*Shake*
.
"Hey!"
.
"Sleepy-"
.
*Shake*
.
" Wake-"
.
"-up!"
.
*Shake*
" Hey! "
"Wake up, sleepyhead!"
A man's wet husky voice jolted me into consciousness. His large hand shook my shoulder. It felt cold with his cautious touch. I stifled a yawn and observed his expression which was initially blurred but after a while revealed his slightly annoyed face, realizing that I had salivated in my sleep.
He exuded masculinity with an aura of mystery, very handsome and charming for his age which was estimated to be in the early thirties. His strong face, accentuated by a chiseled jawline, was alluring, and his deep golden eyes held an alluring charm. With his wet comma hairstyle falling over his forehead, it looked like he had just finished bathing and washing his hair.
His well-built, muscular physique hinted at Lycan's strength and power. Plus, that man has a refreshing aroma. Like a blend of rockrose, patchouli, and fresh bergamot notes with a soft musky scent.
In his presence, time seemed to stand still, and the world and unimportant things were forgotten. He is a visual of masculine beauty, the embodiment of sensuality and allure.
"Gosh! I overslept again?"
With a sharp look in her eyes, her forehead creased. He complained that I had slept until the drool soaked his back, making it feel damp, and now he had to take a shower and change clothes again.
"Sorry, I was unaware that I would be drooling in my sleep..."
" Hey, where am I?" I Was looking around,confused.
"Damn! I need to find Susan!"
"Whoa! hold on, you should stay here for a while!" He tried to hold me back
I replied emotionally, " Stay your ass! I need to go back to them, and I lost my boy!"
The man asked me in a curious tone. Do I have children? am I married? Wow, what quite an offensive question for someone I had just met. But I explained that the child I was referring to was Bong, my Siberian husky.
" Okay, I'll help you to find them when everything has already settled."
He stretched out his right hand, "I'm Darius anyway, please don't call me Lycan anymore!"
"Clara. Clara Navrátila" We shake our hands. I can see the veins bulging on the back of his hand... ahem...
"You can stay here until dawn, I'll send you back and help you find your dog" he repeats.
With much thought and deliberation, I finally agreed to stay at his mansion.
I am led by Darius into the rooms and hallways of his ancient architecture. We went to the living room, dining room, kitchen, and lounge.
The mansion was magnificent, where I would temporarily stay until dawn. The moonlight cast a mysterious glow over the worn stone walls, adding an ethereal touch to the atmosphere.
As we approached the stairs, a gust of wind hit me, making my hair dance around my face. Darius' golden eyes glittered in the reflection of the lamplight. This Lycan seemed to be teasing me in a way that caught me by surprise.
Dressed in a casual outfit of a perfectly tailored maroon-colored knit shirt and vest that hugged his body perfectly. The fabric clung to his chiseled figure, accentuating his broad shoulders and sculpted chest.
At every step, he exuded an aura of timeless charm and sophistication, making it impossible to resist his allure. It was as if he took great pleasure in pushing my buttons, constantly challenging my patience.
Stepping down the mansion, I found myself in a spacious foyer adorned with ornate chandeliers and antique furniture. The air carried the faint scent of vanilla and sandalwood, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. Paintings of conglomerate men and women from the 19th century adorned the walls, catching my eye with their vibrant colors and intricate details.
Darius leads me through the winding corridors, each turn revealing a new side of his residence. As we entered the lavishly decorated dining room, my eyes widened at the sight before me.
A table filled with an assortment of delicacies, ranging from exotic fruits to sweet and delicate-looking pastries. Candles were lit, casting a warm glow that danced on the polished tableware. This was food fit for a noble banquet, and I was very impressed with Lycan's attention to detail as he explained each course.
"I never expected to be hosted to dinner by Lycan before. Honestly, I always thought your existence was just a fairy tale" I took a sip of my champagne.
" Why? Because we look amazing?"
" No, because it doesn't exist " I smiled
"...and you're brave enough to talk like that to a Lycan"
Like pools of molten caramel liquid, the lights adorning the dining room shimmer with an otherworldly intensity. They seem to hold untold secrets and stories, drawing you into their depths, and enticing you to unravel the puzzles that lie within.
They sparkle with mischief, hinting at the mischievous nature behind their calm exterior, like this Lycan.
After dinner, he leads me to the second floor. I wonder why he was living alone in this huge mansion. Should be there other packs living here? is he a loner?
" If you wonder why I stay alone in this mansion, well it's because I ordered them to move to the other building"
I was snapped because he said what I was questioning in my mind. I give a glare but Darius just smirks.
"So, you're a loner?"
"No, but I have a special condition. So I can't let anyone enter my private area"
" Then, why are you inviting me into your mansion?"
"It's an urgent situation, you're in danger and I think my mansions are safer than other places"
In the midst of chatting and enjoying my meal, thoughts of Susan and Bong crept into my mind. Darius, sensing my unease, assured me that I need not worry about encountering the mysterious creature again.
According to him, the creature's previous attacks were triggered by my inadvertent intrusion into the vicinity.
Grateful for the reassurance, I continued with my evening, engaging in conversation and enjoying the momentary respite. When it was time to say goodbye, Darius accompanied me to the door, emphasising the importance of entering the room immediately.
As I reached for the doorknob, I felt Darius presence behind me make me pause. The weight of his gaze, a silent reminder of caution, remained in the air. The shadow of his large body was still visible forming in front of the door. I couldn't shake the feeling that Darius's watchful eyes continued to follow me.
"Are you going to stay there?"
"Well, I'll go to my room" he pointed to the door right in front of me.
"Sorry, am I in the wrong room? Can you show me where the guest room is?"
" There is no guest room in this mansion."
" What?!"
Glancing to the left of the hallway from my vantage point, I observed six ebony doors adorned with old iron handles, neatly arranged and closed. Among the doors, one must have been the entrance for guests, in stark contrast to the presence of the house's residents who had lived in the house for many years.
The sombre elegance of the doors hints at the countless stories hidden within their confines, each holding secrets of the past within its silent spaces. Despite the splendour of the mansion, I was drawn in by the mysterious allure of the doors lined up closed.
I could tell that one of those six rooms was a guest room. Plus, he had only lived alone in the mansion for a few years.
"I think among those doors there is an empty room that I can temporarily occupy"
"No"
Then, I decided to sleep on the antique sofa in the living room, just as I was about to go downstairs she intercepted me and forbade me from sleeping in the living room.
' Are you kidding me? Why do you always say no when there are other rooms, even sleeping on the sofa is not allowed.'
"Seriously? I'm going home!"
Without further ado, I turned around and avoided Darius's obstruction. Immediately, I went downstairs and opened the huge medieval-style door with all my might.
I don't know what material the black door was made of but it was really heavy! I'd probably get new arm muscles if I had a door like this every time I entered the house.
"Where are you going? Go back here!" Darius chased after.