Zane's POV:

My father and I walked home after a long day of work. I was exhausted. Lady came in screaming in my ear about how the bank is scamming her and she wants an explanation. I just told her we'd look into it but, you best believe that she wasn't into that suggestion. My father, being in a very high position at his work, found my struggles amusing. Since I'm young he always finds a way to teach me a valuable lesson about banking and stuff like that. Let's just say I'm desperate to move out so I can not have these conversations anymore but, I'm still saving. O'Khasis being a pretty big city, has high pricing for homes. I can see why. It's truly beautiful here. Bright lights, colorful shops, and there's always someone new. I may be more of a darker guy but, I enjoy little things like that.

"Zane, one day, you'll see how important it is to see your client's view more important that your's," My father says as he finishes his whole speech. "Now, let's not complain in front of your mother. I'm sure she wouldn't be thrilled hearing about how terrible your day was when she's stressed about your older brother."

"Wasn't planning on it," I shrugged. "I'm already stressed about that. The situation today was like the cherry on top."

We walked up to our house which sat in the middle of the street. A lamp was being lit by our usual lighter, Robert. We waved to him as we walked in. We took placed down our things, expecting my Mother to greet us warmly but, she didn't. Not even Vylad popped his head over to see us. My father and I looked at each other. Confused, we walked further into the house. We gasped seeing mother sobbing with Vylad trying to comfort her by rubbing his hand on her back. I could tell he was struggling too since tears were like gallons on his cheeks.

"Anna, what's wrong?" My father asked rushing to her side. I walked over as well, standing behind Vylad, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Why is my beautiful sunflower crying?"

My mother didn't say anything but give him a letter that she must've read. My father took it and only read a couple lines before the letter fell from his grip. His eyes went wide and looked over to my mother and his youngest son. I saw tears start to brim his eyes as well and he started to sob while holding my mother in his arms. I looked down to Vylad for an explanation to which he said;

"He's gone."

"Who's gone?"

With that he stood up aggressively and looked me in the eye.

"Who the hell do you think Zane? Garroth! Our older brother! The idiot who got on that train even though we told him not to! He's gone Zane! Garroth is gone!"

More tears fell from his eyes. He tried to wipe them away but, more just kept falling. I just stared blankly at my family. I didn't know how to react. So, I just took action. I stormed out the front door with Vylad calling after me. I ran towards the train station. I pushed people away if they blocked my path. The chilling September night air bit at my skin as I bolted for answers. I would've gotten hit by a horse drawn carriage if they didn't suddenly stop as I ran past. I soon made it to the station. I stomped in and went straight to the front counter where a man, looking somewhat terrified of me, said;

"H-How can I help you sir?"

"What do you mean by he's gone?" I say through gritted teeth.

"I'm sorry sir, I don't understand-"

"For Irene sake!" I say, slamming my fist into the counter. "What do you mean train 4B's passengers were taken? How could all those people just disappear? Tell me why!"

"Zane!"

I snapped my head back to see Vylad rushing over to me. He snatched my shoulder and said to the man;

"I apologize for his behavior. We were just hit with some hard news so, we'll take out leave."

"Vylad!"

"T-Thank you sir," The man said.

"I still want answers!" I shouted, getting more attention with my scene I was creating. "Tell me why you let those poor people with families and lives be taken away!"

Vylad started to pull me away as I continued shouting. It wasn't until we were outside where my rage cooled down. I saw that Vylad's tears were still prominent on his cheeks. Barely. The wind must've dried them.

"Zane, I know you're angry but, arguing isn't going to help Garroth," He said. I couldn't take it any longer. I collapsed onto the step below me that lead up to the building's front door and started to sob. There I was. A grown man crying in front of a train station. Vylad sat down next to me but didn't do anything but say: "Next autumn."

"W-What?"

"Garroth said to not give up on him until next autumn. He has until September 25th, 1865 to get back home," He said, looking out to the carriages that passed by. "We're just gonna have to hope. That's all we can do."

I looked forward to. The sky had grown dark and all the street lights were on as people were walking along the sidewalks, laughing, enjoying there evenings. As people passed us, they stared as if we were weirdos. I sighed and spoke softly;

"I just feel so weak right now..."

"Me too Zane," Vylad said, looking down. "Me too."

•••

Blaze's POV:

It's been a week since Garroth has arrived here. Besides some awkward moments like sleeping in the same bed, I would say we were getting along. My mother would stop by every once and a while to check in on us and ask Garroth if he needed anything. He would sometime ask about the history of the tribe to which my mother would go on some long story about some old werewolf who did some amazing thing to benefit our pack or whatever. I was usually be doing something but, would listen and chime in now and then.
Today, I was worried about. Garroth and I were to attend a party to celebrate our first week together as mates with the other couples. I'm nervous that Garroth will be uncomfortable or I'll be embarrassed that I haven't even held hands with Garroth yet. In a romantic way I should say.

"So, what do werewolves do at a party exactly?" Garroth asked me.

"Um, we just party, I guess," I shrugged. "Anything humans would do. Yet, we do drink a lot. Do you?"

"Depends on the person," Garroth chuckled. "Should I expect anything?"

"Just expect a lot of people talking to you," I say, smiling. "I'm sure it won't be hard for you since you can't shut up."

"H-Hey!"

I laughed a bit. I'm happy to say that Garroth and I have gotten friendlier to each other. Sure we sometimes get into arguments but, at least he doesn't want to rip my throat out. That's a plus.

"Let's get ready," I say. "We should put on a lasting impression for people."

"Okay," He said.

My mother had given him a suit to wear since she noticed that none of my clothes fit him. So, I was happy about that. We did our usual thing. We turned around for each other as we changed and then we got our hair ready and stuff. Except this time, when I turned around to see Garroth, I felt my stomach do a flip flop. My face heated up and I held back a gasp.

I think handsome was an understatement.

He wore a black suite with a grey vest underneath as well as a tie that brought out his eyes. He wore slick black dress shoes and when he put his hands in his pockets, my heart just skipped a beat. He looked...amazing. My Irene.

"B-Blaze? You okay?"

"Um, y-yeah. You ready?"

"Yeah," He said. "You?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

We walked out and made our way towards the Alpha's mansion. I felt myself getting nervous about expectations that would soon be arriving. Garroth seemed to noticed and asked;

"What's wrong?"

"C-Can we hold hands when we w-walk in?"

He had a confused expression on his face but, said;

"If it makes you feel better."

He let out his hand and I took it. For the first time, I actually felt how soft his hands were. I never wanted to let go. Gah! No! We aren't even that good of friends yet! Besides, I might like guys but, he isn't my type. At all!

As entered the mansion and found our way to the decorated ballroom. Once we entered, it was like everyone froze to stare at us. I heard Garroth gulp and I wouldn't admit this to him but, I wanted to do the same. With everyone's piercing eyes on us, I couldn't help but feel like I was in an tense situation. Wasn't this party suppose to be fun? I cleared my throat and pulled Garroth with me towards the table with food. Everyone just decided to carry along with the festivities. I took a sigh of relief and let go of Garroth's hand.

"Well...that was interesting," He said, rubbing the back of his neck.

Music from violins, cellos, and flutes started to play in the back. I wanted to ask Garroth if he wanted anything but, I was prevented from doing so because that red head and bluenette from before came rushing up to him.

"Garroth!" They exclaimed, jumping onto him as if they were children. I held back a chuckle seeing them act like that.

"H-Hey guys!" He said. "It's been a while!"

"Boy, tell me about it," Lucinda sighed. "It's felt like forever since I've seen you!"

"Yeah," Dante chuckled. "Also, how about you properly introduce us to your mate? It seems you two are getting along a bit better."

"Oh! This is Blaze," Garroth said, gesturing towards me.

"Hi," I say, waving a bit nervously.

"Nice to formally meet you," Lucinda said cheerfully. "Can we borrow him for a sec?"

"S-Sure," I stuttered, a little disappointed that they wanted to take him away from me. Once they walked away, Garroth looked back and slightly smiled at me. I sighed and got a cup of punch.

This was going to be a long night.

Word Count
1774