THE LYCAN'S HEART

Miliani's POV

The sound of my phone ringing jolted me awake. I tried to open my eyes but I felt a stinging sensation. I held my hand up to my head when I felt it throbbing. I had a terrible headache. After the stinging in my eyes subsided I tried to open them but they were a bit blurry. I looked around the room and realized it wasn't my room.

Wait, what the hell?

Panic immediately set in as I tried to understand how and why I was in that room, a hotel room for that matter. My memory was hazy, I must have drank too much alcohol and trying to recall the events of the previous night made my headaches worse. What happened to me and why was I in a hotel room? I looked around in confusion trying to remember what happened.

My phone continued ringing and I panicked more when I saw that it was my mother calling me. I couldn't answer the call, at least not in this state. I knew she was worried but I just couldn't talk to her right now. I needed to figure something out. I mean, what was I gonna tell her anyway?

I tried so hard to recall what happened the previous night. Then I remembered going out with my cousin for some drinks and then to a club. I decided to text her. She could have answers. I opened my phone and realized she had sent me a text already.

'Miliani, where are you? Did you run off with that hottie last night?'

Hottie?

She texted again

'Your mom keeps calling me. I didn't answer though, I needed to know where you were first. Are you okay? Did he do something to you?'

I got even more confused and texted back.

'I'm okay, my head hurts but I'm fine. I'm in a hotel room and I have no Idea how I got here. And who's the 'hottie' you're talking about?' I asked hoping to get some answers.

'You don't remember? You were drunk and flirting with a hot guy last night. Next thing I know you tell me that you'll be right back and then you disappear. I've been worried since' She said

Suddenly everything clicked and my memory came flooding back.

Shit

I turned to my side wondering if he'd still be on the bed but he was gone without a trace. I facepalmed myself.

'I'm alright and I don't even know where the guy Is. I'll call you when I get home' I said and turned off my phone.

How could I let something like this happen? I wrapped myself in the sheets and laid back down. What was I going to do? I knew I shouldn't have followed Layla to the club.

Stupid Miliani, stupid!

I tried standing up from the bed but my legs ached. I couldn't even walk properly.

Oh shit

I couldn't even remember his face properly, I was drunk when he approached me. Ugh, and I begged Layla not to give me more alcohol. I couldn't even blame her. I blamed myself for going to the stupid club in the first place.

I held my head with both hands and felt tears welling up in my eyes. How could I let a stranger take my virginity? A complete stranger that I might never cross paths with again. What would my mother think of me?

I eventually got the strength to stand up and I walked to the bathroom to take a shower. I stood under the running water from the shower for almost 20 minutes. I so badly wanted to wash away the empty feeling inside me but It just wasn't possible.

I could see flashes of what happened last night. The way he held me firmly and whispered softly into my ear. His soft and gentle touch on my skin. It all felt so surreal. Thinking about it gave me goosebumps.

No no no Miliani, that's enough.

I had to get my thoughts straight.

While dressing up I noticed a note next to the table lamp.

'The room is fully paid for and here's some cash for anything you'd need'.

Then I saw the bundle of 100 dollar bills staring right back at me.

That should be like ten thousand dollars right?

I couldn't believe my eyes. Did I have a one-night stand with a billionaire or something? Or what if this money was stolen? Could I even accept it? I honestly had no other choice.

I was a little disappointed that he didn't drop his name or contact information. I was delusional, yes, but It still hurt a little. Did I really want to meet him? I mean first times are a big deal. There's this emotional attachment involved. Whenever my friends talked about their first times I imagined mine being so magical. Well it was, I just didn't know the person. And apparently he didn't want to know me either.

I picked up my phone and returned my mothers call. She sounded so worried over the phone.

"Hello? Ani? Are you okay? I've not heard from you since last night and your cousin isn't answering her phone either. What's happening and where are you?!" She said screaming over the phone.

"Mom, calm down, I'm okay. Layla is okay too, she's still sleeping. I'm at her house and I'm fine. I'll be home soon" I said, trying to calm her down.

"Hm. Please be safe Ani. I'll be waiting for you at home. I even prepared your favourite meal" My mother said as she let out a deep sigh.

I smiled. "Okay mom, I'll be back soon. Love you"

"Love you too Ani" She said and ended the call.

I didn't want to worry my mother, It was the last thing I'd want to do. I quickly carried my bag and stuffed the bundle of money inside. I took one look at the room and sighed.

This never happened, It was just a bad dream

I said to myself. I knew the only way I'd get over it was by trying to bury the memory and forget it completely. But was it that easy? Of course it wasn't. I could feel this gut wrenching feeling eating me up from the inside.

I pushed those thoughts away, my major goal at that moment was to get home as soon as possible.

How am I going to recover from this?

MILIANI'S POV

"Your skin is so soft and delicate" His deep voice resounded in my ears as he caressed my thighs.

His hands went up from my thighs to my chest and then to my face. I could feel my whole body surging at every single touch. I had never felt this way before and frankly I was enjoying it. He caressed my cheeks and planted soft kisses on them. He went down to my neck and did the same.

"Miliani" He called out to me.

"Miliani what are you doing?" I got confused when he asked me that

"Miliani" He called out again but this time his voice was distorted.

"Ani!" My mother said as she shook my shoulders vigorously.

I opened my eyes to see her staring at me looking concerned. Before I could mouth any words I smelt smoke. What was burning? Then I remembered I was cooking something in the kitchen. I quickly ran to the kitchen from my room to turn off the cooker. I was disappointed when I opened the pot to see that the food had burned to a crisp.

My mother walked in and held my hands leading me to the living room to sit down. Apparently I had been daydreaming about the 'Mystery Hottie'. I kept remembering that night and the things that happened.

"Are you okay Ani?" My mother said worriedly

'Mom I'm fine, trust me. I've just been stressed out lately. You know, finding a new job and trying to make money for our upkeep" I replied.

"You don't have to stress yourself too much, Ani. You'll get a job soon, a better paying job than the one you have now. For now, I'll help raise some money, okay?" She said as she tried to console me.

"I can't let you do that. The doctors said you shouldn't strain yourself." I couldn't let her continue her cleaning job after the surgery she had. I loved her too much to put her through more pain.

She smiled and caressed my cheek "I'll be fine. Ani"

I hugged her tightly. "Mom, you should go get some rest. I'll tidy up the kitchen and make something else for lunch" I said as I stood up and took her hand to lead her to her room.

While washing the dishes I could still see flashbacks of that night. The way I felt that day was intense. It was nice to be honest. But thinking about that night and the mystery hottie wasn't going to get me anywhere. My main focus was to get a job and take care of my mother.

We had been struggling for the past two years since she got sick. Going from hospital to hospital before they finally diagnosed her with a kidney disease. She recently got a kidney transplant that put us in more debt. I had to work two jobs at the time to get her money for treatment and food as well. I had to do whatever it took to take care of her. She was my world.

I was looking through some job application sites when an email came in. It was from CrimsonRich Industries. I remembered that I had sent an application to them a month ago. I totally forgot about that.

They probably sent a rejection email

I opened it and my eyes widened as I read it.

"I... I was selected for an interview?" I blinked twice and rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn't dreaming. It was real!

I was ecstatic and started jumping around in joy. I ran to my mother's room to tell her the great news. She was beyond happy.

"I knew things would turn around. I'm so happy and proud of you Ani." She said as she hugged me tightly.

"Thank you mom. I promise I won't let you down." I replied and hugged her back

"I know you won't," She said, smiling.

Layla came over in the evening with a cake to celebrate.

"Isn't this too much Lay? I was only selected for an interview, I've not even been given the job yet" I said as she cut the cake.

She stopped midway and turned to me "Shush Milly. It's good to celebrate small wins. Besides, being selected by CrimsonRich Industries is a huge deal girl!" She replied.

She wasn't wrong. It was the biggest tech company In the country with branches in other parts of the world. Getting selected for an interview was a huge deal.

"And if you were called for an interview there's no doubt that you'd get the job with ease." My mother added.

I smiled widely, "Thank you guys. Now, let's eat this cake. I'm starving!"

We all giggled and ate the cake.

At night while my mother slept, Layla and I talked about that night.

"So you seriously don't remember his face?" She asked in disbelief

I shook my head "Nope. I only remember that he had pretty eyes. I was hoping you'd remember actually. Weren't you there when he was flirting with me?" I asked

"Well yeah kinda. Not really. I remember that he was hot but now I don't remember his face exactly" She said

I let out a deep sigh. Layla drew closer to me and patted my back.

"I'm sorry this had to happen Milly, but there's nothing you can do to change it now. I know it's easier said than done, but you just have to live with it" She said as she hugged me.

"It's okay and you're right. I just have to live with it" I replied as I hugged her back.

"I'm here for you, whenever you need me cuz" She said as she rubbed my hair.

"Thank you" I replied smiling.

I looked out the window and smiled.

"The moon is out and its a full moon" I said, staring at it in all its glory. It was a beautiful sight.

"You know, i'll never understand your obsession with full moons" Layla replied

"Meh, maybe I'm a werewolf, who knows? Rawr" I laughed as I tried to mimic wolf noises. Layla laughed and joined in.

DECLAN'S POV

I stared at the full moon deep in thought. My thoughts racing in my head while the light of the full moon shone brightly on my face.

"Hmmm" I let out a deep sigh as my fangs grew out and my eyes sharpened.

I heard the door open behind me and the clanking of a teacup on the tray.

"Hello Marcus" I said as I turned to face my butler.

"Your tea is ready Master. I also brought some scones" He said as he dropped it on the table next to me.

"Is there a problem Master?" He asked when I didn't give him a response to his previous statement.

"I'm fine Marcus, thank you for the tea." I replied, still deep in thought.

"Still haven't found her?" He asked, knowing exactly what was making me think.

"No. I now regret not giving her a way to contact me. But who's to say she would've sought me out in the first place". I replied.

"How do you know she's the one anyways?" He asked again

"I felt it..., her scent. It was magnificent. I felt connected to her" I said while reminiscing about that amazing night. "I have to find her. I have a feeling that she'll come to me..."

"You want to make her your mate?" He asked again

"You know me so well, Marcus"

"Well Master, I've been with you for so long how could I not know you well" He replied

"Well yes I'll make her my mate. I don't know why I didn't mark her when I had the chance" He said as he stroked his chin.

"What would our dear Zaliyah think?"

I furrowed my brows "I don't care what she thinks, she is not important" I said as I closed my eyes.

"Whatever you say. Good night Master"

"Good night Marcus"

I let out another sigh.

I'll find you, soon.

MILIANI'S POV

"Miliani hurry up, you don't wanna be late for the interview do you?" My mother screamed from the kitchen.

I loved taking my time to dress up and get ready, but if I wasn't conscious with the time I'd be late. Nevertheless, I took my time to curate the perfect outfit and do light makeup. I went for a formal but simple look to impress my interviewers. I had on a cream-coloured V-neck long-sleeved top paired with a dark blue pencil skirt and black pumps. I tied my hair up in a bun letting some strands at the front fall down to my face. I wasn't a fan of make-up but I put on light make-up just for the interview. I was satisfied with the finished look and so was my mother.

"You look so beautiful Ani," She said as she stared at me in awe.

"Thank you mom. Now I have to go before I'm late" I said as I hugged her and rushed out of the house.

As I stepped out of the taxi I marveled at the huge building in front of me. It was magnificent, the buildings glow completely enveloped me as I walked in.

If the exterior was amazing, then the interior was absolutely breathtaking. As I moved forward the grand lobby unfolded before me, its polished marble floor radiating. The walls presented a wonderful display of a blend of modern art and minimalist decor. It also bore intricate art pieces from renowned foreign artists, imbuing the space with a sense of sophistication.

I walked towards the reception desk, its rich, dark wood gleaming with a warm, inviting glow. The interior of the building was a sight for sore eyes.

"Good morning ma'am, welcome to CrimsonRich. How may I help you?" The receptionist said with a calm and soothing voice complimented with a bright smile. Her smile was so pretty.

"Yes , I'm here for the job interview," I replied with a smile.

"Alright then, wonderful. Give me a minute" She made a call and turned to me.

"Take the elevator and go to the top floor. Then go to the office on your left." She said as she gave me directions.

"Okay, thank you"

"You're welcome, and goodluck on your interview" She said and waved. I waved back and made my way to the elevator. On the ride up I was nervous. What if they don't like my outfit? Or the way I styled my hair? Or me in general?

Calm down Miliani

I took deep breaths and stepped out of the elevator. At the office there were only three people, plus myself, that were there for the interview..

Huh, they really don't select a lot of people

I sat with them and we waited for a while. The department head came in and greeted us.

"Hello everyone, welcome. I'm Miss Lola and I'm the head of the marketing department. As you know, the three of you were strictly selected for job positions. The interview is to properly evaluate you." She said,

She cleared her throat and continued "I'll now welcome the CEO of CrimsonRich Industries, Mr. Declan Pierce, he'll also be supervising the interview."

I turned to look at the person she was welcoming and my jaw literally dropped to the floor. The CEO of CrimsonRich industries was a sight for sore eyes. He walked in with so much confidence and sophistication.

He was handsome. From his short dark brown hair and chiseled jawline to his perfectly clean creamy white skin and muscular build. He was literally radiating. But what caught my attention were his eyes. His hooded icy-grey eyes were absolutely breathtaking. I couldn't help but stare at him as he spoke. I hardly even heard a thing he said.

He glanced over at me and we made eye contact. I was glued to my seat. There was this aura that he carried that intrigued me. I felt lost in his eyes, he probably had me hypnotized or in a trance. A small smile appeared on his face then he broke eye contact and continued talking.

What? Did that just happen or am I imagining things?

I shook my head and focused on whatever was going on in front of me. After the CEO finished addressing us we were called into the office one at a time. When it got to my turn the department head led me to another office. I was beyond confused.

"Miss Peters the CEO requested a private interview with you" She said as we got to the office.

"Oh...uhm" I couldn't mouth any words. I was both confused and worried at the same time.

"Don't be afraid, I feel your chances of getting the job are even higher now" She said with a smile.

Her words eased my anxiety and I nodded with a smile. She opened the door and I went in.

I stepped into his office, my footsteps echoing softly on the marble floor. My eyes widened as I took in the grandeur of the space. It was a masterclass in modern sophistication and a testament to elegance. It featured art pieces from renowned artists, minimalist decor and floor-to-floor ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city's skyline.

As I walked in further my gaze rested on him, sitting behind his massive mahogany desk with his piercing eyes fixated on me. He sent chills down my spine. I didn't feel uneasy as I'd usually feel, no. I was fascinated by him and I couldn't understand why. His gaze didn't waver as his eyes were still fixed intently on me. I couldn't even read his expression as he had a cold face on. I wondered what deep secrets laid behind those captivating eyes.

"G-good morning Mr. Pierce" I said nervously.

"Sit down," He said coldly as he arranged the sheets of paper and files on his desk.

I did as I was told and took a seat opposite him. The silence was deafening. He kept glancing through the files, which I assumed was my resume. He closed the files and turned his gaze towards me.

"I see that you applied for the post of product marketing manager" He said as his baritone voice resounded in the office.

"Yes I did" I said calmly

"Well you certainly have the qualifications for it. Your resume is impressive" He said as he shifted his gaze to the file and then back to me.

"Thank you Mr. Pierce" I said with a cheeky smile

"Mhm, but unfortunately you I cannot give you that job" He said with a cold expression

My heart sank.

What?!