h4Chapter 256: Mark Of The Beginning/h4

    (Author’s POV)

    ric, Brave, and Elisa reached the Larson mansion. As the car entered the main gate, both of the Everests’ men were stunned by the sheer beauty of the building in front of them. Brave thought, ’The word ’mansion’ doesn’t even define what this estate really looks like. It is more like a pce castle.’

    This Larson mansion had gigantic ivory-colored walls, on which royal purple wisteria vines were creeping up, making it look exquisite.

    The Moon Shine’s packhouse was massive too, but its exterior as well as interior was more on the modern, contemporary theme. This, on the other hand, was much more aesthetically pleasing to both ric and Brave, as both the twins were into architectural designs, especially ric.

    It was well-maintained with bright orange honeysuckle vines dangling from the balcony, contrasting beautifully with the imperial wisterias.

    After they got out of the vehicle, they noticed a young man, probably around their age, was standing there. He was well-dressed, in a dark burgundy three-piece suit, looking neat and shipshape.

    Fabian had gotten ready in a hurry, but still, he looked tidy, prim, and proper. He was waiting at the entrance, and as soon as he saw their car entering the main gate, he held his breath unconsciously and clenched his fists tightly, ’They are finally here.’

    But when he saw only ric and Brave with Elisa, his brows furrowed a little, ’Where are the other two? I received the news that all of them havee to Esteria. So where, where the hell are the others?’ Fabian became even more anxious.

    But outwardly, he maintained a straight face and walked towards the twins, his steps stately. His bodynguage was oozing with confidence, or you could say, Fabian wanted to look confident and imposing in front of his enemies.

    Yes, enemies. That is how he saw the werewolf kind, especially the Lycans, because of his tragic, sorrowful past. But he didn’t let his inner emotion take over him, as per Jacob’s advice, and remained curt, "Good Morning, Fabian Stephens here. COO Everests, CFO Everests. I hope you didn’t encounter any problems on your journey or on the way to the mansion." While saying this, he extended his hand for a formal handshake.

    ric replied while shaking Fabian’s hand, "Not that much."

    Although the ride was smooth, it was Elisa’s presence and her constant efforts to get inside either of the brothers’ pants that bothered ric.

    Fabian had an inkling about what might have bothered him as he gazed at Elisa briefly, who made an innocent face in return. He then shifted his gaze back to the brothers, asking, "I heard your other brothers were also apanying you two. Why are they not here yet? Hmm, Elisa?"

    "Ohh~ right, Mr. Dion and Mr. Elio were in the other car. They entered the campus premises with us, but why don’t I see them? Let me call and ask the driver where they are," Elisa mumbled and made the call.

    After talking to the driver, she told them, "They stopped by as Mr. Elio lost something. They are near theke and will be here soon."

    Both the twins nodded in understanding, but Fabian’s nervousness was hitting the roof, ’Near theke? At this time? Myra always goes there after her ss is over. What if, what if they see her?’ He was getting a headache from the mere thought of such a coincidence. His eyes flickered unconsciously with stress as his nails were digging into his palms.

    But soon the other car came into his vision and stopped in front of him and the others.

    As Elio and Dion stepped out of the vehicle, Fabian observed them discreetly. Brave asked them about their dy, to which Elio gave him a brief description of what went through.

    Fabian was noticing them and found no sign of abnormality, so he chalked it down as nothing must have happened. When the realization hit him, he sighed in relief, unclenched his fist, and extended his hand. He gave them a formal greeting, which they both reciprocated, and all of the party went inside the mansion.

    Brave questioned, "Where is Mr. Larson? Why haven’t I seen him?"

    "Mr. Jacob Larson will be here shortly. He is in a video conferencing meeting," Fabian made an excuse. He knew all too well that his grandfather was justzing around.

    "I thought Mr. Stephens was to receive us at the airport," ricmented.

    Fabian gave a brief side eye to Elisa, then replied, "An urgent business needed my attention at thest minute, so I gave this task to Ms. Queens. Hope you didn’t mind."

    The Everests brothers remained silent. To them, Elisa was nothing but a nuisance.

    Elisa had been dazed since she noticed the charm bracelet on Elio’s wrist. The crescent moon was infused with protective, shielding magic, exining why her seductive charm didn’t work on either of the brothers. ’Such hindrance. That damned piece of thread. If only .... I had my powers, just like before. Shit .... This is making my head spin. I will have to find a way to get rid of all their threads. Then, only I can make my move.’

    "Ms. Queens? Ms. Elisa? Are you okay? You look pale?" Brave asked, not out of concern but out of kindness.

    Elisa’s chain of thoughts broke as she looked at Brave with her usual, maic smile and answered, "I am good. Thank you for asking, Mr. Brave."

    When they entered the inner side of the living room, they saw Jacob descending the stairs, the wine ss still in his hands.

    "My esteemed guests .... I am honored by your presence," he spoke while walking downstairs. Thankfully, he had changed into the ensemble his aide had selected for him. In the charcoal suit, pairing it with a ck shirt and red dotted tie, he looked impable. His hair were slicked back in a sassy yet elegant way as he exuded a royal aura.

    He donned a yful smile on his lips as he said, "You all must have been tired from the long journey." He then checked the time on his custom made Bovet Amadeo Fleurier watch and added, "When don’t you all have breakfast. Although it’s a bitte for that. A brunch, it is then." He mumbled

    ric was about to refuse. He had no intention of sharing a table with a vampire, but Brave stopped him before he could say anything. He mind linked his twin, ’It’s just a meal. He wouldn’t do anything to us. Let’s hear what he has to say.’

    By Brave intervention, ric didn’t utter anything in refusal.

    They all made their way towards the dining hall. Jacob, as the King and the host, took the head seat while Fabian settled on the front seat of the right row. Chris, who has been present as well, took the other side while the Everests brothers settled in across from each other, with ric and Brave sitting alongside Fabian, while Elio and Dion were seated beside Chris. Elisa took the seat beside Brave.

    As soon as they settled in their designated seats, Jacob ordered one of his attendants, who was waiting for hismand, "Bring it in."

    Soon, the attendant disappeared as Jacob shifted his attention towards the brothers. He leaned forward, cing both his elbows on the table, joined his hands gracefully, and inquired, "How is yourpany doing? I heard your new redevelopment project in the suburban areas of Damona and Brussel has beenmendable. All the new outlets, even in Esteria, have been talking about it. COO ric, you are in charge of that project, right? I must say, it is quite a marvelous achievement under your belt." Heplimented ric with a genuine smile and sipped his wine gracefully, "The Lycan King must be really proud of his sons."

    "The project is not yetplete and is still in progress," ric replied.

    "I know, but so far so good," Jacob added, then shifted his attention to Brave, "I heard the issue with your wolf has been settled. Although it is toote, congrattions, young Alpha," as soon as he finished his words, the attendant came back with an exquisite wine bottle. Jacob then added, "Perfect timing. Serve our guests. We will make a toast."

    "What is it?" ric asked warily.

    Jacob chuckled at his attempt at being on guard andmented, "Don’t worry, I won’t serve my guests blood, it will be too unsightly. Nor will I give you poison. Just one of the bottles of wine from my precious collection, Leroy Musigny Grand Cru, 1996. Try it, you all will like it." He urged them to take a sip.

    All of them were reluctant and didn’t touch their wine sses at first. When Jacob saw that they had no intention of having it, he remarked, "Too bad, it is too delicious and savory to waste. I insist, you won’t regret trying it. Maybe, this may mark the beginning of a profound and strong rtionship."

    The subtle remark was clear to them all.

    To Be Continued . . . . . . . .