Disclaimer: I don't own or make money off Beyblade or its characters… I'm simply borrowing them in an attempt to amuse myself…

Warnings: Swearing, yaoi (boyxboy love), OOCness and I believe that's it for the time being…

Woffy – Thanks for the reviews so far! They're appreciated...

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That Wolf

Chapter 1

Lupinex finds it easy to ignore the deafening boom of thunder and the violent rain pounding against the roof and rattling the windows. There are people – no – a person fussing around him. He can smell two of them, but only one is moving. Lupinex doesn't open his eyes though, his head is already hurting and he can see a faint light from behind his eyelids; he knows that it will only hurt his head more if he opens them. He strains to keep a sneer off his face as he remembers what happened the night before and he realises where he is. He hates it, but he can't do anything about it in his current condition.

"Are you awake, sir?" The voice is soft, and Lupinex can tell the girl is a maid. She smells of lemon detergent and .

Lupinex nods slightly, not too surprised by the stiffness of his joints and at the aching in his head, neck and shoulders. "Turn the light off." He rasps. No doubt he has caught the flu – No… No that's not it. He is unable to get 'sick' not from common colds or flues. It must have been because of his panting. Yes… He blames it for the croak that is his voice.

The light behind his eyelids disappears completely and only then does Lupinex dare to open his eyes. It hurts to do so, his eyes feel swollen, though he knows they are doing so because his head is sore. He doesn't pay attention to them; as soon as he is better he will leave. He does not want any McGregor's hospitality.

He struggles to keep the glow from his eyes, no doubt these people do not know what he is. Lupinex's blue eyes first pick up on the elegance of the room, how everything shows off its owner's wealth. The sheets Lupinex is covered with are made of silk, he realises this now that he is paying attention and they feel nice against his bare skin. He doesn't care to make out the colours of the room; everything is bathed in a blue light from the slightly opened curtain. Lupinex ignores it as he notices the maid staring at him from her place by the closed door. He sits up shakily to get a proper look at her, cradling his right arm against him as a spike of pain stabs at his shoulder. Again, he ignores it for the most part.

The maid is pretty. She has dark brown hair that is neatly tied in a bun at the back of her head and her eyes are large and green. Her uniform is crisp and clean except for a dark stain on her stomach. Lupinex frowns at it. His attention is quickly brought to the other being in the room as he hears a small cough. His shoulder begins to throb as he turns his head.

"May I turn the lamp on? I do not like talking to a shadow." This lady's voice, unlike the maid's, is confident and mellow and she smells of lavender. She is sitting in a chair by the bed.

He answers with a quiet 'yes' and the maid hurries over to the bedside table to flick on the light. Lupinex winces at the brightness of it and the room and quickly turns away, his eyes shut tight as he wills his eyes to adjust, it doesn't help that they were already sensitive to light. The lady laughs softly, her hand covering her mouth in a dainty way that reminds Lupinex of a small child, trying to hide a smile that has risen to her lips at an inappropriate time. Lupinex sends her a glare for doing so.

It's the red hair Lupinex takes note of first, then her bright, violet eyes, now gleaming with mirth. He immediately realises she is related to the Brat and is cautious of her. He doesn't speak, only frowns. He strains to keep himself from glaring. He ought to be polite; it isn't her that he hates.

The lady smiles kindly and smooths out her red and purple dress, her voice quiet when she speaks, "What's your name?" She asks politely.

Lupinex takes a moment to answer, looking her up and down again, surprised he isn't been talked to in a much ruder tone. He takes a moment to answer, "Lawrence Williams." His voice is slightly stronger now. He notes with a fair amount of surprise that she is eyeing him almost appreciatively. Lupinex scratches absently at his side.

He quickly lies back against the pillows, realising with some surprise that he is naked, expect for a bandage wrapped around his right shoulder. He immediately feels self conscious and he rolls onto his left side, facing the lady after pulling the blankets up to his chin. "Where are my clothes?"

"We threw them out. They were ripped and muddy, far beyond repair." Her eyes scan over him, from his head to his toes and Lupinex can't help but feel uncomfortable under her gaze again, even with the blanket over him. He almost glowers as she smiles an almost knowing smile. He hasn't had someone look him down so thoroughly since he first met Sanguinex. She giggles and extends a hand towards him. "I am Garnet McGregor, by the way."

Lupinex takes it sorely, surprised by his inability to even grasp the small hand properly. She sees his confusion, "Your shoulder has a rather large gash. The muscles will take a few weeks to heal properly." He ignores his urge to snort. It will not take him so long to heal, thanks to the McGregor Brat.

"I would like to go home."

Garnet first looks surprised, then a moment later frantic, leaning forward in her chair with her arms waving around her slightly, "But you can't! My son owes you his life and he is too ill to travel anywhere."

Lupinex answers gruffly, "Anyone would have brought him in, he owes me nothing." He is beginning to feel uncomfortable again, he doesn't want anyone but The Brat to beg to him.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Williams," Garnet sends him a stern look, though her eyes become soft only a second later, "My son owes you his life. His honour as a knight of Scotland and as a member of the McGregor clan states that he must remain by your side until his debt has been repaid."

Lupinex's head hurts, and he feels too tired to argue or think of a way out of this now. He knows what Garnet is talking about; his family have the same system of honour, though on a much smaller scale. "Fine."

Garnet smiles, "Mr. Williams-"

Lupinex can't stand it any more and quickly interjects, "Just Lawrence."

"Oh," Garnet looks pleased. She starts again, "Lawrence, I thank you for saving my son's life, and for staying. Now, rest and I will get Mira here to wake you before we bring you your dinner." She nods towards the maid, who is still standing by the door.

Lupinex nods, casting a withering stare at the maid before making himself comfortable in the bed. He knows he is in trouble when Sanguinex and the others find out of his whereabouts and the events leading to them, but he is tired and quickly falls asleep, not worrying about it again until he is next awoken.

o0o0o

Two days later, Lupinex feels strong enough to go walking around the castle. It is still raining and he is feeling restless. His shoulder hurts - almost burns - but he valiantly ignores it.

It's the first time he's been able to really look at the inside of the McGregor's castle. Lupinex can't help but stare in awe at the sheer size of the tapestries, portraits and hallways, and he can't help but shudder at the sight of the silverware; there is plenty of it around the castle. He's already had a meeting with plenty of it. It was what his first meal in the castle was served in and what his cutlery was made from. The tray that they had been served on had also made of silver and he'd jumped at the sight of it. But Mira seemed to understand, no matter how surprised she was when he explained his 'allergy' to her. He'd had his meals in china since then and with stainless steel cutlery.

"Stupid, fucking beast… Who does he think he-" Lupinex's ears twitch irritably. It seems he has found the Brat's room. He immediately stands by the jarred door, listening to the Brat's infernal muttering with amusement. He's heard all the insults before and as a result they no longer bother him anymore.

Lupinex can't help but smirk at the sight of McGregor curled up on the bed, looking sick and angry. His cheeks and nose are bright red, from his huffing and sneezing and from blowing his nose. Lupinex doesn't hesitate as he decides to swing the door open, keen to start a fight. He knows of the power he now holds over Johnny and he has been waiting impatiently to use it. It is also a perfect opportunity to work off his extra energy.

Johnny jumps as Lupinex slams the door shut. Lupinex ignores his glare and takes a quick look around the room. The room looks a lot like his own with deep red curtains and cream coloured blankets and sheets on the bed, though Lupinex can tell Johnny has had his own say in the décor. There is a cluttered mess of magazines, clothes and beyblade bits around the dressing table and the wardrobe, it looks as though it hasn't been touched for weeks and Lupinex can feel his already low opinion on Johnny's cleanliness decreasing steadily.

"What do you want?" Johnny's voice is gruff, because of the soreness of his throat. He tries to hide it but Lupinex sees him wince. The werewolf has to hold back a wince as his nose picks up on the smell of mint flavoured lozenges and lemon and the lemon and honey tea that is sitting on Johnny's bedside table. He can also smell Johnny's sweat and sickness around the room and begins to think that this fight could have waiting slightly longer.

Lupinex manages to ignore him and moves to sit by the window. "You're mother told me about your debt." He says, his deep blue eyes watching Johnny's reaction through his reflection in the window.

Johnny is quickly fuming and he folds his arms over his chest and glares, saying as loudly and forcefully as he can in a wheezy voice, "What do you want? A medal? Get out!" He points towards the door and the almost threatening atmosphere surrounding him is spoilt as he sneezes, pouncing towards the tissue box on his bedside table a moment before he does. Lupinex can't help the rumbling laugh that crawls up his throat and bursts forth.

Again Johnny glares, his face flushed pink, his nose still buried in the flower patterned tissue. He sits up and drops the tissue into the bin by his bed. He sniffs, his voice still shaky, almost as though predicting that he is about to sneeze again, "Didn't you hear me? Go away!"

Lupinex smirks devilishly, "Now, now, McGregor, you don't want me to do that. I don't think Daddy would appreciate it." He chuckles at the confused look on Johnny's face as his eyes flash with mirth. Lupinex enjoys angering The Brat, he reacts so well when goaded Lupinex can't see why he wouldn't.

Johnny's expression turns sour fast and he growls, folding his arms back over his chest. He's glaring at the wall now, facing away from Lupinex.

Lupinex's smirk widens and he can't help but tease Johnny. "What's wrong McGregor? Sick, are we? Maybe next time you'll know better than to run around in the middle of a storm." His tone is harsh now, and he is glaring.

Johnny seems momentarily surprised, but then goes back to ignoring Lupinex and glaring at the wall. After a minute or two he speaks again, "What do you want?" He asks, much quieter now.

Lupinex looks pleased at the almost submissive tone, "I'm just letting you know," He starts to head for the door, his smirk slowly morphing into a frown with his every step, "Everyone around here knows me as Lawrence. Call me that." He takes a moment to watch as Johnny nods, a glare and a frown set upon his face. Lupinex returns it before he leaves quickly, shutting the door with a slam after him.

o0o0o

His father's study is a large room about twice the size of Johnny's bedroom. Johnny's eyes take in the new books stacked neatly in the bookshelf, resisting the urge to roll his eyes when he notices their subject: law, legislation, money. The room has been painted in red, gold and cream, much like most of the other rooms in the castle and it contains furniture made of mahogany and a few large and comfortable looking armchairs in front of an even larger fire place.

His father is sitting at his once spacious desk, opposite the fire place, surrounded by paperwork and books. He seems to be thinking deeply, his chin rested on his entwined fingers. His eyes are closed and the fire roaring in the room makes him glow almost godly-like. Johnny is surprised by how peaceful his father looks despite the circumstances he is seeing him for.

Johnny hasn't been out of bed in a week and he hasn't seen Lupinex since the werewolf visited his room a day or so ago. Johnny wonders if his father has sent him away like Johnny hopes he has. He doesn't plan on practically sticking himself to the werewolf's form.

Johnny doesn't get to feel relief as his father's eyes crack open and his dull green eyes are set in a harsh glare directed directly at him. "You know why you're here, boy?" His father's tone is harsh, and his eyes feel as though they're drilling through Johnny's head.

Johnny strains to keep his tone polite as his fist clenches by his side. He is forced to hide it behind himself, "Yes, father."

"Then you know what I'm about to say?"

Johnny feels like a kid when his father talks to him like this, but he nods anyway, repeating his last answer.

"Good. Then you won't argue." Johnny flinched as his father's deep voice rose and his rant began. He started with how irresponsible Johnny was being, how he should have been married and trying to start a family of his own by now. It was almost painful to listen to his father once he got started with his debt to Lupinex and how his duties as the heir to the family's fortune would have to be delayed because of it, or at least handled by others. "You should know and respect what your responsibilities are. One of them is continuing the McGregor line. Your sister will not be keeping our name when she marries!"

Johnny flinches visibly as his father's voice rises again. His slight head ache is now pounding in his ears and he is surprised when his father orders him to find out whether Lawrence is staying in the castle or returning home. Johnny almost argues, but nods and bows politely before leaving for Lupinex's quarters.

o0o0o

Lupinex knows it's a death wish to take McGregor with him, if he were to leave. Sanguinex would have his head for giving away their whereabouts. He knows he will be in a great deal of trouble if he is to remain here, with the McGregors. Lupinex sighs and idly scratches at the bandages covering his shoulder. He doesn't want either fate: death by Sanguinex's hand nor to live with his enemy's family, but decides that he would much prefer being alive to being dead.

He glares at the door as it is pounded on. He's grown accustomed to the quiet knocks of the maid during the morning and sometimes during the afternoon, also to the sharp, three taps from Mrs. McGregor used whenever she felt the need to entertain him. This person hasn't visited him before.

Johnny doesn't wait for the werewolf to allow him to enter and he is quickly sitting on the chair Mrs. McGregor usually sits in. Both of them are glaring and sneering at each other, though Lupinex starts to smirk when he notices the Brat's almost infuriatingly embarrassed (or is it ashamed?) look as he opens his mouth to speak.

"Are you staying?"

Lupinex's smirk broadens, "What's this? Does the Little Lord want me to stay?" He chuckles at the withering glare Johnny sends him.

"Father would like to know. He would like me to join you, if you plan on leaving."

Lupinex frowns at Johnny's polite tone, deciding very quickly that he doesn't like it, "I'll be staying. You'd be dead within the hour if I left you with Cenotaph or Sanguinex." The thought makes Lupinex chuckle.

Johnny snorts, "Your team is pathetic. What makes you think I'd be unable to defend myself?"

"Sanguinex kills humans in order to live." Johnny's eyes instantly rise to meet Lupinex's, a look of disgust in them, "He's a vampire thanks to that friend of yours. What's his name? Robert? What else is he supposed to do? Sanguinex is like you and your team of rich bitches, he's used to getting good quality anything when he wants it. He doesn't care for the 'rubbish' from a blood bank."

Johnny tries to not look surprised, vaguely succeeding. Lupinex snorts again, "We had normal lives before you four appeared."

Both men are covered by an oppressive silence and it takes Johnny a few minutes to gather the nerve to stand up and leave, unable to think of a retort for Lupinex's information. Lupinex doesn't bother hiding the glare he sends after him.

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Woffy: Well… That's chapter one done! Leave a review and tell what you think… Suggestions, criticism and comments are more than welcome! I changed the summary too, stupid thing it is...-pouts-