The Alpha's Revenge - Kidnapped by the Lycan King
“Cheers to the beginning of our lives,” Noor says.
We clink our glasses together and I frown, “The beginning of our lives? Babe, our lives have begun.”
“It is just a figure of speech, Camilla. Lighten up, my love.” Rin smiles, leaning comfortably into her seat.
“The view is wonderful though.” Adelaide says, calling our attention to the window, where the view is indeed wonderful.
We are on our way to New York. On a plane. First class, of course. We deserve it. The past few years have been hectic for us - filled with exams, school and work. I was stuck in Law School. Noor had been busy building her Architecture firm. Rin had been tied up with Med School, and Adelaide, my younger sister, has been busy working as an Accountant.
We have lived in Chicago all our lives, which is why we are excited for New York, the city that supposedly never sleeps. It is perfect because we have no intention of sleeping during our stay.
“This trip will be fabulous.” Rin grins, stretching her legs.
I smile, knowing she already has plans to ensure that. Rin and Noor are my best friends. We have been best friends for years, since I can remember. Rin is a Gynecologists. She is scarily intelligent and has odd facts at her disposal. She has long black hair, light blue eyes, and a pale skin. She is beautiful, and she knows it.
“Stop looking at me like that.” she teases me, and I roll my eyes, a smile on my lips “Don’t flatter yourself.”
“Who knows? We might all get someone to look at us.” Noor frowns. I look at her.
Noor is beautiful, but shy. She has beautiful caramel skin, the biggest brown eyes and long brown hair. She is an Architect, she is perfect, but years of conditioning, years of having to be more has chipped away at her self esteem.
“You are stunning, Noor. You will have people looking at you.” Adelaide scoffs, running her hands over her locs.
Adelaide is always the cheerleader. She is two years younger than we are, twenty four, but she is the most confident. We look alike, but also different. She has beautiful dark skin, brown eyes, Locs and full hips, while I am lighter, with long wavy hair and pale green eyes.
We spend the duration of the flight catching up on our favorite series, which is wonderful, because we are so different, personality-wise, but this show unites us, and we indulge often.
Soon, we land in New York, where the air is different. Goosebumps break over my skin as we walk towards the car we ordered, dragging our suitcases behind us.
After double checking, we get into the car, enjoying the space. I lean against the window, watching the streets of New York flash by.
“We should have chosen New Orleans.” Rin says abruptly and I smile, glancing at her.
“New Orleans? Absolutely not. That city gives me the creeps.” My sister shudders, and I giggle.
“According to movies and books. It does not mean it is true, though.” Noor points out, her cheeks flushed.
“Oh, please. It is definitely true. Every rumor starts somewhere. There has to be a truth to it.” I snort, crossing my legs.
“You are just scared of running into vampires and werewolves.” Rin teases, a wide grin on her face.
“I am, of course. I’ll stick to New York. It is neutral ground. Nothing bad ever happens here.” I smile, glancing out the window, hopeful. This is a vacation, and it must be wonderful, eventful too, but nothing too creepy.
“Who knows? You might meet a man who will rock your world off its course.” Noor reaches for me, warmth in her eyes.
I scrunch my nose, but stay silent. I am not against meeting a man, but I am against one that wants to rock my world. I like my life as it is. I like the stability.
The Jeep drives into our hotel. We did not want to get a cabin or a cottage. We wanted a hotel, and we got one of the most expensive, but known for its elegance.
We find our way to our suites. We each our own, because as much as we are best friends, we also need our privacy. Our rooms are beside each other for convenience. It is exactly how we want it. New York is already turning out great.
“We reconvene in thirty minutes. I saw a nice bar on our drive here. Wear something skimpy.” Rin orders, bubbling in excitement.
“Yes, ma’am.” I smile, walking into my suite. I do not want to go to a bar. I am a bit jet-lagged and I want to sleep, but I will not rain on her parade.
Alone, I take my bath and change into a beautiful black dress. I decide to check out the bar on my phone, but frown when I see a local news report about a missing tourist finally found in the woods, dead.
A chill goes down my spine. Goosebumps break over my skin again. It probably means nothing, just coincidence.
I meet up with the girls and we hail a cab to the bar. An odd feeling sticks to me, my head throbbing a headache. We should have eaten before leaving.
“Are you okay, sweetie?” Noor asks, holding my hand as we step out of the car.
“Yeah, just a bit hungry.” I say, brushing my waves off my face.
We walk to the door, we show our ID Cards, and we are let in.
The four of us step into the crowded bar, and I freeze.
The music cuts mid beat. Conversations fall silent. Every single person turns to look at us. Directly, like they have been waiting.
My ears ring in the stillness. Fear slam against my chest, and my throat constrict.
“Cami, are you okay?” Adelaide’s voice cut through the stillness.
I blink and the world snaps back - music pounding, people laughing, glasses clinking.
The sounds crashes into me hard, and I almost lose my footing.
I frown, confused. Did I just hallucinate?
“I got us seats. Let’s go.” Rin urges, and we push through the crowd, finding comfortable seats at the edge.
My friends are speaking, but I am still reeling from moments ago, wondering if I am losing my mind.
A staff walks to us, holding a bottle of wine, and four glasses “From the gentleman across the bar.”
I follow her gesture and stop breathing.
I don’t know him, but there is a flicker in my bones, in my soul at his sight, like he is familiar.
He is watching me the way a storm watches a shore - silent, patient and . .inevitable.
“Mr Oscar Volkov sends his regards. Welcome to New York.”
