Quintin's Expedition

Chapter 2

As I returned to my office, I shut the door quietly and slumped against it. My head was pounding as thoughts raced around it. I slammed my eyes shut, trying to drown out the noise in my mind and dull the blinding lights filling my vision. I took a few deep breaths before steadying myself on my feet once more.

I glanced down at my hands which were also shaking. I needed to get a grip of myself. Egypt can't be that bad. Even my wolf was chirping at me in amusement. I am a grown man, I can handle a little trip. Or so I kept telling myself.

Taking my leave of my office, I briskly made my way over to the storage garages. I was met with an Omega who eyed me curiously. I spread a cheery smile on my lips and gestured to one of the pack vehicles. He glanced between the car and myself before pursing his lips.

"What does the Education Minister need a pack vehicle for?" He said with a hint of smarminess. Goddess, I did not need this this morning.

"I have to run an errand for the Luna." I said firmly, even crossing my arms to show some dominance. To my surprise, he broke out in laughter.

"Ok, ok. Calm down, Quintin. I am only following Alpha's orders to make sure the vehicles are kept safe from the unranked and other unruly Omegas." He chuckled. I felt my chest deflate but tried to keep my glaze as steely as I could.

"Can I go now that you've had your little joke?" I retorted. He was now one to be takenaback by my tone.

"My apologies, Minister. I meant no offence. Yes, I will grab some keys for you." He stuttered before racing into the back office.

I sighed heavily, slumping my shoulders down and looking around the vehicle while I waited for the Omega to return. I debated whether to bring up his attitude with Gale, since Omegas are meant to have some form of respect for the elders, but I brushed the thoughts aside. He was only joking, I told myself, it would have been funny had I not been so shook up from my conversation with Laurie.

Over my shoulder, I could see the Omega hurrying back towards me. I turned on my heel to greet him and held out my hand. He shakily placed the keys in my palm and withdrew his hand. I left out a frustrated exhale and pinched my nose with my other hand.

"Sorry." I said quickly. "The Luna just has me a bit rattled, that is all." I shouldn't have to explain myself but the terror in his eyes riddled me with guilt.

"Ah, I see." He replied, keeping his eyes lowered. I faked a cough before continuing to speak.

"Just, be more conscious of who you are joking with." I gave him a quick pat on the shoulder before turning away my flushed face. "So, which one is this?" I asked.

A hand appeared beside me, pointing towards a car to the right. I gave him a nod and a grunt of thanks before jogging over to the car. I didn't look back as I started it and drove out of the garage, just before pulling over up the road and hitting my head against the steering wheel.

After the few moments of self pity had passed, I continued driving until I had ventured to the nearest human town. It was much like the pack, except for the dullness of the people's faces and the drab looking streets. I was unsure if it was a wolf thing or if humans were just oblivious, but nothing ever seemed to stand out here. It was as if the humans didn't notice how misreble the buildings and roads looked.

I parked the car before venturing into the main strip of shops. It was a busy day, which meant a lot of humans I had to avoid walking into while also avoiding drawing too much attention to myself. I already stood out heavily from the crowd, often towering above the shorter humans at 6' 4", but I tried to dress as similarly to them as I could. Though I drew the line at the bright patterned shirts.

I didn't want to be here any longer than I had to, so I made my way to the electrical store. Although we had cameras in the pack, we had run short on film reels, and I knew for this journey I was going to need many reels for the photos I would be taking. Laurie wouldn't forgive me if I only took one reel. While browsing the rack of film, I began to ponder how long I would be away for. It wasn't something we had discussed during our earlier meeting, but it would be something I would need to decide upon when buying the place tickets.

There it was again, a cold chill down my spine as I thought about flying. I needed to calm down as my palms were leaving residue on any object that I touched. I calmly wiped my hands with my handkerchief before stuffing it back into my pocket. I could feel my unease seeping off my body, so I quickly focused on the reels in front of me and took several off the railing. I glanced down, I had approximately ten reels, surely it would be enough. Well, it would have to do as I scooted over to the register.

I exchanged a small smile with the gentlemen serving, who placed the reels into a bag before handing it to me. I paid, received my change and left. I shouldn't have this much anxiety, I know, I just hoped it would pass by the time I got on the plane.

I paced along the path until I reached the travel shop. I took the biggest gulp I think I could have managed before walking inside. The people there seemed pleasant enough and guided me to a seat by one of the desks.

"How can we help you today, Mr...?" The man asked me.

"Quintin Jacobs, and I am wanting to venture to Egypt." I explained.

"Egypt? How exotic, Mr Jacobs!" The man beamed, turning behind him and flicking through the files in the cabinet. "Any particular area?"

"Somewhere with..." I hesitated, I had no idea. I was going to sound like an i***t, I knew it. As I was arguing with myself, the man was staring at me in anticipation. I snapped myself back to reality and forced a smile on my face. "Sorry about that! Somewhere with history, I suppose? I find it all very fascinating." I tried my best to sound convincing.

"Right..." He said, turning his attention back to the files. "The best suited place would be Cairo. It's a city that has recently been released from war. It has modern and historic architecture. It's been very popular." He explained as he pulled out a file to show me.

I pulled it towards me and briefly read the text. Inside were pictures of pyramids, the sphinx and the dusty coloured buildings. I could sense his body getting closer to me as I continued to read. Not wanting him to get too much closer, I slapped the pages shut and looked up at him, making him jump back in his seat.

"It looks perfect!" I said. A sudden rush of satisfaction came over me. Seeing these recent pictures, I actually felt excited to go; something I didn't think I would feel.

"Marvelous!" He clapped his hands together. "When are you looking to fly and how long will your venture be?"

"As soon as possible really." I said nonchalantly, "And do I need to book a return flight now? I was hoping to spend a month or so there." As the words left my lips, I could see his eyes widening and his mouth spreading. Yes, that could only mean it would be expensive.

"Mr Jacobs, such an extravagant venture would cost a few hundred pounds, perhaps even thousands." He began to explain.

"I am aware. Do you have recommendations for hotels in Cairo?" I asked, returning my attention to the folder. "It does not need to be anything fancy, I am happy with the bare minimum."

"Such a well-dressed gentleman like yourself should have the best available." He said.

"I insist, a simple room in a public house would suffice." I said flatly.

He was surprised by my demeanor but his face softened.

"Very well. Give me a moment to see what availability there is." He said curtly, rising to his feet and walking into the back office.

I glanced around the room, making sure no one could see my face as I opened up the mind link to Gale and Laurie.

"How much am I allowed to spend?" I asked quickly.

"Spend? What do you mean?" Gale snapped back.

"I gave Quinn a job to do." Laurie replied.

"And it involves spending?" Gale shot back.

"Yes, he's going to Egypt for me." Laurie said flatly. I heard a growl back from Gale and then silence. I figured they were discussing it between themselves so I kept my eyes on the back office door. Within a few moments, Gale sent a link back to me.

"How much do you need?" He sighed heavily.

"Possibly a thousand or so." I replied hesitantly. I heard Gale scoff back and then more silence.

"Take what you need. I'll make sure it doesn't affect the finances here." He said quickly. "But Quinn, don't disappoint Laurie. Her hormones are driving me crazy as it is." I stifled a laugh.

"Yes, Alpha." I replied before shutting the link as the travel agent walked back into the room.

He held out a hand written list, which was rather difficult to read. He must have been writing quickly. I glanced down at the page and back up at him.

"I made a couple of calls. What would you like?" He said, pointing at the stars written by what I assume were names and a list of dates. I nodded and took the page to inspect it closer.

The earliest flight was in three weeks time, and it seemed there were a number of taverns that would be able to house for me an extended stay. I was subtly impressed with his work, as he only had minutes to compile all of this information. I looked up at him and smiled gratefully.

"The flight time is fine and I think Sentura Taverna will be ok. It says three stars; so more luxury than I originally wanted but why not? I'm staying there for a while after all." I said, grimacing in my mind as I hoped that Gale wouldn't destroy me for spending the Pack's money.

"Very well, I will make the arrangements. I will need your address and license to be able to make the reservations." The agent said.

Nodding in response, I pulled the documents from my pocket and handed them to him.

Over the next hour or so, the flight and room was booked. The room was also available to be extended should I wish as we hadn't book the return flight. I reluctantly handed over my credit card, not reading the price as I signed the receipt.

The agent then handed me my ticket and reservation documents, which were faxed through from the local agent in Cairo. As I took them from his hands, my anxiety returned. It was happening; I was really doing this. I bid the man farewell and returned to the vehicle before driving back to the pack. I only hoped I could fulfill my promise to Laurie.