Chapter 264: My Hometown Is Tophet
(Author's POV)
"If you want to buy souvenirs for your family, I can give you a few recommendations. The Zenith Heights~ .... it is most of the time it is swarmed with people. It may hinder your security," Elisa suggested.
"Hinder our security, hahh? Do we need any?" Alaric was quick to comment. "What do you take us for, Secretary Queens?"
"I didn't mean it like that, Mr. Alaric. If you all want to go to the mall. I will arrange the vehicle for you all," saying this, she departed, her fists clenched on both sides as she tried to maintain her composure.
As soon as the door was closed and the boys heard her footsteps fading away, Alaric asked Dion, starting with exhaling a loud sigh as he ruffled his hair, "Ughhh .... can't you just go alone? Why drag all of us? I have to focus on tomorrow's meeting."
"A no can do, Al. We are in Esteria. It comes under the Vampire King's territory. Why don't we go see for ourselves how he is governing this place? Maybe we can gather some information, which may come in handy tomorrow," Dion insisted.
Brave thought for a while and backed him up, "I think Dion is right. We should make the most of our visit here."
Alaric reluctantly nodded, and Elio, when he saw all his brothers agreed, didn't have much of a choice. He had to tag along with them. His brothers won't let him off all alone, in a place full of vampires. They still treat him like a baby, although he was far more capable as a Lycan Alpha.
This conversation happened around noon. After half an hour, Elisa returned to them with the information that the car was ready and on standby. So, they had their lunch and got ready to go out.
Fabian had already told them that he wouldn't be able to accompany them, and the reason was, he had to check the last minute preparations for a seminar which was going to be held tomorrow in the very hotel the brothers were staying at.
He, on Jacob's strict orders, even extended a formal invitation to them, as Red Stone's guests of honor. Though at first, the Everests brothers were wary of the sudden invitation but they eventually saw no harm in attending a formal business event. The Everests Cooperation would benefit from this event as several world leaders and business tycoons will be present there. So, they all agreed to attend.
Alaric wore a casual buttoned salmon hued full sleeves linen shirt with off white chinos pants, pairing it with white sneakers. His twin, Brave, was flexing in blue denim with a plain raven colored buttoned shirt, unintentionally showcasing his well toned muscular arms.
Dion, he had denim pants and a denim jacket on, underneath which he wore a white t-shirt with summer vibes printed stylishly in lemon yellow. For footwear, he donned custom-made, canvas sneakers. He even wore black browline shades to complete his look.
Last but not least was Elio. He was dressed up in a forest green half sleeved shirt and jet black cargo pants. Inside, he wore a plain black sleeveless loose fit vest, pairing his overall outfit with black and blue striped sports shoes.
They all left their rooms more or less at the same time and gathered to go out. Elisa was waiting for them, and when she saw all of them walking towards her in sync, her breath was caught in her throat. All the Everests' men, they were a piece of artwork she wanted to have in her collection. She was pretty much ogling at their sheer sexiness. But soon her eyes flickered, and her attraction towards them dimmed a bit when her eyes landed on the red string banded on each of their wrists.
It might be a simple piece of thread in others' eyes but for her, it was an obstacle she wanted to get rid of so badly.
Elisa soon gathered her composure, gave them all a professional yet dazzlingly beautiful smile, and said, "The car is waiting for you all. Let's go."
Elio wrinkled his brows together and asked her straightaway, "Are you going with us?"
At Elio's question, the brothers too realized that Elisa had changed clothes. She was wearing a black spaghetti strapped, skin fit crop top and sky blue denim pants with golden stiletto heels.
"Of course. After all, you are our esteemed guest. I cannot just leave you to fend for yourself in an unknown place," Elisa stated.
"What are we, kids? Vampire King's Queens, you don't need to follow us," Alaric replied.
She was quick to counter his words, "I have a duty to follow COO Everests." She left it at that. She was adamant about tagging along. After all, how can she let go of such an opportunity to get close to them? Even Fabian was busy today. It was purr~ fect for her plan.
Alaric was about to say something more but Brave held his wrist to stop him. He mind linked his twin brother, saying, 'Forget it. She is just an employee and a human as well. Let's not put her in a difficult position. We don't know what Jacob Larson might do to her.'
'Why should I care about a human? Plus, a human female like her. Who is clearly looking for a flicker of an opportunity to get into one of our pants. Shameless creature,' Alaric didn't give a damn about her position, so he retorted.
But Brave said, 'As Lycan wolves, it is our duty to protect the weak, whether they are within our pack or outside of it. That's a sign of a great leader. Alaric, you are going to be the Lycan King someday. You will be put under such conditions in the future as well. Don't let your hatred towards humankind blind you to make rash decisions, alright?'
Although Alaric didn't wanted to admit it but he knew his twin was right. In order to be a wise king, he had to let go of discriminating against humans. So, he kept quiet.
Brave was satisfied and spoke to Elisa, "Secretary Queens, please lead the way."
Elisa was more than happy to lead them as they all entered the executive's only elevator together.
They soon reached the car and settled inside it as Elisa dismissed the assigned driver and took on the wheel herself. She didn't wanted any disturbance.
During their entire journey, she kept on making small talk, telling them about various buildings and their origin and history as they came by. She even made little remarks about how there are certain places they can visit in Esteria.
Esteria was a hub for business moguls and their empires, as well as a place with well preserved, picturesque destinations to visit. If someone was interested in clubbing and dancing, there were more than a dozen of clubs to enjoy that. If someone liked quietness and serenity, there were private beaches and other nature bound places. If someone liked fun activities, they could try scuba diving or visit an amusement park, or visit a gaming arcade. Esteria was a place with countless different types of attractions and landmarks to visit.
Soon, their vehicle came to a sudden halt as there was a red light signal ahead. Elisa turned around and asked, her voice sweet as honey, "You all seem to be quiet. Are you getting bored by my chatter?"
Dion had a way with his words, "Ohhoo~ how can it be? We were listening to your explanation attentively. You seem to know Esteria quite well, Ms. Queens. Are you originally from Esteria, or are you an immigrant?" he inquired.
Elisa was glad that Dion asked her a personal question. It was a clear sign of him showing interest in her, "I am not from here. My hometown is in a faraway land. You probably wouldn't have heard about Tophet."
"Tophet? Pffttttt ...… haha. I apologize for my lack of manners but doesn't Tophet as in, Hell? And you are saying that's your hometown's name? That's a weird name for a place," Dion couldn't hold his laughter as he commented.
"DION," Brave was quick to condemn him. "You are being rude."
Dion cleared his throat and feigned humbleness and apologized, "I am sorry if I was being rude to you. Please don't take my words to heart."
Although Elisa was irked, she did not, or rather, she could not say anything in return. She just smiled and replied, "I wasn't offended at all."
Elio was completely detached from the ongoing conversation. He was gazing out of the window absentmindedly.
At the same time, Myra got out of Yelena's car and walked straight to the trunk.
The lane was broad, as Yelena's car was at the far right, while the car with the Everests brothers was near the left side and in the row ahead of Yelena's.
Elio was about to turn to look at the back row as Alaric called him out, "Eli, why are you spacing out? Are you alright?"
To Be Continued . . . . . . . .
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