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| renta. |
Lately, I feel as though Lucas was hiding something.
For a while now, I have been coming to the Rejude stables to play with Geist after work…I mean I have been coming to check on his condition. It’s a pity I can’t play in his fluffy coat because of the estrus. Even so, Geist seems to be doing much better and he is often out of his bed.
On the part of the female chase wolfe, nothing has been heard, at least that is what Lucas tells me when I ask him.
‘Lucas, have they really not contacted you yet?’
‘They have, but they want to negotiate the capture of a wild chase wolfe. We haven’t been able to come to terms with the cost of the job.’
I was sitting on Lucas’ lap while he worked at his desk. He answered without looking at me. In other words, if he looked at me I would know he was lying.
‘Although Geist has calmed down, he seems lonely because he doesn’t have his match.’
‘I know, but I don’t want you involved in anymore dangerous things. Leave the rest to me.’
It has been seven days since we went to Cranbert, something should have happened, but Lucas clearly doesn’t want me involved. But he was the one who involved me in the first place, had he forgotten?
Lucas was really stubborn, so I didn’t say more. There may be danger, but I couldn’t just sit and do nothing.
‘Mira, you aren’t thinking of doing something dangerous, are you?’
‘What do you mean?’ I asked innocently, ‘I can’t do anything by myself, after all, I am just an amateur.’
‘You can underestimate yourself, Mira. We will get Geist and that female together, just wait for the good news.’
‘Understood.’
Lucas seemed to have been convinced. He rubbed his nose against the nape of my neck as he hugged me tighter. He doesn’t know of my dangerously accurate intuition. I said I understood, but I didn’t say what I understood. I’m sorry, Lucas, but I feel left out. At least, tell me what is going on.
‘What about you?’ he asked.
‘What about me?’ Had something happened to me that I didn’t know about.
‘Did you talk to your boss about us?’
Ah, yes. But don’t use that sexy timbre in at work, it goes straight between my legs.
‘Hm, my boss was a bit upset, but no one was willing to take on your brigade at this time. Everyone says it’s okay.’
Actually, my boss wanted me to drop inspecting the Rejude brigae, but my colleages and other managers didn’t agree. They must know that I do my work well. My work has been reviewed and nothing is out of place. I am glad I have my work conscientiously and diligently thus far.
‘I also have no plans to give up either. And from now on, if anyone has anything to say, I wouldn’t let them get away with it.’
‘I’m glad it worked out. It sounds like your office has good people.’
‘You won’t overdo it when it comes to your work? You won’t hide things from me when you’re having a hard time?’
‘I won’t.’
I felt bad that Lucas was worried, but he was also hiding things from me right now. I thought he would be more transparent, but I understand that my safety his top priority, but isn’t he being too overprotective?
Perhaps it was time to use the card that I had left discarded for a time. But I was worried whether it would work. Would Chris even know anything?
Maybe is I drop Lucas’ name into the conversation casually.
What would Chris think about my new found happiness? He was a small minded person, and was pernickety about the strangest of things. If I said something, he might lose it. I leaned against Lucas warmed by his body temperature. This posture is quite healing, isn’t it? Muscles are the best!
✨
‘Hey!’
‘Hello, Mr Danning.’
‘Chris is fine, Mira.’
A few days after, I invited Chris to come and get his things. His presence felt awkward, and I tried to remind myself that he was the one who cheated and left me.
Though he had been to my place many times, he still stood out. His gaze wandered about and landed on the boxes of this things that I had placed together.
‘I wish you had thrown it away.’
‘You told me never to throw your things away without permission. You can take it home and sort out what you want to keep.’
‘That’s right, sorry.’
In the boxes were clothes, magazines and daily necessities that couldn’t be carried at one without a cart. He may be able to do it, if he overburdened himself, but I looked at him up and down and knew it wasn’t possible. Though, Lucas could do it.
‘I don’t need an apology.’
‘I suppose. You look well.’
‘No thanks to you. I met a nice man. Please do your best with your lady.’
‘Oh, you’ve already moved on?’ his voice changed from amiable to something darker. Did he think I would pine forever? Though he had a embarrassing smile on his face, for a moment his lips had clenched. I pretended not to notice and carried on speaking.
‘Yes, he understands me and my work, and is very supportive. He doesn’t care if my body smells like beasts.’
‘Hm, there are strange people out there.’ He replied mockingly.
I laughed inwardly. I don’t know if Lucas was strange, but he was a hundred times better than you. Come to think of it, it was not good to compare him to Lucas. It would be an insult to Lucas.
Once, I met Chris straight from an inspection, and of course smelled like the beasts I had been inspecting. It put him in a bad mood that whole evening. Since then, I became careful when I met him. I never used perfume because beasts did not like artificial scents, but I used it afterward to deodorise.
‘Perhaps to you. He’s also a natural person, and likes me as I am. I do not have to forcibly decorate myself.’
One of his eyebrows jerked. I must have touched some kind of nerve. Why had I liked this man? Even if he hadn’t cheated, it really wouldn’t have worked out with us. The way we viewed life was so different. I wondered if dating him had been age-related impatience. I am embarrassed because I was impatient to get married. In a strange sense, I had to apologise to Chris.
I decided to sprinkle the last bit of bait. Now, Chris was no longer trying to hide is sullenness. Wouldn’t it be fun for him to know my new boyfriend was man of high rank?
‘He’s the commander of the Rejude Brigade. I suppose someone like you who does like beasts wouldn’t know much about him.’
‘What? You’re dating the Rejude brigade commander?’
‘Oh, do you know him?’
‘You’re lying; that stubborn person dating you? It’s impossible.’
‘Well, if you know him, why don’t you ask Lucas yourself?’ I replied in a sotto voice.
He was skeptical, but it wouldn’t look good when he found out I wasn’t lying.
‘No, I’m sorry. I don’t doubt you; I was just surprised.’
‘We met when he came to register a rare knight; a chase wolfe. Oh, I’m sorry, you wouldn’t be interested in that.’
‘That’s not the case. Are you really intimate with the Rejude Brigade commander? No, I know you’re not lying, you wouldn’t do that crap.’
Although he was speaking sarcastically, he had a thoughtful expression on his face. I wondered if he wanted to compete and tell me all about the great people he’d met. I was honestly confused by his attitude; and did he just give me a backhand compliment? Hold on, did he want me to make an introduction to Lucas?
‘Why are you being so aloof, you should have said it earlier.’
Huh?
‘If you’re dating the leader of the Rejude Brigade, you must know what they have the largest collection of rare knights in the capital. And they’re known to care for their beasts.’
Hm?
‘I think he suits you better than me.’
What the hell is this solid complement that made me feel like he wanted to use me for something? Disgusting. He must really want me to introduce him to Lucas. Hey, you and I have broken up! You don’t dare use me like we’re friends! (Zuben: Um, correct me if I’m wrong, isn’t this what you’re aiming for?)
‘What do you want?’ I asked Chris, I could see the wheels turning in his head. He didn’t seem to care about my harsh tone, he grabbed my hand without notice or permission.
‘You mentioned the chase wolfe earlier? Isn’t that the beast the commander cherishes? If you are able to ask him, I’m sure he’ll agree.’
‘We don’t talk about business.’
This man has no shame! He seems to want to get something to Lucas, or was it that he wanted Geist?
‘Don’t say that. Just ask. Could you ask him to give us his chase wolfe’s spem?’
I was suddenly deflated in disappointment: Sperm? Where they thinking of impregnating that chase wolfe? This was an idiot that couldn’t be saved. (Zuben: No comprende)
‘You are…’
I wanted to refuse, but stopped; perhaps this was the perfect opportunity. If I bring Geist’s sperm, I could get into the suspicious building. I should talk to Lucas. It wasn’t what I expected but it was better than nothing.
‘Why don’t you come and take a seat?’
‘Thank you, Mira!’
‘I’m just listening to what you have to say. If you do something strange, I will tell your fiancée.’
‘I won’t.’
Chris entered and took a seat on my sofa, looking smugly about. I would have to throw that sofa away too. His skin was so thick, only thinking about himself. In the past, I was too blind to see what kind of man he was. It is a stain on my life. (Zuben: What a difference…a good fuck makes…)
While preparing a cup of cheap tea, I reflected on my life choices.
‘So tell me, why do you want chase wolfe sperm?’
I asked Chris. I was leaning against my desk looking down at Chris on the sofa.
‘I’m investing in beast breeding. I
met a breeding specialist that accidentally captured a female chase wolfe, and
was looking for a male to breed her.’ (Zuben: accidentally?)
‘Have they submitted a notification? The chase wolfe are a specially classified beast, so there are strict guidelines and inspection before they are brought within the ramparts.’
There was no way it would be within the walls, I looked it up the other day, if there had been an application for breeding inside the castle walls, it would have immediately been reported. Chris shook his head,
‘The wolfe is in the Joanne borough. It’s not registered as a knight because its for breeding.’
‘That’s fine, I guess. But, why haven’t you asked Lucas directly?’
‘We’ve been asking, but he’s not budging.’
Definitely, he would refuse. But Lucas had heard from them, and he didn’t tell me? I’m feeling left out…
‘And the only male wolf in the capital is the Rejude brigade’s beast. Could you ask, Mira? Or could you use an inspection as an excuse to get even a little sample?’ Chris asked pleadingly.
‘Chris, a chase wolfe mating period is in the fall. You can’t get anything right now. Just keep trying to convince Lucas, there is still time.’
My tone and manner were dismissive. But the way, Chris looked at me – he was going to try to persuade me, wasn’t he?’
‘The female went into estrus out of season. She’ll only calm down once she’s fertilised.’
‘Find a veterinarian.’
Chris fell onto his knees and bowed, ‘Please help me ask him! I have a child on the way, and my factory employees! I’m begging you!’
I folded my arms looking frosty. He seemed sincere. Was his girlfriend really pregnant? And the factory employees…I could only feel sorry for them, but they need to start looking for new jobs with such terrible management.
‘What’s in it for me?’
‘If the investment goes well, I’ll pay you a consolation fee.’
‘Hm?’
‘Like damages, or nuisance fee.?
What crap are you saying? I wanted to shout, but I put up with it. How was he such a shithead? I don’t need money, I just never wanted to see his face again. I didn’t even want to hear his voice (Zuben: You invited him fish for information, he didn’t ask to come over) But I had to remind myself that I was doing this for Geist and Lucas. I rubbed my forehead as I supressed the urge to stomp on his face like a cockroach. (Zuben: He might enjoy that.)
‘Fine. I’ll talk to him.’
‘Really? Thank you, Mira, thank you!’
‘Don’t get me wrong; I’m just thinking of your poor employees who would be without jobs if your investment goes wrong.’
‘Your heart is virtuous.’
He rose from the floor excitedly and came forward with his arms wide open. I didn’t want to hug him. I stepped aside and pointed at the door.
‘Chris?’
‘Yes, Mira?’
‘It’s time to leave.’
‘Ah… I’m sorry.’
‘Don’t forget your stuff.’
‘Haha, I understand. Then, I’ll leave the rest to you.’
Could I kick his back? I wondered as he left trying to look dashing? He kept looking at me as he passed by, but I urged him on with my chin. Don’t be looking at me like that, I didn’t call you here to rekindle anything.
After confirming that Chris had found a hackney and was on his way. I took a shower and got dressed. I was going to see Lucas. I thought about what I was going to say to Lucas. He must be reluctant to act because he didn’t want to put me in danger, but I wanted to help atone for the injustice this poor beast was suffering. I sat up, maybe he is being careful.
This was a Rejude brigade problem, and what I was doing was an imposition of kindness. My stomach twisted, I hadn’t thought of anything else because I wanted to save the female.
I was being selfish.
What should I do? I wondered as I went to my entryway and put on my shoes. It was too late to regret things.
With my Deeper Deeper shoes at my feet, I left the flat. I’m sorry, Lucas, I have to explain myself properly. Even though I was wearing my new favourite shoes, my gait was heavy. I felt left out, I was thinking about myself and I didn’t know how to tell him about meeting Chris.
✨
Lucas glowered at me as I told him all that transpired. I knew I was in the wrong so I sloppily rounded my back.
‘You met that man?’
‘I’m sorry. I was just fishing for information. I felt left out.’
‘I didn’t want you to meet that weak chinned fellow.’
‘I’m sorry.’ I bowed and shut my eyes tightly.
I heard Lucas rising from his chair, his voice was so hard, he must be so angry. I could feel heat behind my eyes.
‘Mira?’
‘Yes.’
‘Did anything happen?’
I was suddenly surrounded by his warmth and scent. With a little force I was pressed against his hard chest.
‘You met him by yourself. As far as I know, he sounds like a cad.’
‘No, he didn’t touch me. I didn’t allow him to. Once I had the information, I kicked him out.’
‘Good. I’m glad you’re okay.’
I realised Lucas was worried about me. I savoured the feeling of his arms around me.
‘I never want to have to see him again.’ I said, ‘And I’m sorry I went behind your back to speak to him.’
‘I know I have been too protective. Still, you should have talked to me first, I wouldn’t have let you be alone.’
‘I won’t meet him alone anymore.’
‘Next time, I will be with you. But I have to give you credit, thanks to you getting information from Chris, we can move.’
He picked me up and made me straddle his thighs.
‘Cranbert contacted me; not Ludwig, but as the brigade leader. Did he say anything?’
‘No, he said nothing about that.’
‘He seems easier to handle than Cranbert. I’m sorry I haven’t been telling you, I just didn’t want to put you in danger. It was my fault you were suspicious.’ He said as he stroked my hair gently.
‘Cranbert wants Geist to mate with the female. He even showed me the refined pheromones they are distilling. It seems to be making them a lot of money.’
‘Chris is investing in it. He said that she went into estrus early, that may be they are impatient.’
‘If they are using drugs to keep her in heat, she would not be in a good shape. That’s why they want to breed her for now, and perhaps carry on when she’s healthier?’
‘That’s it.’
If so, we don’t have must time. If she died from extended weakness from the medicine inducing her mating drive, I would regret it. I’m sure Lucas felt the same.
‘Lucas, please use me.’
‘What are you saying?’
‘I want to bring down Cranbert for doing such an outrageous thing to the point that they cannot be revived.’
Lucas was thinking of how to keep me safe, but I also wanted to do something for him. But if I was told to sit put, I might have no choice but to do so, I didn’t want to be in the way. But…
‘Perhaps, it was better to continue to get information from Chris rather than go directly to the CEO. Chris only thinks in the short term, I should be able to take advantage of that.’
Lucas looked thoughtful as I played with a buckle on his shirt. It was more convenient for me to pretend to be deceived and become a decoy.
‘I’ll run and hide as soon as things get dangerous. Lucas, please~’ I pleaded trying look cute.
He seemed to have reluctantly agreed because his hand playing with my hair and moved down to my waist and was wriggling suspiciously.
‘I can’t win against you.’
‘Hm?’
‘I knew from the start I wouldn’t be able to win against you. I understand, you can attend the strategy meeting.’
He pulled me against him and hugged me tightly with a sigh of resignation while I put my arms around his neck.
‘Thank you, Lucas.’
‘You will not do anything dangerous.’
‘I promise.’
‘You won’t leave my side.’
‘I won’t.’
I was very happy with this, I kissed him all over is face as I said thank you repeatedly. I was excited to be able to save the chase wolfe and others like it trapped there soon. Not only that, I hoped it would be useful for Lucas.
Thank you, Lucas. It may be my selfishness, but you won’t regret it.
Thanks for the chapter!
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