Shirley “Shit,” I say to myself as I drive down the road the following afternoon. It just hit me - I forgot to leave Ralph my contact information the night before. I had fully intended to, or even asked for his. However, I had been distracted once Keith joined us. I’m not fully certain why, but I can only assume that I was blindsided by his pretty face. And there’s no way I can ask Jean for his phone number and simply text him. I can’t help but feel like he would know something is up if I claim I got his information “from a friend.” He may catch onto my ulterior motives and compromise the charm. I need something else…a new plan. But what? Continuing my drive, I begin to hit another part of the town, reaching more of the forest area. It’s quiet and free of the livelihood of the busier streets. I chose the route so I could clear my head and explore the town more. But a splash of color soon appears through the fall leaves. There’s a billboard up ahead, and something about the logo seems familiar. I take my time reading the words, realizing it’s an advertisement for some werewolf social networking app. It’s strange…it’s like I’ve seen it before. And then I remember - I have seen it. Last night in the bar, I caught a glimpse of that same logo…on Ralph’s phone. He’d been using the app when I’d swept into the seat next to him - though he’d quickly abandoned it once I’d caught his attention. That asshole! I nearly smack the steering wheel of my rental car. Not only is that app for networking, but its specific use is for meeting single wolves for dating. Asshole, I repeat. I have no idea how long this has been going on, but obviously he has been actively looking for someone to cheat with, someone new to develop. Oh, I could tear his head off. But then again…Ralph’s infidelity also makes my job a little easier. Taking the next turn, I speed back to the hotel. Once in my room, I throw myself down onto the bed and get to work. I may have failed to get Ralph’s number the night before, but that’s no longer an issue. Downloading the app, I skillfully make a fake profile under the name Anya before uploading a few retouched and sexy photos of myself. I also make sure to change my age, making it look like I’m some typical fun loving and flirty college girl. Once my page is set, I’m free to browse the other profiles. It doesn’t take me long to find Ralph’s, causing me to laugh at how careless he is. I open his page so I can read over his details, shaking my head as I notice his status is set to “single.” Single, my ass. But I also see the green dot next to his name, indicating that he is online. So I message him. Anya: What a weird coincidence! Weren’t you the one who paid for my drink last night at the Oak Bar? For extra measure, I finish my text with a heart emoji, wanting to nearly gag at the silly action. However, it seems to do the trick as it takes seconds for Ralph to reply. Men are so easy. Ralph: Yes! How crazy. It seems we are meant to be. -winky face- Pushing away my disgust, I decide to text him back with the same eagerness. Anya: Seems like we are. I was thinking of going to Bounce tonight, but don’t have anyone to go with. -frowny face- I don’t ask if he wants to go with me, leaving the ball in his court instead. After all, Ralph likes a submissive girl…someone who needs a man to take over. And he gladly rises to the occasion. Ralph: Well, now you do. -smiley face- Meet me there? Easy. Too easy. ~ Bounce is like any other nightclub - the lights dim and the music loud. The stage is decorated with wolf strippers working their magic on the current crowd who are either gliding around the dance floor or occupying tables near the edges. Ralph and I are among those who have shifted off to the side as we sit together. We’ve only been there for a few minutes, but already he has positioned himself close to me, his hand near my leg. Probably because I decided to wear a short, red dress - perfect for a college girl’s night out. In fact, he looks like he wants to eat me up as he keeps his eyes locked on me. However, they keep shifting all over, not knowing whether he’d rather stare into my eyes - free of my glasses - or my thighs. On the table though, his fingers mindlessly tap next to his phone, as if waiting for something. “Expecting a call?” I ask, nodding to the phone. Or a text? For all I know, he could be messaging multiple other girls, planning other outings. But Ralph shakes his head. “No,” he replies as he slides the phone into his pocket. “I turned it off. I don’t want anyone to disturb us.” What a gentleman, I scoff, giving Cicy a mental roll of my eyes. “What a gentleman,” I repeat the words aloud for him, but this time they’re endearing. “I’m surprised a guy like you is still single. Shouldn’t you be old enough to find your mate?” I’m testing him, seeing if he shifts or stumbles at my words. But Ralph is completely relaxed as he offers a shrug. “I’m definitely single,” he replies simply. “Mates are too much trouble.” With his response, I can’t help but lift a brow. However, Ralph thankfully takes my annoyance as disappointment, causing him to quickly cover his tracks. “Oh, but I don’t mean you,” he adds quickly. “If you were my mate then it would definitely be enjoyable. I think we’d have a lot of fun together.” I try not to cringe as I flash a smile, then give him a bashful shrug. “Me too,” I smooth out. Smug again, Ralph leans closer, his leg nearly brushing mine. “So your profile says you’re twenty-two,” he comments. “And that you’re in college. Where do you go?” I take a sip from my drink, buying myself some time. However, I’ve prepared for this question. I took the time to research some nearby schools so I could make sure I had a proper backstory. “Kirkland University,” I respond, setting my glass down. That seems to please him as Ralph hums in interest, his gaze softly flicking down my body again. But once he meets my gaze, he nods toward the room. “Wanna dance?” he asks. I accept his offer despite dancing with him being the last thing I want to do. But I have to. If I want this plan to work then I need to play my part perfectly. Within moments, we’re out on the dance floor, falling into rhythm with the music. Ralph stays close to me and I don’t back away, even making an effort to bring our bodies closer with each beat of the song. I try to pretend that Ralph isn’t who is, that I don’t want to squirm away with each inch crossed between us, so I keep my focus on the music, the lights. Especially as we’re nearly right up against each other then. So I make my move. “You’re so handsome,” I murmur into his ear, saying just what he wants to hear. I can tell by the way his eyes deepen in color as I slide away, noticing his hands reaching for my waist. So I step back even further, rocking my hips as if I’m merely dancing to the song. Ralph doesn’t look annoyed by my action, which fills me with triumph. My charm is working beautifully, but I know I still need to push things further to make sure I'm actually successful. So I smirk. “I wouldn’t mind hiring some of the male strippers to dance right in front of me. A whole row of them,” I say, the request bold, wicked. But it has to be. The request I make to my target has to be absolutely absurd and unreasonable. And Ralph is stunned. His eyes have widened and his mouth slightly hangs open. “A row!?” he asks, his head seeming to spin at my claim and the amount of money it would cost to please me. But he’s thinking about it, clearly calculating his response as he looks toward the dancers on the stage. I keep dancing, anticipating his answer. His reply will determine whether or not my charm has worked. If he meets my request, then he will fall deeper into his infatuation and obey all of my commands. That’s how it always worked. “So,” I begin. “What do you say?” Ralph turns back to me. And based on the way he looks at me - I can tell I’m going to win. ~ “Ralph!” The sudden call completely interrupts Ralph’s reply. It came from behind him, causing us to both turn that time as we search for who has decided to intrude. And much to my disbelief, I discover Keith walking through the parting crowd, coming right up to us. How is he here? Again!? “Keith -“ Ralph tries. “Kevin called and asked me how the project you’re in charge of is going,” Keith clips out, his harsh stare only remaining on Ralph. “But it seems you’re a little distracted.” His reference to me almost makes me scoff, but I’m too focused on Ralph as he looks down and pulls out the phone from his pocket. Awkwardly, he turns it on and I feel my jaw tighten as he steps away, giving me a pathetic apology under his breath before he begins to weave through the crowd. Incredible. Once again, Keith has managed to ruin everything. And right when I was about to determine whether or not my charm had worked! Annoyed, I finally dare to look at him, no longer impressed by Keith’s handsome features as I give him a firm scowl. I don’t even care if he’s staring right back - truly looking at me for the first time. I’m beyond pissed. “Why do you keep interrupting us?” “Why are you here?” Our questions come out at the same time, merely thrown at each other’s feet as we glare at one another. And Keith’s disapproval only worsens as he frowns at me, promptly shaking his head. “You were the one I saw him with at the bar the other night, weren’t you?” he asks, though I don’t know why he posed his words as a question. Based on his tone, we both know the answer.
ShirleyRalph.Ralph did this. He took his own crimes and tried to save himself by making a counter strike and pinning them on Keith.This isn’t over. It’s far from over.And the Alpha King is unable to help me now unless I can provide evidence. Which is exactly what I plan to do. But first, I need to get Keith released.I called the police department following my conversation with the King. He’d been right - Keith’s bail was absurdly high and would need to be paid immediately. Though paying it won’t clear his name completely - it will at least be a first step among plenty.I’ve already talked with Arthur too. Unfortunately, I don’t have the money to pay the bail myself. But Keith's father said they may have the funds to cover his son’s release, but the money may need to be moved around.That’s where my skills come in. I’ve been sitting at Keith's computer all morning, looking at accounts, assets. I’m trying to figure out what can be pulled from where so we can save Keith and also not
ShirleyThe room is silent and the men are gone. Keith is gone.All Arthur, Ruth, and I can do is stand within the room, breathing as we try to soak in everything that has just happened.They took Keith because he’s committed a crime they wouldn’t explain, but I know for certain that they’re wrong. Whatever it is - he’s been wrongly accused.I want to know for what, why, and who made the accusations. But most importantly, I want to get him back - I need to.As my shock disappears, fire begins to course through my veins - determination soon filling me to the brim. Then the wheels in my head begin to spin.“Arthur,” I say, turning to look at him. “We need to contact the Alpha King.”I watch as Arhur turns to me blinking - apparently still stunned.“What?” he asks.“The Alpha King,” I state. “We need his help. We need to clear Keith’s name.”Arthur continues to blink at me, as if he still hasn’t grasped what’s going on. But we need to act fast.“Ruth,” I say next, looking toward the woma
ShirleyKeith holds my hand, keeping me close as we walk through the Lock Heart airport. Looking at our intertwined fingers keeps a smile on my face, which can’t be smoothed even as people stare our way.“Who is that?”“Do you see the Alpha?”They’re whispering, staring wide-eyed. Some people smile, others - mainly women - scowl at me. Apparently Keith notices too because he only squeezes my hand and brings me closer.However, it’s not in a domineering or protective manner. Instead, he holds his head high, seemingly proud and happy to have me at his side.I have to admit I like it - I like this. Finally being able to touch him and look at him however and whenever I want is like a personal gift from the Goddess.It certainly felt like a gift yesterday when we’d made the most of my final moments in my room - we’d locked ourselves in there all day. But eventually, I had to go meet with my counselor, let her know that I wasn’t going to finish the semester and that I’m withdrawing.Since t
ShirleyA silent breath brushes through my lips, making my shoulders fall an inch as I swallow Keith’s declaration.I just want you. Four simple words and yet it feels like my world has been shaken. Deep down, maybe I already knew, but it’s different hearing him say it aloud.“Want me…” is the only thing I can murmur once my lips choose to move. And in turn, Keith silently nods, waiting for me to say more.But I’m not sure what to say - just like I haven’t known what to think for the last week. Maybe even since the day I met Keith...I’ve never known what to think.Keith is my mate, and when I look back at everything that has happened…I’m still so drawn in. But that doesn’t mean I’m not afraid. And because I only want the truth to be spoken between Keith and me, I tell him.“I’m afraid,” I say aloud, quietly.Again, Keith nods.“I know,” he says.He knows - because he always knows. But why else would I have run away if I wasn’t afraid? The only thing is…he may not know what exactly I
ShirleyI want to say that I’m happy I’m gone - that I’m relieved. But I can’t.I don’t know what to feel. I know I’m the one who decided to leave without saying a word to Keith…or anyone really. However, that hasn’t left me rejoicing in my seat as I sit on the plane - heading to my next destination.Keith doesn’t know where I’ve gone - no one does, really. I’d sent Jean a message right before I’d disconnected my phone, letting her know I needed to get away. Only, not even she knows where “away” is.Sitting on this plane, I’ve already watched miles fly by as we coast through the air. I watched the sun go down, leaving my eyes to only scan flickering lights of the cities below. And now the plane’s cabin is quiet as most passengers have fallen asleep.But I’m awake - I don’t know how I’ll ever sleep again with all the thoughts going through my head or the heaviness in my heart. The ache in my chest is horrible and I wish I could just make it go away. But it only becomes worse each time
KeithKeith’s head hurt like hell when he woke up the next morning, groggy as he tried to blink away the pain also sitting within his eyes. It caused him to reach his hands in his hair, groaning as he felt a strain in each of his muscles.Holy fuck - he felt like shit. It was as if he was hung over, the pounding in his head only becoming worse. However, as he ran another hand through his hair, alarms began to ring within his head.He hadn’t been drunk - he’d been drugged.Eyes snapping open, Keith bared the pain as memories began to dance within his mind. Sitting at home, Lily coming over, realizing she’d put something in his drink, kicking her out. He could remember it all, but it’s what came after that was foggy.Keith continued to stir then, unsettled by the holes in his own story. Only, as his limbs brushed the bedding around him, he came to a new discovery.This was not his bed.Startled again, Keith sat up, fighting through discomfort as he stared down at the sheets and then up