MODEL AND ACCOUNTANT

Joyce's first day at Ceaser Fashion Company was nerve-wracking. She woke up early, took a long shower, and put on her best professional outfit. She wanted to make a good impression on her first day. She had been given a new office with a view of the city and a new computer. She couldn't wait to get started. As she settled into her new office, she heard a knock on the door. She turned to see James Ceaser standing there, looking even more handsome than she remembered.

"Good morning, Joyce. How are you settling in?" he asked with a warm smile.

"I'm doing well, thank you," she replied, feeling her cheeks flush. "I'm excited to get started."

"That's great to hear," he said. "I have a meeting to attend, but I'll check in with you later. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask." He turned and walked away, leaving Joyce with a fluttering feeling in her stomach.

Joyce spent the rest of the day getting familiar with the company's accounting system and processes. She had lunch with some of her new colleagues, and they chatted about work and their personal lives.

As the day wore on, Joyce found herself looking forward to seeing James again. She couldn't deny the attraction she was feeling towards him, even though she knew it was dangerous. She reminded herself of her boyfriend Nathan and tried to push the thoughts of James aside.

The day went by quickly, and before she knew it, it was time to head home. She packed up her things and left the office, feeling tired but satisfied with her first day.

On getting back to her apartment, Joyce went to the bathroom and showered, thinking about James, she didn't see him again throughout her remaining working hours. While she closed her eyes in the shower, she imagined his grey eyes piercing at her, she tried to picture the remainder of his face with her imagination. Then she realized that she had never felt his skin. She wondered how his skin would feel like, so she reached out to touch his face. Just then she heard someone in the house, she panicked and came out in towel, tiptoeing to the living room.

Nathan looked up from his phone and smiled as Joyce walked out of the bathroom. "Hey there, gorgeous," he said, getting up from the couch and walking over to her.

Joyce blushed and pulled the towel tighter around her. "What are you doing here?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Nathan wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. "I missed you," he said, kissing her neck softly, "Plus, I have a spare key, remember?" he dangle the key

Joyce smiled and leaned into his embrace, enjoying the feeling of being held by someone she loved, or had something changed about her feelings for him now? "I missed you too," she replied, running her fingers through his hair.

Nathan leaned in and kissed her passionately. Joyce could feel her heart racing as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, gently laying her down on the bed.

Joyce's towel slipped off as Nathan's hands roamed over her body, sending shivers down her spine. She moaned softly as he kissed her deeply, his hands exploring every inch of her skin. Her eyes rolled towards her big window and saw a human figure watching them, or so she thought. Her eyes snapped open in shock. "Nathan, someone's watching us!" she exclaimed, pushing him away and reaching for her nearby towel to cover herself.

Nathan quickly turned towards the window but saw no one. "Are you sure?" he asked, concerned.

Joyce nodded, her heart racing with fear. "I saw someone, I swear," she said, clutching the towel tightly around her.

Nathan immediately went to check outside, but he found nothing. He came back inside and tried to calm Joyce down. "Maybe it was just your imagination," he said, holding her close.

"I saw someone watching us," Joyce insisted, feeling a little shaken. Nathan went to the window and looked out again, scanning the area carefully. "I don't see anyone," he said, turning back to her. "But if it makes you feel better, I can stay here with you tonight."

Joyce felt a surge of gratitude towards Nathan. "Thank you," she said, hugging him tightly. Nathan rubbed her back soothingly.

On getting to work the next day, she approached James' office, she could see him through the glass walls. He was on the phone, but his eyes were fixed on her. He looked frozen. She could feel her heart racing as she knocked on the door.

"Come in," James said, still staring at her.

Joyce stepped into the office, feeling a bit shaky. "Good morning, Mr. Caesar" she said, trying to sound confident.

James stood up and walked over to her. "Joyce, stunning as always," he said, his eyes scanning her from head to toe.

Joyce blushed. "Thank you... James? ."

"Yes," James said, smiling at her. "In fact, I have an urgent photoshoot I need you for."

Joyce's heart skipped a beat. "Yes, I was informed as I got in." Joyce facial expression showed doubts

"Do not fret. You don't need to do anything. You are beautiful effortlessly. You'll compliment me on there" James smirked and stared into her eyes deeply. Joyce was lost in his equally beautiful eyes for minutes before his personal assistant knocked and entered.

"Mr. Ceaser, the photoshoot crew just arrived"

"They can wait in the lobby" James rearranged his expression and distance. Lily, his assistant left. "Joyce, you can go check out the outfits and prep for the shoot"

"Sure... Wait... Did you earlier say we're taking the shoots together?" her eyes widened in disbelief

"You silly child" James laughed briefly

A few hours later, Joyce was standing in a dressing room, wearing a variety of different outfits for the photoshoot. James was behind the camera, Lily, his assistant, and the photographer, directing her on how to pose and move. Joyce was taking a solo at first and was feeling a bit nervous, she couldn't stop thinking about James joining her and she occasionally glance at James' direction. She tried her best to focus on Lily's instructions and on the camera lens, but she couldn't shake the feeling of James's intense gaze on her.

As she changed into her seventh outfit, a sleek violet dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, Joyce noticed James step closer to the set. He stood off to the side, watching her intently as she posed and moved for the camera. His eyes never left her, and Joyce could feel herself getting lost in the intensity of his gaze.

She tried to shake it off and focus on the task at hand, but she couldn't help feeling drawn to James. His presence was simply magnetic.

She changed into her final outfit, a stunning red gown that flowed elegantly behind her as she walked. James stepped even closer to the set, and Joyce could feel her heart racing in her chest. His eyes were locked on her, and she couldn't help feeling both nervous and excited at the same time.

As she posed in the red gown, James's came closer to her, pulled off his suit jacket, leaving just his white shirt. He stood right in front of the camera, by her side, slide his left arm around her waist, stroke her hair backwards, and lifted her chin to look up to him. She took a deep breath in, her heart started beating fast. Her faced turned pink as they stare into each other's eyes. The photoshoot carried on with James in the picture. Joyce's heart was racing as James stood beside her, their eyes locked together. What she felt was likened to a jolt of electricity. His gaze was intense and focused, causing her to feel a rush of emotions she couldn't quite name. She could feel his breath on her face, warm and inviting. She was aware of his arm around her waist, holding her steady and pulling her closer to him. She was struck by the way he looked at her, like she was the only person in the world that mattered. There was something in his eyes that made her feel alive. And she just wanted to stay in this moment forever.

As they continued to stare into each other's eyes, Joyce was suddenly aware of the camera clicking away in the background. She felt a pang of embarrassment, realizing that she had been lost in the moment and forgotten about the photoshoot. She pulled away from James slightly, feeling self-conscious.Joyce found herself feeling both nervous and exhilarated at the same time. James went around behind her for another pose, like taking off or putting one her necklace for her, making her the center of the shoot, and the room at large. She didn't realize how long she could ever hold her breath till that moment, as her eyes were locked on the camera's lens.

As the shoot came to an end, Joyce felt a sense of disappointment wash over her. James had walked away almost immediately the photoshoot was over, without saying a word or glancing at her again. She didn't want the moment to end, didn't want to let go of the connection she had felt with James. But she knew that it was over, and that they would both have to go back to their normal lives.

As James entered his office, he immediately sensed the presence of a familiar lurking in the shadows. James walked to his desk and discreetly pressed a button to blur the transparent glass walls.

"What do you want, Nigel?" James's voice dripped with both curiosity and caution as he turned to face his friend.

Nigel stepped out from the shadows, his piercing gaze fixed on James. "That girl, Joyce... There's something about her, James. I can feel it. I can smell it."

James raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "You've said that one already. Don't tell me you've fallen for her charms."

Nigel scoffed, his expression turning serious. "No, it's not that. There's more to her than meets the eye. You know how we can sense our own kind, the unmistakable scent of the supernatural. Well, she has a hint of it, James. She's different."

A slow smile spread across James's face as he absorbed Nigel's words. "You're saying she's not human?"

Nigel nodded, his eyes narrowed. "It's possible. I've been observing her, and there's something about her aura, her presence. It's familiar, yet different. I can't quite put my finger on it."

"Mmm..." James murmured, his fingers lightly tapping against the armrest. "You're right, Nigel. She does smell different. It's as if she carries a trace of our kind, but not quite the same. She's something unique. That's why I'm keeping her close, to figure out what she is."

Nigel's gaze hardened, his voice laced with caution. "James, we need to be careful. If she truly has ties to our world, there are forces at play that we can't underestimate. We've seen how the supernatural can change things, bring danger and chaos."

James nodded, his expression serious. "I understand the risks, Nigel. I just can't ignore this connection I feel with her. There's something about Joyce that draws me in, something beyond the superficial."

Nigel sighed, understanding the depth of James' sentiments. "I can see that you're determined, James. Just promise me that you'll tread carefully. We don't know what we're dealing with here, and if Joyce is indeed connected to our world, she might be caught in a web of danger and intrigue. She might even be the danger we fear"

James nodded, his eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and concern. "I won't let anything happen to her, Nigel. But we need to gather more information, understand the extent of her connection to our supernatural realm."

Nigel crossed his arms, his voice filled with caution. "We need to proceed cautiously. Let's start by digging into her family history. There might be clues, ancestral ties that can shed light on her mysterious nature. And we shouldn't underestimate the possibility of other of our kind taking an interest in her."

"You're right, Nigel," James agreed. "We'll leave no stone unturned. But we must ensure Joyce's safety throughout this investigation. She's not just a pawn in some supernatural game. She's a person, with her own desires and dreams."

Nigel nodded, his expression grave. "A little too early to care about her, don't you think?"

" No, Nigel, I don't think" James tone pitched a little higher

"Fine, care for her. Just remember, not only in our world, love can be a double-edged sword. It can bring joy, but it can also lead to devastation."

James's jaw tightened, his gaze unwavering with a frown. "This has nothing to do with love, Nigel."

"Okay, Aurelius" Nigel smiled.

The air was heavy with the scent of rain that threatened but refused to fall. Asa lounged in his chair, his boots propped up on the table, the leather worn but polished. The dim light of the single bulb above him cast sharp shadows across his face, accentuating the sharp lines of his jaw and the cold, calculating look in his eyes. The room around him was sparse, the walls bare and the furniture plain. A half-empty bottle of whiskey stood on the table beside him, next to a blade that gleamed faintly in the dull light.

The pack was restless, and Asa knew it.

The whispers were growing louder. Words spoken in hushed tones, behind closed doors: **“He’s not the true alpha.”** Asa had heard them all. The younger wolves followed him without question—eager, loyal, and easily led. But the older wolves, the ones who had seen their late father rule with dignity and power, the ones who knew the weight of true leadership—they were not so easily swayed.

And then there was Nigel. A thorn in Asa’s side. A traitor. Loyal to James and indifferent to the pack. Asa’s jaw tightened at the thought of him.

A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Asa didn’t move. “Come in,” he said, his voice low, the words carrying a quiet authority.

The door creaked open, and Jax stepped inside. He hesitated near the threshold, his gaze flickering nervously to Asa before quickly dropping to the floor. The younger wolf’s unease was almost palpable, the faint tremor in his stance betraying his anxiety. Asa didn’t need to look at him to feel the nervous energy rolling off him in waves.

Jax cleared his throat. “They’re talking again,” he said, his voice barely audible.

Asa tilted his head slightly but didn’t look up. “What else is new?” he asked, his tone cold, dismissive.

“They’re saying you’re not the true alpha,” Jax continued, his voice faltering. “That James—”

“James abandoned us,” Asa interrupted sharply, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. He finally looked up, his piercing gaze locking onto Jax. “He turned his back on the pack. On his family. On his blood. He has no claim to anything.”

Jax fidgeted under Asa’s scrutiny, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. “But... some of them think he’s stronger,” he said hesitantly. “They’re saying that if it came to a challenge—”

Asa was on his feet in an instant, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. The sudden movement made Jax flinch, his shoulders hunching slightly as if bracing for a blow. Asa loomed over him, his presence filling the small room, the air seeming to grow heavier with each passing moment.

“Do you doubt me, Jax?” Asa asked, his voice dangerously soft.

“N-No,” Jax stammered, his eyes wide. “I’m just—”

“You’re just repeating the words of cowards,” Asa snarled, his voice rising. “Words have no power here. Only action. Do you understand?”

Jax nodded quickly, his head bobbing like a puppet on strings. “Yes, Asa.”

Asa studied him for a long moment, his piercing gaze boring into the younger wolf. Finally, he stepped back, the tension in the room easing slightly. He turned away, his movements deliberate, and poured himself a glass of whiskey. He took a slow sip, savoring the burn as it slid down his throat.

“They forget who I am,” Asa said, more to himself than to Jax. “They forget what I’ve done for this pack. While James was off playing king in the human world, I was here. I kept us together. I led the hunts. I kept us strong. And now they dare to question me?”

Jax shifted uneasily but said nothing.

“James is nothing more than a shadow,” Asa continued, his voice cold. “A ghost pretending to be a king. If the pack can’t see that, then I’ll make them see. I’ll drag him back—if I have to—and I’ll end this once and for all.”

Jax hesitated, then spoke cautiously. “Some of the others think we should watch him first. See what he’s doing. Who he’s with. There’s... a girl.”

Asa raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued despite himself. “A girl?”

Jax nodded. “She’s been seen with him a lot lately. The others say her presence... it’s strange. Different. They can’t explain it, but it’s undeniable. It’s like... like they can feel something about her. Something powerful.”

Asa turned to face him fully, his expression unreadable. “Powerful?”

Jax swallowed hard. “Yes. It’s not like anything we’ve felt before. Some of them think she might be—”

“Enough,” Asa said sharply, cutting him off. “She’s human. Whatever they’re sensing is irrelevant. James is using her. Just like he uses everyone.”

“But if she’s important to him—”

“Then she’ll be his weakness,” Asa said, his voice cold and final. “And I’ll use that to destroy him.”

He walked back to the table and picked up the knife, turning it over in his hands. The blade caught the light, gleaming wickedly.

“Keep watching him,” Asa ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Him, Nigel, and the girl. I want to know everything—where they go, who they talk to, what they do. Don’t make a move unless I say so.”

Jax nodded quickly. “Yes, Asa.”

“And Jax,” Asa added, his voice soft but menacing. “If I hear one more whisper of doubt from you, I’ll remind you why I’m the one in charge. Do you understand?”

Jax swallowed hard and nodded again. “Yes, Asa.”

“Good,” Asa said, his lips curving into a cold, predatory smile. “Now go.”

Jax turned and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him. Asa stood in silence for a moment, the knife still in his hand. His mind was racing, thoughts of James and the girl swirling like a storm.

James Caesar. The golden child. The prodigal son. Asa had waited long enough. He had built his following, cultivated his power, and solidified his place among the younger wolves. But as long as James was out there, as long as his name carried weight, Asa would remain in the shadow of a legacy he could never escape.

It was time to end this.

For good.