Collar the Wild

Chapter 24 - Rundown

After washing his hands of the blood, Ember finishes putting away all of his new clothes, folding his new favourite scarf neatly in a drawer. He leaves the borrowed clothes on his bed to remind him to be returned, not wanting to go into Cal's room when he's not there. Not wanting to be late, he shuts his door, quickly but safely descends to the ground floor and into the dining room with a minute to spare. He stands behind his chair saying his hellos to Hess and Voigt, both of whom voice their concern about the attack.

"Oh I'm fine, really. It stings, but it stopped bleeding by the time we got back."

"I'll have a look at it after lunch," Voigt insists.

"Thank you," Cal interjects cheerfully. "I've had a look myself, but I'd prefer a professional take a look. Only the best for our new friend."

Ember feels his skin warm at that, and fidgets his fingers on the tall back of the chair. He's distracted from the mild embarrassment when Cal sighs and shakes his head.

"Today's going to be pretty busy in preparation for tomorrow. I'll need you both back down here by 1:30 at the latest, will you be done with him by then?" He asks Voigt.

"It doesn't take me that long to stitch a wound Cal," comes the playfully sardonic response.

"You're going to be alone in a room with a very cute and nosey wolf. I'm adding a safety half-hour." He chuckles and looks at Ember who refuses to meet his gaze.

"I'd need an hour," Hess sniggers.

"You wouldn't if you could cum," the older wolf retorts with a hearty laugh and receives a punch to the arm for the transgression.

The doors open and Alek walks in, silencing the wolves. His very casual clothes being uncommon enough to make Ember notice.

"Ham and cheese toasties with bacon salad and crisps," Cal says, serving the master his portion. The rest are seated and invited to start also.

"Lovely. How did your outing go with Ember? Did you manage to get everything?" He asks, taking a bite of his toastie and being disappointed there isn't any sandwich pickle so he quickly grabs the jar and smears some inside.

"Yes master, we got him a whole new wardrobe including a suit to be delivered tomorrow morning. I was able to get Voigt's pipe and Hess's foods in good time as well."

"That's great, how do you like your new clothes, my boy?"

"I love them, master, thank you." Ember bows his head courteously as he speaks.

"We did incur a small incident however." Cal adds, turning to Ember. "A rock was hurled at his head and cut the skin. It's stopped bleeding, but Voigt will kindly inspect it after lunch."

"It upsets me to hear that, Ember. I'm sorry that happened."

Ember feels a compassion rise up from his belly and wants nothing more in this moment than to rain gratitude down upon his master, as though he should be absolved from any blame. But before he has chance to reply he speaks again.

"Was it that usual fellow?"

"No, a small group of teenage boys." Cal confirms.

"Little twats, the lot of 'em. They're the reason I don't like goin' into town." Hess pipes up. "I'd have battered 'em if I were there."

"Then I'm glad you weren't, Hess," Alek says, reproachfully. "The last thing we need is the town witnessing one of you attacking a child."

"Sorry master, I didn't mean it. It just riles me up."

"I know my wolf, I know." He smiles to show the apology was accepted and moves on. "So Cal, let's get onto the boring stuff. Give our new member the rundown for today."