"I'm not going anywhere without Zweli or Mac. Either that or nothing from me!"
Lincoln made no fuss about agreeing to her requests. He wished to be as generous as possible to his wayward sister.
"Absolute nonsense", Cassy stated, "As Luna, I refuse and that is final!"
"Then you can kiss me goodbye. I don't need you to look for my parents", Harley said. She remained adamant in her decision.
"Alright both of you calm down, we can talk this through", Lincoln tried to reason.
He was met with disapproval from both parties. Things took a turn for the worst. Building a relationship of understanding between Harley and Cassy was out of the question.
Cassy began to act out of character towards Harley.
He stood there alone, clueless about how to dampen the situation. Dr Norris came to mind, he might have a solution. At once, Dr Norris came running towards Lincoln. A look of worry plastered across his face.
"Doctor wait, what's wrong?", he asked, concerned.
The old man took some moments to gather his breath.
"Luna Cassy must ensure Miss Harley dwells with us at all costs", he said.
"But how?", Lincoln questioned.
"She must learn to humble herself and be reasonable with Harley. If Harley is left vulnerable, she will be attacked by Alanus, and it will not end well. Please convince her".
"Yes doctor, I will do my best, thank you".
"Cassy has gone missing, which means the weight is now on our shoulders to work through this", Lincoln said.
"Today is going to be a long day, so we need everyone to pay close attention to Dr Norris. We don't have a lot of time on our hands".
Dr Norris shuffled through his papers as he prepared to address the group. The meeting room was sealed from any outsiders. Thanks to Harley, Zweli and Mac overheard the whole meeting.
Everyone had a grim expression during the meeting. They all felt the burden of fulfilling a highly significant vocation. Such journeys had not been executed in hundreds of years. The danger level was at its peak.
Dr Norris articulated all the details and ensured they were thoroughly understood. He answered all the questions diligently. He spoke of things he had never heard of before.
Lincoln remained silent right through the entire convocation. His mind only accommodated Cassy. She was out of reach and out of sight, leaving no means of communication with her. She vanished.
Lincoln's P. O. V
Something feels off. What could she be up to? Where could she be? Why has she severed our bond? So many questions in my mind, I hope she's alright. We need her.
I just can't shake off the feeling that something is wrong.
I should probably leave since I'm not paying attention anyway. So much for asking everyone else to do so.
Dr Norris will fill me in later.
I finally got up from my seat and excused myself. It was hard to miss everyone's worried looks. They know something is wrong. What will I tell them?
I decided to take a jog and release my stress. I sense betrayal coming my way. Goddess, please help me.
I can feel my tears running down my face. I can't, I can't help it anymore!
- HADES -
"It's exhilarating to have you back my divine beauty, after so long", he said.
She blushed at his charm. "I'm also glad to be back at last. Being there drained so much of my energy. Lincoln is such a pain, it's a miracle I'm still alive.
"But it was all worth it, wasn't it?", he said.
"Everything is worth it for you, Damasippus".
- WINDCREST PACK HOUSE -
"Are you guys going to shut us out? You need our workforce for goddess’ sake", Zweli pleaded.
Abe and Kassidy didn't mind having them tag along. Troy and Max, on the contrary, thought otherwise. There was no need for Zweli and Mac in their opinion.
"I mean look, Lincoln already said yes. Besides... Harley, Mac and I are basically a package deal", he continued.
Harley giggled in the background. She had already made up her mind anyway.
"Come let's go eat you guys", she held them by their shoulders as they went to raid the kitchen. It was empty at that time of day. The perfect opportunity for binge eating without guilt.
Abe and Kassidy were left to persuade Troy and Max. They did not back down until they received the answers they wanted. Convincing Troy and Max was no obstacle.
"We have to accept them, Harley want them there", said Abe.
"And Zweli is an exceptional healer too, he'll be really helpful if anyone of us needs attention", Kassidy continued.
They mentioned a myriad of benefits to having Zweli and Mac come along. Eventually, Troy and Max's doubts are drowned out. They could not argue with the two brains of the pack.
Abe and Kassidy wore satisfied smirks.
The group did its best despite Cassy's inexplicable disappearance. Gear as well as all essential needs were taken into consideration and prepared.
"So we're taking them with us right?", Dr Norris said.
"Yes, we have to", said Lincoln.
"Well, in that case we should head to the temple soon to receive blessings", said Dr Norris.
"I understand"
"Alpha, are you content regarding everything?"
"I can't complain, it's all out of my control".
Lincoln stared into space as he carried his heavy heart. Worry and sadness filled him. He sat under the boundless blue sky. Did it also have issues to deal with or worry about?
Lincoln and Zweli sat opposite each other in his office. Zweli sat comfortably on it. The tall black tuxedo couch reminded him of the deluxe beauty at his house.
"Nice couch you got", Zweli said. He grazed through it gently.
"Thanks"
"So you're Harley's flame?", Lincoln asked in a monotone voice.
"Yes, I proudly am", said Zweli. His smile beamed with magnificently white teeth.
Is he always this chirpy? Can't imagine him with Harley Blake.
"Mac and Kyle found her in a ditch somewhere and brought her back to your place, right?"
"Yeah man, she was covered in dirt and stank real bad. So much that I took it upon myself to make her perfumes and all that good stuff".
"Good goddess", Lincoln leaned forward and clasped his hands with his elbows on his knees.
Zweli remained calm, he looked as hip as ever, "It was a sight I never thought I'd see in my life. Ever", he said in a smooth tone.
Lincoln arched his eyebrows. "And you agreed to keep her in your house?"
Zweli smiled graciously and nodded. "Why not be hospitable?"
He still maintained his cool composure. It was obvious to him that Lincoln was so worried about Harley.
"Then at first she pounced on Kyle and you blew an impotent sleeping powder into her face?"
"Yes, you should've seen her. Such fierceness", he said with a chuckle in his voice.
Oh, I know that.
Lincoln observed him closely, "She never attacked you before?"
"Of course not", he burst into laughter, "I'm a gentleman".
Well, that's a surprise.
Lincoln gave a half smile, "Did she have any episodes?"
Of course, she did. What am I thinking?
"Sometimes"
"And how did you react to that?"
"Well, I mean, I could sympathize with her. When a person is crying their heart out, it's best to just let them be. It's up to them to decide how they want to deal with their issues. If she asked for anything I would've given it to her".
At least he's got a heart and a brain. I hope he bears with Harley always.
"I see, I see, now tell me one more thing, Zweli",
"Sure Alpha"
"What are you?"
"What... uhh what do you mean?", he scratched the back of his head. He shifted uncomfortably under Lincoln's gaze.
I knew it.