TWO: The Hamilton Mansion

LUCIEN AMAROK HAD no other option but to come to this town at the armpit of civilization. He was promised that he would find the ultimate solution to the curse placed on him and his pack.

Formid Root. He thought of the name with obvious distaste, even his nose scrunched a little. Being the alpha puts certain obligations on him, one of them is finding a way to relieve his pack from the curse placed on them and their descendants centuries ago.

After all, it's my fault.

Lucien wasn't only the alpha of the Amarok pack, he was also the strongest alpha in the world. It was a title he sought after his first turn, and he got it, but not without a price.

His head turned to the room he occupied, the white walls turning a nasty shade of yellow. The bed sheets smelled like they hadn't been washed in a while. And when he showered earlier, the shower head seemed to be clogged with something. Crawford Motel was definitely not up to his taste.

Once I get what I want, I'm out of here. He thought to himself.

The door to his room was opened, revealing the man closest to him at the moment, the man he considered a brother, or even a son.

"Morning alpha. I wanted to remind you that our appointment with Lawyer Jerry Cooper is in half an hour."

Daniel Darwin, a loyal pack member, and if Lucien followed the traditional hierarchy of packs, then Daniel is his beta for all intent and purposes. He had known Daniel since he was born, around twenty-five years ago or so.

When one lives as long as Lucien had, years blur into each other.

Lucien nodded his head, "Let's start moving then."

He knew he needed to sort out the issue with the property as soon as possible. The Hamilton Mansion was the best option for his pack, it was secluded, in the middle of the woods, and according to the blueprints he was shown, it had a nice cellar underneath, spacious too.

"Do you think we'll sort this out by the time of the full moon?"

Concern laced Daniel's tone, Lucien saw the way his grip tightened on the steering wheel and how his eyes flashed with concern. He also hoped that they could contain the wolves of the pack during the full moon. He also hoped it would all go well.

They headed out of the room, "Do you think this lawyer will be able to sort it out?"

"He's the best around here, quite popular in Seattle." Lucien replied tightly, striding towards their car and Daniel started driving.

Lucien was anxious, a feeling he tried to not show. He needed to sort out the situation with the Hamilton Mansion, the rest of the pack was waiting for his command to begin moving to the town.

"The full moon is approaching." Daniel said after a long silence. He pulled up, and cut off the engine.

Lucien grimaced, oh I remember it all right. He thought to himself. The mistake he made centuries ago still haunts his pack and their descendants to this very day; the guilt he carried was unmatchable. The amount of pain he was feeling was unmatchable.

"The pack knows what to do, the shackles on the cellar are strong enough to hold their wolves in place." Lucien exited the car followed by Daniel.

"Do you really think that witch is going to help us?"

Another question which Lucien would struggle to answer. He didn't have an concrete answer himself. However, he did hope. He hoped that Sara Surrett of the Black Coven would be able to deliver her promise of breaking the curse.

"She sounded confident, and don't forget that the druid of the Black Shadow pack approved her." Lucien retorted with as much confidence as he could muster.

The two men exited the car together and went to Jerry Cooper's voice. After meeting Jerry, Lucien decided that the man was professional and seemed to know what he was doing.

"Mr. Amarok, you do not need to worry. Mayor Stanford and I have been friends for a very long time. And I believe before we follow the legal path you should allow me to speak with her." Jerry paused, looking at the time on his wristwatch, "Perhaps we can talk again at around 5.00 in the afternoon and I believe you will hear good news."

Lucien stood up followed by Daniel, "I sure hope so, Mr. Cooper. This is crucial for both me and my family."

The two men shook hands and Lucien left with Daniel. The latter leaned closer as they walked out, "It will be great if we have the mansion before tomorrow. It will give us time; it will give them time to come here."

Lucien only made a sound of a grunt; it was enough to indicate his approval. It was still early in the day and Lucien had other things on his schedule, like reaching out to a certain witch who made promises to him.

Because if she doesn't deliver what she promised, I'll deliver her head on a silver platter to her coven. Lucien thought with gritted teeth, and kept his eyes on the road ahead.