Lucius called out an important meeting and this time, he included Lucian and me. The docile-looking yet actually unswerving Lucian was still half-asleep as he leaned against my shoulder while the meeting went on. He didn't seem like he was going to show any interest on the topic any time soon even if the issue at hand primarily concerned him.

"There's a rat in the boonies," Lucius sternly announced. "That's the only explanation why number XII figured out where our hideout was," he concluded while he held the token that we had extracted from the corpse of BEBE between his thumb and index finger.

Lucius' face showed silent umbrage that screamed the triviality of this situation. He was definitely perturbed that someone from an organization that he took pride on was a double-agent.

This kind of thing shouldn't be a surprise.

No matter how eminent and tight-knit an organization was, a rodent will always be able to create a hole to live inside. I give Ulmer and Basba as my primary examples. Those two lived up to the title of "shitty and shittiest" in the best of their abilities.

If we can only get a hint of what kind of stench this rodent emitted, then we'd waste no time and hunt the pest down. It could be anyone and that anyone can actually be in this room containing the most important figures of this group.

"Lucian must need snacks to wake him up droog. When are we going to go to the kitchen?"Fenris asked.

My instincts kicked in and I caught Lucian's head that was slipping off my shoulder. I released a sigh of relief and heard his innocent and faint snores that came out as soothing breaths.

"Lucius won't appreciate us going out while he's aggravated like this breux. It's necessary for us to be involved in this meeting because someone in the scums is working with the people who want to take Lucian from us," I explained to my wolf who gasped in horror.

"Say it ain't so droog! Fenris is going to start digging for graves!" my wolf growled.

"I see no other possible explanation unless knights from the Kingdom were able to keep up with Aramastus' speed," Laeroth supported.

"Or Aramastus could be the rat, no?" Lettice suggested.

"Do you want me to skewer a bamboo stick in that windbag of yours and suck out all your blood?" Aramastus calmly threatened.

Lettice giggled and playfully smacked Aramastus' shoulder with her delicate looking hand. "You really can't take a joke, can you?"

Aramastus grunted. "Any jokes coming from a tasteless vegetable are greatly unwanted," the vampire-scented ancient retorted.

I really wanted to bet on the blood-sucker scented swine but Lucius was always with him thus every move of his was monitored. Then again, what if he sold out the hideout's location while claiming that he created a diversion to confuse the knights?

"Aramastus will be the last person to betray us; he's willing to take his life when I got to him after the war. He hates the Kingdom more than anything," Lucius defended his subordinate.

Sounded reasonable but he still stunk like those leeches.

"What do we do about this Lucius?" Ikesha asked.

"Only a handful of people are to be allowed to interact with my brother. Strengthen our security, closely monitor food preparations, and keep an eye out for people who are wandering suspiciously. I'm leaving my brother's safety in Caleb's hands. Crowley and the other newcomers can be included in his security."

Garrison hummed in interest. "You're going to trust the newcomers that easily?"

Lucius smiled bitterly. "I have a feeling that the rat is someone who has been with us for a long time."

"Do you have proof of that?" Laeroth asked.

"I only have my intuition for now," Lucius simply answered as if his intuition had never failed him.

The meeting was adjourned and before Lucian and I could stand up, Lucius told us to remain for a bit after the others had left.

"Lucian, don't go walking in the hideout without Caleb or Crowley. You did listen during the meeting didn't you?" Lucius asked a still drowsy Lucian.

"Yes, I was open ears the entire time. I was wide awake in my dreams," the blonde monotonously replied causing Lucius' expression to change to that of a sibling's playful annoyance.

"Someone is spying on us otouto and that person is targeting you," Lucius reminded him with a desperate expression showing how much he wanted to elicit some kind of panicked response from the passive boy.

"I see, my reputation can definitely make plenty of enemies. I have lived a righteous life and many are unhappy with that," the blonde male deadpanned.

I think between Lucius and me, Lucius should be the first one to know that it would take a lot to give this boy a scare. Did he expect Lucian to scream and sulk in the corner or find a cave to hide in until the heat died down?

Not a chance.

Lucius roughly ruffled Lucian's hair. "Baka (Idiot), take this seriously. It's fine to rely on others but you should be able to watch out for yourself. Don't let anyone take you by force. Learn how to resist, do you understand me?" he firmly pushed on.

Wishing to get a sane answer from Lucian was like wishing for the sun to stay for the night.

"Understood onii-chan, I won't let them take me by force; will them saying "please" suffice perhaps?"

Lucius smiled with great irritation and wrestled his younger brother first before finally letting us off.

I had to be extra careful from now on. How many times had Lucian got into the worst of situations just because I blinked? Ah yeah, countless. But blinking will always be a part of a body's natural set of activities just as how natural trouble was in Lucian's everyday life.

The blonde wasn't as helpless as he looked. He can put up a fight if he wanted to. Heck, he can kick my ass any day.

The problem was: how can we make him want to fight?

The hideout that we had moved into was less hidden compared to before. It was a white-brick abode with three floors and multiple rooms located in the middle of the forest. I believe we were still going to move into a more secure place since Laeroth sent out ancients to search for the perfect spot to rebuild the boonies.

Once we returned to our room, Crowley, Ziru, and Kox were already settled in. I was bothered that my scent combined with Lucian's was already mixed in with theirs but I had to push aside my territorial behavior for the sake of Lucian.

"You guys were already briefed about your duties?" I asked them.

Crowley who was leaning beside the window with crossed arms nodded. "That's why we're here," he coolly responded.

Ziru rose up from the bed and welcomed Lucian with a hug. "How was the meeting big brother?"

Lucian blankly petted Ziru's head. "It was interesting. I'd like to partake again in such activities in the near future."

I wanted to laugh at Lucian's lack of enthusiasm but I was too anxious to even smile.

"Anyway, what was Lucius thinking of moving into a place like this? It's too exposed," Crowley pointed out.

Kox who was sitting on the chair beside the bed nodded. His oversized book continued to turn its blank and glowing pages.

"Indeed but if we immediately move into a new and more secretive place without finding the mole, the hideout will be a lost cause like the last one."

Crowley hit the palm of his hand with the bottom of his fist in realization. "I get it! Lucian, your brother definitely thinks with logic," he praised.

"I'll walk around for a bit," Kox informed us and rose up.

Crowley pushed himself off the wall with a look of disapproval. "Hey, hey, hey, you're forgetting that we have to guard Lucian. No work no meals."

Kox turned his head to the direction of Crowley. "I need to look for clues about the mole. I'll be right back," Kox told him and walked out before Crowley could even process what he said.

The hanuman furrowed his eyebrows once his words sunk in. "But uh... He's blind. How can he look?"

That will be a question that I can never be able to answer. That kid was clouded in mystery. He was blind yet he made it seem like he can oversee everything. He was deaf yet he made it seem like he can hear all truths behind every lie. I wouldn't want to be thrown into a debate with him.

The day went on and Crowley invited me to spar outside of the house while Lucian and Ziru read a book together. I was hesitant to do it considering how it was the main reason why Fenris and I were despised by the entire pack before, but Crowley persisted and said it would prevent our skills from rusting. This would be a form of training and to better ourselves for a tougher battle.

When he put it that way, I was persuaded. I wanted to be stronger so I can protect Lucian better.

I noticed that Ziru had become attached to the passive male with a short amount of time. I didn't mind the sudden closeness between them and I was truthfully sympathetic for what had happened to Ziru. I knew how it felt to lose everything and suddenly becoming an orphan in this ruthless world.

"Too weak werewolf!" Crowley howled and tossed Fenris away like he weighed nothing.

We had a few spectators who were training like us. Since Crowley and I used pure brute force against each other they seem to enjoy the show even more.

"Crowley is strong droog!" Fenris excitedly cheered.

Before Fenris' body could land on the soil, gentle and swirling winds made the impact lesser for him and Fenris snapped his head to Lucian's direction. The blonde looked like he was entirely focused on the book he was reading, but his cryptic way of being supportive caused something warm and fuzzy that would splat a stupid grin on my face.

"Droog I wanna lick mate all over!" Fenris whined.

"Please don't..." I begged.

I knew that Lucian was attractive and his obscurity and unpredictable behaviour would keep you wanting more from him. We sleep on the same bed, shared hugs, and even shared a kiss but then I still didn't know what our status was.

Did he even think of me other than being his friend?

"Hellooo boys! Working hard I see!" Lettice greeted while carrying a plate of freshly baked pastries.

She took a piece of bread from her platter and took one big bite off of it before giggling. "Oh that's good!" she moaned with her mouth full.

Crowley was about to get one from her plate but Lettice slapped his hand away. "Nah ah ah, these are all mine. Get your own from the kitchen," Lettice selfishly scolded.

Crowley grunted. "So you just came out here to make us salivate?"

"I came to tell you that there are more from the kitchen! But if my coming here made you slobber like the beast you are then that's a bonus!" she playfully teased and winked.

"Smells like cocoa and vanilla droog!"

"Maybe a little snack time won't hurt?" I suggested much to my wolf's delight.

"But before I let you pretty boys off, how about sparring with lil' ol' me?" Lettice requested.

"You're challenging the both of us?" Crowley snorted.

Lettice's eyes went beyond us and stared at Lucian. "His Highness can join too. Stretch those young bones and show off," she dared.

"You got a lot of confidence. You must be really good," Crowley said amusingly.

Lucian slowly rose up from the ground and sauntered beside Fenris. Don't tell me he'd really accept the challenge? I never thought of him as someone who'd easily say yes to an invitation that involved rough housing.

"I'll pass," Lucian replied.

"Thank the goddess," I sighed.

This was the first time he said 'no' to trouble.

A mischievous look flashed on Lettice's face and the leaves from the trees began to rustle before they were all swept away from their branches. The leaves flocked above us and each of them abruptly stopped in midair with their apex pointing at us.

"Oi oi, you're getting way too serious!" Crowley shouted in awe while the rest of us stared up in shock except for Lucian who had an unreadable expression.

"The Prince is no fun!" Lettice yelled out. By some form of power, she was able to steel the leaves making them look lethal above us.

The ancients who were watching began to back away to call for help and Lucian stared at Lettice.

"Let's see what you got Your Highness!" Lettice drunkenly bellowed.

The steeled leaves swirled precariously and headed towards Lucian's direction. Crowley, Ziru, and Fenris acted fast to respond to the danger posed by Lettuce.

Ziru formed an archer's stance and leaped up before shooting her with his glowing arrows. Lettice dodged and divided the flock of leaves heading towards Lucian and directed one division to Ziru's direction. Crowley lunged and tried to slam his huge fist down to where Lettice was but she flipped away and sent more leaves that stabbed Crowley on the torso. Fenris shoved Lucian out of the way but not far enough.

"Fenris!" I shouted once the leaves were about to pierce through my wolf's body.

My wolf shut his eyes yet no pain befell on his physical form. We heard metal clashing against metal and once Fenris had opened his eyes, our heart was hit with a powerful pang.

"Luci...Lucian!" Fenris mewled.

Our mate had reached over and caught the leading leaves with his hand causing a few of them to get stuck to his steeled palm. There were mild twitches to Lucian's expressionless face and sweat rolled down by the side of his cheek. His other hand manipulated the following leaves and he swayed them back to the branches where they were taken. Blood dripped down from his palm and Lucian gazed at his wound.

"I am fine but are you okay?" he asked and never took his attention out of his palm.

Lettice snorted and chortled while she was hauled up by an enraged Crowley.

"Oh keep your bushy hands off of me you hairy primate!" she laughed while shoving Crowley away. "I was only playing!"

Anger bubbled inside Fenris and me the longer we stared at Lucian's torn hand the more vexed we became. We snarled at the drunkard who continued to be undeterred even when Lucian was evidently injured.

What was with her?

"You almost killed the Prince!" Crowley snapped at her.

Before Lettice could reply, Ziru shot her with his ivory glowing arrows in which she effectively dodged.

"You're mean to my big brother!" Ziru yelled before continuously shooting at her.

I merged with Fenris' physical form and caught a few of Ziru's arrows with my mouth and claws. I engaged her into a fight out of our heated frenzy and aimed nothing more but to put her obnoxious giggles to a full stop for eternity. I made a slash to her abdomen yet she backed away quick enough and punched me to the side. With an arrow in my mouth I stabbed her leg causing her to yelp and cuss out loud.

Crowley joined in and threw punches that would sometimes hit her but was mostly dodged due to her flexibility and agility. Even when fighting, she was tipsy on her toes and it worked well for her.

Fenris and I took a step back and we chewed on Ziru's arrows. It felt like we were eating glass shards but the energy in his arrows tasted good.

"Shoot at me boy!" I yelled at Ziru who was baffled by my orders.

"Why would I—"

"Do it!"

Ziru visibly gulped and obeyed my order. The arrows melted against our skin, filling the meter of satisfaction of energy in our body.

I mimicked Ziru's stance and the same luminous bow materialized in our claws. Lettice tried to pull the leaves trick again when she got out of Crowley's range of punches but Lucian overthrew her command over her own specialty.

With her outnumbered, she let out a sigh of defeat and said: "I lost this round."

She thought that by forfeiting she can just not face the consequences of what she started?

"You were trying to kill Lucian weren't you?" we asked her.

She might be the spy. There was no doubt about it.

Lettice rolled her eyes and placed her hands on her hips. "I told you I was only playing. I knew I'm no match against Lucius' brother. And besides what would I...gain...from—" with her sentence approaching its end, Lettice lost consciousness and a thick and frothy drool oozed out of her mouth while she convulsed.

The bow disappeared from our claws and I pulled away the bitten bread that she was still faithfully holding. Garrison, Lucius, and Ikesha came running out of the mansion with hurried looks.

"Don't eat those pastries— they contain passion flowers that can cause sedation," Lucius warned before kneeling down beside the unconscious Lettice.

"Does it also cause unstable behaviors?" Crowley asked.

"No, that's just a Lettice thing,"Garrison sighed.

Lucian walked closer while he plucked the metallic leaves pierced through his palm. Lucius was alarmed by his wounds and when he found out that Lettice had done it, his expression darkened.

"This is unforgivable," he seethed.

"Her pranks had gone way too far," Garrison murmured.

"Let's hurry inside and treat Lucian—"

"We'll do it," we interrupted Ikesha. Neither Fenris nor I trusted anyone at this point. The spy was planning to distribute those pastries to everyone and steal Lucian once we were all asleep.

That bastard almost succeeded.

https://youtu.be/eg8TodeWCGA

We took Lucian back to the room and began to tenderly lick his injury. He watched us mend him in a way that he must not feel used to yet. But we were too bothered by seeing him hurt to even stop and think about what we were doing. He didn't even protest about the pain.

Once the wound closed with the help of our saliva, Lucian looked at the scar and then at us.

"Don't sacrifice yourself for me. I won't accept it," he mildly scolded.

We didn't know how to feel about what he said. It was upsetting how he was willing to lose a limb for others yet wasn't fond of having others losing a limb for him.

"That's not fair. You can't make decisions for someone like that," I replied.

Lucian lowered his gaze and gently swayed his head in disapproval.

"It's the fairest thing I've ever said to anyone. If you met me a few months back, I would require you to resign your life for my own that isn't even worth to shed a tear on," he murmured with ice coating his tone of voice.

Why would you say that to yourself? What had caused you to belittle what value you had? You don't understand how much you meant to us.

I pulled Lucian for a hug and held him tightly.

"Caleb?" Lucian called out.

"Someday, if you could, please forgive yourself. Please learn to love the person named Lucian."

Cherish your own name, be delighted by your own voice, and smile at the image you see in the mirror.

I know that it will be hard. I haven't fully forgiven myself yet but I was slowly getting there.

I didn't want to lose him because of the reason that Lucian hated Lucian.

"Please understand..." the blonde spoke out. "That I haven't learned the concept of loving just yet."

Where did your heart go?

How can I get it back?

Lucian fell asleep as I held him and I laid him down on the bed with a heavy heart in my chest. Kox gave two knocks against the open door and he walked in as quietly as possible.

"Have you found anything?" I asked him.

Kox showed me his index finger showing a papercut that continued to bleed.

"It looks like someone from in here is still grieving from the death of a loved one."

I scowled at his vagueness and tried to make sense of what he was saying. "Are you telling me that Lucian has something to do with that death?" I asked. I don't think he killed anyone from his own race.

"Perhaps," Kox murmured and raised his bleeding finger. "A papercut really is a sly way of nature for revenge isn't?" 

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A/N: it took me centuries to update. Sorry peeps.