“Your name is Roxanne, yeah?”
“What relationship do you have with Mr. Rei Daniel over there?”
“Are you dating? Are you single?”
“I’m single, you know?”
“You’re really pretty.”
“I like your outfit. Did Rei Daniel get it for you?”
Myriads of questions rushed to Roxanne as she stared at all the people that gathered around her, pushing their phones to her for a response.
Her eyes darted to Daniel, who could only stare at her apologetically. She was definitely not going to spare him after this was over.
‘He could have told me before this!’ She screamed internally.
Daniel looked at her from a distance and controlled the urge he had to laugh.
‘I’m sorry Roxanne. If I had told you before now, you would have most likely refused. I had to do this…’ He thought within himself.
Bit, that wasn’t the only reason he didn’t tell her. By utilizing the element of surprise, he was able to see her so flustered, a truly wonderful sight for him.
“So she can make that face too. Hehe, how cute.”
It took an exhausting while, but finally the crowd cleared away, little by little. Still, they were still so much that Roxanne felt suffocated. Daniel eventually had to play the shining knight, rescuing Roxanne from the mobs and taking her to a more secluded location.
“Whew! Finally!” Roxanne heaved in relief, resting on a sofa.
She hadn’t gotten the chance to sit since she got down from the car, so her legs were sore. Roxanne glared at Daniel from the side of her eye, yet he kept making an apologetic face.
“You have some explaining to do!”
Daniel gulped, not wanting to incur the wrath of someone who was able to best even him in combat.
“I’m sorry about that, but like I said… it’s necessary.”
Roxanne understood that Daniel did it for a good reason, but what she didn’t understand was how being surrounded by a bunch of curious people would be of advantage.
“It’s called showbiz, Roxanne. People believe what they see or hear, and you’ll be surprised by how far news travels. Once you’re seen associating with me, it gives already gives you a pedestal and credibility.” Daniel began his explanation, now talking in earnest.
“By the time my agency displays you for the world to see, you won’t be a stranger, and skeptic gazes would have reduced die to your exposure today.”
“Ah, I see…,” Roxanne mumbled.
Perhaps she had jumped the gun.
“Plus, it’s good to get in the eye of our competitors and partners using this kind of news. It makes them uneasy and curious, allowing us to have the limelight for some time. In essence, it’s a win-win situation.”
Daniel’s analysis were spot on. While Roxanne wasn’t very indulgent in social affairs, and focused more on training and winning, she could somehow grasp the basic logic he painted.
“I understand… fine. I’ll forgive you this time. But the next time you pull a stint like this without informing me first, you’re dead meat!” Roxanne growled.
Daniel nodded instantly.
“Where’s Paul, by the way?” Roxanne asked, not seeing her dear driver around.
“Who?” Daniel asked, looking confused.
“Paul, you know… the driver!”
“Ohh, him. Wow, I’m surprised you got his name. He should be sorting out luggage now. Don’t worry about him.” Daniel laughed.
There were many things Roxanne wanted to say to the guy in front of her, but she held off. How could a person not know the name of there person he was employing.
‘Is he a dimwit or what?’
“In any case, I’ll have to go back to the crowd and explain a few things to them. Want to come back with me?” Daniel asked with his supposedly charming smile.
One look from Roxanne told him the answer to his question.
“W-well, enjoy yourself here. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He laughed uncomfortably, leaving the lounge they were currently in.
Roxanne looked around her, there were only a few people around, and none of them paid her much mind.
‘They must be celebrities in their own right, or rich folks.’ She reasoned.
Still, being in such a fancy place, it felt strange. Even though it was built for comfort, that was the last emotion Roxanne was feeling at the moment. She preferred the warm feel of Rita’s home, the lovely scent it gave.
She preferred Alpha’s summit, the view from that magnificent hill was amazing. She could nearly feel the breeze, and within her heart she could picture it.
“Well, I better get used to this life.” Roxanne muttered.
Still, this wasn’t how she had expected things to go. She thought that by having Daniel with her, she would be able to cure some of her boredom, but even he was nowhere to be found.
Roxanne checked her phone.
“Its seventeen minutes past two. Wow…”
Not even up to three hours left before she left the Airport. Perhaps she didn’t have to wait for long, after all.
“Huu… should I just-”
Suddenly, Roxanne felt a pressure in the room. Her eyes bulged as she noticed the familiar aura enveloping the room. She recognized it. All at once, the other people within the lounge fell asleep, closing their eyes instantly.
“This… is it Asher?! Did he find me!?!” Roxanne said to herself.
No, this feeling was different. It wasn’t as intimidating as Asher’s, yet it seemed to be more refined.
Not only that, but her heart wasn’t in a frenzy, which usually happened when her mate was close by.
Roxanne tilted her head slightly, darting her eyes all around, finding everyone around her meeting the same fate of falling unconscious. Only Roxanne was safe from the spell befalling everyone.
‘This… this is…?!’ Roxanne’s mind rang.
“Correct. It’s [Domination].” A familiar, feminine voice said.
Roxanne’s eyes widened as she saw the owner of the familiar aura lol around the room. It was Katrina.
The older woman was wearing a large brown coat to cover her slightly skinny frame, and as usual, wore a calm happy look on her face. She was standing right before Roxanne, who sat, unable to move a muscle.
“Can I join you?”
Roxanne couldn’t resist, just like before. However, there was no fear this time. The woman known as Katrina, while she was dangerous, she showed no ill will toward Roxanne, and had even helped her on occasions.
“Sure…” Roxanne replied, trying to remain calm.
“Why, thank you very much.” Katrina smiled, seating on the chair opposite Roxanne, with only a table separating the two of them.
“Why are you here? What do you want?” Roxanne asked sternly.
“Oh my, you seem to be acting more composed compared to the last time we met. You’ve grown quite well, Roxanne.” Katrina smiled.
“Thanks for the compliment. Should you really be using [Domination] on these people. What would happen if-”
“Oh, don’t worry about them. I only used it very lightly. I’m very skilled in controlling my powers, you know? I’m not like that brute that doesn’t like holding back.” Katrina responded, interrupting Roxanne’s question.
“I-I see…” Roxanne mumbled.
She had indeed noticed that the aura she felt was much milder and refined. She was certainly an expert at control.
“I’m sorry for being rude.” Roxanne apologized.
“Oh, that’s fine. You’re just a little girl, it happens.”
Roxanne slightly cringed upon hearing that. After everything she had been through, being called a ‘little girl’s definitely wasn’t something she thought she would hear again.
“Thank you for the last time. Your warning… and help.” Roxanne mumbled, remembering everything that had happened again.
Her coach’s betrayal and the Hunters that nearly killed her and the only family she had left.
“I’m truly grateful.”
Katrina smiled and shrugged, as though everything she did was nothing.
“Ah, it’s fine.”
Roxanne had often wondered who the woman was, and what her connection to Katrina was. She had just appears out of nowhere and seemed to be interested in her.
“Who are you really, Katrina… why are you here?” Roxanne finally asked the burning questions within her.
The older woman smiled wryly at finally decided to open up.
“I’m here to talk about you, Roxanne… and Asher.”