CLAIMED

10

"Where have you been, Kaz?" the furious Ezekiel asked upon appearing in the sovereign's bed chamber. When he received the news about the return of Kazan, who had been missing for many hours, he dropped all that he was doing to get there. "I've been looking for you all over."

As Kazan predicted earlier, Ziki is overreacting. Ugh! After a deep breath, Kazan said, "As you can see, I'm fine. So there is no need for panic or concern, Ziki. I just wanted some time out alone, so I took it."

"Well, you could have at least informed me first. Then I would have arranged guards to escort you out."

"And that is why I didn't tell you. I wanted to be alone."

"Alone!" Ezekiel snapped. "You can't be out in the world alone. What if you were ambushed by an enemy pack, or worst-case scenario, you died? You are not a kid any more, Kaz. You are the sovereign, damn it! If anything bad should happen to you under my watch again."

"I know, Ziki. And I'm truly sorry I made you worry." Kazan firmly took hold of his shoulder, looked him in the eyes, and smiled. "I'm also sorry that I didn't tell you I was going out. It wasn't my intention to cause you any worry. But I'm here and in good health, as you can see. So you can rest easy now."

"OK." Ezekiel took a deep breath to relax himself. He can't help overreacting when it comes to the sovereign, who is his brother, safety. "But don't pull a stunt like that again, you damn bastard."

"OK. I won't." Geez.

"And I'm sorry for my rude behavior towards you, sovereign. But my brother Kaz can be a jackass sometimes." Ezekiel smiled.

"Water under the bridge, my friend." Kazan made a mess of his little brother's hair.

"Anyway, I thought you should know that the stray had escaped the dungeon." Ezekiel informed Kazan. "And those useless guards aren't sure how or when it happened. I assumed that someone, maybe a guard, might be responsible for her escape. But no worries; as we speak, I'm having the matter investigated."

"That won't be necessary."

"Why?" Ezekiel asked, a bit confused.

"It was me who had released the stray." Kazan decided to be truthful—well, partially truthful. He can't tell Ziki about what really happened—the sex or him being kidnapped. The guy would give him another earful of scolding, or worse, laugh at him.

"What?" Ezekiel looked at Kazan as if he were crazy. He must be damn crazy to set free the stray that not only terrorized the pack for days but almost killed him. "Why would you do such a thing?"

"From now on, the stray will be a special guest of the pack. I've already booked her in at one of our finest hotels in Azure City, the Blue Moon. Please ensure that she is well looked after and that no trouble comes to her."

"Woah, woah, woah. Hold up." This is just too much to take in. "Is this a joke? Because this is not funny, man."

"I'm serious here, Ziki," Kazan said firmly.

"What is happening here?" Ezekiel was puzzled by Kazan's sudden change of attitude towards the stray. Is he still perhaps experiencing some aftereffects from that stray's vicious bite? It doesn't seem that way. But something is definitely wrong with him. He just can't figure out what it is yet. "Are you sure you are alright, Kaz?"

"Yes, I am. Now, if you don't have anything else to say, then please go." Kazan ordered. He knows that he can't explain to Ezekiel the reason for his action, so he might as well shut down this conversation. Besides, it's not an easy task to lie to your best friend. First he lied about being claimed, and now this.