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I could hear Sterling’s agitated tones from outside of the closed bathroom door. I sighed and adjusted my tie, looking over my faded blue suit in the bathroom mirror. Hopefully it wasn’t anything too serious, Sterling would have to be at his best tonight in order to impress my family. Satisfied with my appearance, I left the bathroom and walked into the living room, where Sterling sat on the sofa with his head in his hands.

“I can’t fucking believe it,” Sterling began, “I just lost my job.”

“What?” I asked as I sat down beside him on the couch, “Why?”

“We lost student enrollment,” Sterling replied, “What kind of bullshit is that? I’m a way better teacher than the other bitch who teaches third grade. Why does she get to stay on?”

I hugged my mate tightly.

“I’m sorry,” I said with a sigh, “Don’t worry about a thing though. I can take care of you.”

“I need a job baby,” Sterling nuzzled up against me, “I can’t just mooch off of you.”

“Sure you can,” I chuckled and rubbed his shoulders, “Why don’t we get married? I can write you off on taxes, and you can be a housewife till you get another job.”

Sterling chuckled.

“Me, a housewife?” Sterling kissed my cheek, “That’s not me baby, I’d go stir crazy in the first week.”

I kissed him back.

“Doesn’t mean we can’t get married,” I began, “What do you say?”

Sterling sighed.

“What would your father say?” Sterling asked, “I don’t want to get you in trouble.”

“At this point he’d love it if we were married,” I replied, “Makes you part of the family, well more of a part of the family.”

“I’ll say yes,” Sterling began with a smile, “Only if you promise to propose to me right.”

“I promise,” I chuckled, “You ready to go?”

Sterling nodded.

“Do I have to dress up so much?” Sterling asked, “We’re going to a bar right?”

I chuckled. The Rowdy was a bar, but where we were going was an entirely different world. Under The Rowdy was a spacious basement, where all of the biggest names in crime came to gamble, watch fights, drink, and scheme. Sterling didn’t need to know the full details though, in my opinion, the less he knew the better.

“If you’re going with me, you’ve got to look nice,” I began, “I have to show you off.”

Sterling blushed hard, I could tell he liked that idea. The human stood up and turned around in front of me.

“How do I look then?” Sterling asked, “Show-offable?”

I chuckled and nodded.

“I’d rather get you in something more revealing,” I began, “But then again, that’s only for me.”

Sterling blushed and bent down to kiss me. I shook my head and stood up. I’d rather not be late to family business on account of Sterling, especially after last night. The less issue my father had with my mate the better. I took his hand and squeezed

“Come on or we’ll be late,” I said, “This isn’t something we can be late for.”

Sterling nodded and stood up straight.

“I’m ready,” Sterling began, “I’ll drive”

I shook my head.

“That’s not going to happen,” I began, “It’s much better if I’m driving. We want the bouncers to know who we are. Helps us get in the back way much easier.”

“Back way?” Sterling asked, “Why can’t we just walk in the front?”

“Trust me,” I said with a sigh, “Let’s just go. I’d rather get this over with.”

I led my mate out the door and locked it behind us. We walked up to my red luxury sedan and got into it. Sterling buckled up without a word, his gaze firmly averted away from me. I sighed and looked over at him as I got into the car.

“It’s not because of you hon,” I began, “I never like going to these. Usually it means something bad is about to happen.”

Sterling nodded.

“I guess I’m just worried,” Sterling began, “I don’t want you getting hurt, or having something happen to you. I mean Jesus Freddie, they killed that guy. What if they do that to you?”

“They won’t,” I said, placing a paw on his hand, “Guys like me don’t get killed like that.”

I squeezed his hand and started my car. Sterling squeezed back and turned on the radio. I chuckled, as much as I loved Sterling I absolutely hated his taste in music. I couldn’t blame him though, humans don’t really listen to bands like Howl and Tail-Hiker. He started to sing along, badly, to the classic-rock song on the radio. I shook my head and pulled out of the driveway.

The Rowdy wasn’t too far away from my house, just a few freeway exits down the road. Sterling and I shared a comfortable silence, permeated by Alice Cooper and the Who. I pulled up behind The Rowdy with Wont Get Fooled Again blaring out of my speakers. One of the bouncers, a heavyset iguana, held out his hand and looked over my car.

“Hey there Fredrick,” The lizard began, “Just park in your usual spot.”

“Thanks Tony,” I replied, “My old man in there yet?”

“Not yet,” Tony shook his head, “Your brothers are though.”

I reached into my back pocket and handed Tony a twenty-dollar bill. His eyes lit up and he shot me a smile as I pulled away. Everyone loves getting money, but these guys went crazy for a handout from one of the bosses. I didn’t mind of course, it only meant I got better service and work out of them. I parked in my usual spot, between Tobias’s sedan and my brother’s grey convertible.

I motioned for Sterling to stay in his seat as I got out of the car. He looked up at me, watching as I walked around the back of the car to let him out. I took his hand and pulled him close to my side, wrapping my arm around his waist. Tony and the two other bouncers looked at the two of us silently, and then started to chuckle.

“Why haven’t you brought him around before Fredrick?” Tony asked, “He’s the type of guy I’d go gay for.”

Tony’s buddies laughed and hi-fived him. Sterling blushed hard, which was my cue to quicken the pace and get us inside before he did anything we’d both regret. We made it into the back hallway of the club. Hip-hop beats shook the walls and the sounds of drunken reveling mutedly echoed through the dimly lit halls. I led Sterling into an unmarked door and down a set of stairs.

The basement of The Rowdy had a totally different atmosphere. There was a separate bar and kitchen down here, which served way better food and drink than its counterpart upstairs. There was a large stage in the middle, which currently served host to a big-band made up entirely of canids. In a few minutes, that stage would be filled with small-time thugs trying to take home a hefty purse. The boxing matches were a big draw, and guys could easily take home ten grand in a fight. Surrounding the stage were tables occupied by all sorts of gangsters and scantily clad women.

Sterling gasped and looked over at me.

“This is super cool,” Sterling began, “Can I ask a question?”

“What is it?” I chuckled as I looked around the upper level of seating for my brothers.

“What was up with that guy out there?” Sterling asked, “I mean, they all kinda looked at me weird.”

I threw my head back and laughed.

“Baby, those guys wanted you to feel that way,” I began, “You’re my mate. That means something. All the low-level guys around here are gonna make you feel like a god.”

Sterling chuckled and blushed harder.

“What about the higher level guys?” He asked.

I frowned.

“I hope, for your sake, that none of those guys try that with you,” I began, “There are many people like us in this business, which believe it or not is very fortunate for us. Wars have been started for people like you.”

Sterling gulped and shut up. Tobias waved me down from a very nice booth in the corner. Max was standing beside him, his paws under a Fox girl’s dress. I wondered what his wife thought about that. Sterling and I walked up to them. Tobias smiled, looking every inch the host of our gathering, and hugged me tight.

“Hello brother,” Tobias began, quickly turning his attention to Sterling, “And hello handsome.”

Sterling blushed as Tobias planted two kisses on both of his cheeks and hugged him close.

“I’m glad you came,” Tobias said with a smile.

Max grudgingly walked away from the girl and nodded his head in acknowledgement of me. He held out a paw to Sterling and grumbled.

“You get a handshake,” Max began, “I’m not going to do that kissy bullshit.”

Sterling chuckled nervously and shook my brother’s paw. I couldn’t blame him, my brother was a pretty fearsome looking guy.

“So, where’s Sherri?” I asked, “Could she not make it tonight?”

Max chuckled and looked at me darkly.

“She had a little accident at work today,” Max began, “She looked fine, but you know how women are. One little black eye and its home for the week.”

Max turned his back on Sterling and I and tried to wave the fox back over. Sterling looked over at me and opened his mouth. I shook my head and put a paw on his shoulder. It was no secret that Max beat his wife, but he never wanted it brought up in public. It was wrong sure, but pissing off Max only made things worse. Tobias waved down another waitress.

“Get me two Jack and Cokes,” Tobias began, “And something sweet for the human.”

Sterling chuckled but didn’t say anything. Sterling hated cocktails, he preferred his liquor straight. I sat down at our table, and Sterling followed suit. Our drinks came, and the three of us drank in silence, enjoying the sounds of the music.

“Do you guys ever get any human performers?” Sterling asked, “Cause I mean, I’ve got some friends who’d love a gig like this.”

I groaned. Sterling’s friend Chris played the keyboard for a rock band. They were small time, and had only played at dive bars throughout the city. Personally, I thought they sucked, but humans could do things that wolves couldn’t dream of doing on an instrument. These guys totally squandered that potential. Tobias chuckled politely.

“Maybe,” Tobias began, “Send me a video or something and I’ll see what I can do.”

Sterling smiled widely and pulled out his cell phone. I nudged him and tried to get him to put his phone away before anyone saw. Max turned around at the wrong time, and lunged forward. Sterling put his hands up and nearly jumped out of his chair.

“No phones kid,” Max began, “Hand it over.”

Sterling looked at me and I nodded. I really should have told him about my family’s beef with cell phones beforehand. At meetings like this, no-one brought their phones. We had never had an informant in our inner circle, but it never hurt to be cautious. Sterling handed over his phone to Max, who promptly ripped out the battery and put both pieces in his coat pocket.

Max grumbled and sat down.

“Tobias you should bring that girl back here,” Max began, his paw moving to a half-finished glass of scotch, “She had a great personality.”

Sterling looked over his frilly blue-colored drink and took a sip. Tobias chuckled and brushed off my brother, turning to face Sterling. I didn’t know how I felt about Tobias acting that way towards Sterling, I couldn’t tell if he was expecting something out of it.

“How’s your drink?” Tobias asked, “It’s one of our specialties.”

Sterling chuckled.

“It’s a bit sweet,” Sterling replied, “But I like it.”

Tobias tutted and pulled the drink away.

“Maybe I can get you something more to your liking,” Tobias began, “I apologize for being so presumptuous.”

I chuckled and sat back in my chair. I had nothing to worry about. Tobias only brought out the big words when he was trying to show off. He just wanted to show Sterling he wasn’t some dumb gangster. Max harrumphed and punched Tobias on the shoulder.

“What about getting something more to my liking?” Max asked, “I’m your brother for god’s sakes. What makes him so special?”

“Well for starters, he seems a lot more fun than you,” Tobias replied, “He also doesn’t ask me to do things that will get me in trouble. Come on Max, what’ll Dad think if he came up here and saw that girl in your lap.”

Max glared at me.

“That’s not fair at all, Freddie gets to parade his boyfriend around like a trained fucking pony,” Max spat, “Why can’t I heave an old fashioned fuck-you to the guy?”

Tobias shook his head and turned away. His eyes went wide as he looked at something behind me. Max noticed as well and coughed nervously. Both of my brothers stood up, their eyes firmly fixed at the ground. I turned around and stood as well. My father walked up to our table, his paws moving to grip Sterling’s shoulders.

“Come now boys,” Peter began, “That’s no way to talk in front of our guest.”

His nose wrinkled as he saw Sterling’s drink.

“Tobias ordered that for you, didn’t he?” Peter chuckled, “Tobias, a word of advice, this is not the man you serve girly cocktails too. Get him something stronger, bourbon perhaps.”

Tobias nodded and complied. Sterling looked back at my father and smiled.

“Thank you sir,” Sterling began, “How are you?”

My father laughed heartily and sat down beside him. I exchanged a surprised look with my brothers. Peter Werner rarely laughed, in all of my life I had only seen him laugh twice.

“Much better now,” Peter replied, “You boys could learn a lesson from Sterling. It seems that all of you have forgotten how to treat your elders.”

“Should we get to business?” Max asked, “We’ve got a lot to go over.”

Peter looked over at Max and sighed.

“Alright,” Peter began, “Afterwards I want to visit with all of you, family is important, we need to get closer to make it through the trying times ahead.”

Max nodded and cleared his throat.

“Martino’s family got the news today,” Max began, “And the funeral expenses have been paid. They wanted us all to come to a memorial this weekend.”

Peter nodded.

“Good,” My father began, “Martino was of great service to us. His family deserves a break during these tough times. I expect all of you to be there as well.”

“I have something to propose,” Tobias cut in, “Something we should talk about before we get to the heavy stuff.”

Peter nodded and the table fell silent. A fight started in the ring, a large husky against a slender human. These were always fun, humans always got the tar beat out of them in this ring. While this wasn’t fair, it was certainly better than spilling our own blood. Even better for the human, in the rare chance that a human actually won, the prize money was easily three times that of what a Fur made.

“With this new problem, I’m not going to be able to run the legitimate aspects of the business as well as I normally can,” Tobias began, “I need an assistant.”

“That’s not an issue at all,” Peter replied, “Who do you have in mind?”

Tobias looked at Sterling and I growled. There was no way in hell I was letting this happen. Sterling picked up on it and looked at my father.

“I can do it,” Sterling began, “I just lost my job, so it’s not like I have any conflicts.”

I growled louder, and my entire family looked at me. Peter looked at me severely. Normally I kept a level head at these meetings, but my family needed to know that Sterling was off-limits.

“There’s no way I’m going to allow this,” I said slowly, trying to keep my growing anger out of my voice, “That’s going to make him even more of a target.”

Tobias moved his paw to my shoulder.

“Fredrick,” He began, “Sterling is going to be completely safe, I’ll arrange for a bodyguard and anything else the situation requires. I’ll spare no expense.”

“Come on Freddie,” Sterling interjected, “I don’t want to be a burden on your family, and I really don’t want to be a burden on you. If Tobias says I’m going to be safe, I will be.”

I shook my head and clenched my fist under the table. I had no choice now. Grudgingly, I nodded my head and bit my lip. Tobias smiled and clapped Sterling on the shoulder.

“Can you start tomorrow?” Tobias asked.

Sterling nodded, and the rest of the table smiled. Tobias chuckled and looked my mate up and down. I didn’t know what he was thinking. I made a mental note of this. I was going to have a long talk with Tobias in the future.

“Welcome to the family kid,” Max began, “Glad to have you.”

I bit my lip and glared at Sterling as he looked at me, the smile quickly leaving his face. He looked down and twiddled his thumbs under the table. Peter clapped him on the back and looked over the three of us.

“Now we need to deal with retaliation,” Peter began, “It needs to be loud, bold, and bloody. This town needs to know that we aren’t going to take this lying down.”

Max rapped the table.

“We send some guys to find out who’s in charge,” Max began, “Then Freddie and I will lead some people to shoot up their place. Kill some goons, and scare the big dogs back west.”

Peter shook his head.

“No, we kill those big dogs,” Peter replied, “We kill them all, and scare those usurpers out west so bad that they never think of coming over here again.”

I nodded and looked over at Sterling. He sighed and looked at my father.

“Sir,” He began, “Do you mind if I go take a look around? Maybe get a closer look at the fights?”

Max chuckled.

“I’ll round up one of the bouncers to keep an eye on you,” Max began, “We don’t want something bad to happen.”

“Nonsense,” Tobias replied with a big smile, “Sterling you are free to do whatever you wish. After all you practically run this place now.”

I sighed.

“Just be careful ok,” I began, “You get help if anything weird happens. One of us will be there shortly.”

“Be polite,” My father said, “But don’t be a pushover.”

Sterling nodded and left the table. I watched him go, my eyes lingering longer than they should have. Tobias chuckled and punched me in the arm.

“Come on little brother,” Tobias began, “What could possibly go wrong?”

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I’m glad Freddie and Tobias let me leave the table. Hearing some of the stuff that Fredrick had to do for his dad was nearly too much to bear. Freddie was a sensitive guy, and this stuff just had to tear him apart. I moved closer to the fight down below, even though I really didn’t want to. The sickening sounds of fist hitting flesh were making me sick all the way at the table. I watched as one of the fighters, a lean human, got hit with a left hook and hit the ground like a sack of potatoes.

I cringed and looked away, as the crowd cheered. This was a strange place, nothing like the movies and TV shows I had seen. The crowd quieted as two, well-dressed, Coyotes drug the bruised and bloodied human out of the ring, and I heard a sharp whistle just behind me. A crowded table of males were sitting behind me, and one of them, a large brown bear, waved me over. I sighed, and looked up at Freddie’s table. His father did say to be polite, which meant I probably needed to go and talk to them.

I walked over, and the group of assorted carnivores chuckled and murmured amongst themselves. They were a group of Wolves and Bears, and looked rougher than Freddie’s family. The guy who waved made room for me beside him, and I grudgingly sat down.

“Well well,” The Bear began, “Not too often we get a human down here. You an entertainer?”

I chuckled and shook my head.

“No no,” I replied, “I’m here with someone.”

The Bear chuckled and rapped the table with his long, black claws.

“What are they thinking?” The Bear began, running one of those claws up my arm, “It’s dangerous for you here. Who knows who might snatch you up?”

I chuckled nervously and tried to scoot away. The Bear smiled and pulled me closer.

“Come on we’re just kidding,” The Bear continued, “Buy you a drink?”

I sighed and nodded. The Bear snapped his fingers and one of the Wolves left the table. I looked up towards Freddie’s table, but I couldn’t see it from where I was. The Bear moved his paw to mine and squeezed.

“So why’d you leave your date?” The Bear began, “I hope he didn’t hurt your feelings or anything like that.”

I was silent for a moment. I might as well use the same lie that excused me from the table.

“I just wanted to get a closer view of the fight,” I replied, “It looked interesting.”

The Bear laughed deeply.

“You’re a bloodthirsty guy aren’t you?” The Bear began, “I like that, I’m sure your man has his paws full with you.”

“My man?” I scoffed, “What makes you think I’m gay?”

“It’s obvious,” The Bear replied, “No woman here would let you between their legs. Even if you paid them to.”

I blushed and looked away. The Brown Bear took advantage of the position and brought his muzzle to my neck. He took a whiff, and I tried to shove him back. He was too big, his only reaction was a chuckle.

“You smell very nice,” The Bear began, “I might just have to snatch you up, after all this is a dangerous spot for humans. I bet no one would think twice about your absence.”

The Fox who served Freddie’s table came by again, planting a glass of red wine in front of me. She and I made eye contact. I mouthed help, still trying to shake the Brown Bear’s grasp. The vixen smiled and flirted a bit with the table, but gave me a thumbs up as she walked away. Hopefully, Freddie would come find me in time. The Bear chuckled and moved my hand to his lap.

“In my home in Kodiak,” The Bear began, “I knew a human girl just like you. She was the best fuck in the world, but I bet you could give her a run for her money.”

I grimaced and pulled back as far as I could.

“You know why she liked me so much?” The Bear continued, “It’s cause of how big my cock is. Why don’t you take a feel and find out?”

If there was any time to prove that I could make it in this world, this was it. I looked the Bear dead in the eyes.

“There’s only one thing in the world that would make me do that,” I began slowly, “And that would be to cut it off.”

The table fell silent for a few moments, its patrons sharing cautious glances. Suddenly, the table broke out in uproarious laughter. The Bear grabbed me and yanked me closer, trying to pull me into his lap. I struggled, using every ounce of my strength to try and push myself away from the much stronger male. The carnivore murred.

“I love it when they fight,” He said with a triumphant smile.

He moved in for a kiss as my hand floundered onto the table. As his lips touched my neck, I punched him with a free hand. The impact didn’t faze him, and he kept going, his wet and slimy tongue moving up and down the entire length of my neck and cheek. Finally, I made contact with something I could use. My fingers closed around the stem of the wine glass. Now, my survival instincts kicked in.

I swung, aiming for his eyes. The glass shattered under his left eye, and the Bear recoiled away from me. Adrenaline surged through my veins. I tensed up, gripping the broken stem of the glass harder, and stabbed forward, breaking off a piece of it into his cheek. The Bear snarled and backhanded me before ripping the shard out of his cheek and spraying the table with blood. I gasped in pain, the hot iron taste of blood, my blood, flooding my taste buds.

The room fell silent as the crowd around us watched this gruesome scene unfold. In the silence, I heard Freddie’s enraged yell. I turned to see him running towards me. Max followed closely behind him with his pistol drawn. The Bear whimpered at the sight, and shoved me away violently.

“I’m sorry,” He began, jumping to his feet, “I didn’t know he was with you. I didn’t I swear.”

Freddie pulled me up and nearly threw me away from the table. He looked at me, and I blanched. I don’t think I had ever seen him so angry.

“Go with Tobias,” Freddie growled, “Max and I are going to deal with this piece of shit.”

I nodded and slowly walked up towards Tobias. The other patrons averted their gaze from me, obviously afraid to receive whatever fate the bear would get. Tobias stood alone at the table, his father nowhere to be found. The Wolf put his arm around me and quickly led me upstairs. We kept going, past the crowded dance floor, and up to his office.

It was soundproofed and luxurious. There were expensive paintings and decorations, and all of the furniture was covered in red-leather. Tobias sat me down on one of the couches and ran over to lock the door behind him. He sighed and sat down beside me.

“Are you ok?” Tobias asked as he embraced me and held me close.

I nodded and wrapped my arms around the Wolf. I could feel his paws roaming over my back, but I didn’t care. The Wolf sighed and rested his chin on the top of my head.

“This isn’t good Sterling,” The Wolf began, “That kid you stuck has a very powerful father. Things would be bad even if that was the only injury he received tonight.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, pulling back slightly to look up at Tobias.

“Max and Fredrick are probably going to kill him,” Tobias replied, “This isn’t the type of situation where cooler heads prevail.”

I shuddered and moved myself back into Tobias’s embrace. It had never occurred to me that my actions in this world could end up killing someone. I thought the Bear had gotten enough of a punishment, that wound would leave a scar that would last the rest of his life. Tobias moved one of his paws up to the back of my neck and pulled back to look into my eyes.

“Jesus,” Tobias pulled out a handkerchief, “Stay still for me ok?”

The Wolf tutted and gently cleaned the Bear’s drool off of my face. I fought the urge to cry. The sheer reality of what could have happened was finally weighing down on me. Tobias sighed and finished cleaning my neck.

“You know,” Tobias began as he put the handkerchief away, “I’m glad you’ve become a part of this,”

I blushed and looked away. Tobias gently grabbed my chin and moved my head back.

“Can I tell you something?” Tobias asked quietly, his fingers rubbing my chin gently.

I had no idea what was going on. Tobias had never seemed to be this touchy-feely of a guy. Sure he had been polite to me, but he always struck me as someone fairly distant. I blushed even harder and held my breath.

“God what am I doing?” Tobias shook his head, “You shouldn’t be dealing with this right now.”

Tobias looked into my eyes and bit down on his lip.

“I’m not like Max,” The Wolf began slowly, “I, I well, have been known to enjoy the company of men. Not a lot, but, well, sometimes.”

I sat quietly, trying not to show how uncomfortable this conversation was making me.

“I don’t know what it is Sterling,” Tobias took a deep breath, “But, I just, feel drawn to you. Like we’re somehow connected.”

Tobias gulped.

“Actually, it’s probably better if I just show you, right now,” Tobias continued, his eyes nearly watering, “I’m sorry Sterling.”

There was a sharp knock on the door as the Wolf leaned forward. He sighed and got up from the couch. Tobias unlocked the door and stood aside as Fredrick, his knuckles stained red with blood, ran in and hugged me tight. I hugged him back and took a deep breath, trying to keep from crying in front of the two Wolves.

“Are you okay?” Freddie asked, his grip tightening around me.

I looked over at Tobias. No, I wanted to say, your brother just tried to kiss me. I couldn’t though. I didn’t want Tobias to be hurt.

“I-I’m ok,” I began, “I’m just a little shaken up.”

Max came into the room and looked over me with a strange look in his eyes.

“Here I thought you were just some sissy,” Max began, “You’re just full of surprises aren’t you Sterling?”

Fredrick growled and let go of me. He stood up and shoved his brother, hard. Max snarled and shoved him back.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Fredrick asked, “Fuck off asshole.”

Tobias grabbed Max’s shoulders before the wolf could reply.

“Let’s just give them some space,” Tobias began, “We’ll come back in a bit guys.”

The other two brothers left the room, closing the door quietly behind them. Fredrick sat down beside me and put his head in his paws. I sighed, using my sleeve to clean some of the rapidly drying blood off of his fingers.

“I knew this was a bad idea,” Fredrick sighed, “My dad’s talking to that kid’s father now. There could be a war over this.”

“It’s going to be ok Freddie,” I replied, taking my sleeve away from his paws, “Your dad will handle it.”

“I know he will,” The Wolf replied, “That’s not what’s bothering me. Why did you have to do that Sterling? Why couldn’t you just sit with us and keep quiet.”

I sighed and hung my head.

“I know,” I said, “I couldn’t do it though. I didn’t want to hear what you had to do.”

Fredrick scoffed.

“Well tough shit Sterling,” Fredrick spat, “You’re going to hear much more than you can bear working with Tobias.”

I moved further away from him on the couch.

“I just wanted to help,” I began, “I can’t just live off of you like some kind of parasite.”

“Then why couldn’t you have tended bar, or fucking waited tables,” Fredrick shouted, getting up from the couch, “Are you really too fucking stupid to realize your other options.”

The other brothers came in, Tobias looking far more shocked than Max.

“Everything ok in here?” Tobias asked, “I heard shouting.”

Fredrick stormed up to Tobias and grabbed him by the throat. Tobias whimpered in pain as Fredrick began to lift. Max chuckled and stood back, his paw reaching for a bottle of scotch. He watched nonchalantly as the scene unfolded in front of him. In that moment, I hoped to God that Max didn’t think of me like Tobias did.

“This is your fault,” Fredrick growled, “You stupid, pompous, piss-poor excuse for a Werner. What’s the matter with you?”

Tobias gagged and punched Fredrick in the nose. Fredrick snarled and threw Tobias into the wall, knocking one of his expensive paintings to the ground. Peter walked in, a scowl on his face as Fredrick lunged on top of Tobias.

“What the fuck are you two doing!” Peter bellowed, startling the two scuffling wolves, “Don’t we have enough on our hands already?”

I jumped at Peter’s display of rage. The older Wolf took a deep breath and collected himself. Freddie sheepishly got off of his brother and helped the smaller wolf to his feet. Peter grabbed him by the ear and dragged him back out into the hallway. Max closed the door behind them and sighed.

“Well kid,” Max began, “No one in their right mind is even going to look at you the wrong way again.”

“Why?” I asked and paused, “What happened?”

“Freddie beat that guy to death,” Max chuckled, “I’ve never seen him like that. He just snapped.”

I sighed and looked down at the floor. Tobias limped over to me and sat down. He took out my cell phone and put it on my thigh. His other paw went up to my shoulder.

“I took the liberty of putting my work number in,” Tobias began, “I’ll call you at 8, be sure and be ready to come in by 9.”

I nodded and put my phone back in my pocket.

“Should I prepare myself for anything?” I asked.

Tobias shook his head.

“Just look sharp,” The Wolf began, “Suit and tie.”

“Well ok,” I began, “Is Freddie going to be ok?”

Max chuckled.

“He’s probably getting an earful from Dad,” The older Wolf began, “But I’m sure he’ll be fine. You just treat him good tonight, alright. He’s earned it.”

I nodded. Fredrick came in, his shoulders sagged and looked at me.

“Come on,” He began, “Let’s go home Sterling.”

I got up from the couch and waited for Freddie to straighten up his clothes. He looked over at his dad, and grudgingly embraced Tobias.

“Sorry,” My boyfriend muttered.

He turned and left the office, and I followed dutifully behind him. Peter put a paw on my shoulder and squeezed, wordlessly encouraging me. I walked out to Fredrick’s car, the bouncers in the rear nowhere to be found. I got in, and put my seatbelt on. Fredrick got in and silently began to drive home. I put my hands in my lap and looked out the window.

“Are you ok?” Fredrick asked, his gaze fixed on the road, “I really shouldn’t have gone off like that, I’m sorry Sterling.”

“It’s ok Freddie,” I began, “Are you ok? I suppose that’s more important.”

“No, I’m not,” Fredrick stopped the car and looked at me, tears in his eyes, “Do you know what he would have done to you? I-I probably would have never seen you alive again. When he would have finished with you, you know what I would have got.”

I didn’t say anything.

“They probably would have found out who you were, and sent your body to me, just to get back at my family,” Fredrick gripped the wheel, “They would have cut you into pieces, or worse.”

“I took care of myself,” I replied, “Believe me, nothing would have happened.”

Freddie shook his head and continued to drive.

“You are so naïve,” The Wolf began, “Tobias is out of his fucking mind hiring you.”

I looked over at Freddie, my jaw dropped slightly. We pulled into our driveway and stopped. Fredrick grumbled and got out of the car. I sighed and collected myself, watching my boyfriend disappear into our house. I took a deep breath, and got out of the car. Freddie needed me right now, and no matter what, I had to try and be there for him.

I slowly walked inside and locked the door behind me. Freddie was sitting on the couch, his head in his paws. The Wolf’s ears perked up as I slowly walked up to him, and started to scratch behind his ear.

“Come to bed Freddie,” I said softly, “It’s been a long day, and I need my big strong Wolf to keep me warm.”

The Wolf sighed.

“I’m not going to be able to sleep hon,” Freddie replied, “Just go without me.”

I shook my head.

“I’ll sleep out here with you then,” I began, “Don’t you dare move.”

Freddie motioned to protest but wasn’t fast enough to stop me from heading into the bedroom. I came back out with a blanket and one of the red throw pillows from our bed. I set the pillow down on his lap, and laid down on the couch. The Wolf groaned and looked down at me with a sigh.

“What are you trying to prove Sterling?” Fredrick asked, looking down at me sternly, “I told you it wasn’t happening.”

I sat up.

“Just shut up and kiss me good night,” Sterling began, “I’m not trying to prove anything.”

Freddie looked down into my eyes and sighed heavily. He held me tightly, lifting me up onto his lap. I put my arms around him, and kissed him softly on his lips. The Wolf rubbed over my back, slowly laying the pair of us down on our sides.

“Stay up with me for a while?” Fredrick asked, his soft brown eyes gazing into mine.

“Of course baby,” I replied, planting another kiss on the Wolf’s lips.

He caressed my cheek with a finger, leaving a crusty trail of dried blood. He recoiled, and nearly threw me out of his lap as he ran to the bathroom. I sighed and busied myself with taking off my stuffy suit, leaving my white tee-shirt and red boxers on. I gave Freddie a few moments before following in his footsteps. My heart sank as I heard coughing, and the sound of a toilet flushing. I couldn’t help but think that I was the cause of all of this, and fought back tears.

I rapped quietly on the door. Fredrick coughed, and I could hear shuffling about and the faucet running. I took a deep breath and knocked again.

“Freddie?” I began quietly, “Can I come in?”

The Wolf sputtered.

“N-no,” He replied, “J-just give me a second.”

I opened up the door and walked into our bathroom. Freddie knelt on our greenish tile floor in front of the toilet, breathing heavily. I knelt beside him and rubbed his back, reaching up to grab a towel from the sink counter. The wolf started to sob as I started to clean him off.

“Shh, baby,” I said quietly, “It’s ok. It’s all going to be ok.”

The Wolf nodded, his tears spattering on the floor.

“Just give me a bit to clean up,” Freddie began, “I’ll see you in the bedroom ok?”

I nodded and left Freddie to clean himself up. The bed was warm and comfortable enough without the blanket and pillow I had moved to the couch, and I really didn’t care enough to fetch them from the living room. I went to the bed, taking off my shirt and sliding under the quilt that covered our queen-sized bed.

A few minutes later, Freddie walked into the room naked and got into bed with me. He sat himself up against the headboard and held me tightly to his chest. I looked up and kissed him softly on the cheek.

“Still want me to stay up with you?” I asked.

Freddie shook his head.

“It’s ok,” The Wolf replied, “You’ve had a big night. You deserve some rest.”

I yawned, finally noticing the effects the day had on me. I nuzzled up into the Wolf’s chest, and closed my eyes.

“Just wake me up if you need anything alright?” I began, “I love you Freddie.”

The Wolf smiled.

“I love you too Sterling,” Fredrick began, “Now get some sleep.”

Fredrick sighed and rested his head on mine. I hoped he’d get a little sleep. As I drifted off, I knew Freddie wouldn’t sleep, and part of me felt very guilty for sleeping when I know he couldn’t. I snuck a look at his face and knew everything would be alright. He seemed reflective, his soft eyes studying my resting features. I closed my eyes tighter. I knew that sometimes he felt like he just needed to be my protector.

I was just happy he felt like I still deserved it.