2

[Two days ago]

"You're leaving now?"

Lexton stood right in front of the slightly open door of Gama's room. Looking inside with his eagle eyes, he found Gama sitting on the edge of the bed with several clothes and bags still open.

Gama stopped for a moment his activity which had been busy putting some clothes into a backpack, when he realized the Alpha's presence was not far from where he was sitting now. He had been aware of Lexton's presence in his doorway since earlier, but before Lexton made a sound Gama had chosen not to greet his clan leader first.

Now that Lexton had finally uttered a single sentence of inquiry, Gama nodded his head and gave a faint smile at the corner of his lips.

"Not long, Lex," the man said. His right hand reached for a navy blue jacket, which he now tucked into his jet-black bag. "Only two days, and I can assure you that you won't have any trouble this time."

Lexton could be heard taking a breath. Furrowing his brows, he moved to push the brown door of Gama's room a little wider. Both hands that had been crossed in front of his chest now lowered slowly, as one reached into his pants pocket to pull out his cigarette and lighter from inside.

"I've finalized everything about Fredo," Gama reported again. "Oliv will be behind you while I'm gone, and he already knows what he has to do. You don't have to worry about where that asshole is, because I've made sure he won't be able to breathe again."

Lexton did not slow down. His slender legs wrapped in a pair of brand-name jeans swayed firmly, and now a cigarette was tucked between the man's tanned lips. His beady eyes looked straight at Gama, who seemed to be almost done with his packing scene.

Listening intently to Gama's description of one of their enemies--Fredo Alzair, Lexton chose to remain silent. If Gama said he had finished it, then Lexton really had nothing to worry about. In fact, there was no need to think about it at all, because Gamaliel Vernon, who was also the Beta, could always be counted on.

Plopping himself right down on one of the soft sofas right next to Gama's big bed, Lexton puffed his cigarette smoke into the air. He actually had a few things he wanted to ask but decided against it until Gama returned. Because he knew Gama must have something important when the right-hand man, who was also his best friend, suddenly asked for a few days off.

"You're going home?"

Lexton's voice came back into the air, mixing with the cigarette smoke that was now starting to disappear into the wind. Gama liked to keep his bedroom window open late into the night, and he often forgot to close it. He said he preferred the breeze from outside, rather than the blast of air conditioning that might be the choice of many people.

Gama chuckled. "You wouldn't allow me if I didn't tell you the truth, would you?" the man asked with a faint grin.

Lexton shrugged.

Gama tugged on the zipper of his backpack, indicating he was done with the gear he would be taking away this time. Rising from the edge of the bed, Gama headed towards Lexton and sat down right on the chair opposite the Alpha.

"I'm going home," Gama said. "I have someone to meet, and I can't wait any longer."

Lexton raised one corner of his lips. His cigarette had turned to ash almost halfway through, and now he was getting interested in what he had just heard.

'Gama is going to meet someone? Who is that?'

It seemed like Gamaliel hadn't talked or discussed anyone else in his life for the past twelve years, or rather after he joined the Alfacht clan. Lexton did not even know where Gama's family lived and resided, as the man had never been in the mood to talk about it before now.

Gama had truly become a part of the Alfacht clan, in fact, he was the strongest pillar behind Lexton up until this point. It could be said that Gama's life revolved around the organization, and that was enough to occupy his time. Gama had never had a session to himself, but this time he even took the day off to make time.

"Who are you going to see?" Lexton could not help but ask, curiosity welling up in his chest. The man's eyebrows drew together again, as he waited patiently for Gama's answer.

Gama grinned. His bead swiveled perfectly, and with one glance, he threw it in the other direction.

"Someone," the man replied. "Someone precious to me, who is probably second in my priority list only to you."

Lexton took another deep drag on his cigarette. It was clear from his face that the man was not satisfied with the answer Gama gave, because that was not the answer Lexton wanted. Gama's answer still sounded gray, and Lexton knew the Beta still had something he might not know.

"That's not what I wanted to hear, Gam," Lexton argued. "If you're saying he's right below me, then I at least want to"

"I'll tell you later," Gama cut in quickly. "It's still early, but I promise I'll get you to meet someday."

Gama did not elaborate. Rising from his seat suddenly, the man smiled broadly at Lexton now.

"Trust me, Lex," the man pleaded. Staring at Lexton with his usual calm gaze, Lexton knew Gama wasn't messing around.

Letting Gama go out there alone without an escort worried Lexton a little, considering there were so many people out there who might be after Gama's safety. But on the one hand, Lexton also knew that Gamaliel Vernon was a reliable fighter.

There was no need to doubt because he had an above-average ability to keep him safe. And Lexton had decided to give permission this time. As a friend, but also as the leader of their organization.

"Alright, Gam," Lexton said then. His cigarette was already stubbed out, which he now put into the lion-shaped ashtray on the table.

Rising from his seat, Lexton moved to narrow the distance between himself and Gama. Patting the man on the shoulder, Lexton reached into his jeans. Pulling out a car key attached to a light gray keychain, Lexton handed it to Gama.

"Use my car," Lexton said then. "At least to make you feel safer, and come back as soon as you can," he pleaded.

Gama smiled wider this time, as he accepted Lexton's offer.

"Thanks, Lex."

Someone stopped right in front of Gama's open bedroom door, drawing Gama and Lexton's attention simultaneously. A young man in a neat jet-black suit stood in a stern manner, bowing his head to salute their two supreme leaders.

"The car is ready, Mr. Gama," he informed.

Lexton nodded his head, looking back at Gama who looked ready to leave. The sooner he got out of there, the sooner he could see the pe

rson he had missed so much.

"I'm going, Lex," Gama said. "See you later."