Business Meeting

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Starring

 * Cody Isaiah Bridger
 * Cane Astrada

Business Meeting
Cane Astrada



It was always best to ignore the confused, and often suspicious, looks from Cane's chauffeur. The less the small Asian knew, the better. He was a horridly skilled gossip, despite his accent. "He-yah?" he asked, obviously wondering why he shouldn't drive the small black vehicle straight to the large mansion that was only a block or two away.

Cane nodded in affirmation, hoping he was seen in the rear-view mirror. Just in case, he said, "Yes, here. The informant was specific that our client wanted to meet away from the mansion. He didn't want to 'cause a scene.'" This was an interesting deal to say the least. It was not often that he was invited to the Von Albrecht's mansion, although he had had dealings with Julius before. Always fun.

The dealing scheduled for today, however, was not with Julius. Apparently, the Pack Omega had contacted one of Cane's informants asking for an emergency supply of a chemical that clotted blood when it couldn't clot itself. In other words, it was a hemophilia cure. With that information tucked away, Cane was just hoping he didn't have to deal with a profusely bleeding Lycan. He was dressed in a nice black sports coat and matching pants. Even a drop of blood on his nice shoes would be enough to ruin his day. Let's just say, Cane didn't dress cheaply.

The chauffeur pulled the car over to the side of the road when he reached the beginning of the rather expansive lawn of The Mansion. "Ohkayy! Wee have arrivhed!" he crooned to the back seat. "Thank you, Nicholas," Cane responded. He opened the door and stepped out of the back right seat of the car. He didn't need to bother with a seat belt, as he never used one. When you can't be hurt, seat belts become superfluous. He set one foot on the gravel road and huffed; gravel roads meant dirt and dust. Fantastic.

Quickly, Cane rushed to the luscious green lawn, doing his best to save his shoes from a rather tragic fate. Finally, he turned back around and called to Nicholas, "Goodbye Nicholas, I'll have Anisa drive me home. See you later."

He never used the same chauffeur twice in a row. Anyone could get a job driving a car around town. Cane couldn't trust them to know the complete story of his business interactions. Except Anisa, Anisa was a good girl. His favorite by far.

Nicholas nodded in affirmation to the command and promptly drove off. Cane watched the car until it was out of sight. Once it was, Cane sighed out and began to slowly walk towards The Mansion. The structure was a beautiful piece of architecture. He stopped for a minute or two to absorb the beauty of the grounds and the gardens; his mind then drifted off to how it was sullied by wild Lycans and how he was now waiting for one of those Lycans. He hoped that he wouldn't be waiting long.

He had never met the Omega. The only thing he knew was that his name is Cody and he has hemophilia. So, he knew nothing. Cane wondered where he would place if he was in a Lycan Pack. Definitely not the lowly Omega. No, he would be the Alpha. His power was too absolute to be anything else. He possessed unquestionable might and if any of his underlings did question it, they would feel his might.

Manipulation had always been Cane's game. That would be the real reason why he would be on top. He could get anyone to do anything; his assignments would be carried out without hesitation. Honestly, why hadn't he been born a Lycan, he would rock at that. Seriously.

Back to things that actually were going to happen, Cane began to be curious of what was contained in the metal box whose handle he had a hold of in his left hand. An assistant had given him the box and said, "This contains Factor, the item the client is asking for. Retails for fifty Coins." Cane intended to charge double that. He wondered what kind of substance this "Factor" was. He didn't even know if it was a pill or liquid or what. He never opened merchandise. If he always did, he would have a harder time sleeping at night.

Whatever it was, this Omega needed to show up and pay soon. As always, Cane was a very busy person and had no time for anyone. He stopped moving forward, not wanting to get too close to the large structure and be spotted. The last thing he needed was for Julius to come out and interrogate him. From what his informant told him, the Omega's hemophilia was a very closely kept secret. Cane, naturally, found out about it instantly. If he had a Coin for every personal secret he knew, well, who am I kidding? Could Cane really get any richer?

He laughed at that. It was comical how wealthy he was. Just for the fun of it, he set down the metal box on the soft grass and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a coin pouch that he had recently been given and began to count the money. By the time he was done, he had counted well above the average monthly wage for someone in this country, oh how he loved his job.

As he placed the coin pouch back in his pocket, he noticed his watch. Two o'clock. It had been near thirty minutes. He sincerely hoped that the poor Lycan hadn't already bled out. Hemophilia must be such a dreadful ailment for a Lycan to have, seeing as how violent the race often was. Cane certainly wouldn't want to live with the constant risk.

As he waited, he began to straighten out his closing and adjust his already great hair. He despised the wind, it always seemed to target him directly, trying desperately to somehow knock askew his ravishing good looks. Oh well, Cane would put up with wind as long as there weren't any annoying insects buzzing around.

Much to Cane's happiness, it was that time of spring where the temperatures warm up, but none of the animals or insects showed up. It was quite likely the best time of the year. Anything that couldn't talk really wasn't his scene.

Lord, now he was on the distasteful topic of animals! This Omega had better show up in the next five minutes or Cane had half a mind to charge quadruple the normal price. He thought Julius would be able to teach his Pack to have a better sense of time. Time was everything.

Cody Bridger



Cody checked the bandage on his right leg once more before he slid in to another pair of black jeans. It was his responsibility to keep up with his supply of Factor and when it was running low it was his responsibility to order more. Factor had to be refrigerated until it was needed so it wasn't like it was easy to get at the nearest drug store. No it had to be ordered from a special drug company who had to ship it to the house and that always cost an arm and a leg (not literally) but it was expensive enough that Cody always waited until he had to do it before ordering any.

Yesterday he had been babysitting the young pups; as he always did. They were out of control, bouncing off the walls, running every which way...and the screaming...God that had gotten so very annoying! When it had been time for lunch two of the young ones decided that they weren't hungry. Instead they left their little play area on the second floor and began to run all over the house. Cody chased after the two, trying to reel them in but they always managed to stay one step ahead of him. The two little ones had thought it was a game so they raced their little hearts out which only annoyed Cody even more. He doubted Julius would be pleased with all of the commotion which was why he was trying to regain control of the situation as quickly as possible.

Some of the others were just standing and watching him chase after the little escapees. They were laughing and giving encouragement to the kids while they just snickered at him and told him it was hopeless.

He had caught up with one of them at the top of the stairs leading down to the first floor. The other one thinking that it was still a game ran up to him and gave him a playful shove. Cody knew it had been nothing more than an accident but that shove had him off balance and tumbling down the stairs to the first floor where he smacked his leg hard against the first floor banister.

The fall didn't look like much. Cody has climbed to his feet and told those who asked that he was fine. He had then climbed the stairs and herded the young ones back to where the others were where he then subsequently left them with the cleaning crew.

Feeling a wetness on his pants leg he had looked down to see that a good portion of the right jean pant leg below the knee was saturated in a dark substance. A quick sniff was enough to tell Cody that it was blood; his blood. He silently cursed himself but had gone to his room to check the injury. It wasn't bad, just a scrape that was the size of his index finger but it wouldn't stop bleeding. He had bandaged it, changed his clothes and then had gone down to the kitchen where he usually kept his medicine only to discover that there was none to be found.

Ordering any Factor then would have taken too long so Cody had done the only other thing he could do. He had called a phone number he had been given and had put in an order for one box of Factor. Factor was a liquid that had to be given via injection. Each bottle held enough for thirty injections worth.

Once he had called the number he was told that the item would be delivered the next day at a price of fifty coins. It wasn't chump change but for the speed of delivery it was worth it.

A beeping sound caught his attention. It was his wristwatch that had gone off and when Cody checked the time he paled. God how could he have lost track of that much time?! Thirty minutes had already passed since the time he was supposed to take delivery. The person may not even be there anymore.

Grabbing his leather coin purse, Cody left his room. The bandage on his leg would be good for awhile longer. He gingerly walked down the stairs to the first floor and then he walked outside via the front door.

He had set up the meeting for right there on the lawn near the house. It was a little close but hopefully if it was just a quick drop off then no one would notice and ask questions. That was one thing he didn't want; a bunch of questions.

Cody spotted the man almost immediately. He looked like a businessman for sure, all work and no play. There was a metal box near the man and in the box Cody suspected was the item he had requested. Squaring his shoulders he walked up to Cane. It was best to get this over with.

As he approached Cody did notice just how good looking Cane was. It was impossible to miss really. He was like the epitome of beauty. Cody took a deep breath. Right, no time to think that way. It was time to get down to business. “I apologize for making you wait so long.” Cody began, stopping in front of Cane. “I lost track of the time. Do you have what I ordered?”

It was a dumb question really, he already knew the man had brought what he requested. Cody glanced back at the house, making sure that no one was watching him. He didn't want to have to explain to Julius why he had to resort to using these methods to get what he needed. *Oh I'm sorry sir, I forgot that I didn't have any left.* Yeah as if that would go over well with the Alpha! Cody refocused his attention on the man in front of him. He dearly hoped that Cane wouldn't up the price because he had been late. That would be just his luck if that were to happen. Still it wasn't like he was broke. He could afford to pay an exorbitant amount but he would rather not if at all possible.

Cane Astrada



He had waited long enough. With one more glance at his watch, he huffed and picked up the metal box, still cold to the touch. He wondered what type of cooling device was held within to keep it at the right temperature. It alone was probably worth a fair sum. That was Cane, his mind always picking out what something was worth.

Just as he was about to leave, he heard a voice coming from the direction of the mansion, just a short distance away, “I apologize for making you wait so long.” Cane quickly looked up and observed a man, about Cane's age, in black jeans with a head of tousled brown hair. "Shit! He's cute," Cane thought, "just great. Cute guys always mess up proper business exchanges." He quietly laughed at his thoughts, then refocused on his client. “I lost track of the time. Do you have what I ordered?” the man said awkwardly, glancing at the box in Cane's hand.

Either this guy was trying to be charming, or was naturally adorable. Either way, Cane developed an instant soft spot for him. Crushes manifest in the strangest of ways. Still, business was business, and there was money to be made.

"You're lucky I'm such a patient person," Cane began, instantly pulling out his own charm, "You must be Cody, I'm Cane. Cane Astrada," he stuck out his right hand for a handshake. He could already sense Cody's body beginning to alter in Cane's presence. Cody's physical appearance would remain the same, but any outstanding characteristics would quickly disappear. His strength and speed given to him from Lycan-hood would stop, and Cane could just imagine his injury clotting right about now. Yes, his power even stopped ailments such as that. Of course, the moment Cane left, the blood would start flowing again. Effects were only ever temporary.

"Your order was for one box of 'Factor', correct? That will be . . ." Cane sighed, he just couldn't bring himself to quadruple the price for someone so attractive. "sixty coins," he decided, reluctantly stating the price. Barely any profit, but profit nonetheless.

The moment the price came out of Cane's mouth, Cody looked a little panicked. No doubt he was expecting the price to be at retail. He was probably missing the ten extra coins. He began fumbling around in his pockets for a coin pouch.

Once again, Cane's odd soft spot took over, "It's okay . . ." he stuttered out, "if you can't cover the whole cost, you can give me the full payment later. I don't want to stop you from getting the medicine you need just because of a few coins."

What was he saying?! Cane never went soft when it came to money! This was completely out of character for him. Not even the cutest of guys had that great of an effect over him. But there was just something about this young man in front of him that was just. . . appealing. Sometimes, being so openly comfortable with himself had its downsides.

Cane handed over the metallic case with a kind smile, not bothering to take payment first. That, too, was something he never did. He always took the money first. But now, it was almost as if he was trying to stop Cody from handing him the coin pouch.

Now that the delivery had been made, though, Cody would be leaving. Cane couldn't let that happen, he wanted to spend a little more time with this boy. "Hey," he said, taking a few steps towards Cody, having just barely come up with a decent plan, "isn't it a full moon tonight? Doesn't that mean you'll be changing form tonight?"

Ha! This was perfect. Cody would be falling hook, line, and sinker. "Are you sure you want to go back into a house full of wild Lycans, especially with your condition?" he asked, sounding concerned,"If you were hurt during the change, you wouldn't be able to treat your hemophilia." He threw that word out there, letting Cody know that he knew exactly what was going on. That bit of knowledge gave Cane even more leverage than he already had previously.

He continued, "Why don't you spend the night with me? I'm gifted. If you stay near me, you won't change tonight. It'll be perfect!" he finished grinning ear to ear, being as friendly as possible. He had slowly stepped forward and was now close enough to Cody that he could easily reach out a small ways and touch his thin body.

There was no doubt in Cane's mind that his client played for the same team as Cane did. The way Cody had been looking at Cane the whole time, the subtle ways he checked out Cane's gorgeous body, were telltale signs of attraction. Cane's gaydar was near perfect, you only ever needed to watch a person's eyes. The black skinny jeans were another sign. Or maybe Cane just thought they were hot on Cody.

Regardless, any plans for the day were lost now that Cane had met Cody. Tonight would be fun. He wasn't sure what he would be doing if Cody went for him, but as long as Cody was there, Cane would be content. It had been a long time since he had been intimate, and Cody seemed as though he was still closeted, which he understood, but he knew he liked Cody. If he had learned one thing in his life, it was how to interpret his emotions when they came up. He wasn't the type to let an attraction build up over the course of a few days or weeks, he acted immediately.

Briefly, Cane wondered how old Cody was. Lycans were always older than they seemed. If Cody looked twenty then he would be twenty when he was with Cane, but real age was still an important thing to know. If Cody had been around for a while, wouldn't he have come out by now.

Of course, Cane understood coming out to a Lycan pack would be a lot harder than with a normal family. Especially if you were Omega. The teasing, insults, and harassment would be unbearable. Cane began to feel almost sad for Cody and his situation.

It wasn't until now that Cane registered the boy he was talking to was an Omega. He was crushing on the lowliest of the low. So weird! The strangest part was that he didn't even care that Cody was the Omega.

All he felt was a small warmth in his upper chest as he listened to Cody talk. He couldn't help but smile a little at each word that the young man said.

Cody Bridger



Yes Cody knew that he was lucky Cane decided to wait as long as he did. If he hadn't then the young Omega knew he would have been screwed up royal. '' “You must be Cody, I'm Cane. Cane Astrada,” '' Cody looked down at Cane's hand as it was extended out in the form of a handshake. Without a second thought he too extended his hand, grasped Cane's hand and shook it.

“It's nice to meet you,” Cody replied in a polite tone of voice. He had been raised to be polite around others so saying 'please,' 'thank you,' 'yes sir' and 'no sir' were second nature to him. It was as easy as breathing in a way but even so there were times when he just couldn't do it; especially around his family.

'' "Your order was for one box of 'Factor', correct? That will be . . ."  there was a pause  ”sixty coins," '' Hearing the price Cody paled and coughed. Ten extra coins! Coins weren't the same amount as American dollars nor were they the same as British pounds. Well...there went his allowance for the next several months.  God he hoped that the box would last because it would be awhile before he could afford to get more.

He fumbled around, searching for the coin purse. He had the funds but it would take almost every single coin he had saved up. '' "It's okay . . . if you can't cover the whole cost, you can give me the full payment later. I don't want to stop you from getting the medicine you need just because of a few coins." '' Cody stopped fumbling around for the coin purse and glanced back up at Cane, wondering if he was serious or just fooling around. He decided that Cane was indeed serious when the man simply handed over the box to him without another word.

“No...here,” Cody said as he placed the box down on the ground at his feet. Feeling the bulge in his back pocket he reached back and grabbed on to the coin purse, pulling it out and opening it up. He withdrew two coins and stuck them back in to his back pocket before sealing up the coin purse and handing it over, “Sixty coins.”

Bending down Cody grabbed the box again. The transaction was over; yes it was a financial bite...well more of a financial anvil smashing a hole in the floor that was his weekly allowance but it was nothing that he couldn't recover from, it would just take some time.

He nodded his head and began to turn away but before he could even take a step towards the house, Cane spoke up again. '' "Hey, isn't it a full moon tonight? Doesn't that mean you'll be changing form tonight?" ''

Oh yeah...tonight was a full moon! He had almost forgotten. Now what he had seen earlier made sense; people making sure that the lower level was clean and free of anything that could be torn up. “Yeah...thanks for reminding me,” he replied in a slightly sullen tone. The one thing he didn't want to be reminded of was the one thing that Cane brought up. He noticed Cane step closer and was beginning to wonder what his game plan was.

'' "Are you sure you want to go back into a house full of wild Lycans, especially with your condition? If you were hurt during the change, you wouldn't be able to treat your hemophilia." ''

Cody was silent, mulling over what Cane had said. He did have a point. It wasn't a monthly occurrence but every now and then during the change one of his 'brothers' would get rowdy and go after him until he would fight back. Injuries were usually incurred and it was usually up to the pack Alpha or Beta to break up the fight.

“Of course I don't want to but what other choice do I have? Julius doesn't allow us to change outside in order to protect the populace. We all have to change together...inside the house. It's closed off, confined and it is hidden from prying eyes.” Cody said.

'' "Why don't you spend the night with me? I'm gifted. If you stay near me, you won't change tonight. It'll be perfect!" '' Cane was grinning from ear to ear and he had walked forward some more. He was definitely invading Cody's personal space but the Omega didn't say anything about it.

Instead he looked back towards the house, eying the windows that looked out on to the front lawn. No one was there watching him, for that he was glad. He had to admit that going through a cycle and remaining human throughout had been a dream of his but he had always thought that it was impossible. If you were a Lycan you changed, that was all there were to it.

Cody refocused his attention on Cane. The guy was so close to him, so very close...Cody could feel his own heart pounding and his stomach felt like it was in knots. Julius would never allow one of his pack to change outside the house but if what Cane said was true and he wouldn't change as long as he stayed close...then what harm could it do?

“Um...” Cody said, trying to voice words through a suddenly dry throat. He swallowed and cleared his throat twice before opening his mouth to speak. “Not having to worry about changing...at least for once...would be nice...” he paused for a moment, “Okay, I'll do it.”

In the back of his mind he was slapping himself. Just what the hell was he doing?! He didn't know Cane from Adam and he had just agreed to spend the night with him?! It wasn't smart but...Cane was cute and the hope of not changing was something that he couldn't just pass up. “I just...need to put this away...” Cody mumbled, raising the box a little. He backed up and then turned, making his way back up the lawn, through the front door and then back in to the house.

Once back in the safety of the house he took a deep breath to calm his pounding heart. He still had no idea what he was doing all he knew was he [i]wanted[/i] to do it. Walking in to the kitchen he placed the box on the kitchen island and popped the lock. Reaching in he removed the unopened box; the cool temperature making goosebumps appear on his right arm. Taking the box he placed it in the fridge before he took the box up to his room.

The kitchen always had to be kept in order; nothing out of place and that meant no boxes left on the kitchen island! After storing the box under his bed he stood back up, walked back downstairs and back outside. He had already decided that he wasn't going to tell Julius anything. When he came back in the morning he already knew that Julius would be upset and that he would have to face the music but for a full moon night where he didn't change? It would be worth it.

Spying Cane, Cody walked back over to him. “Okay,” he said. It was the only word he said as an indication that he was ready to leave.

Cane Astrada



He knew without a doubt that this was stupid. He had just met Cody! Normally, he would have been fine with a one night hookup, but this was different. You didn't hookup with a Lycan, especially not one from the Von Albrecht Pack, even if it was the Omega. Still, there was a feeling inside of Cane that this wasn't going to be a one night thing. Especially if Cody really did turn out to be a virgin, which seemed to be the case. You don't just take that and run, something like that takes commitment.

What was he thinking!? Cane didn't want a boyfriend! He had his money and that was the only thing he ever wanted. He had already gone way too far, and was about to apologize and leave in embarrassment when Cody said, “Okay, I'll do it.”

Cane had to earnestly fight the urge to stare dumbfounded at Cody. He was incredibly surprised that his argument won the young man over. He was finally able to get over his shock and maintain his charming appearances when Cody said he needed to put the case in the mansion. Seeming surprised himself, Cody backed up a few steps, then turned and walked back towards the mansion. He opened the main door, which was a great, beautiful piece of wood, and stepped through. Cane watched until the lavishly decorated foyer was closed out of sight. When he was sure Cody had left, he spun around and held the sides of his head with both hands in disbelief. This was the most incredible thing. It was almost like he was back in high school; he felt like a little kid, giddy with pleasure.

He had to breathe deeply in and out a few times to clear his mind and think straight. Thoughts finally coming back into order, he plunged his hand into his right pocket, searching for his cell phone. He quickly found it and pulled it out, trying to not dislodge any coin purses sharing the space. He was briefly sad that Cody had given him the sixty coins he asked for, that kind of tightened the air between the two. Regardless, Cane refocused and pulled up the contacts list on his phone. He quickly called the first person on the list. "Anisa!" he exclaimed the moment she picked up, "You need to get here. Now." From the other line he heard a soft feminine sigh, no words. "Albrecht Manor! Quickly, I'll be bringing home a . . . friend, just look for the dashing young man at the edge of the Manor's lawn."  "That's always you,"  she said calmly before hanging up the phone.

He was uncharacteristically nervous. It would be awkward to just stand there, waiting for Anisa to arrive. Hopefully she arrived quickly, Cane had to do everything he could to continue charming Cody. He didn't get this far to ruin everything.

Of course, he would immediately think of different scenarios leading to doom. His taste for dramatics could be both a boon and a hindrance. Luckily though, it seemed the world favored him today, as Anisa quickly sped down the gravel road towards where Cane was standing. The black miniature limo came to a stop right next to him, and he leaned back on it with his arms crossed just as Cody came back out of the Mansion.

As Cody walked closer, Cane smiled handsomely. Cody still seemed a bit tense, but Cane was already reapplying his game face. His nerves came to a halt and charm took back control of Cane's demeanor just as Cody finally arrived by the car. "Okay," he said, signaling his readiness to leave.

Cane smiled again and stood back up, no longer leaning on the sleek, black car. He opened up the back door and stepped back, gesturing for Cody to climb in, saying, "After you."

His voice was higher than most males, but with its silky quality, he was able to attract anyone with just a few words. Once Cody had settled in, Cane followed. The car was large enough to have two rows of seats facing each other; Cane sat opposite of Cody so they could face each other and talk.

"So," Anisa chimed in, "who's this?" she winked at Cody through the rear view mirror. She was a pretty girl, with smooth, perfect burnt sienna skin. She had a kind smile and welcoming eyes, and her large curly hair was hidden by a red wool beanie.

Cane quickly shot her a deathly glare without dropping his smile, and without question, she rolled up the divider between the driver's seat and the two rows of back seats.

Cane finally looked again at Cody as the car began moving away from the Albrecht Mansion. He was glad to be leaving, any past tension would be lessened now that the risks were gone. The pair locked eyes, and Cane smiled once again, sincerely happy. His grey eyes conveyed a deep sense of joy.

"So, tell me about yourself," he said, trying to start up a conversation. He listened as Cody talked, responding in turn to what he said. The two talked for a long while until finally the car stopped moving. As the engine cut off, Cane glanced out the window and saw a slowly sinking sun partially hidden behind his own manor, which, in his own personal opinion, was even more beautiful than the place he had just left.

Cane thought about the distance between the two homes, and realized two hours and thirty minutes had passed. Large amounts of the day still remained, and Cane was still looking forward to every bit of it. He was entranced by Cody in every way.

Cane stepped out of the car and once again held the door as Cody exited in turn. Cane closed the door behind him and Anisa drove off to park the car in Cane's personal sub-surface garage.

Cane led his guest towards the manor, styled after a tropical home. They walked past a large pool whose aquamarine water was lit from underneath at night, but currently was only brightened by the sun. Indeed, a large amount of light normally would have surrounded the two, as the Astrada Manor always was seductively light at night.

The two walked on the sidewalk alongside the pool, until it curled away to the main door. The door was beautifully white, and Cane fished out a set of keys from his left pocket to open it. Once he found the right one, he inserted it in the lock and turned. He pulled out the key and opened the door, revealing the beautiful home hidden within.

"Welcome to the Astrada Manor," he said, turning to Cody with a smile still brightening his gorgeous face.

Cody Bridger



This was it. Once he stepped in to that car and it started moving there was no turning back. It was his last chance to back out of the offer and go back inside, back to the life he was used to. He wouldn't tell Julius about Cane, he wouldn't tell anyone...it was over, it was... Gracefully Cody slid in to the car, taking the far left seat. In hind sight he probably should have gone ahead and taken a dose of the medication but when he had been in his room he had checked the bandage. It had actually and miraculously stopped bleeding. Of course him being such an idiot, he touched the fragile scab and got it bleeding again; it was just a trickle but still. The moment he was in the car he checked the bandage once more and found that once again his wound had stopped bleeding. Maybe what Cane said was true, maybe Cane was in fact gifted! Smoothing his pant leg back down over the bandage, Cody put his hands in his lap and waited quietly as Cane got in. The limo driver questioned who he was and gave him a little wink which caused him to gulp and look down. He missed the evil stare Cane had given the driver and he missed seeing the black divider go up. He couldn't help but feel that his decision was completely wrong and that he was out of his mind. When he got back he would have to answer to Julius...oh he was not looking forward to that! He wasn't afraid that Julius would hurt him, the pack Alpha knew better than anyone else that any sort of physical injury was potentially life threatening in Cody's case. No, Cody was more concerned with what type of chores he would be given. He already got the crappy jobs and they would only get worse when he returned. The car started moving. Cody sighed and then settled in for the ride. His heart was pounding wildly and he was drumming his fingers on his leg out of nervousness. He had never done something this harebrained before. Inwardly he was terrified of what could happen should Cane turn out to be some sort of killer. Then again if Cane wanted him dead would he already be dead?  “So, tell me about yourself,”  “There's not much to tell. Really. At least...I don't remember too much. I was born with hemophilia; doctor said it was hereditary and that either my mom or my dad had it which was how I ended up with it. I don't remember too much of my childhood; not because it was boring or anything I just...can't remember...it's like this black curtain where the memories should be. My very first memory is when I was five and I...just woke up on Julius's couch. I didn't know who he was, I didn't even know who I was. Julius tried to find answers for me...who I was, where I came from...at least I think he did, but nothing was ever found. Eventually he gave me a name; had me choose my own last name. He integrated me in to his pack and I've been there ever since. So...yeah...story of my life,” Cody replied. The two talked the entire car ride over to Cane's house. By the time they got there Cody was sure he had made the right decision. He had even smiled and laughed a few times when Cane had said something funny. When the car stopped and Cane had climbed out, Cody followed after him. The sun was going down but there was still several hours worth of daylight left. The pack would be finishing up whatever they had to do right around that time. Some would already be down in the lower levels, hanging out and hydrating themselves with water; for some, water helped the pain become more manageable. Wordlessly Cody followed Cane up to the house, passing by a splendid looking outdoor pool. Cody remembered asking Julius if they could have an indoor pool installed in the mansion; a pool that looked like Cane's pool, but the Alpha had shot the idea down almost immediately. Apparently an indoor pool wasn't architecturally feasible! Cody looked at the water, having the temptation to just reach out and touch it but he resisted the urge. Instead he stayed near Cane as they walked towards a beautiful white front door. When it was unlocked and opened, Cody's jaw dropped. Not believing the sheer beauty of what his eyes were seeing. He stepped inside and looked all around the main room, a look of complete shock on his face.