ANNATORIA

A lot of time passed in that darkness, so I ended up falling asleep. But the sleep was too short. And, it did not save me from the Lycan's intention.

And now that I am awake and in another room, I can feel myself crumbling even harder.

Right now, my hands are chained above me. Thankfully, the pain from that was bearable.

I turned my focus to the room. This one was not shrouded in thick darkness, so I could easily see the layout; simple yet mysterious, a little reflection of the Lycan's aura.

All that was in the room was a table at the far end of the stone walls and a large bed.

Oh, did I mention that I am in the bed? Yep. The hard, very uncomfortable bed.

Truly, I can't escape this. I am doomed. And about to be fucked by a supernatural being who I strongly feel is not merciful in the slightest way.

While my mind tried not to break down, I looked down to see that I had been changed into a black, skimpy gown. It exposed most of my lower body, and nothing I did to hide my thighs worked.

Then, the door to my right opened, and a stark-naked Lycan barged in, his unfeeling eyes feasting on everything I was trying to hide.

For a moment, I looked away from the prominent part of his body. But when he came to the end of the bed, my aching eyes could not escape the view.

The Lycan, with a smirk, then exposed a little vial between his fingers.

My eyes widened, and he laughed.

"Your human eyes never lie," he commented. And tossed the vial to the side. That one shattered, and the hope of my mission was lost.

"Your breasts." His knees pressed the mattress, and his heat was soon hovering above me. "Show me."

"No." My eyes quickly flared. I tried to shift away from him, but there was no escape. "Don't touch me, you... You fucking Lycan." My weak warning had no effect.

He ripped off my gown with one pull, and I shamefully became naked.

I didn't want to see the taunt in his eyes, so I looked away.

"Human. Look at me."

I refused to listen.

If I do that, I will become forever tainted. I will never be able to recover from the ache of this humiliation.

"I said..." He gripped my hair. "Look. At. Me." I still didn't look. "Listen to your master, you fucking human. You don't want to? Fine."

After a growl, he released my hair and forcibly lowered my body.

"No!" I screamed because of the pain from the chains, and he laughed while caging me between his thighs.

He then released a small gasp of desire when his icy hands swiftly held my breasts. He wickedly pinched my nipples to draw out another scream, but I muffled it this time and held on to my resolution to remain stubborn.

"Human." He lowered his head, his chest sensually pressed against mine. "You cannot win." His whisper was full of mockery. "You can never win in the presence of your master. Don't you know that?"

His mouth leaned toward my ear and moistened it with his wet tongue. My eyes tightly closed, and my breath ragged, I just lay there as he breathed me in.

The next thing I knew, he parted my thighs. "Warm," he snarled, his fingers hovering over my vagina. "Preciously warm. Perfect for breeding."

No...

Why am I not fighting back? I need to fight. I need to do something.

His voice pierced my thoughts. "My precious pet, should we find out what your little mouth can do first? Or should I taunt you with my mark?"

With force, he cupped the heat of my vagina. I hid my wince again as he separated his chest from my breasts.

"Maybe we should take it slow." He shifted to the side and used his grip on my pussy to lift my shivering body. "Till your body does nothing but beg for me."

He said some other things, but I did not hear him.

At that point, I was grasping for escape so much that I started to lose my soul. The only thing that kept me sane was a faint ringing in my head. Moments later, the ringing stopped.

My head felt lighter, and darkness overwhelmed me. I fell unconscious.

~~~

"Agent Annatoria. Can you hear me?" a muffled voice rang in my ears. "Blink if you can hear me."

I felt my eyes respond. Yet, I was still stuck in the realm of darkness, where it felt as if my body were dipped in a bath of ice.

Wait... Do these werewolves know my name? Just how much do they know about me and my mission? And who on earth did they hear it from?!

"Annatoria. Stay awake." This voice was different, and it sounded exactly like the voice of my Director, Secret Agent Hayes. My mind must be playing tricks. "You need to stay awake."

A grumble fell from my lips, and my legs twitched. However, I was still stuck in my mind, still drowning.

"Annatoria."

It is better to remain in this darkness. I can hide from that hellish Lycan in this place.

"Annatoria."

Ugh... Can these wolves stop calling me?! Why are they determined to destroy me? Why-

My eyes snapped open. For many seconds, I gasped and sucked in large gulps of air. Then, sweat formed on my body.

Feeling a little alive, I looked up. And great perplexity befell me.

The bright space before me was the medical centre of W.O.O.T.

But... how?

I turned to my right. Director Hayes, who seemed to have grown more grey hair, was standing there.

"Agent Annatoria," he said while motioning to the doctor to step aside. "Can you hear me? Do you recognise me?"

"H-how... Wh-what is going on? Why are you here?"

"Easy." He stopped me from leaving the bed. "You need to rest."

"T-the Lycan," I said, and my eyes widened with fear. I gripped the Director's hands and glared into his eyes. "The Lycan... Where is he? Wh-Where did he go?"

"The Lycan? Leader of the wolves?" His bothered gaze turned into pity as he sat next to me. "Annatoria, you never left."

What is he talking about?

"You never started the new mission," he further said.

"Bullshit."

"No."

"Director, I started the mission. I was captured as planned. I met the Lycan. I was almost-"

"Annatoria," he remained firm. "You never went there. After you left HQ yesterday, we lost track of you. Hours later, you were found unconscious in the cinema."

"Bullshit, Director Hayes." Is he trying to make a fool out of me? "I know what I remember. You probably lost track of me because the werewolf realm is a different world. Even the place the... the Lycan stays is crazy and cold and scary and..." My words started to shake, my forehead furrowed with terror. "And... And ... I don't know how I survived it. I..."

"You must have had a bad dream, Annatoria." Director Hayes's pitiful eyes became annoying. "Maybe you watched that horror film with the doll."

"I don't even watch movies!" Within my angry words, the memories in that realm plagued me; it felt as if I would soon be dragged back to that place. "Director, I am one of W.O.O.T.'s top spies because I don't entertain distractions. Why would I gain from going to the cinema?"

"Maybe you decided to change your hobbies. And I understand that. You neede a change in your life. The stuff you have witnessed since you joined the agency is-"

"I was in the werewolf realm. I met the Lycan King," I maintained my argument. I won't allow him to call me crazy. "I was carrying out my mission as planned."

"Doctor, please," Director Hayes signalled to the other man in the room, "I think she needs a scan. She keeps saying weird things."

"I am not!" I jumped out of bed. "I am not crazy! I know what I am saying!"

"Just calm down, Agent Annatoria."

"Don't tell me to calm down!" I grabbed the IV drip stand next to me and threatened to poke someone's eyes with it. "I won't calm down when you are refusing to listen to me!"

"Please, Doctor. Find a way to relax her. She needs to rest."

"Don't touch me! Don't -" I could not fight the hands that held me down and forced me to lie on the bed. "I said-"

"Please, Agent Annatoria," the doctor said. "You need to close your eyes for a few hours. Once you wake up, you will realise that you are back in reality."

Are these fuckers trying to say that I am mistaking imagination for fucking reality? When I know what I dealt with in that werewolf land?

These... fucking idiots.

Why are they not listening to me?

Why are they trying to make me look crazy?

Wait a minute...

I must be dreaming!

That's it. That Lycan must have found a way to reach into my subconscious.

Is this his way of crushing my soul bit by bit?

This means I never left that castle. Oh God. Maybe I am still between his icy thighs, waiting for my terrible fate to happen.

ANNATORIA 

I am still here. In W.O.O.T.

Days have passed, and I am still yet to believe that my experience at the Lycan's den was just a dream or a figment of my imagination.

I can recall every bit of memory in that place. I can still feel that piercing cold in my system. My body still remembers how it hated the Lycan's touch.

So, how come? Why does no one doesn't believe me?

Damn!

Okay.... I think I need to retrace my steps.

But what is there to retrace? I don't have any recollection of what happened after I lost consciousness while between the Lycan's legs.

If the werewolves placed me in that cinema, that would be strange. Those beasts never let go of their victims, not to mention a spy who came to infiltrate their system.

So, what is the deal here?!

How did I go from squirming beneath the Lycan to suddenly appearing in a cinema of all places? That too, unconscious.

Will I ever be able to solve this mystery? Should I keep demanding the truth at the risk of appearing crazy to others? Or should I count myself lucky and put the experience in the werewolf realm behind me?

After a deep sigh, I got up from the bed, which Director Hayes almost considered handcuffing me to. When he mentioned it, I was super triggered and glared at him so hard that he passed it off as a joke.

Ah...

I doubt I will be able to put that werewolf shit behind me.

When I reached the bathroom, I finally summoned the courage to look in the mirror. Thankfully, my skin was still radiant. All the iciness in that castle must have prevented a terrible breakout, and as they say, black don't crack.

But there was something odd.

Right in the middle of my collarbone was a small mark. Certainly not a mark I had before, it looked like a map and it stood out because of its gold-like colour.

With a frown, I pressed it like a door buzzer.

I felt nothing. No pain. Nothing.

"Annatoria?" Director Hayes called.

After another glance at the mark, I shut down my thoughts and headed out.

"Director Hayes," I greeted the man. "Are you here to scan my brain again?"

"No. I am here to feed you."

"Huh?"

"You are a simple woman. I know you love going on missions. There is a hot one I want you to deal with. And by hot, I mean super important."

"But the-"

He pointed a warning finger. "One more word about the Lycan mission, you can kiss this one goodbye."

My legs moved closer with a subtle plea in my eyes. "You said I never started the Lycan mission. Let me start it now. Let me go there."

I know I am crazy for saying that. But if a chance to prove that I am not lying presents itself, trust that I will always take it.

"The Lycan mission is currently suspended," replied Director Hayes. He adjusted the crease on his shirt and found the nearest chair to sit on. Then, as was his habit, he crossed his legs and watched me keenly. "If you want to fix your focus on something that never happened, just know that your career here will suffer."

After a frantic flutter of my eyes and some gentle hair pulling, I exhaled hard and made a choice. "What is this hotcake mission about?"

He smirked. "Good choice, Agent."

I almost rolled my eyes. "Just spill the details."

"You will be briefed next week. All I can tell you now is that Thorne Innovations is involved."

"TI? How come? Their company has been squeaky clean for years."

"Not anymore. Their hidden dirt has broken free, and it is up to us to deal with it before the government swoops in"

"I am in."

Thorne Innovations is a multinational high-tech furniture company. It has always topped the industry, adding greatly to the country's economy.

Hmm... I wonder what shady stuff they have been up to.

"So, I will be briefed about their hidden dirt next week?" I asked.

"Yes. For now, rest. After the TI mission, you are entitled to a year of vacation."

"I-"

"If I see you in this building when that time comes, I will fire you."

"But-"

His stern gaze warned me from defending my desire to always be on spy duty. "Remember, Agent, one more crazy talk about how you already went on the Lycan mission, and you'll be off this one. So, be careful. Don't give the other directors a reason to get rid of you."

"Aye, aye, Cap." I threw him a salute and wondered why the other directors hated me so much. I can never understand it.

"Rest well." Director Hayes walked out, and I was left with my thoughts.

Thorne Innovations, huh?

Maybe the Director is not wrong for handing me this new mission. I can easily distract myself with i.

Also, I have missed snooping around huge corporations.

There is always something juicy around the corner. It could be a shady deal, a dangerous office romance or a plethora of sweet, sweet gossip. Most times, I get all three. I hope Thorne Innovations will entertain me as well.

So, this is me. Choosing to move on.

This is for the best, right?

It had better be.

~~~

DAYS LATER...

"Do you need me to go over the details again?" Director Hayes's voice pulled my attention away from the bulleted points of my mission.

"I've got everything. A black market link was traced to TI. We suspect they are dealing in gold exploitation and organ harvesting. We also suspect that all the operations are carried out within the headquarters." I blinked with confidence. "I've got it. Trust me to deliver."

After nods of approval, Director Hayes said, "You forgot the part where the face of the CEO is unknown."

"Ah..." I turned my swirling seat, and the coils of my ponytail danced with me. "Darius Thorne. It's no problem. I will get a good picture of him and send it down."

"Your identity for this mission is Annatoria Smith. You will be joining the finance team of the company as a graduate intern," Director Rad, one of the senior directors, said. "W.O.O.T. has taken care of your accommodation, clothing and feeding."

"Sure. As long as the toilet doesn't clog every second, we are good."

"But Agent Annatoria." Director Rad's voice suddenly reeked of scepticism. I had to raise a brow. "Can we trust that you won't allow any... interference?"

With a little squint of my eyes, I leaned forward and asked, "What is that insulting question supposed to mean?"

"Your claims about the Lycan mission are concerning."

Lycan mission?

I laughed. The word Lycan is funny. "What's that? A sweet brand?" The directors glanced at each other in surprise. Curious, I adjusted my posture and asked, "Is there something I am unaware of? You are acting weird."

"Oh." Director Rad chuckled, though his surprise was still in his eyes. "Never mind that. We mistook you for another agent."

Now, that makes absolutely no sense.

"I don't believe you."

"Please make yourself available for the last round of medical tests," the man hurriedly said, and the meeting ended seconds later.

I stopped Director Hayes before he could leave.

The man dragged me to a corner and said, "That was good, Annatoria. You did good. Whatever you think happened, never happened. So forget about your crazy talk."

"Director?" My hands on my waist, I angled my head while wondering if the directors were high on something. "What the heck are you talking about?"

His eyes narrowed, it almost felt as though he was calling me a liar. "Have you always been this good at pretending? I am talking about the suspended mission you were supposed to carry out."

"Suspended mission?" I chuckled. "Are you day drinking, Director? My last mission was successful. Do you think my narrow escape from that sandstorm was a joke? Also, what makes you think I am pretending right now?"

"Oh... Ah!" His pretence was too obvious. As he clapped, he said, "That is true, your last mission was in that desert. I must have been thinking about someone else."

"Come on, Director. Nobody in W.O.O.T. is as good as me. Give me a better excuse."

"It doesn't matter. Forget you heard anything. Just focus on this mission and do a great job as always. "

"But-"

"See you." He quickly walked away, leaving me to wonder why they were all acting strange.

Damn. If only I were friends with other W.O.O.T. employees, I would have gotten the gist.

Anyway, I shouldn't be too bothered. I have a new mission.

Darius Thorne of Thorne Innovations, watch out for me. I am going to be your precious downfall.

ANNATORIA

The structure of the Thorne Innovations building has always been a hot topic, and I finally understand why.

Pictures do no justice to the careful, artistic and structural touch applied to the building.

It's so appealing that I ended up spending about ten minutes staring at the beauty. I would have remained in that spot if someone had not hurriedly brushed their shoulder against mine.

After I sneered at the fool who didn't bother to apologise, I hugged my file jacket to my chest, adjusted my skirt, held my head high and headed for the recruitment office where my employment would be confirmed.

It's on days like these that I wonder how normal workers endure the first-day jitters.

Working in a new environment is never easy.

Well, for me, once I find my place, everything becomes fine. I face my job and carry out my spy duties without holding back.

"Miss Smith? Annatoria Smith?" The woman I met at the entrance of the office ducked her head to glance through her hexagon-shaped glasses, which made her look older.

I trotted closer, my right hand slightly raised. "That's me."

"Don't sweat." Her perky voice filled the room "Head upstairs. You are joining the Innovation team."

"Huh..." I lowered my body so she wouldn't have to crane her neck. "That is not right."

The woman blinked, and I noticed the roundness of her face. "Are you saying I am bad at my job?"

Oh, please. I don't have time to deal with this kind of person. But I have no choice, yeah?

If I misstep at the very start, things might get rockier than expected.

That must not happen. I want to continue being the top spy at W.O.O.T.

"Of course not," I replied with a grand smile. "The thing is..." I moved closer to her desk. "I applied to join the finance team. So..." A little chuckle followed. "Innovation team? That makes no sense."

"Look." She looked away to punch her keyboard. Like that, her attention was instantly halved. "Miss Smith."

I get irritated when people are not fully focused. "Could you not-"

"I am not responsible for giving you a job. If you have a problem with your position, direct your concerns to HR."

"But-"

"Why the heck are you even complaining? You get to be on that team." She finally looked at me again, and her sharp eyes looked bitter. "If you are not interested in working directly with the CEO, forget about it and let better-qualified people take the spot."

"Oh..." Working directly with the CEO? I cannot lose this opportunity. "Miss..." I laughed. "Really? The CEO?"

"What a fool," she scoffed. "You are finally excited? Didn't you want to stay in your amazing finance team?"

I don't appreciate her tone, but I am willing to overlook it. Besides, strangling someone on my first day won't be the best look.

So, I plastered on my face a foolish smile that screamed 'I am a big fool who doesn't realise you are insulting me'.

"I was not in my right mind. I am such a silly fool. If not for you, how would I have known such great info?"

"Look at you." She got up and reached for one of the brown boxes in the lovely, curved shelf behind her. "You are lucky I am in a good mood. You are very lucky." She tossed the box like we were playing catch. "Everything you need is there, including your work laptop. Your office is on the twentieth floor."

"Thank you, Miss."

"Mrs Kim."

"Right." My smile remained bright. "Mrs Kim. Thank you."

"Hmm." Her eyes softened, and I saw a glimpse of her true beauty.

"Is there something else?"

"Nothing," she dismissively replied. "It's just..." Her gaze became snobbish as it focused on my hair. "Your afro looks nice."

"Ahh," I laughed with great pretence. "Thank you. I got tired of stretching it every time."

She hissed. "I did not ask for the story of your life, Miss Smith. Kindly leave my office."

My wonderfully fake smile remained as I walked out.

Remind me to steer clear of that woman. If I don't, I might do worse than strangle her.

"Good morning," a stranger greeted.

"Good morning," I replied, and my smile crashed.

Smiling for insincere reasons is really fucking hard. I can feel my cheekbones threatening to fall off.

It might be better if I adopt an identity that is not easy to approach. You know, mysterious and sassy.

Earlier, I thought the character Annatoria Smith would be better played as a bubbly lady, but after that shitty showdown with Mrs Kim, that identity is now officially trashed.

So, I decided.

Annatoria Smith, a graduate trainee in the Innovation Team of Thorne Innovations, will be a mysterious and sassy lady.

The Innovation team, though...

I stepped into the fine elevator that displayed an intelligent play between cool-toned colours, selected my destination and wondered why I was suddenly moved to that team.

If W.O.O.T. was responsible for the change, I would have been briefed. So I doubt they have a hand in it.

Anyway, it doesn't matter. This is an opportunity that must be fully utilised.

And as it is my usual thing, this new mission will end up a great success.

While waiting for my journey to end, I put my file inside the box and studied my identification card. It was made out of light brown wood.

I believe my eyes will feast on a lot of aesthetic items in this place. I am not complaining. Compared to blood and bullets, it is a better view.

The elevator tinged, and the doors slid open. I stepped out, and a chill embraced me. It shook me so much that my box fell to the ground, attracting the attention of everyone in the room.

"Uh..." I struggled to comprehend why they made the room that chilly. I also could not figure out why I reacted wildly. As far as I know, I can endure terrible weather conditions to some extent. A measly air conditioning chill should not affect me.

"Sorry about-" Wait, I am meant to be sassy, not endlessly apologetic.

I straightened my back, pressed my lips and without another glance at the folks staring at me, I graciously lowered my knees and picked up the things that fell out.

"Let me help you with that." That deep voice was followed by the sight of masculine hands. "First days are usually filled with nerves."

"I am not-" I looked up, and the boyish charm before me reminded me of my crush in high school.

The man smiled with ease and picked up my ID card.

"Annatoria Smith? You are the recruit," he pointed out.

His blonde hair worked well with the brownish hue of his eyes, which possessed a natural smile that made him approachable. I watched as he stretched his hand to me. His smile still intact, he gestured, asking me to accept his offer. I put my hand in his, and he gently lifted me.

"I am Kaelen. The project manager."

My eyes narrowed. "Kay...?"

"Kaelen..." He pointed at the card hanging off his neck. "The spelling is uncommon."

"I see. Can I have my box back?"

"I will walk you to your desk."

I shook my head. "There is no need." I have to be wary of friendly people like this. "I don't want to bother you." He could be a potential danger to my mission.

"Annatoria, don't be silly." His teeth flashed so much as he talked, I was almost blinded. "Allow me. It is my duty to take care of every person in this team. So-"

"Hand the box to her, Kaelen."

That voice came from behind. But that was not the surprising part. The moment my ears picked up that voice, something in me reacted.

The mark... the one I have been trying to decipher since I came back from The Desert Mission, started to throb, as if it had a heart of its own.

Then, my heart decided to join the train. It started to beat like... crazyyyy.

What the heck? Why am I acting like this because of a man's voice?

After glancing at Kaelen, who took a step back, I placed a hand on my chest to tame the strange feeling. Then, I turned.

"Shit," was all I could whisper while the rest of my body turned fiery.

The eyes staring at me smiled, and my reaction to the man's presence worsened.

This man.

He is the...

Could he... Could he be?