The meeting room was quieter than usual, though tension buzzed in the air. Eric guided Rin carefully inside, one hand still on his waist while the other steadied his arm. Rin allowed it, too drained to argue, though his sharp eyes tried to mask his weakness.
Eric pulled out the main chair at the head of the long, polished table and helped Rin settle into it. He moved to sit at Rin's left side, his presence protective and steady. Kael took the seat to Rin's right, his expression unreadable, though his eyes flickered more than once toward the Beta doctor. The rest arranged themselves accordingly—Kael's members on his side, Lucas sliding into the chair next to Eric, with the others following suit.
Rin adjusted his posture in the main seat, his voice steady but laced with urgency.
"We've confirmed that Ash Fang is hosting an auction," he said, eyes narrowing. "Two things are guaranteed on the block—Omegas, and their head drug. But beyond that, we don't know what else they plan to auction, where it will be held, or how many people will attend."
Kael raised his brow and leaned forward, his expression sharp.
"We also just uncovered something today," he said. "Some of Ash Fang's core members were seen visiting a bar. We were in the middle of discussing this when you called me." He said, looking at Rin. "That bar may be our first lead."
Rin straightened in his seat, his tone crisp.
"Tobi, Milo—you two focus on the bar. Trace every person who's gone in and out in the last week, pull security feeds, scrub transaction logs. I want proof that Ash Fang is using it as a staging point. Mainly focus on Kane; if he's there, the auction must be held there."
Both hackers exchanged a look before nodding, already fired up.
"Lucas," Rin continued, "you'll back them up. Cover their tracks and keep them invisible. If Ash Fang suspects we're digging, this whole thing collapses."
Lucas said lightly. "Got it."
Rin glanced toward Eric, who was sitting calmly by his side. "Eric and I will work on trying to obtain the attendee list."
Kael raised his brow in surprise.
"You?" He looked at Rin, disbelief in his voice. "You're saying you can handle hacking?"
Rin's lips curved into a cool, almost mocking smile. But he didn't say anything; it was Eric who answered. He leaned back in his chair, his tone casual.
"When it was just the two of us—that was when there was no Crimson Vulture—we had no one to rely on. So we learned every survival skill ourselves. Tracking, fighting, hacking, negotiation."
He tilted his head toward Rin, almost proud. "Don't underestimate him. He's survived things most of you can't imagine."
Kael blinked, processing, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face as his eyes lingered on Rin longer than before.
The table sat in silence, charged, until Rin exhaled softly and said, "We don't have the luxury of time." He looks at the others and assigns them tasks too.
"All of you, tell your man to keep a close eye on the core members. We will be able to get some clues if we focus a bit and try to get the invitation to the auction, and get as many as you can."
The Wolf Marks were surprised by how quickly Rin assigned tasks. He divided the work neatly, covering every angle without leaving gaps. It made them realize how the Crimson Vultures had climbed to the top—if their boss could lead like this even while sick, then his strength was undeniable.
Everyone got buried in their tasks, the room filled with the quiet rhythm of typing, papers shuffling, and murmured discussions. By the time they were halfway through, the light outside had already dimmed, and Kanji suddenly stretched his arms before standing.
"Alright, that's enough for now. Rest for a bit," he said, his voice firm but warm.
Suri turned immediately to Rin, concern clear on his face. "You're still sick. You shouldn't push yourself this hard."
Rin let out a long sigh, his eyes flicking over the reports in front of him before reluctantly setting them aside. "…Fine. I'll stop."
Kanji grinned. "Good. It's dinner time anyway. I'll make something."
"I'll help!" Tobi hopped up quickly.
Milo shifted in her seat, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear before speaking softly. "I'll… help too."
Nico stood as well, stretching his shoulders. "I don't know cooking, but I can cut vegetables or something."
Tobi smiled at him. "I can't cook either. I also help Kanji in cutting vegetables or doing some other small things."
Kanji chuckled. "That's fine. I'm a great cook."
Nico smirked, nodding toward Milo. "She's a great cook, too."
At that, Milo's cheeks heated, and she fumbled with her sleeves. "I-I'm just okay…"
Kanji gave her a sincere smile. "Then I'd like to try your 'just okay.'"
Milo's face turned even redder as she ducked her head, while Kanji, Tobi, and Nico followed her toward the kitchen.
The others drifted toward the living room. Rin walked on his own this time, settling into a single sofa with a faint stiffness before closing his eyes, clearly exhausted.
Eric quietly moved closer, crouching slightly and brushing his hand against Rin's forehead. "The fever's gone," he murmured in relief.
Just then, Kanji reappeared at the doorway, wiping his hands. "Rin, what do you want for dinner?"
Before Rin could respond, Eric straightened. "Make whatever you want. I'll cook porridge for him myself."
That earned a sharp glance from Ari. "You can cook?" he asked skeptically.
Eric's lips curved into a teasing grin. "Of course, I don't only know how to eat."
Ari's expression darkened, his irritation flaring as a faint flush touched his cheeks. "You—!"
But Eric ignored him smoothly, already turning back toward the kitchen with a calm stride, leaving Ari fuming behind.
Ari plopped himself down right on Rin's lap, arms crossed and cheeks puffed with annoyance.
"Can you believe that? He just said it indirectly, said it to me that 'I only know how to eat.' He really has no shame!" Ari complained, his voice sharp but oddly childish in tone.
The Wolf Marks froze mid-motion, exchanging startled glances. An Alpha… sitting on the leader's lap? Their eyes widened, unsure if they should laugh, look away, or be horrified.
While the Crimson Vultures didn't even flinch. A few of them shook their heads knowingly, as though this was a scene they had witnessed far too many times to be surprised.
Rin said nothing. He simply raised his hand and gently rubbed Ari's head. Almost instantly, Ari's shoulders lost their tension, and he quieted down with a huff, leaning against Rin without further protest.
This also earns them curious glances from the Wolf Marks.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, even with five people bustling about, the space was wide, leaving them plenty of room. From where they stood, they had a clear view of the living room beyond.
Nico, who had been slicing vegetables awkwardly, looked toward Ari sprawled over Rin. "...Is he always like that?"
Tobi chuckled, shaking his head. "Pretty much. Rin just spoils him rotten."
Eric, focused and efficient, stirred the porridge on the stove. The aroma was light but comforting, filling the air. When it was finally done, he turned the flame low and left it to rest, wiping his hands on a towel before striding out into the living room.
His gaze immediately landed on Ari, still settled comfortably on Rin's lap. Eric's expression darkened. In two long steps, he reached them, grabbed Ari by the collar with one hand, and lifted him clean off Rin.
"Don't crush him," Eric's voice was calm, but the warning in it was unmistakable.
"Put me down!" Ari protested, legs kicking slightly in the air.
Eric released him with little care, letting Ari land on his feet before taking the single sofa beside Rin. Ari and Eric start bricking, and Rin… just shakes his head faintly, as if this was nothing new.