Crooked Kingdom

                            The hybrid could feel the impatience from his sister, along with her ever growing anger at their current situation that neither could do a damn thing about; though that didn’t stop them both from pretending that they could Sherlock Holmes the shit out of this. “It ain’t really coffee that I’m  itching for, Tuls.” annoyance rolled over his words at his own growing anger that he hadn’t figured out how the hell they were supposed to get out of this mess, one that neither of them had seen coming. “We step outside and their fucking eyes are gonna be on us, watching at their trapped fucking mice in their cage.” 

                     “There ain’t no need to keep going on and on about my looks; I get it, blondie. Got my beer --- not in the mood for a conversation.”

                  “Seeing as that tongue of yours has already been in my mouth, doubt there’s any reason to shake hands. Sure, buy me a drink, not gonna say no to that, and then we can forget this ever happened; once you’ve paid your toll.”

                        August didn’t like admitting defeat and he especially didn’t like letting his sister down, which seemed to be the case with the town called Red Creek; it was a mistake coming to the remote town and suddenly the urge to run had never felt stronger. “Shit.” a half mumble that held some bite to it as he looked around their temporary home knowing it was time to get the hell out of dodge. “Pack the usual shit, Tulls ---- we need to get the fuck outta here.”

                      If it wasn’t one thing lately it was another, case in point when the hybrid found himself lying on the ground in a shower of glass with some blonde fumbling on her words and the fact that she was a vampire made the entire thing all the more peculiar. August and Tully were suspicious of everyone because they had to be, mainly because when they let their guard down was usually when the other predators decided to show their true intentions and blood yet again had to be spilled. While the small tear in his skin went unnoticed, the hybrid didn’t feign being rattled as he got to his feet, eyes ever watchful on the stranger before him. “I’m fine.” August replied flatly before managing to offer the blonde a hand to help her up. “So this isn’t usual for you then? Kinda got the feeling that it was for some reason.”

                        Her impatience was justified considering the rumors they had heard about the place and it matched his growing frustration that nothing had been discovered, in fact, August was surprised that his temper had held as long as it had; any day now. “Nothing.” a single word spoken through gritted teeth as his sister’s exasperation brought the hybrids anger to the surface slightly. “Vampires, wolves, few scattered shifters but nothing different. Nothing like us.” he voiced while leaning forwards to rest his hands upon the warn kitchen counter. “Been a few names mentioned though, founding families of this fucking place and there’s a pretty big wolf pack by the sounds of it.”

                  “You mean the same face you have on every single time you put someone in their place?” August teased while offering his sister a cheeky smile, knowing full well that no matter how much they tried to keep a low profile, it was never easy considering their shared temperament and --- lack of control. “Yeah, maybe you’re right.” he ended up saying despite not quite believing his own agreement. “Might as well start now, hit the ground running, yeah? We’ll just listen for the drunks and follow them to the most popular bar. You’re oddly optimistic about all of this; excited, Tulls?”

                 One moment the newly hired bartender was pretending to mind his own business as he always did while keeping an eye on the goings on around him and the next moment, well, a pair of extremely supple lips were pressed mighty firmly against his own; welcome to town indeed. Perhaps there was a brief moment where the hybrid’s hands went to shove the petite blonde from his personal space that was rarely breached but then his lips that had been used for eating, drinking, growling, swearing, more growling and biting began to lust for the taste that was suddenly given; and taken away just as quickly. “Huh?” did he just say that? The dazed male proceeded to take a small step backwards from the woman as his senses kicked into overdrive while his eyes had other ideas because he wasn’t going to find answers roaming over her body and yet that’s exactly what they were doing. “Did I just say ‘huh’?”

                      “I like the way you stated both of us while giving me that look of yours that’s screaming at me to be on my best behavior. But we both know you’re the dark horse, Tuls --- think you can resist putting everyone in their place long enough for us to find what we’re looking for?” a nothing of a question as he allowed for the slow motion of the train slowing down to rock his frame gently into hers, his broad shoulder nudging Tully’s lightly while August gave her a smile that was only ever seen by his sister; they needed light moment like these, a reminder that no matter what was around the next corner, they could handle it as long as they had one another. “We need money, which means nothing jobs where we can keep an eye on the locals. Rock, paper, scissors for bartender and waiter? ---- Probably but even that shit draws too much attention.” 

                    “So did your growing delusions.” the supposed older of the two lightly quipped while glancing at his sister for a moment, rather of her shoulder at a paid of eyes that seemed too good at not paying attention for a person who was definitely listening in on the already hushed conversation. “Our faces aren’t too bad ---- until shit get’s serious.” he mumbled while alluding to their other faces, the only two in existence, well, that they were aware of and the reason they were in this fucking place. “We have to be smart.” he began even quieter than before, knowing only Tully would be able to hear him now. “Can’t exactly start asking questions and this ain’t like any other place. Keep our heads down and start sniffing around. Stay away from wolves if we find any; noses always get us in trouble. Any sign of shit, and we’re out.”

                     Once you started running, you never truly stopped, even when it seemed as though those that were chasing you had finally given up --- but the pair knew better than that; something they had learned the hard way however. It was this mentality, this absolute constant in their immortal lives that had August trusting no one other than his own flesh and blood, the only one he trusted to have his back at all costs and the only person he would sacrifice everything for; no matter how difficult it got at times. “Since when you did become the wise one, huh?” a nothing of a question as she had always pulled him back from the edge, one he was a little too comfortable with; came with what they were. “I’m offended over here, monkey --- are you insinuating that I cause the problems? Or flat out fucking stating it?”  

                   His silence was beginning to annoy August as another hour waned on --- but to the male’s credit; he had good reason for remaining closed lipped. It wasn’t until the welcome sign came into view that the older Starr sibling actually shifted his weight slightly to get a better view, not that he needed to but appearing as human as, well, humanly possible was a top priority; that an ensuring her safety. “I already don’t like this place, Tuls.” August mumbled, his usual gruff tone unable to hide the obvious disdain for the place neither had heard of until those whispers began; until fate brought them here ----- sure, lets call it fate.