Mated to a werewolf

Chapter 7

Despite the uneasy undertone, the car journey continued, with Bella and Michael navigating a conversation filled with unspoken feelings and the mysteries surrounding Richard.

Marco returned to the firm and headed straight to Richard's office. Upon arrival, he encountered the secretary, who seemed distressed and eager to share something with him.

"Mr. Marco, thank you for your encouragement, but I don't think I can go on. I'm scared," she confessed. "The CEO is terrifying. He rarely goes out, I hear strange sounds, and he always wears black, covering his face. How can I work for a boss like that?" she explained.

Understanding her concerns, Marco acknowledged, "I can see it's challenging. So, you want to leave. But you know, your departure will tarnish our company's image. You're the sixth secretary employed in just three years."

"I'm sorry, but I can't continue with the job," she replied.

"Okay, I'll talk to the CEO. He will pay you for this month, and you can leave," Marco assured.

"Thank you, Mr. Director," she expressed gratitude with a bow.

After handling the secretary's situation, Marco opened the door to Richard's office and entered. Greeting Richard, he initiated a conversation that would unveil more mysteries within the company. The air in the office held an unspoken tension, and as Marco delved into the discussion with Richard, the plot continued to thicken.

"Richard, are you in?" Marco inquired as he entered Richard's perpetually dark office, adorned only by a sliver of light.

"Yeah, I'm in the study room. I'll join in a few seconds," Richard responded.

Moments later, Richard entered and took a seat on the couch opposite Marco.

"I did what you requested. I went to Bella's home, but what I found was not what I expected. I think she and her family are in deep debt," Marco disclosed.

"Did she tell you why she didn't come to the office?" Richard asked.

"No, I didn't really ask. But did anything happen yesterday? She seemed suspicious too," Marco replied.

"Uhmm, nothing happened. Just wanted to know why she isn't around," Richard stammered.

"Okay, I'll leave that matter alone, but I'm not convinced. Before I go, I think we have a bigger problem. Rachael, your secretary, is resigning. She said it wasn't easy for her," Marco revealed.

"And you know this is bad. It's the sixth secretary we've hired for you. If the media hears about this, it will affect you, your father's political career, and our company," he continued.

"Now you lecture me. Since she is leaving, can you give her this month's salary and find her a placement in another company?" Richard requested.

"Richard, you have to overcome this stuff that is happening to you. I'll do as you have said, and I'll make sure the media doesn't know about this," Marco assured.

With that, Marco left Richard alone in his dimly lit office, surrounded by shadows of unresolved mysteries and challenges that continued to haunt him. The plot thickened, leaving Richard grappling with both personal and professional dilemmas.

In the heart of the night, as werewolves howled, it felt as if they were holding a clandestine meeting deep under the shadows of a hidden cave. The pack gathered, and among them, the leader emerged – Richard's mother, Athena.

Under the dim glow of the moonlight, the werewolves convened as if in a council. An important issue was on the agenda, and a murmur of growls and whispers filled the cave. A pressing matter had arisen – reports indicated that vampires were now preying on humans in a specific part of the city.

Athena, the wise and fierce leader, addressed the pack, "My fellow werewolves, we face a new threat. Vampires encroach on our territory, endangering the balance we've maintained for centuries. We must act."

A younger werewolf named Lyra spoke up, "Athena, how can we face this danger? Vampires are cunning and formidable adversaries."

Athena nodded, acknowledging the challenge. "Indeed, Lyra, but we have our strength in unity. We will patrol the city, protect our kin, and drive these vampires away. Our howls will resonate through the night, a warning to all who threaten our kind."

Another werewolf, Orion, added, "Athena, shall we seek the alliance of the other supernatural beings in the city? The witches and the fae could be valuable allies in this battle."

Athena considered the suggestion, "Wise words, Orion. Let us approach the witches and the fae, and propose an alliance against this common enemy. Together, we shall safeguard our territory and maintain the balance."

As the meeting continued, plans were laid out, alliances forged, and strategies devised to counter the growing threat of vampires. The werewolves, led by Athena, prepared to face the looming darkness that now encroached upon their city. The night air was charged with anticipation, and the fate of both the supernatural and human realms hung in the balance.

After the clandestine meeting in the depths of the night, Athena, the leader of the werewolf pack, decided to visit Richard in his house. It felt like a dream as she entered his room, surrounded by an ethereal glow.

In the realm between sleep and wakefulness, Richard saw his mother before him. Tears welled up in his eyes as he cried out, "Mom, why did you leave me? Don't leave me again; I miss you."

Athena approached, gently petting him and soothing his distress. "Richard, my son, it is something I had to do. A time is coming when it will be your turn. When that time comes, you will understand. But remember, no one must know that you are a werewolf."

As she prepared to leave, she kissed his forehead, and with a whisper, she assured him, "I'll always be with you, guiding you from the shadows."

In the quiet of the night, Richard woke up, calling out, "Mother, don't leave." The room was empty, and reality set in as he realized it was a dream—a visitation from his mother in the world between consciousness and slumber.

The encounter left Richard with a mix of emotions—comforted by his mother's presence yet burdened by the mystery of his supernatural lineage. As dawn approached, he contemplated the words his mother had spoken, the weight of the impending responsibility, and the secrecy he must maintain. The night held secrets, and Richard, now awake, faced the challenges that awaited him in the shadows of both his dreams and reality.