G

Next morning, I sat on the edge of my desk while I looked at my team. One of the biggest issues with growing empires is betrayal. You can't stop it as it is human nature to want to seek better. Animals migrated to better hunting spots. Prey goes to greener grass. Then why can't someone you groom want to topple you.

Thus I have a simple solution to this problem. That is to always be stronger than the smartest guy and to keep the stronger ones happy and progressing. Right now they are fine and I'm fine.

"Gentlemen, we have a lot on our plates and a lot of catching up to do. That being said, these communities might not make the smart decisions but they are safe to invest in. Which is why I want a team of you scouring them while the rest of us will go meet up with Forgotten." I tossed out my plan as I glanced at Lunar who was dressed in a simple sleeping gown with her feet up and a book resting on her knees.

She didn't look like a man-killing machine that was only out for chaos. It was hard to find fault with her when she looked like any other woman. The only difference was her pale skin, silver hair, and red pupils.

Nick raised his hand, "me and Sophie can handle the few communities. Find ones that are good investments but I think we should connect with them as subordinates or subsidiaries. Or charge them a protection fee and they work to earn food."

I shook my head, "protection racket feels like what a group of thugs will do. Arthur will do that himself when he finds out nobody is attacking us. We can take a few as subsidiaries but they have to be close for us to mob up. Communication is key to that but they must also have some standard of security or else. They are wiped out and we don't even know about it."

"Have we checked the coastal cities? They have fishing boats and can last a decent time out on the ocean. They will need food like veggies, we can take fish and trade it on land." Spencer suggested.

"That's a good idea. Look into that for me. Do a low sweep first. They may need more than food. We have plenty of gas from the tanks but we are using solar engineering which means we can trade." I said.

"There are cabins up north. I used to visit a resort out there. These guys will be hunting game as wolves and mountain goats are highly populated out there." Ewan said with an excited face..

I scratched my head, "I doubt they are still alive but you can check that out. We have some preliminary plans and I like the atmosphere. While we are out, remember that we also are in need of those brainy types. You all have a pair of my glasses, so you shouldn't have trouble picking them out. Don't be scared to use big terms to rope them in. They will lead us to the next era."

I glance at the door as Izzy pops her head in. "Sorry I didn't know you were in a meeting."

"It's fine. Come in." I waved for her. "As I said, they can bring us to the next era and we won't have to put so much work on people like Demi and Carter."

Demi waved her hand dismissively, "I don't mind the work. I think it's Carter who might feel overbooked."

Carter puffed a smoke ring out the window. "Don't lie to me. My baby boy is God's grace but he is a little hectic in the early morning. Only sleep I can get is after a day full of work."

Some people chuckled and I smiled. "I'm just saying that they might not like that in the future. Well, Demi might like it until she gets knocked up."

"The question is who is going to be the unlucky man." Nick teased.

Demi rolled her eyes. "Okay, I'm headed back. I'm working on something important." She stood up and left and I dismissed the others.

I turned to Izzy and pulled her into a hug. "Good morning babe. How was your sleep?"

"Don't sweet talk me." She said with a smile. "I'm borrowing a team to go shopping."

I nodded and grabbed my phone. She placed a hand on the screen.

"I have two that I prefer. They are already waiting for me." She said.

"Okay babe. Don't forget about the shop. I have a building here and one down in the city. If you want it just tell Amanda. She is in charge of all that for me."

"You really want me to be self-sufficient, huh?" Izzy saw through my schemes.

"Yes, you will be happier in the long run. Plus I don't have to worry about you feeling like I'm keeping you around for the sex or trophy wife." I brushed my lips against her forehead.

"Fine. You are right. I was starting to get a little itchy. I'll contact Amanda after I spend your hard earned money some more." She giggled.

"Have at it. Also, do you mind taking the Lunar around? I was going to do it but I figure she would feel comfortable buying girl stuff with an actual girl." I said as I glanced at her.

Lunar gave me a sideways glance but she nodded her head to agree.

Izzy shrugged, "I can do that and we can have a sister bonding time."

"Thanks. I appreciate you doing this for me. I honestly didn't want to take her shopping. She has already learned how to tell me how to cut her fruit." I complained.

Izzy lips twitched, "I can't blame her. You like the crunch of the apple core. Like who does that? You cut around the core for the fleshy juicy part."

Lunar grinned, "he also over cooks the roots that taste better soft."

"You soft fang creatures always complained about the best parts." I said in faux anger.

Izzy bit my neck, "whose soft now?"

I lifted her up and spun her around, "you are."

"Okay, I'm soft and cuddly. Now put me down before I get sick!" She squeals.

Laughing, I set her down and turned to Luna. I pulled her out the chair into a hug and snuck a kiss while she was stunned. Unlike Izzy and the others, her lips tasted just like a sweet fruit with a hint of tangy bitterness. It delighted me in a way that I couldn't express. Maybe I wasn't human.

I sighed and released her as I watched both of them rush away while giggling like smurfs. Life would be interesting but Arthur was sure to ruin my joy.

I waved my hand and my white wolf coat fell upon my shoulders. I walked out of the manner and down to the square where two big semis were sat with walkers inside. Forgotten was leaned against the grill while playing with a phone.

Arthur and a crew of gold coats were looking oddly hostile.

"Hey, Summer God. It really feels nice here. So I visited early. How about you give me some currency so I can enjoy some of these delicacies." He said with no care in the world.

I could only shake my head and glance around my small town. Most people here were farmers but not everybody in their family wanted to raise crops. Thus pop up these stores that sell things like cakes to various shades of pasta. Because of my allergy to meat which is a cruel fate, none of them eat meat. Which is a hard task but they learned how to substitute it with roots and other things.

"Give me that sword of yours and I'll give you some currency." I said as I propped up beside him. "So what's with this awkward standoff?"

Forgotten put his phone away and touched his sword as he cast a glance at the delicacy shop. "I don't know why this pup is being so rude. When you ran things, the hospitality was so much better."

Arthur's face seemed to gain more wrinkles. "We are still at war with them. So of course I would escort them through my territory."

Forgotten waved his finger, "I think you have something wrong. This isn't your territory no matter how much you proclaim yourself king."

"How is it not mine when I'm in charge?" Arthur asked to be slapped.

"If you don't know, then you don't deserve to know." Forgotten turned to me with a cheerful smile. "So I brought the ore." He slapped the roof twice and the walkers got out.

They got to work unloading the trucks. Since he brought his out, I summoned several crates from my warehouse. The crates lowered from the high winds and landed neatly in front of us.

"Go ahead and pop open a crate." I said.

Well some were bags full of things like powdered season or flour. Forgotten went to the apple crate and snatched up a green apple. He bit into it and closed his eyes, sounds of pleasure became a melody that made the birds chirp louder.

"I used to love these when I was human. So did Lunar, speaking of which. How is she? You were gentle during her first time, yes?" Forgotten said before he took another bite.

Laughing at his weird thought process, I responded. "I haven't had the pleasure yet. But she should be going shopping with my wife. Though I did taste her lips and they tasted sweeter than that apple of yours."

Forgotten raised an eyebrow as his crew finished loading the crates. I opened the top ones and fiddled with some of the minerals. I couldn't place them even if I looked at them a hundred times but the smell was familiar on a few to things I seen the mechanics fuck with. Definitely this aluminum.

"I'm happy with this." I said as I fiddled with gold ore that was the size of my fingernail.

Forgotten slapped my back as he waved at the food crates. "Load it up and you can have an apple as a reward."

His boys cheered and quickly got to work.

Arthur walked over with his hands behind his back as he stared at the ore. Especially the gold ore.

"Since I am here you can split my portion out." Arthur said.

Forgotten smirked, "and the pup comes out to take credit for shit he doesn't do. I wondered what would happen if Summer Valley suddenly experienced winter?"

I scratched my head, "You get taxes from sales not barter. Don't bite off more than you can chew."

Arthur's eyes held a golden simmer as he stared me down. "What if I insist?"

Forgotten booed, "even if you insist. My people are right outside the gate and we are more than willing to lend the Summer God a hand. After all, we are family now."

I felt like pain was coming on. Both of them were being childish. "Can you both calm down? It's not worth fighting over a few ore."

With that I brought over a small crate and dumped some gold ore into it. While it was great for electronics, graphene is amazing too. I shoved the crate into Arthur's arms.

"Friendship is sometimes more important than material goods. If the end of the world taught me anything, it's to cherish the small things." I said.

Forgotten shook his head, "I just don't see why you put up with such a small pup. Or is this all a conspiracy, where the generous and caring business magnate shows the people the horror of living under immature rulers versus living under your green thumb?"

"Where did you pull that shit from?" I asked in confusion.

Forgotten shrugged as he bit into the core of the apple. "I had lots of free time to read and watch movies. This is a common theme. Well actually it's not. Usually this type of pup dies at the hands of some wanna be hero but given how he pushes his boundaries. Maybe he will get to see your non-human side before I do."

I scratched my head as I was speechless. This guy was better than me at poking people in sensitive spots. That being said, my petty side did come out and winter maybe came early for people in the city.

Not wanting to fuck around with these guys, I sent the crates of ore off to the mechanic warehouse. They had tons of projects they wanted to fuck around with.

Arthur stared deep holes in my back as he followed Forgotten out who was running his trap. It was just the perfect time for the girls to come out. Well all of them.

Amanda punched me in the arm as she held a smile that could brighten up a dungeon. Well, it was bright until she stepped onto the driveway and spotted her husband. Then it slipped away like rain water next to drainage.

Arthur stopped and he took a few steps this way right as my petty side reared up. I wrapped my arms around her and she sunk into my embrace almost on instinct. I felt her cheeks rising as I kissed just behind her ear.

However, she jumped like a started deer and slapped my bicep but the smile didn't go away as she ducked into the car.

I sent a smile Arthur way and I knew a little something came out as he flinched back. Even forgotten voice stumbled in his nonsensical insults. However, when he spotted his daughter smiling and chatting with Izzy about their past life, he threw me a thumbs up.

It made me wonder how much of his past he remembered or what made him awaken his memories and become what he is.

"Sophie, keep an eye out. Arthur going through a petty phase. Let me know if he harasses you guys." I said as I walked up stairs.

Since I was home alone, I threw off my clothes and put on silk boxers and a bathrobe. I grabbed some pasta and a red sauce dish that smelled a couple hours old. I tossed it in the microwave before making my way to the big theater room.

I just settled down on the L-shaped couch when I heard chatter. Followed by footsteps and that fucking breast milk smell. They walked right in and spotted me and froze like deer in headlights.

"You don't mind if we chill here, right?" Todd asked.

I waved my hand as I surfed for a good action movie.

"So did you find a house like this?" Todd asked.

"No, this house was recently built. Not even a month old. As for the stuff in it. Some found, the rest made. Like the furniture, it was all made because Izzy wanted to support local crafters." I explained and settled on the marvel movie, Iron man.

"Aye, were you rich before?" Todd continued asking.

I sighed and sat my plate down. "Bro, are you going to ask a million questions?"

Todd apologizes but he looks like that really annoying type of kid that doubted everything and had to speak his mind even if he was wrong.

"Look, I was an analyst for a corporation living in a decent apartment downtown. So I could spend more money on games and game accessories. My hobbies were gaming, martial arts, and some range time with my father. I dated maybe sixteen girls but never had a real relationship. Life story, happy. Now shut the fuck up kid." I said my piece and picked up my plate.

The movie started and I just dug into the plate with relish.

"How did you meet Izzy then?" He said not even five minutes into the intro.

I dropped my plate and snatched my phone. "Babe, babe. Listen. I'm about to kill your guests. Get them out of my house asap." I growled.

"He called izzy on you, bro." One of the guys said.

"I don't think he's the type of guy you want to piss off."

"What are they doing that makes you so mad?" Izzy said.

"He won't shut the fuck up? I already tolerate that fucking stench and now I have to deal with thirty thousands questions." I whined.

"Bro, I said I'm sorry." Todd said as if he wasn't guilty of being annoying.

"Oh, just beat him up. Don't you guys become friends after a fight?" Izzy said patiently.

"If I hit him, I'm scared he won't wake up." I explained.

"Todd, are you going to take that? He calling you a weak fuck." The imbecility of the group encourages Todd foolishness.

"You don't need to call Izzy on me. I'm also a black belt in taekwondo. We fight like real men if you have problems." Todd said as he stood up.

"Dont be stupid. He has hundred pounds on you plus this is his house." The sensible one said.

"How do we know he didn't just find it? Not like it's hard when the world has gone to shit." The imbecile said.

"Well, we are busy shopping. So handle it. Just don't kill them." Izzy said and hung up.

I rubbed my face before shooting up and slapping the bitch like one. I moved the coffee table as the dumbass went down. His head bounced off the red carpet and I stepped over him to knock out his friend.

I returned to my couch and finished my food in peace. Iron man was a classic movie to digest food too..

"Shouldn't they have woken up by now?" The sensible one asked.

I glance at them and their red faces. "Naw, I'm keeping them out until Izzy gets back."

After the third movie, I turned to the smart kid who didn't really fit the description of a lady man's description. He didn't even have the glasses to make him look smarter. Just a tiny guy with a timid look.

"So single mom, right?" I said it more like a statement.

But the kid nodded anyway. "Yeah, my dad died in the war."

"What made you hang out with these two imbeciles?" I waved at them.

"Todd is dating my sister plus she doesn't have a lot of common sense."

"You guys must have hidden, right? I can't see you guys surviving with their personalities." I said.

"Yeah, me and my sister hid until she decided to listen to Todd. Which was like two weeks after our small town became really silent. We drove out to Todd's uncle's farm and met the other girls and this douchebag. Todd's uncle protected us until we got halfway here then we ended up getting a lot of the grown up killed due to thinking a store was safe. Only Todd and another guy made it back. The other guy didn't want anything to do with Todd but Anna was messaging Izzy so we came." He let it all out.

I nodded and grabbed my plate. I forgot all about the two kids the moment I stepped into the kitchen and spotted Demi whipping up a meal.

"Don't you have clothes? Like real clothes that cover your body?" I reached around her to place the plate into the sink.

Demi ignored me as she shook the cast iron. Her spatula was constantly stirring something inside. Her movements were so practical that I was entranced just watching. Her eyes were focused on the pan but she still managed to grab the wooden chopping board an inch to the right of the stove. She scraped off some green diced item into the pan, reached out and pinched something that was a mixture of spices. She sprinkled it into the pan and added a splash of wine.

The pan went up in flames but she shook the pan a few times. Then shoved the contents right off into a bowl that held a mound of white rice.

I snuck around her and shuffled a bit of the carrots and potato with a bit of the rice. I took a bite and looked at her tapping her feet. I raised my spoon away and she sighed.

"Just like a child." Demi snatched her bowl away.

"So about your clothes?" I put the spoon into the sink.

Demi added an extra sway in her hips. Swishing them left and right in a way that made me admire her long legs that supported such a small uptight ass.

"Demi, Demi. You keep teasing me and I will bite." I shouted after her.

"I'll be waiting." Her reply was such a tease.

The house felt kind of empty with the girls gone. Should I maybe go to the game a bit? Take a walk around? I needed male friends.

I sent out a message but it seems only I was this free. Damn, is this how Arthur feels? Mm, maybe if he hadn’t tried to be a bitch recently. I would go to war with him.

I tapped my fingers on the marble counter. The dishes sat in the sink looking at me like they needed to be done. Sighing, I set about cleaning them. When I was done, I went to do laundry. Change the sheets and bedspreads. I lit some candles, vacuum the carpet, cleaned the bathroom, and massacred the lawn.

I managed all of this before they made it back. Which reminded me to wake the twin dumbasses. With nothing more productive to do, I sat down and played a first person shooting game.

When the sounds of the tire crunching over the gravel, I force myself to sit tight. When their laughter entered the halls, my right foot was tapping in an effort to keep me grounded.

Izzy's progress to the room felt like waiting on an asteroid to end your life but it decided to delay entry.

I missed several shots and my teammates were yelling into the mic about having to carry mount everest. I didn't know whether to yell back about them getting killed by walking out into the open to hardscope or yell at Izzy for turning around.

I really needed new friends. Maybe I should go hang with Chloe and Nat.

My team wiped and I logged out. I just wasn't feeling it. I crawled into bed and closed my eyes.