The Darkness crept in all around them, feeling so alive like it had a presence, even a soul. Completely extinguising every trace of light in the house beside the small glimmer of light that came from the lamp nearby.
"What's the meaning of this?!!" Alpha Caden snarled, as he rose up from his seat, trying to assert his authority.
But the next second he fell back into his seat, clutching his throat, as he chocked for air. The air around him seemed to become thin making it hard for him to breath.
Councilman Edger's eyes widened, his face turning to panic, the arrogant look in his eyes quickly dispersing.
"Stop this," he ordered, still feeling like he could give the two pour blood vampires in front of him commands.
Lucas's gaze fell back on councilman Edger, and Alpha Caden could finally breathe, though his face was washed in terror, threads of sweat trailing down his temples as he took in sharp gasps of breath.
"What did you call my wife, Mr Edgar?" Lucas gaze was sharp, piercing through the old man.
Council man Edgar swallowed, sinking back into his seat like a rat.
"I–I'm sor-ry," he managed to choke out an apology with trembling lips, fearfull that the Vampire would take his life if he spurted one more stupid sentence.
At the end of the day Councilman Edger was nothing more than a craven fool, but still a fool who knew when to shut up.
Lucas gaze still remained intense even as he stood up.
"This will be the last time you ever summon us. If you have anything to discuss with us from now on, send a letter to our resident." he said, checking the time on his write watch.
"We've also run short on house attendant due to an accident. Send someone over tomorrow."
The politeness in his tone had long vanished, now he was simply speaking to them like they were nothing but common servants.
All this while, Ian remained impassive, an uninterested look on his face. He simply wished to be gone from this house that reeked of wet dogs. He pinched his nose in disgust and simply stood up.
But before he left, a thought suddenly crossed his mind, and he turned back to the two men.
"I would like to see the item again tomorrow. For authenticity check," Ian said, passing a glance at the still terrified Alpha Caden.
"But we already showed your family. And they verified it authenticity, or else you wouldn't be here. Why must we show it again?" Councilman Edger queried
"I wasn't present at the time." Ian simply replied. "I don't see anything wrong in requesting to see the item my family was promised or do you plan on going against our agreement?" Ian asked, his gaze narrowed on the man.
Alpha Caden quickly shook his head, waving both his hands in front of him.
"No no, if course not. What Councilman Edger was trying to say is that–"
"Enough talk already. I'm expecting one of you with the item tomorrow at noon," Ian said.
Without waiting for either of their response, he proceeded to leave the reeking house to join Lucas who was already standing outside, waiting for him.
"What held you back. I thought you were dying to leave that house the moment we walked in?" Lucas questioned, as they both settled into the car and the driver roared the engine to life.
"It was nothing serious, just wanted to make sure our future asset was in place," Ian replied, calmly.
Lucas gave a subtle nod, without throwing any further questions at his brother. He himself was already getting impatient to see his wife.
Ian couldn't tell what it was yet, but he was highly suspicious of Alpha Caden and the so called councilman. They were hiding some facts about the rogue attacks.
Though his family had accepted the terms Blood moon pack offered.
Their assistance against a pack of rogues for a valuable ancient relic in return.
Ian wasn't satisfied with the little details he had about this pack. But since his father had given the order himself, He couldn't refuse. This was the first time, his family was stooping this low to serve mere wolves.
He wasn't here to uncover the mysteries of Blood Moon pack, but he would be sure to uncover Alpha Caden secrets.
....
The morning came rather quickly. Camelia had barely gotten any sleep the previous night, with thoughts of the brand on her back, the vampire and how she was healed running rampant in her head.
As the sun arose from it's arison, she also followed suit, leaving her room and heading down to greet her mother who was already awake trying to prepare breakfast in their small kitchen.
The smell of freshly baked bread hit her nose as she entered the kitchen.
Noticing her daughter's presence, Mrs Bishops turned mood brightened a subtle smile gracing her face.
"You're awake," she voiced. "I was just about to come wake you up."
Camelia moved forward to hug her briefly from behind, before taking a seat to pour herself a glass of. She reached for the juice box and emptied the content into a glass, barely reaching half.
"We need to shop for groceries," Camelia commented as she shook the empty juice box before tossing it into the trashcan.
Mrs Bishops nodded as she took a seat beside Camelia.
"I know, but we barely have enough money left from last months wages, and Alpha Caden has refused to pay the monthly compensation," she said, forehead furrowing in worry. "As it stands, we only have enough money to afford food for only a week."
"Just a week?!" Camelia exclaimed, voice filled with worry.
Mrs Bishops nodded.
Camelia had no idea that their situation had gotten this bad. She also had no idea that Alpha Caden had cut of their monthly compensation. What were they supposed to survive on. Majority of the back had turned their back from them. No one would offer them any proper job.
Mrs Bishops eyes lit up as they fell on the basket of bread on the table.
"The kind baker gave me some bread this morning. Eat up and ease your worry, your mother will take care of everything," she tried reassuring Camelia with a bright smile.
Camelia nodded trying to act calm, but deep down she was troubled. She would have to find more odd jobs within the pack if she and her mother were to survive.
But she was doubtful, anyone would offer her any work at all.