Shutting off the main lights, Josey took a deep breath while she waited for the elevator. Once she was in, she pushed the button for the main floor and leaned back. She thought her first day hadn’t been difficult, but she still felt worn out. Josey wasn't sure who sent the food, but she was grateful. Stepping out of the elevator on the main floor, she was surprised to see Jared leaning against the wall in front of her. He smiled upon seeing her, and she smiled back, “Hey, what are you still doing here? It’s already getting close to 7.” “I was in the area, so I figured I could give you a ride home.” “Oh, thanks!” She followed Jared towards the exit to the large building but stopped as something caught her eye. Josey stared at the small cluster of plants over by the customer service desk. She noticed the backside of some guy staring at the wall, with blonde colored hair, but she didn’t recognize him, and he wasn’t what caught her attention anyway. Josey could have also swor
Tarrin had left the lab with the intent of returning to the office but caught Mara in the elevator coming down. “I figured you were hiding here.” Tarrin chuckled and pushed the down button, deciding he’d leave his intention to go to the office for later. “Yea, Linux had a nice little surprise,” he pulled out the small plastic case, “new pills to keep my heart rate regular I guess, in case of emergencies.” “Nice, you’ll need them.” Tarrin looked at her suspiciously, “What do you mean I will need them?” “Ha, nothing. Hey, do you know your assistant is still upstairs, all alone, working? Don’t drive this one away!” “Why? It’s not like you have things to do. I was getting along just fine before when you did everything.” Mara nodded in agreement, “True, but I think, with all the extra time on my hands, I could start a hobby, like knitting, reading, or sipping coffee at a coffee shop. I’m just saying be nice. She seems like a good girl.” Tarrin didn’t know he was smiling wh
The gift was a picture of her and Emily, when they were younger. Josey remembered that day, when they were with their mom and aunt, it was a beautiful memory, sitting on a bench in the park, wearing matching outfits and eating ice cream. “Oh Em, where did you find this picture?” Josey looked at her sister with tears, her chest heavy with emotion. “I found it the day we moved from auntie’s house, before she moved over seas. She told me to keep it, so I did, waiting for a good time to give it to you.” Josey lost it, and started crying as she got to the floor to hug her sister. Only seconds later Cece joined them and all three were sitting on the floor sobbing. “Thank you, both of you, this is the best party ever.” The started drying the tears when Cece’s phone suddenly rang. “Hello? What!? Okay, give me about 10 minutes, I’ll be there.” Josey looked at her friend, concerned, “Everything okay?” “I gotta go, apparently there is smoke coming from the apartment two doo
After Tarrin explained everything to Linux, who had his own input and speculations, he settled into bed and grabbed the laptop off his nightstand wanting to check the security cameras at Moon Terrace but, most importantly, Josey’s apartment door.A knock sounded on his bedroom door, and he grumbled, feeling interrupted when he logged into the security cameras.“Come in.”Linux peeked his head in, “Hey, I am going with Mara to get meat tomorrow, and no, she doesn’t know you asked me to go.”Tarrin doubted that. She pretty much guessed it earlier when they talked.“Okay, and?”Linux stepped in and started fidgeting, “Well, since I am doing you this favor, how about bringing me along to your uncle's Thursday?”Tarrin looked up from his laptop, “Why?”“Well, I have some ideas about controlling your change and wanted to discuss them with him. Since your uncle is a genius in biochemistry, I need some input on some chemicals from him.”Linux smiled big, and Tarrin narrowed his eyes.“What, ch
Both Linux and Mara nodded at Tarrin’s rational explanation. “Though that does make more sense, it still doesn’t add up in the end because I am certain the owner of Brightstone would not take the chance of burning down a building that my uncle was using. Unless they were led by the leash or threatened.” Linux and Mara nodded in unison before Mara spoke, “Either way, it’s all tied. It has to be. I will see uncle this week and bug him for more details.” “No need. You can join us on Thursday. Since he wants to meet my assistant under the guise of an informal meeting, it only makes sense for you to be there.” “That's fine. Well, I am going to bed. Linux, you crashing here again?” “Maybe. Why?” Mara grinned evilly, “Good, you can make breakfast!” She turned away quickly and headed to her room before Linux could protest. “No fair!” Tarrin chuckled, “See, that’s what you get for eating her favorite snacks. Anyway, I’m heading to bed now, also. Clean your mess up.” Tarrin h
Tarrin got out as the attendant opened the door, “Mara, this afternoon, make sure you and Linux make it over to the,” he glanced at the attendant and bent down to talk through the window, “market, today.” Mara rolled her eyes and drove off to park the car. Once inside, Tarrin hurriedly went to the service desk to check for deliveries. He knew Josey probably forgot that duty. Carrying the packets of mail, he walked over to the elevator. A group of employees standing nearby started whispering, “Did you see who got out of the CEO’s car this morning, the contract employee,” one of them said, and another responded, “I know. Who is she? She isn’t very attractive. Maybe she begged him to give her a ride? Figures.” Tarrin glanced at them and realized three women were standing there giving him googly eyes. He smiled slightly and nodded before staring back at the elevator door. Again they started whispering as Tarrin watched the numbers go up and down on the elevator. “He’s so handso
The sound of Josey’s voice brought him out of the horrible past he was reliving. The phone call had triggered memories he’d wished he’d forgotten. “Um, Mr. Stormway?” Josey knocked on the office door and peeked in to see Tarrin standing between her and the desk holding his phone. The look on his face was like he’d just seen a ghost. Whispering, “Sorry to interrupt,” she crept past him but stopped when he firmly grabbed her arm. “Please, stand there for a moment.” She heard his voice tremble and responded softly, “Okay.” She looked at the folder in her hand, only wanting to set it on his desk. Josey suddenly worried that he stopped her because he was upset she interrupted his phone call. Peeking over her shoulder, she could see he’d lowered his phone, and the faint sound of a woman could be heard yelling from it, “Tarrin! Why are you ignoring me?” Josey watched as he lowered his face, staring at the carpet. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I figured this investm
The dizziness was starting to lessen as Josey headed to the breakroom. Her head and nose still hurt, but she didn’t dare take the day off. Opening the fridge, she went back to wondering who the woman was and why Tarrin was so affected by her., even though it was none of her business. “Just worry about yourself, Josephine,” she whispered and grabbed a bottle of water. As she walked back to the office, Tarrin opened the door inward and wouldn’t look at her, “I’m heading out for the day. If any calls come in, forward them to Mara if you can’t handle them. Also, email me a copy of the notes you typed up, and I will review them and send back my response to anything needed.” Josey nodded and handed him the water. “You keep it,” was all he said before heading to the elevator. Josey stood there for a moment facing his office door and then returned to her desk. Trying to focus on work, she opened her email and noticed she had over thirty emails from just 20 minutes ago. Taking a de
Unfortunately, I got very sick in early 2023, and in October of 2023, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma type cancer. I have finished chemo, and it is officially in remission (yay! thank the Lord). I will be updating soon, hopefully, as my energy returns. I want to finish my stories and continue others soooo badly, it is driving me crazy! I am soo sorry for the lack of updating, and keeping in touch. I hope everyone is well and I look forward to writing for you again soon. Please be patient and thank you for waiting on me, I promise to hurry!
Linux dropped Josey off, and she felt a bit of relief being home. Tarrin was his usual arrogant self in the end, and she felt stupid for feeling maybe he had warmed up to her. Turning her phone off, she decided it was officially the weekend and wouldn’t answer it for anything unless it was Emily or Cece. “See how you like that. Answer your own emails!” Yelling it out as she set her phone down, Josey plopped on the couch and stared at the TV. The apartment was quiet, and the sudden lack of noise made her uncomfortable, so she decided to head over to Cibus street and check out the food markets near the water. “Three for a dollar or two pounds for three dollars!” The vendors called out, enticing passersby with their catches of the day or homemade goods. The smell of cooked fish and bread filled the air as Josey casually strolled by each colorful stall. She even ran into Mr. Huen, who gave her a tough front but treated her to free fish bites in the end. Seeing one of her favorite
Josey shrugged, “I think I already mentioned it once. He used to show up in the warehouse when my parents were working. His Father’s office was nearby at the time, so Jared would hang out with me as I waited for dad to finish for the day,” she replied finally and then said softly, “He was there the day it happened.” Tarrin knew what she was talking about but asked, “The day the fire happened?” Josey nodded and responded, “Yes, he showed up right as I was about to run in there. Damn, he hasn’t changed one bit now that I think about it.” “There is something oddly familiar about that guy, I’m telling you. It isn’t safe for him to be around her, Tarrin.” Tarrin nodded silently at both Josey's comment and the wolf’s warning. Once Mara returns, he will know more about this Mr. Hunter from Rapture investments. When they finally reached the house, Linux spoke up, “Hey, I, uh, think I’m gonna crash at home today.” Tarrin faked a cough again and said, “I’d rather you be at the house
“Hey, that’s not funny! I get your point. Let’s focus now, please... geesh,” the wolf whined. Tarrin smiled with satisfaction that it worked. Josey was waiting anxiously for Emily to come up on stage, and Tarrin’s mind went to something else. Before the interlude ended, Tarrin leaned over and peeked through a small opening in the heavy red curtain. He could see directly where Jared and Olana sat in the reserved booth. Olana was smiling and then leaned over and whispered something to Jared, and he nodded and whispered back. Did they really know each other? Were they responsible for Josey getting stuck on the roof if that’s the case? Both of them had been at the building that day, and Jared’s coat looked identical to the one in the CCTV footage. He made a note to mention it to Mara when the recital was over. If those two were friends, then they may be working together. But for what purpose? Was Jared one of the hunters or related to the ones that killed his father? “You’re ful
Tarrin and Josey were ushered to the VIP seating, where they could see the concert hall’s stage. It was a perk of Tarrin’s company funding the upgrades of the hall and supporting the students. “I’m impressed. Who knew I would end up inside someone with such pull,” the wolf commented in Tarrin’s head. Grinning in a cocky manner, Tarrin sat next to Josey, secretly glancing at her. “Wow, I can’t believe the number of people here for the recitals. I bet Emily’s nervous,” Josey said, looking over the seated crowd below. Tarrin nodded, “The recital is a good start for many students planning their musical future. Scouts and certain company exec’s come looking for a promising start to represent.” “Speaking of company executives, do you smell that? I think it’s, damn, we have company,” the wolf whispered in Tarrin’s mind. Tarrin rolled his eyes and looked around. He didn’t know what he was smelling, but then the familiar cologne of Jared Hunter hit his nose before he spotted the CEO
Tarrin watched as Josey hesitated, looking at the many dishes in front of her. “Look, if you want to apologize for yesterday, apology accepted. You don’t have to go through all this for me. I’m just your employee,” she said, looking at him confused and glancing at the tulip bouquet on the table’s edge. Tarrin cleared his throat, “I... I know. This isn’t an apology. I’m in the public eye, so having you dressed properly is strictly for my benefit. Eating is just a necessity, and I was craving the food here, which you also benefit from. I didn’t want you, I mean us, going and sitting through the recital with our stomachs growling.” Tarrin glanced at her, trying to read her response, but she simply nodded and gently grabbed a bite of food. In the background, the sound of the violin played in tune with the waterfall while they ate in peace. Now and then, Tarrin caught himself stealing glances at Josey. He was still enamored by how beautiful she looked. “Say something. You’re blowing
They stood outside in the cold midmorning air after Mara dropped them off in front of HighFlowers. “I’m not sure what you’re up to, but I don’t want to go in there,” Josey said finally, turning to leave. Tarrin turned her back around and gently pushed her forward, “You will go in there, like it or not.” Finally walking through the silver and etched glass door, Josey stopped fighting against his insisting and looked around. The brand store was huge, and being high-end, Tarrin and Josey were immediately greeted. “Hello! Welcome to HighFlowers, right this way, Mr. Stormway,” a female attendant said, ignoring Josey and gesturing Tarrin to a lavish seating area. “I won’t be staying. Ms. Parks here is to be cared for in every aspect. We will attend a recital tonight, so please see that she is well-dressed. I will need a driver to bring her to Hydelos in an hour.” The woman nodded and looked at Josey a minute before saying, “An hour? No problem!” She then clapped her hands as sever
“Yes, reservation for two, private. Thank you,’ hanging up the call with the restaurant he booked for after the recital. Tarrin felt a bit sure of himself now. “Yeah, throwing money around is great, but that’s not how you’re going to win her heart. She isn’t like the rest of them, Tarrin Stormway. I hope you come to realize her worth,” the wolf said, getting nervous Tarrin was making a mistake, that he may make Josey distance herself further. “Hush, what do you know? You lived before there was indoor plumbing!” The wolf scoffed, “That is a lie, and you know it!” Tarrin shook his head, “Doesn’t matter. I am not doing this to impress her.” “Lie.” “I mean, she should be impressed naturally, but I’m doing this as an apology for getting her involved in my problems,” Tarrin said out loud in response. “Lie again.” “Uhg, just shut up and leave me alone.” He yelled, turning to stomp down the rest of the stairs. Linux was standing there at the bottom, staring at him. “Lab, now!” Tarri
“Okay, hold on, so you’re saying my father must have taken your blood and used it in a serum on me, and that’s why you are here, in my head?” The wolf turned and nodded, “Yes, to put it simply.” Tarrin stood and started pacing. “I mean, if this was some fairytale, sure, I could believe it. But the science says you are a disease, a mutation constantly fighting to take over.” If wolves could shrug, this one would have. “Maybe that is what I am, a mutation, but it’s straightforward. Who do you think would win if you and I were stuck in a box, fighting to get out?” Tarrin eyed him before stomping and heading back the way they came. “We are done here. You won’t be getting out of anything or taking it over. That’s a fact,” he snapped and then stopped, looking back at the wolf, “and another thing, don’t you ever, EVER, lay my hands on Josey again. She’s scared of me now because of you!” The wolf suddenly fell back, rolling with laughter. “Ha, you think you can stop me? Good luck. The