Lupine Echoes

Chapter 2: Boy with the Silver Hair

Jaden's house was nestled in the peaceful Chevy Chase neighborhood, just a 15-minute drive from downtown D.C. The exterior was a classic white clapboard with dark green shutters, perfectly matching the lush, well-kept garden in front. A neatly trimmed hedge framed the property, interspersed with vibrant flowers in a rainbow of colors. The front porch, with its wicker chairs and potted plants, offered a warm, inviting spot for relaxation.

In the living room, Jaden busied himself tidying up his makeshift medical station and preparing a steaming mug of tea. He glanced over at Adam, who was sprawled on the large, plush sofa that dominated the room. The sofa's cushions were carefully arranged to create a cozy seating area, propped up with a few pillows. Adam lay there with his shirt off, revealing a muscular torso that contrasted pronouncedly with Jaden's lean frame. His arms were lined with pronounced veins, like cables beneath his skin. The dark magic wound on his shoulder had healed completely, leaving only unblemished skin behind.

Despite the recovery, Jaden couldn't ignore the potential aftereffects. He handed Adam the cup of tea, watching as he took a sip. The warmth of the herbal concoction seemed to relax Adam, his tense posture softening.

"Drink up," Jaden encouraged. "It will help with the residual effects of the magic. And it's better than nothing."

Adam, still dazed, gave a slow nod as he continued to sip the tea. Jaden took this moment to study him more closely. Adam's features were stunning— sculpted and defined, with a fair complexion that accentuated his chiseled jawline and high cheekbones. His dark, well-groomed beard added a touch of sophistication to his already commanding presence, emphasizing the sharp angles of his visage.

His blue eyes held a depth that was both intense and contemplative. His dark curls fell in a disheveled manner, bringing a touch of ruggedness to his otherwise polished look. He had the look of someone from the Midwest—a contrast to the ethnic diversity Jaden was accustomed to among Northeasterners. In the Northeast, the white guys often had a Mediterranean blend—Italians, Portuguese, Spanish, Greeks. Adam, however, seemed to come from a more homogenous region, embodying a quintessential American Midwest sensibility with a clean-cut, straightforward appearance.

Adam set the cup down and caught Jaden's gaze lingering on him. With a wry smirk, he teased, "Should I be flattered that you're checking me out, or should I start a 'viewing fee' for the front row seats?"

Jaden's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and he promptly averted his eyes. "Uh, no, it's just—" He stammered, fumbling for words.

Adam chuckled tenderly, breaking the awkwardness. "So, what's your story? How did you end up on the train with me?"

Jaden took a deep breath, regaining his composure. "I work for a cleaning agency," he began, his tone shifting to a more serious note.

"Cleaning agency? Like Today's Maid?"

"Sort of," Jaden said. "But instead of dusting shelves and disinfecting, we deal with supernatural entities. Our agency was shut down a few months ago when my master disappeared. Recently, one of her old clients from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History reached out. They needed someone to watch over the museum while the Ame-no-Nuboko was there, fearing it might attract trouble."

"And did you find anything?" Adam leaned in, interested.

"I did," Jaden replied. "When I was at the museum, I definitely felt something was not right. I decided to stay close to the spear until it left the city. But then you were attacked, and I realized my job was not finished yet."

"So, you're basically a supernatural troubleshooter?"

"Actually, the preferred term is exorcist."

Adam chuckled, shaking his head. "You sure? Because 'supernatural troubleshooter' sounds way more badass." He sighed heavily. "I should check in with the Iron Phalanx. I was supposed to be at Lightcrest University last night, and by now, the spear should've been locked away safe and sound. Man, I'm in so much hot water for losing it."