KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours

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Avery Zain

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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Avery turned his head quickly when Kimiko cursed. His eyes immediately went to the drop of blood forming on her lips. His eyes flashed yellow, but he regained control quickly. Avery looked out the windshield to make sure they were still on the road before he looked back. Kimiko was looking at him now. Avery reached out and brushed his thumb along her lip to whip the blood away.

”Werewolves undergo something called the mating bond. It's not unlike what Caden has done with Nero, but the small factor is we don't choose who we form the mating bond with. Our wolf has the connection and we just go along for the ride. We can reject the bond, but it's not common,” Avery explained, and looked back to the road.

”When the bond snaps into place everything about that person that we bond to makes sense. Their hair, their smell, their stupid little quirks.” Avery smiles to himself as he thinks about Kimiko and her damn straws.

He glances over at her. ”I've been on edge around you since day one. My wolf has been close to the surface, and hasn't calmed down or shut up. Last night was the first time he settled. It was the first time I felt settled, and then something snapped. I panicked, and I pushed you away.”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
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Cassiopeia laughs, but not as much as she would like, as it makes her feel dizzy and lightheaded. ”Make me comfortable? And you call me adorable. Why Nic, are you afraid you're going to ravish me if I bare my shoulder to you?” Cassiopeia teases, taking on a Parisian accent.

Cassiopeia rests her hands on Nic's shoulders, smiling at him. ”I am comfortable around you, and I do trust you to respect me. As much as I'd like you to have your way with me, I don't think I would be much fun tonight.”

Cassi lifted a hand from Nic's shoulder and caressed his cheek. ”I'll get changed and you can start the water,” she said, knowing he probably didn't want to leave her completely in her condition.

Chicago After Hours

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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”They’re your family now, too. I know not Cassi yet, but I'm very grateful you protected her and Kiki like that.” If Cassi had been killed, Caden would have struggled not to kill every wolf of the Chicago pack. He hated even thinking about it, so he was glad when Nero moved the conversation along.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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Avery turns down the road that leads them out of Chicago and out to the country when Kimiko asks Avery about what he mentioned earlier. He gripped the steering wheel a bit more tightly, having no idea how to broach this topic.

”You already asked your one question of the day,” Avery teased Kimiko. ”How much do you know about werewolves? More specifically to relationships and their mating bond,” Avery asked.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
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Cassiopeia was glad Nic was holding her while they walked up the stairs as she probably would have fallen when Nic stuttered. She couldn't help but laugh when he suggested she wear a towel into the bathtub.

”Are you sure you weren't born in the 18th century?” she teased him.

They reached the top floor and thought about something else she could wear instead of a towel that would soak up half the bath water.

”I can put on a bathing suit and a t-shirt,” Cassi compromised.

Chicago After Hours

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Caden

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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Caden laughed and nodded in agreement. ”I believe that made all of us pause for a moment,” Caden stated. He ran his thumb across Nero's leg before they captured his hand in theirs.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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”Because you stole the towels! And you were being rather annoying with the straws,” he said, laughing.

Avery shifted in his seat, glancing at the mirrors while he drove. He tried to look busy and distracted, but it was hard to keep the smile off his face when Kimiko asked him to nap with her. He rubbed his hand over his mouth to try and relax, and cleared his throat.

”Napping in a bed would be nicer than napping in the hallway outside your door,” Avery said, and glanced at Kimiko. ”I think you'll find me not letting you out of my sight for a while.”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
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Cassiopeia remained seated and watched Nic while he bustled about her kitchen. She knew if she tried to go run her own bath, he would try and pin her down or tie her to a chair. Cassi's head briefly shifted to a vision of him getting on his knees after and she quickly shut her eyes and shifted in her seat.

Nic's voice faded in and out while Cassi regained her composure. ”I can help you compile a chart. I know most of the ins and outs, but Avery can help fill in some of the blanks for wolves, and we're still learning with Kiki. Each Kitsune seems to be a little unique.”

Max jumped back down once Nic started to prepare Cassi's tea. He walked over and nudged her leg before he went upstairs to wait for them. Cassi took the opportunity to stand, using the back of the chair for balance before feeling steady enough to walk.

”Can we start the bath while the water for my tea heats? The adrenaline is gone and I can feel the dry blood and dirt all over.” If it wasn't dirt forming digging in the soil under Cassi's nails or in her hair, she hated being dirty.

Chicago After Hours

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Caden

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Location: Cassi's House —> Driving – Chicago, IL
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Caden watched Nero with amusement as they climbed into the vehicle, and promptly turned to look into the back. Any of the wolves who were making movement or noise instantly stopped. Caden chuckled and got into the driver's seat.

”Ich fange an, mich zu fragen, ob ich mehr Angst vor dir haben sollte als ich,” Caden said. He waited for Avery to drive before following. He rested a comforting hand On Nero's leg, feeling more at ease, even with werewolves in the backseat.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Cassi's House —> Driving – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Once Caden got in, Avery drove off. ”I guess that means I should return your straws, hmm?” Avery finished off another sandwich before grabbing another.

”Do you want me to stop anywhere? I could get you something else to eat or drink, or whatever you might want while you're recovering,” Avery offered. He remained focused on the road, but kept glancing at Kimiko. He tried not to, but his eyes kept drifting to the black and purple bruises on her neck.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
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Cassiopeia holds onto Nic, her tears soaking into his shirt. ”Only if I can look after you,” she sniffed. Cassi placed a kiss on Nic's neck before she pulled back.

”Can I shower before bed rest, or would a bath be better with the head wound?” Cassi asked, gesturing to her head.

Chicago After Hours

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Caden

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
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Caden’s smile faltered from Nero’s question. He followed Nero as they skipped ahead to open the door for him. In the back, a couple of the humans were starting to wake, but they were still groggy.

”I’m not sure, my little imp. I think you telling her about Mundus will help, but it leaves us with more questions as well.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery glanced down the street while Kimiko climbed into the SUV. He could see some movement in the other SUV, and understood that to mean the unconscious wolves were starting to wake. On one hand, Avery was glad he wasn’t in that SUV, but on the other, he wished he were so he could punch them all in the face, but he supposed Kimiko deserved an opportunity to as well.

Kimiko’s voice refocused Avery, and he looked back at her. He smiled and nodded before he started to close her door. He paused when she thanked him again.

Avery’s fingers twitched on the door, wanting to touch her, kiss her, or hold her. ”I only did it to get the towels back,” he joked poorly. Avery winked before closing Kimiko’s door and walked to the other side.

He glanced back at the other SUV, and saw that Caden and Nero were having a moment. He hoped they wouldn’t take long. Avery jumped inside the SUV, set the pile of BLT sandwiches on the centre counsel, turned the SUV on, and grabbed a sandwich to start eating.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
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Cassiopeia fidgeted in her seat before answering Nic. ”I was going to tell you… eventually. I just wanted the others to be examined first. Then Nero threatened to tell you, and I knew it wouldn’t go over well if someone else told you I was hurt.”

She held her hand out for the pill, not quite meeting Nic’s eyes. She watched him grab a new bottle of that sparkling cider she liked and smiled. He was an absolute gem, Cassi thought, but she shook her head at the bottle. ”Ginger tea would be better,” she declared. Max moved from his post at Cassi’s feet, jumped onto the counter, and sat below the cupboard with the tea things for Nic to find.

Cassi shifted her eyes to look at Nic and the sincerity in his voice. Maybe it was because she was so tired, or maybe it was because Cassi felt like she could be vulnerable with Nic, but she started to cry. ”You don’t take no for an answer, do you?” she joked, and looked away again. ”No one’s ever taken care of me like you have. Well, there’s Caden, but that’s vastly different from you. I don’t know how to let anyone look after me…My family…when they…I felt so helpless when I couldn’t save them. It was the first time I ever felt weak. I never wanted to feel that way again,” Cassi whispered as she cried. She finally met Nic’s eyes, hoping he’d understand now.

Chicago After Hours

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Caden

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
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Caden paused to ponder Kimiko's request as they left Cassi's. ”I don't see why not. Bran didn't say what condition their bodies had to be in, just that they were left alive for questioning. So no head trauma,” Caden stated.

They all got to the sidewalk, and Avery was protesting Kimiko riding with him and Levi's pack, when Nero suggested they take that SUV instead. Caden smiled and kissed their head.

”That's a splendid idea,” Caden said, and switched keys with Avery. ”No more traffic laws broken today, Avery. Okay?” Caden grinned before escorting Nero to the rundown SUV.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
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It would seem Avery's mind had been made up for him. He took Caden's keys and sighed, he then looked at Kimiko and suddenly felt nervous. He cleared his throat and walked down the sidewalk before opening up the front passenger for Kimiko.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
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The exhaustion hit Cassiopeia as soon as the others left. She felt like she could sleep for days. Max stayed near Cassiopeia, looking between her and Nic every few seconds.

Cassiopeia nodded at Nic's question about feeling nauseous. ”And tired. And sore. And like I've been run over by a werewolf,” Cassi said.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
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A piece of toast and orange juice. Cassi never had much of an appetite before a big hunt like this, and that she was concussed, it was less. Besides, it was just after lunch time. Her appetite might still come back. Avery and Kimiko entered, saving Casi from having to answer Nic's question for now.

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Caden

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
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Everyone listened to Kimiko's retelling of her injuries with rapt attention. Caden was angry, and Avery was pissed. Cassiopeia didn't look happy either, but she also looked drained.

Caden put the items for Kimiko in one hand before he shook Nic's.

”Thank you. For everything,” Caden said, gesturing around Cassi's house. ”We'll take Kiki in tomorrow to get some imaging done just in case, and keep you posted. Take care of yourself, Cass. And listen to your nurse.”

Cassiopeia's face flushed, and Caden chuckled. ”Alright, let's head home, and make sure our guests are comfortable for Charles’ arrival.”

Chicago After Hours

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Avery Zain

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
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Avery chuckled at Kimiko's statement. He took her hand and helped her to stand. ”It'll be our little secret,” he said and led Kimiko into the kitchen.

Avery was glad Kimiko was letting him help her. It soothed not only his worried mind but also the mind of his wolf.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
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”Good,” Cassi replied simply. She picked up a sandwich and debated eating it before setting it back down. She felt slightly nauseous, and didn't trust herself to keep the sandwich down at the moment.

Chicago After Hours

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Avery Zain

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Okay,” Avery agrees and kisses the top of Kimiko's head. ”Threaten all you like, little fox, it's not going to stop us. Speaking of, Nic wants to look you over once more, but Cassi is being stubborn. I don't think he wants her out of his sight, so we should go to them,” Avery said before standing.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassi opens her mouth several times to protest but Caden gives her a look that silences her. Instead, she grumbles to herself before looking at Nero. So much for ‘don't touch anything’.

”There should be a few small, flat, round silver containers on the middle or top shelf. She needs one of those. On the bottom shelf in a yellow box is a tea she could take as well.”

Chicago After Hours

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Avery Zain

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery holds his breath when Kiki's eyes flutter closed. He worries he's hurt her even with the simple touch, but she doesn't pull away from him. Instead, Kimiko touches his cheek and Avery rests his hand over hers.

”Well, you shouldn't have run off like that,” he joked poorly. ”but I shouldn't have kicked you out of my room. I should have just been honest with you, but I was also afraid of what you would do if I told you what I was feeling. I was also afraid of what Caden would do to me,” Avery said. He glanced down.

”We don't need to talk about this now… but I'd like to, when you're feeling better.”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House– Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassi hisses and curses while Nic works on cleaning her wound. No stitches is a good sign but she hated the word concussion. Hopefully, that will heal up in a couple days as well.

”I'm definitely going to curse you,” Cassi said, ignoring Nic in favour of tormenting Nero.

Cassiopeia lifted her hand and touched the back of her head. It was very tender, but it wasn't bleeding anymore. However, Cassi doubted she would be sleeping on her back.

”What about your dad? You can't ask Jane and Kat to stay with him another night. They're going to get suspicious and think some things wrong.”

”Ya, I don't think they are going to think something is wrong,” Caden said with a grin.

Cassiopeia shot Caden a glare. ”Aren't you two fine? Go away,” Cass irritably, but she wasn't really kicking them out.

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Caden

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
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Caden chuckled and grabbed a few more sandwiches for the road. ”It's not a bad idea. I think we could all use the sleep anyway. Nic, did you want to look over Kimiko one last time before we head out? Cass, do you think you have anything to give her for the bruising?”

”Huh? Oh, yes.” Cassi said and turned to rummage through her cupboards. Max appeared out of nowhere to help his sorcerer.