THEIR PLANS DIFFER

The butler finally placed the last luggage that Nicholas packed for his travel to the city. He will be staying in the city for the next two years; studying, looking for his mate and of course, check how their business is doing. Yiran was reluctant to let her brother go but it was part of their pack's tradition. They will have to explore the world of humans in order to gain more knowledge to their advantage.

"Bro, make sure to come back and visit me once in a while. If you won't, I will really hate you." Yiran mumbled while wiping her tears away. She already cried last night on his birthday party but seeing him leave right in front of her, she couldn't stop herself from crying again.

Nicholas hugged his sister and softly rubbed her hair. "I'll make sure to come back home whenever I am not busy." Nicholas let go of her sister and walked to his parents. "Mom, Dad, I will go now. Don't worry. I'll take care of myself and I will never transform when I'm in the city."

"Hn. We know that you will keep your promise. As much as possible, if you sense someone from the Dragon tribe, don't make trouble with them. The curse has nothing to do with them."

"I understand." Nicholas replied but as soon as he hugged his mother, he looked at his father with a knowing smile. 'I won't cause trouble but I won't avoid them either. I'll make them work for us and find a way to lift the curse.'

After getting few more reminders, Nicholas finally let go of his mom and turned around to get inside the car. One of their drivers was waiting for him inside the car already. "Let's go." At his words, the driver started the engine. Nicholas looked back and saw his sister bawled her eyes from crying. He can only smile faintly and break his line of sight. Slowly, the village was getting farther from his sight and when they finally cross the border, he could no longer see the place where he grew up and stayed for 20 years.

Nicholas observed his surroundings and the changes in landscape. At first, all he could see were trees, bushes, flowers and birds but after an hour of driving, he could finally see the buildings and other establishments. Aside from the pet shop where he saw some dogs and cats, he didn't see any other kind of animals.

"It's really different to the place we live." Nicholas commented as he looked outside the window.

"Indeed." The driver replied. "Young master, the house where you will stay have many werewolves like us. They knew you are the young master and they're very loyal to your family. My niece is also staying in the same house. They will be your servant when you get there."

"I don't need any servant here." Nicholas responded without looking at the man on the front seat. "I want to be on my own. I don't want anyone to stay in the same house as me."

"But –"

"I'll look for a different house. You can come back to the village once I have settled my matter. I'll tell my parents about it."

"Yes, young master."

The driver was left with no choice but to let Nicholas do whatever he wanted. He didn't dare disobey him since his family depended on the pack.

"I remember that Michael Wentworth is a trusted man in our company. He came to my birthday yesterday. Why don't we ask him to look for a secure apartment in this city?" Nicholas voiced out which bothered the driver a little. He knew who Nicholas was talking about but that man was human and he didn't dare risk his life. "I know what you are thinking. Since he's trusted by my parents and the elders, that means that he poses no threat to our kind. Bring me to his house?"

"Yes, young master."

In truth, Nicholas just wanted to see the beautiful woman last night. Since it's weekend, he believed that the woman should be home. Contrary to his expectation, she wasn't there when he arrived.

"Young master, why didn't you tell us that you are visiting? We haven't prepared anything at all." Michael stated as he opened the gate to their house. "Come in."

"I'm sorry I have to bother you." Nicholas replied with an apologetic expression as he walked inside the house. It wasn't as large as his home in the village but it was more than enough for a family of three. In fact, it was rather spacious. "I have a bit of problem and I'm hoping you could help me."

"Feel free to tell me." Michael suggested while signaling his wife to get some refreshments.

Nicholas rubbed the back of his neck to cover up his awkwardness in front of the man, whose daughter he was fantasizing about since last night. "I'm transferring here in the city to finish my studies but I found out that there was a bit of a problem in the apartment that I was supposed to stay. I'm wondering if you could help me find another apartment with good security. If it's near Royale Academy, I'd be very happy."

Michael smiled in relief after hearing what the young man wanted from him. For a moment, he really thought the wolf pack have traced his scent and found out his true identity. He even warned Serina not to come out of her room thru their mind link.

"That is not a problem, young master. Give me a sec. I'll just get my laptop. Have you brought your things with you?"

"Yes, I have."

"Why don't you bring your things inside first? You can take a rest while I look for a suitable apartment for you. And if you like, you can also come with me to look at the apartment later."

"That sounds great. I'll inform the driver." Nicholas stood up and walked outside to let the driver know of the plan.

While he was trying his best to get close to Michael's daughter, Michael was also trying his best to hide his daughter from the young man. He was bent not to let their paths cross but fate has different plans for them, too.

'Go out through the back door and as soon as he gets back inside, you can leave. Stay in one of your friend's place. Don't come back until I tell you so.' Michael told his daughter while helping Nicholas take out his luggage from the car.

'Yes, dad. Take care of mom and yourself.' Serina dressed up and pack some of her things. As much as possible, she has to avoid making contact with anyone from the werewolf's pack. It would be troublesome if they found out what was living deep within her. She ran downstairs and kissed her mother goodbye.

Irene didn't need to ask anything because she knew everything long ago. "Take good care of yourself."

"Yes, mom."