Chapter 6: 'I'm Rose C-Cintilar.'

*Warning: This chapter contains material you may find distressing, including coarse language and depictions related to themes of sex, abuse and violence. 

*****

RUM

“YOU FUCKING SON OF A BITCH!” Annie’s screams blasted from my phone. “YOU JUST INSULTED ME IN FRONT OF THE ENTIRE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY!”

I stared at my own reflection in the mirror of the male restroom, my face deadpan, my arm stretched far enough to keep my ears away from the horrible blaring. 

Another screamer. What the fuck is wrong with these people? Why can’t they come to me and scream in my face? Why must they always scream into their phones? Did my ears do something wrong to them? 

I placed the phone to my ear again and said calmly with the smile of Mother Mary, “Calm down, babe. You know I never mean to insult you.” 

Fuck you, bitch. If I was truly insulting you, I wouldn’t be this kind. 

She scoffed condescendingly. “Then give me one good reason why you chose that dipshit over me.”

My eyes narrowed into a fierce glare. Does she really think I'm her tool or am I a fucking doormat? I'm not your toy boy—YOU'RE MY CHEAP WHORE. 

I drew in a deep breath to cool my fire and chuckled low. “There’s a price for that, Annie. And you know what it is,” I whispered. “Wanna hear it?” 

A brief silence. And then she growled, “You sick son of a bitch.” 

I was grinning again. “See you around, lovely.” And I disconnected. 

SLAM! I rammed a fist next to the sink, and crack lines radiated like lightning from my unscathed knuckles, crawling across the marble counter like fresh scars of an old wound. 

I stared at my fist—and a huge paw with sharp, killing claws glared back at me. 

“AAAH!!” A sharp cry burst from my lips. My eyes stretched wide with horror as I shakily lifted my paw—and then it switched back to my human hand. 

Still horrified, I cautiously moved my fingers… and watched them strum at my will. Only then my shoulders sank in relief and I exhaled the tightness in my chest. 

Frantically, I checked my reflection in the mirror to make sure none of my wolf was in sight. What the fuck just happened?! Did I just shift without knowing? 

I inhaled deeply. Think… think, Keithen… Think. Could this be some sort of a side effect? From not freeing my wolf for five years. So now it’s angry and can’t be controlled? 

Fuck, no! This is not some Jekyll and Hyde shit! I sure as hell am not some human-made-up mutant shit–I’m the real thing! I’m the wolf, the wolf is me! We’re one, created from the deity’s energy! 

At that, my deep sea blue eyes deepened to a shade of rage. The deity…. This must be her. She sensed my transformation last night. So now she’s back. To ruin my life ONCE AGAIN. 

Well, damn you, deity. I won’t let you do it to me the second time—I can control my shifting, and I will control it so you can’t use it to force me to go back! 

Goddamn it! This is all Dirty Rosey’s fault! Everything went hay-wired because of her.

I had planned to pick a hot babe with great boobs and a fine ass for my assistant. A pretty thing who likes a good smash. 

But Dirty Rosey had to get herself almost raped so I had to save her ugly ass in my wolf form… and now I have to keep an eye on her. 

I gripped the phone tightly till my knuckles turned white. I can’t march right up to her and ask her about last night—I’ll give myself away! That girl’s smart, she’ll know it was me who helped her and connect me to the giant wolf.  

And once she starts telling everyone that I’m a werewolf, I’m doomed! Not even Danny and his invincible connections will be able to save me this time. And if everyone knows that I'm a werewolf, I can't stay here anymore. I have to return to my world, to my pack. AND I DON'T WANT TO! NOT IN A MILLION YEARS!

I lifted my piercing blue eyes, shining with bitterness, at my stunning reflection. 

I couldn’t thank the Gods enough. What a beautiful coincidence that she’s applied to be my assistant. I’ll get her in to keep a close eye on her 24-7. If she tries something funny like looking for a giant wolf, I’ll put a stop to it once and for all.  

Dirty Rosey… this is all your fault! My dream of getting sloshed in a hot pussy anytime, anywhere–poof! Gone!

“ARGH!” 

“Buzz… buzz….” 

I looked at the screen and frowned harder. Then, I pressed the green button and slapped the device to my ear. “I’m already in the building,” I snapped before the caller uttered his first word. 

“Good boy.” The CEO chuckled warmly. “You’re unusually early today. I guess you must be excited to meet your new assistant. Which is what I’m actually calling you for. You said you want Rose Cintilar?” 

“Yes, is there a problem?” Worry tightened my chest. 

“Nah. No problem at all. In fact, I actually recommend her. She’s tough as nails.” Danny laughed. 

My face fell flat. And she looks like one too.  

Conjuring a casual tone, I replied in my brightest–and fakest–smile, “Well, I’m glad you’re happy.” You fucking shithead. 

“I certainly am. With her, I don’t think you’ll need a change of assistant for a very long time.” 

I glared ahead. Lazy bloodsucker. Want the meat but not the chewing. 

“I’ll send you her number. Call her.” And the call disconnected. Then, my phone buzzed with an incoming text. 

Urgh…! I groaned reluctantly and glared at the number. Then, obediently, I dialled it. 

And it rang for like an eternity. 

Jesus Christ… for one ugly bitch, she sure acts like a princess. What’s taking her so long to answer her fucking phone–!

CLICK. 

“....” 

I frowned. What’s with the silence? Jesus, this girl needs some manners. “Hello? Rose Cintilar?” 

“H-hello?” The voice sounded strained. 

I turned away from the mirror. “Hi. I’m looking for Rose Cintilar?” 

“... Y-yes… I’m Rose C-Cintilar.” 

Fucking hell. This call is taking ages to move. “Hi. This is Rum—.” 

A gasp came through. And then, her voice was suddenly louder and steadier. “Mr. Rum! I-It’s nice to hear from you! I’m so honoured. I guarantee you won’t regret your choice—.” 

Fuck. I’m already regretting it. A lot, in fact. 

I sighed heavily and barked, “Eight. Studio 9.” And I disconnected. 

“ARGH!!” I punched the air, again and again and again. 

I’m gonna be stuck with Dirty Rosey for at least a month! Goddamn that ugly bitch! I’m going to make her life a living hell for putting me in this shit hole! ARGH!!!

****

“WHERE THE FUCK IS MY ASSISTANT!” I thundered. It’s already eight thirty and she still hasn’t shown herself! 

All movement halted. Pin-drop silence.

Everyone exchanged anxious glances as I scanned their faces like their noble king. Then, a small snicker expelled from behind me. 

As the staff slowly resumed their work, I lifted my sexy fierce look at the pretty thing in the mirror doing my hair. Tessa is her name. She smirked knowingly. “Who’s your new assistant, Rum?”

I returned her a kind smile. “Rose Cintilar.”

You naughty kitty… pretending not to know, huh? Wait till I get my chance to be alone with you, I’ll make you feel so good, you'll beg for more. That's when I'll teach you to answer me properly. 

“Oh, Rose?” She continued feigning ignorance. But clearly her talent is where it’s supposed to be. With her uniquely poor acting skills, she added, “I met her in the elevator, saw her going to the highest floor. Probably, the ladies’ room there. God knows why but that’s her favourite hideout.” She leaned closer and lowered her voice. “You know….” She pressed two fingers to her luscious hot pink lips, mimicking a smoking action.

I stared at the pretty face in surprise. Fuck, Dirty Rosey smokes pot. 

Shit. I thought the acrid smell came only from the thugs. I didn’t expect it to come from her as well. Ha, you really can’t judge a book by its cover in this industry—this girl’s already giving me trouble. At this rate, I’m gonna be the first werewolf to ever get botox due to excessive wrinkling of my facial skin. 

ARGH! I snatched my phone off the vanity table and dialled the number again. This girl is seriously gonna get shit from me–-.

The studio’s door threw open and an apparition of a drowned victim appeared. 

“AH!!” Tessa screamed, terrified. 

Mine was caught in my throat. 

The damp bangs parted in a haste, revealing the ugliest pair of specs and the palest complexion of face. “S-sorry, Mr. Rum!” It was my new assistant, Rose Cintilar. 

My jaw dropped in utter shock. What shit hole have I gotten myself into? I have to face that for the next thirty days?! I can’t even stay conscious for a second after taking a look at her! 

My handsome cheekbones sank as a stench filled my nostrils.