What We Are

Chapter 3: Fernsby Manor

From New Oasis City, it took nearly three hours to reach Tempest Grounds. Claude was already out of his apartment by five, driving as the sun rose over the horizon, radio volume turned up high with steaming coffee in his to-go cup. Two hours in, his view from the driver's seat has changed from skyscrapers and crowded streets to vast lands of greenery.

Tempest Grounds was where the largest collection of estates in New Oasis state was located. It's still somewhat recognized as vampire territory, seeing as majority of the land was owned by vampire families passed down from generation to generation. Besides the stately homes, the whole place was mostly rural. Claude opened his window and took in the fresh morning air with his sunglasses perched on his nose.

Fernsby Manor was built right at the heart of Tempest Grounds, which said a lot about Claude's family. Their home, standing at three floors high, was the eldest structure to have been built for the purpose of housing one of the most influential vampire families, and its architecture reflected such. The outside, though grand, was clearly designed to withstand the effects of time; rough exteriors with thick window panes and wrought iron fences encasing their whole property.

The gates have the Gratia Clan crest weaved and engraved into its design: a sequoia tree with chains wrapped loosely around its trunk. Family. Strength. Tradition.

A pathway of mortared stone led to the front of the mansion. At the center of the rotunda by the double doors was a fountain, and the birds enjoying the water flapped away once Claude's car came close. On the steps leading to the main entrance was Gerry, along with two butlers, awaiting Claude's arrival.

Claude turned off the engine of his Rolls-Royce convertible and stepped out, and the feeling of sun on his forearms made him smile. Contrary to popular belief, the sun didn't harm vampires, nor did it burn them alive. Sure, being exposed under sunlight hurt a vampire's skin more than it would a human's (or a werewolf's), but it wasn't nearly as deadly as some rumored it to be. The worst that a vampire could get was a bad case of sunburn before their skin inevitably healed.

Claude pushed his sunglasses into his hair, walking towards Gerry who was wearing corduroy trousers and a polo shirt. There's a light dusting of facial hair on his jaw, his hair gelled to perfection. He's got a healthy glow, telling Claude "I'm surprised to see you up so early."

"Ah, it's an honor to welcome the young master back," Gerry caught his toss without missing a beat.

They hugged, Claude clapping his hand on Gerry's back with a snort. "Call me that one more time, I'll fling you off the third floor," He said good-naturedly. Gerry laughed.

One of the butlers came up to take Claude's car keys, the other offering to bring Claude's leather bag up to his room. Claude thanked them by name, knowing both vampires have worked for their family for nearly a decade now. "Nice to see you're not ruined by the semester yet." Gerry smirked, ushering Claude inside. "Our parents are waiting."

The inside of the Fernsby home took a complete one-eighty in terms of style. The whole interior had been renovated when Claude was only a baby, the process taking years to finish. Walking into the grand foyer, a visitor wouldn't expect to be met with twin staircases curling on either side of a sleek, grand piano. The calacatta marble flooring extended all the way into the grand hall which connected all four wings of the mansion. A large, crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling in an intricate pattern, dainty lights reflecting onto the drapes of the windows.

"I see the drapes are still emerald green," Claude gave Gerry a knowing look.

"Your mother is a headstrong woman, who knew?"

Claude laughed, the sound echoing in the large space. They headed into the breakfast room just beside the main kitchen where their mothers are seated on a round table along with Geslaine who was picking at her half-empty plate.

Alma Maxine Fernsby smiled once she spotted her son. "Claudius! How nice of you to join us for breakfast."

Claude stepped into her awaiting arms, smiling wide. "I couldn't wait to see you." He detached himself to hand over the small paper bag dangling from his right hand. "Happy birthday, mother."

"Oh, you didn't have to," His mother cooed, even though she wasted no time peeking inside the bag. While Alma opened her present, Claude gave a quick kiss to his aunt Gianna's cheek and one to the top of Geslaine's head, making his cousin push his face while feigning disgust.

Alma held up the dainty gold chain of the necklace using her thin fingers, the single blue-green gemstone glinting with every move. She looked at it in awe. "Dear heavens, it's gorgeous, Claudius. Is this Alexandrite?" Alma brought the stone closer to her eyes, a beautiful smile on her face.

Claude took a seat between his mother and Geslaine. "It is Alexandrite. The stone changes to red when in different lighting." Immediately a maid placed a plate of sunny side eggs, toast, and bacon in front of him. He thanked the woman and before she scurried back into the kitchen.

"It will go well with your mother's gown," Aunt Gianna told him. "Alma won't tell you this, Claude, but she has been losing sleep because of her excitement for tonight."

Gianna Mae Fernsby was similar to Claude's mother in many ways, both of them raised to be bright, impeccable women who did everything with proper grace. Gerry and Geslaine bore the striking image of their mother, along with her brown skin and thick hair that fell in tight curls.

"Gianna." Alma frowned but only slightly. "I have not."

"Uncle Zach told me you snuck into the ballroom to check on the decorations in the middle of the night," Gerry told Alma with a teasing smile which got him a reprimanding look.

Claude made sure to swallow all the food in his mouth before speaking, lest his mother's disappointed gaze be directed at him. "Speaking of father, where is he?"

"He's with dad in the private gym," Geslaine answered, one elbow leaning on the table, fork stabbing at a piece of toast with little care. She was the most dressed down among them, still in her sleepwear with a bandeau headband keeping her hair away from her face. "I think they mentioned something about having a squash rematch?"

Alma Fernsby did not roll her eyes (she'll deny ever doing so), but it was a near thing. She carefully returned the necklace into the black velvet box, squeezing Claude's hand and smiling in thanks before speaking, "Zachariah does not accept defeat when it comes to sports. That man has an ego the size of an elephant."

Claude only smiled. He didn't want to verbally express agreement with his mother's statement. 

"Richard's just as bad. He's always talking about strategies and how to best distract your opponent." Gianna sighed in exasperated fondness at her husband, taking a sip of her tea before perking up at a sudden thought. "Gerald, have you spoken to the Oliander's? I heard they might be able to make it tonight after all."

Gerry downed his mouthful with a gulp of coffee. "I've only talked to Adrian. They were getting their outfits fitted last time I checked."

Geslaine leaned closer to the center of the table, pushing away her plate to whisper conspiratorially, "Have you all heard? Natalie Oliander, Adrian's sister, is getting married this winter."

Gianna and Alma release a shocked gasp. Claude continued to slowly chew on his breakfast, watching both women look at Geslaine like they couldn't believe her.

"Truly?" Alma gaped. "Is she still together with that human?"

Geslaine shrugged. "Seems so. I'm told that he proposed to Natalie in front of her entire family, and the speech was so moving even her mother shed a few tears."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful." Gianna clutched at her chest, acting as if she herself was a witness to said proposal. She turned to her left to narrow her eyes at Gerry. "Gerald, why didn't you know about this? You went to college with both Oliander siblings."

Gerry made an undignified noise. "I don't care much for gossip, mom."

"It's not gossip." Alma quickly waved her hand with a dismissive shake of her head. "I just like knowing what happens in my Clan."

Claude couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Sure, mother." Alma Fernsby may have been a quote-on-quote proper lady, but she definitely participated in gossip like it was a vice she couldn't get enough of. 

Alma's grip tightened around where she was still holding Claude's hand, sighing quietly instead of negating Claude's accusing tone. "Darling, I'm afraid Gianna and I will be busy finalizing the details for tonight. Will it be alright if Gerald and Geslaine accompany you for the meantime? I'll make it up to you tomorrow."

"Don't worry about me," Claude reassured. "I might just head to my room after breakfast and fall asleep. It was a long drive."

There was more vampire drama shared, anecdotes the rest of them happened to witness or overhear inside their Clan and among others while Claude was busy with university. In vampire circles, two weeks was a long enough time for many events to happen, enough to fill an hour's worth of breakfast tales at least. 

After their plates were cleared, Claude stalked up the stairs to the west wing where all the family and guest bedrooms were located. Gerry's two steps behind him, both of them wordlessly entering Claude's bedroom on the second floor.

All the furniture in Claude's bedroom was customized and made from sandalwood. His queen-sized bed was bracketed by nightstands with lamps so big Claude used to fear they'd fall and crush him as a kid. There's a large vanity on the other side of the room, next to the entrance of his walk-in closet connecting to the en-suite bathroom. Claude had taken most of his personal belongings when he moved into his apartment in the city, but the framed pictures of him as a child smiling with his parents and his extended family still hung up on the walls, and the trophies and medals he'd obtained from joining various contests in his old school remained displayed on a whole separate bookshelf.

The entire room looked recently dusted and polished, but everything remained in place. Exactly how Claude left it. Claude immediately collapsed onto his bed, reveling in the feeling of fresh sheets. "Did I ever tell you that this mattress is much harder than the one I bought for my apartment?"

Gerry gave an amused look, choosing not to reply. He took Claude's office chair out from under the study across the foot of the bed. "You do realize this party is as much for you as it is for your mother?" Claude heard Gerry ask.

Claude kept his gaze on the ceiling, the same ceiling he's looked at every night since he was four years old. "Yes, I'm aware." His parents hadn't said it of course, they probably thought they were being slick. But Claude knew an ulterior move when he saw one. "I'm trying not to worry about it."

"You'll be rubbing elbows with old, wrinkly, Gratia Clan vampires all night. I'm sure Aunt Alma and Uncle Zach will practically thrust you into the spotlight. Are you ready for that?" Gerry was saying all this not to make Claude nervous, but to check if Claude was prepared for what tonight entailed. He was concerned. He knew parties and social events weren't Claude's cup of tea.

Claude hummed a noncommittal sound. "I think I'm ready to take a nap now."

Gerry didn't argue with him, and Claude's thankful for it.

His cousin stood from the chair and walked towards the open door. "I'll come get you when lunch is ready." With a wave, Gerry exited Claude's bedroom, shutting the door softly behind him.

Earlier, Claude's phone had vibrated with a message, but breakfast was still happening and he couldn't check who had texted him until now.

-----

From: D.A.

You in your castle yet?

Sent 8:47 a.m.

-----

To: D.A.

Just finished having breakfast with the family.

Thank you for helping me pick out mother's gift, she loved it.

Sent 8:55 a.m.

-----

To Claude's side was a large window. He only needed to tilt his head and he'd get a view of the clear blue sky. He clutched tightly at his phone, a million and one things running through his mind.

Tonight would be important. His parents have so far respected his wishes of staying (somewhat) in the shadows. He didn't actively try to make his presence known in important events or celebrations, and he was barely present during various Clan meetings due to his education in the city. Tonight, however, he knew they'd want to see Claude make an effort to connect with members of their Clan as he was to graduate soon and return home for good.

With that thought, Claude forced himself to take a nap before the building worry could keep him up any longer.

-----

As a werewolf, Dean could see clearly through the darkness as if it were daytime.

There were fifteen young werewolves out with him tonight, all of them scattered around the forest trying their best to spot any prey they could hunt. Dean had made them run a few laps before, getting them used to the difference of senses when in their wolf forms.

The full moon shone brightly over the sky like a spotlight. Dean, perched on top of the same incline where they'd taken down that deer, howled to make sure none of his younger Pack members had strayed too far. He'd been very strict about that. Only older members were allowed to roam as they pleased.

The sound reverberated across the forest, and he's responded with multiple high-pitched howls in return, confirmation that none of the young werewolves had gone over the distance Dean had set. 

Satisfied, Dean sat back on his haunches, eyes landing on the werewolves closest to him.

His nose picked up on her scent before she even came close. Steph, a grey-furred omega, slowly climbed up the incline with her tail lowered between her legs. She stopped, waiting for Dean's own red eyes to meet hers so she could ask permission. When Dean didn't make a move, she sauntered closer, sitting with their bodies touching each other.

Dean was used to having random werewolves his age trying to sidle up next to him in hopes that he would take notice of them. He was only ever polite, letting the werewolves do as they pleased (within reason). Steph rubbed affectionately against his jowls, and he allowed her to do so, with no intention to reciprocate her movements.

He sat as still as a rock, attention solely on his Pack members. 

Yet the omega's scent suddenly grew much stronger than it had been a few moments ago. Dean's nose twitched. Steph was actively letting out her pheromones, rubbing her nose closely so Dean would surely smell like her. There was nothing wrong with that, of course. Pack members scented each other all the time. 

Dean found himself jumping off the incline anyway, hoping the excuse of running with a group of werewolves seemed acceptable to Steph. She'd probably take the hint, anyway.

Nearly two hours after tiring themselves out, Dean howled to tell everybody it was time to head back. He strayed behind, letting his Pack members move ahead of him and making sure all twenty-seven of them made it out of the forest.

Their clothes were all thrown in various heaps and bundles on the edge of the forest. One by one, the werewolves shifted back to their human forms. The teenagers chatted animatedly with each other while locating the clothes they had stripped out off before the beginning of the Axel Pack Run, no ounce of shame or awkwardness with being naked around their Pack.

Dean observed the happy, satiated smiles on all their faces and deemed tonight a success. He shifted back and dressed when most of the werewolves were on their way home, thanking Dean for a great Pack run beforehand.

All was well. Except that Steph was waiting for him. 

She had already shifted to her human form, and the omega made no move to put on the clothes she was holding with one hand as she approached Dean. "Thank you for letting me sit with you tonight," Steph gave him a sweet smile, voice matching everything about her doll-like face.

"It's no trouble," Dean replied while trying to dust off the grass that had stuck to his forearms.

Steph took another step closer, still naked and still trying to let her omega pheromones reach Dean's nose. Which, they did, but any sort of animalistic urge had been beaten out of Dean since he was a young wolf.

"I don't mean to seem so forward, but maybe you'd like to come over and have tea? I bought some nice fruit-flavored ones, and I'm afraid they'll just collect dust if I don't start going through them." Steph tilted her head, the action making her black hair bunch on top of her shoulder. "What do you say?"

Dean restrained himself from heaving out a sigh too loud. "Steph," He began. "Respectfully, I'll have to say no. You're a sweet girl, and I'm sure you've got plenty of suitors in line, so... don't waste your charm on me." Dean was good at being Head Alpha, he's not so good at turning people down gently.

Steph did not try to hide her disappointment. She gave Dean sad eyes, nodding slowly. "Alright, Dean Axel. I understand." 

Dean watched her go, feeling only a little bit guilty. He knew if he'd said something like maybe next time, Steph would only feel more hurt to discover that she never really had a shot with Dean.

"That's the second omega this month. Fifth werewolf, overall." Few people could sneak up behind Dean so silently the way Pearl had just done.

Dean turned his head towards the alpha who joined him. She's wearing a thin black dress, arms and legs in similar states as Dean's. "Hello, Pearl. Did you enjoy yourself tonight?"

Pearl did not reply to his question. She wasn't keen on pleasantries. "You have two weeks to perfect that little speech of yours. Lina told me her group of omega friends have a plan to try and woo you during your birthday celebration."

It took effort not to groan in frustration. "Why didn't Lina join the Pack Run tonight?" Talking about Lina might just help Dean let go of whatever rant already forming in his head.

Pearl saw right through him. "You're trying to change the topic."

"Using Lina to divert your attention has worked well in the past." Dean didn't even have to explain it.

Pearl rolled her eyes but, predictably, her whole face was beginning to light up just at the mention of her mate. "Yes, well, not this time. I'm serious, Dean. You have to make some sort of announcement or something. It's making me feel sad watching you turn down werewolf after werewolf."

"What exactly am I supposed to say? Hey everyone, I'm not really interested in finding a mate, so could all of you please back off and let me be?"

His fellow alpha nodded vigorously. "Yes. Exactly that. Word-for-word!"

"That's not going to sit well with the Elders," Dean heaved out. "They'll want me to give an explanation, and I don't have an explanation, not any they'd want to listen to anyway."

He's answered with silence. Dean turned towards Pearl, who levelled him with a stare. She has this uncanny ability to make people cower with just a sharp glance, so even Dean felt a little exposed as Pearl scanned his face. "Answer me honestly, Dean. Nobody in our entire village has caught your eye? Nobody within our Pack?"

"No."

"How about outside our Pack?"

Dean pressed his lips together.

Pearl continued staring at him with her green eyes. Decidedly, she jutted her chin. "Okay, I get it. But you still have to find a way to make everyone back off, the Village Elders especially. This is obviously becoming a hassle for you."

"They're just worried I won't produce an heir."

Pearl laughed without restraint. "If that's all they're worried about, just pick up a stray and say he's an Axel."

Dean didn't want to talk about this any longer. "Go home, Flourice. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow."

"Hmm. Probably not too early." Lewdly, Pearl winked at him, giving away her plans tonight with Lina. Dean, already used to how brazen Pearl was, simply nudged her away. She complied with an easy grin. "Bye, Dean!"

Knowing she'd be going home to her mate, Pearl practically skipped away. The alpha had the ability to stare Dean down without a single moment of hesitation, and most people's first impressions of her were synonyms of the adjective intimidating. 

And yet, Pearl had no qualms with others seeing her giddy when it came to Lina.

Curiosity got the best of Dean. "Pearl," He called out to her before she could get any farther. "How did you figure out that Lina was the one for you?"

Pearl looked at him for a long time.

Dean thought he'd broken her with that question. But then, a smirk grew on Pearl's face, like she'd been able to figure something out that Dean couldn't. 

"With her, it just felt right." Pearl didn't ask Dean any other question, didn't tell him what it was that had her smirking. She only provided Dean with what he asked. "I'll admit, it takes a whole lot of effort to make a relationship work. But once you're with that person, everything you do with them will feel right, and nothing but that will make sense to you."