...Alex has been pretty damn vulnerable in his life. Frankly, he's never had much power. He somehow doubts Deucalion has ever been as powerless as he and Jamie are right now.

And still, while he knows the world is shit, he also believes that most people deserve better. The world isn't fair, but it could be. 

Jamie hums, tasting his brother's continued disbelief, and then nods, "Yeah, that will definitely work." 

"I should make an appearance. Your alpha will likely be expecting us soon. I'll find time to speak with you both again, when it seems appropriate."

They go.

Tolerating this alpha is one of the most difficult things Ennis has ever been asked to do, but it's Deucalion asking; he does it without complaint.

He turns to look at Deucalion when they enter, the attention of the beta he was speaking with following his. 

"Deucalion," he greets. His eyes flick to the other alpha, "Ennis," he adds, before turning back to the leader of their pack, "I trust your visit has been pleasant?" 

"Yes, I must say that it has. It's so rare that we find a pack with such an established local presence. Well done."

He chuckles, "All it takes is a firm hand, clear lines, and the will to see it done. As I'm sure you know," his eyes alight on Ennis again - he's incredibly curious, but he doesn't ask. 

"We understand that. Isn't that right, Ennis?"

...nod.

His eyes are on Davin, but his body language suggests that he's entirely focused on Deucalion.

"Loyalty can be a tricky thing with betas. I've found a balance that works for us."

"Quite so." His gaze leaves Ennis, "You make me wish I'd heard of you before I absorbed all the packs in the area. If I'd known it was possible to lead other alphas... well, it seems a tragic waste, now." 

"Quite a shame. I would have liked to see what you would have done with us."

"I should be joining the betas."

The distrust and dislike of Davin are obvious in his face and his bearing.

"No objections from me. I was hoping for a more private conversation with their alpha."

"As you will," Davin nods at his beta, "You as well, Victor. We'll conclude our discussion later."

He watches Ennis as he and Victor leave, interest and a little admiration in his gaze. "You do good work," he tells Deucalion once they've left the room. "And with such interesting materials..." he trails off, setting the topic aside. "What did you wish to speak about?" 

"The length of our stay. We had planned only a day or so, but I find myself interested in watching the...progress...of your own projects. I think we both share an appreciation of art."

"Oh? I would be pleased to host you longer in that case. Which project caught your eye? Aside from the overarching one involving the whole pack, that is - I gather that's what drew your attention here in the first place." 

"Yes, your pack has been quite the conversation ender. We changed our course entirely when we started hearing the rumors. I'm specifically curious about those twins- one of them somewhat charming, the other more prickly?"

His gaze sharpens, "Ah, yes. James and Alexei Starr. My... pet project, you might call them. Well, the elder one, at any rate. James is interesting - his endurance started high and has only become greater with time, and his recovery rate is impressive, so long as he has his brother. It would be simple enough to break both if I started with the younger... but one does need to challenge oneself now and again." 

"Fascinating. I admit, I was drawn to Alexei myself. I suppose we do prefer slightly different materials, even if the final product is similar."

He doesn't glance at Ennis, as that wouldn't do him much good. Better not to let on how sharp his senses are. Besides, he's thinking of Kali; he wonders what Davin would make of that story.

"I suspect our favoured methods might differ as well," he agrees. "I would be interested to see what you would do with him. Unfortunately, any significant damage to the one is likely to greatly affect the other..." He trails off, considering this.

"I would prefer to keep things simple, for now. Just observation. I wouldn't want to interfere with your work on Jamie. If that ever changes, I will let you know."

Nod. "That solves that dilemma, then. You're welcome to stay longer, and to observe as much as you please. Please do let me know if anyone is... impolite." He is not deaf to the complaints some of his betas have been making, the past couple days. Their nerves are understandable... but he believes he has a good enough read on this alpha of alphas to feel comfortable with him in his territory, for now. It's so rare that he meets another master in the art he practices, after all. And one who is so interestingly fractured himself, at that...

"If anyone is impolite, I promise not to blame their misbehavior on you. Your work is much broader in scope, so I can forgive the lack of depth. I look forward to seeing what your more dedicated efforts look like."

And with that backhanded insult (for he can't help but compliment the other alpha, even when he's trying to seem dismissive), he takes his leave.

He's taken aback for a moment, the start of a frown visible on his face as Deucalion turns away, but by the time he's left the room he's started chuckling quietly. 

(If the way he looked at Ennis was a little admiring, he watches Deucalion leave in complete fascination.)