Primal Bonds 2 (Tales of Beastkin)

2. Shiro

2

Shiro

M y breath caught in my throat as I took in the sheer grandeur of the Sullivan Mansion. It wasn’t just a mansion, it was a castle straight out of a fairy tale, surrounded by lush acres of woods separating it from the rest of New York City. The vast green lawn stretched out before an ornate iron gate, with dark-suited guards patrolling the perimeter. I had never seen anything so regal and magnificent.

It hadn’t been long since I wandered the streets, my days filled with the desperate plea for alms to survive. Adam had scooped me from that life little more than a month ago, and now here I was, stepping into a stately manor that existed beyond the realm of my wildest dreams.

“What’s with that look?” Adam’s voice broke through my daze.

I turned to find his smile laced with amusement. He stood close, so close that the warmth from his body reached out to me like an embrace. The musk of his alpha scent teased at my senses, unlocking vivid memories from just last night—our confessions of love and the passionate fire that followed.

Heat crept up my cheeks, and I found myself licking my lips involuntarily. Despite Adam claiming me, filling me with his seed, an unfamiliar yearning still simmered low in my belly. I had never craved another man like this before. The overwhelming desire was both intoxicating and terrifying in its intensity.

“Fuck,” Adam growled, seeming to sense my inner turmoil. His fingers threaded through my hair as he leaned in closer.

His kiss landed softly on my lips—a gentle touch that sent ripples of pleasure through me. I wanted more, craved for him to kiss me deeper, to claim my mouth as passionately as he had claimed everything else. But Adam pulled away too soon, leaving me wanting.

“Don’t make that face in the open, Shiro,” Adam said, his voice a low rumble that seemed to reverberate through my very core. “It makes it hard for me to control myself.”

The backs of his fingers trailed along my heated cheek in a featherlight caress. I couldn’t help the soft whimper that escaped my lips at his intimate touch, even here in front of his men. My gaze flitted to the guards standing watch. Some had flushed red faces while others regarded us with unabashed shock. Of course, they’d likely never seen their ruthless alpha leader behaving this way, doting upon another with such open affection.

Adam leaned in close, his breath hot against my ear. “We’ll continue tonight,” he whispered, a promise that set my heart racing, the anticipation of what was to come sending shivers down my spine. I offered a shy smile and a bashful nod.

He straightened up then, and something in his stance shifted back to the commanding alpha leader. “Now, let’s get you settled in your new home.”

Home. The word echoed in my mind as I turned my gaze back to the sprawling mansion before us. It was even more impressive up close, dwarfing the dormitory at The Institute where I had spent so many years.

I said in awe, “It’s even bigger up close. Bigger than the dorm at The Institute.”

“Is it?” Adam asked, wrapping his hand around my arm and gently guiding me toward the entrance. His touch was firm but gentle, a reassuring presence that made me feel safe.

Two guards moved to retrieve our belongings from the car trunk—well, my belongings. Just a few duffels containing the meager possessions and clothes Adam had bought for me. He hadn’t even bothered packing a bag himself, only carrying his laptop, tablet, and phone for work. I suppose the alpha leader of the powerful Sullivan Clan had no need to worry about such trivial things when this opulent manor was his home.

The grand entrance of the Sullivan Mansion swallowed us whole as we stepped across its threshold. Guards lined the hall, their heads bowed in unison. A chorus of deep voices reverberated off the high ceilings, "Welcome home, boss!"

Adam nodded to each guard, his alpha presence filling the foyer with an invisible weight that seemed to command respect without a single word. An older gentleman with silver hair stepped forward to open the door wider. There was something about his demeanor and impeccable suit that made me wonder if he might be the butler. Before Adam could even cross the entrance, a whirlwind of energy burst through the open door.

Lan appeared, his usual street punk attire clashing with the opulence around him—ripped jeans and a band t-shirt adorned his slim frame. His wolf ears twitched with excitement atop his head, the silver hoop earring catching the light. His face split into a wide grin that crinkled the corners of his eyes.

In a heartbeat, Lan’s arms wrapped around me in an embrace so tight I gasped. “Yay! You’re finally here,” he exclaimed, his voice vibrating with enthusiasm. “What took you so damn long just packing? I doubt you had much to pack anyway.”

His words were teasing, but his hug conveyed a warmth that told me he was genuinely happy to see me. I couldn’t help but feel touched by his affectionate welcome.

With a chuckle, I said, “It’s not like I had much to bring.”

Lan released me and hooked his hand around my wrist, pulling me forward. “Let me show you around,” he urged.

“Oh, okay,” I managed to say, my feet stumbling to keep up with his eager pace.

As we darted past the foyer, Nolan came into view. The sleek suit he wore clung to his lean athletic build in all the right places, accentuating broad shoulders and narrow hips—every inch the second-in-command of the powerful Sullivan Clan.

Nolan opened his mouth as if to greet us, but Lan was already in motion again. With an exasperated sigh that ruffled through his perfectly groomed hair, Nolan called after us, “Lan, don’t run in the house or I’ll smack you in the ass again.”

Unfazed by the threat, Lan threw a glance over his shoulder and retorted with a laugh that rang through the halls. “I dare you to smack me in the ass again , Master Nolan.”

“Why you little…!” I heard Nolan’s indignant sputter behind us before Lan whisked me around a corner, the sound of his laughter ringing out.

As we moved along the opulent hallway, my gaze wandered over the lavish adornments that graced the Sullivan Mansion. The walls boasted an array of paintings, each one a masterpiece of swirling colors and exquisite detail. I found myself pausing to admire a particularly vibrant landscape, the brushstrokes so vivid they seemed to pulse with life.

Lan noticed my lingering gaze and grinned. “Impressive, right? Each one’s worth more than you can imagine.”

My eyes trailed down to the massive vases that flanked the archway columns, their surfaces gleaming under the soft light. They were crafted with such intricate designs that I couldn’t help but wonder about their origins. “Are these vases… ancient?” I asked, my voice tinged with awe.

“Probably,” Lan replied with a nonchalant shrug. “Everything here has a story, and most likely a hefty price tag.”

I nodded, still taking in the grandeur around me. It was hard to believe I was standing in such a place—a place where every object whispered tales of bygone eras and silent wealth.

“So naturally, we’ll tour the first floor first,” Lan said, chuckling as if amused by my wide-eyed fascination. “This is the main building. You’ll notice on the drive into the estate that the building has four wings attached to the main building—the north, east, south, and west.”

“Yes, I noticed that,” I responded, recalling how each wing had seemed like its own realm as we approached.

“Those are headquarters or residences of the four major sub-clans under the Sullivan,” Lan explained. “There are still five more minor sub-clans under the Sullivan.”

“The Sullivan has nine sub-clans in total?” My curiosity piqued as I considered what this implied about Adam’s power within our world.

Lan nodded emphatically. “Remember how I said a clan can swallow up another clan?”

“Yeah, I remember,” I said. “When the alpha leader beats the other alpha leader in a duel.”

“Well, that’s what happened,” Lan continued. “Or so I heard anyway. I never saw it happening myself because the nine clans were already under the Sullivan when I came in.” He turned to face me then, walking backward with an ease that spoke of his familiarity with these halls. “It must be very exciting to see it happen—the duel—because according to Madi, the last two were seriously awesome when Master Adam beat them up.” His eyes sparkled with mischief. “Serves them right. It was they who started it, wanting a duel with Master Adam.” He laughed heartily at the memory.

So from what Lan was telling me, there were nine entire clans now subordinate to the mighty Sullivan Clan led by Adam. The implications weren’t lost on me—it meant Adam wielded immense power and influence to have subjugated not just one, but nine rival clans through sheer dominance and strength. A shiver ran down my spine as the realization sank in.

I was in a relationship with one of the most powerful alphas in existence. The thought alone made my heart race with a strange thrill unlike anything I’d ever experienced before.

“Who’s Madi?” I asked.

Lan turned around to walk beside me now, his pace slowing just enough for us to be side by side. “Oh yeah, I’ll introduce her later. Madi is super nice. She’s in the Ferguson clan and is Vanessa’s special person. Vanessa is the head of the Ferguson and is our clan’s third hand.”

I noticed Lan shuddering in distaste when he mentioned Vanessa’s name. It was a subtle twitch of his shoulders, but it didn’t escape my observation. His face took on a serious expression as he looked at me. “Shiro, as your buddy, I feel I must warn you.”

“Okay,” I said, bracing myself for what might come next. There was a gravity to Lan’s tone that told me this was important.

“Keep your distance from Vanessa. If possible, avoid her like the plague. Got it?” His voice held an edge of caution that made me uneasy.

Is Vanessa that scary? Nasty? I wondered silently. It must be serious for Lan to warn me with such intensity.

“Okay,” I said quietly. “I’ll keep my distance.”

“Good.” Lan nodded firmly as if relieved by my agreement.

He then led me around the corner of the corridor where a series of doors lined the right side and a floor-to-ceiling glass window ran along the left. The window revealed a view that stole my breath away—it was like looking into a different world entirely.

“Courtyard garden.” Lan gestured to our left where beautifully paved concrete paths wove between vibrant flower beds and an elegant water feature that seemed to dance with light. A large outdoor sitting area lay beyond, furnished with chairs and couches clustered around coffee tables—a perfect spot for relaxation and social gatherings.

I couldn’t help but imagine lounging out there, perhaps reading a book or simply basking in the peaceful ambiance. The presence of a pool suggested leisurely swims on hot days, its still waters mirroring the sky above.

“We have lunch out there sometimes,” Lan continued. “Madi loves it there.” His face softened at the mention of her name. “Sometimes, we do a picnic out back near the lake close to the woods. There’s a large field there and it’s super nice when the flowers bloom.”

The thought of such idyllic moments shared among friends filled me with a yearning for times I had never experienced before—picnics under open skies and laughter echoing through fields adorned with nature’s own palette of colors.

Lan swung open a door with a flourish, revealing a room that seemed to be plucked from the pages of a regal storybook. My gaze swept over the sitting room, drinking in the opulence. Plush chairs and sofas were arranged in an inviting circle, their upholstery rich and velvety to the touch. On the walls hung more paintings, each one more elaborate than the last, their gilded frames catching the light in a way that made them seem alive.

My eyes lingered on the mantelpiece above the grand fireplace where decorative gold wares stood proudly on display. They gleamed under the chandelier’s warm glow, their intricate patterns etched with such precision that I felt drawn to reach out and trace them with my fingertips.

“As you can tell, this is the formal sitting room,” Lan said, his voice echoing slightly in the spacious chamber. “It’s mostly used for entertaining important guests. People like us don’t get to be here when that happens, but I thought I’d show you the place anyway ’cause it is super fancy.”

I nodded, my eyes still roving over every luxurious detail. “It is very fancy.”

“Right?” Lan said. “Now, let’s visit the dining rooms and then the kitchen because those are the two most important places.”

I followed Lan through another set of doors and into a dining hall. A long table stretched across the center of the room, surrounded by at least fifty chairs on each side. Crystal chandeliers hung from above like frozen teardrops of light, casting an elegant glow over the fine china and silverware meticulously placed on the table.

The smaller dining room we visited next exuded a different charm—intimate and welcoming. It felt like a space where laughter and conversation would flow as easily as wine from a bottle. The table seated sixteen and was situated near large windows that looked out onto a serene garden.

Then there was the kitchen—surprisingly quaint for such a grand estate. The white marble countertop sparkled beneath modern lighting fixtures, and while it wasn’t as expansive as I had imagined a mansion’s kitchen would be, its design was sleek and functional with ample storage space.

Two chefs moved with ease among stainless steel appliances, their focus on preparing dinner undisturbed by our presence.

“This is the small kitchen,” Lan explained as we watched them work. “Food for everyone living in the main residence is prepared here. Currently, there are anywhere between five to ten people coming to dine here. Some are out doing clan’s work so they’re not around.”

“I see,” I said softly, contemplating who these other individuals might be. I knew of Adam, Nolan, and Lan; Madi and Vanessa had also been mentioned. But who made up the rest?

“There’s a bigger kitchen on the underground floor,” Lan said, his voice laced with an almost conspiratorial tone that piqued my curiosity. “That one is used for preparing food for when there’s a big party or celebration, a special event when a few hundred people attend.” He paused for dramatic effect before adding, “Oh, and there’s the ballroom as well, used for when there is an even larger number of guests.”

My eyes widened at the implications. “Wow,” I breathed out, feeling a sense of wonder wash over me. “This place is big, huh?”

Lan chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement at my reaction. “You bet.”

One of the chefs, a burly man with a kind face, turned toward us. “You showing the new boy around, Lan?”

With a proud grin, Lan nodded. “Mm-hmm.” He then presented me with a flourish, his hands gesturing my way as if I were some grand prize on display. “Meet Shiro. He’s Master Adam’s special person.” Turning to address me, he said, “Shiro, meet our two chefs, Tom and Chris.”

A nervous flutter stirred in my stomach at being put on the spot. “Hi,” I managed, offering them a shy smile. “Nice to meet you.”

“Master Adam’s special person, eh?” Tom remarked with a playful grin that revealed his elongated canines.

My gaze lingered on Tom’s hat that concealed his ears. I wondered what kind of beastkin he might be and whether Chris shared the same species since both their hats were identical in the way they hid their unique traits.

“So, you’re the much talked about Master Adam’s boy,” Chris chimed in. His eyes were warm and curious as they scanned me from head to toe. “We gotta make sure we feed you all the good stuff. Are you allergic to anything? What’s your favorite food?”

I shook my head quickly. “I’m not allergic to anything that I know of, and I like all kinds of food. I’m not fussy,” I assured them.

“Good,” Tom said with an approving nod and a thumbs-up that seemed so humanly casual it contrasted sharply with his beastkin features.

Lan leaned across the countertop with an exaggerated stretch that made no sense given his vantage point was clear without any such theatrics. His fingers tapped on the cool marble as he peered into bowls filled with various preparations—bright-green asparagus spears were nestled next to vibrant salads; potatoes lay chopped nearby beside a bowl of creamy dressing.

“What’s on the menu for tonight’s dinner?” Lan asked, turning his mischievous smile back toward the chefs.

I felt a tingle of excitement as Chris began listing off the dishes for tonight’s dinner. “Well, for the proteins, we have a beautiful seared salmon with lemon dill butter sauce and a perfectly grilled ribeye steak with red wine reduction.”

My mouth watered at the mere descriptions. The thought of flaky, tender salmon paired with the bright, herbal notes of dill made my taste buds dance. And that steak—I could almost smell the rich, caramelized sear mingling with the robust aroma of red wine.

“For sides, we’re doing roasted garlic asparagus, duchess potatoes, and a fresh garden salad with my famous house vinaigrette,” Chris continued, his chest puffing out with pride.

Roasted garlic lent such a heavenly, aromatic depth to any vegetable. I imagined biting into those tender green asparagus spears—their slight crunch giving way to an explosion of sweet, nutty garlic flavor. The duchess potatoes, with their crispy exterior giving way to light, creamy insides, sounded utterly divine as well.

“And for dessert…” Chris paused dramatically before announcing, “homemade chocolate lava cakes with raspberry coulis.”

A small, involuntary moan of delight escaped my lips. Warm, molten chocolate oozing from tender cake… I could practically taste the rich, velvety decadence on my tongue, cut through by the tart sweetness of fresh raspberries.

“Awesome,” Lan said with a grin. “That sounds awesome.”

“Gotta have at least two different proteins for a boy with a bottomless pit for a stomach like you, Lan,” Tom said, chuckling heartily.

Chris laughed in agreement as I smiled, charmed by their friendly banter. Tom was certainly right—with Lan’s seemingly insatiable appetite, two proteins were likely a necessity.

“Yep,” Lan agreed with a good-natured chuckle. “At least two. Anyway, we’ll be going now.”

The chefs waved us off with nods and smiles as we left the kitchen. Lan led me to the ballroom next, which was nothing short of breathtaking—a vast expanse where echoes danced along with the high ceilings and crystal chandeliers. Our voices reverberated off the ornate walls as we traversed the length of it.

Then we descended to the gym, which boasted an array of equipment that promised strength and endurance to those who dared engage with it. The boxing ring stood proudly in the center.

“Master Adam taught me self-defense here, too,” Lan shared, his voice carrying a note of respect and fondness as he glanced around the room. “He’s a great teacher, that’s for sure.”

Adam had shown me some self-defense techniques a month back. I remembered his patience and precision, how his instructions were both firm and reassuring. Though I had learned only a little so far, I felt grateful for each lesson that made me feel just a bit safer in this vast new world.

Lan guided me through a different entrance, a corridor that hummed with the subtle vibrations of purpose and productivity. We arrived at an elevator tucked away from the main thoroughfare, its doors sliding open with a soft whoosh.

“This is the office entrance,” Lan explained, pressing the button for the third floor. “Most of the clan’s work happens here.”

As we ascended, I couldn’t help but marvel at the thought of what lay ahead. The Sullivan Clan was more than just a family; it was a meticulously structured organization that required an army of skilled individuals to manage its vast empire.

The elevator chimed, and the doors parted to reveal a bustling hub of activity. Men and women beastkins moved with an air of determination, their suits sharp and their expressions focused. They nodded politely at Lan, some casting curious glances my way.

I felt out of place among them, my own clothes suddenly feeling plain and unsuitable for such a professional environment. It was clear that to run a clan as powerful as the Sullivans, they needed more than just brute strength; they needed minds as sharp as the tailored lines of their suits.

We moved through floors of offices and meeting rooms, each one buzzing with its own energy. Lan pointed out various departments—the financial wing, legal teams, even public relations. It was a world unto itself, hidden behind the facade of everyday New York City life.

Returning to the residential entrance felt like coming back to familiar ground.

“The Sullivan Clan members and staff live in the Eastwood Building,” Lan said. He gestured toward a window that looked out across the field to another structure that seemed both separate and part of this world.

“Some have families,” he continued. “They need their space. And yeah, there’s even a school for our little ones.” His voice held a note of pride that resonated deeply within me.

“Wow,” I expressed. It wasn’t just awe but also a yearning for what might have been—days spent learning alongside peers rather than locked away in an institute.

Lan sighed then, his usual playfulness dimming for a moment. “Too bad we’re too old for school.”

I nodded, my heart heavy with unspoken regret. If only life had been different—if only we hadn’t been taken by that cold place that sought to strip us of our identities.

“Yeah,” I murmured, feeling an ache for all those still trapped within The Institute’s walls. And Kuro… my thoughts lingered on him like a shadow I couldn’t shake. Somewhere beyond these walls, Kuro might be waiting for rescue or worse—believing he’d been forgotten. My heart clung to hope like ivy to stone walls, but with each day that passed without news of him, fear gnawed at my resolve.

Lan seemed to sense my mood shift; his usual jovial expression dimmed as he placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. We stepped into the elevator, and Lan pressed the button for the sixth floor.

“And here we are,” he said gently as we reached our destination, the elevator announcing our arrival with a soft ding.

The hallway stretched before me, grander than any place I’d ever walked. It seemed to breathe luxury, with its towering ceiling and the series of vases that lined the walls. I glanced at the paintings hanging there, their colors vibrant against the muted backdrop, and thought of the fortunes they must have cost.

“So, this floor is all bedrooms for the top executives,” Lan explained, his voice echoing slightly in the vast corridor. “Currently, there’s Master Adam, Master Nolan, Magnus, Madi, me, and now you. Oh, and Dr. Chase and Aka as well when they arrive.”

“That’s all the residents living up here?” I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper against the opulence that surrounded us.

“There’s Vanessa, Lyria, Elias, and Einar as well, but they’re out doing clan work,” Lan said. “Oh, and there’s Selvana too, but she’s usually holed up in her underground lab, concocting one nasty poison or potion or another. We mostly don’t see her for weeks on end, not until she’s nearly finished something and comes up looking for ‘volunteers’ for her testing.”

The way Lan made air quotes around “volunteers” and grimaced sent a chill down my spine. It made me think these weren’t volunteers in the traditional sense.

“Magnus, Vanessa, Elias, and Selvana are the heads of the four major sub-clans under the Sullivan Clan. And Magnus’ currently doing his secluded training in the underground training dungeon to level up his alpha power,” Lan continued. “No one else but the residents and the butler and housekeeper and dedicated maids and guards have access to this floor. The butler, you’ve seen him at the door when you arrived, he’s Reginald Thornbridge. We just call him either Reginald or Thornbridge. And the housekeeper is Mrs. Hanes.” He raised his hand to emphasize his point. “Fingerprints on the floor button. We’ll have to get you fingerprinted for that.”

I nodded in understanding, my mind still racing to keep up with all these new details.

As we continued down the corridor, Lan gestured toward a door. “My room. Next door is Master Nolan.”

Curiosity got the better of me and I asked, “How come you’re living up here and not like every other staff member at the Eastwood Building?”

Lan shrugged nonchalantly. “Because Master Nolan can’t live without me, I suppose.” His chuckle was lighthearted. “Aren’t I lucky?”

I couldn’t help but smile at his response even though it seemed Lan was oblivious to the true depth of Nolan’s feelings for him—a mixture of smartness and naivety wrapped in one.

“And this one is yours,” Lan said cheerfully as we stopped before another door. “It’s next door to Master Adam, and it also has a door that goes straight to Master Adam’s suite.”

“Really?” I asked, surprised by this thoughtful arrangement.

Lan winked at me. “Convenient, right?” His brow furrowed for a moment in thought. “Now that I think about it, mine has a door to Master Nolan’s as well, though I’ve never used it. Maybe it’s for like emergencies and stuff.” He shrugged off his pondering with an easy smile. “Anyway…” He reached out and opened the door for me.

Stepping into my new room, I was struck by a sense of awe so strong it pulled a gasp from my lips. The space opened up around me like a scene from those glossy magazine pages—those that showcased rooms you only dreamed of staying in within luxurious hotels.

“Wow!” was all I could manage as I took in my new surroundings.

The opulence of my new room wrapped around me like a warm embrace, the grandeur almost too much to comprehend. The bed alone was a masterpiece of comfort, a promise of dreams undisturbed. I trailed my fingers along the plush comforter, the fabric soft and inviting under my touch.

“If you think this is lavish, wait until you see Master Adam’s,” Lan said, throwing himself on the bed. Then he rolled onto his stomach and flashed a grin at me. “I tested the mattress for you. It’s soft and comfy.” His thumb shot up in approval.

His antics brought a smile to my face, his lightheartedness infectious in the quiet luxury of the room. Just then, the door creaked, and my gaze snapped toward it. Adam leaned against the frame, his presence like a magnetic force that instantly drew my attention. His tall figure filled the doorway, a picture of casual strength that made my pulse quicken. Just seeing him there, so close yet so effortlessly commanding, sent a thrill through me.

“You two done exploring the place?”

“Yep,” Lan replied, sitting up with his usual sprightliness. “Most of the important rooms anyway.”

Adam strode into the room. Close, he wrapped an arm around me, pulling me into his solid warmth. “Do you like your room?” he asked.

I nodded against him, feeling small yet cherished in his embrace. “It’s very nice,” I managed to say, though nice felt like such an understatement for this sanctuary he’d given me.

Lan watched us with a knowing smile dancing on his lips. “Aww. Aren’t you both sweet? Master Adam, I’ve never seen you looking so chill and—”

“Lan?” Adam interrupted with an edge to his voice that hinted at a line being crossed.

Undeterred, Lan chuckled. “But seriously, Master Adam. You always have that cold mask on your face. It’s super scary, but around Shiro, you’re so soft and gentle, like a teddy bear.”

Adam’s growl rumbled through the room like distant thunder. “Lan? Stop spouting nonsense and get your ass out of here before Nolan turns the whole building upside down looking for you again.”

Right on cue, Nolan’s unmistakable voice boomed from somewhere in the mansion’s depths. “Lan! Where the hell are you?”

Lan sighed dramatically and looked heavenward as if seeking patience from above. “Ugh! Can’t I have some peace and quiet around here?” He hopped off the bed and sauntered toward the door with an air of mock exasperation. “I’m here. I’m here,” he called out in response to Nolan’s summons before disappearing from sight.