I wake from my nap to find I am face to face with someone new. I can proudly say I don’t yelp, or shout, or anything particularly obvious as a show of fear. Especially when it really processes that I have no idea how long this new guy must have been watching me sleep. Which is a lot creepier than I like to admit. Rather like dealing with a cat, we just stare at each other, neither moving or talking until the man slowly blinks and I return the motion. The action seems to break some kind of tension and I shift wiggling back into a more upright position. I don’t like the idea of being trapped flat on my back in front of this stranger.

“Can I help you?” I ask after the man just keeps silently staring at me even as I struggle to sit up. He blinks again slowly, I figure he must be related to Lucian, though he wasn’t as well kept. Where Lucian is very well put together in the way he dresses with only the faint stubble to show any kind wildness to his nature this man was all wild. His hair is long and black like Lucians but unlike the wild curls being tamed back into a ponytail this man’s hair is loose and falls in slight untamed waves and curls. He has darker gray eyes touched with heavy eye bags and a lot more than a faint bristle of hair on his face, like he hasn’t seen the sharp end of a razor in a lot longer than Lucian. He just gives the impression of something untamed and dangerous, this is the kind of thing people expect when they think about Lycans.

“You saved… my brother, yes?” the man asks his voice rough from disuse, his words halting clearly not used to conversation. His voice is deep and very much like Lucians, who apparently is his brother, I knew it.

“Yeah… I did, and you are…?” I trail off letting the question hang, ok so he is Lucian’s brother but what’s his name? What does he want? Why is he being creepy watching me sleep? I need something to work with here. The man frowns and heaves a sigh, seeming to think about it. As he thinks about it he looks over at me, did he think I was going to use his name against him or something?

“Dante… I am, Lucians older brother.” he says finally. His words are again, measured, almost careful. Either he isn’t sure how to talk to me or he just doesn’t tend to talk to people in general. He is trying though so I figure I owe him the same. I nod respectfully at his introduction. I can't do much more than that since I’m stuck in bed after all.

“Alright then Dante. Nice to meet you, I’m Alex.” I say, introducing myself for the first time. Lucian and Gin hadn’t bothered asking my name, I realize belatedly. Dante eyes me a moment with an unreadable expression, dark eyes glancing at my chest, then up to my face.

“Wandering soul?” he asks curiously trying to understand something it seems. Unfortunately, that has me confused. What the heck did that mean? Dante notices my confusion so he gestures at me waving his hand indicating to my body.

“You have a masculine name but a feminine body. Is your heart and soul that of a man?” he asks curiously and surprisingly casually, as if me having a ‘wandering soul’ isn’t an issue and he’s just curious about it.

“I don’t think so?” I manage finally mostly because that opens up a whole slew of questions I am not ready to deal with. There are a lot of reasons Demetri asked me to be a mediator and why I do work for him outside of that but… I didn’t want to think about that right now.

“One should know. After what I learned about your work… I wouldn't have been surprised.” the man says causing me to freeze up… my work? No! How can he have learned anything about that! Part of me wants to think he just means my actions as a mediator but I know, deep in my bones he means my other work, the unofficial things Demetri asks me to do because he knows only I can do it. Others might claim they can, but Demetri has only ever seen me do it. I have only known myself capable of doing it… I let my expression drop, the cold spreading through me as I meet his eyes it isn’t Alex who responds to him but the one who works for Demetri

“My work has nothing to do with my soul. I have a unique skill, It can help so I use it. That’s all.” The words are sharp and while I would normally be mindful of the power Dante has, Demetris Aide does not have those concerns. Dante tilts his head, eyes narrowing as he studies the person before him. It is not the woman who had saved his brother, but it is. He has seen many different things in his long life, there are bodies that hold more than one soul, there are altered minds that have built protection allowing for other personalities to take control, there are even spells that can take over the mind. None of these are what he is seeing happen with the person before him. Clearly unsure how to react Dante stands, I come to the realization that he wasn’t before showing how damn tall he is.

“It makes a difference if you are using those skills to try and con my brother.” he says simply. Cold disdain is quickly replaced with a hot fury as I shift to try and sit up more fully glaring at him refusing to lean on the pillows and show any weakness.

“I’m not doing anything like that! If you know about… about that work you know the kind of people I use those skills against. You have a lot of nerve making that kind of accusation.” I hiss, a wounded animal ready to defend itself against a larger beast that I know can easily kill me. The tension has returned as we stare at each other neither willing to back down.

“If that’s the case why would you save my brother? As a mediator your job is just to keep things from escalating in the gray district. You didn’t need to take a bullet for him… so why?” Dante demands his voice a low growl obviously confused by what he sees as a pointless gesture. Despite my fear from the growl I raise to his challenging tone never breaking eye contact

“Because I’m not an ass! Because I can’t just stand by and let someone get hurt if I can stop it! Because Demetri doesn’t tolerate that kind of violent mindless behaviour and I uphold his rules! I wasn’t going to let that stupid kid take a life in my district, and make the place my mother lives in unsafe by waving his fucking gun around!” I snap at him anger boiling over almost surprised by how angry I am. I’m not used to feeling like this, letting myself get angry and lashing out. Oddly my response and anger only makes him laugh. What is it with this family laughing at me?! First Lucian and now his older brother?

“You’re brave for a human. Laying there wounded and still lashing out at me.” he chuckles, his expression softer as he watches me. His words raise my hackles. While instinct and self preservation tell me to keep my mouth shut, I’m in too much pain and too pissed off by the accusation to let him laugh away my feelings.

“It has nothing to do with being a human, or the gray district, or Others, or whatever the hell else you're thinking! You’re rude, I’m responding in kind. I’m not going to lie here and take more accusations when all I did was stick my neck out for your younger brother!” I snap, voice sharp and fed up with him. I can’t help taking deep satisfaction at the shock on his face.

“I stepped in because of my job as a mediator, yes, but I kept it up because I don’t tolerate that shit, Not the racism, not the rudeness, not the danger. I wasn’t going to let a Lycan die any more than anyone else and I wasn’t going to let some racist pissant brat kill someone.” I declare breathing out firmly, my chest aches my rage making my breathing harsh and chest heave only aggravating the wound.

“I see.” Dante says, the words a slow drawl that do nothing to help my temper. I struggle to temper it down since he looks so thoughtful about what I’ve had to say.

“So, I take it you would have protected any of the ‘others’ then? You’re with Zora? Protecting the family name?” he questions, I knew that was coming so I take a breath calming myself before I respond this time. Dante notices and seems to approve of that, not that I care about his approval at this point.

“I’m not a member of the Zora, but Don Demetri Zora is a long time friend and I occasionally work for him specifically on… things he can’t handle himself. Which obviously you know about.” I say eyeing the larger Lycan. Dante inclines his head in agreement before offering a lopsided smile. The expression is almost at odds with his rough look but also kind of suits him.

“I’m sorry… I, don’t interact with people outside the pack often. We’re in, similar lines of work. I was worried.” he admits awkwardly, almost instantly diffusing my anger. Similar lines of work? I know for sure he’s not a mediator, that leaves only one other thing. The understanding dawns and I run a hand down my face sighing as my head falls back with a soft thump against the headboard.

“I get it. Alright, fair I don’t appreciate it but, I guess I do understand your worry. I swear on my tie to Demetri I am not here to con or cause trouble, I really was just trying to stop anyone from getting hurt.” I push power deliberately into the words, making the vow with a deep respect knowing he’ll understand that more then anything else I could say or do. The larger Lycan understands the importance of that because he bows his head slightly accepting my vow.

“What of your mother?” he asks carefully, it hits me then, I haven’t thought about whether or not she knows. Demitri will make sure she was cared for, I know that for a fact, if I had died… but do I tell her or no?

“I… don’t know. Part of me wants to just go home right away and reassure her but everythings so complicated right now. I don’t know how much you know about what happened. Either this was an act of family war or a set up, neither are good, it might be better if she thinks I’m dead too…” I murmur thoughtfully, it’s something I need to seriously consider, but I know it’ll hurt her badly

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“At least until this can be dealt with I’ll have to be dead to her. She’d never be able to pretend convincingly enough, if anyone is even watching her. She doesn’t know anything about my work outside being a mediator so trying to explain the nuances of this whole situation and the fact Demetri isn’t just the friendly boy who I’ve known since I was a kid, would just stress her out.” I finally decide before looking over at Dante who is also thinking about it. His arms are crossed, eyes slightly narrowed and off to the side, I can see the similarities in the two men, they both look down and to the left when they’re thinking.

“My brother could go to see her, perhaps offer his condolences, it’s no secret he’s the one you protected, it was a very public attack. If you’re aiming to hide your survival to understand why the attack happened then anyone watching would take my brother visiting as confirmation. Particularly as there is someone on our side involved as well. The bullet used isn’t easy to come by and there's magic involved in making that sort of thing. It would also be expected that Lucian would pay respects to your mother in accordance with our own pack values and traditions.” Dante hums out adding to the plan. He looks up sharply, startling me slightly with how fast he moves before looking over towards the door. I’m not sure why at first, suddenly the door is flung open and Lucian runs in eyes dark, that molten silver as he looks to his brother growling deep in his chest

“What are you doing here?!” he snarls out in a tone that surprises me, I have no idea what he’s mad about but he looks ready to tear Dante apart! However, Dante was asking about Lucians safety and if he does the same work as me then he was doing it out of pure loyalty to his brother. I know now what Dante was doing, and as much as I hate it, I can’t pretend if our situation was reversed and he had saved Demetri, I wouldn’t have been the same.

“He was making sure I wasn’t here to cause trouble just like you did pup calm down.” I say defensively, both look at me startled Demetri fighting a smile while Lucians expression twisted in a half frown

“P-pup?” he demands startled and confused, Part of me worries I offended him but the rest of me knows I need to take control if I want to stop a fight.

“Well you’re acting like a kid but you're a Lycan right? So Pup’s what you get, unless you feel like acting like an adult and not attacking your brother for being worried about you. I haven’t got the time, or energy to deal with an angry puppy picking fights.” I state firmly, even as internally I wonder where the hell this confidence is coming from. I am in a room weak, and injured facing down two of the strongest Lycans known to the city. The Pack Alpha of the Clawed and his older brother who, if he is being honest (and I absolutely believe he is), is just like me. An inelegant snort breaks through my thoughts and I look to Dante who is laughing openly now. Shaking his head the larger Lycan walks to the door and places a large hand on his brothers shoulder smiling softer than before

“This is a good one Lucca.” he says in approval before sweeping out, taking the oppressive atmosphere with him, and leaving me and Lucian in the room alone. I hadn’t realized how tense I was until Dante had left, now, sagging into the pillows my muscles are aching from being primed that whole time ready for… something. Lucian relaxes as well after a moment and looks to me looking me over with worry for some reason.

“Are you… ok? He didn’t do anything did he? Dante is not really sociable, and I can’t think of the last time he spoke to a human.” Lucian admitted, his wording is odd but I don’t question it as I wave a hand dismissively

“I’m fine,” I reiterate firmly, “He really was just making sure I wasn’t here playing you ok?” I reassure, finding I want to make sure that Lucian isn’t trapped between family and the woman who saved his life.

“He’s an impressive figure, that's for sure. I know Lycans tend to be taller than the average man but he’s huge.” I say with a small smile hoping the change of subject might help Lucian relax. It does, he heads to sit on the side of the bed looking towards the door his expression thoughtful and maybe a little distant

“He is large, even for a Lycan, Dante is what we call an Enigma Lycan, Very rarely they come along. they have a much deeper connection to their animal side and are more along the lines of what we were when we first came into being.” Lucian tells me, Nodding slowly another thought hits me, if Dante is older…

“You’re wondering why he’s not Alpha if he’s older than me.” Lucian comments with a smile, calling me out. My thoughts must have been on my face but Lucian doesn’t seem offended at least.

“As an Enigma he has needs that clash directly with the duties of a Pack Alpha, Even if he didn’t his nature means that while he is stronger than any other member of the pack he’s almost… Too strong? As alpha I command a level of strength but with it comes respect for my power. For Dante his wolf is so strong other Lycans actively fear him, he is an Apex predator and they know it, their beast knows instinctively he is fully capable of slaughtering all of us. Because of that he cannot make the kind of connection needed to be an Alpha.” Lucian explains breaking it down to simpler terms but not talking down to me. I appreciate that because it sounds complicated. I think I understand it well enough though, basically the Lycans where all so scared of Dante's animal that he wouldn’t be able to lead them if needed

“Sounds rough.” is all I could manage because really what can I say? Lucian chuckles a little appreciating my attempt at least before shrugging

“I think he’s ok with it, it certainly seems to suit his personality. He was never particularly fond of socializing. He has a wing to himself and is content to come and go as he pleases, he serves the pack in his own way.” Lucian explains to me thoughtfully before returning his full attention to me

“Right, and you came in all teeth and snarls because of how strong his wolf is?” I venture, it’s an odd situation all around but I think I’m understanding it better? Lucian sighs blushing faintly, it’s just the faintest color crossing his face but I can’t help thinking it’s charming.

“Well, yes. He is defensive I suppose not to different from you and Zora, while you may not be his blood you clearly have a close connection.” he concedes and I have to agree, though his mention of Demetri reminds me

“So, am I calling him first or eating because I am actually kind of hungry now.” I manage with a half smile. Lucian nods then looks at his hands seeming to realize something before he’s on his feet and out the door without a word. Well what was that about? I don’t have to wait long to find out as with the clattering of crockery on a tray and hurried steps I can hear coming up the hall Lucian enters with a silver tray bearing a covered bowl.

“Because of the severity of the wound and the strength of the potion needed you can’t have anything to heavy to eat for a couple days I had the kitchens make you some soup.” he explains setting the tray on the bedside table and helping me sit up more then the awkward position I had shoved myself in trying to face up to his brother. Once I’m comfortable he settles the tray on my lap lifting the cover from the bowl. Steam wafts up joined by a warm homey smell of tomato soup. It’s rich and creamy and, funnily enough, reminds me of the kind my mom made when I was sick as a kid. It looks amazing and smells better.

“Heh, what are the odds…” I mumble, noting Lucians confusion I explain the funny coincidence watching as his eyes light up a bit like he’s excited we have something in common.

“Really? It’s the same for me. Whenever me or Dante were ill as children our Dam made an easy tomato soup for us to eat while we got better.” he says amazed. All I can think is, maybe tomato soup is just a universal cure all moms just know about instinctively.

I eat slowly but well. While part of me wants to just lift the bowl and chug it all back as fast as possible because of how hungry I am, I know that’s a bad idea. So with some help for the first couple spoonfuls when my hand shakes as I lift the spoon to my mouth. Eventually I have the strength and rhythm to eat on my own savoring the taste and warmth as it seems to effuse through me right to the very tips of my fingers and toes washing away the last dredges of cold, pain, and fear that had lodged as deep as the bullet had.

“That brought some color to your face.” Lucian says with a small smile obviously pleased. I settle the spoon in the empty bowl and sigh, I do feel a lot better, sure I’m not perfectly healed from one meal but the warmth and good taste brings me a sense of peace.

“It was good. It’s been a long time since I’ve had Tomato soup and even longer since I’ve had a meal I could sit and eat to be honest.” I admit with a chuckle thinking about the quick meals I’m used to, cold leftovers standing over the sink or sandwiches. My admission must upset him though because I see Lucian frown a little

“Are you overworked? I know mediators are busy but I didn’t realize it was that bad.” he says voice carrying his concern, to try and ease him I’m quick to wave a hand to banish the thought

“Oh no nothing like that. My moms not very well and potions aren’t cheap so I work a few other jobs then just as a mediator.” I explain to him. Lucian nods in relief, taking the tray and moving it off my lap. He turns slightly, setting it down on the bedside table then picking something up I hadn’t noticed before, a telephone.

“I didn’t even see it. Did you bring it in while I was asleep so I wouldn’t have to get out of bed? I’m getting a little worried about how much you're keeping me in it.” I joke again, teasing Lucian. He smiles clearly noticing I’m not being serious with my accusation. For my lack of interest in the physical I can’t say the same about jokes at such expense, I can find humor in teasing someone about it just as much as anyone.

Settling at my side once more Lucian holds the base of the phone out to me, I haven’t told him Demetris' number deliberately, this is something only I and a select few others know. Watching Lucian I lift the receiver and wait never letting my gaze leave him. Again he knows exactly what I want and looks away, letting me dial the number with privacy. It’s so different from using a public phone, the receiver is clean and the dial spins smoothly under my finger.

It takes a moment for the call to connect, the number allowing me to bypass the operator and get me connected directly to him. One thing money can buy is the convenience of modern technology.

The phone is answered with a grunt of greeting that is very much unlike the man I know. Does he think I’m dead as well? I can’t help smiling fondly. Demetri is the brother I never had, the confidant and partner in crimes against cookies, the one person I will always trust to have my back.

“Hey… You didn’t think I’d die that easily did you?” I ask into the phone a sense of peace filling me as the voice responds with very eloquent Greek swearing.