FSE

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With the holidays, I've managed to cook some writing up. So, here goes another chapter.

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Internal Auditor 12

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Autumn had finally ended and with the first fall of snow, winter quickly approached. Days go by and soon after, the streets were covered with snow. It looks as if a huge blanket of snow had fell upon the land and each corner of the city was covered with it. In time, city people had tended to grow used to such conditions. Most were covered with thick furs but those who didn't shroud themselves with thick layers of coat or jacket. Many had to fight through the streets under cold weather but most relentlessly got through and back to their destined workplace.

As lunch approached through the day, there was only one hot topic that was uttered by ever people on the streets. Each indulged with the news about how companies began to collapse under unusual circumstances when investors started pulling out and when that happened, many followed the trend. So much so that every company was losing shareholders during the sudden worry and hype. It was fairly unusual but the chain reaction brought many into high alert.

Soon after, their savior came. Basil, the multi billionaire and philanthropist of the nation, invested highly into various companies and with a snap, company began to pick themselves up. This followed along and within a few days, near to a month, most were restored back to its former self but before the asset injection, thousands of employees were suddenly thrown into the streets. It was a sudden shock within that few months and nobody knew why. It was all so sudden.

Gossips began to bloom when they found out that Basil invested heavily. News has it that the man purposely had this plan to make companies up to near bankrupt but saved them when they have reached the edge. No other choice was given and in the end, Basil held the majority of shareholder in hundreds of sitting. He became an active investor and demanded reports of each investment that he made; even more so when advisors and actuaries were hired to gain a better understanding of complex corporations. These rumours were just rumours but another counter for that was him, having some sort of diabolic fight with another unknown billionaire. The most this went on, it got far more farfetched than the first.

Basil knew what the people were talking about. He has heard these 'rumours' but it didn't mattered much to him. He knew the truth and the truth shall stay. The ones who knew respected the wolf and kept their mouth shut. They knew about Shaun through the sudden fall and even took the man into custody. As of right now, Shaun was in prison with an unknown identity. He had no records whatsoever and Basil made sure of it. He had no birth certificate, any identification was cut off and he was known as an outcast, the wolf with no name.

It was the complete opposite for Shaun, of course. He knew who he was and who his infamous father was but when he heard about how he was being treated, his world crashed into oblivion. All he did was for his father but till now, after months of it, his old man doesn't even acknowledge him. In fact, it got worse. His father had cut all records about him and even his identity. This was low, even for him but who was he to fight against him? He is now, a nobody.

As of now, sitting in a cell with only a hard bed, basin and a urinary bin as furniture didn't make things any better. The past few months have been terrible for the wolf. His court case has yet to be determined as of yet and during this period, he has to stay in a cell with the other criminals. Not all of them are criminals per se but most were. He hardly made any friends there but who would? Like the outside, greed and corruption are present in this very chamber. No matter where he goes, the mortal flesh yearns for more than what they are satisfied with.

Helping one another in prison isn't going to do him any good. With that in mind, Shaun was mostly alone and tends to his own personal needs. He eats, shower, work and sleep alone. The joys and comfort of life taken away from him but he had expected that. Remembering back to the event when he was badly bruised by Blake, the wolf closed his eyes and smiled through bitterness. The medics were able to heal him and in time, he was partially recovered from the beating. His nose was mended but the scar on his face gave him a reminder of what he had done, taking away the life of another man.

I am a criminal after all. What is it to me if I take the life of another?

A sudden pair of legs was seen in front of his eyes and he looked up, met with the piercing eyes of a hawk. "Are you Shaun?"

He blinked for a moment before he answered. "Yes. Yes I am."

"Come with me." The man smiled.

Shaun continued blinking and got on his feet. This was one of the wardens and caretaker of the place and the only reason he was called to present was perhaps a message from the outside. No one could have wanted to see him. Heck, he doubt that a message from his father would come through, seeing that he doesn't want to acknowledge him as his son any longer. Who else would give him a message? As these questions ran through his mind, the canine continued to follow like a good pet. They entered into another building and a steel door was waiting for them.

The hawk stopped and unlocked the door. He turned, giving a warm smile of sincerity. "You have a guest. Someone wants to talk to you. If you need anything, I will be behind this door."

"W-Who?"

His feathered guard placed his hand on his shoulder and gave a good firm grip. "Doesn't matter. Go. No guard will be there to hear on your conversation. I will be your private guard for now."

Shaun had no idea what was happening. Even when he tried to protest, the man pushed him in and locked the door behind, leaving the wolf with another person in the very room. He sighed and turned; might as well meet his guest. Eventually, he laid eyes upon a tiger that sat across the table. No amount emotion could have described this very moment. He was angry and yet sad, followed by happiness that he would come see him. All of these mixed into a pot of feelings that practically hurt his heart.

"Why..." He muttered under his breath.

"Shaun...." The tiger got up and quickly held on to the wolf.

However, he pushed that paw away. "Don't touch me, Smith."

"I..." The tiger retracted and sighed. "I'm... sorry."

"Why... did you come? To gloat your victory?"

"I come for no such thing." Smith defended.

"Then why did you come in the first place?"

This time, Smith managed to grab hold of the wolf with both paws. "I came to see you. To see how you're doing. I know that this is unusual but... I just... I just sympathize with your situation."

Shaun hissed and pushed the tiger off. "Yeah. Fine, sympathize all you want. How's life out there, hrm? Me? I'm fine and peachy. Ya' know, prison food ain't that bad. They serve better portion here than I usually get in those 'fine dining' places that I usually eat at."

The feline stood rooted to the ground as he heard the man's complains and whining. Everything was uttered out. His deep emotions of bitterness had finally found the opening and he let loose. He complained about the place, the guys in there, the warden, the environment; practically everything in this hell hole made him unhappy. He had no friends and wouldn't even want to. Once they know who he is, they might just back stab him and run away with the loot. Everything came from his father to the world to the people that hurt him to the hate he had for the tiger.

As much as his word struck his heart like a piercing sword, Smith accepted it. There was no reason to fight with him but to only hear the man's own personal feelings. In the end, he stopped with bated breath, inhaling a large gulp of air before exhaling. "How do you feel?"

Shaun ignored him and sat to the chair nearest to the table. "Fuck off."

He rolled his eyes and took the seat across the man. "I've done that already."

Shaun looked away and twiddled his fingers. "How's f-father?"

Smith knew that that question would pop up, eventually. "Basil is doing alright. He's slowly gaining back the economy and it's nearly restored back to its proper place. In fact, better than before."

"I... I see."

"Shaun, are you still angry that you landed yourself in prison?"

"Heh," he shook his head in denial. "I am not angry at myself because I got my ass in prison. I am angry at the fact that I did not find a way to get out of this. I was actually depending on my bodyguard to fight you guys off so I could make a getaway but it seemed to turn the other way around. I hired them for a reason and that was part of the reason. I knew that you weren't going to help me."

"You know and yet, you pushed me."

"Because I had no other means." He paused momentarily. "Because I had planned it all. Only problem is, I'm not good enough to plan out everything. Father was right; I am an idiot with no backbone. I can barely hold myself up. This is my second time screwing up. Only difference now, he's not helping me bail out and I'm stuck here. God knows, I'll probably stay here for life. Father has already cut all traces back to me."

"But that doesn't mean that you have to throw all hopes away," Smith grasp on the canine's paw. "Shaun, I know that... things may not turn out right at this very moment but you have potential. Just divert them into the right path, and you're there."

Evidently, he pulled both paws off and looked away. He didn't want to show how right the tiger was. The reason for what he did was to give a better recognition of his status to his father but now that things have change, his plan was a total failure. To divert such talent into something new; this would give him a second chance to life. However, he was stuck here. No amount of argument could bail him out. The total amount of evidence was all pointing against him. Heck, if that wasn't enough, he will be labeled as a murderer.

"How's Black...?"

The stripped feline coughed. "He's doing okay at the moment. He was in a critical condition when you shot him. Thankfully, his spirit was strong enough to pull him out of the gutter. Immediate operation and soon after, he's slowly recovering in bed."

He sighed and slumped back. "At least he didn't die."

"You were about to kill me."

Shaun gave a small laugh at his statement, getting up on his feet to look down upon him. "I was, in fact. I was desperate. Wouldn't you do the same when all hopes are lost? I bet right now, the people that helped work for me would be cursing under their breath and wanting death to befall upon me."

It was true. Investigations were carried out and they have caught the wolf's cohorts. Most tried to flee from the country but Voden was quick enough to block off all access out. That man was well prepared for anything. If Smith didn't know any better, this was probably a routine for him. Regardless, most spilled the beans and acted innocent. Their trials will be on shortly and no amount of pleading would save their sorry ass. All of them claimed that Shaun was the mastermind behind all of this. He offered them rewards far better than anyone could give and they accepted it blindly without thinking. That shows how greedy mortals are and there's no denying it.

Added with those statements, it didn't help with Shaun's case. In fact, it strengthened the fact that he was guilty. The door clicked open abruptly and the warden came in, the hawk tipping the edge of his hat. "Time's over. I cannot allow any more than what I have given. We wouldn't want to raise suspicion."

Smith looked back from the hawk towards the feline and back to him, giving a nod of approval. "Thank you, Iris."

---

After Smith left, nothing much could be said from the wolf's perspective. He was pensive and a blank expression was written all over him. As he walked out of the building to the adjoining cell that connected to the other, Iris, the hawk warden, stopped and pointed to the other building. Shaun stared at him, slightly confused. That wasn't the way back but to the cafeteria. Now wasn't the time for meal but even if he wanted to break away, the male had wrapped an arm around his neck and gave a toothy grin.

As they approached the cafeteria, it was, as it should be, empty with none present. The only living being would be the cook and a few of the helpers. Besides that, it was bare. Iris ordered for the wolf to take a seat and he left without a word. Shaun didn't know what was happening and he was slightly confused with the hawk's intention. He didn't even know him well enough to be friends. In fact, this was his first meeting him and he's treating him like an old friend. There must be an ulterior motive to him but for now, he would have to play along.

He watched attentively at his actions, wondered if this was a trick or some sort. His tail feathers dropped up and down as he walked and judging from the back, one thing was for certain, Iris wasn't a weakling. When he first saw him, Shaun did not took into consideration how he looked like but now, the bulk and frame of his body showed definition. The shirt tightened up behind his back as he stretched his arms upwards and there was clearly muscle along his biceps. Despite the feathers covering up most of his body and that shirt, the wolf knew that if he fought, he would lose.

By then, he got what he wanted in a tray and walked to the table, his smile plastered on his face without fail. The tray was placed down and he sat, both arms on the table, looking straight to the wolf.

"W-What?"

"Eat. I know you didn't get much from the last meal." Iris said.

"How...?"

"I saw. I watched. I monitor. It's my job." He said as he continued to smile.

Shaun raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "You're no warden, are you?"

The hawk thought for a moment before answering. "Partially. I work for your father. He hired me."

Shaun winced at those words and growled viciously. He wasn't expecting anybody from the outside to come monitor him, much less from his father. This was something he had never expected. If he's being monitored, that would probably mean...

"Does that mean you report to father?!" His fist slammed on the table.

"Shh! Calm down." He looked behind to the helpers and smiled, waving back as a signal that nothing happened. "You're going to attract attention. Yes, I report to your father. You know, he isn't that bad. Though, slightly difficult to communicate but after a while, you'll get used to him."

"Father rarely 'communicates' with me. So, I wouldn't know." Shaun crossed his arms over chest and looked away. "Why would he care now?"

"Shaun, look. Basil cut off all contacts with you so the case doesn't lead back to him and to lead off the police so they do not connect the dots between you and him. It's a complicated issue. Some sort like... hrm... I'm sure how I'd explain it."

"No need to explain. I'm out." The wolf was about to take his leave when Iris gripped on to his paw, pulling him back down. "Let go."

"Sit, listen and eat." Iris said. "I don't want you going hungry."

"Feh, why would you care?"

"Probably because I was one of your bodyguards when you were young? I watched you grow, you know."

He was taken aback. Iris... was one of his bodyguards? That was near impossible but based on how things had turned out, nothing is impossible. It was true that he had plenty of guards following him around since he was a child but none of them really showed their true colour. They either hide within a distance or just plain don't show up. He knew he was protected and he never was worried at all. However, they failed their duties when he was brought down. One must have slipped up and missed a day's work but no right could do a wrong.

Shaun sighed and returned to his seat. If this man was truly one of his guards, then, he could trust him with his life. With that said, he took the bread and broke a piece, putting it in his mouth and started chewing. The food was horrible but there wasn't any other edible stuff around. This was it and if he wanted to survive, at least he needed to keep his strength up.

Soon after, Iris told his side of the story. Basil worked hard to invest into fallen companies and about half of his wealth was out to fund off its investment. Of course, most companies were grateful for such an impact and this gave a huge boost to the stock market. Peoples were beginning to invest and profits proved to reach up to its maximum capacity. Many were left with some happy investments.

"What a bunch of assholes. The world truly is greedy. I'm just giving what the people wanted, is that wrong?" Shaun shook his head and continued eating. "Don't you get it? The world is filled with greed. Now is a good time to prove the nature of mortal. Now they received their goods. In a few months, they would want more. Every single year, companies are increasing in profits."

"It's business, Shaun. This is how things are run." Iris defended.

"All the more reason to take it all away. I am no different. I wanted more too. Greed runs in my veins as will with father."

"But you wanted more than just money, Shaun," the hawk leaned forward and shook the wolf. "You wanted parenting love. That is different. Have you ever thought that money could never replace love?"

"Money always replaces love."

"Shaun, look at me. I am not rich. I live an average lifestyle. I do not live in a mansion like you in the past and drive an expensive car. No, I live in a fixed income and yes, I invest as well but it's all about survivability. Why are you looking into the grim fact of life and not on what's good?"

The wolf popped the last piece of food and chewed without an answer. He wasn't about to answer that. It was his opinion and how things are done in his way. This man has no rights to his thoughts. Even if he did care for him since birth, there was no way he would tell him. He would just report back to his father and things could get worse.

In the end, Iris felt defeated. And yet, his warm smile had yet to leave him. "C'mon. You missed shower time."

Shaun scoffed at him before trailing along.

---

How wonderful it is... to feel the warmth of love from a parent. Father, what did I do wrong? Why am I an outcast? For wealth, you would push your only son away. I had no one to pour my heart out to. For years, I've been locked in my own home and for nothing. You didn't want anyone to know my existence, your own flesh and blood and yet, you showed your most caring love by employing guards to keep my safety. I feel.... Repressed... So lonely...

The water of the open prison shower cascaded down the wolf's body, drowning his fatigue and frail body, quickly replaced with comfort of hot shower. He had both arms wrapped around himself and didn't care if anyone saw him. It was his moment. This was what he felt like. For years... his childhood, ruined by not having friends around. The only ones he knew was the butler and a few helpers, even a nanny but they were all nobody. None really stayed for long as they didn't want to interfere into my private life. As they say, keep things professional.

Nothing in this world speaks professionalism. All there is are façades that covered their true identity. Everyone wanted more for their greed and want for power. Power rules everything. And that is why... I must change to be cruel and demeaning.

"There is nothing more to life than that." He watched the water trailed down his paw, watching tentatively at how the flow of water went.

He staggered suddenly when a pair of arms hugged him from behind. With eyes wide open, sudden fear washed over him and the first thing his instinct told him was to fight back. Just as he was about to struggle, a familiar voice spoke through his ears, down to a whisper.

"Shh... Shh... Calm down. Calm down. It's just me."

Apparently, Iris had caught him off guard and the hawk assured his words by hugging him tightly, pressing back against his bared feathers. If he thought his back was muscled, his front was even more intimidating. Heck, he had yet to even turn around and see him up close but through experience, he knew how a muscled man felt like. For a hawk his size and species, it wasn't surprising since they were mostly bold and assertive but to feel one so close, it was frightening. Shaun had had males his size before. Best example would be Smith but at this moment, he felt different. It was as if a certain force told him that this man came here to protect his inner thoughts and feelings, to make him feel in place.

At first, the wolf wasn't very acceptive but as the avian continued to grip him harder, and the water crashing down, he sensed comfort and dare he say... love. Was Iris falling for him in such short notice?

"Iris, what are you doing?"

The hawk softened his grip and sighed. "Sorry. I thought you needed a hug. You weren't looking so bright when you came in here."

"I'm sorry but are you clothed or down to nothing?"

"In the buff, most literally and figuratively."

Shaun stiffened. "You do know that we're in public, right? And you're a warden."

"Not when nobody is around. I made sure the shower room was locked. Only I have the key."

Both wolf and hawk turned to silence. If Shaun didn't know any better, Iris was quickly falling for him. Perhaps those years of looking after him came bursting out into this one moment. However, the words of the man had no substance! He had been guarding him since young and yet, he had never known him... at all? Something must be wrong but he was slightly afraid of asking.

What he felt now was nothing he had experienced before. Sure, he had some flings here and there and one night stand but none of them really showed just passion and compassion into one single hug. He drew short and exclaimed breaths and gently blew on the wolf's neck, making him shiver and tingle. If that wasn't enough, Iris was beginning to press soft licks on his neck but his beak was in the way. Regardless, he was really into it. His short and proclaimed breathes weren't the action that made the wolf tremble and quake. Those feathered wings were strong and hard, equivalent to a normal paw. As his wings brushed against his fur, he knew where it was heading off to.

His shaft had barely grown in full proportion but the hawk was eager to fix the wrong. Those soft and dexterous wings found its way down and managed to uphold his cock, giving slow and steady strokes that could force him to gasp and sputter out in need. Ever since his stay in this hell hole, the thought of masturbating had never came to his mind. The only thoughts that were his past actions that managed to break down multiple companies and why his father was so cold hearted towards him. Those were the only questions that floated around his head but to indulge into self-pleasure was at the bottom of the list.

Now, he had something to help him. His needs as a male was beginning to crept into his subconsciousness and if he didn't know any better, so was his youthful hormones. In minutes, Iris practically held on to his fully grown erection, throbbing under feathered wings. At the moment, Shaun felt a sense of protection wrapped around his body and despite the lust that permeates through his body, he could actually felt safe. For once, he had a pair of arms surrounding him; even if he didn't know that man well enough but he's trustworthy.

Iris flicks his tongue once more and lapped against the wolf's neck, making him shiver and whine under such ministration. If that wasn't bad enough, his shaft was beginning to leak a rivulet of pre. Under the rain of shower, Shaun felt a tinge of romance blooming between him and the hawk but the more he thought about it, it was utter nonsense to fall in love with someone in by the hour. He barely knew the man but by gods, he's got the most wonderful pawjob around. Each stroke from his wings practically made his legs stumble and hobble. Luckily enough, Iris was strong to handle both his and the wolf's weight.

However, Shaun tried to pull himself off and was successful when the avian retracted. Iris was taken aback and disappointed with his action but as soon as the wolf turned around to face him, he saw something; something that portrayed the wolf in his own hardship. His eyes gleamed and nearly turned to sobs when he heard a soft sniff. Shaun placed both paws on his chest and looked away.

"I cannot do this. I do not know what your intentions are but this is wrong. I do not know you."

"Shaun," Iris held on to him, pulling into a tight muscled hug. "Do not be afraid. I can assure you that I speak the truth. To be honest, when I saw how much you've grown, I was beginning to fall for you. But each time, my superior disapproves of such fantasy. The reason was due to our large gap in status. You're the son of a rich man while I'm merely a peasant."

The wolf stayed silent and said nothing more than just a grunt or a nod.

"Even after years of that, I still hang on to the distance love for you. I have fantasied about having you in my arms. When the sudden opening for a warden to protect you came up, I took it immediately. I wanted you to be safe."

He looked up at Iris and smirked. "Is that why I wasn't bullied till now?"

The hawk chuckled and ruffled his fur. "Maybe. Probably. Could be. Why do you care now?"

"Oh no, just to start a conversation." He rumbled happily.

As Shaun pulled away from the hawk slowly, he finally managed to capture the essential beauty that he portrayed himself as; beautiful brown feather covering almost every part of him except for his front which painted itself with sheer purity of white. And he was right about the avian. Even through such heavy coat of feathers, he could clearly see the definition that came from years of training. Most of the guards or bodyguards that his father had employed must qualify in both physique and mental, mostly physique since it was part of the job requirement. His chest puffed high up and his chiseled abs worked its way up, toned and ripped like the man that he should be.

Iris smiled as the wolf continued to gawk openly at him. He might as well give in a free show for him. With arms up, his biceps were quickly stressed and it tightened with pure raw muscle. Both arms at the ready, he gave another pose of muscled strength and this time, Shaun started drooling over unconsciously.

"Shaun, you're drooling."

"Um, yeah. W-ell," he wiped the stain off from his mouth with the back of paw before licking his lips. "Y-You're quite the man." He coughed.

Iris couldn't help but feel proud from the compliment. He knew that others complimented on his raw physique but coming from the voice of the wolf, it sounded different. Rather, it was smoothed and deep, perhaps a soft growl of lust evident in his voice but all the more sultry. The hawk took his paw and gently grazes a finger upon his sheath, shuddering from the touch of another man.

Shaun couldn't help but gulp down a mouthful of saliva as he began to slowly rub and tease along the opening. Within seconds, the tip of the cock head showed and more of its length came out from the warm cavern. Inch after inch and soon enough, he couldn't believe how much the hawk was packing. It was at least ten inches of throbbing meat and if he didn't know any better, this was only the beginning. There is no way one could take such a large portion deep in their asses but the more he looked at it, the harder it was to ignore his lust.

"So.... Big..." He muttered under his breath and immediately got down on both knees. With mouth open wide and tongue rolled out, the canine practically worshipped that very cock. Tongue gave soft and gently licks on the tip before engulfing the length down to the base. Shaun wasn't a stranger to giving a hearty blowjob and he wanted to prove to him that he could bring him pleasure too. Without pulling away or stopping, his skillful tongue wrapped against the length and began sucking like a baby.

Just as his sand papery tongue grazed along the tip and travelled downwards along the length, Iris had to keep steady by holding on to the wolf's ears, gripping harshly but quickly knowing his place. "S-Sorry... J-Just that... You're really good at this."

Shaun scoffed and closed his eyes to fully enjoy the bone that was delivered to him on a silver platter. "If you've so much followed me around during my time working in the company, you would have known that I'm no stranger to sex."

"We weren't allowed to," he grunted and tried to suppress his instinct to thrust forward. "Basil told us to monitor only from afar and not from within."

The wolf shook his head and continued to lap away at the hardened shaft. It wasn't difficult to spur the hawk on as he finally found the male's sweet pleasure spot between the cock head. He quickly engulfed it whole and murrred with mouthful, suckling as much as possible for the avian's enjoyment. Shaun grab hold on to his butt cheeks and spread it open, making him gasp and lunge forward. With skilled fingers, he managed to prod at the brim of his tail hole, playing with it before threatening to push in.

Iris couldn't help but blush and whine at the wolf's ministration. He had never fingered himself before and the thought of it was frightening. Frankly speaking, he was excited and scared, both at the same time. Shaun had yet to release his maw from that throbbing meat and the more he tried to push him away, the deeper he went, pushing all the way till his nose touched the base. The hawk had to roll his eyes back and panted with bated breath at such a skilled maw. Even after deep throating, the wolf had yet to pull away. Instead, his canine tongue lathered it all up and placed extra pressure on the side.

Iris had to curse aloud and pry away from Shaun. "W-Where did you learn that from...?"

"Something along the line of fucking and sucking," Shaun stood up and cupped at the hawk's chin, smiling and staring deeply into his eyes. "Do you want to continue on or rather keep this between us and never speak about it again?"

"I... I... I-If we were to continue, what would you suggest?" He stuttered.

Shaun tilted his head over. "You're acting like this is your first. Surely this isn't your first. You should be far more experienced than me."

"I am," he bashfully retorted, "Just not as intimate as this."

"You've never had a lover before?"

Iris looked away shamefully. "I have not."

That shook the wolf a little. "You mean to tell me.... You kept your far distance desire for me and knowing the fact that you may not have me as a significant other, you still pursue on such dreams? Are you stupid?"

"I... think I may be."

"Such idiocy. One must not dwell in trivial matters but pursue what's the present. You know why you're not up the ladder or rich? Because you're just ignorant and stupid," The wolf turned back and shook his head. "Do not move towards a goal that you know that you cannot attain. You will be stuck at where you are at. Look at you now, still down in the same position for years."

His words were bitter and harsh but through them, he speaks the truth. Iris couldn't help but hugged over at his body. By now, he wasn't excited or lustful any longer but a sense of insecurity and bitterness. Perhaps he deserved such treatment from him and it was probably time for a serious reality check. Shaun looked over behind and sighed in defeat. He obviously hurt the avian's feelings but he just had to move on.

There is no point in finding a love that he barely knew for a few hours or better yet, to a man that do not look forward to the near future. By keeping down on past matters, it goes to show that the man did not strive for more than what he has. No, the wolf looked for something far beyond the requirement. Someone who knows what he's doing and continues to pursue a better dream; contrary to what he had done, it may have been futile but at least now, he knew his mistake.

"Let's go. We do not want to stay here for long. I appreciate your help."

"Yes... We will." Iris said in defeat, turning the shower off before toweling himself. He looked up and saw the gaze of the wolf once more.

"Perhaps another time," he spoke.

Iris nodded and smiled, turning back to the cheerful feathered man that he was. If he wasn't able to woo the man of his desires, at least for now, he could protect him from any harm. Prison isn't one of the best places for a vacation but with his guidance, Shaun would have a better life before his trial. It was now up to the court. Hopefully, his punishment would be lowered but from the looks of things, it may not be that way since all traces of his past history was deleted.

---

Basil was up to his neck with the amount of work involved between transactions of companies. As expected, many existing shareholders weren't very happy with the man's sudden presence as a major shareholder but that was the only choice they had to keep the company afloat. It was a desperate move, making their shareholdings disperse and slightly low on the voting rights. Even with the number of help he had hired to handle every account for each company, there were too many inconsistencies and rules and regulations that were different from what he knew of.

The wolf may be superior to the business world but at times, he had difficulties in tackling problems like these but he was learning through the whole way. He knew what would happen if he did this and so forth. In the end, he truly was the man of business and had every right to claim the title of a 'genius millionaire'.

In the following months, things had finally settled and everything was back to normal. The stock was back on line and dealings went on as it should be. Buying and selling; other screaming to their brokers and multiple decisions being made. To Basil, it was the sound of utter fulfillment and he was glad he could jack up his worth to the economy. It may be a cruel way to put things back as it was but this was an opportunity. Never let a chance like this slip off, that was how strived. However, the simple thought of his son continued to haunt him.

He never was a good father but he had his reasons. Cutting off all contacts with the boy was a cruel thing to do but much needed to preserve his name. If the public knew how much of a scoundrel his son was, they would never forgive him.

He sat in his study for that night; alone, with the accompaniment of cackling fire to warm the room and his personal butler. It wasn't unusual for him but rather, a habit. Looking past his working papers, he saw a picture of Shaun, his child, the one that he had so much as ignored and neglected. There was nothing he could do but look forward to the past. Shaun was a lost cause and deep down, he regretted his deeds.

Basil chuckled and flipped the photo over, murmuring to himself. "What an idiot."

"Master, if I may be so bold." His personal butler coughed.

"Of course, my good man."

The butler walked over and flipped the picture back to its place. "Do not shun him away. He has endured the life of being fatherless of years and now, master continues to do it. Soon enough, you will lose him."

Basil stared at the picture. "I have, haven't I?"

He nodded. "He was sad and lonely. I have seen him walking around aimlessly around the mansion without a purpose. He had no friends, no real friends since he was cooped up in this place. Where are you, when he needed you most?"

"You do know that you have spoken more than what you should, don't you?"

The butler bowed and apologized. "I may have but look at it this way. No one was daring enough to challenge against you. I may be only a servant but there are things in this place that I know better off than you. I chose to keep my tongue but for this, I cannot. I wasn't given the chance to raise a child but master, you have. Do you want to keep the joy of a child away from your life, as a father?"

Basil kept silent and stared blankly into space.

"Wealth isn't everything, master," he continued. "Money cannot buy love because money is material. Something as intangible as love isn't one to appear once too many times. All he wanted was for your love. There is still a chance. Give yourself another chance. Reputation or not, a family that sticks together is the greatest treasure anyone could receive."

With that, the man stopped and bowed, retreating back to his spot as a butler. Now, Basil was left alone to think. The words slowly sunk into his mind as he stared on. He was right. There was no doubt about it and every word that the man had uttered out was the complete truth. Family always comes first. He knew that Shaun was working hard to gain his approval for a father's love but the simple thought of keeping himself afloat, and being the man of a business that he is kept pushing it away. Every time he tried to shake it off, it kept coming back. Even in his sleep, at times, he could hear the voice of his son, crying out to him for attention.

Even now, he could hear his desperate plea for help.

When have I turned so cold? Ever since the death of my beloved wife, I pushed family away and broke all ties with my own father and mother. All connections with them were lost and no one knew who I was except for a handful. And now, treating my son as I have given to my parents... Am I that heartless?

Basil gingerly pulled out a note that he kept with him all this while, a simple remembrance of where his roots were. It was old and crumpled but he treasured it like it was his life. He opened the seal and took out the note that his father gave him. In the end, managed a smile and sighed inwardly.

"Family is everything. They support and nurture one another. Always remember, wealth do not surpass health neither does family."

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