Call me Leo

“Good morning, Ms. Michelle.” Mr. Truman smiled at her warmly. He wore a black coat over a white long sleeve shirt, paired with light blue necktie and a Patek Philippe wrist watch. Everything about his look screamed wealth and sophistication.

“Good morning, Mr. T-Truman?” Michelle was shaking as she spoke, unable to contain her curiosity.

Yet, she couldn't fathom why he had to resort to a forced marriage. He was handsome and rich.

“Call me Leo. Mr. Truman is my father. I never really liked people calling me that name.” He corrected her. His demeanor changed a bit. His hands relaxed on his thighs and his shoulders dropped.

“Ray, can you take us back? Also, I never want to see her father again.” He commanded his butler.

“Consider it done, Mr. Leo. By the way, I have made all the arrangements for the wedding.” Ray informed him.

Michelle couldn't believe what she heard was right. She gritted her teeth. The atmosphere became cold and dangerous.

“L” she opened her mouth but a small huff came out instead of words.

“Michelle, don't worry, I will protect you from now on. The wedding will be a grand announcement that you are mine.” He reached out to hold her hand.

“You can call me, Ellie.” She said as her lips curved up. She couldn't resist him and tried to reach out to him. Her skin brushed against his before she moved away. It sent a small tingling sensation all over her body.

Yet, she reminded herself about her predicament. She was just a substitute for her half-sister. She can’t fall for him.

Half an hour later, they turned off the main road into the forest. The trees were closer together, so thick that sunlight barely reached the ground, even in broad daylight.

“Leo, are we lost?” She murmured not wanting to let the others hear her. Several morbid scenes rushed in her mind. This was like a foreboding scene in a horror movie.

“You will know soon. For now, just rest and take in the beautiful scenery.” He explained to her while his thumbs drew circles in her hand while holding it.

Michelle was drawn towards the trees, like a bee to a flower. Yet, she felt uneasy while they were travelling. The trees seemed different from those at the back of their mansion. As if someone was watching them.

She might have dozed off while looking outside. A large mansion made of wood greeted her. In the middle of nowhere sat a majestic fountain surrounded by small cottages.

“Ms. Michelle, you may now step out of the car.” Ray called on her. When she looked at the other side Leo wasn't there.

“Where did Leo go?” She asked while her eyes scanned the entire car.

‘He left without saying goodbye. He must have been itching to get away from her.’ her mind had more negative thoughts.

“He had an urgent matter to take care of. You must be tired. Let me lead you to your room.” Ray smiled as he pointed his hand towards the mansion.

She hesitated at first but then again she had nowhere to go. Her father already gave her up.

“Let's go.” She took his hand.

Cozy and warm. It was the first words she thought upon entering the massive cabin-style mansion.

“Where is everyone?” She expected maids to be running around doing errands but the place was empty. Other than the two of them, one boy could be seen in the living room watching a game.

“They are pre-occupied at the moment. You will be introduced tomorrow. For now, just make yourself comfortable.” Ray tried his best to answer her. His eyes were scanning the vicinity for anything odd.

He led her to the top most floor on the left wing. “Here is your room. I hope this suits your taste. We were told you like the color yellow.” He gave her a sympathetic smile and closed the door.

"This is fine," she mumbled to herself. It was Odette's favorite color, not hers, but for the sake of survival, she agreed.

“If you need anything, just press this button and I will be here in a minute or two.” Ray pointed at the silver button beside the door just above the switch for lights.

“I will let you know. I want to rest. I feel dizzy from travelling.” She excused herself.

Mystery enveloped her fiancé and all she wanted was to search for Mr. Truman and how he got his reputation.

“Very well, have a good rest, Ms. Michelle.” Ray waved his hand and gestured to close the door.

“Call me, Ellie.” She interjected. It sounded foreign to be called miss when she didn't see herself as a dignified lady.

“Goodbye, Ellie.”

She laid on the soft, comfortable bed, nothing like her old, rusty one. Searching the internet, all she found were the business endeavors Leo had undertaken in the last five years. There was nothing about his parents or where he came from. Even pictures of him were nonexistent, though there were a few of Ray. Her eyelids felt heavy, and she succumbed to sleep.

A menacing howl startled her. When she peeked outside her window the half moon could be seen shining brightly.

She stood up and looked around the forest. Several red eyes glowed from afar. On the fountain, a large wolf with red eyes stared at her howling.

“Shit!” She screamed. They were being attacked. In that instant she pressed the button to call Ray. Several minutes and no one answered.

A few more wolves gathered in the fountain. One by one they stared at her just like the first one.

Her hands were shaking and her legs wobbled but her desire to survive was stronger. Unable to contain her fear she looked for something to defend herself.

She read somewhere wolves were weakened by silver so she grabbed the curtain rod. Hoping it had silver in it.

The howls grew stronger and the wolf in the fountain growled. A brown wolf with golden eyes fought all of them. Around a dozen or so wolves died. She suppressed a scream to avoid gaining its attention. However, it was too late. The wolf looked straight into her eyes. “Mate.”