definitely not asking them anymore.


    Soon he would be talking to the female lifeguards, the receptionist staff, the kitchen people, the waiters and waitresses, the maintenance department, housekeeping and finally, the security officers. Thest did require him to sh his badge and sign autographs too when the guards realised who he was, but all in all, his sleuthing was a total waste of time.

 DETOURS IN A WIDE STRIKE ZONE

    He would talk about his frustration while he and his beloved girlfriend sat in a secluded booth at the resort¡¯s famous restaurant, in the midst of miniature tropical palm trees, rattan woven furniture, and small hanging chandeliers that peppered the wood-lined ceiling.


    ¡°Oh baby, don¡¯t worry too much about that. Maybe you¡¯ll find more info in the other ces that we¡¯re going to visit,¡± said the girl in the pink mini-sun dress.


    ¡°Yeah, but I don¡¯t think my client will be happy to hear that kind of report today,¡± said the guy in the khaki shorts and sleeveless beach shirt.


    ¡°But we¡¯re supposed to leave tomorrow, right? I¡¯m sure he will understand. Just tell him that you¡¯ll go to the next ce bright and early and will give him an update as soon as you arrive there,¡± assured Raquel with a smile as she sipped her pi¨¾acda.


    Myron smiled back and drank from his Cuba libre. ¡°Alright, baby doll, thanks. I just don¡¯t know what I¡¯d do without you. Can you please order for us while I make my phone calls? I¡¯ll be right back just in time for dinner, ok?¡±


    ¡°Just don¡¯t forget about me, babykins.¡±


    ¡°I could never do that to you, wifey. I¡¯ll be back, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Myron walked out far away enough from the restaurant, so the murmur of the dinner crowd would not be heard in his call, but he was still in an illuminated area and notpletely immersed into the darkness of the star-filled evening. No moon that night, so he was notfortable going off into the Distance even if he neededplete privacy and focus for the task ahead.


    And no, he didn¡¯t call the governor this time¡­N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    At least, not yet¡­


    ¡°Hey, Senpai, how are you? Anything I can do for you?¡±


    ¡°Hey! What¡¯s with the information you gave me? I¡¯ve been asking around and there isn¡¯t any sign of The Right Hand anywhere! What gives, man?!¡±


    ¡°What? How the heck should I know? I just gave you the information that I got from traffic control. I¡¯m sorry if you didn¡¯t find any proof of him being there, but that¡¯s not on me.¡±


    ¡°Ok, ok¡­ sorry¡­ but it¡¯s not exactly a good thing if I can¡¯t find what I¡¯m looking for. I don¡¯t think my¡­ our client¡­ will like that.¡±


    ¡°Sir, look, I¡¯m just your researcher. If I could help you confirm the information, I got from our sources then sure, I¡¯ll join you on your trip, but I can¡¯t. I can guarantee you that the data I give you is legit, but I can¡¯t go beyond that for now.¡±


    ¡°I understand¡­ didn¡¯t mean to snap at you. I¡¯ll handle things from my end. You still did a good job, dude, I appreciate it. Thanks again, and just keep sendingme the locations, ok?¡±


    ¡°My pleasure Senpai, and you have a great time now. I heard that ce is amazing.¡±


    ¡°It is, and yeah, wish you were here but yes, you have work¡­¡±


    ¡°Yep, I do have work so you go and enjoy yourself, Sir, and good night.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight, Serg. See you around.¡±


    As Myron walked back into the restaurant, another man who was dressed up in jeans, loafers, a sports jacket and a deep dark green sleeveless shirt that matched his eyes, followed the police detective with his gaze as he stood a great distance away. Of course, the decorated policeman was unaware of all this as he went back to his girl and their dinner.


    Using his heightened senses, the manwolf who was watching from afar dialed a familiar number so he could make a report.


    ¡°Yes, Serg, any updates?¡± asked a low, husky voice from the other end of the line.


    ¡°He just made the call to me a while ago, Sir. And yes, he has no idea that this ce is one of the fake locations that I included in his itineraries. At the rate he¡¯s going, he may not be able to find The Right Hand at once.¡±


    ¡°Good job, Constable. Now, stay with him while he continues his trip. Just let me know if you need anything while you follow him around and I will require continuous reports all throughout your travels. Is that clear, Delta?


    ¡°Crystal clear, Sir. Don¡¯t worry, even now, I can see him from where I am and I will not lose him.


    ****


    Meanwhile in a mansion many miles away, after a very sessful mission, and a good day with friends, the Alpha and his Lunay down cuddling in bed.


    ¡°Princess, why was Alicia crying today? I mean, before lunch¡­ Did you argue or anything?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ It¡¯s actually something funny¡­ She got to record your cooking session, and she heard Hero saying that he wanted to live for her¡­ she¡­ told me a few things that were worrying her, and right after our talk, that was the push that she needed so she then decided to finally join us here.¡±


    ¡°All that sounds great, but seriously, a video of us cooking!? Damn, and all the stupid things that we were talking about? I can¡¯t believe youdies did that!¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen it yet, but she promised to share it with me soon. She said you guys were crazy, and if she didn¡¯t know any better, would think that there was something going on with you, Hero, and the vegetables,¡± Helena said, curious, while her man got red, then redder and then some more. ¡°But I didn¡¯t get what she meant by that, really.¡±


    ¡°Well, if any of that helped, you two¡­ well, next time I¡¯ll be more careful with what I say¡­ I didn¡¯t know I was being spied on,¡± Virgil held her tighter and started tickling her, until she was face to face with him,ughing and smiling.


    ¡°You really make me so happy,did you know that husband?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that, princess¡­ but¡­ I feel like you wanna tell me something else ¡­ What is it, love?¡±


    ¡°Handsome¡­ what do you think about having kids?¡±


    Virgil took a while before answering his mate, ¡°I think that will happen if and when you¡¯repletely sure that you want to¡­ why did you start thinking about it? Is it because of Hero and Alicia¡¯s kids? They¡¯re all sweet, aren¡¯t they?¡±


    She nodded, still smiling widely¡­


    ¡°I think¡­ I¡­ think I¡¯m ready, handsome¡­¡±


    He was frozen for a moment, while his dark blue eyes looked at her intently, trying to analyze her expression.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, there¡¯s no pressure at all, baby. I don¡¯t want you going through something like that if you¡¯re notpletely sure.¡±


    ¡°But I am, love¡­ I really want to¡­ Now I do¡­ Do you want me to have your babies, love?¡±


    A huge grin slowly spread on his good-looking and lightly bearded face, while he hugged her tightly. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want it with anybody else, beautiful¡­¡±


    ¡°Good. Now, we should start¡­ ahem¡­ working on it, you know?¡± she said with a naughty smirk.


    ¡°Your wish is mymand, my princess,¡± he answered with the same smirk, right before hungrily attacking her.

 A LADY IN DISTRESS

    Meanwhile, in another apartment a few minutes away from the Alpha¡¯s suites¡­


    ¡°Mommy, is daddy gonnae live with us?¡± asked the little girl as she dressed up in her PJ¡¯s, then grabbed her stuffed wolf toy.


    ¡°Soon, baby, but not right now.¡±


    ¡°Yeah Myrrh, he¡¯s got a lot of important things to do, to make us safe. That¡¯s what he told us before we went flying in the eli-kop-ter, right, Mama?¡± the boy asked as their mom tucked them into bed.


    ¡°Yes, Victor. He promised to keep us safe.¡±


    ¡°I hope he also promised to keep himself safe¡­ he will be safe, right Mama?¡±


    ¡°I hope so baby girl, I truly, TRULY hope so¡­¡± answered Alicia as she kissed her little girl goodnight.


    +++


    ¡°Huh? I don¡¯t remember washing this¡­ and what could it be doing here on a noundry day?¡± Diwana looked in deep thought at the items that were hanging on the clothesline beside the house. ¡°And, from here, I could swear that it¡¯s Eron¡¯s nket and bed sheets, and I don¡¯t recognize this pair of jeans as any of the kids¡¯ clothing¡­ but why would he be washing them?¡±


    She was on her way to check some of the nts that she recently nted in her backyard, which she was nursing like babies and visiting every evening when she saw theundry line. Even now, as she approached it, she still could not believe her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s dry,¡± she said, touching it. ¡°And it definitely doesn¡¯t smell like ourundry soap.¡±


    Di embraced the soft nket, sinking her face on it then sniffing deeplya new but now familiar smell¡­


    It was the same scent that helped her sleep when she found a certain fluffy towel in the hallway.


    ¡°Why is it that, just by this, I feel sofortable, and even s¡­ huh?¡±


    The widow was midway through her thoughts, while still hugging her new renter in her mind, when a certain sensation tickled her back. She immediatelyidentified it as a sense of danger which wiped out the good feelings almost instantly. As she looked around, the world around her started to look dark. It was as if all her senses were shutting off and shutting down everything.


    Except that unidentified presence which seemed to be producing that unsettling feeling.


    In this state of internal darkness, she could barely hear the sound of the wind among the trees or the voices of her kids agreeing on their tasks inside the house, but clearly, the rustle behind some of the bushes echoed in her mind. Along with that, the same sensation that she felt thest few times that she went to her secret ce in the woods was now overwhelming her.


    And though it was now a stronger feeling, she felt it was the same kind of threat.


    She started getting dizzy with the changes that her senses were suddenly showing. True, it may be simr to what she would feel then, and she had been feeling that a lottely, but it was not as strong as it was ever before when it didn¡¯t feel more than a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.


    Di took deep breaths trying to concentrate on the source of her strange fear, then her eyes suddenly focused on a certain spot that was the only ce her eyes could see in the darkness. It was quite far, several meters away, which is why she could not recognize anything out there among the wooded edge of the forest.


    Her thoughts:Diwana, there¡¯s nothing there¡­ Just the natural movement of the branches¡­


    Or was it really so natural? Was it truly the wind, or a small hungry squirrel looking around for food?


    ¡°Why is this happening to me again?¡± she murmured to herself, trying to keep her knees from buckling. ¡°I haven¡¯t felt this strange feeling for quite a while. And why has it grown extremely stronger now¡­¡±


    But then, as soon as the weird urrence in her mind began, it was over. Or maybe it was being overpowered by two familiar voices that were getting louder and feeling closer by the second?


    ¡°Eron,¡± she whispered to herself, and without letting go of the nket in her arms, she turned towards his voice.


    And ran to him¡­


    ¡°Whoa,¡± The Charmer said in surprise, feeling how Di¡¯s smooth soft arms wrapped around his slim waist tightly, and without even thinking, he immediatelyembraced her back.


    His heart started poundingloudly in his chest, seeing how distressed Diwana was.


    ¡°Diwa, what happened?¡± he asked, as the man that was walking by his side smirked.


    Nice, more proof to my theory¡­Jack thought, going back in his memory to a few minutes before.


    +++


    ¡°Well, if you want to talk to her about it, go ahead¡­¡± Jack said, passing another set of tools to Eron. ¡°And I really don¡¯t know if I¡¯m of any help to you, bro, just saying.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll do that¡­ But what the hell do you mean, dude? Here I was thinking about hiring you as my pretty assistant and you say that?¡± Eron replied to recover from his surprised mood then smirked teasingly at hispanion, making Jack chuckle.


    ¡°Sorry bro, I don¡¯t look good in a dress.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you tried already? Bro, whatever your preferences are, it¡¯s okay, I promise, I won¡¯t judge you, you can tell me,¡± Eronughed.


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t tried, I just happen to like how a dress suits THE LADIES¡¯ curves, and I have no curves at all. Man, seriously, you keep telling me I¡¯m not your type, but then, your jokes leave me wondering each time.¡±


    Bothughed aloud before diving back into fixing the wrecked motorcycle.


    ¡°Dresses, huh? Is that a kink, Jack?¡±


    ¡°Nah, just the clothes I like the most on ady. They look sweet and feminine, and more often than not, very sexy¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I think that fits the definition of kink,¡± Eron said jokingly, but suddenly the smile disappeared from his face¡­ ¡°Oh, damn! I forgot to pick a few things from the clotheslines!¡± he eximed, finally remembering that he had been so entertained with his Scorpia and Jack that hepletely forgot the improvisedundry that he was supposed to sneak out and get back inside as soon as the sun was up.


    And, too bad for him, it hasn¡¯t happened¡­ yet.


    ¡°What are you talking about, bro? I don¡¯t see the problem¡­ or you¡¯re worried that a certaindy will see your underwear?¡±


    ¡°Nah, I don¡¯t even wear any,¡± he said, blushing at the thought of hisndy findinghis bed sheetsand asking him what happened to them that they were hanging outside if he had been there for just one night.


    But his boss and friend of course would notice his face getting all red¡­


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go get it? I could use some fresh air, and can also cover for you if we¡¯re asked what we¡¯re doing around, or whatever,¡± Jack offered. ¡°In exchange, I want to hear the full story of yourundry, though¡­¡± he added a smirk that made Eron even more ufortable.


    ¡°Seriously!? And what could you be possibly thinking about what could have happened to me so I would actually doundry recently?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about theundry, but I¡¯m thoroughly entertained by the fact that your face is between a beet and a tomato in the scale of redness right now,¡± Jack answered while heughed some more. ¡°And it¡¯s YOU who I couldn¡¯t believe would possibly have any kind of shame¡­ Oooohhh, except for when it¡¯s about Diwana¡­ Come on, what Did you do, Eron? Haha!¡±


    ¡°Just shut up already, bro, I¡¯m not telling you anything! You¡¯ve had enough fun with your own imagination already¡­ Damn you, Jack¡­¡± Eron added, still smiling but obviously deeplyembarrassed. ¡°I¡¯m going to get my be- uh¡­ myundry. If you want, you can stay here and wait for me to get back.¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Are you crazy? I have to see this story all the way to the end,¡± Jack teased some more to Eron¡¯s amusement despite his awkwardness about his washings, since his employer wasn¡¯t exactly like that when they first met.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s a good time to be open and make jokes, Jack¡­ I¡¯m definitely a bad influence to you, bro,¡± were Eron¡¯s thoughts as they both walked out of the garage and towards the clotheslines beside the house.


    ¡°But seriously, if you need to take whatever you hung out there in in sight and then run, I¡¯ll cover for you, bro.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ thanks, Jack, I guess.¡±

 MORE ON THE LADY IN DISTRESS

    The two men finally noticed that what she was experiencing was nothing more than a deep fear, and, for a moment, the three adults remained standing, frozen in ce.


    Jack was equally puzzled by Diwana¡¯s distress, and the fact that she, who was hugging Eron like her life depended on it, was well known for keeping her distance from any of the guys in the vige and the lumber camp just to make sure that they didn¡¯t get any weird or wrong ideas about her intentions.


    The Lumberyard boss was now looking at the scene as if there was a giraffe with two heads right in front of him instead of his friends. And it was quite clear that their faces were really close to each other¡­


    ¡°Diwa, please, tell me, what happened?¡± Eron asked, concern in his voice while he continued to feel his heart poundingstrongly within his chest¡­


    The new renter¡¯s thoughts:Weren¡¯t you supposedly living here to protect her?


    Eron was now reprimandinghimself while paying close attention to his enhanced senses, trying to perceive what was distressing hisdy¡­


    Ahem¡­ I meantmndy. What the hell, Eron¡­


    Speaking of hisdy¡­ Well, thisdy¡­


    If I tell him anything of what I¡¯m feeling, he will think that I¡¯m crazy¡­ or even worse, he¡¯ll know that¡­ that I¡¯m cursed. I can¡¯t let that happen, but I can¡¯t help myself¡­ I don¡¯t even know what happened, between the feeling that something, or someone really dangerous was around, and what¡¯s going on in my head¡­Diwa argued with her rushing mind, unable to focus and on the verge of a panic attack.


    But she knew she had to say something since she was almost crying and slightly shaking, practically scaring Jack and Eron, even worrying them more with each second as they could see her efforts to try and tell them her thoughts, but the words would note out.


    Then, Jack looked around as well, not feeling or seeing anything, but noticing that what was hanging from the clothesline was a bed sheet¡­


    And not far from the line, on the ground, almost looking like Hansel and Gretel¡¯s breadcrumb trail, was something fluffy, white with colorful lines, extendingbehind the homeowner until it ended in her arms, where she was still hugging it, along with the nket¡¯s owner.


    nket, bed sheet, and pants,Jack thought, and suddenly realized why Eron got so red by simply talking aboutundry¡­ Heck, bro, you might not admit it, but I¡¯m thinking that you two should talk about how much you¡¯re liking her¡­ Because, from what I¡¯ve seen, I don¡¯t think you¡¯re thinking of anybody else¡­ And yeah, you¡¯re right on not wanting her to see what you were hiding.


    ¡°Diwana,¡± Eron insisted, ¡°please, tell me what happened¡­¡± he said once more, looking down directly into her eyes, while still holdingher tightly.


    Then, at that instant, he finally noticed what was in her arms, right between them, and his face started to tint a deep red once more.


    She looked up for a second, still trying to find a way to exin herself, when she saw that his eyes were not looking at her anymore, but at something that seemed to be in her arms and over her shoulder, and by reflex she followed his line of sight.


    And wished she hadn¡¯t¡­


    OH HECK!Diwana thought, seeing the nket hugged between them.How will I exin all of this?! Oh God, why? First the hug, and then HIS nket, because what else could he be doing here, other than pick hisundry up?


    Her face grew as red as Eron¡¯s in a matter of seconds, and the scene got weirder.


    Now, Diwa remained in Eron¡¯s arms, no longer about to cry. She was still nervous, but now it was pretty evident that it was for another reason.


    ¡°Diwana¡­?¡± Jack called her once more, and she finally looked in his Direction, as well as Eron¡¯s, and it seemed that they, thendy and her new renter, weren¡¯t about to let go of each other. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    The Lumberyard owner was serious, worried, and seemed to be checking her for bruises or blood, the same way she usually checked the ones she cared for.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m¡­¡±


    Di didn¡¯tpletely manage to say anything but finally acknowledged that she was being asked a question and had finally seeded in giving an answer. Iplete, yes, but still an answer¡­


    As her voice stopped again and didn¡¯t make it out of her throat, she just shyly nodded at her friend.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Due to Diwa¡¯s reply, Jack¡¯s mind left its ¡°red alert¡± state, and his face, instead of the brotherly worry that it was reflecting a while ago, soon started showing a wide mischievous grin¡­


    Meanwhile, the widow suddenly felt IT¡­


    The warmth that was surroundingher wasing from no other source but Eron¡¯s body.


    How is it possible that this situation keeps getting worse, Diwana? Damn, what did you get into now?she thought miserably, her eyes glued on Jack¡¯s naughty smirk, while not wanting to see Eron¡¯s face again due to her embarrassment.


    Still hugging her boarder and holdingthe nket, her focus was now on how to get out of her awkward situation, and no longer on the possibility of a dangerous intruder staring at her¡­


    And now, I don¡¯t know what¡¯s worse¡­ Diwana, whyyyy!?she whined in her head, slowly starting to untangle her arms from around Eron¡¯s body.


    Jack almost chuckled aloud before speaking, but good thing he didn¡¯t. ¡°I¡¯m d that you¡¯re WAY BETTER NOW, Di¡­ Oh! Look at the time! I must leave right now, or my mom will be after me until thest of my days. I¡¯m sorry that I can¡¯t stay longer though¡­ but I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll get over it, right bro?¡±


    Eron made an effort to speak. ¡°Are you okay now, Diwana?¡±


    Of course, his eternal shame was nothingpared to the well-being of thedy he had sworn to protect.


    ¡°I¡­ am¡­¡± she murmured, lowering her head.


    ¡°Ahem¡­ Yeah, my parents must be wondering why I am sote now¡­ oh, no!¡± Jack eximed with an evident fake worried tone but a truly sly smile. ¡°Bro, I¡¯ll tell my mother that I invited you already, so don¡¯t forget that you said yes. I¡¯ll let you know when, or you think of a date that works for you, if it¡¯s better, ok? Don¡¯t forget¡­¡±


    ¡°I th-thought you¡¯d stay for dinner,¡± Diwa stuttered, after another big effort to get over her shyness.


    ¡°Oh no no, I can¡¯t¡­ thest time my mom gave me hell because I refused to have more food with them¡­ I can¡¯t eat anything before seeing them, or I¡¯ll never see the end of it¡­ Okay, I¡¯ll leave you to uh¡­ whatever you¡¯re up to, but seriously, whatever happened before, I really hope you¡¯re okay, and you know where to find me if you need to talk, okay? Although I don¡¯t think you really need it¡­¡± Jack stated, politely refusing and at the same time answering her, but still entertained by the scene of the surrogate mom warming up to his new hire.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I worried you, guys. I just felt something weird and got anxious, I guess¡­¡± Diwana said softly and hoped that they Didn¡¯t ask too much about what she chose to tell.


    ¡°Well, whatever it was, I¡¯m sure that dear Eron here will give his full guarantee that nothing will happen to you. I¡¯m actually d that he moved in here with you¡­ I mean, became a renter here. That way, I know that you will both be safe¡­ with each other¡­¡±


    His eyes still shone in amusement, but Jack really meant what he was saying, and even with the jokes, they both knew that the Lumberyard boss really cared.


    ¡°Bro¡­ I told you, stop worrying about me or I¡¯ll get used to all the attention. You won¡¯t like me bing so clingy to you, I swear,¡± Eron huffed, breaking the tension and making them all share a heartyugh.


    ¡°Okay, okay. Anyway, think about the dinner with my parents Eron. Will see you tomorrow at work. Have a good night, you two.¡±


    ¡°Yes bro, yes. I¡¯ll think about it, okay?¡± the ex-paid assassin said as he got close just to give his boss a bro-hug, but at the same time whispering into his friend¡¯s ear, so Diwana wouldn¡¯t hear him. ¡°And please let me know if you see anything around the house on your way out and while walking to your parents¡¯ house.¡±


    ¡°You too, take care on your way home. Will see you tomorrow!¡± Diwa added, now more recovered from the weird stifling emotions, and not wanting to think about what Eron would say when they were already alone.


    As soon as Jack left, and with his mind slightly clearer, Eron took a few deep breaths and looked around.


    ¡°What is it, Eron?¡± asked Diwana with deep curiosity and a bit of worry.


    ¡°Oh, nothing, Diwa. The air up here certainly has a very different smell from the city¡¯s,¡± he replied with his best charming smile. ¡°Why don¡¯t we go inside and help the kids with dinner?¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, I believe I got your nket all dirty¡­ But what happened to it? Why did you need to wash it?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡­ when I was sorting a few things, I put a few of my stuff on top of the bed and one of them broke and dripped all over the sheets and the nket¡­ even on my pants¡­¡±


    It wasn¡¯treallya lie, anyway¡­But yes, something did drip on them, so that part was true¡­


    ¡°Oh, I see. You could have just given it to us for the washing machine to clean. It is part of your monthly payments. Wait, do you need another one? Were you coldst night? Or when did that happen?¡±


    ¡°Nah, I was okay, really¡­ Remember that before moving here, I was sleeping in the middle of the forest¡­ Compared to that, my bed ¨C even without the sheets and nket ¨C was heavenly, I swear¡­¡± Eron assured her while slightly guidingDiwana back inside the house.


    However, she suddenly turned and hurriedly went back to the clotheslines before he could stop her¡­


    ¡°Let¡¯s at least take them inside with us,¡± she said.


    He had no choice but to follow her and help her with whatever she was doing, but he was also taking this chance to feel out the surroundingswith his wolf senses. Good thing he did, too¡­


    ¡°After you,¡± Eron opened the door for her as they walked back inside the house.


    ¡°Oh, thank you very much,¡± she said, smiling, hugging the sheets to her chest.


    I have to admit, at first, I didn¡¯t even notice that there was someone around¡­ how did she notice, especially if she is not a wolf? Eron thought as she smiled and turned to walk inside.


    He looked at her attentively, and then back to the top of the tree where he also perceived not only a familiar smell but heard a few not-so-natural noises¡­.


    I¡¯ll make you pay for this, you freak¡­ I might be a monster, but I do respect her the way she deserves¡­ Eron thought, finally walking inside the house, right after hisdy. Which is more than what I can say about you¡­


    Meanwhile, from the trees, the stranger in ck continued to view them with his very powerful binocrs, and he did not like what he just saw.


    ¡°I need to deal with this city boy soon, or else he might really be a threat to me and my ns for her.¡±

 ALL THAT GOES UP

    ¡°Would you like to tell me some more about what you felt?¡± Eron said, getting within inches from Diwana, and whispering in her ear, sending chills all over her body.


    His intoxicating smell was making it hard for her to focus on anything else but him. She hugged the nkets even tighter and bit her lip, trying to give an answer to him¡­


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe me,¡± she said, her eyes reflecting all the bad memories that, what she thought was her curse, had given her. ¡°If I told you¡­¡±


    ¡°Try me,¡± he said in the same low tone, their cheeks almost touching, as they pretty much hid their current talk so the kids didn¡¯t get to know about what was happening outside the house.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± she made another attempt, ¡°At times, I feel like my senses perceive more than usual, and most of those times, I feel like someone is watching me¡­ I also feel really vulnerable and scared when that happens.¡±


    Eron¡¯s hands curled into tight fists, but he made a huge effort to keep his tone serene and sweet¡­


    ¡°That makes sense to me. It has happened once or twice to me before, as well,¡± was his reassuring answer.


    She looked up at Eron, her dark brown eyes wide with hope, feeling for the first time in her life that someone understood her, instead of judging her, for her weird and unexinable feelings.


    Is it possible? Diwana, look at him, do you think such a beautiful man can be a¡­ a freak like you? And yet¡­ she thought, looking for mockery or lies, or anything that resembled doubt on his face, but she saw only concern, understanding, and warmth.


    ¡°Really?¡± Diwa asked, still in disbelief at his concern and agreement.


    ¡°Of course, I would never lie to you, 	OK?¡± he gently reassured her. He was lost in her sent, attracted by a powerful energy towards her, so strong that he could barely resist holding her and nting a kiss on her soft lips. ¡°Please tell me, where did you feel iting from?¡± he asked, back to his resolute tone. ¡°I¡¯ll go check out what¡¯s there and make sure there¡¯s nothing that can harm you or the kids near the house. This is your home, it¡¯s supposed to make you feel safe, and I¡¯ll make sure that you are.¡±


    Look at you, are you ying the hero of the movie now? he told himself. Mr. Assassin, it doesn¡¯t suit you¡­ She¡¯ll be greatly disappointed when she gets to know who you really are¡­ Dammit, Eron!


    But his thoughts were interrupted by a soft voice¡­


    ¡°There,¡± she pointed to a very precise point that they could see through the window in the living room, a few steps from where they were still standing. ¡°And thank you,¡± she shyly smiled. ¡°I really needed to feel safe again¡­¡±


    Well then, I might not be a hero, but for her¡­ for that smile¡­ fuck the assassin, and fuck the world, he answered himself with a renewed strength that he never thought he could feel this way!


    ¡°Go to the kids, alright? And whatever you hear, don¡¯te out into the yard,¡± he said with determination.


    ¡°But what about you¡­?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll be okay. I¡¯m just going to check that ce where you pointed out, Diwa, don¡¯t worry,¡± he smoothly said with his characteristic charming smile.


    She nodded and walked into the kitchen but not without taking a deep breath to calm herself, feeling hisforting stare on her back. The moment she was with the kids,


    Eron walked out of the house then inhaled deeply, focusing on all the scents that the air the mountain carried, like before. But at the same time, focusing all his abilities, both as werewolf and assassin, on the spot that hisndy had pointed out.


    I can¡¯t help but keep wondering¡­ this situation reminds me of Virgil so much¡­ he would know what to do!


    +++


    ¡°Hey, what is it, brother?¡± Young Eron said, approaching his older brother on the rooftop terrace located in the east wing of the packhouse. The young tinkerer/ inventor knew that his older sibling had been spending more and more time up there in the past few days.


    ¡°Oh, hey Eron¡­¡± Virgil looked his way, rxing the startled expression that he had as his brother had stealthily approached him.


    ¡°We just had dinner. Father kept asking about you, and Mother spent the whole dinner trying to calm him down. What happened to you, are you okay?¡±


    Eron was about eight years old then and still very much open with his feelings, which was why his older brother was still very protective of him. However, what he didn¡¯t know then was that Virgil was making huge efforts to hide his secret from him.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t hungry¡­¡± was all that Virgil answered, but his little, innocent brother could see through the half-truth his brother told him.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t been ying with me that much either, brother¡­ I get bored because of that. Now you only hide here, alone and don¡¯t even care if Father gets angry and punishes you. I remember before you always tried to make father happy¡­¡± the younger boy murmured as he looked down, still standing behind his big brother.


    Suddenly, Eron thought of a way to cheer V up!


    They used to y wrestling. It was actually one of their favorite games. Theyughed and rolled on the floor kicking and biting and never doing real harm to each other, always finishing tired but heartilyughing at each other.


    I¡¯m sure my brother misses it too¡­ if we y, he¡¯ll feel better from whatever is happening to him, Eron thought, and with that special skill that he kept training so much, he stealthily moved behind his brother without making any noise at all, and then got ready¡­


    Suddenly, he charged at Virgil, his steps muffled by the artificial grass carpet on the corner where he chose to stand. It also helped that he was wearing no shoes then¡­Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    But when he was about to tackle Virgil, the older brother suddenly jumped back in an almost acrobatic move that ended up surprising Eron so much that he lost bnce and hit the edge, going over it, ready to fall from a full five-story drop¡­


    ¡°WHOOOAAAA!¡± the youngest yelled, teetering over the edge.

 ALL THAT GOES UP (PART 2)

    Virgil wolfsped to get his brother¡¯s hand right on time and pulled him back towards the grass carpet.


    ¡°What the heck was THAT, V?!¡± Eron said in shocked amazement.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ training,¡± Virgil looked down, avoiding his brother¡¯s eyes. ¡°What else do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me, brother!¡±


    Defeated, V sighed and started telling Eron, ¡°Recently, somehow, I¡¯ve started feeling things¡­ or seeing things. Mostly, what would happen when I¡¯m in danger. I wanted to believe at first that it was part of the training, but they have started talking about it and now father thinks that I just learn that fast. I don¡¯t think I deserve the praise he gives me since I can see from where the hits areing almost before they happens. Or when it¡¯s from behind me, I can sort of iste¡­ what I see. I don¡¯t know, it¡¯s really weird.¡±


    The older boy looked away, and it was evident that he felt bad due to what he was confessing.


    ¡°The worst is, well¡­ it¡¯s not just that. At times, I can even hear what people think and feel their emotions.¡±


    ¡°Whoaaaa! But, how can you know that it¡¯s exactly what they¡¯re thinking?¡±


    ¡°Because I confronted one of the kids at school, and he said he didn¡¯t say anything about what I was asking him. But I could see in his eyes¡­ the fear in his look was very real.¡±


    ¡°When did that happen?¡±


    ¡°Just¡­today, Eron.¡±


    The defeat of his usually strong and brave brother, who used to kill the bugs for him and walk in front of them when their yroom was dark, was breaking his younger sibling¡¯s heart.


    But how could he possibly help Virgil?


    ¡°I¡¯m not normal, little bro! I can¡¯t even think what father will say when I tell him¡­ He¡¯ll surely hate me!¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t tell him,¡± Eron said sincerely. ¡°Don¡¯t tell anyone. This will be our secret.¡±


    ¡°You think he won¡¯t notice?¡±


    ¡°If you learn to use it, he won¡¯t! It¡¯s like a superpower. You¡¯re gonna be like a superhero! I can help you practice, and I promise that I¡¯m not telling anyone. Not even if they torture me!¡± Eron said, smiling widely with his eyes closed and imagining his big brother with a cape, looking down at the packhouse.


    ¡°Will you really? I mean, keep it a secret? And help me learn to control it?¡±


    ¡°Of course! We¡¯re brothers, aren¡¯t we? That¡¯s what brothers are for.¡±


    And they kept that promise!


    Even to this day, nobody knew about Virgil¡¯s psychic powers, except for Eron. The two brothers even found time practice V¡¯s secret skill and hidden abilities when Eron was still living in the packhouse¡­


    And he was now was finding very interesting simrities and peculiarities in Diwana¡¯s admission to his older brother¡¯s past confession to him.


    If only she knew how normal all these ¡°paranormal¡± events were for him¡­


    And talking about Diwana¡­


    What else might be her feelings about this damn creeper¡¯s actions? And why does he keep doing all these vile actions? For your own good, Maxi, I hope this fucking peeping tom is not you!


    But yes, the disgusting and well-known smell of the lumberjack team leader was close enough for Eron to sense and sniff it clearly in the air. And it wasing from exactly from the ce where Diwana had pointed at and sensed danger earlier.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired of this¡­¡± Eron said and casually picked up a small rock, about the size of the one that Max had ced on the sawmill a couple of days before. ¡°Karmaes back fast, Maddie¡­ I hope you learn with this and you stop creeping around her!¡±


    And with that, he raised his muscr arm and with all his strength, he threw the stone towards the tree from which the dead squirrel head was hiding.


    Oh hell no, Max thought, but he knew that if he moved, Eron would definitely see him so he had no choice but to watch in horror as the small rock zoomed towards him.


    Before he was able to decide on a proper course of action, the stone hit him straight on the forehead, making him fall from the tree!


    ¡°Bullseye,¡± said Eron, in a low and emotionless voice that would have chilled the blood of the toughest logger in the lumberyard.


    Who was obviously, not the one he had hit just then¡­


    The blurred big and ck shape that fell down the tree was enough confirmation for Eron, who chose to walk slowly towards the ce where he saw the ¡®thing¡¯ fall and crash loudly.


    Better get a move on, Max, and fast, before I get to where you are. Just get out of here for your own good because I won¡¯t be so forgiving if I reach you and you¡¯re still there!


    As if Max could hear him, despite the very sharp pain in his head, which was now slightly bleeding, and therge bruise that was forming on his right arm, he did try his best to get up. Unfortunately for him, he could barely move but he still remembered what he was doing, and where, and also realizing the trouble that he¡¯d be in if he was found there.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°AAAGGGHHH¡­ damn it!!!¡± Max tried to muffle his screams by covering his mouth with his left arm.


    And Eron kept walking, still at that same slow, scary pace¡­


    Max then rolled on his stomach to try to get up while still crouched. ¡°I need to leave, fast¡­ If he sees me here, there¡¯s no amount of exining that will save me,¡± the lumberyard bully murmured, being the vile coward that he was.


    As fast as the dead squirrel head could, which would not have been fast enough if Eron hadn¡¯t purposefully walked slowly towards him, he finally got up and managed to quickly speed out of Diwana¡¯s property just in time.


    Eron heard the rattling and shaking from the bushes and smirked¡­


    ¡°It looks like the rat abandoned the ship. Let¡¯s see how you exin that tomorrow, Maxi.¡±


    Eron now walked faster to make sure that there was no longer a threat around the mansion. After confirming this, he strolled back inside the house in a better mood.


    Diwana looked at him as soon as he stepped into the kitchen, and he gave her a reassuring nod and a soft smile. She realized that it was his way of saying that they were safe now and smiled back at him.


    I could get used to this ¡®heroic¡¯ business, Eron thought, almost patting himself on the back, as he saw hisndy feeling relieved and looking a lot better than before.


    Being the good guy was actually rewarding, and even more so when he could see how her shoulders rxed and how her smile grew bigger just by seeing him around.


    Hey Eron, she¡¯s probably just happy about the good news that we¡¯re safe. Don¡¯t think that highly of yourself, he thought, grounding himself again, but still content with the results of that current ¡®mission¡¯.


    One for which he wouldn¡¯t mind killing for¡­


    But knowing thedy in question, she definitely wouldn¡¯t like that¡­


    Too bad¡­


    Yes, yes, no killing for now. I really hope you get it, Maxie. Don¡¯t force the Right Hand toe out or we¡¯ll both regret it!


    But Max was nowhere near any kind of positive inclination or correct decision. He had walked towards the vige hospital, bleeding and in pain.


    And even angrier than before!


    ¡°Your arm is fractured, son. We¡¯ll need to immobilize it for at least two weeks, during which you can¡¯t work, or force your arm at all,¡± was the diagnosis that the doctor gave him. ¡°And you¡¯ll need to stay at the hospital for at least 24 hours to make sure that your head concussion didn¡¯t cause any major damage.¡±


    ¡°I see. Thank you, Doctor,¡± Max stated tonelessly, already lying down on a hospital bed naked, except for the thin fabric of the patient robe and the nket that he was covered with.


    The lumberyard foreman was cold and in pain. But more than anything, he was furious, seething and absolutely livid! As soon as the doctor left the room, he started ranting aloud.


    ¡°What the hell, Pretty Boy? What the fuck are you? Argh, now I¡¯ll have the huge hospital bill, and won¡¯t be able to work for who knows how long! But don¡¯t think that I¡¯ll give up this easily. If anything, I¡¯ll have to be more attentive and protect my Diwana even more from you!¡± he said, his eyes red and almost popping out their sockets. He suddenly fixed on a spot on the wall, and the rant came to a sudden pause, ¡°How the hell did you know that I was there anyway? And how did you throw that rock to hit me from that distance?¡± He wondered, suddenly calm and analytical. ¡°That¡¯s fucking humanly impossible! I knew for sure that there was something going on with you, and this only confirmed it. But whatever kind of monster you are, I will find out soon, and when I do, I¡¯ll let her see it. We¡¯ll see who she chooses between us when she realizes the truth, you freak!¡±


    Meanwhile, Jack was already sitting at the dining room table to have dinner at his parents¡¯ house, when his phone started ringing¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mom and Dad but I¡¯ll have to take this call.¡±


    ¡°Is it about work, son? Remember that you need to make your employees respect your time out of the office, otherwise, you¡¯ll be working 24/7.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Dad, don¡¯t worry, this might not be work-rted. I¡¯ll be back in a minute. I¡¯m sorry Mom,¡± Jack said, getting up from the table.


    ¡°Please make it quick, or your food will get cold.¡±


    ¡°Yes Mom!¡± he said, stepping out and pulling the front door to an almostplete close behind him. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Hey bro, am I interrupting anything?¡±


    ¡°No, but you¡¯re right, bro, you are clingy. You miss me already, or what?¡± Jack joked, making the callerugh with him.


    ¡°No, there¡¯s something that I need to tell you and I believe it can¡¯t wait¡­ I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s your job as our boss, but since I know that you care about Diwana¡­¡±


    Now both ends of the call turned serious, and Jack¡¯s tone was slightly tense.


    ¡°Why, what happened?¡±


    ¡°Remember when we came out of the garage and Diwana was really scared? Well, it so happened that I walked around the house and I might have taken down a stalker¡­¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? You saw him?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly, just made him fall from a tree in front of the house. He ran away, but might not be able to work tomorrow. I¡¯m informing you now just so you know and if you receive a call then¡­ You know what I mean.¡±


    ¡°Bro, you¡¯re scaring me! Right now I AM getting a call. Just wait a second, I¡¯ll take it¡­ Stay on the line, I¡¯ll put you on hold.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be here.¡±


    Jack took the phone from his ear and tapped on the screen to ept the iing call.


    ¡°Good evening, boss¡­ I hope I¡¯m not bothering you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Max. Is everything okay?¡± Jack asked suspiciously.


    ¡°Not exactly¡­ I¡¯m at the hospital right now. I happened to have fallen from a tree and fractured my right arm. I know you counted on me for the nned new areas of the business, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to help for a while.¡±


    Jack stood in silence for a moment. The more he thought about it, the less he believed in coincidences.


    And these two calls were definitely not a coincidence¡­


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll finish dinner real quick and will go see you. Then you can tell me in detail what happened, and I¡¯ll talk to your doctor, too. Thanks for letting me know.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, boss. Later.¡±


    Jack finished Max¡¯s call and returned to Eron¡¯s¡­


    ¡°Bro, you won¡¯t believe who just called me,¡± Jack said in an amused tone.


    ¡°Oh, let me guess,¡± Eron said with a smirk.

 INTERNAL ARRANGEMENTS

    The Argerlich Mafia leader was already near his superior¡¯s mansion and, though it was still early, he felt the need to call it a day. True, he felt revitalized every time he visited his secret wife and children, but it all seemed to be swiftly sapped right out of him the moment he started to travel back to his present workce.


    Considering who was in that luxurious and massive ptial mansion, the way his mind and body would react to sleeping and living there for days at a time was truly understandable. Especially now that they were about to begin their n to finally end the governor¡¯s reign.


    Many would probably wonder why they didn¡¯t just remove their corrupt boss from his position through legal and legitimate ways and then have him arrested. Unfortunately, that was truly hard to do. This damn politician had the money, power, and connections to counter even a full military coup d¡¯etat, which would never happen because he had the police and army in the palm of his hand.


    Besides, he did not believe that anyone working for him was irreceable.


    That included The Left Hand, and Hero knew it, unfortunately!


    As he stopped in front of therge iron gate so one of the five security staff that were stationed near it could buzz him in, Hero happened to see his cellr phone and the words he saw on the screen made him smile.


    Daddy, take care, okay? We love you and want to see you here with us soon! Godfather and Godmother¡¯s ce is amazing! My Wolfie loves it, too.


    Hey Dad, Mom¡¯s typing for us and we already miss you. I hope you won¡¯t take too long with your job this time. We love you lots and lots!


    Beloved,e back to me safe, sound, and soon. Please. I will always love you.


    As the massive, elegantly styled gates were opened for his car to pass through, the Left Hand reread the messages. He decided to slow down so he wouldn¡¯t be missing the driveway while he looked through these precious texts onest time.


    Then he deleted them, albeit half-reluctantly.


    He wouldn¡¯t dare risk their lives just because of their messages¡¯ extremely high sentimental value to him. Besides, his feelings were the least of his worries. Especially since another message showed up after he had erased his family¡¯s texts to him¡­


    ¡°So, you¡¯ve already arrived at the mansion. I would then require you to meet with me before you go to your suite. You are also free to join our celebration, if you are amenable to it. Just be sure to be here within the hour.¡±


    Hero smirked at the wording of the message. Though it sounded anything but demanding, he knew that this text was not a request.


    His reply: ¡°I will be in your bedroom as soon as I have finished parking. Please expect me within fifteen minutes.¡±


    The Left Hand then put his mobile phone away in his suit coat¡¯s inner pocket and concentrated on parking his Porsche 911, thetest model, of course in one of the magnificent residence¡¯s basement garage slots. He was also emotionally preparing himself for the worst possible topic that the governor would like to talk about.


    Thanks to his insider¡¯s information, he knew that his superior would be asking about The Right Hand and he knew it would be dangerous for him if he responded the wrong way.


    Hopefully, his performance will be Oscar Awards worthyter when he and his hated superior would meet and discuss.


    +++


    Meanwhile, inside the bedroom, the big boss of the mansion had decided to just be a voyeur after being given oral attention by one of his ¡°ves¡±. He was now watching the writhing mass of bodies on his massive double queen size. As he sat on a soft plush armchair facing his bed, he dialled a number on his high-tech mobile and waited patiently for an answer.


    On the sixth ring, the man on the other side of the line took the call, and that action did not bode well. Normally, this boy would answer at once if he had good news.


    ¡°Hello Inspector Gabrielle, how are you doing tonight? You seem to have forgotten that you need to call me before you call it a night.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Governor, I was just making sure that my information was indeed correct before I called you, since it seems to be rather disappointing.¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Let me guess, there are no indications that The Right Hand has been in that resort?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, and I¡¯m really sorry about that.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I would rather that you told me directly, my boy, than find out about it from a third party.¡±


    ¡°Well, like I said I would rather be sure¡­ Wait, what? What do you mean by a ¡®third party¡¯, Sir?¡±


    The governor tut-tutted first before replying, ¡°My dear detective, you cannot imagine that I would give you such arge amount of money to finish a mission that I personally requested you to do, without making sure that my investments are well protected, right? Now, don¡¯t think too much of that and just make sure you make your reports as regr, precise and as urate as you can because I will know if THEY. ARE. NOT.¡±


    Thest words were said in the usual volume, but were definitely more frigid and cutting than the rest of his speech. He hoped that his reliable boyish-looking snitch would get the severity of his message.


    Fortunately for the decorated officer, he did get it. After all, the governor would not want to lose a very useful and precious ¡®ally¡¯ this far into the game¡­


    ¡°Of course, Sir. I understand,¡± Myron replied in a humble tone after a bit of an unsure pause. ¡°You will get your regr reports and I will guarantee that everything I say will be the absolute truth and nothing but.¡±


    ¡°Very good, Officer Myron,¡± the politician said, with a knowing smirk. ¡°I will look forward to your call tomorrow around the same time, I hope.¡±


    ¡°If I find any useful information, expect me to call earlier, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Of course. Until tomorrow then, Detective. Good night and be safe. I would not want anything bad happening to you while we¡¯re in the middle of this mission.¡±


    Once again, there was a lengthy silence on the other end of the line. The governor¡¯s smirk expanded at the thought of how he could turn such a man of authority into a frightened little boy who was suddenly so unsure of himself.


    ¡°Y-yes, G-Governor¡­ Of course¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, and Inspector Gabrielle, please keep calling me, Sir. I actually like the way you say it¡­¡±


    3, 2, 1¡­


    Ed¡¯s thoughts: Quite a long and awkward silence there, boy. I just might find more uses for you in the future, other than being a snitch.


    A few more secondster, the copper had already found his voice. ¡°Alright, Sir. I¡¯ll do that. Until tomorrow. Good night. Sir.¡±


    As the phone call ended from Myron¡¯s end, the governor couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Yes, I love it when my boys y hard to get. But yes, I can see the possibilities. I¡¯m sure Raquel won¡¯t mind¡­¡±


    The governor then called one of the naked young men on his bed with a gesture and a look. The older male opened his robe to disy his turgid tool with the tip spurting a few drops of pre-cum that was now waiting for some very much-needed attention.


    The good-looking and boyish manwhore nodded, his green eyes staring lustily at the governor¡¯s hardened and throbbing trophy. He immediately crawled on all fours, got off the bed and went directly to his master¡¯s seat.


    The powerful government leader smiled widely as soon as the man was between his open legs licking his lengthy penis, thenmanded a nude girl who was on the bed to join them.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure she won¡¯t mind, since I own her, too.¡± the powerful politician crooned with ascivious smile.

 MORE INTERNAL ARRANGEMENTS

    Just then, The Ogre was at the door of the bedroom talking to the bedroom security who was now well enough to return to his post. Well, more like TRYING to talk to Nick, but¡­


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you already that I never wanted to talk to you again, after I did what you asked me to do beforehand?¡±


    ¡°Nick, just hear me out¡­¡±


    ¡°What could you possibly say that I might be interested in hearing? Look, I agreed to be one of the governor¡¯s bodyguards and join you here in his mansion, EVEN, after what you did to Father. You¡¯re the one who said that in exchange for this favor, I would never have to deal with you. Never again! So, what¡¯s this all about this time, huh?


    ¡°Brother, I¡­¡±


    ¡°You are NOT my brother, LEFT HAND! Not after what happened back at the Arger¡¯s ORIGINAL headquarters. No, I¡¯ll never see you as family, never again. I¡¯m not even part of your precious group of goons anymore, for heaven¡¯s sake!¡±


    ¡°Nick, please¡­¡±


    ¡°You go on ahead and talk to that motherfucking maniac inside this room instead. The door¡¯s unlocked anyway and I need to go now. Also, my recement will be here soon. Take care, Hero. It¡¯s the only reminder that I can give your sorry traitor ass, right now.¡±


    And with that, the giant hulk of a bodyguard, who was still nursing a painful jaw, walked away with firm, heavy and furious steps.


    He¡¯s still mad at you. That¡¯s a good sign since we can use that anger of his, growled the voice in his head.


    ¡°Well, I do understand that he is, Lyon. After what I did to Father, I deserve his hate¡­¡±


    There was a reason behind what happened, Hero and you can tell him when he¡¯s already amenable to you.


    ¡°No. I take responsibility for my actions, wolf. I know the Senyor wanted me to kill him so I could take over The Argers, but back then I was a puppet of the governor as well.¡±


    But that old man knew you that well. It wasn¡¯t for no reason that you could call him father after your parents died. He knew that it was the only way to fight the Governor, Hero. And it feels like it was just yesterday when it happened. Should I remind you how it went back then?


    But yes, Hero could still remember¡­


    From the long talks he had with the former Argerlich leader, when he still was a cook in one of The Senyor¡¯s restaurants, to when he was included in the Argers as the man¡¯s personal assistant. He then steadily and swiftly rose in the ranks, taught by him and protected by him. It was a part of his life that no one really knew about¡­


    Except for The Right Hand!


    On that dreaded day, after meeting with the corrupt politician, Hero met with the younger Camden, so he could facilitate the request of his mentor and father, and also obey themand of the Argerlichs¡¯ sponsor, the governor.


    And he did what would need to be done over tea time that day¡­


    ¡°He will get rid of me the moment he doesn¡¯t need me anymore, Hero. I wouldn¡¯t put it past him to cut me down to size if he finds it necessary. Besides, he knows my kryptonite and he will use it when the time is right,¡± stated his former boss, original superior, and leader of the Argerlich, Senor Antonio Marti, as they sat alone in his private suite. ¡°So, if he ever asks you to take me out of the equation, just follow hismand. I would rather it be you than anyone else.¡±


    The Ogre took a while to speak since what he had to say was a pretty heavy burden to bear, ¡°I¡¯m sorry Senyor, but I can¡¯t do that to you. I know you have talked with me about this for as long as I can remember, but I respect and love you too much, like my own father, to be the one to end you.¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Once more, Hero paused for a moment, and with that, Antonio knew that the kill order had been given. And his protege was ready and was there to fulfil it¡­


    Or was he?


    ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry but I¡¯ve asked someone else to take that honor from me,¡± Hero concluded decisively with a heavy heart, unable to look the older man in the eye.


    At that moment, Hero stood up and walked away from his mentor because he had already seen at the edge of his peripheral vision the man who would be killing his mob leader and surrogate father, already in ce to finish the task. The Right Hand showed himself then from behind some drapes and bowed to the elderly man, who was watching his second-inmand turn and walk away.


    ¡°I would like to apologize for the ¡®inconvenience¡¯ Sir. However, I will be the one taking your life today. Forgive me.¡±


    The Senyor then looked at the younger killer who had just approached him. ¡°Ah, you¡¯re the one my son has talked about so many times. The one he helped to get that specific job in the governor¡¯s staff, I believe. The Assassin, right? I heard you are truly an amazing asset to that damn corrupt politician, as my Hero is,¡± shared the fifty-year-old man while stirring his coffee.


    ¡°Yes, we both believe in doing our best in all of our missions, even the ones that would break our hearts in the end,¡± was The Right Hand¡¯s sad yet solemn reply.


    ¡°And that¡¯s probably just one of your simrities.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s more like my older brother though, I think.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, the one who is Alpha of your pack already. I have not seen him for quite some time now. I hope he will attend my funeral when I do die. Oh, sorry for being such a bad host. Would you care for some hazelnut coffee and Earl Grey cake? They are truly delicious.  They are my favoritefort food and it¡¯s quite apt that it would also be myst meal.¡±


    Hero was still inside the room and had stopped by the door, taking deep breaths and making an effort to keep himself together. He could hear everything that was happening and his heightened senses allowed him to see in his mind every detail of the exchange between The Assassin and The Senyor.


    And there was nothing he could do to stop what would happen within the next few minutes¡­


    Since Senor Antonio wouldn¡¯t allow it if Hero tried.

 EVEN MORE INTERNAL ARRANGEMENTS

    As if feeling the tension of his friend, The Right Hand then sat down at the Senyor¡¯s tea table and smiled at his target. ¡°I would like some, yes, and I hope you don¡¯t mind me being so forward to ept.¡±


    ¡°Of course not, since I did ask you first, young man. Hero, please join us here. You are being rude to your childhood friend, my boy,¡± Antonio called out at the silent and morose man standing at the door.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Senyor. Yes, I¡¯ll join you,¡± The Ogre dejectedly responded as he turned around and slowly strode towards the two again, realizing that this would be thest time he would be sharing a meal with his beloved father figure.


    ¡°By the way, are you truly at peace with what you do, boy?¡±


    Hero froze in the middle of taking his seat, thinking that the question was aimed at him. But then The Right Hand answered, as the oldest man in the room was looking at him and not at the Left Hand.


    ¡°I¡­ do what needs to be done, that is all. My feelings don¡¯t really matter in the end, Sir,¡± the Assassin answered above the sound of the tinkling of teaspoons, sugar lids and their coffee cups clinking.


    ¡°Well, just so you know, I put up this group of vigntes in the past, in order to fight people like the governor, and to bring peace to the more violent parts of the city. Eventually, we won against the other mobster kingpins and were able to be a legitimate group. Unfortunately for us, we didn¡¯t realize that the one who was supporting us all along just wanted to use us to make himself rich and powerful. It was toote when we understood what he was truly focused on doing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. If this is your way of trying to dissuade me from killing you, I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t do that. It¡¯s quite clear that your mafia group is out of control, and it shows that you¡¯re no longer apetent leader, or can keep them from being violent and dangerous.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so that¡¯s what he¡¯s saying now? No wonder you and my son have taken his side. Well, I can see though, that he still does not want to pull the trigger himself, so that says a lot.¡±


    The Ogre was swift to speak. ¡°I am sorry that I¡¯m not strong enough to do so, Senyor Antonio. Please forgive that it would have to be someone else, even if it is one of my most trusted friends, who would have toplete the said grim task.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, my son. I fully trust you to do what is necessary. However, I truly hope my death will also give peace to you¡­ to BOTH of you. After all, there is more to all this than what meets the eye.¡±


    ¡°Father, I¡¯m doing this to make our situations better. We can¡¯t continue on the path that you started. And you did mention that other reason¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, the governor would indeed use that argument on you. And the position as The Left Hand will be rightfully yours as well, I believe. I would trust that post to no one else but you. At least, this decision of his, Ipletely agree with.¡±


    ¡°Father, please¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, stop fretting, Hero!¡± Antonio chuckled as he took some more cake. ¡°Everything is going to be fine in the end, you¡¯ll see. NOW, let¡¯s finish our food so we can finally get this task over and done with. Do any of you want some cream?¡±


    Time flies when you¡¯re having fun, they say, and it was very true for Hero. Until he stopped being the son and was again the mobster leader¡­


    Within half an hour, the Right Hand escorted the original Argerlich leader out of his room and they were not heard from again. At least, not the Senyor. Hero got a callter, assuring him that the deed was done. Then, the surrogate son would announce what happened to the Argers. Of the whole group that Senyor Antonio Marti founded, not one of them put up a fight.


    After all, the governor had informed them all earlier on about what was supposed to happen, and, to their shame, none had the guts to fight the powerful but corrupt politician.


    Because Aaron did what needed to be done as permand by the governor, Hero ended up being the leader of the Argers while strengthening his position as The Left Hand of the governor. However, that was just the start of his internal conflict with the whole setup between the politician and the mafia group that he, after those events, was now leading.


    That was the final straw, what finally made him contact the new Alpha who he, and then the Right Hand, had run away from years before. But now, he had to stay behind to make sure that the man who gave the order to kill his surrogate father, can be dealt with.


    That¡¯s fine, as long as Senyor Antonio¡¯s words finally coulde true¡­


    Everything was going to be fine in the end!N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    +++


    ¡°Enough of those memories, Lyon. We need to convince Nick to trust us again so he can help with our n when we need him at ater date,¡± Hiromoto murmured as he easily pushed the heavy, massive double doors open in front of him. ¡°For now, it¡¯s time to face the music¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, and the show must go on,¡± agreed the low smooth voice in The Left Hand¡¯s head.


    The Ogre, even from the suite¡¯s doorway could clearly hear the so-called ¡°celebration¡± that was taking ce inside the master¡¯s bedroom and he found himself cringing. He never understood his superior¡¯s penchant for orgies, but then again, he was always a staunch believer in mates despite him not being officially part of a pack. This was something he sincerely thanked his parents for, even though they were no longer with him.


    Seeing them share true and evesting love for each other¡­


    And for him.


    They stayed as his ideal and example to follow, now that he¡¯s a husband and father. His deceased parents, despite no longer on this ne, has kept him continually grounded on who he should be despite fulfilling the role of a cold, heartless mafia leader and killer for possibly the most cruel and murderous politician in the country.

 TACTICAL MANEUVERS

    Speaking of which¡­


    Hero was already at the open double doors of his leader¡¯s bedroom and his mouth twisted ever so slightly at the scene of the twisting turbulent nude bodies on the bed while the governor was being ¡®serviced¡¯ by a naked young male and nude girly female with their mouths and hands.


    He stayed standing at the doorway for a long while, looking like a contemptuous shadowy spectre with the light behind him since the bedroom was in semi-darkness. Eventually, his disagreeing and forbidding presence was sensed by everyone in the room, and they all paused to gaze back at him.


    Including Governor Kagu¡­


    ¡°Ah, so you¡¯re here. Hiromoto, my boy. Come and join the party first before we talk,¡± Ed jovially invited, still in the middle of his being ¡®pleasured¡¯.


    The Left Hand cringed ever so slightly at his ¡®master¡¯s¡¯ bidding but felt more nauseous at this offensive man calling him ¡®boy¡¯ since he only allowed his deceased parents and father figures to call him that.


    Thankfully, the hateful governor was neither of those¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m too exhausted to join the revelry, Sir. I would rather fulfill my tasks and duties with you and then rest if you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Of course, of course,¡± the governor stated with an amused smirk after a slight pause. ¡°I believe I will be done with this session in just a few minutes. Please feel free to stay in my lounge and get yourself a drink at the bar while you wait.¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    Hero nodded his assent and gave his half-dressed leader a slight bow, then stepped backwards, moving away from the door while still facing the room until he was at a good distance to turn around safely¡­


    Yes, he has learned from years of observation that you must never turn your back on the governor when you have just said ¡°no¡± to him. As a matter of fact, just avoid turning your back on him, whatever the circumstances may be.


    After all, that oversight might cost you your life!


    Too bad, not everyone seemed to be aware of this rule and had to learn the hard way¡­


    +++


    ¡°Ah, so he is there now. I¡¯m so happy that he has finally moved into the Vi.¡±


    The old man who was the head of the vige tribunal couldn¡¯t help but smile as he passed by the old Wolf mansion that was once an inn. Admittedly, he had been very unsure of the stranger when he arrived, only seeing him from a distance¡­


    However, ever since the news of a new wolf sighting erupted in the vige, he was now sure of this visitor¡¯s nature and identity!


    That night, though, the elder decided to throw all caution to the wind and see for himself the neer who had graced their small hidden and unknown town with his presence. Now, as he passed by the Oro Vi and viewed the man on a phone call standing apart from the jovial group sitting at the dining table through the kitchen¡¯s window, he was quite content with what he saw.


    And went on his merry way, grinning from ear to ear¡­


    Soon, he would have to pay them a more formal visit but for now, the wizened elder was content to walk away and let things fall into ce.


    ¡°I also need to give her a call. She will be so excited to hear about him.¡± he mysteriously said to himself. ¡°After all, her Alpha is this neer¡¯s brother.¡±


    +++


    ¡°Ah, so eager for you to retire, Left Hand. I was thinking since I gave you a few days off, you would choose to rest. However, it seems as if you chose to be busy instead. Of course, I would ask you where you went but then it would look like I was spying on you,¡± Kagu snidely said as he offered a ss of brandy to the underling who was sitting on one of the luxurious leather Lazy Boys in the lounge area.


    Hero hid the derisive smirk that almost emerged on his face as he took the drink and watched Ed sit on therge cushioned sofa in front of him. He had no intention of giving any kind of ¡®tell¡¯ to Kagu since he knew this viin would use it against him for sure.


    ¡°Oh, you can trust me when I say I¡¯ve been to a ce that would be of no interest to you. Nor would it be a threat, Sir.¡±


    The Ogre was aware that his shrewd boss would have him followed the minute he left the mansion for the supposed ¡°days off¡± so he had already put several surefire strategies in ce to assure that he would not be followed to the farmhouse. That included using a different phone for his other secret activities and leaving his work phone behind, well hidden in a secret stash inside his room.


    Also, it wasn¡¯t the first time that he¡¯d done it, of course. After all, the Ogre was certain that it must be really frustrating his demanding superior how he was always foiling the man¡¯s efforts to find out where he was spending his unreported hours. But the governor knowing about his family was out of the question and this he would not allow¡­


    Over his dead body would he let that happen!


    ¡°But that¡¯s the problem, my dear Left Hand. I actually trust no one. Not even you. After all, you also turned traitor on your own mentor¡­ Your very deceased former leader whom you even called father. How can Ipete with that?¡±


    With those heavily spoken words, the governor brought out a long and antique item from behind the cushions of the plush sofa and watched with amusement at the shocked look on Hero¡¯s face that was slowly turning into barely controlled anger.


    ¡°How the hell¡­¡±


    ¡°Did I get this?¡± Sneeringly interrupted in the smirking Ed as he pulled out the Katana from its scabbard. ¡°Do you really think I would give you free days to do what you want without me benefiting from them? For all the times that you leave for days, we already had the chance to check your room for any kind of ¡®questionable¡¯ items that you may have left lying around. Of course, we make sure we clean up well before youe back, just to be sure you won¡¯t know about it.¡±

 ADDITIONAL TACTICAL MANEUVERS

    The Ogre was now feeling how true his feared nickname was because he already had suspicions of this even before¡­


    There was a slight change in the general smell of his room¡¯s interior after every moment he arrived from his regr days off, which he would then try to figure out afterwards. Also, why would there be slight changes that were almost imperceptible but still undeniable in his owned items, clothing and even furniture? Andst but not least, why did some of his hidden prized possessions would suddenly go missing¡­


    Such as the aforementioned Katana that the governor is currently waving in front of his face!


    How could Hero ignore the general feeling that something was off which, in the end, he would ignore but be aware of when he would leave again? That was the reason why he would keep things hidden away in secret hiding ces within his room.


    Regrettably, it seems that they were more thorough these past few days though¡­


    ¡°This was owned by Senyor Antonio, correct? I have seen this disyed in full view like a trophy in his home before and have always wondered what happened to it¡­¡±


    ¡°He gave it to me before he died,¡± interrupted the Left Hand with a very low and almost growling tone which said a lot more than his actual words did.


    ¡°Oh, you mean before you killed him?¡±


    Hero bit into his tongue just to stop himself from speaking. He and the Right Hand had both sworn to never reveal who really assassinated his mentor. What everyone knew was that he was the one who pulled the trigger on The Senyor.


    And he¡¯s not about to crucify himself by admitting the truth to his much-hated superior.


    At least, not yet¡­


    As far as the governor knew, The Right Hand was there to witness the assassination, assist when necessary and would be the one to get rid of the body. After he is finished with his assigned task connected to Antonio Marinelli, Aaron would then make the call to inform both The Left Hand and this cold-blooded politician who had issued the strike that the deed was done.


    No, this is definitely not the right time for that particr confession¡­


    ¡°So, I wonder, why do you still keep this memento with you if not for the fact that you still have deep-seated loyalties to your deceased mentor, Left Hand? This does not look very promising for our working rtionship, don¡¯t you agree?¡±


    And at this point, the governor, with his balls still on disy because of his slightly opened silk robe, suddenly unsheathed the swordpletely and swiftly shed sideways at the Left Hand!


    It wasn¡¯t swift enough though since Hero kicked back with both legs and all his strength to tip the armchair that he was sitting on backwards. This swift action caused him to roll off his seat and end up in a low crouching position a few feet away from his still-armed half-dressed leader.


    ¡°AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!¡± screamed Kagu as he stood and rushed forward with the sword raised high above his head.


    Hero effortlessly rolled to the side and ended up on all fours, while the governor hit the carpeted floor with the sword. The Left Hand cringed at the sound of the de going through the thick furry carpet and hitting the marble tiles underneath.


    He was actually more worried about the sword being broken than him being wounded, considering how inept his sex-crazed superior was with any kind of de. Also, he knew that drawing his gun out and shooting this motherfucking maniac would be the cause of his instant death at the hands of all the security people of the mansion, and even further than that.


    And though he had personally trained all of the governor¡¯s guards, gangs and security personnel at one point in their lives, they were still loyal to the governor and his wife. Well, more like feared them both, and the stories about them, real or not, would not work in his favor in the end.


    Killing the bastard now would instantly make him the country¡¯s most wanted faster than he could blink and would mean trouble for his friends and family¡­


    And that he would not allow!


    Ignoring his automatic reflex to reach for his revolver, he lunged at the governor as he was about to swing the sword towards him again, propelling himself with another strong kick. Hero then bulldozed through the skeletal-bodied bearded male, with his hands firmly holding on to Ed¡¯s fists which were both wrapped around the samurai sword¡¯s handle.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    The only thing that the corrupt politician could do in retaliation was to scream in anger and frustration at that point since his almost non-existent strength was no match against the Ogre. Then suddenly, the suite¡¯s front door opened wide with a loud crash from a strong and violent kick from the other side of it!


    ¡°FREEZE! DON¡¯T MOVE AND LET GO OF THE GOVERNOR! Oh¡­ Left Hand¡­ We didn¡¯t know¡­¡±


    Suddenly, from under Hero, the governor started tough, and it was a hollow and mirthless sound that chilled everyone in the room to the bone.


    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry, boy. I¡¯m just getting myself some well-deserved training from our dear Left Hand, as usual. I¡¯ve rather missed his coaching since he has been gone for a few days and we¡¯re just restarting from where we left off¡­ Right, Hiromoto?¡±


    Against his will, Hero nodded, let go of the governor, and stood up to face the bodyguard who had reced Nick earlier. This slightly leaner guy still had his gun trained on the Left Hand although his face was not sure whether he should resist or stay.


    The Ogre then helped the governor up, still watching the sword that was in his very disheveled boss¡¯ right hand. ¡°Maybe I should take that while you fix your robe, Sir.¡±


    ¡°No, fix my robe first and then you can have the Katana back,¡± snapped the now half-naked politician, since his silk robe was nowpletely open. ¡°And guard, close the door behind you when you leave.¡±


    The said watchman was swift toply, while the Left Hand humbly and silently did as he was told, his gaze still on the unsheathed and sharp samurai de just held loosely beside him. The governor¡¯s cold smile was still on his face the whole time as hepleted his task.


    ¡°To answer your question, Sir, I ampletely loyal to you simply because I cannot find a stronger or more powerful leader than you. That was the reason why I obeyed your orders to kill my former master, so you can be assured that I won¡¯t betray you.¡±


    ¡°Until a stronger leader than mees along, which will never happen, that is. I like your reasoning, boy¡­¡±


    ¡°And may I say, though I am not happy with you freely looking through my room and my possessions, I understand why you did so. As proof of my loyalty to you Sir, I will tell you where I went this past few days. It was meant to be a surprise, you see, so I wasn¡¯t nning to say anything until I havepleted the needed requirements,¡± Hero exined in that same humble tone that he knew Ed liked to hear from his people, as he finished fixing up his master¡¯s robe.


    ¡°I hate surprises¡­¡± sneered Kagu.


    ¡°Well, this you will like, I¡¯m certain of it. I have been looking through the properties once owned by my former mentor and I found a few secret ones. These past few days, I have travelled to one of them and it seemed to be a safe house in the middle of nowhere. It can be useful to us if we ever need some sort of sanctuary so I have requested the people who are currently using it to leave since it¡¯s now my¡­ OUR property. Please feel free to let me know when you want to visit it so I can personally escort you there, Sir.¡±


    The governor¡¯s smirk widened as he sat back down on the sofa. ¡°Hmmm¡­ you¡¯re right, I do like that surprise! I suggest that you look into every hidden property Antonio had owned before his death so we can im all of them for our use. I¡¯m sure these would be good ces to put up more bordellos and whorehouses, even if they are quite remote. Good job, Left Hand, you have restored my faith and trust in you!¡±

 FALLING INTO MADNESS

    Hero remained standing, his expression now back to being unreadable, but he did slightly bow towards his now amused boss. ¡°Thank you, Sir, and yourmands are as good as done. I guarantee it. Now, if you will excuse me, I will need to rest now.¡±


    ¡°Oh, aren¡¯t you going to ask about why we¡¯re celebrating tonight?¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not sure if I should ask but I am definitely curious, Sir.¡±


    ¡°We are having this party because it seems that The Right Hand has been proven to be very much alive!¡± his half-clothed master gleefully announced.


    Hero waited for a bit before allowing a surprised expression to spread on his handsome, clean clean-shaven face. ¡°What? Why that IS a good reason to celebrate, Sir since it proves your theory to be right all along! Do you want me to go search for him now?¡±


    ¡°No, I already have someone else doing that for me. However, I need you toplete your search for more of your former leader¡¯s hidden properties. And make sure that you legally process them to be transferred under my name.¡±


    This was another way of the governor saying that Hero should sort out these so-called ¡°legal¡± proceedings through their corrupt and under-the-table methods, which Hero was expected toplete easily and swiftly.


    That¡¯s one off their ¡°Freedom n¡± checklist¡­


    ¡°As you wish, Boss. However, despite the very valid reason for this special asion, I will still insist on going back to my room and sleeping since I have travelled quite a long way away. Please allow me just this once to do so,¡± Hero pleaded, shifting back to the subdued tone that he had used very effectively a while ago.


    ¡°Oh, suit yourself, then. But what about your Katana?¡± asked the governor, his shrewd sadistic smile back on his face. ¡°Do you want it back?¡±


    Hero then used one of his very efficient tactics to get what he wanted from the governor, without being too obvious about it¡­


    ¡°I only took that sword because it¡¯s worth a fortune if offered to the right buyers. I was hoping that you would allow me to keep it so I can sell it, eventually. However, do feel free to decide what you want to do with it. Other than the money I can get from it, it means absolutely nothing to me.¡±


    So far, this is the most award-winning performance the Right Hand had presented that night, hands down¡­


    And it worked!


    ¡°Keep the trinket, then Hiromoto. If it¡¯s only worth the money, then I¡¯m not interested. It¡¯s easier to find buyers for my ves. And yes, you are free to go, my dear Hero-san.¡±


    The Left Hand ignored the hidden innuendo that he could read in the governor¡¯s tone at hisst statement, forced a small grateful smile, and then took the sword from his boss along with the scabbard on the sofa. He then sheathed the weapon in a fake haphazard fashion, then bowed slightly at his very gaunt and pale superior, who then slowly stood up and strolled with a Grinch-like grin back into his bedroom.


    As Hero was walking towards his own suite, he made a mental note not to make any calls or messages before he swept the room clean of possible bugs. Before, he was sure that the governor never did put these kinds of gadgets in his room because Ed intended to keep their searches of his room a secret.


    Now, there was no more hiding the fact and he must react ordingly¡­


    ¡°Congrattions on your Oscar-award-winning performance, Hero,¡± praised the rough voice in the Left Hand¡¯s head. ¡°Eron would be proud!¡±


    ¡°Yes, and let¡¯s keep using his alias when we talk inside the mansion, shall we? I don¡¯t want to mistakenly use his real name in any conversation here. When we¡¯re with the governor, he¡¯s Aaron Keizer. Remember that, Lyon,¡± replied The Ogre as he unlocked his front door and entered his massive room.


    ¡°Noted, human. Now, let me out so I can sniff out those bugs. I¡¯m already counting two nearby,¡± his wolf informed him with a growl.


    +++


    ¡°Hey, Max, how are you now?¡± The lumberjack boss asked as he walked into the room where his injured foreman was recently moved to after his check-up and doctor¡¯s diagnosis.


    ¡°Oh Jack, good to see you. Well, man, I thought something could have happened to you on your way here¡­¡±


    Jack paused mid-step, not understanding what he had just been told.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see what you mean¡­ Uh¡­ Max, you¡¯re the one who was in an ident, so you know what do you want to tell me? What could have possibly happened to me in the few feet that I walked from my parents¡¯ house to here?¡±


    ¡°Oh, well, you know, when you¡¯re near wolves, you never know what could happen to you. Unpredictable animals those are,¡± the squirrel head stated ominously as he smirked with a sombre, prating look that took Jack aback for a bit.


    ¡°Ooookaaay¡­. Note to self, talk to the doctor as soon as I leave the room, and ask if this guy hit his head, too,¡± Jack whispered to himself, since it was obvious to him that Max wasn¡¯t making any sense with what he was saying¡­


    Or was he?


    ¡°Are you talking about werewolves, man? Why would I be near any of those things? Especially without noticing it. What the heck are you saying, dude?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just mentioning that there are a few things that I can¡¯t exin myself. Besides, I never said werewolves, though, it was you who said it. And I¡¯m now wondering why you did. Tell me, have you ever been near¡­ a werewolf, Jack?¡± the hospitalized male asked, his tone bing mysterious and as serious as his overall look.


    Also, Max¡¯s dark brown eyes were now slightly red and wide open as if they were about to pop out of their sockets. Add to that, those deep and swollen dark shadows under his eyes that weren¡¯t there before the fall were now very visible.


    And with each pause he made, his volume decreased, almost bing a whisper as he moved his head closer to Jack¡¯s face. Admittedly, this so-called conversation was bing too weird to continue with that line of thought, so Jack shifted to another topic. The original one that led them both here¡­


    ¡°So, you said you fell¡­ right? From a tree?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I was up that old oak, when suddenly something hit my forehead. I guess it was a pine cone or something. Because of that, I lost my bnce and fell. I was lucky that it wasn¡¯t too high. The doctor said that if I really don¡¯t move my arm and do as he says, I¡¯ll recover sooner. At best, it will be around two or three weeks, he said. But of course, I¡¯m worried about who will help you with the lumberyard.¡±


    Suddenly Max¡¯s tone and face were back to his usual arrogant and self-absorbed look. It was actually so abrupt that Jack started wondering if he had imagined what his team leader said before this moment!N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that for now. But tell me, what were you doing up in a tree in the first ce? Where did that happen?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I was trying to reach something that the wind blew up some high branches. I was just there in the middle of the vige and I walked past the tree when it happened. I then thought this item might belong to someone, so I decided it would not harm to get up there and bring it down, you know?¡±


    ¡°Riiight¡­ Okay. I¡¯m d you called me and also relieved that it wasn¡¯t anything worse. Like I said, don¡¯t worry about anything work-rted for now. You have a few days off that you can use and your leave will be paid. And even if this wasn¡¯t a work-rted ident, or urred on lumberyard premises during official work hours, I think thepany can help you with your medical bills. I¡¯ll ask Pat what we can do for you, and will see you when you get discharged from the hospital.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing! Thank you, boss. I appreciate the visit too. And be careful as well with the wolves¡­¡±


    And there he goes again!


    That weird, sombre expression¡­ With those words and tone that got inside Jack¡¯s mind against his will, and started to mess with his thoughts. The lumberyard manager couldn¡¯t think of anything to say to that, so he just got up, nodded at his injured employee, and walked out of the man¡¯s hospital room.


    ¡°Yeah, werewolves¡­¡± Max furiously mumbled. ¡°That would exin a few things about you, Prince Charming! The more reason to get rid of you. And even if that kills me, I¡¯ll make sure that everybody in Mendez knows the monster that you really are, pretty boy wonder!¡±


    A nurse was about to walk inside his room to check on the injured lumberjack foreman and give him some medication for the pain when she heard maniacalughtering from the bed¡¯s area. She threw the door open to see where it wasing from, but she saw no one else but the bedridden patient.


    And he was pretty straight-faced when he looked at her!


    ¡°Oh, good evening, Miss Ang. Pleasant weather we have today, don¡¯t you think?¡± Max greeted with an innocent smile, as the eyes of the nurse roamed the room looking for a possible source of what she just heard.


    The nurse forced a smile, but no words came of her mouth. She rushed to do whatever she had to do in the room, then pretty much ran out as soon as she had the chance.


    When she got to the nurse¡¯s station, Ang hurriedly drank a ss of water while a few other co-workers questioned her.


    ¡°What happened to you, Angel?¡± one of her friends asked.


    ¡°Yeah, you look pale. Do you feel all right?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I might be too tired¡­¡±


    ¡°You look like you just saw a ghost! You weren¡¯t like that a few minutes ago when I saw you in the hall. Come on, tell us please.¡± begged another fellow staff worker.


    ¡°Well, I just came from room 204 and¡­¡± Ang began, then proceeded with her story while everyone listened to the end and they were quite surprised.


    But what was more surprising was that she wasn¡¯t the only one that heard something like that¡­


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± the other nurse beside her started. ¡°When he was admitted, I had to fix him, I mean, help him change. But when the doctor left his room, I was supposed to immobilize his arm and give him medication, so when I was about to enter his room again after the physician had already left, I heard him talking to someone. As if there was really someone there with him and they were fighting, even yelling andughing. But when I opened the door, there was no one inside the room with him. That guy really gives me the creeps!¡±


    ¡°Judith, are you mocking me?¡±


    ¡°No! No no no, I swear Ang. And I don¡¯t want to go into his room either.¡±


    The whole hospital was talking about Max in no time, especially since in that small vige, everybody knew everyone.

 FALLING INTO MADNESS AGAIN

    Meanwhile, as the nurses talked about the strange happenings in Maximillian¡¯s room, Jack was on the phone near the hospital entrance.


    ¡°Hello Pat, how are you? I¡¯m sorry to call you during non-working hours, but I have a few questions about a special situation and I¡¯ll need some help from you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sure, please tell me, I hope I can be of help,¡± the elderlydy said, with a smile that Jack could easily and was d to hear on the other side of the line.


    ¡°Well, Max just had an ident, and I know it¡¯s out of our regr protocols, but my parents like him and, good or bad, he¡¯s been with us for a while. So, I think the best course of action is to help with his hospital bill, especially since he won¡¯t be working for a few weeks.¡±


    ¡°I guess you want us to give him a paid leave and pay the hospital bill?¡± Pat asked, ready to tell him what the needed processes were, and also to get everything ready and follow through as soon as she got back to the office the next morning.


    ¡°Almost¡­ I also think it would be more beneficial to him if we use his vacation days instead of the paid leave.¡±


    ¡°Well, indeed it is some more money for him since the vacations are paid in full while the leave is paid at 70%, but, sir¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, this should be done with an exemry employee, and we both know that he¡¯s far from being so. For now, it¡¯s just politics, Pat. And it¡¯s far from rewarding him. What I¡¯m actually trying to do is reduce the troubles at the lumber camp and to avoid him from giving us even more problems.¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I understand that well, sir. No worries, I¡¯ll have all the paperwork ready when you get to the office tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Patricia. I knew I could count on you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re awesome, Pat. I honestly don¡¯t know what we would do without you. Okay, enough of me interrupting your night. Please go ahead and have a good rest.¡±


    ¡°Thank you very much, Jack. See you tomorrow.¡±


    The not-so-young and overweightdy got back to her sofa, wrapped herself in herforter, and pressed ¡®y¡¯ to the anime series that she was watching. All this while taking a bite of the special meal she had prepared for herself.


    As she happily ate her sushi rolls and hugged her cat, Yuki, Golden Kamui, an anime series about wolves, continued to y on herrge screen HD TV¡­


    What a coincidence¡­


    Meanwhile, back at the hospital, Jack walked to the nurse¡¯s station and asked for the doctor.


    ¡°Of course, Jack, you can see him in his office. He just finished his rounds, so he must be there now. Just follow the hall all the way to the end. It¡¯s the blue door at the right side of the corridor.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Joyce.¡±


    A few momentster, Jack was already knocking on Doctor Marc Esguerra¡¯s office door.


    ¡°Oh, good evening, Mister Schneider. I was wondering when I would finally see you.¡±


    Jack was surprised. ¡°Were you expecting me, doc?¡± he asked curiously while taking a seat on one of the chairs in front of the doctor¡¯s desk.


    ¡°Yes, Maximilian mentioned that you would visit him at some point, so I was wondering if you really woulde over.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I actually wanted to ask you about him¡­¡±


    ¡°You saw him already, I guess. He bumped his head hard, but I¡¯m wondering if his¡­ weird behavior is something new, due to the concussion, or if he was like that before. You see, it¡¯s not the first time that I have treated him, but he used to be quite normal from what I remember.¡±


    ¡°I noticed him a little¡­ disturbed. I have to admit, I hoped for a medical exnation, but now that you¡¯re telling me that¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you remember the old werewolf stories that circted the town years ago since you were pretty young¡­¡±


    ¡°I do, Doctor Marc, but why do you ask me about it?¡±


    ¡°Because that¡¯s what he was continually babbling about when he entered the hospital¡­ He just walked in, bloody and looking angry. And just right after telling us about his fall, he started murmuring something about wolves, and that a wolf did this to him, and he would pay for that. He also changed his story quite a few times about how he fell from the tree, making the ident itself the only constant part of his tale. Other than the threats he was saying for someone we are not familiar with, he was pretty lucid and aware of where he was, including time, date, his identity¡­ everything,¡± the puzzled physician exined, pausing for a moment as he saw Jack getting pale, and then a bit red.


    ¡°Yes, he said to me that there was something up that tree and he climbed it to take it down, then a pine cone hit his forehead which caused him to fall.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t think a pine cone could have done that,¡± chuckled the friendly medical expert.


    ¡°Why, doctor?¡±


    ¡°Because a pine cone might have made him lose bnce, but that won¡¯t be enough to make him bleed. And by the way, his arm got fractured so he didn¡¯t just fall because of a random pine conending on his head, that I can assure you.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­ Well, besides all the weirdness, because he¡¯s our employee, we¡¯ll be taking care of the bill. If something else happens, please give me a call, would you, doctor?¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course, son, I will. I¡¯ll have to filter it a bit, though,¡± the physician said with another amused chuckle.


    ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡°Well, it hasn¡¯t even been one night yet and all the nurses are already talking about weird things happening in his room,¡± thenky brown-eyed MD exined with an almost cynical smirk. ¡°Now, who knows what happened to him, and don¡¯t quote me on this¡­ But I believe he has a screw loose and needs to see a therapist.¡±


    ¡°Oh, well, in that case, maybe the rumors can help him as well,¡± Jack said as he smiled back. ¡°Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I need to pass a report about his condition to my parents. Thank you, doc, and good night.¡±


    Jack got up, strolled back to the entrance, and left the hospital. He already had an idea of what had happened even before getting to the vige¡¯s medical center since the story was close to what Eron told him on the phone earlier. Of course, Max would not admit what he was doing before and when he fell from that now infamous tree. He may be nuts but he¡¯s not THAT crazy!


    But the other part of the story, even if he was delirious¡­


    The topic was too close to home for Jack, and even if he wanted to ignore it, it made him wonder.


    ¡°The wolf did this to him, he said? And wait¡­ Wasn¡¯t the wolf seen in the forest not long after Eron arrived? But no¡­ it can¡¯t be! There were no more sightings after that one night. I can¡¯t¡­ No, it can¡¯t possibly be rted,¡± Jack thought as he walked back home. ¡°Or can it be?¡±


    His parents were waiting for him to arrive with news, which he quickly gave. Jack then excused himself for the night, saying that he was too tired to stay awake any longer.

 THEORIES

    Once in his room, Jack took out his phone and called Eron.


    ¡°Oh, hey bro!¡± the masculine voice that answered was one that he was already familiar with. Friendly, cheery, even joyful¡­


    Jack could even say he was his friend. After all, his parents had invited him to dinner, and many people around were joking and gossiping about their closeness. Which was why the lumberyard owner was hoping with all his might that his new hire would not be what he hated the most.


    Besides, it just wasn¡¯t possible¡­


    ¡°Hey Eron, I just came back from the hospital. I went to visit Max. ording to Doc Marc, he¡¯s suffering from a fractured arm and a slight concussion.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so it WAS him? Honestly, I didn¡¯t think he would get a fracture. I just wanted to stop him from creeping and spying on Diwana. Well, he had iting, anyway, and he deserved it. Who in their right mind would do something like that in the first ce?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, who in their right mind indeed?¡± Jack sneered, remembering how Max was acting back at the hospital. ¡°Of course, he didn¡¯t say where the tree was, or admitted what he was really doing back then. But I saw his clothes on a chair in his room, and noticed it was that weird ck bodysuit he used the day after I found someone spying on my house, so I believe it wasn¡¯t the first time he did that, either.¡±


    ¡°Damn him, I hope it¡¯s thest time he does because if it ever happens again, I won¡¯t be so forgiving!¡±


    ¡°Say, bro, how did you manage to see him, or even throw a rock at him if he was so high up and far away?¡±


    ¡°Well, after Diwana told me why she felt weird, I went out and checked. I walked around the property and heard something rustling among the branches, and tried to get a clearer view of him noticing. Although I did see something ck among those branches, I didn¡¯t make a move immediately. Then I walked away a bit to give him the feeling that I didn¡¯t notice that he was up there. I then spun around and looked again and bingo! I was able to see clearly that it really was a man up in the trees¡¯ branches. I wasn¡¯tpletely sure that it was him, but I had no more suspects, you know,¡± Eron partially lied.


    After all, he couldn¡¯t just openly say ¡®Oh, I¡¯m a werewolf.¡¯ I just had to smell him,¡¯ Especially not to Jack!


    ¡°Wow, you have very sharp senses and good instincts, bro. I¡¯m impressed¡­ again!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be, I needed it for my job as a security guard.¡±


    ¡°Right. For some reason I keep forgetting about your former employment, man¡­ And I still find it hard to believe¡­¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m all sexy and smart? Bro, that¡¯s a bit mean, you know? Are you saying a security guard can¡¯t be all that?¡±


    ¡°Bro, seriously, you and your jokes¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m just what I am, dude. Don¡¯t hate me for being handsome, ha ha!¡± Eron guffawed, but still, there was something weird about Jack¡¯s tone. ¡°Hey, what is it, man? I kind of feel that something is bothering you¡­¡±


    ¡°Why would you say that?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re too serious, even when we just met, you didn¡¯t react that badly to my jokes. I even thought you liked me.¡±


    ¡°WHAAAAT?!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true, you looked weird at me then, like you¡¯re too focused or something¡­¡±


    The youngest Schneider instantly interrupted his rookie worker, ¡°I NEEDED to see you work man,e on! What if you caused an ident, or cut yourself? Or worse, chopped off your leg or something?¡± Jack retorted while smiling a bit.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah¡­ Whatever you say, man. Just remember that you¡¯re not my type, alright, he he he.¡±


    ¡°Whatever, bro,¡± Jack smiled with amusement.


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s more like yourself now. Great! So what did good old Maxi tell you that¡¯s bothering you so much?¡±


    ¡°Well, he said something about a ¡®wolf¡¯ doing all that to him¡­¡±


    For a while, the other line went silent.


    ¡°And what do you think he meant by that?¡± Eron finally replied, hoping that Jack didn¡¯t notice his hesitation, and then, just as the afterthought showed up in his mind, he said, ¡°I know we¡¯re not besties, and I¡¯m mad at him for spying on Diwana, but honestly, bro, what he said is a bit rming¡­¡±


    ¡°I know, right? Even the doctor mentioned that the nurses were talking about strange happenings in his room. If I tell you a story, bro, do you promise to take me seriously on it?¡± Jack asked indecisively.


    ¡°I told you bro, your secret is safe with me. I knew you liked me and it¡¯s about time that you admitted it,¡± Eron replied jokingly, in an effort to lower the excessively serious tone that their conversation was taking.


    ¡°You see? There¡¯s no way to talk about a serious matter with you,¡± Jack countered, in a half frustrated manner, even if he did have a small smile on his face.


    ¡°Okay, okay! I promise I¡¯ll be serious, but then, are you sure you want to talk about it on the phone?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s not exactly a secret, it¡¯s just a¡­ past unforgettable event. I guess you¡¯ve been wondering why I hate werewolves so much.¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°As a matter of fact, yeah, I have to admit that I¡¯ve been curious. Especially because most people wouldn¡¯t believe in something like that in the first ce.¡±


    ¡°And you? Do you believe that those monsters exist, Eron?¡±


    ¡°I suppose I do. I mean, I think it¡¯s possible that they do exist.¡±


    ¡°If I told you that one of those beasts took my sister from my house and then jumped through the window, would you think I¡¯m insane?¡±


    ¡°No, I wouldn¡¯t. And that exins why you said something about still looking for her before. But, if a werewolf kidnapped her, why do you think that she survived?¡±


    ¡°Well, first off, my older sister was never the ¡®damsel in distress¡¯ type, you know? I¡¯mpletely sure that if she saw a chance to stay alive, she took it. Be it escaping, or being a servant of that creature or something? But I¡¯m sure Sorah¡¯s not dead, bro  I can feel it within me, somehow.¡±


    ¡°Oh damn, his sister is THE Sorah? Damn you Hero, there are a few things we¡¯ll need to talk about,¡± Eron said to himself, suddenly realizing many things about his friend, and also knowing that he could never tell Jack the truth about what he really was.


    ¡°Hey, bro? Eron? Did you say something?¡±


    Did I say that out loud? The Charmer thought in a panic then increased his volume as he hurriedly exined, ¡°Sorry, dude. I¡¯m just  processing what you told me. Heck, we should have talked about this over a beer, at least. But, if you¡¯re so sure, how is it that you never found her?¡±

 STRANGE DREAMS

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, bro. Sometimes, I think she doesn¡¯t want to be found¡­ And there are moments when I just think I went crazy back then¡­ Like now! I wonder if that perverted asshole of an employee just said those things to y with my mind. And unfortunately, Max actually seeded! Anyway, I really need some rest, even if I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll get any. Be ready for tomorrow, we¡¯ll have to cover for that hospitalized creep while he can¡¯t work, and I¡¯m counting on you for that, okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, boss,¡± Eron said, in a slightly joking tone. He wasn¡¯t about to let himself pass the chance of cheering up anyone he cared for. ¡°Operation third wheel in the process, he he he!¡±


    After all, that¡¯s just who he was, even if he was so worried about his newfound friend up here in the mountains.


    ¡°Heh, you¡¯re funny. OK, talk to youter and take good care of yourself and Diwa. I know can count on you with that, Eron.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, no worries bro. I definitely will.¡±


    Meanwhile, in the hospital room, Maximilian Fuchs was in his bed, recently sedated and was falling into a deep slumber. The pain wasn¡¯t that much, but hisints, cries, and weird episodes made the medical personnel determine that he was better off sedated.


    After they treated any possible permanent damages of his concussion, the lumberyard foreman was served dinner and then put to sleep. And in that state, he would start hearing a shrill voice, toned down with an evident effort, that seemed toe from inside his head¡­


    In front of his closed eyes, an image of Eron appeared!


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Max thought. ¡°Even in my sleep, I have to see this Pretty Boy Charmer who I hate with all my guts? Talk about fucking nightmares!¡±


    But then, as he cursed and made an effort to fight the enemy inside his dream, he immediately heard the high-pitched voice again, The voice¡¯s owner was unknown to him but was apparently of a female.


    ¡°Oh, so you know him?¡± the piercing disembodied voice shrieked, seemingly delighted.


    ¡°I do, unfortunately. But who wants to know?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m an ally if you really want to get rid of him¡­¡±


    ¡°Really? And how did you find me?¡±


    ¡°The emotions that you feel towards him, the envy, jealousy, and even¡­ hmmm, some secret desires too, I see. All of that brought me to you. You see, I¡¯m looking for him, and I could very much use a hand with anyone presently near him so he won¡¯t be able to flee when I finally manage to get there.¡±


    Max took a beat of three before responding, not minding how crazy this was all sounding right now since it was giving him a chance to have an ally against his mysterious rookie foe.


    ¡°What¡¯s in it for me, woman, or whatever you are? Besides getting rid of him, that is¡­¡±


    ¡°What do you want? I¡¯m in a perfect position to offer you pretty much whatever you might desire.¡±


    Max¡¯s sick mind suddenly went to Diwana, and it was very easy for the witch in his mind to see what he wanted. More like desired, so much so that just the memory of her was starting to arouse him intensely¡­


    ¡°I see. That female is all you require? I can easily grant you that.  And not just one, but as many as you demand!¡±


    ¡°I just want¡­ I just¡­¡± Max faltered as he was about to say that Diwa was the only one he wished to have.


    But his mind betrayed him, and the endless possibilities of the many sexual offerings started to materialize in his dream¡­Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    There was a woman, thin, tall, copper skin, with long hair and very dark eyes,pletely naked that walked towards him. He suddenly found himself tied to a bed and smiling widely as the woman crawled on top of him, kissing him passionately.


    Suddenly hands came out of the mattress and roamed his now naked body, touching, pressing, scratching his legs and six-inch dick, making him harder and longer!


    The hands grew to arms, and then heads and bodies, chiselled and perfectly modeled bodies of three females and two feminine boyish young men that, for a second, worried him.


    ¡°Nobody will question you, you know?¡± the female voice crooned and it sounded much closer now.


    He stretched his neck to see what was behind the gorgeous, seductive bodies that now surrounded him. One of the boys started licking his balls, and Max looked down, anxious, almost frightened, trying to pull his arm free from the numerous hands that held him down.


    But then, the high-pitched voice sounded out once more¡­


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just enjoy it, young man? After all, everything that is happening here is just a reflection of what you most desire. Look at them, they¡¯ve been the object of your lust at least once in your life,¡± the unknown speaker said, and now, Max could clearly see her, standing in a corner of the room, watching everything that was happening on the bed with a mischievous toothy smirk.


    The injured bully then looked at the faces of the five people around him, noticing that what this weird stranger said was indeed true! At one point or another in his life, he had secretly had crushes on them, even lusted after them. One was an internationally renowned actress, another was a popr singer, and the rest were all ad models.


    He was ecstatic as he realized that these beautiful people who he never would have had the chance to meet were now pleasing and sexing him up in ways he had always craved them to do in his mind.


    ¡°How is she¡­ doing all this?¡± Max wondered while he was almostpletely lost in pleasure.


    The dark-skinned, skinny, older female sexily walked towards him and sat down beside him.


    ¡°My name is Chin, and I¡¯m ready to make all your dreamse true.¡±


    ¡°Chin,¡± he softly repeated, while now rxing as one of the men introduced an oiled finger up his ass, making Max moan.


    ¡°I told you, this is just a dream. Enjoy it. More than that, show me all you want because I will make it happen,¡± the wiry witch said, yfully letting her body down on the bed as she seductively gazed at him and from time to time, touching any and all of the participants. ¡°Show me everything, Max,¡± Chin whispered, now into his ear. ¡°Show me all of the secret pleasures you want!¡±


    Max¡¯s body was already being repeatedly used and abused by the five naked people around him, who feasted in the orgy style that the Governor has regrly offered in his mansion. The sex-starved brown-eyed logger¡¯s senses were continuously overwhelmed, as two of the three voluptuous, sensual barenaked women kneeled, one on each side of his slim torso, torridly kissing each other on top of him while their dainty fingers pinched his hardened and swollen nipples non-stop.


    His hands were untied then, and he grabbed a breast on each of the unclothed sluts, twisting their nipples. The young lumberjack was now being orally fucked by the slightly older male who licked and prepared two more fingers to pierce the tight butthole of the dreaming hospitalized fellow. Meanwhile, the third buxom woman, the one with a shiny ck bob, sat on his face and moved back and forth as Max gorged himself on the randy maiden¡¯s moist pinkish pussy.


    ¡°Are you enjoying yourself?¡± Chin gleefully asked, with the smile of a rattlesnake that was about to swallow its prey.

 THE SPECIAL BREAKFAST

    Meanwhile, miles and miles away, Virgil, who was just about to fall asleep, was suddenly startled by the voice of his little brother, screaming out his name.


    ¡°Eron¡­ What happened to you that you finally unblocked your mindlink? Bro, I really hope you will talk to me soon¡­¡±


    +++


    ¡°Uuugh, I feel like a truck rolled over me,¡± were Diwana¡¯s words as soon as her rm clock went off as if it was the siren signaling the end of the world.


    Unwilling to get up and start her day, Di immediately pressed the snoozed button on the digital rm clock that was on the nearest wooden bed stand. Her actions granted her at least another ten minutes more of peaceful slumber before the poor brown-eyed homeowner had to go downstairs and prepare her wares for the lumber camp.


    To her dismay, not only had Diwa had a psychic sexual encounter with the man she had been secretly lusting over from day one, but her sleep was interrupted by the pained screaming of her room¡¯s next-door neighbor, and, after getting her body covered with his freshly bathed smell, it was almost impossible to sleep again.


    ¡°Now that I think about it,¡± she said to herself, softly and barely awake, not even opening her eyes, as her mind started visually summarizing the way herst shower had gone. ¡°It was absolutely amazing that he seemed to like me being in his roomst night, despite his nightmare and the fact that he was totally nailed.¡±


    And the truth that Diwana couldn¡¯t easily brush off was that she had an eager partner during that ¡®dream¡¯. And she was more than willing¡­


    Her face blushed once more, and just like that, the buxom stepmom buried herself inside her bed covers. To make matters worse, she remembered how she ran to him without properly dressing up and entered his room, climbed his bed and then was embraced tightly by him.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°As if things weren¡¯t awkward enough¡­ I¡¯mpletely sure that he noticed what happened in the shower¡­ Gosh, Diwana, you screamed his name as you came, how in the world would he not know?¡±


    But then, the vision of him fully naked was truly glorious and mesmerizing. It was a wonderful mental image that she would even make an effort to remember in detail.


    The memory of Mason tried to push through for just a second. But Diwa, as easily as she could, quickly thrust it away from her mind.


    ¡°No, my dearte husband, you can¡¯tpare yourself to him¡­ Especially if he does it like how he did to me in that¡­ whatever kind of dream that was.¡±


    Sex with Mason was mostly forceful. Even if he, from time to time, was caring and soft with her. He had no idea how to please her at all!


    Regrettably, that was something she had to learn on her own¡­


    In the middle of her visualizations and memories, the rm went off again, and this time she knew she couldn¡¯t, ¨C or shouldn¡¯t ¨C turn it off this time. After throwing a long and thin robe over her short, silk lc-colored nightie set, Diwana sleepily walked downstairs to the kitchen.


    It¡¯s a good thing that there was nobody awake at that time to notice what she was wearing¡­


    ¡°Now that I think about it, there is no instance of me having a real orgasm with Mason¡­ Poor guy, I don¡¯t know if he ever noticed that I was so unsatisfied, but beingpletely honest. But I didn¡¯t even care for that until I found out how to climax and sexually please myself only after he died.¡±


    The Wolf widow took a few of her pre-cut vegetables, and some more foodstuff that she needed to slice and ced them in order near her cutting board, then turned on the oven, for pre-heating. Afterwards, she took arge frying pan from a line of hooks on the wall and ced it on top of one of the burners, switching the fire on to a medium-low me. Finally, she set a deep pot on the stove and also ced it on medium heat.


    Beside her well-cared-for stove, Diwana lined up a stick of butter, a bottle of sunflower oil, salt and pepper, which were the only spices she would use in powder form. Also, she arranged arge box of heavy cream and a bottle of white cooking wine beside her first few seasonings, then swiftly moved back to her chopping board so she could begin cutting her needed vegetables for the dish she was preparing.


    The thing is, even if there was a lot that Di needed to do, she had as much practice as a well-experienced restaurant-trained cook that, to Diwana, everything she cooked was in order and perfectly timed without the need for a watch.


    The beautiful tanned cook was so used to her routine that even as she quickly cut her peppers, onions, garlic and ginger, she was still able to see in her mind¡¯s eye how her experiences in bed had been with herte husband. Diwa couldn¡¯t helpparing it with what happened in her head between her and her new renter.


    From the fridge, Diwana took a covered bowl of crimini and shiitake mushrooms, pre-cut by her the night before and added them to the pot, arge spoon of butter, some thyme, and garlic and allowed it to brown so she could mix these with the soupter. She then moved to get the meat and chicken that she was going to use for her special pasta, also from the fridge, cing them between the stove and the cutting board, then finally taking a few bags of pastries from the fridge.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m almost out of these. When Ie back home, I¡¯ll have to prepare more,¡± Di mumbled as she lifted a bag of uncooked pasta to estimate how much was still in there.


    Afterwards, Diwana carefully ced the raw pastries she took from the freezer on arge buttered tray, whipped an egg and then brushed it on top of them and ced everything in the oven. Erica was the one who usually watched her cook, and was always amazed at how her stepmom would make it look not only easy but like a beautiful dance that she performed daily in her kitchen.


    All that effort for her kids, but it couldn¡¯t be more evident than when the Asian mail-order bride overflowed with love and affection every time she cooked.


    Diwa poured some of the corn oil on the hot pan and threw in more garlic, some onion and ginger slices, then stirred the mushrooms that were now ready for the chicken stock and heavy cream. At thest minute, she then added the chopped meat and chicken to the medium-sized pan.


    ¡°Three minutes for that to fully cook. Now while I wait, I can¡­¡±


    ¡°Good morning mama,¡± the slightly chubby female teen finally said after watching a little bit of Diwa¡¯s apparently coordinated dance and seemingly choreographed cooking.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Diwana said in surprise. ¡°Have you been there for long, Erica?¡±


    ¡°Not really. I was just enjoying watching you cook. If a certain guy looked at you doing that kind of magic, he¡¯d definitely fall for you.¡±


    As if she wasn¡¯t embarrassed already, Diwana heavily blushed again, since she seemed to know the certain ¡°guy¡± her adoptive daughter was referring to¡­


    ¡°Oh God, Eron¡­ I will be seeing youter today¡­ Well, of course, I will! He lives here already, remember? Are you going crazy now, Diwana? Sigh, maybe if I leave before hees down for breakfast¡­ or after? No, I promised, I mean¡­ we¡­¡± At this point, Diwa zoned out from the the world through her thoughts. ¡°We¡­ promised¡­ that I¡­ so we could¡­ ugh¡­¡±


    ¡°Mama?¡± Erica called out worriedly, bringing Di back to reality. ¡°What is it? Why are you¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh? Yes! The food!¡± Diwana said aloud, ignoring what her older surrogate daughter just said, as much as she tried to overlook how nervous she was to see ¡°him¡± that morning. ¡°I still have to pack themter after I¡¯m finished cooking the creamy Alfredo pasta!¡±


    Another deep pot was ced on the fire. With Erica¡¯s assistance, it was soon filled up to half its capacity with water. A pinch of salt and a tablespoon of margarine were added, then it was left to boil.


    ¡°I can start packing now, Mama D.¡±


    Erica started preparing the food containers for her adoptive mom¡¯s goods for the lumberyard workers, specifically the portioned and packed cakes pies and tarts that were already baked, pre-packed and ready. After the top-heavyss was done with packing, she then started her preparations for the family¡¯s breakfast.


    ¡°It¡¯s very unusual that you¡¯re so quiet,¡± the youngerdy observed as she told the older one this, with a teasing smirk.


    ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t sleep very wellst night,¡± Diwa admitted, deep in thought, ¡°Sadly, I think that my face will stay red and get even redder as the whole morning progresses. Ugh, if only the earth just opened up right now and swallowed me whole¡­¡±


    ¡°Huh? And why is that?¡± Erica asked her broad grin instantaneously tainting her voice.


    ¡°I had an¡­ awful nightmare,¡± the widow exined as she stirred the pot and added the uncooked spaghetti noodles to the boiling water.¡± But I forgot everything about it when I woke up this morning.¡±


    The meat and chicken were tossed up and down in the pan, and a ssh of wine was thrown on it, producing tall mes that caused Erica¡¯s eyes to shine as she looked on.


    ¡°Mama, I¡¯ll never get tired of watching when you do that,¡± she gushed, finally distracted from the topic that she had been teasing her mom with earlier.


    ¡°Yep, that is definitely quite a show. I have a friend who used to be a cook, and I believe that he would love to see a fellow expert cook at work as well¡­ I mean, it¡¯s truly a spectacle, what you¡¯re doing right now, Diwana.¡±


    The low charming masculine voice came from the entrance of the kitchen. And it¡¯s a very familiar vocal sound, at that¡­


    ¡°I know, right?! I¡¯ve always told her that she is amazing,¡± agreed Erica enthusiastically. ¡°Good morning to you, Eron. How was your sleep? Have you gotten used to the house already?¡±


    ¡°I think I have, Erica. Thank you for asking, and good morning to you too, Diwana,¡± the ex-assassin-now-tenant answered then greeted, surprisingly in a shy tone when he was addressing his very busyndy.


    The difference in the renter¡¯s voice was so obvious that Erica noticed and stared at him. He was slightly blushing and his eyes were a bit swollen as if¡­


    ¡°Oh Eron, you didn¡¯t sleep wellst night either?¡± blurted the dark-haired teenager with a sly smirk again.


    ¡°But I did. It¡¯s just that I  was just too exhausted from my run after a while of not exercising,¡± the youngest Camden replied, sheepishly smiling and scratching the back of his neck, his cheeks still dark pink. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m slightly sore all over now.¡±


    ¡°Mmhmm¡­ I see. And is that why you are up so early, too?¡±


    ¡°Well, I couldn¡¯t sleep anymore, so I came to offer my services as a kitchen helper for the breakfast preparation if youdies would have me.¡±


    Diwana was pletely¡¯ focused on her cooking, stirring, mixing, tasting and pouring, while unsessfully trying to hide the sudden strawberry redness of her ears and face.


    ¡°Sure, you¡¯re more than wee, right mama? We thank you for your help, too,¡± Erica assured the boarder with a big, genuine grin on her face. ¡°In advance, that is.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ uh¡­. Hi, Eron¡­¡± Diwa timidly greeted, finally turning and bashfully smiling and yet not able to look him in the eye. ¡°We really appreciate your help,¡± she quickly blurted out and then turned back to rushing again between all that she was preparing.


    Erica looked at Eron, her face a mix of confused and embarrassed expressions, realizing that she would be, strangely, the one who would teach their new and willing ¡°helper¡± what to do.


    ¡°Oookay¡­ um, for now, I¡¯m helping Mama pack a few things, so, if you like something special to have for breakfast, you can tell me and I¡¯ll get you the ingredients you need.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that sounds good!¡± the rookie lumberjack eximed with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m an expert sandwich maker, but I also can try preparing omelettes. Do you kids like that?¡±


    ¡°Eron, I really hope your n works for something¡­ the breakfast that your brother and you used to make to apologise to your mom and dad¡­ Talking about older brother memories¡­¡± he thought as he talked with Erica, still slightly sad about his dream/nightmare, but showing a bright and charming smile nheless.

 BITTERSWEET REMEMBERINGS

    The lumber camp was not too far away. A walking distance from his parents¡¯ house, if he was patient enough to walk through the forest for at least half an hour¡­


    But it so happened that it wasn¡¯t a bad thing. Not after falling asleep thinking of werewolves and his beloved sister.


    Jack woke up early and left the house before his parents noticed.


    The air at that hour and up high in the mountain was crisp and fresh, not exactly like the rest of the day would be during the hotter season, and that¡¯s why he enjoyed the early hours so much those days.


    With a bottle of water and arge crisp green apple taken from his mother¡¯s kitchen, he started walking slowly to work, taking in life and what had brought him.


    ¡°Sorah, how would things have been if you had not left?¡± he mumbled, letting the images of himself during the time of his youth invade his head.


    He wasn¡¯t unattractive, not even as a teenager. Actually, since he went more often than not to help in his father¡¯spany, he was tall and had a marked body that was umon to see in kids his age, even if he wasn¡¯t that bulky.


    Girls in town were really interested in him. And he was in them too, but then¡­


    +++


    ¡°Jack! Wait a second!¡± he heard from behind him.


    ¡°Oh, Em¡­ Hi,¡± he shyly said.


    His usual routine was that, as soon as his school day ended, he¡¯d run to the lumber camp and would work both in his father¡¯s office and in the field. That¡¯s why many of his ssmates both looked up to him, but wouldn¡¯t invite him to anything outside school activities.


    He didn¡¯t have time for all those, but it was his choice not to go. He not only learned what he would need to know to run his father¡¯spany but also would get to earn some money if hepleted his job well enough and on time.


    Besides, he had a few other projects up there.


    One of the permanent employees was teaching him how to use the wood turner and how to make furniture, which seemed to be what he liked even more.


    The idea of creating something out of practically nothing was like magic in his eyes.


    That¡¯s why, even if one or two of the girls his age were of interest to him, he didn¡¯t stick around to go anywhere and do anything with them.


    After all, what would he do when they¡¯re together?


    He wasn¡¯t exactly shy, but didn¡¯t know much about girlfriends and rtionships, besides kissing and going out¡­


    The nightmarish stories about female jealousy, fights and possessiveness he¡¯d heard other boys talking about in the school¡¯s small changing rooms were also enough to keep him away from those situations and he found himself focusing on what made him happy at the time.


    But, that day, after Emily ran to him, something different seemed to have awakened in him.


    ¡°Hi¡­¡± she greeted him, her cheeks pink both blushing and for the short run from their ssroom to the school entrance since she was trying to catch up with Jack. ¡°Uh¡­ I wanted to give you this¡­¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    The ck and purple envelope was decorated with golden flowers and fine lettering.


    He eyed it as she extended it in front of him, then reached to take it, surprised by the casualness of the gesture, and even more so because Emily was the prettiest girl in his ss.


    She had very long, reddish hair that shone like copper in the sunlight. Her eyes were a dark emerald green, decorated with long eyshes. Her white, perfect skin was adorned with the few freckles in her high cheekbones, and a shy dimple that showed when she showed her perfectly aligned white teeth. Her body was slim and starting to show curves, and she was what Jack would describeter, during dinner at home, as a ¡®perfect height,¡¯ being not too tall, but not too short.


    ¡°I would really like to see you there,¡± she said as his awareness went back to their conversation, and he raised his eyes from looking at the envelope until they met hers. ¡°It¡¯s for my 16th birthday¡­ in two weeks¡­ I know you¡¯re busy with your family business, but¡­ if you could¡­¡±


    She left the phrase unfinished, adding a bright smile that reached her eyes, and made all of the amazingness that Jack, and many other boys, would see in her.


    ¡°Thank you for inviting me. I never go to any of these,¡± he let out the partial truth¡­ After all, it was true that he never went¡­ ¡°But I think I would like to go to yours¡­¡±


    He racked his fingers through his hair, unconsciously letting his shirt up, showing a bit of his young, marked abs, and some of his muscr arm as well.


    Attributes that he was not even conscious he had.


    ¡°Great!¡± she said, feeling her friends behind her drooling over one of the most handsome guys of their ss. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ happy to hear that,¡± she added as she yed with her fingers, reluctant to let him go already, but she didn¡¯t know what else to say to him to make him stay.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he less-than-smoothly said. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll see you tomorrow. Thanks again!¡± and turned before she noticed the heavy blush that was covering his face suddenly, as he almost ran away.


    Behind him, he could hear some excited squealing. But he would have never thought it was for him.


    Not back then, but yearster, it made him smile.


    That afternoon and evening, there was no other topic he would talk about. Emily¡¯s beauty, Emily¡¯s voice, the way she spoke, andst but not least, Emily¡¯s party.


    ¡°You seem to really like her,¡± Sorah teased him.


    ¡°What!? N-no way! I¡­ don¡¯t have time for that kind of thing, Sis!¡± Jack attempted to defend himself, making the whole table, with their mom, dad and sister, burst intoughter. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s just a birthday party and not a date,e on¡­¡±


    ¡°What do you n to give her for her birthday then?¡± his mother asked him, trying to take the general attention to something all of them could actually help her youngest child.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ maybe something I can make for her¡­ I¡¯d like¡­ a chest¡­ with different colors and shapes of wood! I could ask Martin to help me!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed that he¡¯s been teaching you a few things. I¡¯m okay with it, as long as you don¡¯t distract him, or get too distracted. Remember that he¡¯s working on the machines and those need careful handling,¡± his father reminded him while smiling and reclining in his chair.


    ¡°Yes, Dad, I¡¯ll be careful and will use only our breaks or after work! Mom¡­ do you think that¡¯s a good gift? Sorah?¡±


    ¡°I think that you could give her a stone and she would like it,¡± his sister mumbled, her mom being the only one close enough to hear her daughter, and ended up smiling secretly. ¡°I kind of know that she likes you that much, brother.¡±


    ¡°Huh? What did you say, Sorah?¡± Jack asked, confused by their amused expressions. ¡°Stop mumbling coz¡¯ I can¡¯t hear you, much less understand what you¡¯re trying to tell me.¡±


    ¡°I think I speak for both of us females of this family that you¡¯ve gotten very good at your craft, Jack.  So yes, she will probably like your gift very much. I know it will end up really really nice by the time you havepleted it!¡± their mother added, making it a unanimous agreement.


    ¡°Although,¡± Sorah suddenly added, ¡°you have the money, brother. Why do you want to make such a big effort for a girl who is not even your girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ she¡¯s not my girlfriend, but¡­¡± her brother attempted¡­ Why indeed? He wasn¡¯t even sure but it was something he felt deep inside him¡­. and he was ready to go with his strange and unexinable feelings.


    The days passed. It actually took him a lot of effort, but since he dedicated so much time to the chest, it was finished in just a week.


    Martin, his father, and all the workers praised his amazing work. The cover was rounded, lined with dark brown then very light brown wood and the box itself had the same colors of wood, but instead of the thin, organized lines on top, he took the time to shape and turn them in different shapes, looking more like a colorful jigsaw that he carved in the back.


    It was beautiful and unique and was ready for the night of the party.


    When he arrived, she walked towards him as if she was waiting for him. Emily received him with a shy but sweet smile framed by pink-tinted lips that had the same color as rose petals.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you coulde,¡± she softly said.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy to be here¡­ Oh, this is for you,¡± he said, handing her a perfectly arranged present bag that his older sister fixed for him.


    ¡°Thank you! But you didn¡¯t have to¡­¡±


    ¡°Of course, I had to¡­¡±


    She took it out and her jaw dropped. The box was really that pretty.


    ¡°Wow! Don¡¯t tell me you made this yourself!!¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ yeah¡­ It¡¯s-¡±


    She didn¡¯t let him continue talking. Moving close to him, she pressed her soft lips to his, surprising him, and as soon as she got close, she pulled back.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to be so forward but¡­ I like your present very much¡­ And I like you as well¡­ But I guess you never noticed it, Jack¡­¡±


    ¡°I would have never thought you did¡­ But I like you too¡­ And that kiss you just stole from me was my first¡­ Now you¡¯ll have to give it back,¡± he said with his and her blushing cheeks hidden by the dim lights of the party.


    She smiled widely once more, and got closer again, this time he wrapped his arms around her and got lost in the kiss.


    ¡°Would you like to dance?¡± he now smoothly asked.


    Of course, they spent the rest of the night dancing,ughing and talking.


    But then, a few nightster, Sorah was taken, And all his mind and efforts were split between his school grades that started to drop. And he started having a hard time getting passing grades while working with his dad. But Jack still managed a little to try and look for his missing sister Sorah.


    And he never got to see or hear from Emily again¡­


    +++


    A bitter smile was on Jack¡¯s face, as he remembered his first crush¡¯s party. And waspletely lost in it when he felt someone crashing against his back and falling back, followed by a loud cry.


    ¡°O!¡±

 SOMETHING DIFFERENT

    ¡°We do love omelettes! Even Katya likes them and she¡¯s really picky! What do you add to them?¡± Erica gushed while smiling widely and slightly maliciously. ¡°Let me help you find your ingredients. Just tell me what you wanna put in them.¡±


    ¡°Oh wow! Well, I appreciate it. The way I learned them was with some Italian sauce and cold-cut meats, but I think I would like to try colored bell peppers, mushrooms, and melting cheese. I will also use some strips of bacon if you can spare some from Diwana¡¯s cooking.¡±


    Eron looked towards hisndy, who was still moving around, acting busier than she should have.


    She took the pastries that she was baking out of the oven and put the tray at the far end of her preparation table for them to cool down. The busty widow then tossed her almost ready chicken and beef, while throwing in her freshly cut peppers, onion and some more mushrooms to that mix, doing it all with her face still unrelentingly blushing.


    The Charmer focused his eyes on her, right when she tried to take the very hot pot with the boiling water inside it to strain the pasta. Meanwhile, Erica went to the fridge to look for the well-built lumberyard worker¡¯s ingredients for his nned special breakfast.


    Diwana could feel his eyes on her back, burning, distracting, igniting more memories of the previous night. And at the worst time, too!


    She suddenly slipped. And, instead of letting go of the pot, she held it tighter.


    This is gonna hurt, Di thought within the split second that she realized she was falling. The wavy-haired cook closed her eyes tightly, waiting for the burning sensation of the hot water on her skin.


    But it never came¡­


    Instead, she felt a breeze, and then two strong and slightly hairy arms surrounding her slender waist and slim shoulders at the same time. Meanwhile, two teenage feminine palms guided both the young widow¡¯s hands to ce the pot safely back on the stove.


    Erica emptied her arms full of ingredients near the cutting board on the kitchen table, then swiftly walked towards her mom. The slightly chubby teen relieved the almost-hurtdy of the heated steel pot filled with boiling water.


    ¡°Mama¡­ are you okay?¡± she asked, helping Diwana to let go of the handles so she could ce the metallic cooking container back on one of the burners.


    The eldest daughter quickly checked her surrogate mother¡¯s body to make sure that nothing untoward had happened to her. But Erica soon noticed that Eron wasn¡¯t letting go of her surrogate mom. Simrly, Diwana, as soon as her hands were free, grabbed his massive arm and she wasn¡¯t letting go of the broad-chested male either.


    And as expected, Erica¡¯s malicious smile appeared instantly, once again¡­


    ¡°Mama, your meat for the pasta will burn. And Eron, I got your vegetables and other stuff by the chopping block over there. I¡¯ll uh¡­ will just go take a quick shower and thene back to help you with breakfast, OK?¡±


    Diwana and Eron looked at the oldest of the kids, who turned around with a naughty smile on her face and then left.


    Erica left us. Alone. TOGETHER! Both of them thought in unison and in near panic.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    As if on cue, Diwa let go of Eron and tried to take the burning hot pot again.


    ¡°Wait, please let me do it,¡± the auburn-haired lumberjack said in a soft voice, unwrapping his arm from her body and walking around to take the infamous pot of still-scalding water.


    ¡°Uh¡­ Thank¡­you¡­¡± Diwana finally replied as she gazed into his hazel eyes, making him finally smile.


    The Charmer then expertly rinsed and strained the pasta, while the female cook went back to her preparations, then turning all the fires of the stove off. And this time, Diwa carefully moved the finished cooked dish to the other side where the containers were ready and waiting.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ sorry aboutst night¡­¡± Eron sweetly told her. ¡°It was a terrible nightmare. To be honest, I don¡¯t remember them being so frequent, but¡­ it was bad. I guess you noticed.¡±


    ¡°Oh, but no¡­ you don¡¯t have to apologize for that. I was the one who entered your room without your permission,¡± Diwana replied, still not daring to look back at him.


    ¡°You went to help me, thinking something dreadful was happening to me¡­ Actually, it was kinda awful¡­ And I¡¯m very thankful for what you did,¡± the former assassin softly but sadly confessed, as he walked closer and ced the cooked and cooled pasta near her.


    I wish I knew if what we did that night was real too, Di¡­


    ¡°Pardon me?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Oh, nothing, I actually didn¡¯t talk¡­¡± he blurted out, but immediately blushed, remembering what he was thinking¡­


    ¡°I could have sworn that I heard you¡­ Oh, thank you!¡± She took the cooking utensil from his hands and separated it into a few portions that were then covered with the meat and vegetable along with the cooled creamy and buttery sauce.


    Wondering if Diwana could really hear him, he smiled and tried something else.


    I didn¡¯t want our first time to be like that¡­ It was unexpected. I¡¯m sorry, he thought, this time with the intention of her hearing him.


    Halfway through what he was thinking, she looked back at him. Eron was just smiling while walking towards the vegetables that Erica had left for him.


    ¡°I must be going crazy,¡± she whispered to herself, but he heard her with his augmented wolf senses.


    This is interesting. I¡¯ll have to be careful and block her the same way I used to block Virgil when I didn¡¯t want him to hear me. Had I known that in helping V I¡¯d get myself ready for my own mate, I would have given myself more chances of practising and other opportunities for getting ready for her¡­ he thought, but now in the way he learned when he was just eight years old. Also, I have to stop saying things like that to her and in that way. Be a MAN, Eron! If you want to tell her, do it to her face!


    That self-criticizing voice in his mind had been loudertely, especially since he got near Diwana. Before, not even when he killed people had he scolded himself as much, but now¡­


    Meanwhile, Diwana fought with her own demons¡­


    They were being called forward by the one who was preparing his ingredients barely a few steps from in front of her.

 SOMETHING DIFFERENT AGAIN

    Diwana, what the hell are you thinking now? Are you hearing him tell you such things? Your imagination is going wilder, girl. And what was that? ¡®First time¡¯ as if it was nned? As if there would be more than one? Come on dear, get a hold of yourself¡­ he¡¯s just being nice, right? He¡¯s just helpful¡­ and so strong¡­. And¡­ caring¡­


    She looked at him again, the way his muscles tensed and flexed as he washed, sorted and chopped his vegetables for his omelettes¡­


    ¡°Are you using the stove some more? I really don¡¯t want to be in your way, Diwa¡­¡±


    ¡°N-no, I¡¯m done with the cooking part,¡± sheughed nervously.


    OF COURSE, HE SAW YOU! Dammit Diwana, what are you doing? He saw you checking him out¡­ Oh God, can this be more embarrassing? Please, let¡¯s try to act normal¡­ Don¡¯t push him away¡­ please¡­ Don¡¯t make him ufortable and make him want to go¡­ at least, let¡¯s have him this close¡­ gosh¡­ What is this feeling of yearning? Of¡­ ARGH! I need more self-control¡­ focus Di. FOCUS! she thought, trying not to look in his direction anymore.


    With extreme effort, she continued serving and wrapping the food that she would sellter.


    Even if she fought herself so much, and felt like she was losing it¡­ At the same time his being there was so¡­forting.


    What will I doter when I have to go back home and he¡¯ll stay at the lumber camp¡­ It¡¯s been so little time, yet I feel¡­ ugh¡­ what do I feel? She kept thinking, atst, letting a long sigh out, but finally giving some rest to her mind after that.


    Meanwhile, Eron was happy¡­ and getting happier by the minute.


    The only exnation for what was happening to him was the ultimate confirmation that he had found his mate.


    It is for real, after all!


    Yes, even after what his Twinny said, what Hero said, even what back then his brother had told him once¡­


    Now it all finally made sense. And he was like a puppy, almost ready to go and hug her and kiss her all over¡­ Then pin her against the fridge and make desperate, hot and passionate love with her.


    But couldn¡¯t¡­


    He would have to figure out a way to tell her the whole truth about him, which was a whole pile of bad and awfulness. And he may risk losing what he had with her and her kids so far¡­ Which was much more than what he had for years before arriving at Mendez.


    Not yet¡­ But it doesn¡¯t matter. I thought that without having a wolf I would never find a mate¡­ But she¡¯s here and she checks on me now and then! Now I noticed! She likes me!!! I know I don¡¯t deserve her¡­ I know I have nothing to offer to her but a life of hiding, but hey¡­ Hero made it work¡­ Why couldn¡¯t we make it work? At some point anyway¡­ but not now¡­ Not yet.


    And he was so focused on what he was thinking¡­ so happy with his thoughts that he didn¡¯t pay any attention to what he was doing.


    ¡°AAGH!¡± he let out louder than expected, more from being surprised than in pain.


    ¡°What happened, Did you cut yourself?¡± Diwana couldn¡¯t help but run to him, to make sure that he was okay.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ It isn¡¯t that big. It didn¡¯t even bleed. I was just distracted¡­¡± he tried to calm her down. But she was already walking towards the back of the kitchen door, and stretching her arm to get what was on one of the cupboard doors since whatever it was that she was reaching for was slightly high for her. The touching scene and endearing sight were making him internally go ¡®a.¡¯


    She walked back with a bottle of hydrogen peroxide, a wad of fluffy cotton and a box of band-aids.


    ¡°I thought I was the one who would be needing assistance, but it ended up being you. What will I tell your Twinny if anything happens to you!?¡± she eximed worriedly, not noticing that she was scolding him. Neither did she notice the way that he was presently looking at her, or the way he smiled when she was not looking.


    She remembers! he thought, going crazy to see that she still kept something he said to her even if it felt like ages ago. She didn¡¯t forget about my Twinny¡­


    ¡°I just left for fifteen minutes and there was another ident? It seems like I can¡¯t leave you cooking alone together,¡± Erica observed while leaning on the kitchen door frame, looking at the scene with a big smile. ¡°Let¡¯s finish here Mama, or you both will bete,¡± the youngest among themmanded, taking her ce by Diwana¡¯s right side and continuing to pack the cooked and prepared viands and food items.


    Eron smiled and nodded, washing his hands and finishing his breakfast preparation, throwing some bread to toast in the oven while frying the huge omelettes and bacon.


    The delicious smells that came out of the kitchen awoke the two younger kids, who almost ran downstairs and into the kitchen.  The eager and surprised looks on their faces instantly brightened the room and its mood..


    Breakfast cooking soon became a party full ofughter, and it wasn¡¯t long before Diwana and Eron were their usual selves. It was not much longer for all of them to be sitting at the table with beautifully ted fried bacon stripes, cherry tomato flowers,rge omelettes, and toast.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I never knew that you could cook, Big Brother Eron¡­ Please teach me!!!¡± Macky insisted in an almost begging tone, and with shining eyes.


    ¡°Truth is, I don¡¯t cook much. This was something my brother and I used to make for our parents. We called them apology breakfasts.¡±


    Diwana looked at him, just to find his eyes waiting for her to gaze at him.


    ¡°And what are you apologizing for Big Wuff Wuff, hmmm?¡± Katya said, tilting her head. ¡°And why?¡±


    ¡°Well, today it¡¯s more of an appreciation breakfast, but whatever I¡¯d need to apologize for, I hope it¡¯s forgiven,¡± was his honest answer, which included a shy smile.


    ¡°Oh¡­ okay! My best friend Wuf Wuf and I forgive you,¡± Katya smiled wide and innocently, biting on a bacon strip. ¡°I hope you have more apologies to give soon,¡± she added, not even looking out of her te anymore while taking a spoonful of cheese-filled omelette and making all the othersugh.


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