KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
Skills:

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The more Nic talks, the more I come back into myself. I blush at how much Nic affected me with just simple words said in French. ”Oh, yes. I was born in France. I spent the first seven years of my life there before we moved to Scotland to begin my training,” I inform him.

I missed France as well, but not as much as I missed Scotland. I travelled to France often, so I didn’t experience the same nostalgia. ”Your French was just fine. We can talk more in French if you want to practice it. You just, caught me off guard, and what you said, I wasn’t expecting it,” I say with an awkward laugh and a blush.

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Caden

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Location: Chicago Werewolf Pack Compound – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I chuckle when Nero immediately asks me what is wrong. ”Alles ist gut, kleiner Kobold. Ich habe deine Stimme vermisst. Wie ist Einkaufen?” Avery glances at me, and I wink at him. I’m certain he would appreciate not being privy to the conversation Nero and I have.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
Skills:

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When he leans in, I’m expecting him to say the words again or tease me and call me a tomato. I am not expecting him to speak French. Even if it's Canadian French and it’s broken and spoken slower than it should be, it still freezes me in place. He can speak French?

All I can do is stare at him. Nic leans in closer to kiss me, but I can’t even close my eyes or enjoy the kiss. I’m in shock. He turns away from me, asking where to go next. He pulls on my hand, and I take a broken step forward.

”Um…” I look around, feeling slightly disoriented. I gesture in a random direction, needing to get my bearings.

Not only did Nic speak French, but he called me gorgeous and said he was in constant awe of me. I truly didn’t believe I was worthy of such praise, but I liked the molten feeling that moved under my skin to match the cold tingling I felt when he whispered in my ear.

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Caden

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Location: Chicago Werewolf Pack Compound ---> Car – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Avery and I are free to leave the house, but I don’t think any of us left that meeting particularly happy. I’m indifferent. I have more information on who the killer might be and I tell Avery the directions. I tap my fingers on my leg, processing everything.

”You okay, boss?” Avery asks me.

He pulls me from my thoughts, but I shake my head. ”Something doesn’t feel right. Levi is not right, neither is Terrance,” I state. Avery looks at me, confused. ”Ah, it’s fine. Just pent-up energy from being in that place.”

I pull out my phone and look at my messages. I smile and dial Nero’s number rather than text back.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I’m staring intently at some of the sculpture work done, letting my feet carry me where they want to go, when Nic’s words cause me to falter. I look down, blushing. ”Not from you,” I declare. Feeling emboldened, I look at Nic. ”Say it again,” I ask, but I’m also teasing. I’m not so vain that I need to be told how great I am.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Chicago Werewolf Pack Compound – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Levi looks back at Terry and glares at his second. I can’t help but smirk. I wasn’t sure Caden would mention Kimiko’s importance to him, but I’m glad he did because the reaction was priceless.

Levi shifts in his seat and looks back at Caden. “I have not.”

“I have,” Terry chimes in. I glance at Terry, who is glaring at me. I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Of course, Terry has. I keep making eye contact with Terry until Caden speaks.

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Caden

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Location: Chicago Werewolf Pack Compound – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”Excellent, where and when?” I pull out my phone and look at Terry expectantly for the information. He grudgingly gives it to me, and I write it down while responding to Nero and Kimiko.

Cell phone, wallet, car keys, make-up sometimes. Cass keeps some magic supplies and snacks in her bag. Maybe enough room for a book or two?

See that they get more than just my favourite colour in everything. I’m sure they look good in more than just green. I ask Kimiko.

I check the location Terry gave me on the maps, zooming in and out to mask my prolonged phone use. ”Alright, we’ll take a look at the location and cross-reference the information. I suggest you and your pack lay low until this is all over,” I say and stand.

“Caden,” Levi says suddenly. I look at him expectantly. “You’re not going to talk to Bran about any of this, right?”

I smile and glance around Levi’s office before I look at Terry and Levi. ”Don’t give me a reason to. Avery is my ward, and it would be wise if we could all get along. Let’s make sure to keep the treaty intact. Bran’s been watching how it plays out very closely,” I say.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I feel my heart race and my cheeks warm when Nic looks at me with such affection. I don’t feel very deserving of his attention, and it makes me suddenly shy. Thankfully, Nic doesn’t linger and gets out of the car. I take a deep breath before getting out as well.

I speak again once we are standing beside each other. ”Oh, don’t worry about that. I can block us should something happen or if I need to do something so others won’t see it.” I look up at the temple as we approach.

Many people are milling about as it is still an active temple, but it is open to everyone. I smile and nod to people as we pass through to the central courtyard. I look up at the tower in awe of the white-washed stone and all the carvings. It’s a work of art.

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Caden

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Location: Chicago Werewolf Pack Compound – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I look around Levi’s office, if one could call it that, while waiting for their second to arrive. Avery hardly moves, but I know he feels more relaxed and in control. I can feel the vow he made to me and the one I made to him pull taunt between us, a tether for the other to pull on should they need the extra support.

Werewolf pack magic was something I was familiar with. Dragons have a similar bond that allows us always to be connected to others. It was one of the reasons why knowledge was so easily passed on through the mind from one generation to the next. That bond also gave stability and extra support or magic when needed. The pack bonds between wolves were much the same.

A pack member could draw on the pack and alpha’s magics in order to heal faster or shift more quickly. They could also speak mind-to-mind and know the location of another. So far, Avery and I could only draw strength from one another. That wasn’t to say we couldn’t do the other things; we simply had never tried.

My phone buzzes, and I retrieve it while we wait. I finally sit down, and Avery stands behind my chair. I open up the picture from Nero and sigh, shaking my head. All for show.

It is. Is it big enough to fit more than just your cell phone?

I can’t help but smirk at Kimiko’s text, and I lift it to show Avery. He also grins and nods. At the desk, Levi frowns.

Of course. Your assessment of him is right. This pack has always been terrible with women.

Finally, Levi’s second, Terrance, walks in and joins the conversation. They take up a position behind Levi, like Avery did with me. I look Terry up and down before nodding. Yup. Kiki was right. I look at Levi.

”Can we agree that last night was insignificant? Hunting on my lands remains open still and accessible to you as long as we are granted the same courtesy of movement in Chicago.”

Levi looks fed up with me, but he looks at Terrance, who looks down and nods. Levi looks back at me and nods. ”Good, moving on. I’ve been called in on a case concerning young males going missing, their hearts ripped out.”

“We have—.” I cut Levi off with a wave of my hand.

”I am well aware no one in your pack is involved with this. Neither is Avery, but the police are short-sighted, so the pack is on their radar. Last night, while your second was on an ego trip and you were doing gods knows what, Avery and I were scouting the club for witnesses and the true culprit. We found a witness, and they provided us with some decent information. It seems the woman responsible for the killings is moonlighting in the supernatural district. You and your pack have been known to frequent down there. Have you noticed anyone new down there? They have a specific scent,” I say and fish out the bottle of perfume I had Kimiko wearing the other night. I had the bottle over, and both wolves took a sniff.

“That bitch fox smelt like that last night,” Terry says.

”Yes, I’m well aware. I asked her to wear it for me to try and draw the creature out.” I level my eyes at Terrance, who looks away immediately before I look at Levi. He holds my gaze for a full two seconds before looking away. ”The fox you so aptly mentioned is a long-time friend of mine. I’d watch what you say about her from now on. Now, aside from her, have you smelt anything like this before?”

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: SUV —> Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I unbuckle my seatbelt and glance at Nic. I laugh and cover my mouth. I close my eyes and shake my head, but I’m grinning as I pull my hand away. ”Are you afraid of ghosts, Nic?” I ask. My tone is teasing, but I also seriously want to know, so if I do have to warn him of a presence.

I’ve never been able to see ghosts or spirits unless they want me to sense them. I was never blessed with that gift — for which I am glad — but I do sense them and know when they are around.

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Caden

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Location: Chicago Werewolf Pack Compound – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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“‘Slighted’ is one word for it. He and the bitch he took home left three of my guys bleeding and unconscious in the alley.”

Avery growls behind me and pushes into my shoulder. I create an unmovable wall and prevent him from jumping Levi. Which I wish I could have let him do.

I start laughing. ”Are you telling me your boys are upset because Avery found someone to bring home, and they didn’t? Levi, werewolves already have a reputation for being territorial, but please, this 1800s treatment of women is a little old, don’t you think?” I look at him with pure amusement.

He doesn’t seem pleased by my reaction, but he also starts to realize how stupid this whole thing is. ”Look, Avery is going to come across you and your people often. He knows to let you have the lay of the land when you come hunting on my property, and he knows who is in charge in Chicago. But if your guys can’t handle a little healthy competition every once in a while, they will get complacent, and then someone will come in here and sweep everything out from underneath you.”

Levi’s eyes flash yellow, and the female werewolf on the desk steps aside, her eyes also shifting. “Is that a threat?”

I smile pleasantly and shake my head. ”Not at all, but I am in close contact with the Marrok. Do you want me to tell him what type of company you keep and what a shithole you have your pack living in?” Levi pauses and breaks eye contact with me. Gotcha.

I walk towards Levi’s desk, the female wolf shifting to stand in the corner of the room. My phone buzzes, and I pull it out to read Nero’s texts, followed by Kimiko’s. I have the upper hand over Levi, so I take a second to respond, but I don’t let my face betray the joy I actually feel from seeing Nero prance around the store, excitedly trying on bags like a fashion model.

I may have. Don’t worry. She hasn’t crashed a vehicle in years. I tell Nero.

Did you seriously tell one of the wolves they have a limp dick? I text Kimiko. She really skimmed on the details from earlier.

Looking annoyed, I slip my phone away and look down at Levi. ”As far as I am concerned, last night was a spitting contest. That club is meant to be neutral territory. Besides, we have more important matters to discuss. Call in your second.” I look at the female cowering in the corner. She dashes out of the room without even looking at Levi for dismissal. I feel faulty, knowing she will likely pay for that later.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: SUV – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I smile softly, watching Nic even after he spoke about wanting to help. ”Just paying your respects is more than enough,” I assure him. He had enough he had to worry about when it came to his family and his work. Sometimes, my task had me travelling over the world to find who I needed to. ”But if you really want to do more than that, I’ll let you know when I need to speak to the living.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Staff House - Caden’s Property – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I pull up outside the Chicago werewolves' compound. Two wolves mingle outside the gates and eye the car suspiciously. I look at Caden.

”We could still drive away. I don’t need to be here for this.”

Caden checks his phone before slipping it into his inside jacket pocket. He looks at me and pats my leg. ”Go to your happy place, Zain. We have to play nice,” Caden says and gets out of the vehicle before I can protest.

I sit in the car for half a second more, grumbling before I get out. I pull off my sunglasses and tuck them into my shirt. I left the first four buttons undone, revealing toned muscle underneath. I had a rather loose view when it came to nudity. I didn’t mind it, nor did I mind showing off.

I walk around the car, locking it and slipping the keys into my pocket. I stand half a step behind Caden. The pair of us matched each other well and presented quite a striking united front. Caden looks back at me before he walks forward and through the gate. The wolves guarding the place don’t even stop us.

We walk inside, and I scrunch my nose up to block the stench. Seriously, why do these people insist on living like this? Caden is the picture of calm and ease, though, and I try to match him — even though my eyes keep darting around the place, looking for exits and things to use in case a fight breaks out.

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Caden

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Location: Aston Martin —> Chicago Werewolf Pack Compound – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Not many things in this life bother me, and if something does, I don’t let it show. Allowing weakness to show gives a way for others to exploit you, and being the head of my family — and a de facto wolf pack — I couldn’t let anything affect me.

I walk into the pack’s den, looking around casually. ”We’re here to see Levi,” I announce to the wolf who greets us in the entryway. Near the back of the house, I see familiar faces from last night. I nod to the trio before Avery, and I are led to a room on the right side of the house. Levi is sitting in a chair with a female, barely dressed, sitting on his desk. I give the woman a once over, feigning appreciation when really all I feel is disgust at this display.

”Levi, I see your trio of brutes are healing well.”

“Caden, I see you brought the pup. Good.”

Avery tenses behind me and I shift my weight ever so slightly to stand closer to him. My nearness calms Avery, and I continue my little game with Levi.

”Yes, well, I was under the impression you and your pack felt slighted by his behaviour, and so we are here to make amends,” I say, opening my arms wide in servility.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: SUV – Cary, IL
Skills:

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Holding Nic’s hand has quickly become a comfort of mine. I buckle myself in and get comfortable before I retake Nic’s hand. I watch him punch in the directions for the Hindu Temple and consider his question.

”I usually stop to meditate and listen. Often, the ancestors have knowledge they want to pass on or something else they wish to share. I listen and write it down. If I can find their descendants, I’ll pass on the information. If I find objects, I usually leave them as they aren’t mine to take. Or, if they wish for an object to be returned, I’ll enlist Caden’s help to track it down. He has connections all over the world when it comes to artifacts. Mostly, I do what I can to help preserve the space. Some hunters will dispel ghosts, but I leave them alone if they aren’t harming the living. They often linger because they have unfinished business or don’t want to go.”

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Caden

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Location: Caden's Home ---> Aston Martin – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I laugh and give Nero a bow. ”As you wish. Text me often,” I remind them before I leave them.

I meet Avery outside beside the Aston Martin. ”Do you mind driving? I want to do some research on the information we gathered last night.”

Avery shakes his head and opens the driver’s side door. ”Not at all,” he said. In fact, Avery looks relieved when I asked him to drive.

We get inside, and I give Avery the location of Levi’s home before we drive off. I open my notebook and phone and start going back and forth, making notes and saving pages to read in more detail later. I have it narrowed down between several creatures: sirens, rugarus, and Lamia. Happy with that, I decide to listen to Levi’s voicemail, finally.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Aston Martin – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I turn on the radio but keep the volume low while Caden does his research. We make it into Chicago before Caden switches gears and puts his phone to his ear. As I drive, I try to wrap my head around the idea of why a wolf pack would want to live within the city. The city's buildings make me feel claustrophobic. I could only imagine how the other wolves feel, but Caden once told me that Levi’s pack enjoyed being close to life and human emotions. Honestly, this pack sounded more like vampires than werewolves to me.

Caden snorts before he hangs up the phone, shaking his head. I glance over at him but don’t say anything. ”Oh, Nero says you manhandled them. They would like me to break your hands.”

I snort, then quickly look at Caden. He’s grinning and starts to laugh. He pats my arm. ”Don’t worry, I know they deserved it after pranking you.”

I grunt. ”Gee, thanks.” Caden laughs again and looks out the windows.

”It wouldn’t kill you to lighten up. We probably wouldn’t have to meet up with the Chicago pack if you did.”

”Kimiko and I were leaving, they followed us out, and Levi’s second didn’t like being called limped dicked by her. Not my fault the idiot can’t take a joke,” I grumble.

”Speaking of Kimiko…” Caden starts in and I groan. I turn off the freeway and make my way through one of Chicago’s suburbs. ”Kiki is friendly and inquisitive. Yes, she can be quite abrasive, but she comes by it honestly. I confess I’ve influenced her outgoing behaviour, but she’s just trying to get to know you, Avery. You don’t have to give her your life story, but you don’t need to give her the cold shoulder. She is family, and we don’t treat family the way you have. Tell your wolf to get used to the fox, or I’ll make it.”

Caden’s tone changes while he talks, and I shift uncomfortably in my seat. I don’t have to look at Caden to know his eyes shifted to the dragon’s briefly before going back to normal. I’ve never seen Caden’s dragon form, but he did shift into a wolf once. It was the largest wolf I had ever seen and it was incredibly powerful. I never wanted to be on the wrong side of Caden or his wolf.

I tighten and relax my hand on the steering wheel. ”Yes, boss.”

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Uncle Jerry's Pizza —> SUV – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I stand and follow Nic’s eyes to the soda machine. ”After,” I say and take his hand, leading him from the shop and back to the SUV. Caden messages me back while we are walking, and I wait until we get to the SUV to read the message. I smile, shaking my head but reply back with a yes.

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Caden

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Location: Caden's Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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”Some of those couches looked like they could fit the pair of us, and there is always the floor,” I joke. I release my hold on Nero and kiss their hand. ”I’ll see you later. Have fun with Kimiko.”

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Uncle Jerry's Pizza – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I smile, glancing behind me to watch Nic walk away. I was definitely glad I said yes to him and yes to trying again. I turn my attention back and pull out my phone.

Thank you. You were right. I send Caden the message before I slip my phone back into my bag.

Nic sets the box down in front of me, and I smile up at him. ”I’m sure it’ll taste just as good,” I say and pack up my pizza.

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Caden

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Location: Caden's Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I make a show of glancing around and shrug. ”I’m sure I can find room here. We can rearrange some things to hoard all your weird furniture,” I tease them. I rest my hands on Nero’s hips and lean in. I press a kiss on their cheek. ”You don’t have to if you don’t want to. You could send your minions away, and we could spend a few nights there if you want to maintain the image,” I say after pulling back.

My phone buzzes, and I pull it out to see a text from Cassi. I open it up and chuckle. The usual fee then? For years, Cassi and I went back and forth on I told you so's. I always wanted some historical item, and she always wanted a bottle of her favourite whiskey. It was a fun little back and forth we had.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Uncle Jerry's Pizza – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I make a mental note of goat cheese and finish my slice of people. I make a decent dent in my pizza but save five pieces for later. I finish my drink and pat my stomach, feeling full and content.

”I'm glad we decided to go to another place this afternoon. The walk will help me digest the mountain of pizza I just ate,” I say with a laugh.

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Caden

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Location: Caden's Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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I shake my head when Nero agrees with me breaking Avery’s wrists. I grin when Nero plays with the hem of my jacket. I look down at them, watching closely. ”Must you look good wearing nothing?” I ask and tug on the towel, threatening to pull it loose.

”Kimiko is going to take you clothes shopping. Feel free to send me as many photos as you want if you want my opinion on anything. I told her you might want to go to your place if you need to pick anything up. I’d strongly consider letting that place go if you really don’t need it.”