“So what happened?”
I sighed dejectedly. “I wanted to call you!”
Laurent crossed his arms, his eyes furrowed. His jaw was tensed and I’m pretty sure he’s trying to control his anger “And why you didn’t?!”
“I left my phone okay?! It’s because you keep calling me every single time!”
“Harper you...!” Laurent grunted and turned his back on me, grabbing his hair tightly. I can’t help but feel guilty. He looks so concerned,
but it made me a little happy.
At least now, someone cares.
He went straight into my apartment the moment I didn’t answer his calls. I bit my lower lip as I stared in my phone. 103 missed calls.
“I’m sorry.” I whispered, making him stare at me as I sat on the side of my bed. It felt like I was a kid getting reprimanded by my mother.
I feel bad but at the same time, it feels good. You can’t blame me, his presence makes me feel I’m not alone like I used to.
Laurent sighed and grabbed a chair, sitting across from me. He always wears a neat-looking suit so it was the first time seeing him in a hoodie and pajamas. His hair was still unkempt, making him look like a normal teenager who’s popular in schools.
“This won’t do,” He said shaking his head as he gazed sternly at me. “I’ll stay with you wherever you go.”
That line was good but no thank you. That’s going to be very uncomfortable! “You can’t do that!”
“Why not? I’m your guardian.”
I told you he sounds like a mom.
“And the guy? You still can’t remember?” He asked.
I sighed. “No.”
That’s one of the weird things that happened to me. As soon as I woke up lying on a cold bench near my apartment, I can’t remember what the guy I saved looks like.
“What time is it?” He suddenly asked out of the blue.
“4:52 am”
He started walking towards the kitchen.
“Hey, what are you doing there?” I asked carefully as I followed him. He started getting my frying pan.
“You said you had an interview at eight. You can’t go there on an empty stomach.”
I felt my heart fluttering as I stared confusedly at his back. Why does he look like a loving husband?! And such a hot husband on top of that?! Now I can’t stop myself from smiling.
“You know I can just cook for myself,” I said while sitting on the chair, staring at his back while grinning widely.
“I went straight here without even wearing proper clothes, I’m also starving Harper. And you just happened to be a terrible cook.”
I frowned when I remember the day he turned so pale when he ate the dish I cooked for him.
“Laurent dropped that spatula. It’s my treat today, let’s go.” I called as I started preparing.
“You expect me to walk around wearing pj’s?”
I rolled my eyes. “Duh, drive-thru meal Laurent.”
///
“So, is it because you’re feeling guilty?” Laurent asked as his eyes were focused on the road. We were currently in his car, about to go into the nearest fast-food chain.
“Well yeah, I feel sorry, too. On top of that, I realized that you might be having less sleep lately because you’re too paranoid and always calling me nonstop.” I mumbled as I fumbled through his things. I saw a shades and didn’t hesitate one bit to put it on. Wow, I look good.
“Guardians don’t sleep, Harper.”
I was taken aback but I quickly retaliated. “Well then, I’ll be treating you because I feel sorry for the trouble I caused.”
“Don’t be, I’ll punish yo-“
“Laurent I wanted to treat you because I felt sorry! End of conversation! So just shh okay?!” I said while getting more and more embarrassed. Mother of cow, I didn’t know he doesn’t sleep!
I heard him chuckled. “Fine.”
After buying our breakfast, Laurent brought me to a high place. You can see the city below and the sky was clear. Birds chirped as a ray of sunshine warmth the place all over. I inhaled the fresh air as soon as I got out of his car.
We sat on his bumper and peacefully ate our breakfast.
“How did you know this place?” I asked while munching my food.
He stared blankly at the wide horizon as his hair slowly swayed with the wind. “I used to go here whenever I miss a certain someone.”
It was only a whisper, but enough for me to hear.
I felt a pang of pain for him. Seeing how he took the both of us here, he must still be missing that person.
He cleared his throat and quickly changed the topic. “So, you said you saw a kid who turned into a monster. That’s called a shapeshifter."
“Shapeshifter?” I mumbled as write it down in my notebook. Again, I don’t know where in the world I grabbed that.
“Shapeshifters, obviously by the word itself, can shift to any kind of creatures. They have glowing silver eyes and likes to eat humans’ heart. But you said the guy you saved was no human at all. That only means one thing,”
He looked at me sternly, a hint of worry glimmering in his eyes. “You just encounter a dark shapeshifter.”
It felt like I am in such a huge trouble. I looked at him nervously as I slowly removed my shades. “What’s a dark shapeshifter?”
“Normal shapeshifters eat dead humans’ hearts. It means they don’t mess with the living and we considered them good. But dark shapeshifters eat even a living human’s heart, worse, some even eat the heart of what you call unnatural creatures like me.”
I think I just stepped in a boundary I never should have crossed. I’m just a mere human and dare to face such a monster?! I am so screwed.
Laurent started cleaning our mess and went inside the car. I followed him as I stared blankly at nowhere.
“Don’t worry, I’ll never let anyone lay a hand on you.” He started the engine as I put the shades on back again, shutting my eyes tightly as I faced another crisis that may put me near death again.
“But Harper,”
Laurent’s tone suddenly feels different. “If you ever hear the name ‘Damon’,”
His eyes darted on me as if signaling me a warning.
“run.”
///
I sighed heavily as I tried to calm my nerves. “This is it,” I mumbled as I tug my blazer softly, leaving no traces of crumpled areas.
“Applicant No. 234”
I stood up as I heard my number. This is my 24th interview. It should have been the 25th if not for that bus accident.
My hands were dead cold as I sat on the chair facing the panel of interviewers. There were four of them and they all look so young. They look like people in their twenties to thirties.
“So, why do you want to work in our company?” One of the interviewers asked. He has disheveled hair and looks like he just woke up from a nap.
I can’t believe that’s all right with the company. I expected stricter rules because they're one of the top companies in the country.
I cleared my throat before started speaking. “I want to work in this company because I saw that my goal and yours are in line and is going towards the same-“
“Okay, next question.”
My eyes furrowed. That’s it?
“Why should we hire you?” The only woman asked.
“I’m a very versatil-“
“What are your greatest strengths?” Two of the interviewers asked in unison, cutting me off. Their twins.
“My strengths are I quickly adapt to my su-“
“Okay, you passed the interview. Congratulations, Ms. Harper,” The guy with disheveled hair stated, smiling widely at me.
I don’t know why, but I do not like the way he smiles. It was sending an ominous feeling in me.
I was supposed to be happy, but it felt like I was making a huge mistake.
“You’re hired.”
Mother of cow, I am so screwed. With hurried steps, I quickly went into the ladies comfort room. I sighed out of relief as soon as I saw it was empty. My hands were dead cold as I locked the cubicle I was in. Breathing heavily, I quickly dialed Laurent's number with my trembling hands. "Oh, please pick up!" I desperately whispered, panic started to eat my system. It's been three weeks since I was hired by the Lake Company. And it never had crossed in my mind that I would be stepping inside a dangerous lair. I am trapped. /// Fifteen minutes ago "Good morning!" I greeted as usual as I make my way towards my desk. And as usual, my coworkers either ignored me or stared lazily at me. I frowned and just shrug it off as I plopped down my chair. I saw one of my seniors bringing a load of paper works as he struggles to walk. Since I have nothing much to do, I quickly stood up and help him carry other stuff. I grabbed some of his things voluntarily and he didn't even bother to look a
I quickly dashed towards the elevator with nothing but my phone and my trembling legs. I pushed the elevator's button over and over but it was so slow!I have no choice!I hurriedly sprinted towards the emergency exit and to my dismay, hundreds of stairs await me."Oh, mother of cow..."I wasted no time and ran downstairs, my legs were about to give up so I sat on the rail and made my butt slide swiftly."This is so much faster!" I chuckled nervously, wishing desperately not to fall off. I did that again and again until I reached the first floor. My butt hurt so much it felt like burning.Holding onto my bottom, I went out of the exit but I drew a sharp breath when I saw what awaits me behind the white door.Hundreds of employers were waiting. Their intense glares made me gulped nervously as I took a step forward carefully.They weren't kidding any more. Their sharp long claws were exposed as well as their fangs a
Everything was hazy.I couldn't see anything but the cold gray ceiling while being carried by someone. My head moved towards the front, my eyelids half open. There were vines around, faint glowing orbs, floating small creatures I have never seen before, moving freely as their wings fluttered around."Are you sure about this Sir Lake?" My vision was blurry, but I can tell it was Ms. Kase's voice.There was a long silence, but I heard him sighed and then answered."She can help us."Ms. Kase started removing the vines on a certain part of the wall. As she parts the vines open, I saw a huge wooden door in front of us."Lo
Idon't know why Laurent hid everything from me. I don't know why he's too afraid of bringing me to a place that feels like a second home.I don't get him.We were scattered in front of the Academy's huge steel gate as several eyes started to glance at me. I can feel bewildered stares everywhere. I pouted and keep my head low, cursing at whoever made this white suit. I was the only one wearing it and it was too flashy on top of that!"Hey, keep your head high. You're a celebrity here." Levy held my chin up and linked her arms at me as we walked like fashion models around. I don't know what in the world we are doing."Tier Three, please line up!" Levy and I quickly lined up. My forehead creased as I saw a mysterious floating door ahead. A guy with specs was waiting beside the door, a bunch of keys hanging on his arm. The line moved as students started to enter the door."Why not just go strai
As soon as I got out from the floating door, I was sprawled all over the floor, my stomach churning. I quickly shut my mouth to stop myself from vomiting.I will never get used to that freaking door!When I finally recovered, I look around and scanned my surroundings. I was in a place which looks like a studio apartment. There's a small kitchen, a bathroom and two beds. There were also two brown closets. I opened both of them and can't help but to stare with amazement as I saw different kinds of clothes. The other closet has spare brown suits while the other has white. Obviously, the latter was mine.I think I'm currently in the girls' dormitory. Maybe Flynn and Levi got transported in the boys' dormitory.I wonder who's my roommate?While waiting, I quickly freshen up and changed my clothes. I decided to wear a white trouser, tucking my navy sweater in. I used to tie my hair every time but decided to let it down for a change. After an hour of fumbling through things inside the room,
I stood frozen still as I looked at him with surprise. Mother of cow! My CEO just turned to be my my classmate and on top of that is my freaking partner?! How am I supposed to be all friendly with him?! "Stop staring." His words made me quickly avert my gaze as we walked on the hallway. Students were glancing at us as we pass along, whispering things I cannot comprehend. "Why are they looking at us like that?" I asked as I look back at every students looking at me with weird faces. I mimicked every expression they made making them avert their gazes. No way I'm going to let them make me awkward. "It's expected. The only Alpha and the only Chamber just happened to be a team. Of course it will make a ruckus." He answered with his emotionless face. Professor Goodbye dismissed us quickly after telling us about our first assignment. And yes, his name is freaking Professor Goodbye. There's a lot of weird names going on here. Anyway, our first assignment was to make a healing potion.
Laurent quickly made his way towards me. He wrapped me in his embrace, hugging me tightly. I was unsure of what to do so I patted him gently on the back. He was panting heavily as buried his face on my neck, his hand holding my head gently. "Do you know how scared I am Harper?" He whispered, exhaustion was heard from his tone. I couldn't help but to feel guilty, his hair was still unkempt, he was not wearing his usual clean suit. He was wearing a white shirt and a plain black pants. "Who brought you here?! I went looking all over for you!" "Ooh, I smell a love triangle." Elixa giggled while eating. My forehead creased when I noticed she already had popcorn on her lap. My heart thumped nervously when his eyes darted on Killian. If looks can kill, my CEO is totally gone right now. Laurent put me behind him and faced Killian. "Why did you bring her in this world?! Who gave you the right to decide for her?! You should mind your own business Lake!" His voice roared within the room.
"You're seriously choosing him over me? Are you for real, Harper?" "It's not that I'm choosing him! I just want to stay he-" "Do what you want." I felt a pang of pain as I saw Laurent walk away. I couldn't help but clenched my fists as guilt started eating me. "He's just jealous." I heard Killian's cold voice from behind. Why is he smirking by the way?! Does he think this is funny?! "Stop grinning." I remarked before walking away. And I didn't choose Killian! I told Laurent I decided to stay here at Claw. As to why my CEO is suddenly in front of the door, I don't know. I just went to where my feet brought me and found myself inside a garden. I didn't even knew something like this exist. Little fairies fly around as they played with each other, the green shades of leaves being lighted up by faint glowing orbs. It was magical. But I can't find myself smiling right now. "You all right?" A guy's voice came from behind. "Probably not." "Sorry, but I'm not in the mood to talk w