4. The Idol's New Slave

I sat in class, staring blankly at the benches long after the lecture had ended. I felt like I was losing my mind. After everything that happened yesterday, I couldn't sleep. Even though I was exhausted this morning, I couldn't find any peace.

Unlike my usual routine, I didn't listen to a single song today. I’ve been in a daze since yesterday, struggling to wake up from the nightmare and accept that what I saw was reality.

"Lea!" Barbara called out. We happened to have different lectures today, but she caught up with me afterward.

I looked at her with hollow eyes as she sat down to chat.

"So? Did you meet D.E. yesterday?" she asked curiously.

"Yes, I did."

"And? Did you get his autograph?"

"No, I couldn't."

"Huh? Kenapa?"

"Because..." I hesitated, choosing a simpler version of the truth. "His manager offered me a job. I’m actually starting at D.E.'s office today."

"What?! Are you serious?"

"Yes."

"Wow! Isn't that amazing news? But why do you look so miserable?" she asked, confused.

"I don't know if I'll live much longer, Barbara. If I’ve ever done you wrong, I’m sorry," I said solemnly.

"You’re crazy! Why are you talking like you're facing a death sentence?" Barbara laughed, checking her watch. "I can't stay long, Lea. I just wanted to make sure you met him so I could keep my promise. I’ve got things to do! Have fun at your new job!"

I watched her leave and sighed. I couldn't exactly tell her that working for Drex was a brush with death. He’s a Lycan—a creature that supposedly preys on humans and tears them apart like chew toys.

I didn't want to go. I wanted to hide. But Drex said all the Lycans in town would hunt me down if I ran. Is there a whole pack of them? That thought sent shivers down my spine.

As I walked slowly past the faculty lounge, Mr. James, the history lecturer, greeted me.

"Hi, Elea," he said.

Mr. James was famous among the female students—handsome, smart, and with a perfect physique. I didn't like him, not because he wasn't attractive, but because I sneezed every time I got close to him.

"Good afternoon, Sir," I replied, keeping my distance.

"Heading home?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Ah... Drex told me I had to keep an eye on you," Mr. James said with a smirk. "He doesn't want his slave running away. I hope you can handle him, Elea. Now, head over there and accept your punishment."

I stood there in shock. That threat had the exact same aura as Drex’s. Was Mr. James a Lycan too? Was he in the same pack? No wonder I always sneezed around him—I wasn't just allergic to dogs; I was allergic to them.

"Don't be afraid, Lea. D.E. is the gentlest among us," he added, giving me goosebumps. "Go on! He’s waiting."

I didn't stay to reply. I ran to the parking lot and jumped on my motorcycle. So, the pack was already terrorizing me? It seemed I really had no choice but to be his slave.

I finally reached the TM Entertainment building. It was huge. Surely, with so many people around, it would be safe? Drex wouldn't prey on me in the middle of an office... right?

I gathered my courage and spoke to the receptionist. She gave me access easily. A blonde staff member in a gray blazer greeted me, and the moment I sneezed, I knew—she was one of them too.

Flo, Drex's manager, came to meet me.

"Lea, you made it. D.E. has been waiting. Follow me," Flo said.

As I followed the bespectacled man, I noticed I didn't sneeze. So, Flo was human. But why on earth was a human working for Lycans?

He led me to a studio. I could hear music—Drex was singing during a live broadcast. His deep, sexy voice sounded incredibly clear and romantic.

Automatically, the "fangirl" in me took over. I found myself enjoying the performance, hoping for a moment that he was just a human, not a monster who wanted to eat me. My head moved to the beat. I truly loved his voice.

"Hehe, you really are a fan. You're a lucky woman," Flo remarked.

"Lucky? He said he’d rip my stomach out!"

"Hahaha, Drex likes to joke," Flo replied.

"So he won't rip my stomach out?"

"Well, he’s actually quite ferocious. If he preys on you, you won't even feel the pain," Flo’s answer only made me more horrified.

I stayed quiet, vowing to remain vigilant. Even if Drex was my ideal type, it was hard to think about "romance" when I knew he had pointed ears and fur.

When the show ended, Drex walked off stage and spotted me immediately. Like a dog seeing a favorite toy, his smile widened, and he sprinted over to ambush me.

"My slave! You came!"

I froze as he pulled me into a hug. Oh no. He’s a Lycan, but he’s also D.E.! He started sniffing my hair and cuddling me like a stuffed animal.

"Why are you sniffing me?" I asked, feeling flustered.

"I love your scent!"

"Get off me! I can't breathe!" I snapped.

"Hmm... how fierce. Aren't you afraid of me anymore?" he teased.

"No! I'm not afraid," I lied bravely.

"Is that so? Great!"

Poof! Right before my eyes, Drex shifted instantly into a massive black wolf.

"KYAAAAAA!"

I screamed at the top of my lungs and dove behind Flo for cover.

"Drex! Stop it! Don't play games! You still have to meet the reporters," Flo scolded.

"Yeah, I know. But I'm tired. Send her here! She can comb my fur. She said she wasn't afraid of me!" Drex’s voice rumbled from the wolf's throat.

Ignoring my protests, Flo handed me a grooming comb and gestured for me to obey.

"He’s going to eat me!" I whispered.

"No, he won't! Just go over there and brush him," Flo insisted.

I walked slowly toward the giant black wolf, who was now lying down, relaxing.

"Comb gently," the wolf grumbled.

"I'm allergic to dog dander. Don't get mad if I sneeze," I warned.

"I use high-end shampoo; I don't shed!" he retorted.

I started combing his fur gently. Surprisingly, he was right—I didn't sneeze. Unlike when I met Mr. James or the blonde woman, Drex's fur didn't trigger my allergies.

"Slave! Stroke my head," he commanded.

I’ve always hated dogs, but here I was, petting a massive wolf who was purring—or rather, grunting—with satisfaction. His black fur was incredibly soft. As he grew tired and drifted off, he slowly shifted back into his human form.

Suddenly, I was stroking the head of the human Drex. I froze. His face was so handsome while he slept. When he noticed my hand had stopped, he opened his eyes.

"Keep stroking," he murmured.

I started again, but this time a small smile tugged at my lips. I’m stroking D.E.'s hair. This is insane!

"What exactly is a Lycan?" I asked softly, the question finally escaping.

"I don't know. I was born this way. Sometimes I’m a wolf, sometimes I’m a man."

"Then... why become an idol?"

"Because I love singing. Why? You don't think I'm fit to be a singer?"

"Your voice is melodious... truly beautiful. You're an amazing singer," I praised him sincerely.

"Do you know my songs?"

"I have all your albums!"

"Try singing one then."

"Emm..."

"You’re lying!"

"I’m not! It’s just... my voice is a bit hoarse," I explained.

"Just try it."

I started singing Auriga's Star, my hoarse voice carrying the romantic lyrics. I got lost in the melody.

"Hahaha! You destroyed my song! Your voice is terrible! Even my roar sounds better than that," he teased.

"I told you I’m hoarse!"

"But I like hearing it. Sing the other part."

I continued, and for a moment, I forgot he was a Lycan. He was just Drex. So cute. Even knowing the truth, my heart still fluttered for him. My feelings were truly beyond repair.

"Drex! You're on!" Flo called.

"Shit! Back to work. We'll continue this later, Elea!" Drex said, waving and flashing a sweet smile as he left.

I watched him go, feeling pensive. He was now meeting with journalists, putting on his usual haughty and casual persona. I eavesdropped on the interview.

"Do you have a girlfriend yet, Drex?" a journalist asked.

"Not yet."

"What’s your type?"

"I don't know... I think I like cute women," he replied.

"As a musician, do you also like women with melodious voices?"

I leaned in, hoping. Maybe there was a chance he liked hoarse voices?

"Of course! I like women with beautiful voices. I don't want my songs ruined! Hahaha," he joked.

I felt a sting of sarcasm. Clearly, my voice made me the opposite of his ideal type.

"You dog!" I cursed under my breath.

Drex’s eyes immediately snapped to mine. He smirked, as if he could hear me from across the room. I got goosebumps and backed up, nearly bumping into Flo.

"Sorry!"

"No problem. Lea, stay here. A lot of fans are going to try to break in soon. Drex tends to change shape whenever he feels like it, so keep an eye out. Help the bodyguards make sure no one infiltrates," Flo instructed.

"Has anyone else sneaked in before? Like me?" I asked.

"Plenty! But you’re the only one who saw him like that."

"I know you're human... but why do you work for Lycans?" I whispered.

"None of your business," Flo replied, shutting down the conversation.

"Okay. Well, at least you're still alive. That means Drex can trust humans."

"Hah, don't get too cocky, girl."

After the interview, I stood guard at the door. Sure enough, a group of fans—even crazier than me—started pushing past the guards toward the private area.

"D.E.!" one fan screamed, slamming into me and knocking me down.

"Stop! You're being rude!" I shouted, frustrated.

"Who are you?" the woman snapped, surprised.

"I'm his assistant! Please stay calm and return to your area!" I stood up, blocking her path.

"Ugh! So annoying! Get out of my way!" she yelled, pushing me again.

I tried to hold my ground, but she shoved me so hard that I fell a second time.

"Enough! I don't like rude women!" Drex’s voice boomed, sounding dangerously angry.