Lord Of Beasts

Ethan didn’t even need to see Elara’s face to notice that she was feeling left out, but he just smiled to himself. He was already standing behind her after tying the necklace around her neck, and this time he wrapped his arms around her, hugging her from behind.

"Don’t worry, you can come to the base whenever you want and will be an unofficial Enforcer."

She blushed slightly, closing her eyes to savour his embrace.

"Why can’t she just join?" Mark asked, genuinely curious.

"According to Greg, they want to use her as a way to bring balance to Titan. Not only would we be the first country with two S Ranks, but it would allow them to use each of them to keep the other in check."

That made sense, and right now Titan could essentially do what he pleased.

But that raised two questions.

"Can she really become an S Rank? And who’s this Greg dude?"

Kaela answered this time.

"I’m going to do it, and so can she. The letter doesn’t mean anything, but what we’re after is what it represents."

She paused and clenched her fists before adding, "As for Greg, he’s just some asshole."

Elara didn’t expect such encouraging words from the Riot Valkyrie.

She was surprised and silently doubted she could, especially after recalling their encounter with the S Rank. But Kaela’s conviction gave her reason to believe in herself; after all, the Blood Demon seemed to have infinite powers that she had only just begun to explore.

"An asshole who’s number two in the association and runs the black suits," Ethan added for clarification.

Mark nodded.

"And of course, you can do whatever you want, Elara. Don’t let me, the association, or anyone limit or restrict you. Do whatever ultimately benefits you, just like we are doing with the Enforcers."

"They need you, not the other way around," Kaela added, already sobering up.

Elara gave a determined nod.

All three of the Titled in the room were aiming for the top rank, and without knowing, also what existed beyond it.

Kaela nudged Ethan with her elbow.

"You’re still going into Gates whenever you get the chance, aren’t you?"

He didn’t even pretend to think about it.

"Obviously."

She grinned.

"When you do, you’d better invite me."

Ethan shrugged.

"Sure. Why not? We can fuck shit up together."

They burst out into laughter, but watching how close they were and how naturally they bounced off each other, Elara felt something small twist inside her chest.

It wasn’t distrust.

She genuinely liked Kaela, and she trusted Ethan completely.

As wild as he seemed, he had a good heart, or at least for those he cared about, and they had reached a mutual, unspoken agreement that they were exclusive. But there was an uncomfortable little feeling she couldn’t quite name.

Ethan noticed it immediately and laughed.

"Don’t worry. I found out she’s a dyke. It’s a bummer, but I guess I’m stuck with you."

Elara blinked.

"What’s a dyke?"

Across the table, Mark almost choked on his drink.

"Ethan! You can’t just say that! It’s 2027; we’re supposed to be-"

Before he could continue, Ethan pointed directly toward Kaela, laughing even harder.

"She’s literally a dyke on a bike."

Mark and Elara tensely stared at Kaela, who stood there silently.

If she had an outburst after being called an offensive word for a lesbian, not that he meant any offence by it, they could only imagine the level of death and destruction she would cause.

But thankfully, she also exploded into laughter.

"Hahaha! That’s actually a good one! I haven’t heard that before!"

Mark slowly rubbed both temples.

"I’m surrounded by lunatics."

But he was glad she wasn’t upset and relieved his bar was destroyed so soon after being renovated. As Kaela and Ethan laughed their heads off, Mark explained to Elara what it meant, and then she also joined them in laughter.

’So all those comments before were just jokes. But if she doesn’t want him, does she want... me?’

Elara locked eyes with the purple-eyed woman, who gave her a wink.

"Hey, watch yourself with my girl, cow."

"You going to call me that too now, Beast Man?"

The two began arguing, and they truly looked like siblings as they did.

That’s when Ethan suddenly asked something that caught them all off guard, "Who’s up for a little trip?"

Money definitely wasn’t an issue, so they could be at a five-star resort anywhere in the world if they felt like it. Though with the Association now needing the Enforcers, and Elara being one of their most powerful Titled, Harold likely wouldn’t be so pleased if they left the country.

Considering that, Mark asked, "New Orleans? LA? Or maybe Miami?"

They could have fun anywhere, and Mark had barely left the city before, with one of the few times being to pick up Ethan from prison.

Ethan shook his head.

"You already have a place in mind, don’t you?"

He smiled.

"Harrison, Arkansas - that’s where we’re going."

Mark froze.

"Seriously?"

Ethan was confused as to why he had such a reaction.

"I’ve heard of that place. I’m pretty sure it’s one of the most racist towns in the country," the large man continued.

Ethan laughed.

"Yeah. That sounds like the one."

The man he intended to visit had belonged to a white supremacist prison gang, so it made sense that was the case.

Mark blinked several times.

"What are you even going there for? It doesn’t exactly scream holiday destination."

He smiled.

"I’m visiting an old friend."

"...Old friend?"

Now Mark looked even more confused.

He’d known Ethan practically his entire life, and was certain he wasn’t racist, especially since his entire family was of colour. But the idea of casually travelling across the country to visit what was likely an old prison acquaintance from Harrison was...

Unexpected.

But before he could ask another question-

"I’m coming!"

Elara answered without the slightest hesitation.

"So am I!"

Kaela added immediately.

Mark sighed.

"Count me in."

Three heads slowly turned toward him.

"Really?"

He scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"Well, I’ve never been to Arkansas. It can’t be that bad, and you can’t judge a place until you’ve been."

Ethan laughed lightly, and just like that, the four of them prepared to set off, matching his spontaneity. Mark quickly locked up the Black Howl before sliding the keys into his pocket, and as he pulled the shutters closed, he let out a long sigh.

’What am I getting myself into...?’

Ever since Ethan received his Title, life had become increasingly ridiculous. Now he was about to cross the country with Ethan, Elara, and an A Rank alcoholic psychopath.

Honestly, he should’ve been terrified.

Instead, he found himself looking forward to it.

There was only one small problem.

He looked back toward the others who were casually standing around as Ethan smoked, while people snapped pictures of them from a distance.

"...How exactly are we getting across the country?"