Asher watched steadily as the suited men walked in, hazel-gold eyes gleaming.
They adjusted the lapels of their suit jackets as they walked closer, it was almost like they were reassuring themselves with the concealed weapons hidden in their coats.
He said nothing even after they sat down without invitation, watching, and waiting.
"The High Council believes that this is a serious matter that requires direct intervention-" The spokesperson started without aplomb.
Asher placed both of his hands on his massive desk and leaned forward, "And what matter is that?" He interrupted, the air around him menacing.
The representative cleared his throat while his silent partner kept looking around like he expected to be jumped.
"Regarding Caspian Mendez, the heir to Moonstone Pac-"
"Who?" He calmly interrupted again, cocking a brow.
The representative gritted his teeth in frustration, "If you would let me finish speakin-"
"The High Council has no power in Haines," Asher cut him off, leaning back in his chair. "They don’t even recognize the authority here."
"That has nothing to do with the fact that the leader of a Pack is being held captive by you." The representative said in a rush so that he wouldn’t be interrupted again.
"And why would I do that? Moonstone has nothing I want." Asher remained perfectly calm, his demeanor making the representatives get more antsy.
"More reason why you should peacefully let him g-"
"Tell me," Asher invited, "What makes you think I have him?"
"We-We..." The representative he had been holding a conversation with stuttered.
"There’s no reason to drag this out," His partner finally spoke for the first time, his eyes hard. "We have trustworthy information that he’s in your possession."
Asher’s lips tilted in a smile, "Are you talking about my bought Omega? You can say it bluntly, you know."
The second representative scowled, "The High Council will reimburse you for whatever you spent on him."
Asher chuckled, the sound devoid of humor. "I didn’t know the Council was that loose with cash-"
"I’d appreciate it if you respected our time," The second representative cut in tightly.
"The High Council should know I don’t need their money but it would be a waste to throw that much money on the wrong person," He said confidently.
That threw the representatives off, the one with the hard eyes narrowing those cold black eyes. "What do you mean?"
"What’s your name?" Asher asked in turn.
The representative shared a look with his partner, "Lance."
"Well, Lance. I don’t screw men for one, and I sure as hell would know if my bought Omega was a man."
This stunned the High Council representatives silent, Lance being the first to find his voice.
"Bluffing isn’t going to throw us off-"
Asher cut him off by slamming a fist on the table, pissed now. "You’re going to want to watch your next words, Council dog." He growled low.
Lance shut up quickly, swallowing thickly in trepidation. "If you’re so sure Mafia King Asher," He said in a much more subdued voice. "Then you wouldn’t mind if the third representative who is already on his way to your base, brought your bought Omega here, would you?"
"I’m not a patient man, Lance." He said in a dark voice.
Lance didn’t back down, "If we’re wrong, the High Council will send an official apology to remedy your wasted time."
Asher said nothing to that, amusement dancing in his burning gaze. It hid the much darker worry that tainted his thoughts.
Caspian recognized himself less as time went on, he didn’t miss how uncomfortable feminine underwear and dresses were.
The glittery black dress was strapless, and he was terrified that if he breathed in too deeply it would fall right down.
The dress stuck to his body like a second skin though so it was just his nerves because even pulling it down wouldn’t be enough to reveal the lacy bra he wore underneath.
Caspian would never get used to heels, scowling when he had to put them on.
The wig was the final addition to his disguise. The blonde wig fell to his waist just like he predicted, and the last bit of him was completely gone.
He didn’t know the person that looked back at him in the mirror. He would never be the person in the mirror - he wished he was.
Lucy didn’t say much but it was difficult to miss the concerned and sympathetic looks she shot him as she got him ready.
"We’re all done here," She smiled at him, giving him privacy.
Caspian didn’t react when Lucy left, staring right through his reflection in the mirror.
He eventually forced himself to get to his feet, sick of looking in the mirror.
He walked out of the closet without a backward glance, relieved that he had gotten better at walking in heels, at least his feet wouldn’t need to suffer anymore.
He strode right out and froze, staring blankly at the strange man in a suit standing right in the middle of the bedroom.
There were a handful of maids, Lucy included, standing just outside the door like they had tried to stop him but couldn’t.
Caspian subtly cleared his throat, "Who are you?" He asked with boldness he didn’t feel, well aware that if he fucked this up, he could be taken back to Moonstone.
The man gulped, looking from side to side like he expected someone else to answer for him. "Uh, who are you?" He asked in turn.
Caspian scowled, "I asked first. Why are you in Asher’s room?"
The man took an intimidated step back, scratching his head.
He had barged right into the mansion so that there would be no chance for the heir to the Pack of Moonstone to be hidden.
He didn’t expect a gorgeous woman to come striding out, she didn’t look particularly pleased by his presence.
"I... erm," He cleared his throat again, "I’m Chris, sent from the High Council." He said awkwardly, flashing a badge.
"Asher’s not home right now if you’re looking for him." Caspian said flippantly, his hands clenched to hide the fact that they were trembling.