Seba sat back against the pile of silken pillows, his eyes watching as the sun began to rise. He had been awake all night, which would normally be no cause for concern as far as vampires went, but for him...

A faint whine drew his attention to the space just beyond the left side of the bed. He'd had Ruoka curl up there to sleep for the evening, just as he did back at their home. The pup's furry ears and bright, worried eyes were an unwelcome, but unsurprising, sight. 

"I will be fine, Ruoka."

Even as he said those words, he could feel fatigue in his muscles as he slowly made his way to the edge of the bed. His pup sat at his feet as he stood, whining one more time in the hopes that he would reconsider getting up until he rested more. 

"Hush, I am perfectly capable of functioning with little sleep. I am not who I once was," he said, a bit of bite to his words because, honestly, he was still exactly who he once was. 

Being changed into a vampire was a well known cure-all for most human illnesses. Even the worst ailments, and yet... not his. It had stopped his immanent death, but for what? He could barely handle the sun, unlike most older vampires. He needed to sleep at least eight hours a night or risk having extreme fatigue, among other issues. And the worst of it... his cancer had not even been healed with the change. His body couldn't process the blood he so desperately needed to function as a vampire, which forced him to feed three to four times more often than even a newborn would. 

Looking down at the wolf by his side, Seba closed his eyes for a brief moment and settled a hand on Ruoka's head. 

"I apologize," he said quietly before forcing himself to stand. 

His body ached terribly, but he could not simply sit around all day. When he opened his eyes again, intent on getting dressed for whatever his master surely had in store for him, he noticed Ruoka sitting right in front of him, his ears slightly back and his eyes wide with worry. 

He needed to feed again, and he knew that the pup could sense it. It knew him far too well, however...

"It's too early for you to feed me again. I will borrow another one of my master's servants," he said before walking around the werewolf and getting dressed. He decided to go with something simple, as he did not wish for assistance while dressing, and if he needed to rest during the day. A simple white silk shirt and black trousers would be easy enough to sleep in without being too uncomfortable. 

"Ready to see what torture my master has in store for us?" he asked as he finished fastening the belt at his waist, then lead his pup from the room. 

It followed him eagerly, of course, though perhaps it followed without much of a care because it knew that whatever Pretennon had planned, it was directed toward Seba, and not his wolf. 

Or, that was what he had thought until he stepped into the drawing room downstairs and noticed a familiar medium black wolf sitting at his master's side, partaking in quite an impeccable ear scratch, if its lolling tongue and closed eyes were any indication. 

"Good morning, Sebastian," his master said, then hesitated when he looked him up and down. 

He knew that he looked well enough as far as dress, but there was no way he could hide his exhaustion from the man, so he didn't bother trying. Before Preto could speak again, however, the wolf at his side opened its eyes and gave its head a quick shake, then looked up at Seba, then down to Ruoka. 

His pup shied away, settling slightly behind him instead of at his side, but that was understandable, so he didn't bother him about it. 

Instead, Seba found himself a seat a short distance away, making sure to keep an eye on the wolf at all times. Ruoka settled on the floor beside him, resting his head on his paws. It was clear he was trying to keep himself calm, but his hackles were raised partway and he was extremely tense. 

"Kandza came by to show you two around, since you haven't been back here in so long," Preto said, making Seba turn his attention back to the wolf who was now looking at them with a slight head tilt. 

He didn't want to walk around outside as it were, but to do so with a werewolf for a guide? 

Seba wanted to refuse, but the look on his master's face made him bite his tongue. They were in a new place. One that allowed werewolves to be part of society. He needed to try and get used to it. 

"Alright, please take care of us today, then," he said, trying to keep his voice from cracking with exhaustion. 

Ruoka looked up as he finished speaking, making him nervous as to whether his effort had been in vein. 

"I suppose we can head out now, if you'd like?" he said, addressing the wolf still sitting at his master's side. 

It stood, looking as if it were ready to go, but then hesitated and turned back to press its nose into Preto's hand. 

"I swear I already pet you quite a bit today," Pretennon said, even as he reached forward to run his fingers through the wolf's thick fur. 

He might have taken a few extra minutes to dote on the doe-eyed creature, but neither of them seemed to mind... in the least. 

So odd. 

He heard a chuckle in the back of his mind, but thankfully his master didn't respond in any other way through his thoughts. Instead, he finally leaned away after one more little ear scratch, then stood up and walked them to the door. 

As he held it open, he grabbed Seba's hand and tugged him closer so that he could lean toward his right ear 

"Do not fret about needing time to rest. Kandza won't hurt you, and he won't let anyone else try to, either." 

The reassurance had him glancing toward the wolf, who had already made his way down the front steps. It looked back up at them at that moment, making him realize that it had likely heard his master's words without issue. 

Suddenly frustrated that a possible enemy knew part of his weakness, Seba removed his master's hand from his own and stepped out the door into the uncomfortable morning sun. He'd thankfully thought ahead and worn clothing that covered most of his skin, but his face and neck were sure to get burned if they spent a whole lot of time outdoors. 

An excited yip drew his attention toward the street, where Kandza's wolf stood tall, waiting for him and Ruoka to begin following him. 

"It's just a simple walk. Surely we can manage," he said to himself, but also as reassurance to his pup as they started forward. 

Each step took effort, but soon he was able to push his exhaustion aside as Kandza took them across the street and began heading north under a scattered group of overhangs. They didn't block the sun out like an umbrella would, but they were definitely appreciated and allowed Seba to actually look around some as they began their little journey. 

He noticed, however, that as they moved from one street to the next, more and more eyes seemed to fall upon them. Of course, he knew that the beta from the Rain pack was guiding them, but the attention seemed to be split almost evenly between all three of them, from what he could tell. 

They were just turning into a beautiful park beside a large lake when he realized something as Ruoka, having gotten distracted by a small flock of geese frolicking about in the water nearby, stepped slightly ahead of him. 

"I forgot his leash." 

The realization made his heart falter for a moment, drawing a weak cough from his mouth before he managed to stifle the sounds with his sleeve. He shook his head the slightest amount, trying to push away the pathetic coughing fit, but he was unable to regain control until he settled against a tree a little ways off the path and forced himself to focus on his breathing. 

Thankfully, Ruoka settled in his lap as he calmed down, allowing his mind to ease its worry about him possibly trying to run off. Granted, he'd let the wolf free of its leash whenever they were home or working around the house outside, but he had never taken him out into town without it. 

Just the thought of losing his lifeline made him reach forward and wrap the pup in a tight hug, then burry his face in his fur as he slowly began to regain his breath. 

I should have remained in bed today instead of trying to pretend I'm as strong as all the other vampires. I had even gotten distracted and forgot to feed again before we left. 

He was just about to let Kandza know that they needed to head back, because he truly could not function for much longer without another meal, when he heard a familiar sound. Looking up, Seba's eyes widened as they watched Kandza's wolf carefully inch its way closer until it was about a foot away, then lie down. 

For once, the wolf didn't bother him, because it had brought his lifeline. 

"You ran back to the house... to get that for me?" 

He didn't know what else to say, so he slowly reached forward until he was able to grasp the cold metal chain between his fingers. Thankfully, the wolf relinquished it without hesitation, allowing him to withdraw it and quickly clasp one end to Ruoka's collar. 

As soon as that was done Seba gave a tired sigh of relief and looked back toward the wolf still lying nearby. 

"Thank you." 

He never thought he'd say such words to a werewolf besides Ruoka, and yet he found that they rolled off his tongue quite easily. 

The animal flicked an ear and nodded, then settled its head on its paws, clearly intent on waiting until he was ready to continue their little trip. 

At first, Seba intended to get up right away, but when Ruoka looked to the side abruptly, toward the water, Seba let his eyes drift that way. 

"Ah, the ducks? You like them?" he asked, tilting his head the slightest bit so that he could see his pup's response. 

When Ruoka glanced back at him for a brief moment and licked his muzzle, Seba couldn't help but smile. 

"Of course you would think about eating them. I swear you got fed quite a bit last night, and yet here you are staring down those poor ducks," he chastised half-heartedly. 

If him and Ruoka had anything in common, it was their appetite. He couldn't blame the pup, though, since he fed off of him quite often. It was only appropriate that he kept him well fed in return. 

"I'll get you something when we get home if you're hungry," he said as he finally felt well enough to try standing up again. 

He struggled at the beginning with his balance after his pup moved off his legs, but Ruoka was very helpful and allowed him to rest some of his weight on his back as he finished straightening to his full height. The wolf received a pat on its head as thanks before Seba wrapped a small amount of his leash around his hand, then nodded to their host. 

Kandza rose at that moment, stretching a bit before walking back over to the path they had begun to follow. Seba took his time getting there in case he got short of breath again, but the moment seemed to have passed. 

I just need to feed as soon as we get back. 

"Let us be off, then," he said with a small smile toward their guide. 

The wolf set out again, but this time his pace was much slower and he often checked to be sure that they were keeping up well enough. To his surprise, the stroll was actually quite nice, and while there were plenty of humans, vampires, and werewolves around, everyone was getting along well. 

"I never thought that such a thing could happen," he mused out loud as they exited the park and took a turn toward a large market. 

Oh no, I see that meat stand up ahead. 

He didn't need to look down at Ruoka to know that the pup would be eyeing up the food stall. A few wolf pups ran across their path as they tackled each other into the dirt, stopping them for a moment, but nothing seemed to distract his own furry companion from the thick slices of pork hanging just beyond his nose. 

Kandza guided them forward, clearly taking note of Ruoka's interest. 

I feel like my coin purse is about to get quite a bit lighter. 

"Oh?" the person behind the stand said as he saw their odd group walk up. 

He was a portly fellow, with a smile that, while missing a few teeth with the remaining ones quite yellow, beamed at them with an honest love for life. 

"Good evening, sirs, might I interest you in any of our fine meats today? We offer free samples if something strikes your fancy," he said, the last bit directed toward the two wolves who were practically drooling over the thick slabs of meat. 

When Ruoka looked back at him, silently asking if he could have something, Seba noticed Kandza sneak him a sheepish glance, too. Shaking his head, he blew out a quiet breath and stepped between the two. 

"I'd like to have them try a piece of your finest pork, please, and also whatever fish you might recommend."

He knew that Ruoka wasn't a huge fan of any kind of seafood, but the pup did eat whatever he was given... and he could use a bit more of a varied meat diet than just chunks of pork. 

The vendor quickly cut up two cubes of pork, as well as two small pieces of fresh salmon. Seba offered the salmon first, wanting to gauge Ruoka's reaction to it. His pup hesitated taking it right off the bat, and instead watched as Kandza gently took his own, then devoured it in less than a second. 

"See, that's how you should be, but you're too addicted to pork and beef jerky," he said, chastising his pup with a bit too much humor in his words to really mean it.

Rouka pinned his ears and sniffed the fish a little more, but when he continued to hesitate, Kandza leaned forward slowly, clearly intent on stealing the treat. That's when Ruoka quickly leaned closer and snapped up the tiny morsel. 

Seba could tell by the look on his face that he wasn't pleased with the flavor, but he did eventually swallow it and lick his lips a few times. Once that traumatic experience was over he gave the two their rewards, the pieces of pork. 

Kandza took his time savoring the meat, but Ruoka had it chewed up and swallowed immediately. 

I guess that settles that. 

Looking back up at the vendor, Seba pointed to the slab of pork the slices had come from, then to the fish. 

"I'll take five pounds of the pork and two pounds of the fish, please." 

The man behind the counter lit up with excitement as he hurried to get their order ready. While he was busy, Ruoka and Kandza both settled on the ground, and to his surprise, Ruoka actually let the other wolf steal a careful lick to his nose. 

Of course, Ruoka told him a thing or two about personal space afterward, but he didn't seem to really mind the little interaction. 

Maybe this place might not be so bad after all. 

He could handle himself against werewolves, but he'd been worried that Ruoka wouldn't have been able to adjust since he'd always been the target of any species he'd come across. It was a relief to see that he was actually quite relaxed. 

"Oh?" 

Hearing the vendor's mumble, Seba looked up, but was surprised to see that the man's attention wasn't on him, or even the wolves at his feet. He quickly followed his gaze, but his nose found what he was looking for, first. 

I smell fresh blood. 

It wasn't from the meat stall, though. A massive black wolf was quietly walking down the other side of the road, its size easily double that of even Kandza's. There was no doubt in his mind that the creature was likely an alpha from one of the three packs. 

The Ghost alpha? Pretennon had mentioned that it was a massive black wolf. 

He paused in his thoughts as the scent of blood hit him again, making his body ache with need for it. Thankfully, Ruoka noticed his unease and helped him settle on the ground. Trying to push away the thoughts of feeding, Seba focused on calming his mind and blocking out the scent that the giant wolf carried. 

His mind was just on the edge of his control when he noticed Ruoka quickly move in front of him and give off a terrified, but impressive, warning growl. 

That broke his concentration and drew his eyes upward until they came across the massive beast that had stopped just beyond his own shaking wolf pup. Poor Ruoka was dwarfed by its size, and even Kandza, who had gotten up to stand in front of him, but was not showing any kind of aggression, would not be a match should the creature decide that it wanted to harm them. 

Seba was just about to bare his own fangs in warning when he sensed his master nearby. 

"Alpha Rain, I do apologize if my heir has done anything to upset you," Pretennon said as he stepped up to their little group and reached down, offering him a hand. 

Oh? He's the Rain alpha, not the Ghost one? 

Seba took the proffered hand, grateful to have the man there. Once he was back on his feet, they returned their attention to the giant wolf. It didn't seem very interested in them, however, as it leaned forward and down, sniffing at a cowering, but still growling, Ruoka. Seba was just about to reach down and retrieve his poor pup when his master stepped in and knelt calmly in front of the large wolf. 

"It seems like you don't like his situation, but I can assure you that he is treated very well. Him and my heir just recently arrived in this city and neither of them are used to seeing friendly werewolves," he explained, finally drawing the creature's attention off of Ruoka. 

It stared at his master with dark brown eyes for quite some time before Pretennon finally stood up and smiled sideways at him. 

"I believe we will be having a guest this evening. Kandza, would you mind finishing your tour at another time?" he asked, making the other wolf flick an ear, then glance backwards at the meat  vendor. 

"O-oh, right. Seba quickly withdrew the coins he needed to pay for the meat, then took the two wrapped bundles he was offered. 

He was just turning back to his master when the bundle of salmon was abruptly taken.

"There's a slight fee to reschedule, it seems," Pretennon said, making Seba raise an eyebrow in question until he saw his master tear off a nice piece of fish and hold it out to Kandza. 

The wolf wiggled in excitement as it accepted the chunk of fish happily, then, to Seba's surprise, looped around him and settled by Pretennon's side, its chunk of fish proudly visible as it hung out the slightest amount from the left side of his mouth. 

(EditeD)