Chapter 4

I quickly kicked off my shoes once I was comfortably sitting in the privacy of my car. After the meeting with my clan, I had to work for the remainder of the day at a restaurant in Domino City called Antonio's. It was a pretty snazzy place, all fine dining and such. It was decent pay, if not a little sexist of having a woman in the kitchen.

Oh the irony… I giggled to myself.

A headache started forming above my eyes as I finally was able to take a breath. Within the last couple of hours I had taken in an amnesic vampire, meet and abused a neighbor, pissed off my father, and tuned in on the beginning of the end of the feud.

I was never interested in politics, however it seems there involvement in my life was inevitable. My father's hateful views towards the other races was going to be quite an issue, especially if he can't contain his resentment in front of them. I sent a formal apology to Atem also, just so he knew I meant it. I might've slipped in a request to open up my restaurant at the end also.

My vision stared to blacken a bit, but after a few moments it went away. My doctor as well as our clan healer said stress would worsen my eyesight, and with this last day I'm just grateful I'm not blind. I put a few prescribed pills in my mouth and started my trek home.

A few clanking and hissing sounds later I found myself on the side of the road with a smoking engine a few miles away from my apartment and a dead phone. I just sat there for a little bit with my head against the steering wheel. Why, oh why does this keep happening to me?

I slipped on my shoes and began walking. The night was very peaceful and the moon was out so it wasn't bad. It put of my responsibility of dealing with Set a bit longer.

Forty-five minutes later, I stood in front of my door fiddling with my keys and looking over at Mai's apartment. Maybe I could just leave Set with her overnight?

I quickly disregarded the idea and went over to knock on her door.

The door opened and a very messy haired giddy Mai presented herself in a familiar red robe that was hanging off of her shoulder.

"Helllloooo, Miss Jou, how's it goin'?" She slurred, "This is quite the stud you've got with ya, I really like his butt…"

"Are ya drunk?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Possibly," she giggled, "you should see your little man over here." She pulled back the door for me to see Set clad in nothing but his boxers, looking intensely at the cards in one hand, and taking a drink from the bottle in the other. He was sitting on the couch next to a shirtless Otogi, and across the table was Ryou, who was missing a sock, and a fully clothed Yugi.

"Come play with us," Mai whined, pulling my arm into her apartment, "It's strip poker, and Yugi is kicking some ass, maybe you can take her down a notch? Your Set is still learning, and he's a little too cocky already."

"Jou! How was work?" Yugi asked with lots of enthusiasm a bit too loudly. She quickly got up from her spot and wrapped her arms around me. A strong fruity smell followed her.

"I love you sooo much Jou, you know that right?" She moaned.

Otogi and Ryou both let out some loud bellows of hellos once they looked up from their cards. I didn't even know Ryou's voice could be that powerful. Set quickly stood up and stared at me in surprise.

"Umm, I dunno 'bout this," I protested, but Mai and Yugi pulled me in and sat me in a chair next to Otogi.

"You're boy here is picking up words fast," Mai said, offering me Set's practically empty bottle of wine, and sitting on the arm of my chair.

"I don't mean ta ruin the party here but, I really don't think this is a good idea for me tonight, I'm all gross, and I need ta shower," I said, pushing away the bottle and standing back up.

An eruption of awes rang out as I made my way towards the door.

"Y..Yo…Beautiful," a deep voice said from behind me. I turned around to make eye contact with Set. "Stay," he whispered.

I gave him a sympathetic smile, "How 'bout I stop back after I shower, 'kay?"

He nodded and sat back down with a distant look on his face.

I made my way to my shower and just let all the stress melt away under the hot water. I didn't even bother turning on the light, just relaxing in the darkness. After finally deciding to come back to reality I reached outside the shower to grab my towel. Which wasn't were it usually was. Naturally.

I wrung out my hair and dashed towards the light switch, and began my search for the towel. I hadn't done laundry for a while, it wouldn't surprise me if I didn't have any clean. After looking into the bathroom closet and finding my assumption was correct, I meandered on out, covering my bits out of habit. I was on my way to my bedroom when I heard a cough.

I could feel my eyes widen and heat rise to my face as I glanced over my shoulder.

Lo and behold it was Set staring at me.

More specifically, my ass.

At least one of us had clothes on.

My heart thundered against my ribcage and all of me heated up. Nervous laughter escaped my lips and I dove behind my sofa in an attempt to hide myself.

I'd never been naked in front of anyone before. I'd also never seen anyone look at me so… hungry.

"Ya haven't seen a towel 'round here anywhere have ya?" I asked peaking over the edge, trying to keep my mind together. His eyes narrowed and his teeth gritted. He tensed when we made eye contact, his eyes a prominent red color.

He quickly shook his head and they returned to their normal cerulean blue. I had to look away, his gaze was far too intense; could he see me through the couch? I could hear him moving about searching anyways.

About a minute passed, the air starting to chill my bare skin making me shiver. I peeked over to see him holding a fluffy green towel in his hand.

Oh thank goodness! I returned to my hiding spot and landed in a small cold puddle I'd made, making me even colder.

"Toss it too me, please?" I asked quietly, lifting my hand in the air, ready to receive the catch.

That never came. I popped my head over the couch again. There was a smirk on his face.

That little shit.

He just held the towel in his hand and shook it. Taunting me! He was actually taunting me!

My cheeks burned even more than I thought possible as I glared at him.

"Set…" I growled.

His smirk widened as bounced the towel again. An odd feeling sunk into my stomach… Was I nipping because it was so damn cold or because of how turned on I was?

"I swear to the spirits. Set, if ya don't give me that towel right now…" I started.

"You…you will what?" He questioned raising an eyebrow. The first real sentence I've heard him say.

There was really only one way out of this huh?

Fucking bastard.

Fine. It was only fair. If I'd seen all of him, he'd get to see all of me. Fine. Ya know what fuck it!

I didn't even bother to cover myself, still dripping from my shower. He gasped in surprise and dropped the towel in his hand once he saw me and I strode up to him. Set fumbled to pick up the towel. He was still bent over when I stopped in front of him. Point one to Jou!

I instantly regretted how close I was, but I wasn't going to step back, oh no. He didn't get to know what kind of effect he had on me. I felt my hair stand up, the cool air condition blasted on parts of me it wasn't used to. Set took his sweet time resuming his standing position causing me to heat up. His gaze was… darker than I anticipated. My whole body felt hot, this wasn't good.

He was gaping as he watching my bare breast rise and fall, wait, did he just gulp? I didn't have very big chest, something I was made fun of in the gang for a lot, but it didn't bother me. Set clearly didn't seem to mind.

I held out my hand and sank into my hip, trying to ignore the heat taking over my body.

"My towel please," I demanded, looking up at him.

His head remained facing down, but his eyes shot up causing me to go rigid. Set's eyes had gone completely white and all the color in his face was gone. He looked sinister and terrifying.

I was uncomfortable, but I wasn't going to let it affect me.

I swallowed and gestured to my hand, "Set. My Towel."

His open mouth twisted into a smirk as he held it out for me. I reached for it but he quickly pulled it higher than I could reach, and I instinctively reached for it anyways.

Our faces were insanely close, I could smell the alcohol on him as he examined at my mouth. His body was radiating an unexpected coldness. He was so beautiful and sexy, good lord I don't know if I can contain myself.

His lips appeared so soft though, and we were this close anyways, maybe I could just taste-

I felt the soft fabric of my towel to pull me out of my trance and I pulled away, quickly wrapping it around my body.

Phew, I was surprised in my ability to control myself. I spun on my heel and tossed my hair over my shoulder, feeling some of the locks graze his face.

Set blinked a few times and shook his head again, his cheeks turning pink. "I…I am sorry," he whispered looking down and putting a hand to his mouth.

I let out some nervous laughter and whispered, "It…it's alright."

His face snapped up to look at me in surprise, I suppose he expected me to yell at him or something, which did seem to be my track record. I quickly retreated to my bedroom, quickly leaning up against the wall and trying to calm my beating heart.

Did that really just happen? My face warmed at the though. I couldn't help but smile as I dried off.

00000

I awoke on Mai's couch with a massive headache. I turned to snuggle closer to my pillow. What fabric is is made of? I've never felt anything like it… A hand play with my hair and I turned to face its owner. My head was resting in Set's lap. He tilted his head to the side. "You talk in your sleep," He informed me.

It's too early for this, I thought placing a hand over my eyes and praying for the pain in my head to subside.

"Awe, you two are just too cute," Mai's voice sang out from her kitchen.

"Mmmmm….bacon…" Yugi's soft tone spoke up from the loveseat where Otogi was resting on her shoulder. Her eyes slowly opened and she started to stretch, stirring Otogi from his resting place.

"I made some coffee, also," said Ryou who appeared behind Mai. I smiled back at Set, who continued stroking my hair. I could get used to this.

We all sat down around Mai's table passing bacon, eggs, toast, some orange juice, coffee, and ibuprofen. Ryou and Set only took the coffee.

"So, Set," Otogi pipped up, "What's your story, huh? I mean how did you end up on the road?"

Mai must have filled him in, I'm assuming.

"I do not remember," he said quite plainly.

"Nothing at all?" I asked.

"I know I'm Set."

I raised an eyebrow. "….Reaaaally?"

"Yes, reaaaaally." He mocked.

I gave him a death glare, he was hiding something…

Mai let an out roar laughter, pulling me from my thoughts, "You two!"

"Mai, not so loud, please," Yugi whispered, closing her eyes again. She'd placed her mess of hair into a pile on top of her head and pinched the bridge of her nose, "what time is it?"

"Too early," I groaned.

"It's around one in the afternoon," Ryou informed, "Set, would you like me to grab you something to eat? I was thinking about making a trip to my apartment if you would care to join?"

Set glanced over at me before nodding.

I watched the two of them leave, and my eyes must've lingered for too long because Otogi just whispered to Mai, "She's got it bad huh?"

I whirled around a little too quickly producing a flood of nausea hit me hard, "I dunno what you're talking about!" I bellowed as quickly sprinted to the bathroom to empty the contents of my stomach.

Yugi came in to pull back my hair and rub my back. She brought a glass of water and some crackers with her. "It's alright if you like him Jou. I'd just suggest not pursing it," she said.

I sat back and rinsed out my mouth before eating the crackers.

"I know Yug'. It just sucks that's all. My father would murder me if he ever found Set was stayin' with me, but I literally don't know where else to take him," I said, sitting down next to Yugi on the floor of the bathroom.

"However, I think it is very noble of you to be helping him. You're going to be a great alpha, Jou."

"Ha! I dunno about that. I may be next in line, but the council has to 'deem me worthy' to take the position or some shit like that. I may have started training, but they don't seem to be taking a liking to me."

Yugi gave me a reassuring smile, "They'll come around. I noticed you don't seem to think Set is telling the truth about his memories."

"Bullshit he doesn't know anything. Something has to be going on in that big ol' brain of his. He's picking up words so quickly, and he's so devious, and…"

"Devious? What had he done?"

The situation with the towel instantly popped into my head and my cheeks turned red. "It's nothing," I quickly rambled.

Yugi raised an eyebrow but didn't press the matter, "Hey, the solstice is in a few days. Did you still want to go hunting? With everything that's happened, it's alright if you don't go, but I think it'd help take your mind off of everything."

"I forgot all about that! Sure Yug', of course," I turned to smile at her we walked back out into the kitchen where Mai and Otogi were bickering about orange juice pulp.

Life wasn't always so bad.

00000

I clicked my pen on my notepad several times. This was so borrrring. My father and the council were discussing expanding the education system in our clan's little town and how we would come up with the money to do so.

He had invited another werewolf clan to negotiate with that hadn't yet arrived. He said he wanted me to be here. It was important for image or something.

Multiple doodle pages later, the doorman announced the arrival of Clan Himura. The Himura clan was quite large and loaded from the south owning several towns and businesses. Specializing in technical and medical advancements and environmental issues, they were very well off. They made many huge strides towards the end of the war. My father told me there were many vampires living in their pack already.

There were about seven of them, and they were all very, noble looking. They were all tall and had white hair except for one man whose hair was a light pink. Their leader was the tallest and had his hair slicked back and an expensive suit. Very clean but and proper. It was weird. I suddenly felt underdressed.

The classic introductions were exchanged and he introduced himself as Kai. All of the others were council members of their clan except for the youngest.

"Allow me to introduce my daughter, Kisara. She is the future to the end of the feud. I'm sure you've heard of her, yes?" Kai spoke in a very powerful tone. What were they talking about? I turned to get a good view of her. Kisara was absolutely stunning, her long white hair was pulled into a braid reaching the back of her thighs and her eyes burned a bright blue that reminded me very much of Set. A black pencil skirt adorned her hips tucked into a white blouse that matched her pale skin, and on her feet a pair of black heels.

I could never figure out the appeal of heels, they hurt my feet so bad, I don't know how she could stand them, especially ones that tall.

"Yes, she is the betrothed to the vampire lord to end the war, correct? What a brave girl you are," My father commended.

Whoa, what the hell were they doing here? These people really were leading the way for peace huh? Damn, here I am bitching about opening a restaurant.

"It's an honor to meet you," I piped up, standing and bowing to them.

"Likewise, Miss Katsuya. I don't suppose you are aware of why we have come?"

"You message said it was urgent," my father responded.

"Yes, well we have come seeking assistance. The Katsuya Clan is well known for being the highest ranked in military strength. We need all the help we can get. A failsafe if you will. If something happens to my daughter, or if the agreement goes south, we need your support in retaliation to the vampires. We do believe the effects of this war will end one way or another. Either in peace, or in genocide. You will be granted protection and trade, in return for your support," Kai proposed.

"Oh. Well, I was not expecting such an offer, we will need time to-"

I could not believe what I was hearing, "S'cuse me, didja just say genocide?"

Everyone's eyes turned to me. Were they honestly that surprised to hear me speak?

"I did indeed, Miss Katsuya."

"You're not serious are you?"

"Quite in fact. If they pull anything-"

"That's ridiculous! If it doesn't work, ya try again until something does work ya big stu-"

My father put his hand over my mouth to stop me from going on, "Would you mind if I speak to the council and my daughter in private please?"

Kai looked quite surprised, as did most of the Himura Clan, "Of course, take all the time you need."

My father pulled me and the three other council members into a side room.

"Johanna, what the hell were you thinking?" My father bellowed once the doors were shut behind us.

"I said exactly what I was thinkin', I don't care what they're offering if killing off an entire race is on the table, even if just plan b, we shouldn't be a part of it!" I yelled back.

"I do agree with Miss Katsuya," Council Member Leo stated, "It's not worth it, and we have made many strides with a few vampire packs so far, we can do this ourselves."

"But the trade, the funding they could give us," Council Member Itta challenged, "genocide is only a backup plan after all, I do believe this marriage will work out. I'm not worried."

All of us looked toward the last Council Member, Deamora. She cleared her throat before responding, "Looks like it falls to me. Well, to be honest, I only see this as a win-win. Good riddance if the peace doesn't work out."

"No!" I yelled! This was stupid, why wouldn't they see reason?

My father turned to me, "The council has spoken, Johanna. Your whining will only make matters worse. If you cannot contain your opinions, I ask that you wait here."

I paced back and forth and eventually just yelled, "Ahh!" to get the rest of my emotions out. After a few deep breaths I looked him right in the eye and said, "I can contain myself."

We walked out and my father shook Kai's hand, "It will be an honor working with you, Master Himura."

A grin spread across his face, "I am glad you have come to see reason," he looked right at me, only to be greeted with a disgusted frown. I don't like this guy.

After going over several more details, the meeting was finally coming to an end. I was still bitter.

Kisara walked moved to sit next to me as people were starting to leave.

"Hello Johanna, I am Kisara," she said taking my hand in her insanely soft ones.

I gave her a nod, afraid if I open my mouth I might started fuming again.

"I know that you are worried about the vampires, but let me assure you this marriage will work. I have learn much of the man I will be wed too, and I have confidence it will work out, so please don't fret. Hunt well, Johanna," she said, standing and leaving with the rest if her clan.

I was genuinely surprised. Another who doesn't want the end of a race?

"Kisara!" I called, getting her attention, "Thank you."

Her smile was bright and her eyes turned to half-moons, lighting up her whole face, "I hope to see you again soon, Johanna."