I opened my eyes but was stunned to find what was in front of me. I was in the right location, but in front of me were dozens of women of all different shapes and sizes in all their beauty walking around the place in bikinis.
Before I could process what was happening, several men came up from behind me. I could not sense them.
So it is true the senses are dulled in the human world.
A human man, presumably a bodyguard or something, grabbed my hand roughly and began to question me. I was not a fan of his tone.
“Why are you still in your regular clothes. Why did you not get changed?”
“What are you talking about,” I asked. I shook his hand away. As a werewolf, my strength didn’t match the human appearance. None of the werewolves living in the human world do.
“Great another airhead,” One of the others muttered.
Airhead!
“Unless you want to lose your qualification for the competition you need to go get changed and stop acting like you can come and go as you please.” The second tallest man said. He was wearing a suit like the rest, but he had a buzz cut.
“Who’s in charge here! Let me talk to him!” I stated calmly. “It’s really just coincidence. I’m not here for ......” But it was no use the bodyguards began to shove me.
I tried to desperately get away from them. Rip! The bastard had torn a huge hole in my jacket. The bald body guard tried to tear at her shorts only to get kicked in the chest. I heard an oof before the gripe around my waist loosened.
Whomever grabbed my shirt quickly let go not wanting to make the same mistake. I was humiliated by the display of man, but at least I was still clothed.
I tried to run away however they outnumbered me. As the head of the bodyguards made a grab for my jacket once more I ducked underneath him and slide. I got up nd took off running.
I knew that they would chase after me but I was faster even in my human form. I could hear Tide howling in my ear. At least you are enjoying yourself.
Using the last bit of strength I could muster from my wolf I quicken her pace enough to get away from them.
“I forgot that transporting yourself between the worlds does drain you. Mama was out for hours before she woke up.” I was out of breath and needed to hide from those guys.
I spotted an office close enough that I could sneak in without being spotted. I ran to the room and shut the door behind me. I tried to catch my breath once more. Fearing I might pass out when I heard noise coming from outside my peripheral vision.
I turned around to see a man standing behind me. The only thing that came to my mind that could describe him was gorgeous. Wearing a tailored business shirt that hugged his biceps he looked to be at least 6’4’.
He was staggering over my 5’3 short and small frame. As he walked closer to me I got a better look at him. He had a strong chiseled chin and high cheek bones. I could tell that unlike the town of stardom, there was nothing plastic on this Adonis in front of me.
And then he opened his mouth and spoke.
“Miss, what do you seem to be hiding from?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Miss, what do you seem to be hiding from?” There was an echo in the room. Or maybe my ears were still ringing.
I could hear the man standing in front of me asking the question again. While I was recovering from the spell physically my senses where slowly coming back.
Oh…I’m sorry. I don't have any idea of what is going on. The bodyguards in the front seem to be very “enthusiastic” about their job.”
I said glaring towards the door. I was still in shock, but venting to the handsome stranger seemed to calm me down. I could not deny that he was a good piece of eye candy to get lost in.
The man stared at me and raising his eyebrows. “You do know that this is a actor casting and selection competition, right? But you somehow manage to get by heavy security that was in place?”
I heard nothing left after that word: Casting.
That’s all I needed to hear. I could almost laugh at the sheer luck that was placed in front of me. That explained the venue that was chosen and its sensual nature. It also explained all the varies of beautiful women that were about.
This is my opportunity! I thought with glee.
Carpe diem! Seize the Day!
Acting.
That was the dream that I had been chasing down since I was a little girl. Those days that I believed that I could be amongst the humans.
But all that was halted when I was brought to the werewolf world for unknown reasons.
My dream was shattered and left unfulfilled. I decided that I would give up my hopes and dreams to become a traditional werewolf. The perfect Luna; dedicating myself to both my pack and my mate. There were consequences that every now and again I reflect on but only for a moment.
I became the perfect Luna and had everything from my dreams to my upbringing shoved back in my face by a less than my perfect mate. I swallowed the urge to spit at the thought of him and his new mistress.
But that was behind me now.
After ten years, fate was pushing me towards my dreams once more. A competition for selecting actress. This was a gift sent to me by the Moon Goddess.
‘Best get some practice in with Mr. Hot Stranger.’
“Silly me,” I said calmly, “Of course I am participating in the competition. But the building is so confusing and the directions were no help either. I was unable to find my dressing room.” I said assuring myself and the man in front of me.
However I could tell he suspicious of me. “You seem a little out of place for the competition.”
“It’s that what gets attention, those that don’t look like everyone else.” I said with a smile.
“What I mean is you look strange.”
“All the women here its not a surprise that I was overlooked.” I said.
The man gave a quick smirk that vanished as he spoke. “But a face as magnificent as your should not be overlooked. Maybe I need to re-familiarize the profiles of all the contestants.”
Is he flirting with me? Focus Ava!
My brain began to work into overdrive. He looks a lot like a broker. If he goes into the profiles, he’ll know I’m not suppose to be here.
I touched my face. “It must be the new makeup that I am using. Thank you for noticing, but I think I have taken enough of your time.” I said as I began open the door. I started to walk outside in the direction away from where the guards had chased me.
That is until he stopped me.
“You are going to wrong direction .” He pointed and moved ahead of me. “The dressing room is that way in the opposite direction.”
Shit!
I could feel myself blush. The lie I was spinning was not easy to get out of. “I was headed to the bathroom.
“It’s right up front.” He said dryly.
I looked at myself in the mirror. True I was beautiful; my hair cascaded in black waves down my back but with all the running I had been doing to get away from the guards I looked like a haggard wretch.
The black tights and shorts I was wearing was stretched from them grabbing me. My jacket had a huge hole in it. This was nothing close to the attire of an actress let alone someone trying to compete in a contest.
Not only did my outfit not fit the theme, but the bodyguards would recognize the tattered clothing. While it was my dream, I did not see myself participating in the competition.
I just wanted to stay a while and bask in that feeling I once had. I wanted the smell of the set. I wanted the feel for the costumes. Hell I want to taste the art.
“What should I do? If I continue to wear what I have on I will be recognized immediately not to mention humiliated during the competition.” There was already a bodyguard making rounds outside the bathroom door.
All of a sudden the bathroom stall next to me began to ring. A woman emerged from the stall, angrily on the phone as she walked out. She was carrying a big bag that looked like a lot of costumes. One piece of clothing even fell on the floor.
“Looks like the Goddess is on my side.”
I drooped to my knees and snatched the dress under the stall. Her wolf, Tide grunted.
“This looks more like lingerie than a dress. What scenes would you use this for?” I almost yelled. I huffed as I began to disrobe.
“It’s better than nothing,” I said.
Immediately I changed into the dress the last thing I needed was someone to walk in. I walked out of the stall and looked at the radiance in the mirror. “Oh Victoria’s Secret Angel.”
I blew a kiss to my reflection. “I look good.”
“Narcissist,” Tide huffed her breath inside my mind.
“I am just missing the wings.”
I chuckled. As I walked out of the bathroom, trying to tiptoe the entire way. Trying to fit in with the rest of the beauties.
However the joy was short lived. I felt something tug me back. As I looked behind me I could not believe my bad luck. The one of the bodyguards from earlier grabbed me by the wrist and yanked me towards him.
“Miss, I checked just now, and you are obviously not on the list of players we invited. Please leave immediately.”Oh shit!
Before I could even follow the other models someone grabbed my wrist and yanked me towards them. It was the bald headed bodyguard that I had been arguing with earlier.“Miss, I checked just now, and you are obviously not on the list of players we invited. Please leave immediately.” The man said in an agitated voice.This was a game of hide and seek and not only did I get caught but I could tell there patience was thin. But this did not deter me. I was not giving up.Looks like I have to play it up again.“Oh? Do you know who I am? Maybe you should check again. There are so many actors’ faces here, do you even remember all of them clearly? Let go of me this instant or I will have your job.” I said. I was showing them I was not afraid to shout and make a scene.The bodyguard sneered at me. “Cute, but this is a venue with 24-hour surveillance and triple security facilities in place. There is no way you could just come and go as you please without getting spotted.”With that comment my e
“That’s a backhanded compliment if I ever heard one.” I said clenching my fist.'Is that so,” Elijah put his hand to his phone.“What did you mean by that?” I said fighting the urge to punch something or someone.Elijah took a deep breath as he put away his phone. I guess he decided to engage with me.“While it is true that you are beautiful and you are in great shape, there is no guarantee that you are actress material. At best you could be sign to our modeling department later on after the competition is over.”I could feel my canines grinding against one another. “ I am not interested in being another pretty face. I do not want to model. I want to be an actress.”“You want to be an actress yet you are not on the list. Be grateful that you are here.” Elijah said giving me a warning. However it was a warning that I ignored. I refused to be singled out and labelled as just another pretty face.I was able to hold a pack together when my mate was showing weakness. When he was running ch
Elijah’s POVI looked down at the petite woman in front of me. I could not deny that I admired her ambition. Her drive. Hell, I admired anyone that had that much gull to stand up to me.As I grabbed a hold of her hand and shook in agreement to her deal, I could not help but notice that fire that radiated between the two of us. Almost like electricity flowing from her into me. It was almost magnetic, but I brushed it off to just static from an unknown source. I kept thinking about her eyes. They held a brilliant fire that I could not place. It was vivid and infectious to see her responses to me. Even her reactions to the situations have been funny.She was beautiful. No, she was absolutely gorgeous standing at 5’3. Her frame was petite and graceful yet deadly and patient. I could not lie she looked familiar to me, but I could not place her.The breath of air that she created around her was ambiguous to say the least. But I felt that I was letting my emotions get in the way of my judg
And just like that I was taking part of the competition. My heart could not stop pounding. After Elijah made the grand gesture and I accepted I had expected a lot of people to vocalize me being a late however no one made waves to address the situation. Which was fine with me.As I looked up at my advisory I knew that whatever he had in store for me would test more than jus my abilities at an actress."That's all I can help you with. You won't say it's unfair, will you?" he said. “I cannot image you pouting at the situation at hand.”“Why would I pout,” I said. "You are at a slight disadvantage, kitten. “After all, the other candidates have two full weeks to prepare." My heart skipped a beat. The contest took two weeks of preparation."What about me?" Ava asked."Oh—" he said meaningfully, "the game starts the day after tomorrow."Elijah had arranged for me to be instructed by Lydia. She would be in charge of any lessons or important details throughout the competition. That's when th
The competition had not even started yet and I felt that something was wrong. The first issue turned into an argument with one of the staff advisors.“'There must be some mistake.” I said.”“No ma'am there is no mistake.” he said unwilling to budge.“Then why am I not eligible to book an audition or get stage tie for that matter?” I was in disbelief.“Well miss, unfortunately the stage opportunity before the show is already full.” The young man said rigidly.This was ridiculous for the pass few hours I saw that no one was on that stage. Something was a miss. “That's impossible1 I clearly saw that the stage was empty!”Despite my protest he held his ground against me. “Sorry but an appointment has to be made. We play and follow the rules here.” He said uncaring.I caught what he stated with a certain tone. 'We play by the rules here.' Was that a knock at how I got into the competition. “So let me get an appointment for an audition.”He exhaled in a huff, “Like I said an appointment is
I was standing in front of Elijah and I could not deny that I was unsure how to proceed from here. After our last encounter I knew any type of anger towards him would do me no good.“Miss Ava, what do I owe for this company? What have you done this time and what can I do for you?” His voice was harsh and ridged.I had no doubt that his tone was like the others that I had my misfortune of talking to. Everyone besides Lydia was not only nice but also respectful. I had learned from my previous encounters with not only Elijah but also the staff he was managing.I should have retreated when I saw his glare. I should have just told him its was nothing, but he was the one I went to since Lydia could not. Our back and forth confirmation last time was not the best move for me to make and I was not going to make the same mistake.After all, Elijah was a handsome and somewhat powerful agent. Compared to him I was just a novice wannabe actress that was a casting candidate. I was nothing in the wo
The day had finally arrived. All the contestants were gathered backstage to show the hard work that they had put on for the past two weeks. Or in her case three days.I refuse to wait backstage, because I knew that they would all try to crowd me and give one final round of ass kissing. I don't do flattery. If you have talent and you want to be in the entertainment business let your actions speak not your gestures.I refuse to wait in the front row with the judges because they would try to make small talk with me and ignore the performance of the competitors. They were here to judge not to gossip and gaggle.I was fine sitting in the balcony overseeing everything. It was one of the main reasons why my rounds were only in the mornings and later in the afternoons before majority of them were ready to go home. Because who wants to make small talk when you are exhausted.I stood in the balcony box to get a view of the stage. I knew that everyone would be in the seats below looking at the c
I was out of breath. I had given it all I could. Honestly I could not have asked for a better performance.I still could not believe that everything played out so well. I did not stutter. I did not forget my words.My performance ended exactly like my rehearsals--absolutely perfect !Lydia had a few doubts when I brought my ideas to her, but I was so excited during my rehearsals I could not keep my thoughts bottled in.I looked up to see Lydia. She was all smiles and holding up her thumbs up to only I could see. She truly believed in my inspiration and my alterations.During rehearsal I felt a connection to one of the scripts that Lydia had given me. Even thought I did not study it like the other girls I knew the entire movie word for word.I felt a connection to the character as well as the role she played. With that in my I added to the part and modified it as if was my own. It was not easy. But the results showed that it was beyond worth it.I stood there trying not to shift and sho
(Ava’s POV)I took a deep breath as I turned to see the Twins Tiene and Ash extend their hands out to me. I tried to holding my laughter in as I saw them wearing suits and ties. I had been so use to cut shirts and damaged jeans I had hardly recognized their clean shaven attire. “We know that Alpha Elijah cannot escort you inside but,” Ash started the conversation.“Hopefully the two of us can be half the man that our Alpha is,” Tiene finished.“May you gentlemen escort me inside,” I asked as I took both of their forearms and smiled at Elijah. While I was upset that he would not be with me during my speech I was glad I had so much support around me. On both sides. I did not look back at we headed towards the building I remembered what Elijah told me before we left the manor. “When we get there whatever you do: Do not look back. It is a sign of weakness.” I could feel Elijah’s eyes on me as the twins lead me into the building. The twins opened the door for me and we walked inside.
(Elijah’s POV)I woke up to find my mate in my arms. I leaned into her body to make sure it was not a dream. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla filled my nostrils. It had been three days since we took down all of the bases of the Syndicate. However there were still reports of humans trying to form groups to assault werewolves or people that they believed were werewolves. I was optimistic that we could put an end to this. I rose out of bed and took a deep breath as I got dressed. I pulled out a black suit with a blue shirt and black tie. Today was the day that we had been waiting for. I received word that the high commanding officers of the humans were looking to bring me in for questioning. Word was spreading that a faction of wolves had lead an attack on a militia that was eradicating humans. Since Ava and I were known to the public as werewolves naturally they would suspect us first.Good luck proving it. My wolf scoffed and laughed as he laid down and covered his body with his t
(Elijah’s POV)I am sorry Ava.As much as I wanted to have my mate help me lead the charge it would be a danger to her. I did not want to risk the plan because I was blinded by my need to have my mate at my side. Alpha we are in position from the north part of the stronghold. I heard Grayson mindlink with me. Grayson was at the rear of the charge with Doni as we began stormed the last front of the Syndicate’s threshold.It looks like most of the humans that have occupied this base do not have strong enough supplies or weapons to put up much of a fight. Doni was overly confident about the situation but I made sure that all of the soldiers on my end waited for my signal. Area 12; it was the last Syndicate base in the human realm. We found out that there were at least seven in the human world and five in the werewolf realm. Many of the other Alphas that could not leave their territory had informed me that others were leading the attack on the based in the werewolf realm. This incre
(Ava’s POV)As I wake up for my stupor I realized a few things. I could sense that another witch was in the territory or at least she was. I knew it had to be my master Shanti given the power trail that she left. At least they have support. I thought as I craned my shoulders and neck. As I sat up I noticed that Shanti had also put up a barrier to prevent me from leaving the house. Apparently my mate does not trust me to stay put. He was right, I would have bolted the first chance I got. Then I noticed I could not get a scent from my mate. I let out a frustrated groan. They went out of their way to make sure I would stay out of the fight. While I am upset with Elijah I know that in order for the plan to work I have to stay out of sight. I dont like it nor do I agree with it but I have to follow my mate’s command. I make my way to the kitchen to get a glass of water and check on the hounds. Since the attack on them we have been monitoring them to make sure their are no lingering
(Elijah’s POV)Despite the blockade between the worlds, the closing portals and the round the clock surveillance on my property I was able to bypast all of that and get the information needed. I did not want to tire my mate out but her ability to open portals at any given moment was a blessing from the Moon Goddess. With her will and determination we were able to contact and summon at least 3 hundred able body soldiers. She opened portals to several safe houses that I bought before Ava came to the mortal realm. Even though I was not prepping for a doomsday I did want to prepare just in case there was a huge number of werewolves that want to transfer to the human realm whether for temporary visit or permanent. With permission from the Alpha that wanted to stay behind I was in command several packs to storm Syndicate threshold.“We have everything needed to take on each stronghold. With Ava’s help every pack is close in position to attack on your command,” Lewis said as he looked ov
(Ava’s POV)As I looked at the ceiling I could not help but get upset. Sleep eluded me constantly. Since the children were born I was use to getting up a few times during the night or sleeping in the nursery with them. However I was still able to get sleep. I shifted tossed and turned the entire night. Even with Elijah holding me half the night before he fell into slumber I could not get to sleep. I could feel Elijah’s warmth and power surround me and keep me safe throughout out the night, but it was not enough to lull me to sleep. The image of the werewolf being shot still haunted my thoughts. Seeing the poor fellow werewolf being forced into transforming and then being slaughtered because of it turned my stomach. That could have been me, if Elijah and Grayson had not protected me. The Syndicate laced the award with something that caused my transformation. I almost rampaged the city and if anything got worse I would have been killed. After the new release the video was circulatin
(Ava’s POV)You have a plan,” I ask unsure about the situation. After showering with Elijah I felt a sense of calmness around me. It made me realize that I had been walking on pins and needles in my past relationship. “I have a plan to take down the Syndicate, get you back into the world as a beacon of survival and hope,” Elijah said as he passed a mug of coffee to me. Grayson stood at the oven fixing breakfast for the lot of us. Hearing my stomach I could not remember the last time I ate anything…or kept anything down. My nerves were all over the place. “So what is your plan Alpha,” Grayson said with his back still turned to us. “My plan is of course to find out were all of there hideouts are in the human wprld. Thye must be relying on humans to fortitfy themselves here. I ant to hit ech one before we move to anything critical to the plan.”“Which is,” I asked eagerly.“You,” Elijah said before taking a sip of coffee.“Me! Why me,” I felt like a weigh was going to slam into me a
(Elijah’s POV)Waking up I could hear the television, I look over and see the side of the bed that usually occupied by my mate is empty. I could not tell you how long its been since she slept next to me. Not that I blame her, with the world finding out that she is werewolf and forcefully transforming in front of the world would deter anyone’s spirit. I can feel my wolf licking on wounds both the physical and emotional. I try to shake everything off but I am still healing from the gun fire assault that Grayson and I protected Ava from. What kind of mate would I be if I let humans harm Ava.As I roll out of bed my hand automatically reaches for my cellphone. It is the only link that I have between the humans and my king. I unlock my phone and listen to my voicemails first. I don’t recognize this number but if it had my contact information it had to be important. I press play and I cannot believe what I am hearing:Good evening Mr. Elijah Connery. This is the representative for Troy O
(Ava’s POV)“YOU WON! AVA YOU WON THE AWARD!”Everything seemed like a fantasy. A dream that I had hoped for since I was a little girl.“I cannot believe that I am holding this…every endeavor that I have pushed to be apart of. I would …”That slowly turned into a nightmare that I could not escape from.Ava what is the matter? What is going on?“Freak.”“Monster.”Everything seemed to replay in my mind like a horrible series of a television show and I could not turn it off. Because it was my life.Where did it all go so wrong? How did we come so far to be under fire by my mistake?This thought and others kept circulating in my head. Tide, my wolf, was resting after running to escape the mayhem. She finally was able to shift in the human world-not that she was happy about the exposure or the wounds our mate suffered due to us.Even after I transformed back into a human I was still shot at, however Elijah and Grayson shielded me from the attack. When I came to I noticed that none of the