Sebastian winced as he heard the voices from the study rise once again. He really didn’t envy his werewolf companions in this instance, since he was sure that the heightened hearing ability would drive him up the wall right now. Edmund, Daisy and Luke seemed to be doing alright though. The four of them, plus Elsie, were sitting in the living room doing their best to focus on some cups of tea instead of the argument raging between Kit and her grandfather.

When they had arrived, the older man had been very kind and courteous, and requested that they wait a few moments so that he could speak with his granddaughter. Apparently, Michael Reedworth was none too pleased with Kit’s stunt; if the shouting match they’d begun once they were out of sight was anything to go by.

Elsie had done her best to play a welcoming hostess. But even she stared with tired disapproval in the direction of the shouting.

“They’re not always like this, really. Kitten’s been a bit unruly since we decided to move and Dad’s patience has been running low since he’s also exhausted from the trip.” She explained.

“Guess moving anywhere is hard. How are you doing with the move?” Edmund inquired.

“Honestly, it’s not so bad for me. I’d have moved somewhere next year to start college. I’ve been taking it easy since graduating high school last year, and most of my friends from school have moved on in their education or decided to ‘find themselves’ through life experience.”

“Do you have something in mind you want to study?” Sebastian asked.

Elsie shrugged. “Eh. That’s another reason I took the gap year, to be honest. What about you two? You’ll be graduating high school end of this year, right?”

Before either of the boys could answer that question, the door to the study banged open and Kit stormed out. She disappeared upstairs and another door banged after she likely had reached her room. Luke was tense, but after comforting looks from both Ed and Seb, as well as Daisy scenting his arm, he calmed down a bit.

Michael wheeled out of the study a few moments later. He looked tired but schooled his features into a neutral expression, before parking his chair beside the armchair that Elsie had taken.

“I apologise for my granddaughter’s trespassing so close to your den, Alpha Kingsley.”

Edmund looked quite uncomfortable with the formal title, but made an effort not to offend the older man. “Um, it’s alright, sir. I understand she was just curious.”

“She’s reckless. Though I suppose those aspects often go hand in hand. When my grandson came to tell me about your pack, I had thought of meeting with you properly to inquire about the current layout of the territory. Though, I suppose I can infer from your visit that our family home falls within your own area?”

“Yes. We have a map of the official layout of the territory that we can show you, but I can tell you for sure that this house is within our area. The school and university are in neutral territory between ours and the Wiker’s territory if that helps to give you an idea of things.”

Michael nodded. “That does help. I would like to look over the map as well, if you would be so inclined as to let me see it.”

“I’m sure we can bring it over for you. Or maybe even have a copy made.”

“You are quite a courteous alpha, especially given your newness to the position. Most wolves are not so understanding towards families like ours.”

Edmund titled his head curiously. “I’m sorry, sir, but I don’t quite follow. What do you mean by a family like yours?”

“One that’s moved into the territory without the alpha’s permission. Not only is it suspicious, but the fact that my granddaughter was discovered spying near your den makes us appear disgraceful.”

“Well, if you thought the territory was still under Lance’s influence, I can understand your secrecy in moving. And, like I said, Kit’s curiosity wasn’t so much a problem as it was worrying for her own safety.” Ed shrugged. “Her intentions weren’t malicious and she didn’t hurt anyone. Although, I would like to know what your intentions here are?”

“Of course. We only wish to live as we have before. Lorelei are naturally linked to the rivers, and there is a river nearby this house which we would use. Other than that, we would exist as normally as any other family in the town really.” Michael explained.

Edmund nodded. “Well, so long as there is nothing harmful being done, then you’re quite welcome to settle here and use the resources within our territory.”

Michael bowed his head appreciatively. Before their conversation could continue in any way however, arguing voices once more pierced through the air.

“I’m not taking the fall for your shit.”

“Good thing it’s your own shit you’re dealing with then. Cause this sure as hell isn’t mine.”

“So you’re going to openly deny dating the bitch.”

“She’s not a bitch!”

Everyone turned to look at the front door as the voices seemed to approach. When the door opened to reveal two unfamiliar young men, no one said anything. It was unlikely they would have gotten a word in edgewise with the way that the pair were verbally going at each other. They hadn’t even seemed to notice the collection of observers until they were standing in the middle of the living room itself.

“-and for the last time I-... who the hell are you?” the taller of the pair asked, looking in confusion at the four strangers on the sofa.

Michael cleared his throat. “These are our guests. And it’s quite rude to bring such a heated argument into the house while they’re here, don’t you boys think?”

The taller man became sheepish and quiet, while the shorter man flushed a little in embarrassment. “It’s his fault.”

“It is not!”

“Nevermind who’s fault it is, why are you idiots arguing in the first place?” Elsie cut in before they could properly start up again.

The pair became sheepish and silent again before the shorter one answered. “There may or may not be vengeful water demon in the river…”