Flutter

Flutter: Douze

"What did Carl have to say about Nora?" Blaine asked, flicking at the Newton's cradle that Quinton kept atop his desk.

"He had nothing but pleasant words in regards to her. Carl did say that she is behind in her knowledge of the lupine life, but, she won't have a hard time catching up, being that she's very attentive." Quinton answered dryly.

"That's a good thing isn't it?" Blaine questioned, not understanding Quinton's tone.

"I suppose. From how Carl described the lesson, it seems that she is taking this to carelessly. This is not meant to be 'story time.' I want her to fully absorb the material and progress into more advanced and mature topics. I wonder if she really knows the importance of the position that she's in."

"Now Quinton, must you really squash every single drop of pleasure that she creates for herself? You must understand that she is still adjusting to her stay here. What's the trouble if she's a eager student? Better that then having her indifferent to it all."

"Yes, but I want some modicum of seriousness. I want her to understand the significance of her position."

"Quinton, I don't want to speak out of turn, but friend to friend, it seems to me that you view Nora as a responsibility rather than as your mate sometimes." Blaine said, leaning against the hardwood desk that Quinton sat behind.

"She is my responsibility! Not only am I her superior, I am also her mate, and I must go out of my way to protect her but I won't coddle her. I must ensure that she is following the rules of our people. Excuse me if that brings with it some stress!" Quinton blurted, running a hand through his hair, agitated.

"You speak of her as if she's a child that's running amok! Quinton, understand that she was doing perfectly well before you claimed her as a mate." Blaine indicated.

"That may be so, but her actions now reflect her position as the mate of a beta, and she can no longer go wherever the wind blows. How would it look if I were to simply roll up my sleeves and take a grand vacation for three months or so? Just drop my responsibilities. That would be completely inappropriate. There is rules and order for a reason."

"I think that a vacation is exactly what you need Quinton. And Quinton you're not in this alone. That's why you have people like me to fall back on. I am your primary adviser for a reason. I do believe I'd be more than able to handle things for a couple of months, if not a year."

"I don't doubt your abilities, Blaine. However, I do doubt the loyalty of our brethren. People are quick to judge and if I were to act as if my position weren't important, then they would not treat it with importance. It only takes one person to start a revolution and we do not need anymore tiffs. All we've worked for can be destroyed"

"Who knew you were one for melodrama, Quinton? You worry far too much. I assure that  centuries of dedication won't be destroyed if you were to take a vacation."

"One can never take chances. If there's one thing my father taught me, it was to never take chances."

"Quinton, you're father said a lot of things, and I don't mean to speak ill-"

"Watch yourself, Blaine." Quinton leaned forward, his voice hardening.

"Excuse me, Quinton. I forget my place."

"Certainly." Quinton agreed, leaning back in his chair and turning away. Blaine quietly made his way out of the office.

Quinton sat and brooded for a while. Quinton had been expecting Carl to say that Nora was reluctant and despondent, yet, Carl had described Nora as being the complete opposite. Carl wasn't the only one to paint Nora in a good light. The physicians also found Nora to be respectful and curious. Now of course these were great remarks, but they took Quinton aback. Nora had been adamant about not liking Quinton's commands and so he expected her to be more uncooperative.