Artemis

After dinner that night, Aaron asked us to come with him to his home office. So Apollo, Athena, and I all followed him to the double doors just across from the living room. 

Once we entered we saw that Serena, Franco, and Aarons's father were also in the room. I took the chance to look around his office, at first glance it looked just looked like a library. The walls were covered with shelves of books, there was a large wooden desk in the middle and a painting of a beautiful gray and white wolf hung just behind the desk. 

Though when I walked further into the room the right side looked like a vintage man cave. There were two leather couches one red the other brown, they both surrounded a table in the middle that looked to be made of license plates. That side of the room was painted gray unlike the dark blue of the more business side. Some of the walls were made of rusty brown bricks, and were decorated with comic book paintings. From the classic Batman comics to Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, each gave a nice pop of color to the ashy gray walls. 

There was a wall of just vinyl records mixed with some pictures of the more classic artist of music like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson. Next to the vinyl collage were at least three rows of straight model cars that looked to be polished often from the way they were shining. 

I was in awe. I wouldn't expect an Alpha to have this in their office. This is where other pack leaders would meet him. Although it was an amazing display of not only character but just simple art...was he not worried of people not taking him seriously? 

I was snapped out of my thoughts when I heard a voice right by my ear. 

"Are you impressed?" Aaron said making me take a step away from his minty breath that made my body chill. 

'We just ate dinner how the hell is his breath so minty still?' I thought, eying his smirking face. 

"As a matter of fact yes. You have a very nice office, now mind telling us why we're in here?" I asked straightening myself out. 

"Ah yes always straight to the point huh, Art?" He said as he walked behind his desk. 

"Only my friends and family get to call me Art" I stated, folding my arms. I felt Apollo pinch my arm firmly, making me clench my teeth together. 

"Awe are we not friends? I thought we really had a moment earlier..." He whined slumping down in his chair. 

"No, we're acquaintances nothing more," I said turning my eyes to the couch on the other side of the room. 

"Hm well, I would be lying if I said you were anything but a piece of art, so what should I call you?" Aaron asking leaning his chin into his hands supporting his head on the desk. 

"How about my name? Artemis will do just fine." I said firmly. 

"No No that just won't do. Your name is lovely but I think I should get the honor of the next exclusive nickname for you. Don't worry I'll figure one out" Aaron said excitedly. 

Everyone in the room seemed amused by our little bickering, though Apollo looked like he was ready to lecture me as soon as we left the room. 

"You really don't plan on listening to me are you?" I asked giving him a smirk. 

"Of course, I hear everything you're saying, I just know you really mean the opposite." He said giving me a cheeky smile. 

"You don't know me," I said narrowing my eyes at him. 

"No, but I wish I did." He said leaning back in his chair. 

'No you don't' I thought before speaking. 

"Can we just get to the point of why we're here?" I asked walking over to the couch to lean on. 

Serena, Franco, and Mr.Darius sat in the three chairs in front of his desk and Apollo and Athena sat on a small couch that was by a bookshelf. 

"Yes, so I just wanted to inform everyone on what's going to be happening throughout the next upcoming weeks." He said seriously. 

"Considering the Rouges were able to come so close to the border of the Royal pack means they are getting more strategic with their moves, so we will be increasing security around our pack border. We have to try and stay five steps ahead of them. There will be no unnecessary outings, that means when we say to stay you stay." He said eying Serena who shrunk in her chair a little.  

"We are trying to narrow down where they will attack next if they're building an army we are too. The Royal pack and I will be sending out platoons to other packs to get their support along with going to nearby covents to see if some good witches will be willing to help." He said reaching into his desk pulling out a map of some sort. 

"We believe since they have just taken out a powerful pack, they will try and stay low and go back to taking over the smaller packs. There are only 3 small packs left that surround ours, we are cordial with two of them, but one of them ...we may have problems with. I would like to send out guards to look over them but at this point...I don't think that will be enough. And I don't want to risk the lives of my pack members. So we might have to come with some kind of agreement with them to ensure their safety as well." Aaron said pointing at the three red circles on the map. 

"Athena you are welcome to use my garage to start building any weapons or armory you can for the pack. Whatever you need just ask. Apollo with your visions I think you can really help us figure out where they will attack next, do you think you could possibly use this map or something to figure that out?" Aaron asked looking at Apollo and Athena. 

"It's possible but I would have a better chance figuring it out by touching someone that has had contact or interaction with them," Apollo explained. 

"So like the refugees," I said. 

Apollo nodded.

"Great you can come with Artemis and I to the hospital to speak with them in the morning," Aaron said. 

"Okay. So I've been thinking." Athena began, standing up. 

'She was about to start her whole pace thinking again' I thought, holding back my eye roll.

She always did this when she needed to break something down. I've seen her do it so many times after Reggie would beat her in chess. 

"These Rogues. Rogues generally hate being bound to a pack or following any sense of rules or a plan, let alone be able to come up with this one all by themselves." Athena said. 

"So you think they have a leader?" Aaron asked thinking it over. 

Athena turned on her heels and pointed at him. 

"Exactly! I mean I can understand what they would gain from this. You take down the King and Queen you win the game, but honestly what happened to make them snap? To decide to stop the monarchy? It doesn't add up. And the fact that they got that close to the Royal pack without getting caught, that doesn't make sense." Athena said putting her hand to her chin, face scrunched up in thought. 

"Could there be someone inside the Royal pack helping them?" Aaron asked. 

"Possibly. Or maybe they exiled a wolf that wants revenge?" Athena offered. 

Everyone was in thought now. 

"About the smaller packs though I think you should temporary move them on to your land. It's only gonna get worse before it gets better. Like you said you can't risk the lives of your pack members, sending out more and more guards to protects the lower packs leaves your pack more defenseless. At this point, the Rouges know that you are working with the Royal pack and that you are willing to help the smaller packs. They're analyzing your movements, that's how they knew when would be the best time to scope out your pack. Some went to Alpha Marcus's pack and once you guys found this body they knew your pack would be without its Alpha." Athena said finishing with her hands on her hips. 

"Damn she's good," Darius said a little shocked along with everyone else. 

"We raised her, so I think we somewhat came up with all of what she just said," Apollo said proudly. 

"Oh please, it's just basic chess. 'Understand that half of the game is staying quiet, and carefully watching those around you' Robert Greene, The 48 Laws of power. Whoever is behind this is no Rogue. They know what they're doing and right now your playing in their hand." Athena said smiling. 

"Haha sorry, this is just exciting. This will be an exciting game." Athena said chuckling a little. 

"Yeah but this isn't a game Athena this is serious," Aaron stated sternly. 

"Haha war is chess, shit life is a game of chess, and guess what we're all being played. Listen right now you hold the power because you have the next move Alpha. It just depends on what you chose to do with it that decides what happens next" Athena said folding her arms. 

I saw Aaron glance at me almost like he was silently asking me if she was serious. 

I just put my hands up "I would listen to her she literally grew up reading and learning about war tactics." I said simply. 

"Well, then Athena you should work with Serena since she is head of the guard you can come up with some strategies together," Aaron said gesturing to the nervous Serena smiling at Athena. 

"Hm nice Princess, head of the guard, let's see if you can impress me," Athena said smirking. 

This earned her a bonk on her head by Apollo. 

"Oh, hush Serena is a total badass she's really good with knives too. She showed me during our tour the other day." Apollo said proudly. 

"Is that right?" Athena said quickly throwing a knife at Serena's face. 

I quickly got up and caught it and flipped Athena into a headlock.

"What did I tell you about throwing knives inside," I asked sternly.

"Ugh to not do it, yeah yeah yeah I got it," Athena said struggling out of our position. 

"I mean it, Athena. Get rid of it. Now." I said holding out the knife in front of her waiting for her to make it disappear before letting her go. 

She let out a scuff before the knife disappeared. 

I let her go and she shoved away from me slightly. 

"Psh I just wanted to see if Apollo was right." She huffed out with an eye roll. 

Apollo hit the back of her head lightly.

'Gosh, how can her impulsive self be so good at chess?' I thought before turning to see Serena. 

She had a smile on her face. 

"Sorr-" I began before she cut me off. 

"Athena I would love to show you my skills sometime just to put your curiosity to rest," Serena said to Athena happily. 

'That girl acts like a wolf in sheep clothing.' I thought, looking at Serena. 

"Glad to hear Princess," Athena said smiling a little. 

"Wow okay um it's late so I'll wrap this up. Artemis I would like your main focus to be at the hospital. If more refugees are found I would like you to tend to them." Aaron said to me. 

"Christmas is in about two weeks so I would like to have everything moving smoothly by then so everyone can enjoy the holidays peacefully. Do you guys think we can have some kind of plan made by then?" Aaron asked everyone. 

"I believe so," I said clapping my hands together. 

"Alright, then we start tomorrow. Have a good night everyone." Aaron said standing up from his chair. 

Everyone said their goodnights and started to walk out of the room. I began to take my leave when I was called back.  

"Ohhh Artemisss!" Aaron sang.

'Dammit,' I said to myself before turning around.  

"What Aaron?" I asked.

"Well I'm not really ready to turn it in for the night, so I was wondering if you would like to have a cup of hot chocolate with me?" He asked sitting at the corner of his desk. 

"And why exactly would I do that? I asked folding my arms. 

"Hmm, my guess would be because you secretly enjoy my company." He said with a smirk.

"Yeah in your dreams dude. But I can't say no to anything chocolate so chop-chop, I would like to get to bed soon." I said flopping down on the red leather couch. 

"Haha noted." He said walking over to a little table against the wall behind his desk. 

"Wow is that a hot chocolate machine!?" I asked looking from behind the couch. 

He chuckled at my enthusiasm "Yup I love chocolate and hot chocolate is literally like a hug from the inside!" He said matching my excitement. 

I giggled a little and waited quietly for him to finish. 

"Hey, I usually put some cinnamon in mine but do you want anything added to yours like marshmallows or something?" He asked me. 

"I don't really like marshmallows but if you have any candy canes you can put one in it!" I said hopefully. 

"You're in luck! I do!" He said. 

"Great!" I exclaimed. 

He walked back over to me handing me my mug before sitting down next to me. 

We both sipped our mugs letting out a satisfied sigh before we both laughed at each other. 

I turned away to hide my blush and he tapped my shoulder making me face him again. 

When I turned around he had a mustache of whipped cream on top of his lips. 

He made a silly face crossing his eyes and sticking out his tongue and I couldn't contain my laughter. 

I quickly snapped a shakey picture with my phone while laughing.  

"You're a Goofus you know that?" I asked, smiling at him. 

"Yeah I know but, life is better when your laughing." He said licking off his stash. 

"Yeah, I guess you're right...So I assume you like cars?" I asked eying the table made of license plates in front of us. 

"Haha yeah, I guess you can say it's a hobby of mine. I go to junkyards and car shops and get old cars to fix up or get parts from. So these license plates are just from old cars. My garage is full of cars I've fixed up, some I keep, and some I sell at my company." He said casually. 

"Your company?" I asked curiously. 

"Yeah we sell fixed up classic cars and we do DIY projects for people. We have people bring in their old things and we polish it up to give it a little bit more character." Aaron said with a shrug. 

"That's nice but doesn't that kinda defeat the purpose of the whole Do It Yourself part?" I asked. 

"Well yeah I guess, but I don't know, it gives me something to do when I just wanna escape from Pack work. It's nothing too big anyway it's just a simple shop in town and we sell online products." He explained. 

"Do you want it to be big?" I asked him curiously. 

"Hm maybe one day, but I'm fine the way it is now." He said offering me a smile. 

"Well, you have to show me this shop and garage sometime!" I said getting excited. 

"I would love to," He said giving me a full smile showing off his dimples. 

I quickly put down my empty mug and stood up, walking over to the model cars and pieces of vinyl on the wall. 

I cleared my throat before speaking. 

"So you have good taste in music here," I said pointing up at the wall. 

"Thank you." He said right next to my ear again. 

I stepped back a little, glaring at him. 

"We need to put a bell on you or something!" I exclaimed. 

"Haha or maybe you should stop getting so lost in your head," He said looking up at the wall too. 

"Hmph whatever," I said pouting. 

"Anyway, I like to listen to the classics I don't really listen to new music. That's why I didn't know Apollo." He explained. 

"Makes sense. So can you sing?" I asked looking up at him. 

"Nope but I can dance." He said before swiftly dropping the needle on the record player next to him. 

He quickly grabbed my hand and put his other around my waist. 

The song was slow but upbeat with trumpets, sounded like the instrumental to some Stevie Wonder song. 

I squeaked in surprise, feeling his hands on my body made me feel warm inside. 

I wanted to pull away but my hips began to sway with the music as he moved us back and forth. 

He suddenly dipped me making me grab onto the back of his neck. 

We looked into each other's eyes in a trance. I could see he still had a bit of whipped cream on the side of his lip and his usual minty breath smelt just like cinnamon. 

I caught myself thinking just how his lips would taste on mine. I noticed how our faces seemed to be getting closer and closer and I didn't wanna stop it. 

Though I somehow lost my footing causing us to fall on the floor. 

I ended up on top of him. 

Scrambling to stand up as he just laughed on the ground. 

'I'm glad he thinks this is funny meanwhile I'm a blushing mess!' I thought to myself walking over to the window in the corner. 

'It was snowing again... It was me.' I thought as I felt a presence next to me. 

"Wow, you know what? I think I found out that I'm gonna call you." Aaron said leaning up against the wall so he could see out the window too. 

"Oh really, perhaps my name?" I asked him keeping my eyes out the window. 

"No. I was thinking...Snowflake." He said making me look up at him. 

"Snowflake? Why?" I asked him. 

"Yeah Snowflake. This is the second time you've been anxious around me. I don't know if its because you're anxious to get away from me or something else" He said giving me a wink. 

'Anxious...right' I thought to myself. 

"You know what I surprisingly don't hate it," I said walking away from the window. 

"Haha I'm glad," he said following behind me. 

"Well it's been a long night I think we should head to bed now," He said picking up our empty mugs. 

"Sounds good," I said following him out of his office to the kitchen. 

He placed the mugs in the sink and we began to walk upstairs. 

We both went to our rooms that were across from each other. 

Just before we opened our doors Aaron turned to me. 

"Good night, Snowflake." He said flashing me a smile. 

I chuckled "Good night, Aaron," I said before going into my room. 

'Damn you stupid heart' I thought while holding my chest trying to get rid of the warmth it held. 

'Must be the hot chocolate.'