The sun had set leaving the half-moon to light up the night sky. Cassius and Ashin were perched up high on the city trees out of sight. The park was under construction and was void of life during the night, Ashin often came here at night to roam freely in his true form.
The pair had already emptied half a bottle of concentrated vodka since weak alcohol didn't affect supernatural beings easily, unless you were a fairy that is.
Although he didn't need to, Cassius had spent the time explaining his situation to Ashin, he had already settled on treating Ashin as a friend regardless of whether he was human or not.
'Damn, I knew you were different but the crimson family founder ay!' Ashin laughed off his disbelief. 'I was told growing up if anyone from the crimson family approached you, you should always offer your help. Never knew why though,' he said while shrugging his shoulders.
'And what family would that be, I'm not on such good terms with many werewolf lineages.' Cassius questioned as he leaned back against the tree supporting their conversation.
Vampires and werewolves where never on amicable terms, in fact at one point they were at war. It was only due to the war with humans and the treaty that they were able to gain peace, although this still didn't mean they could be friendly with one another especially with vampires now being custodians over all supernatural beings. Each stayed in their own territory without much interaction with one another.
'You've been out the game for a while but I'm sure you'll know of us, my last name is Sa'lu, I hail from the great Sa'lu tribe the only remaining pureblood werewolf pack to remain in this day and age.'
Cassius eyes widened; his smile turned to laughter as he fell back on the tree branch with legs swinging with amusement.
'Ahh fate really is playing quite the game with me.' Cassius sat up brushing his hair off his face to compose himself. 'I saved your founding ancestor a thousand years or so ago, never did I imagine I would meet another Sa'lu in this region.' His eyes became more serious, 'and by what do you mean you are the only pureblood left?'
Ashin sighed as he recalled his grandfather's stories. 'It was a dark time for all of us during the war. We werewolves are strong and managed to defend ourselves well at the time. But humans had the numbers, they saw hunting us the greatest honour and began picking us off one by one.'
Ashin scowled his face while admitting his race's weakness. 'A lot of packs decided to hide by diluting their family tree, so they could blend in with human society more. And it worked.' He took another sip of his drink. 'It was only us, the Sa'lu who could hold our own without hiding or compromise. It was truly a feat. Or at least that's what my grandad says. Because of that we became the strongest tribe and most infamous one too.'
Cassius smiled into the distance. 'Who would have thought your ambitious dream came to fruition, Samir. Mere dessert wolfs now sitting on top of the food chain.' He looked to Ashin, 'and you?'
Over time Ashin had somewhat gotten used to Cassius' ambiguous way of questioning. 'My story isn't that new or special, just a spoilt Alpha in training that can't even fully control his transformations.' Ashin spoke in a humorous manner but not in his usual carefree tone, as if he was mocking himself.
Cassius looked confused and almost worried, 'why?'
Ashin once again deciphered Cassius' question. 'I don't have my luna, my mate, my fated pair or whatever you wanna call it.' Ashin took another sip, 'probably why I'm such a handful for my family, basically they've given me some time to roam free to get my troublesome behaviour out my system, their words not mine.' Ashin put his hands up in his own defence. 'I don't see anything wrong with having a lil fun.'
For a werewolf with Alpha qualities not to have a luna is akin to a car with no destination. The power Ashin held as well as his mental state would continue to never reach its full potential. This was the reason Ashin wore his encrypted jewellery, although he wasn't victim to the full moon transformation, he couldn't fully keep his human form on command.
'Okay I believe we have spoken enough.' Cassius said as he stood up finishing the remaining drink in one go. 'Perhaps our furry friend here may need a bit of a walk?' He teased Ashin as he stretched his arms out.
Ashin raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but let out a small giggle, 'Okay I'll bite.' Ashin smirked as he too stood up and cracked his neck.
'Well, if you can catch me that is.' Cassius said as he leaped from the tree branch gaining distance from Ashin.
Ashin jumped to follow catching up just as quick, 'can't wait to see the infamous Crimson lord in action.'
'Well firstly, you'll have to keep up for you to see anything.' Cassius quick stepped and left Ashin behind. Jumping from one tree to another.
Ashin let himself transform into a half wolf form, his claws grew, canines were on show, and with it he gained speed to rival Cassius. As he leaped from one tree to another, the leaves began to shake and fall.
'Slightly disappointed that this is all our lord has to offer.' Ashin taunted Cassius as he managed to stay beside him.
'Haha, I would expect no less from an Alpha.' Cassius activated his crimson eyes and quick stepped pushing off stronger with each landing. Branches began to crack under the pressure.
'Jahaha, yeah! That's it. let's really let loose.' Ashin's hair grew slightly longer his muscles bulged further tearing his clothes as he began moving more like an animal. With every jump, the branch would fully brake falling to the ground.
Ashin was gaining speed and was about to grab Cassius from behind when he paused abruptly.
*Beeep Beeep*
[Ashin!] Maya spoke through the phone.
'Maya?' Ashin smiled through his canines.
[What's wrong with your voice?] She questioned as his voice seemed deeper than normal.
Ashin quickly regained his human form before answering. 'Ah, sorry is that better? What's up?'
Cassius also halted and watched the wolf turn into a trained pup before his eyes. Seems they were both destined to be enthralled by humans.
[Let's meet, it's been a while.] Maya's voice wasn't clear if she was asking or demanding.
'Course, you know I can't say no to you', Ashin grinned eagerly. It had indeed been quite a while since the two spent time together because of exam season. 'Send me your location I'll make my way.'
[Cool!] Maya hung up the phone and began texting without delay. 'I'm out Cami!' She spoke while never breaking concentration from her phone.
Camilla was surprised at Maya's attachment to Ashin, she was never one to focus on a guy. She had always said they weren't worth her time. Seeing her run around fussing over Ashin was funny to Camilla, but lately she began to worry for her friend. Maya seemed short tempered, and felt like she could blow at any moment, and yet a text from Ashin would get her smiling like a little girl again.
'Well, it's not like you were helping me study anyway.' Camilla teased with a smile as she watched Maya leave the campus café, planning to meet Ashin somewhere private.
Camilla had quite the day, between seeing Kai, Maya and studying, her energy was completely spent. She was about to call it quits and make her way home, but before she could start packing her belongings away, a figure sat down in front of her.
'Hi Camilla, I was told I could find you here.' She was greeted by a charming middle-aged man with hair as dark as his eyes, paired with his facial hair, it stood out strongly against his pale skin.
Camilla stared blankly wondering how her day was going to continue to drag on.
'Apologies, I emailed you yesterday, we were supposed to meet to discuss how you'd help my coding research.' The man explained sensing her confusion.
'OH MY GOD!' Camilla covered her mouth in shock as she completely forgot about the meeting while she was studying. 'I'm so sorry! Yes, yes you said I could even get extra credits if I helped. Professor Z, was it?' She tried to salvage the opportunity.
Professor Z laughed, 'don't worry I was also a student once and can empathise. Is now not a good time? Shall we reschedule?'
'I'm so sorry again professor, but yes please that would be ideal, I can meet you tomorrow at your office as originally planned?' Camilla pleaded in what she thought was her being cute, she needed the credits.
'How about we meet at my research lab, might speed things up and make up for lost time,' he smiled. Despite his age, Professor Z's looks didn't come second to many, his demeanour gave off a confident intellectual with sorrowful eyes.
'Great! So erm do I just call you Professor Z, or is it short for something, whatever is easier?' Camilla asked innocently.
The professor thought for a moment, 'hmm I do… but let's keep it professor Z as to not overcomplicate things.' He smiled, again that smile, one that wasn't as simple as it appeared.