#Chapter 3 - Stay

Before I could even follow the other models someone grabbed my wrist and yanked me towards them.  It was the bald headed bodyguard that I had been arguing with earlier.

“Miss, I checked just now, and you are obviously not on the list of players we invited. Please leave immediately.” The man said in an agitated voice.

This was a game of hide and seek and not only did I get caught but I could tell there patience was thin. But this did not deter me. I was not giving up.

Looks like I have to play it up again.

“Oh? Do you know who I am? Maybe you should check again. There are so many actors’ faces here, do you even remember all of them clearly? Let go of me this instant or I will have your job.” I said. I was showing them I was not afraid to shout and make a scene.

The bodyguard sneered at me. “Cute, but this is a venue with 24-hour surveillance and triple security facilities in place. There is no way you could just come and go as you please without getting spotted.”

With that comment my eyes grew wide. I was afraid something like this would happened. If  they caught me on camera just appearing out of no where I could be in worse trouble then being removed from the set.

Werewolves were not allowed to be discovered by humans for any reason.

I glared up at the tall man. “If this is such high level security as you claim it is, how did I manage to get in if I am not here to compete?”

The bodyguard’s face began to turn red as he started to yell at me.

“This is why I am gonna throw you out on your pretty little ass, you hear me. Only God knows the types of tricks you have been playing around here. You could be a thief for all we know. Or worse! If you weren’t so fucking pretty you would be in handcuffs right now. Pretty does not mean you are not above suspicion, you hear me.”

More and more people began to gather around the spectacle.

The loud mouth is causing a scene.

“I think you have made a mistake, sir,” insisted I.

Suddenly, a booming and alluring voice was heard. “Put her down.” The sound of the voice not only had gotten everyone’s attention but dispersed the crowd.

“She is part of the competition.” The voice continued. It was the handsome broker from earlier. Even though he was young, I could tell that among the crowd of people his voice and words carried a lot of authority and weight around the venue.

The bald headed bodyguard did not seem willing to heed the broker’s words. “But sir, her identity….”

“I do not like repeating myself. Do not make me say it a second time.” The handsome man said almost growling at the head of security. The bodyguard was disgruntled but he respectfully obeyed the handsome man’s command.

As he let go of my wrist I fought the urge to stick my tongue out at the bald headed prick. I smiled at this savior of mine.

“Are you one of the agents here? You seem very well respected around here.”

The handsome man raised his eyebrows, “You can understand that too, good.

“Of course, everyone  went about their business when you came to view.” I knew I was playing with fire. “Thank you again Mr...”

My name is Elijah. And what do I call you, Miss…”

“Ava…Clifton,” I stated. “Thanks for your help…”

Elijah walked closer to me clearing the gap between us. He gained my attention. I  resisted the urge not to get a whiff of his scent.

“The preparations for this game started a month ago. The security personnel are very responsible for everything. They are dedicated to their duties and want to do everything well.”

I looked down. I actually felt guilty for getting the guards into so much trouble when they were just doing their jobs.

“Look, Mr. Elijah——

“Just Elijah, will do.” The handsome man stated cutting me off.

“I have to be honest and confess something to you. I wasn’t invited to this competition. I just... just wanted to visit this place because it holds good memories for me. My dream is to become an actress someday and I could not pass up this opportunity. I want to see how it happens here, see. Are there any future stars here?”

In truth I felt horrible for lying for so long. I wanted to be as sincere and honest with this man as much as possible. I felt that since he did help me out that I should return the favor. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy—-

“Oh?” Elijah’s eyes grew playful.

“I just would like to watch I promise I won’t cause any trouble.” I said sweetly trying to plead to Elijah.

Elijah spread his hands, “It’s okay, you can really participate. I have this authority.”

“Its no trouble,” I tried.

“It’s okay, you can really participate.” He countered.

“Pay attention little kitten.” Elijah said. “This is the last time I am going to say this.”

Kitten?  I am no one's kitten. 

 “I said it’s okay for you to participate in the competition. I have the authority to make it so.”

“Thank you so very much,”  I said trying not to blush. It had been a while since any male had given me this kind of attention. Even getting Jacob to notice me was difficult and we were married—well separated.

“Well Ms. Clifton, it’s your lucky day. Even though you are an unknown factor here we had a model cancel on us due to an illness. So, I guess you can take her spot as a fill-in. This might be good for you.”

I could hardly believe it; I was being given a second chance to follow my dreams. I wanted to stir my wolf with how giddy I was but being in the human world I decided against it. I would tell Tide later.

“Thank you so—- Once again he stopped me, but this time I noticed his tone.

“Not that it matters,” Elijah said as he walked away beginning to contact someone on his smartphone.

“I’ve seen too many vase girls like you who only take pictures. You don’t think that one more entry will make any difference to the outcome of this competition, do you?” Elijah said as he started to walk away from the conversation. He turned around with a smirk and added.

“You will probably get eliminated in the first around anyway.”

And just like that the handsome man that I thought was on my savior was now on my shit list along with my asshole of a husband.