A Wolf's Honor

Chapter 5

The auction building is large and made of old-school brick, red and dark brown. Inside the building is the opposite of the exterior. It's immaculate and designed with luxury in mind. Though, it was done with great care to please the clientele who roam this building. Important clientele who primarily supports this building and the business it carries out.

"Ibuki, I would like my normal reserved table." I say, walking between two of my lions. They form a triangle behind me in normal formation. The current boss of the Shishigumi, whether an herbivore or not, calls for a minimum of three guards when out in the red light district.

"Of course sir, right this way." Ibuki answers promptly and guides the group inside to the main hall. There is a multitude of chandeliers to produce a lower-lit ambiance over the tables behind the showcase stage.

Upon our arrival at table 28, Agata pulls my chair to sit. After I am situated, I bow my head for a moment to signal for them to sit. Ibuki sits closest to my right side, Free to my left, and Agata in front of me and to the side. It's only natural to have someone watching from behind at all times, even if this building is promised to be a "dead zone" for turf wars or violence.

"Do you think you'll find anything good tonight, boss?" Free asks and immediately puts his elbows on the table to rest his chin in his palms.

"It's been a long time since you have participated in an auction. Not since Bill." He adds, looking over. He is amused by the look in his eye. Of all the lions in my command, Free is the one who takes the most joy in new carnivores for auction. I assume he finds it funny to see something so backwards from what society tells us is "normal".

"I don't know, Free. Why don't you go back and ask the auctioneer himself for his monthly lineup?" I question, not looking his way.

From the corner of my eye, I see him sit up straighter and blink in anticipation.

"Sir, would you like me to for you?" He asks, seriously.

I leave him to hang in the silence for a moment before shaking my head and glancing his way.

"No." I say, looking back away and to the stage.

As Free tenses from embarrassment, Agata stiles a laugh and looks at the table while Ibuki shakes his head, able to hold back any lingering amusement from the younger lion's fumble.

It's not long before more bodies file into the hall, casually chatting and taking their seats. As I watch over the attendees, I spot members of the Madaragumi and Inarigumi. The particular person that catches my eye is Ten of the Inarigumi taking her seat. She is poised in her entrance and settling at 14. The vixen is accompanied by another fox, as usual, taking their regular tabled residency for the auctions they attend.

Still no sign of Savon or Miso of the Dokugumi and Madaragumi, respectively.

"Attention all beasts and beast-like guests." The auctioneer says through the overhead speakers as the stage lights turn on and start to warm up, focusing on center stage.

The crowd quiets down gradually as they come to attention to the man on the stage. A nimble raccoon is holding the microphone, smiling to the crowd.

"Thank you for your time and attention." He thanks and continues. "We have a wide selection of herbivores and carnivores alike tonight! Please ready your pocketbooks and purses for what is to come!" He finishes and bows.

The crowd claps in response, a formal response as the evening kicks off.

"First on our list for the evening is a squirrel. This middle-aged lady comes in at about..." He drones on and I lose attention for the first item on sale. I have no interest in any herbivore for sale now or any time soon. They serve me no purpose. Maybe the Madaragumi or a meat vendor have better use for them.