The Rejected Full Moon

Mr. Wonderful

It ended up being quite a presentation for Mr. del Conselho.

Businesslike and acquainted, I explained to him all the details of this prestigious project that definitely will bring us more wealthy clients with such assignments. His face is expressionless as he fires the questions at me. But I am well prepared, this is not my first project. Both for the company and privately, I prepare many assignments that have all been blockbusters so far.

Most disturbing is the way he looks at me with his deep blue eyes.

His piercing glances seem to want to see through me, but I stand firm. If he thinks to make me insecure, he has another thing coming. I know my job like no other, ever since college, I've been a math nerd. When I've explained everything and there are no more questions, he nods approvingly. "I'm very impressed with your knowledge, Miss Weiner. Next week I have a meeting with the client, be ready to assist me with that," he declares briefly and turns to his desk, a signal that our meeting is over.

I hesitate; deliberations with clients are the job of vice presidents.

I belong to the junior management staff and merely carry out assignments. Mr. del Conselho is new so he probably doesn't know the drill. "Hmmm, Sir. Usually, one of the vice presidents accompanies the CEO to negotiations with clients," I point out to him. Disturbed, he looks up from the document he was reading in his hands. "Is that so? Then that has changed as of today. Next week I would like you to be ready." And again, he lowers his head, this subject is clearly finished for him. I pack my things and leave.

As I sit at my desk, I think back to the past hour.

Those piercing looks have pretty much horrified me. It messed up my mind a lot. I think I'll go for a long walk after work. That will help me to relax and clear my mind. Maybe it is just a feeling that I’m being overrun by a human. Mr. del Conselho's scent is strange, it appalled me. When I entered his office, I observed a mixed scent. For a moment, I thought he was also a werewolf, but as I got closer, I caught other cues. Definitely human but not one hundred percent. Maybe he is a hybrid. If so, he must also have sensed that I am a werewolf.

Whatever those looks of the man may mean, I must do everything I can to keep our relationship businesslike. Once he understands that, everything will normalize with time. I now open the file again and continue working. "Hey Rain. Lunchtime, come let's go to the pub around the corner. I really don't feel like the mundane food of the company cafeteria today," Natalie screams from the door. I check the time on my phone and see it is indeed past noon. So I grab my bag, close my door and walk with her to the elevator.

"How did your conversation with Mr. Wonderful go? You stayed in his office for a long time. Did anything interesting happen?" she asks me with an ambivalent smile. I raise my eyebrows. "Something interesting? Natalie, your imagination is running wild. We're at work, remember that. Everything here is business, we are trying to perform higher, make more profits," I lecture her. Seemingly distraught, she slaps her forehead with her flat hand. "Ooooh, sjeeeessss, forgot that you are always strict and focused. Always thinking of the company's best interests first. Do you ever have fun, Rain? I mean, dazzling s*x, sleeping and waking up next to your crush?" she asks, rolling her eyes. "Beware of becoming a spinster. Virgin with an old black cat on the windowsill", she teases. I have to laugh heartily at her words. Natalie always has a vivid imagination.

"I'm still young. I still have plenty of time to do whatever. But for now, I'm focused on my work," I explain dryly. "And I haven't been a virgin for a long time. I was in a three-year relationship, remember?"

Indeed, I told Natalie a bit about my past.

When I first came to work here, almost everyone wanted to know where I came from and learn something about my private life. I decided to stay close to the truth. So I told Natalie I am from America and left for South America to recover after a breakup with my fiancé. That story was gratefully accepted, given my reclusive attitude. In the company, I talk only when necessary and never mingle in groups. I do visit social activities organized by the HR department, but only in the presence of Natalie. My assistant and friend loves the fact that she alone knows me, anyone who wants to satisfy their curiosity about me has to go through her.

We are now walking down the street, two blocks around is the restaurant she mentioned.

As we walk in, the delicious smell of Chinese food greets us. Today I feel like a lavish meal, my werewolf genes especially need a lot of protein. Again something that puzzles Natalie and I can't give her an adequate explanation for my huge appetite. She always wonders how I can eat so much and still stay slim without any exercise. We place our order and while chatting pleasantly, we take a table by the window where we have a good view of the street.

Our food is served, the smell alone makes my mouth water.

I dig in and as I bring the fork to my mouth, a movement on the street catches my eye. Suddenly I see Mr. del Conselho coming around the corner. He walks up the road, looks around before getting into a heavily tinted car. Our eyes clash, he holds mine for a few seconds before disappearing into the waiting vehicle. I swallow the food in my mouth without chewing it first, which results in me violently coughing. Quickly I grab the glass of water on my table and flush the lump in my throat.

Looking in front of me, I notice Natalie staring at the vehicle.

"Hey, wasn't that Mr. Wonderful? Why isn't he with his own car and getting in two blocks away from the company?" she asks in amazement...