NALEDI’S POV
“It’s only natural I show up the day after tomorrow, at the event,” I stated. “Thankfully, Luka believes that I was compelled to forget him and everything that happened so I get a fresh start.”
Caellum nodded, “After the mirage of bad news, finally, some good news.”
“The target is getting in the investors list.” Marcus said, “News reaching us this morning is that there is only one spot left.”
“That fast?” Korah asked, sitting up. “Just last night there was a sure five seats left for partnership. What changed overnight?”
My eyes drifted to Caellum, whose eyes were on me the entire time he spoke. “They were successful. Their first attempt at getting the thing done was successful.”
“That is no reason why they should immediately shut down a partnership they have been chasing for a long time now.”
“My bet is that they made a shit tonne of money on their first emergency launch and decided it would be a hassle sharing their money with that much people.” I gritted,
“They are suddenly not willing to have any more hands on the project. A wise move if you ask me. Less people in the know and more money in the bag. A greedy lot.” Caellum summarised, leaving all of us in a grotesque mood.
The thought of them trafficking girls for money and making a fortune of it made me sick. I needed to stop them.
“Then we better get planning. Because if the Powerpuff Boys decide they can only extend their invitation to one more person, it has to be Amara Cordel.” I said with a resolute look on my face.
“That’s the spirit.” Caellum said with a devilish look, ” And I have the perfect plan.”
******
The day of the event came knocking quicker than expected. Not only was it a prestige event with a powerful list of guests but it also had a theme.
We were all to attend the ball with a mask – A masquerade ball.
I couldn’t help but feel the ball was a perfect fit for what we had in mind. I was to attend the ball as Amara Cordel. Only this time, I wasn’t going to be the weak and unprepared version he met the first time.
I was tasked with the job of killing his former impression of me and reinstate a new one. As a partner and formidable ally to work with. Every bit of the plan rested on my ability to deliver on that and get the remaining investor spot.
Luka must have made quite the amount on that emergency deal. He was a lot more confident and happy following the first testing of his new trade. That was the only way we could explain his recent burst of activities around him.
I sat in front of the mirror as I was painted from top to bottom. I hated make-up and all the stress that came with it. But apparently, that was a human thing to do.
Humans were obsessed about how they looked, especially on occasions like this. So as much as I hated the fact I was being made into some rich snobby princess, I couldn’t refuse it.
By the time the crew was done, I looked different. Not in a bad way, but different nonetheless. I was literally counting the seconds till I had to scrub them off my face.
As soon as the crew walked out of my room, Korah came in, accompanied by Marcus. “You look so beautiful!” She fawned, “Your dress will be the talk of the party.”
“Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself.” I said, eyeing her ocean-blue crystal gown.
She huffed, “No one would be seeing it since I would be glamoured into a man.” She looked sad. “I might as well go on my jeans and I assure you, no one would notice a thing out of place.”
I gauged her with a soft smile, unable to say anything. “You’ll be fine.”
Marcus cleared his throat. “Are you ready for the spell?”
A sigh dropped from my lips. Now this was the part I wasn’t looking forward to. “I don’t have a choice in this, don’t I?”
He nodded, waiting for my approval.
“Let’s do this,” I said, getting in stance. The night was far spent, and I needed to be the best representation of Amara Cordel as soon as possible. Even if that meant I needed to become a weak human once again.
Marcus’ lips moved but I couldn’t make out the chants. How did I know they were chants? Because I suddenly felt myself weaken, and my wolf retreated. So far it seemed like my wolf had disappeared.
Poof, gone.
It soon came to an end and I let out a breath of relief. It was time for us to leave. Without further ado, I left the Mansion with Marcus and Korah, using one of the sleekiest jeeps I had seen in a very long time.
Marcus was designated to be my escort for the event, while Korah was going to hang around, and sort out her position, those were the exact words of Caellum. Who left late in the night yesterday, after making sure everything was in place.
My entire body was wired. Any and every speech I was having would be transmitted to the headquarters of the Cosa Nostra pack, where Caellum had a group of people who would be listening in on our conversation and recording it for his review when he returned.
You guessed right, we were not taking any risks, and should Luka decide to launch another surprise attack tonight, we would be ready.
We arrived at the scene of the event and I placed my mask in place. As did Marcus who stepped down first, giving Korah the opportunity to slip away. Soon enough, the doors were opened by the officer in charge of welcoming guests.
I stepped out of the car and beheld the majestic building that belonged to Luka. How did I know? Just call it a sixth sense. I walked into the colourful party with Marcus by my side, escorting me like the perfect gentleman.
My eyes found my target, and it couldn’t be easier than I thought. His mask only covered his eyes, leaving a lot more detail to his facials. It seemed like he wanted to be identified if you asked me.
Or perhaps he was just not into masks. Whatever the case may be, it worked for me. With a lax smile on my lips, I said the magic words. “Six O’clock.”
Decoding my message, Marcus nodded and stepped away from me, leaving me to my job. It didn’t end there, as I contemplated my next course of action, I noticed a man walk up to Luka and whisper something in his ears.
It was in times like this I missed my heightened hearing. Luka’s eyes widened, then scanned the area, searching for what I couldn’t place my fingers on.
I proceeded towards the bar area, hoping to catch some drink, as well as figure my way to him when the man pointed in a not-so-discreet manner towards my direction.
Like the professional I was, I picked up a drink and feigned oblivion at the things happening around me. With one sip, I saw Luka headed towards me in a confident stride.
I guess I wasn’t going to do the finding after all. If I was not mistaken, I bet he was looking for me. Scratch that, waiting for me. I knew he was close when I smelt his harsh perfume.
Luka might not know that, but he just made my job much more easier.
“Hello darling,” I heard his brisk voice and a faux smile made it’s way to my lips.
“Hello There.”