Julien stared at the pieces of material in his hands.
Shredded clothes... No blood, no signs of a fight...nothing.
Except... He fingered the piece of animal hair he found.
That meant nothing. An animal could have trampled on them while moving.
He ran a hand through his hair, feeling helpless and anxious.
It wasn't up to twenty four hours yet but he was running crazy.
He had a feeling she was somewhere out there and was aware of the chaos she had caused.
He smiled, brushing off his anxiety. He too could play along.
He picked up his laptop from the side table.
'Raphaela, a homosexual!?'
'Actress Raphaela runs off from movie set with no explanation!'
'Mysterious Raphaela, actually a bad mannered whore!'
'Famous actress Raphaela ditches movie shoot after being cast as female lead!'
'Director of Werewolves of Lombardy to sue famous actress Raphaela for breach of contract!'
'Mys
"Has every family signed the share documents?""Yes, ma'am.""Give rations first to the Omegas, give the littlest portions to the wealthy. The community is to cooperate to get the surroundings clean, the slaves won't do that for them. Hunting is limited to the forests on the west, those on the east have a good doze of humans flocking through it. That's all for now. I'll speak to the warriors personally."Antonio dropped his pen and beamed at Raphaela, "You'll make a good Luna." He complimented, feeling really pleased.Raphaela glanced at him from her spot at the head of the table before looking back down at the documents in her hands. She was the epitome of the serious business woman. Classy, moderate, black pant suit and her hair tied back in a tight bun."Seriously" Antonio laughed, seeing her reaction, "Lorenzo always tries these methods but they never listen and he doesn't react for love of them... But he'll never admit to it."Raphaela'
Antonio looked searchingly at her for quite a long time that she began to feel that he could see through her."Depends" He finally answered, unscrewing the cap of a bottled water. She watched him drink shortly from the bottle."Tell me why you hate him."Raphaela laughed, "Would I be here if I hate him?"He fixed her with a blank stare. She leaned back in her seat."I don't hate him. I just hated his... behaviour." She answered, "It scared me that he rejected Davina."It was Antonio's turn to fix her with a puzzled stare, "Who are you talking about?"She blinked, "Davina. His mate."Antonio stared at her before slowly shaking his head."Three years ago when he met Davina" He began to explain, "he decided to keep it a secret because he didn't feel any affection towards her and she didn't fit his criteria for the woman he always wanted to be his Luna but he never told her this, he tried to be a good mate. They weren't clos
Raphaela and Antonio watched as the pack warriors trickled into Lorenzo's room and walked out solemnly, guilty and sad looks on their faces.Raphaela had insisted not only the warriors pay their Alpha a visit but a good number of the pack members also. She wanted them to see what their hate caused, she wanted them to experience even a little of the pain she was feeling. Even the young pups weren't exempted. That way, they would grow up protective of their Alpha.As they walked out, they cast she and Antonio solemn appreciative glances, some couldn't even look at them. It was all their fault. They were alive but their Alpha was in-between life and death.After the last pack member walked out, she went in and checked on him. There was a good amount of black blood in the collecting container that had been changed five times already. Just one more day, she thought. One more day and she'd have him back.Antonio watched her through the open door, thinking back
Raphaela paced round Lorenzo's room, hands on hips. Antonio sat to the side, watching her amusedly."You are nervous." He stated.She stopped in front of him, "I'm scared. What if he wakes up and doesn't want me around?"Antonio laughed, "You're kidding, right?"She rolled her eyes then squatted down in front of him, "This is the fourth day. He was supposed to wake up on the third, not the fourth.""You saw the results. He's fine." He smiled, patting her hair.She sighed, reaching out her hand to get off a piece of stray material on his suit coat. They locked gazes for seconds."Valentina" She spoke up, "You saw her last, two days ago."Antonio sighed, brushing back his hair."I'm avoiding her" He admitted, adjusting his suit coat, "I've not had time and I can't bear seeing the sad look on her face whenever I tell her that.""You're free now." She pointed out."You need me" He looked back at her, "I can't b
Valentina hurried all the way to the pack hospital but on getting there, she found the whole pack warriors performing the customary salute meant for the Alpha alone. She stood at a distance, watching curiously. Was their Alpha awake?She could sniff him out but she had no idea if he was still unconscious.She could sniff out Antonio also.She became disappointed. If their Alpha was awake then there would be no use of her working in the hospital.And she couldn't determine if Antonio would spend time with her and visit her parents now that Alpha Lorenzo was awake. He would probably get more busy.She sighed, leaning against a wall. What could she do to get his attention?The only thing she could think of was getting to work in the pack house where he lived. But how would she do that?*********Antonio stood, all smiles, at Alpha Lorenzo's bedside."His body is still really weak. I'll advise that he stays ano
Valentina was still leaned against the same wall even after an hour. The warriors had dispersed already and both Antonio and Alpha Lorenzo's scent were stale, meaning they had left the hospital. But she had no where to go. She didn't want to return home and ever since Kayla died, she had cut off contact with her old friends. She was basically a loner now and so she terribly missed Kayla. They had been very close and though meeting Beta Antonio had helped numb the pain of losing her, she still felt her loss every single day. She missed her.Antonio stood a distance away, watching her. She looked miserable.He sighed, walking up to her. She didn't notice him until he was directly in front of her. She looked up at him then flinched in shock.He stared at her also, her small lovely face then took her hand and began leading her away."Have you eaten anything today?" He asked her."I...ye..." She stuttered, still finding it hard to believe that the perso
The sudden appearance of Raphaela stunned Valentina even more. "You said what?" Raphaela queried, going closer to them. Antonio sighed, looking away from her, "Its scent is hard to cover up." Raphaela looked down at the tiny wrapped fold on the ground. She suddenly looked up. "Who's Victoria?" She asked. Antonio glanced at her, "Probably a kitchen staff?" Raphaela glanced at the door, her emotions hidden. "I want her here now." She ordered before walking away. Antonio followed her, "I've mindlinked the head staff already. Is the Alpha okay? Emily said he's supposed to rest for another two days." "He's an Alpha. He can handle it." They walked across the wide floors of the villa, open targets to whatever evil lurking in the shadows so it was quite easy for whoever to shoot a poisoned arrow down below to the two unsuspecting victims strolling across the open space. Antonio was the first to sense it.
"As I've said and I'll say again, this is the punishment for traitors to the pack, those who don't have the spirit of loyalty."Tearing of flesh followed and the splashing of blood. The she wolf crumpled to the floor, the traitor that had dared to poison him.Lorenzo stepped away from the corpse."I have sent my sister away"Loud gasps erupted and sounds of protest followed but no one dared to speak a word."Because there have been an attempt to assassinate her."The pack's emotion was that of shock this time."The culprit was unsuccessful this time but I won't sit back and let it repeat itself. Therefore, I, Lorenzo Decimus, take back my position as Alpha of the Silvermoon pack."There were few reluctant faces spread around but most people were nonchalant about it."I hope you can all continue to be the way you were when Raphaela was present."Lorenzo turned and headed back into the pack house.Of course,
"Sir, you have a meeting by 10am tomorrow with the investors and a conference by 12pm with the board of directors. The Wallace family have indicated interest in the new deal and request that you meet for lunch to discuss the terms at you convenient time. Also..." "Cancel them all." "Young master? But the Wallace family..." "I don't repeat myself." Young master Zed's secretary could only watch helplessly as he entered his latest Rolls Royce and was driven away. Zed's gaze was sharp and cold as he made various phone calls on his way back home but inside him, he was nervous. He had to make sure everything was perfect. He couldn't afford any less. "Welcome, Master Zed." He nodded at the butler who opened the car door for him and stepped out. "Your parents have asked that you join them for dinner." The butler informed, following behind him into the large sophisticated Archibald's Villa. "Is the fourth Miss back?" "Not yet, master Zed." He sighed tiredly as he took his first step
Director Cicero brought out the keys to his apartment. He still felt a bit shaky and weak from the terrifying incident that had just taken place at the award ceremony. It had been strange and terrifying even for his old bones. Plus immediately after the ceremony ended, he couldn't find Julien Hugo and Raphaela anymore. It was as if they had vanished into thin air.What was going on with them?He shut the door behind him, switching on the lights. He ventured for the living room and froze at the sight in front of him.Raphaela, Julien Hugo and three other strangers were sitted in his living room.Lorenzo immediately rose."Director Cicero." He greeted politely."I was looking for you, Julien. What's going on?" He came closer, now noticing the child in Raphaela's arms and in that of the young girl. He also noticed the three awards both Lorenzo and Raphaela had received, resting comfortably on a drawer, "what's happening?""We need your help." Raphaela immediately spoke, rising."What..."
Raphaela screamed again as the baby forcefully pushed its way out. In a few seconds, the baby slid into Lydia's waiting hands. "A boy!" Lydia announced excitedly, cutting the placenta. Lorenzo's eyes snapped open, his eyes immediately finding his child. "Thank you." he whispered. "It's time." was her gentle reply. He moved his eyes to his wife. Her eyes were shut and her breathing was quiet. "Raphaela." he called softly, palming her cheek. Her eyes fluttered open and a gentle smile followed at the sight of him. "You did it." "The Moon goddess did." He replied, smiling also. Lydia handed their child to her. Raphaela's eyes instantly filled with tears. "My boy, my own child." Lorenzo tried hard not to be too emotional as he stared at the beautiful miracle of his son. "My boy." Raphaela whimpered, sobs escaping her lips. Lorenzo took the infant from her and held it for a few moments, feeling the fragile and vulnerable creature in his hands. Small eyes stared up at
I thank the committee for giving me this award and all who voted for me. I thank the cast and crew of 'A Forbidden Fairytale', you really made me happy during those days. I thank very specially, director Cicero, for being a great mentor and adviser and inspiration to me and to all. And lastly and most importantly, I thank the love of my life" Gasps erupted. "For always being there and being the best support. No one but the both of us know just how much we've been through and it means the world to me that you're still here with me, even at the end." She smiled at Julien. Getting off the stage, the award for best supporting male and female actors were awarded to two of the supporting characters in their film. She felt proud, so proud of Julien. "It's funny how it's just me who doesn't see the resemblance between you both." She whispered to Lorenzo as they returned to their seat. "Funny for me too as I also didn't see the resemblance." He answered, looking around. "What?" She q
Lydia glanced at the clock and then back at Valentina, worry etched on her face. Antonio noticed her movement and he too became even more panicked. Time was running out. "Try harder, Val, try harder. I'm here, okay? I'm here, I'll always be here." He encouraged, his tone emotional. "It's so painful!" She cried, her eyes fluttering open. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." He cleaned the sweat off her face as she pushed again, her cries bouncing off the walls. At the third push, the tiny creature slipped out smoothly into Lydia's waiting hands. "A girl!" Lydia announced with glee, cutting off the placenta. Valentina collapsed on the bed, drained of all energy. Lydia brought her child to her while Antonio hovered over them with a proud pleased smile on. "You did it, thank you so much." He kissed her cheek as she received their child into her arms. "She's so beautiful." Valentina mumbled, tears rolling down her cheeks, "so beautiful." Antonio thought the same too and for the next few secon
The editing and finalizing of 'A Forbidden Fairytale' took another two months to complete and then it was ready for the world to see. Director Cicero was excited.He didn't release the fifteen episodes film immediately, rather he teased the public first.The first day, he paid so that old news on the infamous duo came to light. News began trending about them and the whole world wanted to know what happened to them."My goodness. Did everyone just forget them?""I don't get. Why does it seem like they just vanished?""So strange! Did the world forget them?""I find it really strange that I forgot them for all these months. I'm so sorry Raphien, I'm your die hard fan!""Oh, that homosexual actress.""Raphaela! I love her so much, she's so mysterious! What happened to her?""Are they dead?""Ha! I always knew they'd eventually die out, they were so proud. Why are people talking about them again by the way? ^_^.""Why are people making such bad comments? She is a beautiful soul. Her movies
Two months later... "I said search every nook and cranny of this office! It has to be somewhere! How can you be so incompetent!? A simple task! One simple task! And you blow it!" Director Cicero was furious. He glowered at his secretary who was frantically searching through the stacks of files in the cramped cupboards for one single letter she had carelessly misplaced. "That letter is worth millions, you hear!? That letter will fetch me millions! Look for it!" Files landed on the floor in haste, cupboards collapsed on top of the other. The room was a mess. As she searched, terrified, a large green folder landed on the floor right at director Cicero's pacing feet. He glared at it and kicked it off but his curiosity was strangely piqued. He stared at the green folder for a while before picking it off the floor. He set it on his desk and opened it. The first file he brought out was a signed contract between him and... Julien Hugo! Something in his memory snapped and everything came
It was true. No one had ever seen the Invisibles. The Invisibles could only be communicated with at the turbulent ocean that bordered the forests on the east. There was an invisible barrier through which the infamous female automated voice they used spoke to whomever they wished. He himself had only been there once, after he became Alpha. Now that he thought of it, how did the Highbreeds know they were erased from the Invisibles records? "What are you thinking?" she asked when his look became even more frustrated. "Exactly what you're thinking." He sighed, "making us non existent." "We have been cut off from all connections, all our deals have been rejected. No one accepts to offer us help." She said to him. "You all don't deserve this." He muttered, embittered. She leaned down, placing her head on his shoulder, looking into his eyes through the mirror. They could both hear the sound of foliage being crushed and the controlled breathing of the sneaking invaders as they trie
Vince knocked on the front door of Victoria's house. It swung open two seconds later. Victoria's grandmother, a tall lanky woman who looked far too young for her age, stared down at him."Vincenzo." She smiled cheerily, "come on in."He stepped into the cosy home that smelt of spice and pancakes."We are just having breakfast" She informed him, leading him to the small eating table at the far end of the living room, "please join us.""Thank you but I just came to offer my thanks" he refused politely, "If you and Victoria hadn't saved me, I would be dead."She chuckled, "You can save your thanks for my grand daughter, she was the one who brought you in but I don't think she would be down at the moment."He understood."I apologize, I'll take my leave." He bowed slightly in respect and headed back for the door.He paused, his hand on the knob."Please do tell her I visited and that I said hi."He quickly left the house. He decided to take the opposite way of the pack house. He had to t