Chapter 74

The man nodded, looking somber. "Yes, the brothers are from our only Clan in Japan. They fit your description apart from hair color, which of course can be masked or modified easily enough."

Professor Mika clasped his hands in his lap, his gaze flicking between Hu Yetao and Oscar. "The Clan in Japan is known for being a little more… intense, than the majority of Clans worldwide."

"Meaning?" Hu Yetao asked, still frowning. He was the only one in the room who wasn't familiar with the Japanese Nundu Clan.

"They have a very controlling and dictatorial approach to how they live and how they govern their Clan," Xiaocheng interjected in a disapproving tone.

Hu Yetao would have scoffed at that statement coming from Xiaocheng if not for the gravity of the situation.

"They won't approve a proposed mateship within their Clan unless they are full-blooded Nundu," Professor Mika continued without missing a beat, "and they feel that other Clans should also employ this method to keep the secret. It's not that they have anything against non-Nundu, per se, it's just that they believe telling people outside of the Clan is a dangerous, and inevitably unnecessary, risk to take, and that it will one day expose us."

"But I'm not the only non-Nundu within a Clan," Hu Yetao protested, nerves quickly blossoming into anger. "Why single me out?"

"Because you're the only famous one," Oscar answered for the Professor, tone flat and resigned. "They fear you'll be the cause of our discovery, so-"

"So they wanted to eliminate me from the equation," Hu Yetao finished for him acrimoniously.

Professor Mika nodded. "One of the brothers recently had his first child and I think that was the impetus for the decision to take out Hu Yetao; he's not quite in his right mind - not that I'm defending his actions - but it would be why the attack was so sudden and extreme. The other brother has children as well."

Oscar dropped his face into one hand and rubbed his temple, eyes closed, looking overwrought.

Hu Yetao was swamped with guilt but he quickly pushed it aside to tend to his mate first. He gently pulled Oscar's hand away from his face and placed his mate's arm over his shoulders instead. He leaned against him, resting his head on Oscar's shoulder. Hu Yetao could tangibly feel his Alpha's fear and distress and had no words to comfort him; Hu Yetao's touch and presence would have to suffice for now.

"So they're willing to possibly be caught and imprisoned, just to ensure that I'm silenced forever?" Hu Yetao asked in disbelief, turning his attention back to the professor.

He nodded. "Yes, they will go to any length to ensure the survival of our kind."

Hu Yetao sighed and eyed the steaming cup of what looked like spiced apple cider in front of him on the table, wondering if there was anything stronger he could have instead.

Oscar lifted his chin and seemed to get ahold of himself. "So, no location is known at this time? Just that the two men are most likely Nundu and intent on killing my mate, no matter what the cost."

Hu Yetao winced, stomach clenching; he was more concerned for his mate than himself at this point though. "Do you think they'll try again?" he asked, looking between the three adults in the room.

Xiaocheng shared a look with Professor Mika before replying. "Yes, they will most likely keep trying until they are successful. The fact that no one has heard from them since just before it happened is a good indication that they have not given up. They are unfortunately from a very tenacious Clan, who have a Board which is most likely standing behind their abhorrent actions."

"If their entire Clan condones my murder, then how did you find out?" Hu Yetao asked.

Professor Mika shook his head. "Not the entire Clan, just the Board, and elders of the group. Not everyone agrees with their rigid and old-fashioned ideals. We were notified by a young Japanese Clan member who I believe is friends with one of the brother's children - and a fan of yours Hu Yetao. They alerted us at great risk to their safety, I cannot imagine the Clan would look kindly upon such a traitorous act if they were to find out."

Hu Yetao picked up his cider and took a sip as a distraction from the guilt that continued to pile upon him. He was always putting people in danger, even people he didn't know. He didn't want people risking their lives for him, and he'd thought that once the war was over, that constant feeling of guilt would finally be assuaged.

The hot fragrant liquid slid down his throat and soothed his frazzled nerves a little. He wondered if there was a dash of Calming Draught in it.

"And what is our Clan doing about it?" Oscar asked, expression uncompromising, as though issuing a threat.

"The Board is in agreement that we need to thwart their mission as quickly as possible, and are prepared to throw all of our resources behind it."

Hu Yetao looked at Xiaocheng in surprise; he couldn't believe the Board agreed to help him. He already knew there were members of their Board who didn't like him and didn't approve of his presence in the Clan.

"The few Aurors we have stationed across Asia are taking a leave of absence to find and capture these vile men," Shui Xian interjected, sounding as though a great deal of anger was simmering just beneath her outwardly placid surface. "Once they have been found, they will be brought to justice. Swiftly."

Hu Yetao swallowed hard, remembering what Nundu's justice entailed. He didn't know what to think of that, especially considering that it would involve the violent participation of his mate.

Oscar turned to his mother, a hard gleam in his eyes. "So we take precautions and remain on our guard until we hear anything further?"

"Yes," Shui Xian replied with a nod. "And keep an eye on your mate at all times."

"Of course," Oscar replied sharply, and Hu Yetao could still feel the tension stringing his mate's body tight next to him.

"I'll accompany the boys back to Hogwarts before I return home," Professor Mika promised as he took a sip from his warm cup of cider.

Oscar stiffened next to Hu Yetao and he knew they couldn't return to school like this, Oscar needed to let off some steam or else risk arising suspicion - especially if Zhang Xinyao or Jing-Long were to see them.

"Er, Professor?" Hu Yetao spoke up, setting his cup down and rising. "Do you mind if we stay here a bit longer before returning to Hogwarts?"

"Not at all," he replied with a smile.

"Come on." Hu Yetao turned to his confused Alpha and tugged him to his feet. "We're going outside."

"Outside?" Oscar repeated with an arched brow but followed Hu Yetao out of the room nevertheless. "You do realize they're going to think we're out here having sex?" he said as they strode across the entrance foyer.

Hu Yetao grinned. "Let them," he replied simply.

Oscar's expression softened a little at his mate's playful tone, and Hu Yetao inwardly cheered that his plan was already helping ease Oscar's stress.

"We're safe within the grounds, right?" Hu Yetao checked as he pushed through the doors and out into the cold air. He smiled at Oscar's nod of affirmation and continued to pull him along, down the stairs and across the crunchy snow. "All right," he said, stopping and turning to his mate. "I really liked the Professor's suggestion of using an Animagus form, but as I haven't had any training yet, I'll just have to be human for tonight."

"So… you want me to change them?" Oscar asked, puzzled.

"Yup."

"And what are you going to do?"

Hu Yetao smiled and shrugged, unbothered. "Watch?"

"Hmm… I see." Oscar's answering smirk was extraordinarily devious and Hu Yetao narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

Before Hu Yetao could say a word though, Oscar stepped away and in a flash of light and swirl of wind, had transformed into his Nundu form.

Hu Yetao gazed at the huge cat before him. He was stunning; so majestic and sleek and blond, with piercing brown eyes. He walked forward and sunk his hands deep into the soft fur at the base of Oscar's neck, meeting his Alpha's gaze with an affectionate smile.

Oscar lowered his large head and gently butted his forehead into Hu Yetao's shoulder, that deep familiar purr beginning to rumble from within.

Hu Yetao stroked Oscar's head and leaned into his sturdy chest, his body sinking into the thick coat. Oscar dropped his head and nuzzled into Hu Yetao's neck, causing Hu Yetao to chuckle before pressing his face into that soft fur and hanging on.

Damnn, he loved every facet of this man.

Hu Yetao opened his eyes as Oscar stepped back and then lowered his front to the ground, rump in the air and long-tail swiping from side to side. It almost looked as though his mate was about to playfully pounce on him - then Hu Yetao suddenly understood.

He grinned and walked up to Oscar's side, excitement fluttering in his stomach, while his mate looked on.

Hu Yetao chewed his lip, hoping he wasn't too heavy, and then carefully lifted one leg up and over his mate's back. He grasped handfuls of fur in both hands and then hauled himself up so that he was sitting astride the wide back.

Hu Yetao inhaled in surprise as Oscar straightened and he suddenly found himself high in the air, precariously balanced just behind the large cat's shoulders, nothing to hang on to but tufts of fur, his legs clamped around Oscar's sides as best he could.

Oscar turned to look over his shoulder and Hu Yetao couldn't help but laugh at the smirking cat.

How does a cat smirk? Hu Yetao mused but didn't get the chance to say it aloud before Oscar was abruptly taking off.

"Whoa!" Hu Yetao exclaimed in surprise. He quickly regained his balance by leaning low over Oscar's neck and gripping the thick fur tightly with his fists, as though they were the reins of a horse.

Oscar didn't hold back; his easy lope quickly gave way to a fast-paced sprint, strong muscles bunching and stretching beneath Hu Yetao with the elongated stride.

Hu Yetao grinned as the wind whipped over him, stinging his cheeks. Oscar bounded across the snowy grounds, moving them to the rear of the manor, breath huffing out in white clouds while his massive paws pounded the earth in a heavy rhythmic thump, sinking right through the snow and hitting the frozen ground beneath.

Hu Yetao laughed with exhilaration as Oscar dropped his head and charged towards a low-lying hedge in the distance, the top of which was dusted with snow. Hu Yetao tightened his fists and his inner thighs as Oscar adjusted his stride, preparing to leap.