Chapter Three (Luka)

We arrived in Alabama after a long car ride.

My body ached from sitting still for so long, but I didn't complain as I drove through the bustling city of Rosemary with signs pointing that Moonstone, Alabama was just a few miles away. I almost sighed aloud in relief. I glanced back at Gavin, who had fallen asleep with his head in Kasper's lap. Kasper rested his hand on Gavin's head as he gazed out the window, a look of nostaglia crossing his face.

"You seem to be very fond of this pack." I said aloud, making Kasper look up before smiling lightly.

"Yes. They're nice people. I'm glad you guys finally get to meet them, especially Cal. He's so nice... And Raven. Zaid. Scythe. They were all very kind to me when I stayed here in Alabama with my previous masters." He explained gently, gazing out the window again as we passed over a bridge. Kasper looked away as if uncomfortable by the sight of the black river that passed underneath of us before we drove back onto the road.

"I've not come across a werewolf in a long time." I admitted with a shrug. Kasper looked surprised.

"Really?"

"Indeed. Werewolves began to die out shortly after I began to work for Gavin. Rumor said there was a wolf that had made a pact with the Goddess, who provided him with the ability to procreate amongst his all male pack. Pretty funny thought, a pregnant male. I wouldn't be able to resist poking him." I added with a smirk. Kasper blushed lightly, tilting his head.

"Zaid. His pack is also connected to that wolf. The rumors are true." He answered. I glanced at him, smiling warmly.

"I bet they are. I've seen enough in this world to know what's real and what's myth. I find it interesting and rather amusing, but I wouldn't tell your wolf friends that. Werewolves are keen on protecting each other, so if you piss one one wolf off, their whole pack is ready to jump at your throat." I explained with a careless shrug.

"You speak from experience." Kasper noted as a large sign came into view on the road, reading in bold, trembling letters Moonstone, Alabama. Population: 245. I raised an eyebrow with a smirk before glancing back at Kasper for a split second before glancing back at the road.

"I suppose so... It's rather chilly here," I mused, glancing at the temperature, "Strange for Alabama weather, but I suppose the humans are right about one thing. They sure know how to fuck up the way of the Goddess." Kasper blushed lightly and gave a slight nod before scanning the shops.

Moonstone was a small town.

Several cute little shops and a Wagner's settled at the end of town. Across the street from that was a comfortable looking grille and bar called The Mockingbird. I made a mental note to visit this place for a good shot of whiskey. The rest of the way revealed more little shops and the occasional house as well as a fancy looking hotel. We passed over a stream and drove down the road, before Kasper jumped a little, grabbing onto the back of my seat and making Gavin wake up with a startled gasp.

"Here!" He exclaimed. I slowed down, approaching a dirt path that disappeared into the thick, Alabama woods. The leaves had become reddish and brown, yellows and oranges, some trees even shivering nakedly amongst the rest as a gentle breeze blew through. I drove down the winding driveway until a large plantation house came into view.

I whistled in awe at the large structure. It had been redone, of course, but it still looked magnificant. It was painted pure, snow white with three large columns descending from the balcony above to the porch down below where a white swing gently quivered in the wind. Across from the plantation house was a large red barn that had also been repainted. Peering inside, I spotted several vehicles, most of them motorcycles and dirt bikes.

I could tell a large pack lived here and it ate at my gut as I pulled up in front of the barn where another couple cars sat in wait. I got out first, opening the door for Kasper and Gavin as they climbed out, both pausing to sigh in relief to no longer be cramped inside.

I went around to the back of the car, popping the trunk when I heard a yell of surprise. I glanced around to see a man about Kasper's age come running out of the house. His hair was light brown and a bit long, hanging in his face, only to be blown out by the wind to reveal deep blue eyes. He was wearing a black sweatshirt to match his jeans.

"Kasper! You made it!" The guy exclaimed excitedly. I was surprised as an almost exact clone of the boy emerged from the house next. The only difference was the seafoam green eyes that seemed almost exotic. He was dressed almost the same, except his sweatshirt read MOCKINGBIRD on the back.

Kasper smiled nervously as the guys came up to greet him eagerly.

"Hi, Cal. Aidan. I, uhm, brought some friends with me." He added, gesturing to Gavin first and glancing over at me. I just smiled and ducked behind the car, letting them introduce each other. I was a servant, he had no need to introduce me. I busied myself with the luggage, wishing Gavin hadn't banned my abilities because it'd be much easier to carry this much luggage if I had the help of magic.

Instead, I pulled out a couple suitcases, setting them on the ground and reaching to grab another one when I hand reached in for me, making me blink and snap my head to see another wolf standing beside me.

He was tall and muscular with deep dark brown hair, that was pretty much black, to match his chocolate colored eyes. He wore a black t-shirt and leather pants, despite the weather and gave me a warm smile.

"Allow me to help." He said, taking the suit case out with ease and placing it on the ground. I raised an eyebrow, taking a step back before I bowed a little.

"Thank you, but I think I can handle it." I replied, standing back up to see him look at me curiously before he smiled again.

"You're welcome. My name's Noah Gallagher. I don't think you can carry all these inside by yourself." He added, making me raise an eyebrow as I watched him reach in and take out another suitcase.

"Ah, yes, well. It's my job. Please, don't bother yourself with it. I'm quite capable." I assured, taking the next suitcase out. Noah didn't stop helping me, though. I couldn't tell if that irritated me or pleased me that not all wolves were rowdy animals. Kasper and Gavin went inside ahead of me as I finished taking things out, shutting the trunk.

"I didn't catch your name." Noah said as he swiftly lifted a suitcase up and rested it on his shoulder, his muscles flexing. I stared at him as he lifted another under his arm. My, my, isn't someone big and tough? I didn't show the effect on me, though, as I took two suitcases, letting Noah lead me to the house.

"Luka." I replied. Noah blinked, pausing to look a little confused before he shook his head and smiled.

"That's a cool name. Do you mind me asking what you are?" He asked as we stepped into the foyer of the plantation house. My eyes widened in surprise at how huge it was inside. The foyer and living room echoed with life as werewolves flitted from one place to another, some laughing and others arguing as well as a litter of puppies in the living room that were climbing all over each other. I blinked.

"I'm human." I deadpanned. Noah looked very surprised now.

"Human? A human working for a vampire?" He asked in disbelief. I peered up at him, giving him my award-winning foxy smile that drove Gavin crazy.

"Indeed," I responded, then let my eyes flicker a bit, "Would you mind telling me where the room is that my masters will be staying in? I'd like to drop off their luggage as soon as possible." Noah nodded a bit numbly, as if still letting it sink in that I was human.

Or... at least. I was at one time.

I was no longer human, but a lich and as Gavin said, once they found this out, they would resent me. Lichs were known for being mischevious, cocky, cruel, and power-hungry. I wouldn't deny any of those claims, but I didn't think of myself as cruel. I thought of myself as fair. If someone deserved punishment, they would receive it to the full extent.

Noah led me up the large staircase to the next floor where at least ten rooms sat in wait. We rounded the corner and came up another flight of stairs to a hall with ten more rooms. My eyes flickered along the sleek hardwood floors that had recently been redone, along with the walls and doors. He led me to the furthest room that had been set up quite nicely.

A large king sized bed with clean linens and a cleaned out wardrobe along with a door that led to the bathroom.

"This is a large house. Do you live here?" I asked as we came inside, my eyes scanning the room as we placed the luggage at the foot of the bed. Noah smiled at me, shaking his head.

"My pack moved into the old Amethyst home out by The Mockingbird. We work for Blood Rain." He said, making me nod my head slowly as I stepped back, giving him a quick bow.

"I should get the rest of the luggage. Please excuse me." I said, ready to depart when Noah sighed.

"You're not going to be like this the whole time you're here, are you?" He asked, making me glance at him with a smile.

"I'm a butler, Master Noah. It's my job to be like this." I answered, then departed down the two flights of stairs before heading back outside. I grabbed the rest of the luggage, moving through the wolfish chaos as quickly and quietly as possible. I could tell Noah wanted to talk to me again, but I avoided him purposely as I I finally found Gavin and Kasper sitting in the dining room, talking to Cal and Aidan as well as a couple other wolves.

One of them sat beside Aidan, his hair jet black and his eyes a bit strange. The left being an ocean blue and the right a bright, vibrant green. He wore a leather jacket and matching pants, an outfit that the other wolf seemed to match with. Only the other wolf sat extremely close to Cal, his arms swung over the back of his chair and his muscular chest puffed out as if he were sizing everyone in the room up. His hair was rusty-brown and cut to the nape of his neck with side swept bangs, revealing his liquid caramel eyes.

"Oh," Kasper said when he saw me, "This is Luka. He works for Gavin, but he's still my friend too." I smiled quickly, but stayed by the door as Cal smiled in my direction.

"It's nice to meet you. I'm glad Kasper's making so many friends. You're different now, Kasper." He added, looking at Kasper, who smiled lightly. Something passed between them and it made me smile for a moment before it faded as Gavin glanced at me.

"Luka, you should assist in the kitchen. They have coffee there as well." He said. I bowed, then departed through a door that he gestured to, stepping into a kitchen and almost getting smacked with a bowl before a she-wolf lowered in, wincing in apology.

"Oh, I'm so sorry." She managed, blushing deeply. I smiled warmly, closing the door behind me.

"No problem at all, my dear. My master sent me in here to assist." I said, taking the bowl from her trembling fingers. She gazed at me for a while, studying my expression before smiling shyly and looking around.

"Well, you're a guest... I shouldn't--"

"Oh, no, love. My masters are the guests. I'm a servant wherever I go. Please, tell me what you would like me to do." I insisted gently. The she-wolf blushed some more, looking around before looking at the pile of China that sat on the table, all sparkling clean and ready to be set.

"I-If you really don't mind, we need to begin setting the table for our dinner, Mr..."

"Luka," I filled in kindly, "Call me Luka. Who do I have the pleasure of serving?" She blushed again, hiding her face behind her dark hair, her eyes averting.

"Trisha." She answered quietly. I smiled warmly as I placed the bowl on the countertop for her before bowing.

"Allow me to serve the household, Trisha." I rose back up, seeing the blush reach the tips of her ears before I went for the China. Trisha hurried to tell the people in the dining room to clear out so we could set up. I piled the China delicately onto a nearby cart before wheeling it into the now empty dining room.

There were a few dozens chairs set up around the outrageously long table and it'd take me quite a while to set it by hand. I suddenly felt a little cocky and glanced at both the entrances to the dining room, paused, then smiled as I stepped back from the cart, holding my hands out in front of me before throwing them off to the side.

The plate hardly made a sound as they slid off each other and did a little spin before moving in one big line around the table, lining up with the seats. I kept one hand out to deal with the plates before I flicked my other finger up, sending the silverware flying across the table. I brought my other hand out, finished with the plate as I whipped the lacy napkins from their piles. I neatly folded them and placed them down before letting the silverware land on top. I held out three fingers and lifted the glasses from their holsters, setting them by each of the plates.

This all happened within three minutes.

I sat there, scanning the table before looking at the cart. I waited a few moments before shrugging and pushing the cart back into the kitchen as Trisha looked up as well as another dark-haired woman, who raised an eyebrow at the sight of me.

"Who are you?" She asked. I smiled, but stayed by the cart, leaning on it a little bit.

"Luka. I am Gavin and Kasper's servant. I've finished setting up the dining room table." I stated, making Trisha's eyes widen.

"Already? But you were only in there for five minutes." She murmured, then carefully went to the dining room door to peer inside. The other she-wolf gave me a strange look and followed Trisha before whistling as she turned to face me with a smirk, putting a hand on her hip.

"Ehh, what've we got here? What are you, Luka?" She asked, scanning me up and down. I gave a slight bow before standing back up.

"I'm just a human." I responded. She blinked, looking at me with slight concern and awe as Trisha blushed, looking excited at my work as she quickly took my hand, but very timidly as she led me to the stove where a couple of large pots sat, bubbling with broth.

"Uhm, is it possible that you can cook, Mr. Luka?" She asked me.

"Trisha!" The other she-wolf gasped, looking embarrassed as Trisha withdrew in a style that indicated she was the omega wolf of this large pack. I smiled anyway, picking up the ladle and holding up a hand.

"Please. I'm a servant. I was born to do as my master orders and my master ordered that I assist in the kitchen. If there is anything that you would like me to do, please don't hesitate." I insisted gently, then dipped the ladle into the broth and pulled it back out, dipping my finger in the liquid before sucking on it.

My tongue was assaulted by a classic flavor of chicken stew that made my stomach soar. I hummed at the flavor, licking my lips before setting the ladle back down. I reached up to the cupboard above, revealing the seasonings and broths. I plucked out a couple plastic bottles, shook them up before popping the top open, giving each pot a dash of the seasonings before putting them back, giving them a quick stir.

In the process, while both she-wolves leaned over my shoulders in awe, they didn't even notice the light sparkle of magic that sparked off my fingers and into the brew. I paused, lifting the ladle and putting my hand under it as I held it out to them, blowing gently as the steam rolled off heavily.

Trisha took a tender sip first, then swooned, cupping her cheeks and sighing.

"Ahh, gosh, Thalia. You have to try this." She whispered excitedly, touching her lips. Thalia looked at Trisha curiously, then at me before she leaned in and took a sip. Her eyes widened as she stared at the soup, then took the ladle from me and gulped the rest of it down, making me smile and cock my head innocently.

"Should we serve this or does the flavor lack?" I asked. Thalia shook her head quickly.

"No way! This is delicious! How can a human like you even exist? Are you positive you're a human?" She asked, placing the ladle by the pots again to look at me as Trisha went to the oven that went off, indicating that whatever was inside was ready to be served. I nodded to Thalia.

"Yes, Ms. Thalia. I'm just merely a human that my master, Gavin, found and gave home to. I've studied very hard is all." I responded, enjoying the attention. I had never thought I would love people crooning over me. At least, not since I was younger. By younger, I mean when I was sixteen and already taking over half of a country.

I loved the way women swooned and cuddled on me. They fed me until I was full and dressed me in expensive silks and satin. They bought, as well as stole, gifts for me. Even the men were lavishing me with attention as they rushed to obey my command. It sent a little shiver of delight up my spine as I watched Trisha pull a couple of large cookie sheets out of the oven, revealing the plump round rolls that sat on top.

"We should start serving the food." Thalia sighed, turning to the pots, ready to lift them, but I placed my hands over hers, watching her eyes sparkle when she looked at me.

"Please, allow me to take over the rest, miss. You've worked very hard. I'm positive I can set the table in time for everyone to arrive." I assured. Thalia raised an eyebrow, giving me a flirty smirk.

"My, aren't you cocky for a human? And a charming human at that... All right, tough guy. Let's see what you got." She stated, stepping back. Trisha gasped in surprise, coming over to stand by Thalia, who retreated for the exit.

"We can't leave him to serve almost thirty people by himself! Thalia!" She protested, but vanished out the door with her anyway. I smiled, delighted as I waited a moment to make sure the coast was clear before I swung my hands up, the pots lifting off the stove and settling on the cart. I swung my other hand out, flicking my fingers up as the rolls all lifted off the cookie sheet, one by one.

I glanced at the door that flew open by itself for me as I wheeled the cart in and the rolls followed close behind me, floating through the air before I gestured for them to take their places in the baskets that were now placed at the centers of the table. I brought my hand up, making a jellyfish motion with my hand as the soup lifted through the air before pouring itself into each of the bowls with equal amounts.

I felt sweat forming on my forehead, but I ignored it as the soup finished pouring itself into each of the bowls. It took about two minutes tops and I was relatively pleased with myself. I hadn't served this many people in many, many years.

I went back into the kitchen and made a "come here" motion with my finger as the fridge door opened, revealing the drinks set up for the evening. I kept the door open with one thought, using my others to line the drinks out onto the table, preparing to be used. I gathered up the salad supplies and gestured for them to take their places at the table.

I stood in front of the table, scanning the seven minute preparedness. Everything seemed perfectly in place, although, it was all sparkling with magic, so I held my hand up and snapped my fingers.

The magic dispersed into dust, vanishing to reveal a neatly designed dinner table for thirty or more people. I had lost count...

I reached for the door when my world suddenly tilted. I winced and withdrew from the door as things tilted to the left and I almost lost my balance. I squeezed my eyes shut quickly, taking a deep breath before opening my eyes. Everything righted itself again and I sighed, frowning as I cupped my forehead.

Too much magic.

 I made a mental note to avoid that next time before I opened the door to see Thalia and Trisha waiting by the bottom of the staircase. I smiled, reaching up to quickly wipe the sweat away as I stepped out.

"Excuse me. The table has been set and everything is prepared for dinner to begin." I announced. They both jumped and whirled to stare at me. They shared quick looks before rushing past me and into the dining room where their eyes widened and jaws dropped.

"What's going on?" I looked up as Gavin approached the dining room with Kasper in tow as well as the rest of the wolves. I stepped out of their way, nodding my head respectfully as they came in, eyes wide in surprise.

"Dinner is served." I said. Everyone filed in, taking their seats, except Gavin, who jerked me out of the dining room and out into the empty hallway. How strange to be in a house that was this empty, because everyone was piled into one room. I looked at Gavin, who kept me against the wall, his hands on the wall on either side my head.

"What the hell is wrong with you? I told you to not use your magic," He hissed, his fangs flashing in my face, "Do you want these wolves kick you out? You're going to embarrass Kasper. From now on, no more magic. You do the chores they give you the way a regular human would do it. Do I make myself clear?" I raised an eyebrow, pushing out my lower lip in a pout.

"I get this feeling that you're mad at me." I stated. Gavin glared at me and opened his mouth to snap at me, then seemed to change his mind and move away from me, going into the dining room and shutting the door behind him in a message that told me to stay out. I shrugged and went into the kitchen, putting the cute little kettle on to make some tea that I had spotted in their seasonings cupboard.

I leaned on the counter, tilting my head up towards the ceiling and blinking a few times before frowning. Why in the world am I making tea? That'd make me sleepy. I cursed myself and shut the kettle off, scanning the kitchen for a coffee maker, finding it smashed in one corner, obviously not having been used in a while.

I got it out and prepared the coffee when the door opened and I looked up, slapping on a smile as Noah came in, looking relieved to see me.

"Hello. Mind making some for me?" He asked. I shook my head and added some water and a bit more coffee to the mix. Noah fetched the mugs and placed them on the counter, before leaning on it to look at me, raising an eyebrow.

"You know, something about you looks awfully familiar... Have we met somewhere before?" He asked. I tilted my head a little, smirking at him as he leaned forward on the counter.

"I'm afraid that's not possible. I've stuck to the north of the United States." I responded. Noah nodded slowly.

"You have an accent too. I mean, it's hard noticable, but..." His voice trailed. I nodded, backing away from the counter to lean back on the table, resting there as I folded my arms over my chest.

"Indeed. I'm from Europe."

"What part of Europe?"

"You wouldn't know it."

"Country wise? I've graduated high school. I know my countries there well."

"You wouldn't know this one. It's... Well..." I could hear Gavin's voice in the back of my head, warning me not to tell anyone, absolutely anyone about my being a lich. I was mildly irritated with that fact, but didn't want to make Gavin angry. He was still my master. I smiled now, looking at Noah again, who looked at me curiously.

"Siberia." I answered calmly, scanning the coffee maker as I shut it off, taking out the pot. Noah looked at me curiously.

"Isn't Siberia part of Russia?"

"In the same area. I told you wouldn't understand it." I responded with a smirk. How could I explain to him that my world was far different than his? Back then, there really weren't countries, per say, simply territories. I didn't say that, though, and just shrugged as Noah studied me.

"You know, I swear we've met before." He insisted as I pushed the coffee mug to him. I smiled, holding my coffee mug in my hands.

"We've only just met. I never forget a face." I assured, taking a sip and hoping Noah hadn't noticed the little spark of magic that flickered off the tips of my fingers to cool the coffee down just enough so I could drink it without scalding myself.

"What's your name again? Luka what?" He asked, holding his mug towards his lips as he blew on it gently. I glanced at him out the corner of my eye.

"Luka Strykyrius." I answered. Noah's eyes flickered and he stared at me.

"Strykyrius?"

"Ah, yes... Don't tell me that last name sounds familiar. I thought I was one of a kind." I pointed out with a smirk, but Noah just stared at me for the longest time. I frowned now, looking at him curiously.

"Something wrong?" I asked. He blinked, then shook his head slowly as he set his coffee on the counter top.

"No... Uh, I'm not feeling all that great. I get allergies around this time of year."

"A werewolf with allergies--"

"Goodnight." Noah walked out of the kitchen, leaving me to stand there, staring after him with a raised eyebrow before I shrugged, sipping my coffee again.

And I used to think lichs were freaks.

Werewolves were pushing their way to the top again.