Mika's Pack - 7. Storia

Chapter 7

"An omega? Are you sure?" Lovel demanded, his heart pounding. Luca nodded, pulling out a white handkerchief and wiping his mouth.

"What's an omega?" Lou asked, brow furrowed in confusion.

"The omegas are very special wolves born once every few decades to an alpha couple. They often possess an…ability of sorts, for lack of a better word, like healing or empathy. They enhance a pack's strength, and because of that, they're essential to packs," Luca explained, tucking a stray hair behind his ear.

"Oh, so…they're like a booster card, right? They give that little extra push." Lou deduced, settling back against the chair.

"I…suppose. Yes, that's one way of putting it. Omegas are very rare and, once they're found, they need to be claimed quickly or they risk being taken by another alpha," he continued, watching the emotions fluttering across Lovel's face. "It wasn't until around two-hundred and ninety-six years ago that shifter laws regarding omegas were put into place because of an omega being killed by two raging alphas."

"How come we couldn't smell it? Omegas have that distinct scent," Travis asked, raking his hand through his hair in frustration.

"Omegas don't fully come into their power until after they've found their mates," Luca explained. "In which case, on the next full moon, they'll be forced into a heat. Their mates will need to claim them."

"What happens to him if he's not claimed in time?" Lovel asked, staring Luca in the eye.

Luca remained silent then looked away, his eyes dropping to the table. "If another alpha doesn't claim him by then…he'll die."

Lovel snarled, smashing his fist against the table. There was a loud snap and they watched as a crack stretched along the table.

"The full moon is in five days," Travis whispered, face stricken with anguish. "How the hell are we going to find them in five days?"

"We have a new lead now. Those demons aren't normal and someone will know who they worked for."

"Why didn't Mika tell me he was an omega?" Lovel asked, slightly hurt that his mate didn't trust him with that information. He loved him for fuck's sake! His eyes widened and his heart began to pound at the realization. He loved him. He was in love with Mika. His tesoro. Somehow, over the last two weeks, he had fallen in love with the adorable blue-eyed wolf. And he hadn't even told him.

"I ordered him not to," Luca told him. "You're aware of how Mika came into my care aren't you?"

"Yes, his parents were murdered by other wolves."

"Correct, however…"

--

Luca's eyes snapped open as a pained howl tore through the room. His shadows wrapped around him and the room shifted until he found himself outside in an open field. Blood scented the air and a low hiss escaped him as he hurried across the field. He came to a startling stop at the sight that met him. A large, black wolf pinned Alec's son to the ground, its teeth sunk into the small boy's shoulder. His fangs burst from his gums and he took a step forward. "You should never play in the woods after night," he said. His tone was soft, but it was enough to still catch the wolf's attention. Red eyes locked on him as he stepped out of the darkness into the moonlight. "You never know what's lurking in the shadows."

The wolf released his grip on the unconscious child and stepped towards him. He watched the strange wolf for a moment before his eyes strayed to Mika. The wolf took the chance to lunge at him. The vampire’s shadows shot out, wrapping around the wolf and flinging him against a tree. The wolf laid there unconscious. Luca walked over to the bleeding pup, gently easing him onto his side. He lifted the shirt away from Mika's shoulder and found that the bite mark looked a lot worse than it actually was. The bleeding had already begun to stop. The boy would be fully healed in perhaps three or four day’s time, at the most. He brushed a stray lock out of Mika's face before pulling him into his arms. Just as he was about to the stand up, the wolf roused and attacked again. This time, it latched onto Luca's arm. The vampire hissed, but he didn't release his hold on Mika.

Fortunately, a bloodied, silver wolf rushed into the area and attacked the black wolf, freeing the trapped vampire. Luca's shadows curled around him as he turned to face the snarling wolves. He moved towards Alec's side to face the black wolf. The creature watched the two of them warily, as if weighing his chances of two against one, and then it turned and ran off. The moment that he was out of sight, the silver wolf collapsed, shifting back to his human form as he fell to the ground.

"Alec," Luca breathed softly, staring mournfully at the bleeding wolf beside him. His shadow tendrils pushed the wolf up until he was leaning partially on him.

"Luce…they…they killed her. Cassandra, she's gone and…" He trailed off as he was hit with a coughing fit, blood leaking from the side of his mouth. "I'm not far off from death, too, but…" He weakly raised a hand, placing it on Mika's head. “Luce, he's…he's an omega. That's why they were here. Someone…told them, Luce..."

"My friend, you must not talk. Your wounds are great," Luca replied softly, red tears filling his eyes.

"Luce, promise me…promise me that you'll protect him," Alec pleaded, his midnight orbs boring into the vampire’s.

"I will."

Alec sighed, his eyes slipping closed as he finally let go. "Thank you…" he said with his last breath.

Crimson tears flowed from Luca's eyes, staining Alec's cheeks. He sat there for a moment before he heard a twig snap. He turned and found a red wolf breaking through the tree line. When the wolf spotted them, he ran over to them, shifting into human form once he was near.

"Luce…." A deep, growling voice called. "Shit, Luce…no…" the red wolf hissed, kneeling next to the vampire.

"Faelan…I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice full of pain. "I couldn't save them."

"It's alright, Luce…you saved the pup," the wolf replied, running his hand up and down the grieving vampire's back. "Go take care of the pup. I'll take care of Alec. Just go."

Luca nodded and he moved away, allowing the red wolf to take Alec's body. He gave the two wolves one last look before the shadows surrounded him.

--

"That is why I forbid Mika to tell you at the time. That black wolf is still out there. We never figured out who he was or how he came into the knowledge of Mika's heritage." Luca paused, letting them absorb the information. "He was supposed to tell you before you mated."

"I…understand. You did it for his protection," Lovel said. His mate's protection came before his own feelings on the matter. Now that he knew the wolf that killed his mate's parents was still out there, it stirred his wolf. After he tore apart whoever kidnapped his mate, he'd like nothing more than to track down that wolf and rip out his throat.

"Uh…I hate to be a bother and all but…" Lou began, breaking the silence that enveloped the room. "The sun’s kind of coming up and not all of us are ancient vampires, so, I'd really like to not fry like a piece of bacon."

"We'll never make it back to the city before the sun is fully up." Luca let out a small curse, having forgotten about Lou. "You'll have to sleep with me."

"Why Boss, I had no idea you felt that way." Lou waggled his eyebrows at the vampire.

Travis had to stop a snort. Despite the situation they were in, the vampire was kind of funny. Kind of. Not that he'd ever admit that out loud.

"You'll be one of the only five vampires I've ever allowed into my shadows. It's not the same as sleeping in a well-sealed room or a coffin," Luca told him as shadows began to curl around their feet.

"Wait, you've actually slept in a coffin?" Was the last thing they heard before the two vampires were completely wrapped in darkness.

"We should get some rest too. I'll call the other alphas in the morning to let them know what's going on, and then we'll plan from there." Lovel stated, pushing away from the table.

Travis watched him go before slumping against Mikael, leaning his head on his shoulder." And you said not to worry…" he muttered bitterly. Mikael reached up a hand, threading it through his cousin's dark hair and pulling him closer.

--

When Lovel woke up the next day, he had immediately reached over to the side where Mika slept. He frowned when his hand met nothing but cold air. His eyes snapped open when the memories from last night assaulted him; the vampire, Mika, the kidnappings. His wolf howled mournfully for its missing mate. He was brought out of his thoughts by a knock on the door.

"Come in." His mother entered, carrying a glass of water. She set the glass on the table beside the bed, sitting down next Lovel. Her soft hands curled into tiny fists on his shoulders. She leaned her head against his arms as trembles racked her small body. "Mamma…don't cry," he said, softly reaching and wiping the tears from her beautiful honey-colored eyes.

"Bambino, you must promise me…you must get them back. Our little Mika and Chance, they are not meant to be out there alone…I nostri ragazzi preziosi." (Our precious boys.) Lovel nodded, and his mother pulled him into a hug. "I let the rest of the pack know earlier, and the other Alphas are on their way."

"Thank you, Mamma," Lovel replied, pressing a kiss to her temple. "I will get ready to meet them." She nodded before standing up to leave the room. She paused at the door to look back at him before shaking her head and leaving. He sat there for another moment before standing up and stretching. He slipped on a new pair of jeans and t-shirt, forgoing the shower until later. He was more concerned about Mika than his personal hygiene at the moment. He ran his hand over the spot Mika should have been one more time before leaving the room.

He made it to the foyer just as the door was opened and the other three alphas walked in. Soren was the first to notice him; he walked over, placing his hand on Lovel's shoulder. His cinnamon eyes were filled with sorrow. "I'm so sorry."

Lovel nodded, stepping away from the Alpha once his hand fell. Remus and Maverick also approached, both giving him their concern. "Come we'll discuss what happened in my office," he began as he led the trio away. He gestured towards Travis and Mikael to follow them when he spotted the two of them hanging out near the Den, waiting to approach. "Where's Marcus?" he asked once they were behind the closed doors.

"What? You mean you haven't gotten in contact with him?" Soren asked, confused, as he took a seat on a small couch.

"No, I haven't seen him since…shit I can't even remember when," Lovel responded, sitting behind his desk. "Has anyone seen him?"

"No," Remus said, his brows furrowing. "You don't think—?"

"That he's been taken, too? I don't know, but maybe we should check on him."

Remus nodded, sitting in the seat across from Lovel's desk. "Would your Beta be able to go?" he questioned, turning his attention to Lovel, who nodded. "What happened last night?"

"We had gone to Tuesday's for dinner and, as we were leaving, we were ambushed by Brimstone demons." Lovel's eyes began shifting. "There were four of them. They wanted Mika."

"Brimstone demons? What would they be doing in the city?"

"Someone hired them. Clearly, the same someone who's been kidnapping the shifters," Soren concluded, for once not mocking Maverick. "Whoever we're dealing with has to be psychotic in order to willingly bring those things into the city."

"Liam and I, we managed to make an opening for them to run and they were supposed to go to Marcus's bar but…"

"But they never made it," Luca finished, causing Maverick to jump at the sight of shadow tendrils curling around the door as the vampire stepped through.

"What the hell?" he demanded stepping back. "Who the fuck is this?"

"That is the famed Master Luca," Lovel announced.

"Charmed," Luca said dryly as he and Lou fully stepped into view. Lou eyes were wide and he stared around the room, moving slightly behind Luca.

"Vampires." Maverick growled taking a step forward. Luca’s gaze locked on Maverick eyes, glowing blue as he stepped towards the wolf.

"I have neither the time nor the patience to deal with you. Here's what's going to happen. You're going to sit down, shut up, and listen to what I have to say because my ward is missing, and I'll be damned to an eternity in hell before I let some stupid vampire-shifter prejudice stop me from finding him," Luca hissed, not stopping until Maverick had collapsed back against the seat, staring at the vampire with wide eyes.

"Damn, Boss," Lou said with a small snicker. "Say, I don't suppose I could get a ride into the city? I need to go check in with my coven and then…I have a lead to follow," he replied reluctantly with a small shudder. Fucking incubus. At this rate, it looked like that was what exactly he was going to do. "I mean, since my car is kind of totaled."

"I was wondering about that," Soren mused as he eyed the vampire with interest.

Lou sent him a leer and was surprised when Soren leered right back. He tried to ignore the glare that Maverick was giving him, though.

"I'll buy you a new car later," Luca promised, taking the seat across from Remus, his legs crossed.

Lou grinned, turning towards Luca, and bouncing on his heels in excitement. "Can it be a Ferrari? I've always wanted one of those."

"Would your Beta mind taking him, since they're heading into the city anyway?" Luca asked Lovel. Lovel turned towards his Beta just in time to see him give an exasperated sigh, though he nodded.

Travis stood up to fulfill the request, with Mikael following him.

"Later, Boss," Lou said as he sent a wave of departure over his shoulder. "If I end up missing, the incubus did it."

"Incubus?" Remus said turning to him in question.

"A possible lead. However, it is Lou's business for now," Luca replied, closing the subject. "As I had previously stated, the two of them never made it. Mika contacted me as he was being taken. When I arrived, they were gone, and the only trace was a slight scent of blood that belonged to the blond."

"How'd he contact you if they were being taken?" Maverick asked, still suspicious.

"I have a mental connection with Mika," he said simply. "Whoever's taken them has put them in a magical dead zone. I can't even feel him anymore."

"What happened after you got there?"

"I could hear them fighting, and I smelled the toxin, so I intervened and killed off two of the demons. Lovel had already killed one of them. I had planned to interrogate the last one, but he was killed when we were chased through the city. We made it here in time to save his brother, who is now recovering." Lovel nodded, confirming the vampire's story.

"Why would anyone deliberately go after your mate?" Maverick asked. "Do you think this means all the other abductions were planned too?"

Lovel shot Luca a look, his eyes asking if he was allowed to speak of such information. The vampire eyed the occupants of the room and then nodded for him to go on. "Mika is an omega."

The three alphas let out curses.

"Shit! I knew that name sounded familiar. Alec Bash and Cassandra Yavanti. They were murdered fourteen years ago and their son went missing," Maverick stated, his eyes wide. "They were supposed to have been in hiding."

"Yes, we could only assume that they were betrayed," Remus added, his eyes narrowing on Luca. "How did you know them?"

"I had lived with Cassandra's pack for two centuries. Her great, great, grandmother and I had been close. She invited me to live with the pack, and after she passed away, I watched over her daughter and her daughter’s daughter and so forth," Luca answered, remembering the first time he had seen the beautiful wolf after she was born. "Mika is the last of their line.”

"How was it that you managed to become that close to a shifter family after the war?"

"Do you even know the origins of that war?" Luca asked with a small snort. "If anyone besides myself actually remembered the true reason, this hostility between our races would already be over."

"What do you mean?" Remus asked, leaning forward, and causing Luca to sigh. "The war started when a coven wiped out one of our packs."

"Wrong. The war started because of a vampire-boy named Christian Kovik and a shifter-girl named Liliel Wildfire were found to be mates. Of course, their families refused to believe such a thing and promptly forbid the two from seeing each other. As a result, the teenagers ran away together. They were young, and hunters were still around at the time. The vampire was found staked three weeks later. The girl, of course, went insane due to the abrupt cutting of their connection." Luca paused watching their reactions before continuing. "She stumbled across a small vampire family where she managed to kill the sleeping Masters before she was granted a merciful death. From there, the shifters blamed the vampires and vice versa."

"How did that start an all-out war between our races? Wouldn't that have been confined to the two families?" Lovel asked, a frown marring his face.

Something dark flashed within Luca’s eyes as he answered. "The two Masters that she killed…they were very important figures in the vampiric world. Their deaths rocked the foundation to the core, leaving the vampires in disarray until the council was formed. By then, the Kovik pack had been attacked and the shifters retaliated. Eventually, we were forced to call a truce. The vampire race was represented by the prince and the shifters were represented by their council." Luca smiled bitterly at the memory. "That was almost five-hundred years ago. If anyone had bothered to listen, they would have known that the hunters were at fault."

"I didn't know that vampires and shifters could mate," Soren said a thoughtful look on his face. "I've never even heard of it."

"Back before shifters were shifters and vampires were night-dwellers, there were plenty of matings between the two, but they slowed down and nearly died out after the war," Luca continued. "Kovik and Wildfire were the last documented case; however, I'm sure there are more."

"What do you mean by ‘before shifters were shifters’? What does that mean?"

"Oh, that's right. You wouldn't know, would you? Before shifters were shifters, they were men and women who, once a month, went crazy during a full moon. Each generation gained more and more control of the beast lurking inside. Your ability to shift wasn't something that the first wolves were born with, but rather gained. Your race had to adapt to become what you are," Luca explained to the frowning wolf. "The same with vampires. However, while you evolved, they devolved."

"How the hell do you know all this?" Maverick asked.

Luca smiled, a small lifting of the corners of his mouth, fangs peeking out. "I'm very old."

--

"Thanks for the ride. God, you wouldn't believe the shit I'm going to get into for going home so late," Lou said as he slid into the backseat.

"Aren't you an adult?" Travis asked, raising an eyebrow at the vampire.

"Physically and mentally, yeah, but I'm just a Childe vampire. So, we have a lot stricter rules to live by than purebreds," Lou told him as he pulled his hair free of the low pony tail.

"Child?" Mikael asked, watching the vampire from the mirror.

"No, no Childe with a silent E. It means that I was turned from a human into a vampire," he explained, running his hand through the dark blue strands. "Because of that, I'm still seen as a ‘child’ to other vampires until I'm One-hundred and eighty years old, so about thirty more years for me."

"I'll never understand vampires," Mikael said shaking his head. "Aren't you all the same?"

"Nah, see…there are different types of vampires. We got my type, the Childe vampires, who don't have fated mates like other vampires. The purebreds, who are the ones that were born vampires. The Elders, vamps who are a higher form of purebred vamps. These guys are like five-hundred…and then we got the Boss. He's like the stuff of legend to vampires," he replied gleefully. If the car would have allowed it, he was sure he'd be bouncing up and down. "A vampire is considered ancient after eight-hundred years."

"Aren't you guys immortal?"

"Theoretically, sure. But, you have to take into account a lot of things. It's hard to live in a constantly changing world without being discovered. And living alone after a while, you start to go just a little bit crazy. That's why most of us live in covens, to keep each other sane." He paused for a moment, thinking. "Also…there’s boredom."

"Boredom?" Travis asked incredulously. "You guys literally die of boredom?"

"Yeah well, eventually, everything becomes dull, so they decide to end their lives. The council helps with the process once they're sure it's what the vampire really wants and that's the end of it," he explained.

"Council?"

"The entire thing is really official." The vampire didn't understand the looks of disbelief on the wolves' faces. "They have documents for everything. It's mostly run by the half-breeds, since most of them can move around in the daylight. Don't you guys have something like that?"

"No, we have our Alpha, who provides and cares for the pack. Betas, who protect the Alpha; Omegas who, while rare, bring the pack closer and then Beta-Alphas, who make up the rest of the pack.”

Lou gave him a thoughtful look before shrugging and settling back. "We have something like a Beta. We call them Enforcers. Big vampires, y'know, they watch the coven if the Master leaves. One goes with the Master and the other stays to babysit the coven." He rolled his eyes, thinking of Lafayette. The vampire would probably rip him a new one. But better him than Adrian. God, he nearly shuddered thinking of his Childe-brother, their coven's second Enforcer. He'd probably have him locked up if he could.

"Vampires are…strange," Mikael said after a pause.

Lou grinned and wiggled his eyebrows at the broody wolf. "But we're great in bed." He laughed when Mikael flushed. "Hey, if you were to ever decide to test that theory, I wouldn't mind giving the big bad wolf a ride." He laughed again when the flush darkened and the wolf seemed to shrink into himself. Travis rolled his eyes deciding to save his cousin from further embarrassment.

"Why aren't you more hostile towards shifters?" he asked, causing Lou to stop his laughter.

"Hmm, well besides the fact that I was born way after the war, I didn't come into this with a biased opinion. You guys don't seem so bad. Besides, the Boss seems to like you, and that’s good enough for me. Let me out here," he instructed as they came across the alley where he and Luca had first met. "Thanks again," he called over his shoulder as he climbed out the car.

"Wait, one more question." Lou turned back to look at the wolf questioningly. "Why are you helping us?"

Lou grinned. "The Boss wants me to. And I don't know why, and I'm not too concerned why, but I feel like I have to do whatever I can to help him. And, if that means helping you, well…" He shrugged, and then turned away. "I'll do it."

--

Lou broke into a light jog until he came to his coven's entrance. When he entered the house, he was surprised to find the house darkened. Hopefully that meant that no one had woken up and he could slip in, dress, and then leave a note before heading out to Seduction. He passed the living room, the hair on the back of his neck suddenly standing up. He turned to find two red glowing orbs watching him from the dark.

"Holy Fuc-" He was cut off as he was suddenly tackled to the ground. His head slammed into the marble floor and he was sure that, had he been human, he would have certainly had a concussion. The red eyes glaring down at him made the vampire shudder. He was suddenly very afraid. He heard a door slam open and the thumping of feet before the light flicked on, causing him to wince as his eyes were forced to adjust. "Adrian!?" He yelled once he had a chance to look at who had pinned him down. "What the fuck?"

"What the hell?" Lafayette cried, walking up to the pair. "Adrian? Louis?" Lafayette gave them both a glare. It was clear that the vampire had still been sleeping when he had come running. He was dressed in nothing but a pair of cotton thing PJ bottoms.

Lou couldn't stop his eyes from wandering over the vampire's form. Lafayette didn't even try to stop the grin that slipped onto his lips when Lou eyed the bulge.

Adrian hissed and yanked the younger vampire up, drawing his attention away from Lafayette's body.

"Hey! Shit, what's the problem?"

"The problem...what's the problem? The problem is that you didn't return home this morning. You didn't call. You didn't let anyone know what the hell you were doing, or who the fuck you were with!" the vampire snapped.

"Adrian…let him go, and we'll take this to the office so that we won't wake anyone else up." Lafayette suggested, placing his hand on the enraged vampire's shoulder. Adrian eyed Lafayette for a moment before releasing Lou, pushing the childe-vampire down the hall.

With a growl, the blue-haired vampire stomped down the hall into the office. He slipped inside, leaning against the wall as the two older vampires entered. Lafayette took the seat behind the desk while Adrian stood, glaring at him.

"Sit." Lafayette commanded the Childe vampire. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, he walked over to the couch, taking a seat. "First, you're going to tell me where you've been."

"I was at work! I swear, we got into a…situation, and there was no way I could call because the sun was too close to coming up." The vampire hurried to explain when Lafayette had narrowed his eyes on him.

"Then, why do you smell like shifters?" Adrian hissed taking a step towards him.

"It's complicated, but my new boss hangs around them from time to time." The answer did nothing to help the already furious vampire. "I can't exactly say what it is that my new boss has me doing, but it's nothing dangerous or illegal." At least, he didn't think it was. And the other night so didn't count. They had been helping other people. "It's not like you can stop me from going out," he told his childe-brother smugly.

"The hell I can't," Adrian hissed taking another step.

"He's right. He technically hasn't done anything wrong besides breaking curfew." The smug look on Lou’s face grew, only to be maliciously wiped away by Lafayette’s next words. "He can still be punished for that." The grin that Adrian gave him made the Childe vampire want to run. "Since he's your responsibility, I'll let you handle it." Lafayette decreed before standing up and leaving the room.

"Wait, wait!" Lou called out as the door was closed, leaving him in the room with Adrian. He swallowed heavily, turning back to the fuming vampire.

"I have the perfect punishment for you," Adrian purred, closing the distance between the two. The next second, Lou found himself across his brother's lap. He was too shocked to do anything until the older vampire started pulling his pants down.

"Hey, hey! What the fuck are you doing?" he hissed, trying to wiggle away from Adrian.

"Since you continue to act like a child, then I see I will have to punish you like one," he said as he finally got Lou's pants down, revealing the creamy pale bottom.

"You are not about to—FUCK!" he yelled when Adrian smacked one of his cheeks, leaving a large red handprint. "You fucking hi—OW! Stop that! This isn't funny."

"Next time" —whack— "you will" —whack— "think before" —whack— "you decide to" —whack— "be reckless." Adrian emphasized, ending the punishment with three more hard whacks.

Crimson tears leaked out of the side of the young vampire's eyes, his fangs had pierced his bottom lip in an attempt not to cry out. Adrian sighed and rubbed his hand over each cheek until the redness receded. He pulled up Lou’s pants and then sat the vampire up-right in his lap, tucking Lou's head under his chin. "I'm sorry, but you have to understand that your safety matters to me. Do you actually think I like doing this to you? No, I love you. You're my brother, but I won't tolerate certain things…especially other men." he said, running his fingers through Lou's hair. "Now, I want you to go to your room. Shower, change, and we'll have dinner, 'kay?" When Lou didn't answer, he gripped the blue strands tightly, causing him to wince.

"Okay," Lou said through gritted teeth. Adrian smiled and released the Childe vampire, standing once he was sure that Lou could stand. He gave the vampire a little push to get him moving, leading him to his room. "When you're done, wait for me in the foyer."

Lou nodded and entered his room, wiping the crimson tears. There was no fucking way he was waiting around for Adrian. He hurried and stripped, entering the shower to do a quick cleaning. Once he was finished, he stepped out, drying his hair as he moved around the room to pick out a new change of clothes. Once he was dressed, he grabbed his wallet and hurried out the door. Just as he was leaving the room, he crashed into someone, knocking him to the floor. He hid the wince when his arse made contact with the hard marble.

"Ah, shit Lou, sorry."

Lou looked up into baby blue eyes and grinned. "No problem, Erik. I don't suppose you're going out?"

Erik blinked, helping the vampire up. "Eh…actually, yeah. Why?"

"I need a ride. See, my car's kinda…totaled," Lou said with a sheepish grin.

Erik scratched his head, looking up and down the hallway. "I don't know…your brother was pretty pissed off yesterday when you didn't come home. Are you even allowed to go out?"

"Yup, we got something worked out," Lou replied, not missing a beat, and giving him a smile.

"Alright…where do you need to go?" he asked, looking uncertain.

"Seduction."

--

Travis parked once they had pulled up to Marcus's house. He stepped out of the car, looking around, and scenting the air. He frowned when he found that the scents were at least a week and a half old. He nodded at Mikael, and they slowly crept up to a dark house. Once they made it to the front porch, he knocked on the door, his frown deepening when the door creaked open by itself.

"This isn't right," Mikael whispered, and Travis nodded in agreement. "Spilt up?"

"Yes, but be careful."

Mikael nodded and pushed the door fully open, stepping inside the house. The two wolves checked every room of the house, finding nothing. The only place left to investigate was the basement. Together, they walked down the darkened stairs; Mikael pushed the door open with his foot. They were assaulted by the smell of rotting flesh. Travis covered his nose with his shirt, his hand feeling against the wall for a light switch. When he found it, he flicked it on, his eyes going wide at the scene before them.

"Oh god." Was the only thing he managed to get out before he puked. A wolf was hanging from the wall, half his face missing and his guts sitting in a pile before him. Around his neck were a silver collar and a chain that had burned through his flesh, leaving oozing, gaping wounds that were deep enough that they could see the bone.

Mikael grabbed his cousin and pulled him up the stairs, leaving the gruesome sight. Once they were outside, he sat his cousin down and pulled out his phone, dialing Lovel.

"Yes?"

"Alpha, we have a situation here."