Valley of Shadows

By C.J Sereda

When a girl must kill to survive, why not do it in style? When Ryan Blair realized she must consume souls to remain alive, she figured it might not be such a bad idea to get paid for it. Equipped with a special skill set and wit, her chosen career path came easy to herwell, before she met them. Suddenly thrust into a world she never imagined existed, complete with beings of myth and legends, Ryan must remember who she is before its too late. Running from one past to another, will she be able to overcome the obstacles that await? Or is she doomed to repeat the cycle that began the seemingly endless nightmare she finds herself trapped in?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781546220107

C.J Sereda

I grew up in Brooklyn New York with my younger brother where we were both raised by my mother until I entered Lincoln High School, which is when I began living with my grandmother. Since I was fourteen I knew I wanted to be a writer and I began posting short stories online for feedback. Beginnings are never easy, I received a lot of what the authors on the site I used called flames and they were harsh. As my writing improved, the need to share my work intensified but without the flames and hardships none of that would have been possible. I believe we all have an inner power that drives us, whether we have the credentials or not its those who never give up that wind up succeeding and not always in the most conventional manner.

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© 2017 C.J Sereda. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  12/05/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5462-2011-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-2010-7 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter One

L ust fogged his eyes as I tugged on his button down, it had been a long time since we were in this position. His eyes pierced mine in that obnoxious way when he thought he was playing me but as he was about to find out, things change. I grabbed his hand and placed it on my hip before wrapping my arms around him, my face fitting perfectly in the crook of his neck. He smelled so good it was hard to imagine that I was about to do the opposite of what I wanted. So, when he leaned in to kiss me and I backed up the confusion that sprang across his features empowered me. Thinking I was joking he leaned in again but this time I pushed him away, smiling as I shook my head and winked.

Not tonight love, I have things that need handling. He grinned and his eyes lit up, taking the bate.

Yes, yes you do. The grin turned wicked as he leads my hand to the tent that was growing rapidly in his pants. I twisted out of his grasp as I grabbed my purse from the nightstand and made my way to the bedroom door.

This isn’t happening anymore. I came here tonight intending to give you blue balls but the thought of things getting that far is repulsive. He looked at me, his face void of emotion as he silently searched for an answer that would get him laid. It was a game to him, no matter what I said he simply didn’t believe I could be over him. Narcissism has always been a part of who he is, I was a fool to think time had changed anything.

You know you don’t mean that. He made a grab for me and once again I resisted, his smile changing from confidence to defeat. So, are you leaving then? I smirked, shaking my head as I laughed sarcastically and exited the room. As I was opening the front door memories of past mistakes flooded my mind. He deserved what was coming to him, had his behavior been different perhaps the punishment wouldn’t have to be so severe.

Very soon you’ll regret every choice you’ve made that harmed someone. I can’t wait to see the look on your face when you realize just what you’ve gotten yourself into. I knew that he was standing behind me, intent on one last ditch effort to sleep with me. He grabbed my shoulder, spun me around, and pinned me to the wall. Once he saw the expression on my face he let me go, shaking as he took a step back. Laughing as I straightened myself out, I looked at him and knew he finally understood.

For the next few weeks you will be looking over your shoulder wondering when I’ll strike, every shadow will scare you. Every random noise in the night will have you fleeing in the opposite direction. How many nights do you think you can go without sleep? He looked like he wanted to scream but was shocked into silence.

"I’m sorry for everything, I didn’t mean to hurt you. We weren’t even serious when I cheated and you know they lied about those other girls. You know what I felt for you was real, you just got crazy with all the text messages and phone calls. It was too much; your life was too negative and I couldn’t handle the drama." I took a step forward and he took a step back, his eyes never leaving mine as I grabbed the door knob. Stepping into the hallway and closing the door behind me I couldn’t help but relish in the feeling of triumph. It wasn’t everyday one of us scorned lovers got justice for all the wrong done to us from past relationships. His punishment hasn’t even really begun but still, it was a great start to the hardest lesson he will learn in his very short life.

Exiting my douche of an ex’s hotel room and in such a wonderful mood I decided to treat myself to some breakfast. At five in the morning it wasn’t easy to find anything decent open, I always hated the city but the country was worse. Making my way to the rented car I’d been sporting for the last few weeks I decided the grocery store was my best bet. I cook better than most diners anyway and I was determined to make an amazing meal, food helps quiet the beast. It started raining as I pulled into Cangraine’s, the local grocery, and parked in the lot as close to the doors as possible. Grabbing a cart from the front and jogging it to the sliding doors I could feel my long black hair getting heavier by the second. I used to hate super markets, especially when wet because the air conditioner is always kept on full blast but now I was relieved when the frigid air hit my skin. While I was ringing my hair out and fastening it into a tight bun so it wouldn’t interfere with my shopping I heard a familiar voice. Before I could stop myself from looking up he had already recognized me and waited until I settled before he spoke.

Been a while, I assume you hooked up with Zander this morning? Grabbing the cart, I began to walk towards the dairy aisle and he followed, strolling by my side.

What gave you that idea? He looked at me, one of his eyebrows raised in the signature expression for seriously? I gave no reply to his silent question and he sighed before pulling out his cellphone and waving it around.

He texted me, duh, I do live with the guy ya know. I didn’t know why he was following me around, it’s not like we had ever been particularly close. Grabbing eggs before pausing by the meat section, my hand wavered between the bacon and sausage.

Why do you even care? He grabbed the bacon and tossed it in the cart before shrugging, he looked like he wanted to tell me something but couldn’t find the words. Spit it out Kelly, I’m not a mind reader and this hovering thing is starting to piss me off. I replaced the bacon with sausage before continuing down the aisles in search of snack-foods.

I don’t remember you being this mean, besides he did miss you Ryan. He got really drunk once and he admitted he felt bad about all of the shit he pulled. He stopped me and turned me to face him as if eye contact was going to convince me he’s telling the truth. Even if he is I no longer care, hurt like the pain Zander causes breaks people. I should know that’s why I became what I am.

Ask him. Checking my items out of the self-checkout he waited until I was finished, walked me to my car and said his goodbyes. At least one of the people in Zander’s social circle is a gentleman. Checking the mirror’s, I noticed the bags under my crystal blue eyes had grown exponentially, which is ironic due to the amount of sleep I’ve been getting lately. At one point I had no job, slept on friend’s couches, and had no identifiable way out of my rut. That was until I had undergone a transformation that not only changed me but cursed me, a double-edged gift. Starting the car, I backed out of the parking lot and started towards the hotel I’m staying at.

The best part about Maine is its emptiness, the vast amount of nothingness with sparse housing sporadically placed through-out the country side. I meant that sarcastically of course and as I finally got to the Hotel Belvedair parking lot my patience had officially run out. The man at the front desk took one glance at my sodden appearance and looked at me sympathetically.

Can I help you with your bags miss? Gesturing to the soaking wet grocery bags I was carrying like they weighed a hundred pounds instead of the five they were.

I think I got it but thank you. He nodded as I made my way to the elevator, before I could reach out for a button the doors opened and out walked a beautiful specimen. I was so taken by him that I just stood there, he smirked and when I still didn’t move he stepped around me.

Oh, I’m sorry. I was just um… Chuckling he pushed the button to re-open the doors that had closed while I was stuck in my stupor.

Yes well, it’s nice to see I still have this effect on women. My face turned beet red at his words, trying desperately to gain some face I turned my blush into a glare.

Don’t flatter yourself, it’s been a long night and sleep deprivation makes us do stupid things. The look he gave me screamed incredulousness but I ignored him as I pushed past him, he gave me one last searching glance before the doors closed and I hit the button for the sixth floor. I’ve had enough of men for one lifetime as mine had already been ruined by one and once was certainly enough.

Walking into my hotel room I noticed two things that hadn’t been there before I left, a package on the kitchen counter and a leather bag in front of the closet. Dropping my soggy grocery bags on a chair I walked over to the package. I already knew what to expect as I tore it open and picked up the file containing the information on my new mark. A dirty brown-haired man with heavy rust colored streaks and blue eyes stared back at me from the photo, a bartender from the looks of it. Why would anyone put a hit on someone so extraneous? Dropping the photo in lieu of his personal file I was pleased to find out I was correct in my assumption of his career. He worked in a sports bar in the heart of Manhattan but was currently vacationing with some friends here in Foxlan. As it turned out he is an acquaintance of my ex, putting him out of his misery could be just the thing I need to elicit a little more fear from my soon to be very sorry old flame. Feeling giddy as I skipped over to the leather bag intent on playing with my new toys before starting breakfast, a knock on the door stopped me in my tracks.

Who is it? I heard the shuffling of clothes before the mystery elevator man’s voice answered and gave me a heart attack.

Room service? Rolling my eyes as I quickly shoved the files back into the package and tossed it under the bed. I smoothed out my hair as I walked to the door and glanced through the peep-hole, it was him just as I thought. In my line of work everything is worth paying attention to, even a random strangers sexy voice.

I didn’t order anything. Fidgeting has never been a habit of mine but as I stood there debating with myself on whether to open the door I couldn’t help myself.

The order is on the house, compliments of management. Sighing as I opened the door he looked at me with such cockiness I couldn’t help but grin. Now that I have your attention, can I have your name? He held out his hand and before I could stop myself I shook it, reveling in the way his skin felt against mine. I hadn’t experienced a spark from skin contact in almost five years and it took me by surprise.

You should give your own name before asking someone for theirs. He dropped my hand as he searched my face with his eyes, furthering the tingling sensation quickly making its way south.

"My name is Gene Belvedair, it’s nice to meet you Ms…? Before the shock of his name could register on my face I stepped aside, silently inviting him in. It is his hotel after all and out of the two of us the only one with anything to be afraid of is him.

Roxanne Williams, what did you want Mr. Belvedair? Closing the door behind him as he entered I struggled with the urge to throw him against it, men like him were in danger around women like me.

Well you left in such a rush I didn’t have a chance to ask you to dinner so I got your room number from the front desk. That’s not creepy, is it? He looked around the room as he spoke, his eyes lingering on the leather bag before turning his attention back to me.

No not at all, I mean it’s not every day a business mogul stalks me. His eyes lit up at my sarcastic retort, he obviously enjoyed snarky-ness. I’m busy today, maybe some other time? The dejected stance he took made me immediately regret my answer but as soon as he noticed my indecisiveness hope sprang across his features.

So tomorrow then? The silence was heavy between us as he waited on my response, on one hand I wanted to taste him on the other there could be consequences. Before I could make up my mind he made it for me, slipping me his business card he walked to the door. Great I’ll pick you up here at eight? Wear something nice. I closed the door behind him in a daze, my mind reeling at the thought of getting involved with someone after being alone for so long. Luckily my cell phone rang, distracting me from fantasies I had no business entertaining and forcing me to focus on my next task.

Be there at six, don’t be late. Looking down at my phone I realized time had escaped me, it was already noon and I hadn’t even made breakfast.

Five thirty and I still couldn’t find the perfect spot, after scouting the area for another fifteen minutes I finally decided to nest by Lake Rama. The mark would be here soon accompanied by my ex and their bartending buddies. Excitement shot through me as I pulled out my AX50, assembling the pieces carefully as if the rifle were made of glass. I’ve always loved the feeling of cold metal in my hands and this line of work not only pays hard cash but the weaponry is just to die for.

Under the thick brush of trees and bushes I waited for the mark to arrive, his friends got here first. Time ticked by and when he still didn’t arrive I looked at my phone, the little digital numbers reading six thirty-six and ticking way past my patience level. Punctuality has always been one of my favorite qualities and it’s also the one quality most people severely lack. I was about to pack up and send word to my boss when he finally came, accompanied by none other than Zander himself. I took aim carefully focusing the scope’s hairs on his neck as he settled himself into the group. As I was about to pull the trigger my phone rang and although I would normally just let it go to voicemail when I’m working my gut told me to answer it.

Abort. I stared at my phone in shock, never once has a mark ever been spared due to a cancellation. My hands were shaking as I took the weapon apart, this couldn’t be good whatever it was and I had the distinct feeling I wasn’t going to like the reasoning. It was time to pay my boss a visit, these things are better discussed in person anyway.

Walking through the camp grounds was painful, as I had been looking forward to adding another gold star to my portfolio. Nearing the grounds exit I couldn’t help but feel eyes on my back, someone was watching me. Turning in a slow circle as I surveyed the campers I realized it wasn’t a civilian stalking me but a trained killer. My instincts told me left so I dove right, the bullet grazed my cheek as it zoomed past but before he could get out another shot I was gone. If these people wanted to play with me they were in for the game of their lives, there is something that sets me apart from normal killers…from everyone really.

Re-materializing next to the car I threw the leather bag into the backseat before jumping into the driver’s and high tailing it out of the lot. Hitting the road, I pulled out my cell phone and dialed my contact, if they were messing with me there would be hell to pay.

Yes Blair? Her voice always made me cringe, so squeaky and high pitched it’s like listening to nails on a chalkboard.

What the hell was that? Who set up Jeremy Bates as my mark? I heard tapping on a key board before she sighed.

"We didn’t send you on a hunt Blair, what are you talking about?" Hanging up and becoming increasingly agitated I knew I was compromised. An outside agency set me up, they might even know the hotel in which I was residing. Always expecting something like this to happen I travel light and keep everything with me always, pay for everything in cash, and never leave a trace of myself in any hotel rooms. So much for the date with Gene, not being able to have men in my life it wasn’t so unfortunate plus he doesn’t even have my real name. Besides I have more important things to worry about, like who the hell marked me and why? Punching in the number for my friend in the FBI made the pit in my stomach deeper, he only worked in trade but his choice of victims is a little young for my taste.

What? That and he was always rude, the man didn’t have a nice bone in his body and talking to him irritated me just as much my contact.

I need some information, find me the man who sent me on a fake hit today. Rama Campgrounds, Foxlan. With that I hung up and waited for his counter request, if I agreed he’d have the information I asked for by midnight. The girl he wanted me to kill is a seventeen-year-old prostitute staying at the Belvedair, in the room directly beneath mine. She isn’t as young as some of his other victims but I couldn’t help wondering what she saw to earn her a spot on Veelan’s hit list. Why the hell is she at the Belvedair anyway? My gut wrenched, telling me something fishy is going on, it’s too coincidental her staying at the same hotel I was. While I was debating on whether he was the one who set me up I received a text stating he didn’t but knows who did. Before I could respond he sent me a photo of the girl, beautiful with long natural red hair and honey colored eyes. Her body, thin as a wafer but curvaceous enough to make the tight dress look stunning. The next message read your hotel of choice has not been compromised. I sent my confirmation before starting back to the hotel, it was going to be a hell of a night. Arriving at the hotels front lot I quickly found a parking spot and briskly made my way into the hotel. Walking towards the front desk to pay for another night the man just smiled and waved me in the direction of the elevator.

Mr. Belvedair is quite taken with you, the next two nights are on the hotel. Please enjoy the rest of your stay miss. He handed me the key I returned before I left earlier this evening and I stumbled awkwardly towards the elevator. In agreeing to kill the girl downstairs from me I condemned Gene to a business’s worst nightmare. This time when the elevator doors opened the small space was empty, grateful for the absence of humans in general I hit the button for my floor. The elevator stopped at the fifth floor and the woman I was to hunt stood before me, she got on and the scent of her perfume nearly suffocated me.

The elevator is going up. I said right before the doors closed, if she was going out she would have waited for the down car.

"I’m attending a party on the top floor, surprised you didn’t know about it if you’re staying in this hotel." The sound the doors made as they opened knocked me out of my confusion, it was starting to occur to me that I’ve been slacking. Entering the hallway and heading towards my room I heard her laughing before the doors closed, standing in front of my door I wondered how long she would be up there before returning to her room. If she even returned at all that is, some ladies of the night leave after they’ve tapped a John. Entering the room, I flipped on the light and wasn’t surprised to see purple roses in a bouquet on the bed. He was persistent I’ll give him that, not only was I going to use his attraction for me to get into this party I’m going to get a little pay back while I’m at it. Pulling his business card from my wallet I punched the numbers into my cell before placing my bags on the queen-sized bed.

Hello Ms. Williams, do you like the roses? I picked them up and brought them to my nose, inhaling the sweet scent of the flowers as they’ve already started to decay.

I’ve become free from my prior obligation and I heard there’s a party going on here tonight, you should invite me. He chuckled, shivers shot up and down my spine as I waited for him to answer.

This isn’t something a lady like you would be interested in. We could go to dinner instead, or maybe a movie? If he thinks anything going on up there is worse than what I’ve done in my profession he’s got another thing coming.

"Try me, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised what my thing is." I could feel his snicker through the phone as he dragged out the silence, prolonging the inevitable. His need to rise to the occasion was too strong to resist my challenge.

How long will you need to get ready? It was my turn to smirk as I returned the favor by waiting just a moment longer before responding.

Two hours and I would like a personal escort, you in fact. The truth of the matter is he doesn’t know what he’s in for but I’m always happy to provide. At the very least it might be a mildly entertaining night, I wouldn’t let my weariness of the earlier situation interfere with my new mission. Veelan was someone I trusted and I contacted him, besides, if he planted me in a fake hit I would most definitely be dead.

I’ll see you soon, shall I send down an appropriate dress for you? His words sent a chill down my spine and not in a pleasant way. For some reason the gesture, while I’m sure sounds romantic to most girls, is weird coming from a man I’ve just met.

No thanks, I’ve got it covered. I hung up before he could talk anymore, between the chills and shivers I wasn’t sure I could play him without getting too invested. No strings had been my policy since Zander but this man makes me feel alive.

Fifteen minutes before he’s supposed to arrive and I’m staring at myself in the full-length mirror on the inside of the bathroom’s door. The dim lighting made it difficult to apply makeup but it came out perfectly, light grey shadow dusted my eyes accompanied by thin winged eye liner. Bronzer accentuated my high cheek bones in a way that complimented my slightly tanned skin, light pink lipstick completed the look. My black hair tied in a loose bun held by a Japanese hair comb while wasps of loose curls framed my heart shaped face. The tight shimmering light grey dress I wore hugged my thin frame perfectly, cutting low to show off my ladies and stopping mid-thigh. The grey Valentino’s strapped to my feet shone brilliantly, turning so I could check out the view from behind I admired the way the dress hugged my plump derriere. The spaghetti strings crisscrossing across my back added the finishing touch of skimpy that was probably a requirement for a get together involving prostitutes. One more spin before exiting the bathroom and grabbing my clutch from the bed. A last-minute whim had me cutting the stem off a rose bud and attaching it to the right side of my bun. The minute my phone’s clock turned ten he was knocking at the door, already a point for being punctual.

Opening the door and seeing him made my heart race, if I thought he looked good earlier it was nothing compared to how he looks when cleaned up. The sheer brilliance of his green eyes when paired against his black silk shirt and suit set had me mesmerized. His dirty brown hair styled fashionably messy in a way that made him look wild, contradicting his fine evening wear.

You look ravishing, the ladies’ upstairs will all be envious and so will their dates. He winked as he offered me his arm, I closed the door before accepting his gesture.

They damn well better be. You look good too. With that I turned my head towards the elevator silently gloating at the way his eyes couldn’t leave my face. Are we going? Snapping out of the trance he was in as the look of realization crossed his face before his expression settled into amused.

Well played, and yes of course. Are you sure you want to do this instead of dinner with just the two of us? I gave him a look that quelled all future arguments before walking ahead and pressing the button going up.

Dressed like this you better believe I’m in the mood to party, stop procrastinating and let’s go. Gesturing with my hands for him to hurry up as the doors opened, we entered and he sighed as he pushed the button on the bottom left. I thought we were going up? He chuckled and put his hand on mine, the heat from his skin had me at immediate attention. Every nerve in my body was on fire as I waited for his response.

No one would think a button on the bottom left would be going to a secret loft on the top floor. Feeling dumb seems to have become a habit around this man and it pains me to admit for an assassin I haven’t been very observant. The smart thing to do would have been to survey the layout of the hotel but honestly who would have thought something like this would be going on in a place like Maine? Whatever this party is it makes him uncomfortable to bring a girl he might be interested in to, that usually sets off red flags for normal people.

What kind of hotel is this exactly? The shifting of his weight indicated his hesitation to answer, he either wanted me to believe he’s a good guy or he’s not and he wants to throw me off. Before he could answer the doors opened to a large elegantly decorated room, the people inside were all dressed in black. As if standing out in a crowd wasn’t bad enough standing out in this crowd looked like it could be dangerous. One of the ladies dancing noticed us as we stepped into the dark crowded dance floor. She approached us and I couldn’t help but notice her flawlessness. Her makeup perfection and her gown although black shimmered an unnatural dusky pink at the bottom. It almost seemed like she let off mist as she moved, the creepiest part was how drawn to her I was. Sexually that is and although I’ve enjoyed the occasional romp with a woman it would never be with someone like her.

"What are you doing Gene? This woman doesn’t belong here, you know better." She looked me up and down, her face void of all emotion as she looked back to Gene for his response.

She may surprise you mother, after all I haven’t said anything about your choice in company this evening. Glancing around the room I noticed several under aged girls and boys, bound tightly to their hosts in dance. She looked at me one last time before turning her back to us and strolling back to her date.

Sorry, she is a noble woman from birth and money has turned her into a snob. I however look forward to spending the night with you as my date. I looked at him and raised one eyebrow in sarcasm, the look on my face spoke volumes of my opinion on his mother.

She looks a little young to be your mother, you wouldn’t be lying to me, now would you? Also, you could have told me to wear black, text messages take like five seconds. Looking at him I realized this is exactly what he wanted, someone who wasn’t like everyone else here. The understanding in my eyes told him he was off the hook so he leads me to the bar instead of answering.

"She really is my mother, though if you don’t believe me you could always ask her." He gestured to the bartender and turned towards me, he looked rather invested in what I would say next. Her being his mother explained the eyes, although she has blonde hair her eyes are the exact shade of green as her son’s.

I’d rather not, she scares the crap out of me. Hard to admit but it was the truth, there was something not right about that woman. He chuckled before ordering our drinks, two glasses of Armand de Brignac Gold.

She scares everyone so don’t feel too bad. He had a point but most people weren’t me and whatever she is it’s not human. I took a sip of my drink, savoring the flavor of six-thousand-dollar wine.

I have to use the ladies room; how do I find it? Following him through the dance floor I grazed over the dance floor as sleuth as I could be wearing bright grey in a sea of black. The woman I had to kill was here somewhere, probably in one of the rooms by now. She spotted me from across the room and turned her nose up, unhappy with the Belvedair at my arm. Her still being on the floor meant she hadn’t gotten a bite yet. The dress being useful in my hunt as well as for my dates pleasure, things were turning out rather nicely for me at this hotel. Pausing by the bathroom door I glanced at her once more knowing she couldn’t resist. She would follow me to the bathroom and then I could set the scene for the job. I was washing my hands when she entered, her face already distorted in jealous rage.

"How did you score Mr. Belvedair?" Smiling as I turned around and leaned against the sink with my arms crossed.

"I’m not a working lady Alexi, my job requires a little more finesse." She flinched when I said her name, then she smirked.

"So, I see Gene told you my name, well at least you can have some comfort in knowing he slept with someone like me." I walked over to her calmly and touched her shoulder, she’ll think it’s an expression of fake kindness but my gesture is a little more sinister than that.

A man needs to go through some clunkers in his life before he finds a gem, you were just a stepping stone to me. She removed my hand with force before turning and stalking away, slamming the door on her way out. With one touch, I can enter her dreams anytime she falls asleep, the extra energy I embedded her with would make sure that it happened soon. I’m like the Sandman with a hint of Freddy. Giving me enough time to enjoy my date before heading off to complete my task. Walking back to the ballroom and looking around I spotted Gene by the bar talking to Alexi. He seemed unconcerned as she waved her arms in what I assumed was a bitch fit. His eyes met mine and his smiled, his face lighting up the darkness of his mother’s party. She looked at me no longer bothering to contain the rage on her face, I couldn’t help but giggle at the thought that her behavior might cost her a job. Making my way gracefully over to my date and dismissing her with a pointed glare he chuckled at my behavior.

You are simply magnetic do you know that? Powerful and playful, a woman after my own heart. I truly enjoyed the way he looked at me, no man has ever been so fixated by my miserable behavior.

"Mr. Belvedair, flattery will get you everywhere. Apparently with everyone too." I winked as understanding lit up his eyes.

I was sixteen, my father sent her to me so I could get it over with and become a man. You don’t refuse my father’s gifts. Nodding in understanding I grabbed the wine glass next to his on the bar but knew he was lying due to the fact the woman is supposedly seventeen. Or Veelan got his information wrong which is highly doubtful as he is the best damn agent I’ve ever met at gathering details.

"I assume this is mine? No roofies right? He smiled and nodded, grabbing my hand before leading me to the dance floor.

I would never drug a girl, getting women to bed hasn’t been a problem since I’m sixteen. I giggled but didn’t drink it, skillfully placing it in on the counter in a flirtatious manner after my pretend sip and looking towards the dancefloor hopefully. Catching my drift, he took my hand after placing his own glass on the counter and turned to lead me to the dance floor.

Where are we going Mr. Belvedair? The party is that way. I gestured to the people still dancing with each other around the floor. He didn’t respond but instead brought me to big black double doors with some sort of family crest engraved in the dark wood. Before the objection even left my lips, he dragged me into the room and closed the doors behind us. My breath had never truly been taken away before this moment, a room so beautiful it hurt to look upon. On the left side, the walls were painted in several shades of blue and purples to emulate the night sky. Stars that shone were littered around a full moon that seemed to pulsate off the wall. The right side held a sun so realistic it cast light onto the floor, the walls behind it painted in different shades of light blues and lavenders. Painted clouds looked as if they drifted across both walls and surrounded the celestial giants as a giant chandelier hung from the ceiling where the skies met, forming a sort of star formation with its many arms. Candles were the only light source, adding to the enchanting effect of the art covering the walls. The furniture was old fashioned, light grey wood adorned with dark blue silk cushions. Two couches and a chaise surrounding a giant glass table covered in books and wine bottles. Looking around I noticed it was a library with shelves on every wall. Hundreds of books filled the area, some even in piles on the floor and I couldn’t help but think this must be how Bell felt in Beauty and the Beast.

I spent a lot of time in this room growing up, my mother insisted I learn everything I could. Knowledge is power she said, I have to admit she was right. He led me to the table and picked up two glasses, he gestured to the bottle silently asking me if I would like one. Nodding he topped off both glasses handing me mine before taking a sip of his own.

My mother pushed me to educate myself as well, just not in such a luxurious way. He laughed at the expression on my face and honestly, I couldn’t blame him. I was jealous, his life seemed so easy but there are always secrets behind closed doors and most of the time the grass is not always greener.

I was hoping this would impress you, you’re a hard one to crack. Sitting on the chaise, wine glass still in hand as I dropped my clutch on the table.

Pretty sure you suffer from never being told no, it has lasting effects on a child. Gene’s eyes sparkled as he laughed. His perfect white teeth catching my attention, women always look at teeth. A man with yellow teeth is a turn-off no matter how good looking he may be, but this man was perfect. He sat next to me, his drink almost gone already while I hadn’t even paid attention