Adding To The Pack

ADDING TO

Hadrian took his wolf business very seriously. He was very determined to build something great for those who shared his blessed fate. The destiny of a wolf. Hadrian didn’t want to just build something that would topple over with the first breath of wind. He wanted something that would last, something that was strong, something they could be proud of many years from now. Hadrian also wanted to build something that would separate him from his father. He wanted everyone to know how ambitious, grand and more positive his goals were compared to anything his father could’ve ever envisioned.

Hadrian knew of this man… Mr. William Charles. He had unique skill sets he thought would be beneficial to have in his pack. Brains. Wit. etc. His father had added a bunch of mindless dummies to their breed. It wasn’t very helpful. In fact it was the exact opposite. Sure he could use them as man-power… but what good was power if it had no direction? That’s how he thought it. Hadrian was much more calculating than his father had ever been. Hadrian planned things out, thought things through, he planned for the future. His father just ran around like the crazy fool he was just biting anything that moved. His father had been nothing to his people… his werewolves besides something that caused havoc in an already chaotic world.

Hadrian entered the Hog’s Head right on time. His timing was almost too perfect. He wasn’t alone though. He brought with him five other werewolves, most of which he called his ‘guards’. The stronger, smarter, most reliable of those he had among his following so far. Hadrian didn’t bring them to show off or cause Mr. Charles to feel uncomfortable. He brought them because they were his entourage, his pack… they followed him almost everywhere. It was just how it was. Most wolves liked to stay in groups. Hadrian was more of a lone wolf than the rest of them so he ordered them away many times to give himself space, but today he didn’t see anything wrong with them coming.

When Hadrian and the group came in, he ushered them to the other side of the pub. He didn’t like snoops. He didn’t want them to know everything that went on between him and those he met with it. It wasn’t because he didn’t trust them… but because he liked to be in control. He liked to have all the cards in his hand. He liked to remain a bit of mystery and not have everyone know every step of his plans.

Hadrian grunted in greeting to Mr. Charles. He then grabbed a chair and sat in it. His legs were spread pretty wide, his way of subconsciously claiming is space and showing his dominance. He made a rumble of a chuckle and extended his hand ”Mr. Charles. It’s very good to finally be seeing you in person.” He then rubbed his chin and slapped the table excitedly and made a smile ”So you will join my pack then” he said. It wasn’t a question, but more of a statement. He didn’t think there was much to discuss. He saw this as the man accepting his proposition.

ADDING TO

When William greeted him, he was pleased that this guy was trying to be polite and call him ‘alpha’. However, Hadrian didn’t care for titles like that. As much as he enjoyed being in charge, he was just one of the pack. Hadrian reached over and tapped William on the shoulder. ”Call me Volka”

The man began asking questions and laying out how he wanted the meeting to go. Hadrian laughed. If this guy new that Hadrian was the leader, than why did he ask… when he should listen? Why does he try to lead the conversation… when he should follow? Ballsy people who didn’t realize their place, or made their own place always humored Hadrian. Hadrian laughed as he leaned backwards and ran his fingers through his hair, putting it in a man pony.

Then William offered him tea. ”You’re a funny man, Mr. Charles” he said with his Russian accent. ”I don’t drink tea… not when I can get some vodka” Hadrian then turned to his wolves and did some hand motions and shouted something in Russian. One of the shot up and walked over to the bar.

Hadrian then turned back to William, smiling. ”Positions?” he asked. He pointed at himself ”I’m the boss” and then pointed at William ”And you are… uhhh…” he brought his hand back and rubbed his chin thinking. He had all sorts of wolves in all sorts of positions… but where to put this man… where would he fit. Hadrian thought of his weak leg. He also thought of William’s strength - his intelligence. Hadrian grunted a bit before saying, ”You’re a smart man, Mr. Charles… I could always use an advisor. Someone to run my plans by… a second mind to see flaws when I’m too close to the problem. Every great leader needs to be able to stand on his own, but also needs clarity of mind and second sight to see things he cannot see.” Hadrian’s werewolf friend came and brought the drink, left it on the table and then quickly walked away.

Then Hadrian went on to the next topic. ”My expectations are that I lead… and you follow, Mr. Charles. It’s very easy. But if you are my advisor… I need you to be brave most of all. It’s never easy to tell me another perspective when I have my mind set on something else… but your job is to speak up when no one else will. Are you brave enough to be that man?”

He then went to final topic that William had brought up. ”I don’t desire to build an empire. I will build an empire. Beyond Hogsmead is a large portion of unclaimed lands. That’s where I will build. I will slowly take my followers… those loyal to me and not my father, out of the woods and into a new land where we will make our own place. My father is strong, determined and formidable … but he doesn’t plan and calculate the way I can. I’m not worried about him.” Hadrian was very sure of himself.

Hadrian chugged down the shot and leaned back in his chair. ”What else you need to ask?”

ADDING TO

William told Hadrian that he agreed he could be an advisor to him. Hadrian fist pounded the table in delight. ”You see. I knew you would say yes.” He said smiling to himself. He loved when people agreed with him. The man then told him how he was naturally brave and had survived encounters with werewolves only armed with a wand. Hadrian nodded. That’s what he wanted to hear. Someone that wasn’t afraid of the obstacles in their path. The hardest roads to travel always had the most desirable destinations. William then told Hadrian that he’d have to trust his judgement as well as his own. Hadrian scoffed a bit with a little dry chuckle, ”I always trust my judgement” But then William asked if he could trust a man he barely knew to tell him things he may not want to hear. Hadrian thought about it for a short moment before responding. ”I trust in the fact that you have a perspective different than my own… and those of my peers. You can’t put price on perspective if it’s something you’ve been blind to all along. But, to be clear, William” he said dropping the formalities ”I won’t put all my trust in you right away of course. I won’t divulge all my secrets and plans just like that. I will slowly let you into my fold and see how it goes… if you can match the potential I believe you have… then we might have something great. However, if you betray me in any way you will rue the day you sat at this table with lies hissing though your fangs” His face was completely serious to see how William would react to his intimidating gaze. Hadrian then laughed breaking whatever tension there may have been.

Hadrian listened to William request to continue on a certain all secretive pursuit of his. Hadrian could tell that the man wanted a bit of privacy before divulging his personal activities with him. Hadrian took out his wand and made the area around their table soundproof from prying ears. Hadrian was known for being a werewolf but not many were fully aware of his excellent spell craft as well. ”I see… and what pursuit would this?” he asked eyebrow raised, curious of what the man would say next.