Heart Of A Lycan Prince

2.

"Ms Sherneil, you should make sure you attend the farewell party tonight. No excuses." Madame Lois said, as she stopped before me. One hand on her waist, while the other held a file. Her glasses sat atop her nose, and I wondered if she truly needed them to see.

A party?

A gnawing fear ripped at my heart. Shock gave way to rapid-fire, panic-scrambled thoughts. Party means loud music. And noise. Mountains of sweaty people. Strangers pushing their bodies into mine.

I blinked, trying to find a way to get out of this, but it didn't seem Madame Lois would take no for an answer today. I had never agreed to attend any party, no matter how hard she tried.

But this is a farewell party like she said, which meant I should attend. Besides, I told myself to try new things. To give myself an opening to try things I don't do. To be wild. Isn't that what I wanted? So, I flexed my fingers and counted to 7 as always, easing the tempo of my heart.

Then I looked up at Madame Lois, took the file she was now stretching towards me and nodded. "Of course. I'll see you tonight."

She beamed, and I tried to mimic it. Tried to return the smile. But whatever it was that appeared on my face at the attempt, dimmed Madame Lois’s smile. She shook her head and walked away.

I massaged my temple, my palms sweaty at the thought of going to the party tonight. That's too much trail. Go to a party tonight, and meet an escort tomorrow? Way to go, Sher.

'Why did you say yes?' Robyn asked. She had been eyeing me closely since Madame Lois mentioned the party. But as always, Robyn never interferes with things like this and always lets me make the decision.

'Because I want to,' I replied absentmindedly.

'You and I both know you don't like to go to parties. You never really did. You like music which is different and you enjoy it alone. But in a crowded place? With sweaty bodies pressing against yours? Loud booming music? You never do things like that.'

The picture of the party scene she painted etched itself in my brain as though I was watching it live. The thudding in my heart at the prospect of those sweaty bodies and loud music picked its pace, causing me to want to throw up that instant.

'To be honest though, there's nothing wrong with pressing bodies with muscled men. Not the lanky types with nothing to offer except for lousy smooches. I wonder how it'll feel to be cramped in a close-knitted space with the man you booked for tomorrow,' she murmured quietly.

Okay. I need tomorrow to come fast so I can get rid of this horny b.itch and get my wolf back!

'That's beside the point though. You shouldn't have said yes to something that'll make you uncomfortable, Sher.'

I sighed, shutting my eyes tightly. 'I want to try new things, Robyn.'

'At the expense of making yourself uncomfortable?'

'Well, I booked an escort yesterday. And it does make me uncomfortable. But I don't see you discouraging me from that.'

‘That's because, I...I...' she bristled for a moment, as though lost for words before she shook her head. ‘That's because we agreed to try new things. Only because you wanted to. But that doesn't mean you need to do too much at a time.'

‘I'm not doing too much. I'm only learning how to smile easily, get laid by a stranger, and go to a party. How hard can that be, Robyn?'

Except that it is hard. And I know. Robyn knows too. But I know she won't be pushing me anymore on that. If I say I'm doing this, then she'll let it go. Just like she did when I insisted I was coming here. Just like when I decided to book an escort yesterday. I had thought I'd wake up today already regretting my decision for a one night stand, but it didn't happen. I still felt inclined towards it, and I hope to still feel that way by tomorrow night.

'If you insist. But are you certain you want to? I don't mind it all, you know I love things like that. But I'm concerned about you.'

Something warm bubbled in my throat, but for whatever reason, it didn't escape my throat. 'Are you ready for tomorrow?' I asked, switching to the topic.

'I keep seeing those eyes of his and can't shake them off. Those muscles. I swear by Nyala, I haven't forgotten about him even without seeing his face since you booked him yesterday.' Robyn sighed, her voice a bit breathy.

Yup, she's definitely horny.

'Well, we'll find out tomorrow if he ticks all the boxes for goodness. And if he'll meet up to your standards of screaming.'

She rolled her eyes, looking down at her black fur before settling those grey eyes on me. 'Don't try to dampen my mood, woman. Nothing, I mean, nothing would ruin my day. Not when I'm expecting to get banged tomorrow in different styles. Please, don't be too stiff, else I'm taking over and banging him myself.'

I choked on my spit, because I knew for sure Robyn could definitely do that. The last time we had s*x, which was one year ago, Robyn did the same thing. I wasn't enjoying the moment, and before I knew what was going on, Robyn had taken over. And in a matter of seconds, she was a moaning mess.

Robyn is my everything. But not when she's horny. She wasn't this way at first. It all started after we met Mav...him. And hence, why I was intimate with a man last year. Because finding our mate and him not wanting us raised Robyn's primal instinct to take what she wanted. And right now, until that has been taken care of, hopefully, tomorrow, Robyn will not be sane.

'Go ahead and call me crazy, you b.itch. Well, maybe I am because I'm in need of something thick and hard.' She grumbled, her eyes a misty daze.

I clamped my mouth shut, flipped through the file in my hands, noting down all the last details I needed. My mission ended today, and I'll be flying back to Zambele on Saturday afternoon. It's been one heck of four months here, but I did enjoy working with the CSI human branch even if none of them liked me and likewise.

I'm eager to return home, train again with the boys, and report back on my mission. I'm certain the king and queen would be pleased with my findings. I always ensure myself to do a good job just so I can see the approving look those two give me.

The only two people I'm a bit comfortable around.

The alarm notification on my phone screen says lunch, and I turn it off with a grimace. I've been called weird for using alarms. For using them as a reminder of my day-to-day life. But I get distracted easily, and when I miss a routine, it is even worse. So I opt out for the use of alarms.

I gathered my files, my phone, tablet, nodded at the remaining people in the office and stepped out. I'll have lunch at the restaurant, submit the last file with me, and leave the office for good.

I ordered banku and grilled tilapia fish. I have come to love the dish since I arrived here, and I have made sure to eat it every two days. My phone buzzed with an incoming text.

'How is our favorite CSI agent doing this morning?'

It was a message from the queen. I wouldn't really call us friends or besties, but Natasha and I have grown closer over the past two years plus since I met her. It all began when the king included me as part of her team when we were investigating an incident a few years ago. An unspeakable bond built up between us afterwards and we mostly exchange text like this after every few days.

S- I'm good. Done with the project. I should be back this weekend.'

N- Excited to see you! I'm eager for us to resume training and maybe play a game with the other trainees? We miss our dear coach!'

I smiled. A genuine smile. Not the forced one I always forced myself to try so I can join in when everyone is smiling. No, this was real, and not practiced.

S- 'Excited to see how far you've come since I left.'

N- 'You just have to wait till you see me! I'll leave you to work. Take care!'

I set the phone aside and resumed eating, with Robyn’s constant purring about tomorrow filling my head.

I paid the fixed cedis for the dish and left, deciding to take myself out for the day and enjoy the country.

***

I shouldn't have agreed to this.

I really, really, really shouldn't have. An hour into this party, and I am already regretting my decision for agreeing to be here. I flexed my fingers and counted, then swirled the ring which rests on the middle finger of my left hand. Yet, today, none of both actions seems to calm me down.

The music was too loud, making my head spin. The booming sound erupting from speakers built into the sides of the hall was nerve-wracking. I felt my heart lurch so hard my chest squeezed and hurt. The crowd was screaming with excitement while I struggled to breathe. Lasers and smoke. Then the grating boom died down just a bit, and whispers of people filled the hall.

Before I could attempt to relax, a slow beat picked up in the background, gaining speed with a slow buildup. Silence hung over the room for a good five seconds, as a slow melody cascaded from the speakers. It has been this way since I arrived, watching my colleagues have fun while I tried to, but failed miserably. Because this just isn't my place.

"Here, have a drink," Beverly, one of my coworkers, slid a glass of something in a cup. “You haven't had anything since you got here. Ease up and have fun, girl,” she grinned.

I stared at her for a moment, noticing how carefree she was, and how much she was enjoying this loud noise. I love music, but only when I'm listening to it in my own comfort with my headphones. For a tiniest moment back home, I debated coming with it to the party before I decided otherwise.

I picked up the cup, swirled the contents for a moment. And after a brief hesitation, I gulped the entire content down. It burned my throat, causing me to cough as my eyes stung.

I looked around the table, watching the way everyone laughed without so much care in the world. So easy. I tried to mirror the expression, but as always, I couldn't. So I simply watch them. Allowing my eyes to take in the little things happening around me. Robyn was a little bit quiet, which was very unlike her.

And then, without warning, the bass resumed at a frantic, adrenaline-inducing speed. The crowd went wild again. My heart pounded in a dizzying rush, and fear threatened to swamp me. Too much noise. Too much frenzy. I bottled up my emotions, as always, and buried them deep inside myself. Then I forced myself to take slow breaths.

Dressed in a slitted red and black patterned ankara skirt that stopped at my knee, and a black off-shoulder top, which left a better part of my back open, I had tied my braids in a bun, leaving my skin exposed. But with how crowded the hall was, it was nearly impossible to get enough air despite having put on open clothes.

Then suddenly, a clammy hand pressed my bare back. The unexpected touch caused me to flinch so hard that I knocked down the drinks scattered on the table.

I waited for what felt like ages, waited until my breath started coming out in small pants. I had hoped the hand would vanish, but I felt it slowly begin to move, as though sensuously touching me.

An acidic urge climbed up the back of my throat. I needed to move away. Needed to get rid of the hand. Need to find a place to vomit. But then, the hand grabbed my waist and I was pulled into a sweaty smelling body.

I gagged.

And before I could react, before I could calm my raging heart, or understand what was going on, Robyn pushed forward, growling so hard that the sound vibrated throughout the hall, drowning out the loud music playing.

In a flash, I found myself whirling around, and then Robyn was gripping the man's neck. I sniffed the air, he was human.

His eyes popped out, and he began to gurgle for breath. I tried to reach Robyn, tried to calm her down, but it wasn't helping, mostly because I still felt the feel of his hand on my back and waist. I still felt his breath fanning over my face, or his smelly scent that had engulfed my entire senses.

I heard his choking sounds, but I was past caring. I simply wanted to leave.

"Hey, stop it, Sherneil," Madame Lois called from behind, holding my hand from behind. Robyn growled again, getting more and more angry with each passing second.

Perhaps she noticed my struggle to breathe, or maybe it was the presence of the new wolf we sensed that calmed her down. Regardless though, Robyn let go of the human, then leaned down and bared her teeth at him before she finally stepped back, allowing me to take back control.

I opened my mouth, sucking in a deep breath. But the air was already mixed with sweat and alcohol. It felt as though something was crawling up my skin, and I could still feel the pressure of the hand that had grabbed me before. I need to go outside. I forced my way into the crowd, pushed through bodies swaying to the rapid tempo.

The music bombarded me. Lights flashed. Terrible body odor, cologne, alcoholic breath, hard limbs and pointed joints. My eyes flooded with tears. The bodies formed a cage around me, making it impossible to move. I couldn't move. I couldn't call for help.

"Can I help you?" A woman's voice said beside me.

I nodded, swallowing hard and fast. The woman took my hand in hers, and we began walking again. She shoved people aside as we walked, leading me through people, opened the door and pushed me out.

The door clicked shut, muting the booming sound of the music and the loud cheers. I was gasping as I covered my eyes and sank down to the floor. My legs were trembling, as though unable to take my weight.

"You good?"

I nodded at the question, sucking in enough breath to push back the nausea hitting at the back of my throat. "I'm fine. Thank you," I forced a reply out.

But I knew that was a lie, because I still wanted to throw up. It was as though I couldn't suck in enough breath into my throat.

"Just breath..." the woman said, moving to touch me but I flinched, and she backed away, raising her hands up.

I leaned against the building, embracing the cold night air hitting my face. I hated it when I was this weak around people, hated it with so much passion because it shows my vulnerability. So, I gritted my teeth together, fisted my hands on the side and tightened every muscle in my body. The loud thudding in my head stopped.

"I'm...good now. It was just too much back there," I said again, as though trying to reassure myself.

"Are you...you know...are you..."

"Am I what?" I asked sharply, my voice so hard that the woman flinched again.

When she narrowed her eyes, I could almost see her making the connections, and then the judging look she'd throw at me. I knew what she wanted to ask, and I knew she was already making the connection. Knew that she already knew what I didn't want to speak of. I knew she was already classifying the type of person I am. The 'abnormal’ one among normal people, as I've always been called. I waited for her to say that too, to tell me how impossible I am to react that way with just a simple touch.

But she didn't. Instead, her lips tilted upwards slightly, and I found myself nodding at the question she hadn't voiced yet. Maybe now she'll throw me the judging look, or perhaps, tell me how different I am. Or how difficult I am. For her to tell me I didn't belong here, or that I should've stayed home. I waited, but she didn't do any of that. Instead, she smiled and stretched her hand towards me for a shake, before quickly shoving it back.

"My name is Tabitha, Tabby for short. I'm a wolf just like you. I'm from the Kankia Kingdom."

I nodded, wondering if I should share my name with her. But wouldn't it make me rude not to?

"I'm Sherneil. From Zambele. Thanks for helping me."

"Oh, don't mention it. I have some experience there. My sister is just like you," she waved her hand, still smiling. Then her eyes suddenly lit up brighter than they were before, her long straight hair falling to her back. It was then I noticed that her ears were a bit pointy, and that she had another scent around her besides that of a wolf. Is she a hybrid? "Did you say you're from Zambele?"

I nodded, pushing away from the wall and smoothing my skirt with my sweaty palms. My bag was still lying on the side.

"Dearest Nyala! I am a huge fan of your king!" She squealed, clapping her hands together. "I have watched every single one of his matches!"

The heaviness in my throat lessened, and I found myself attempting to smile. When I talk about things I truly enjoy, the smiling comes easier.

"You're a football fan too?"

"Yes yes. I play back home. Although, I won't call it playing, but I do try to play."

"I try to play too," I mumbled shyly, feeling the way Robyn nudged me softly. After she had surged forward to tackle that human, she had grown more quiet, and only reacted now that I was calm enough to talk to a stranger.

Tabitha’s dark skin shone underneath the light spilling from the bulbs above, and she wore a tight-fitting dress with black-heeled shoes that had straps tied around her legs. Her lips were painted deep red, and she drew a smoky eyeshadow over her eyes. She had a small tattoo on her neck, a nose and lip piercing, and another on her ear lobe. Her auburn hair fell to her back, with a streak of silver to it on the front.

And weird as it may seem, I felt connected to her, if not for anything, but for helping me tonight and loving football.

"Uhm, would you like to have a drink with me?" I heard myself ask.

She smiled widely, then nodded. "Of course! I want to hear your experience in football, and maybe we can watch a few of your King's games again?"

I nodded. And felt my lips tug upwards slowly.

I was smiling, albeit no one might even notice it because it was subtle.

But I was still excited. And now, I am ready for another round tonight, and then I face tomorrow head on and bang the escort, then allow Robyn to bang him too and have the fun we wanted.

Perhaps things weren't so bad.