"What path will you choose?"

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"Do you know how pompous this is?" Mani complains as Teddy adjusts his sitting potions to the left of the wooden throne of his father, with Mani sat by his side.

"Please just do what you're told for once. Do you know how many talks I had to have with my dad for this to happen?" Teddy speaks through clenched teeth as the wolfkind looked up to them as they sat at the head of the pack on a slightly raised platform.

Mani smiles. "It seems humanity has left its mark on you after all. I guess we are both a little more open to ideas these days."

"Maybe. But you also somehow know my weaknesse." Teddy says as he glances at his mate.

"You mean my backside don't you." Mani rolls his eyes.

"It's beautiful." Teddy utters, momentarily forgetting where he is as he runs a hand over the lower part of Mani's back.

"Oh here they come." Mani calls out, making Teddy retract his hand with speed.

Mani and Teddy, along with Teddy's father stand to welcome the guests, as through the central aisle, walked four figures.

"They can totally sense fear." Jojo says as he edges closer to Tyler, seeing all eyes on them as if they were meat to be eaten.

"There's nothing to fear. We are welcomed guests." Tyler says as he follows behind Rowan and Jamie as they make their way to the front.

"Welcome to the Ashen." The bearded white haired male says as he holds out a hand to the professor.

"Thank you for the invitation." Rowan replies. "May I introduce my partner James, and friends to the cause Tyler and Jojo."

They all receive a hand shake, with the man seemingly taking an invested interest in Jojo. "I understand these three members of the bloodkind are here to help our cause, but you, a human? Why are you so far away from home?"

Jojo looks at the man who wasn't as scary as he thought close up. He reminded him of Santa in fact. "Because sir, I choose to be. I have learned that no matter where you come from, you can choose where you want to go. Everyone of us is here not through fate alone, but also by choice. Even you sir, you went against convention by inviting us here." Jojo looks over to Mani, who is smiling back. "Everyone is capable of change."

"You have a wise tongue Jojo." The alpha smiles. He takes a step back and returns to his place on the wooden throne.

"Did you hear those words my fellow wolfkind? Today is a moment to remember. Today is the day we choose which road we want to go down. We have a lot to consider. Not just us here in the flesh right now, but those cubs yet to be born. What world do we want them to be born into? We must decide together. Will we go into battle with the bloodkind or do we pave the way for peace?"

"So I put it to you. The fate of the future is in our hands. What path will you choose?"

Thanks for the reads

JOJO

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What to read next.

SWEET BLOOD

How does it feel to be caught between humanity and the darkness? For John and his brother Jamie it is a torture. Keeping up the daily pretence of a normal human life. But beneath the surface, harbours the continuous thirst. That need for seeking satisfaction the only way a half vampire can. Blood lust. But will anyone be able to show them the light?

***

Jamie opens his work locker, pulling out his own clothes to change back into. The thoughts of last night playing on his mind. He didn't show it to John, but Jamie was scared. Scared of John's reckless behaviour. John needed to keep a hold of his urges or they would both be in serious trouble.

He takes his clothes and sits on the nearby bench, placing them by his side. He leans forward resting his face in his hands. Jamie was tired. Tired of feeling the urge to feed all the time, tired of worrying about his brother. He just wanted it all to end.

"Hey, you ok?" Jamie looks up to see a senior colleague looking at him with a concerned look on his face.

"I'm fine Doctor Kelly, just tired that's all" Jamie fakes a smile at the young doctor stood in front of him.

"We're off duty now, call me Rowan."

Jamie chuckles. "I'm ok Rowan, just tired."

"Well if you need to talk, you know where to find me." Rowan smiles.

Jamie smiles back as he watches Rowan turn to walk away. Jamie wonders momentarily if he should say something... well not the exact truth but he couldn't carry on this way, for John's sake as well as his own. "Uh Doctor Kelly...Rowan!" Rowan turns around again, looking at Jamie. "What do you know about blood disorders?"