Werelove Dusk Conspiracy

The shabby walkway and building served as a reminder of how quickly the past could be forgotten. How ironic that this particular part of town was shown so little respect. Stefan McJeysen stared at the huge brick structure in the center of the plaza. Once upon a time, this great building had held court for saints and sinners who came through its doors.

Commonly known as the "Old Courthouse," the once proud structure had fallen into neglect and disarray as later generations stopped caring about historic landmarks. Instead of cherishing the past, most chose to live for the moment and some nebulous future only they could dream of. It was deplorable and inexcusable, yet that was the way things were.

Stefan casually ran his fingers through his dirty blond hair and continued to muse on the places and things people had forgotten. He was getting too old to be playing Were politics. He'd lost his taste for it back in 2207. Quickly, he turned his mind away from those thoughts. He needed to focus on the here and now.

A crackle to his left made him ease his pace. He had a follower, but Stefan didn't stop. He didn't want his pursuer to know he was aware of being hunted. He slipped around the nearest corner and froze, using all his senses to seek out his unwelcome guest.

With a burst of speed, Stefan leapt from his hiding place and crashed into his stalker, sending them both rolling. He landed two solid punches before a throw flung him into the a nearby lamppost that buckled from the impact. He came to his feet with a grunt, fists ready.

A harsh chuckle filled the air, raising Stefan's hackles. He recognized that evil noise. "Drayden Morales! Could've gone another few decades without seeing your ugly face."

"You always say such nice things, Stefan. Too bad you never learned to keep them to yourself. If you had toed the line, you would've been Alpha instead of that cur, Henry Le Croix." Drayden straightened from his crouch, his seven-feet-two frame towering head and shoulders above Stefan.

"Why did you bring me here? The message was vague and delivered by a scared pup." Stefan was in no mood for games and Drayden played dangerous ones.

"All business today, I see." Drayden pulled a dagger from his boot and cleaned under his nails. "The Council wishes to speak with you about an assignment."

"Uh-uh. No way. I'm not getting involved in anyone's private little wars again. That's how I got screwed the last time. And though I might be slow, I'm not dumb. Tell them to find another lapdog. Not interested." He pulled his baseball cap from his pocket and jammed it on his head. "I'm outta here."

"If you won't do it because they asked, do it for your niece."

Drayden's last words hit hard and Stefan pushed off the wall. His hackles raised at Drayden for playing the one trump card guaranteed to make him curious about the Council's offer. He turned his back on the other man. "Fine. I'll come."

"Be there tomorrow night, Stefan, don't be late," Drayden warned and sheathed his dagger.

"Don't worry. I'm always on time." He threw a bitter look in Drayden's direction before jogging away.