Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 32

Roused at an ungodly hour, I had thought this would be a direct route, but it would seem we were making multiple stops. Much to my disappointment, my warlord never came to bed, and the dark circles under his eyes indicate that he hadn't slept either. 

I yawn as he carries my luggage through the vast train station, the hustle and bustle is quite impressive, while almost overwhelming compared to my small hometown. It would appear Fillipa feels the same, as she gravitates toward me, Roksana takes the outside edge of our group to protect our flank, while Verando falls in behind us.

"Civilization, my lovely companions!" Haryek embelishes, inhaling deeply.

"Loud," I comment, noting the cringe on my Lycan's face. "Where are we?" 

"Budapest, Hungary," Verando comments as we settle by a bench to gather our bearings. "Keep the luggage close, cities like this are prone to pickpockets and theft."

"Zeft?" Anuetta scoffs. "I assyure you, zese people are oopstanding, juste like ze ones een my 'ome ceety." 

Verando scoffs, scanning the crowd with distaste. "Well, when you've got nothing left but your trousers, don't cry to me. You realize I lived in your city for quite some time, as part of the mafia that you hired, correct?" 

"Zo négatif on such a fine morning, Monsieur Mercer" She scolds him.

We settle on breakfast to wait for our next train, as the waitress brings us an order of what appears to be pancakes, meat, and eggs. Meanwhile, Haryek's eyes light up as he looks out into the city. It's alive, much like the shopping plaza surrounding the train station. 

"Your Grae, are we going to leave so quickly? Our home is in shambles. Is there a true sense of urgency? Can we not stay here for a day and enjoy this beautiful city? Have we not earned a reprieve from all this dreadful war?" He almost looks dreamy as he turns to watch us with such a hopeful expression.

 Anuetta chuckles lightly.

"Wait till you see France. Es Magnifique!" The idea, admittedly, sounds nice; I'd like to have a chance to see these cities and get a feel for the current happenings in the country that borders my home.

Much as my family had traveled, I'd never been outside of Romania; my brothers had gone with my father, but I, myself, had only been within her limits. 

Verando is quick to put a stop to any planning. "We are on a strict deadline, we don't have time to stop and play tourist. We don't know who could be following us, and the safest place for us is on that train before anyone can catch up." 

It was reason enough to lower my hopes of the possibility, yet all eyes fall on me, and I swallow a mouthful of food and hurriedly wipe my mouth with my handkerchief when I realize they are waiting for a rebuttal.

When it came to disobedience and disorder, it would appear I was the one they would flock to—sitting up a little taller, trying to collect myself, I took measure of the situation.

Verando grips my arm, his tone low."We need to keep moving." 

Haryek waves a hand at him dismissively, "Oh, you're such a dish rag, Verando. Your Grace, you're the King; your guests and fellow ambassadors would like a recess from this journey to have some fun. After all the trouble we've been through, we need a bit of fun. Besides, if anyone is following us, they will follow the train and we will have lost them. Problem solved."

The gray-haired man narrows his eyes, "Or they will spot us and destroy this city looking for us, do you think for a moment that whatever is after us has any interest in preserving life?"