The Dark Side (Beloved Series #1)

Chapter 2

CYAN watched Mr. Roberts' back in utter bewilderment. She hurried after him and stood a few meters in front of him, as if trying to block his way. As if her small form could do that. Well, she actually thought she could.

She glared at him sharply.

"You can't go inside until you have proven that this house is not my property anymore!" she exclaimed angrily.

Mr. Roberts glared back at her. "And what if I did?" he challenged.

Her gaze wavered.

"What if I prove to you that the mansion was included in the property you sold? Will you leave, then?" he challenged, his eyes cold with a deep warning and... regret.

For what? She didn't know, and she didn't want to know. She angrily looked up at him as he was so tall.

"Even so. It's a mistake, then. I'll return your money—" she blinked, realizing belatedly what she just said. "T-the money that I will owe you if you let me still have this house," she clarified.

Cyan wanted to slap herself. Where would she get millions to replace the mansion if it indeed was included in the sale?

An overwhelming sadness came over her. Even though she knew she had no money to pay the man, she didn't want to let go of the mansion. It was the only remaining memory of her parents. It was the only thing that reminded her of the times when she could still be happy. How could she give it up?

She wanted to cry. She wanted to burst into tears from the fact that she had nothing left to treasure.

Why hadn't she checked carefully what she was selling? Now, even the mansion, her only remaining possession, would be lost. She had so many questions for her deceased parents that would forever remain unanswered.

"Ms. Salvatore." Mr. Roberts called her attention. "My sister will arrive in a minute to show you all the documents," he interrupted her deep thoughts.

Cyan glanced at him, and the man was taken aback by the sadness flooding her brown eyes, but it quickly vanished.

"Fine," was all she answered.

She stopped herself from speaking further when she realized how the man had told his sister to come right away. She hadn't even seen him take out a phone. She opened her mouth to speak when she suddenly saw him tense for a second before glancing towards the direction of the tall gates.

"Senyorita?"

Cyan turned when she heard Manang Mina calling, who had entered the gate without her noticing. She was carrying her market purchases. Her face showed a mixture of worry and curiosity as she looked at their strange visitor.

Cyan forced a smile.

"Manang Mina," she acknowledged the newcomer. "This is Mr. Roberts, the buyer of the ranch," she introduced him, giving the man a warning glare not to tell the old woman anything.

Mr. Roberts only looked at Cyan, and it made her really nervous, in a very strange way. Manang Mina smiled kindly at the man when Cyan said that.

"How are you, sir?" the old woman greeted politely.

The man smiled down at her, a kind and warm smile that surprised Cyan. It was the first time she saw him actually smile, a kind and genuine smile.

"I'm fine," he replied.

Cyan immediately jumped into an explanation, "Mr. Roberts just stopped by to meet the seller of the property, Manang Mina," she lied. "He'll be leaving soon," she added, sending the man a meaningful look.

Mr. Roberts raised an eyebrow. "I was actually wondering what the mansion looks like," he said. "Maybe our hostess will be kind enough to give me and my sister a tour around the place."

At that moment, another luxurious red car pulled up in front of the tall gates, catching her and Manang Mina's attention.

Cyan glared at Mr. Roberts hatefully. It was obvious he wouldn't agree to leave. But she didn't want to cause a scene in front of Manang Mina, so she just smiled in response to the old woman.

"Alright. I'll just prepare some snacks," Manang Mina said and went inside the mansion.

Cyan waited until she was sure that Manang Mina was out of earshot.

"Why did you say that? Why didn't you just leave?" she asked angrily.

"Isn't it rude that you are saying that to the owner?" he asked her, sounding amused.

Cyan couldn't respond because she saw Gian Roberts approaching, the man's sister. She was wearing a white blouse that clung to her body and was tucked into jeans. The newly arrived woman immediately offered her a kind smile. She was incredibly beautiful, and Cyan was really envious of her height. "I've heard of the issue, that's why I immediately came over," she said, her soft voice warm and kind.

Cyan couldn't be rude anymore. The way Gian talked to her as if she was very fragileand needed more assistance made her feel embarrassed.

"Let's talk inside, then," said Cyan in defeat.

"No, I want to show you the papers now," said Mr. Roberts.

Cyan's blood started to boil with anger again, but before she could say anything, Gian spoke.

"My brother is telling the truth, Ms. Salvatore. The mansion is included in the property you sold," said Gian and handed her the familiar thick brown expandable envelope.

Cyan did not reach for it, though. It was as if the Earth had finally buried her deep down into the core, burning her alive. Those papers would prove the foolish mistake she had made. She thought carefully about what to do and say next.

"It's a mistake," she finally said after a few seconds of contemplation.

"If you would read the documents, the paper clearly states—"

"No," she cut off whatever Gian Roberts was going to say. "I mean, I made a mistake. I did not intend to sell the mansion in the first place," she explained and looked up at them, her eyes desperate and pleading.

Gian was staring at her uncertainly, while her brother just watched Cyan without any expression. Gian glanced at her brother, and whatever she saw must have upset her because her face suddenly darkened. She looked very displeased while glaring at him.

Cyan watched the silent exchange of glares between the two with confusion. After what seemed like five minutes, neither of them spoke. Gian looked furious, and Cyan suddenly felt a slight fear. She looked at Mr. Roberts. He, too, was cold and dark as he stared at his sister, as if they were having an argument with their eyes.

Suddenly, Cyan jumped in surprise when she heard a loud animalistic growl. She looked around, searching for the source of the sound, but neither of them seemed to have heard it. She then saw Gian's face change from disapproval to understanding.

"Now, you know," said Mr. Roberts, causing Cyan to jump again in surprise at the sound of his deep voice.

"What do I know?" she asked, thinking he was talking to her. The man looked at her but didn't say anything.

"Do you still want to see the proof, Ms. Salvatore?" asked Gian, smiling as if she had just learned something really interesting.

Cyan frowned at her changing mood, then sighed and nodded. Gian Roberts handed her the brown envelope again, and this time, she accepted it. Cyan read the titles, and it was true; the mansion was included in the ranch she sold because the land the mansion stood on was still part of the ranch. She glanced up at them, not knowing what to say.

"I'll leave you and my brother to sort this out," spoke Gian.

Cyan went to protest, not wanting to be alone with Mr. Roberts again.

"B-but—"

"Apologize, Ms. Salvatore. But I still have other matters to attend to. I'm sure you and my brother can sort this out," she said with a kinder and warmer smile.

Cyan doubted it.

Gian then sent a meaningful look at his brother before turning to leave. Once the woman pulled out of the driveway, Mr. Roberts faced her fully again.

"Now, Ms. Salvatore. What do you want to do?" he asked, a mysterious secret masked in his words.

Cyan clenched her teeth. She was looking at him resentfully. She knew it was her fault that this happened, but she couldn’t help feeling angry at the man standing before her. After a short while of fumbling with the corners of her head, she sighed. If she didn’t want to give up the mansion, she should talk to him properly. She had to humble herself. She forced herself to calm down.

"I don't want to give up the mansion. I did not intend to even sell it in the first place," she told him, much calmer this time.

Mr. Roberts crossed his muscled arms and waited patiently for her to continue.

"I will return the money you paid for the mansion," she added, not really knowing where she would get the needed amount.

Mr. Roberts shook his head, and her heart fell in dismay.

"I bought the property because I heard from my sister that it is far from the town and crowded areas. I don't think I will agree with what you are proposing. We've been looking for a perfect place to settle down for a very long time now, one without other people, and this is the perfect place," he explained, his tone deep and patient. Cyan frowned at his words. Why would he want to live in a place far from civilization and without neighbors?

"I can assure you that we would never bother you, or anyone, in your property," she tried to convince him again.

"We?" he asked.

Cyan nodded. "Yes. I'm not living alone in the house. There are four of us—"

He raised his hand to stop her. "I apologize. But your deal is off the moment you told me that there are even more people living inside the mansion. I suggest you tell them to pack all your things and leave now."

Cyan looked at him in shock. "No, I can't give up this mansion. I told you I will give your money back," she protested. Just then, Celso and his wife, Dina, arrived. From their expressions, it was clear they had heard the conversation. Cyan glanced at the man, realizing he had intended for them to overhear.

"Why do we need to leave the mansion, Senyorita?" Celso asked, looking at their guest with confusion. Dina also looked worried as she quietly listened.

Cyan looked at him in desperation. "Nothing, Celso. Mr. Roberts and I just have a misunderstanding," she tried to explain.

But Mr. Roberts faced the two and to her horror, he told them the truth. "What you heard is right, you need to leave this place. I have already bought the property."

Cyan was stunned by what he said to Celso and Dina. She had no choice but to nod in confirmation. Celso and Dina quickly excused themselves, clearly confused, and hurried inside the mansion to pack and inform Manang Mina who was inside.

Cyan felt ashamed of her foolish actions. What would she tell the three of them? Where would she go?

She threw the man a look of hate before she turned her back and went inside. She would think about how to solve the problem later. First, she needed to explain to Manang Mina what had happened and send them away. Then she would face the man again.

She swore to herself she would not give up this mansion.

After explaining the situation to the three, they felt deeply sorry for her. They hurriedly packed their things.

"What about you, hija? Don't you want to come with us? You are always welcome," Manang Mina kindly offered.

Cyan sighed. "Thank you, Manang Mina. But I have to get the house back. Even if it's just this one. I don't care about the other properties. I managed to overcome the debt problems left by Daddy. I will overcome this too."

"But where will you get the large sum of money needed to buy back the house?" she asked.

Cyan didn't know the answer, but she still firmly promised herself she would find a way.

"I will find a way," she said softly. Mr. Roberts watched them quietly. Occasionally, he would step outside to make a phone call. While Manang Mina and the others packed, five tall and muscular men, similar to Mr. Roberts, arrived at the mansion. Cyan watched them curiously as they spoke softly to Mr. Roberts. From their mannerisms, it was clear they were his men. They moved and acted differently, even bowing to Mr. Roberts as if he were a high official or something. They didn’t pay much attention to anyone else. They inspected the mansion's surroundings and then left.

After packing, Cyan escorted the three to her car. It was probably the last time she would use the car her mother, Trisha, gave her on her debut. If she needed a large sum of money, she would sell it along with her precious jewelry.

She wanted to cry out of frustration. Cyan drove them to Manang Mina's house. While pulling out of the garage, she saw from the corner of her eyes that Mr. Roberts was watching them. She didn’t look back.

Outside the gates, she saw another tall and perfectly built man arriving on foot. She wondered where he had come from. Had he walked here?

That reminded her of the five men who arrived earlier. She hadn't seen another car outside the gate. It was impossible for them to have walked to the mansion. The distance was too far to travel on foot. They used horses, and even their workers were provided with transportation. Or they would hire a vehicle from the town to get there, like what Manang Mina did when going to the market.

The man stopped for a second to glance at them before he resumed towards the open gate.

"Are you just going to let her leave, Lawrence?" the newly arrived man asked Mr. Roberts, who was still watching the departing car.

Lawrence looked at his most trusted friend and second in command. He was tall and muscular like him.

"She'll be back on her own, Dennis. And when that happens, I won't ever let her leave my side again," he told him, his eyes dark as the presence of his wolf emerged.

His wolf was not happy with the idea of letting their beloved leave the area, and neither was he. But he let her leave to also get rid of the other humans, even if it went against his instincts. His primary impulse was to run after her and make sure she stayed within his sight.

"How did you learn that she's your beloved?" Dennis asked in surprise. "She's human, not a half-wolf like us. How can she be destined for you, an ordinary human?" he added.

"When our eyes met, I felt my wolf connect with her. Our bond intertwined immediately. But I'm not sure why she was chosen to become my beloved," he explained.

It puzzled him too. It was unusual for an ordinary human to be destined to a werewolf. It was unheard of. He didn’t know if it had ever happened before. Lawrence hadn’t been waiting for a beloved. He was too busy taking care of his pack. But it didn’t mean he didn’t want one. That’s why he came to this place; he was looking for a vast land for his people. They would live here. But they needed a place far from prying human eyes. How could they shift if there were many people around? That is why he let his beautiful beloved leave to get rid of the other humans with her.

He faced his second in command. "Inform Gabriel to prepare for construction. They should start with their houses right away." he ordered him.

Dennis nodded. "But what about Giri?" he asked.

"Cyan will be here in just a few hours. I'm sure of that," he answered, already feeling the longing for his beloved.

"Stay here, dear. It's getting dark," Manang Mina pleaded with Cyan, her face showing her reluctance to let Cyan return to the mansion. They had just arrived at Manang Mina's house.

"I can't do that, Manang," Cyan refused while helping the woman with her bags.

"Can't you just go back tomorrow, senorita?" Dina asked hesitantly, carrying two more bags from the car.

"No, I can't. And I told you to stop addressing me that way," she calmly told Dina. "If I delay this any longer, there might be nothing left for me to return to at the mansion. I need to make sure that everything is still in place and untouched. I won't let that man move anything out of my home," she added firmly.

"Isn't this dangerous? What if something bad happens to you? What if you can't come back?" Manang Mina was deeply worried, and Cyan understood.

However, they didn't grasp how important the mansion was to her. It held every happy memory of her childhood. Despite what her parents did to her, she still loved them.

"I'm going to be fine. They won't touch me, especially since they know you know I'm there. Besides, the Roberts seem to be a very decent family, especially that guy; he has a very high profile. And you've met Gian. She is very nice, except for that cold and inconsiderate brother of hers," she said.

She put Manang Mina's bag in the living room. She hadn't packed her own things because she had no intention of leaving until they agreed to let her return the money. Feeling hurt, Manang Mina accompanied her to her car. "Please, Manang. Stop looking at me as if I won't ever see you again," she pleaded with the woman who had been like a second mother to her.

"Be careful, dear. Call here immediately if anything happens," she instructed.

"Yes," she agreed, just to calm the woman down. "I have to go now." It was getting late as the sky darkened while she drove towards the mansion. She just wished that the Roberts hadn't moved anything in her house and hoped they would show some consideration.

She felt very uneasy. The road towards her home no longer felt welcoming. She felt like she was being watched from the dark woods on either side of the road. She had never been afraid to drive on this road since she was young. Why would she be afraid, having grown up here?

Darkness gradually enveloped the area as the sun set. She could hear the noisy singing of insects around her. If she had never noticed it before, now it added to her fear as she drove away from Manang Mina's home.

Her hands tightened around the steering wheel as she stared ahead, not wanting to glance at her sides. After an hour of driving, she finally entered the property leading to the mansion and the ranch. She was able to calm her racing heart when suddenly, a huge, fast-moving silhouette appeared behind the trees on her left side. She refused to look at it. It must be just an animal. Perhaps a stray animal had wandered off. But she couldn't fool herself. What kind of animal would follow her car's every turn?

Cyan was determined to avoid looking at whatever it was and continued to drive until darkness completely surrounded her.

A loud howl disturbed the unnerving silence, startling her so much that she unintentionally stepped on the brake, causing the car to stop abruptly. The seatbelt burned her front as it kept her from slamming headfirst into the windshield. Breathing heavily, she looked around outside her car.

Nothing.

Just plain silence. The only lights illuminating the road came from her car's headlights, and they didn't help her see what had made that howl.

It must be a stray dog. She scolded herself for being so paranoid. She was scaring herself too much. She calmed her pounding chest and continued driving. This time, she completely ignored her surroundings even though she saw another huge silhouette running after her car.

At last, she reached the tall white gates of the mansion. It surprised her that they were still wide open. And what she saw was the complete opposite of what she had imagined. She had imagined that upon her return, all her belongings would be packed and piled in front of the gate. But she didn't see a single piece of luggage, allowing her to breathe a sigh of relief. She drove through the open gates and towards the front of the mansion. Even the door was left open. She frowned. She got out of the car, ready to face the man again. And this time, she was ready to give him a piece of her mind.

She abruptly stopped when she saw more than ten people inside the living room. They were sitting on the couches, waiting silently while two of them were talking to Mr. Roberts. He was sitting on one of the white couches, holding a folder and reading its contents. Cyan noticed that the center table in front of him was full of papers and stacks of other documents.

She couldn't help but watch the man. She could not deny that the sight of him still took her breath away. How much more good looking could he be? With the eyeglasses sitting on top of his straight nose and the undone button of his shirt showing a view of his chest, he just became even more attractive. The other men in the living room were also tall and muscular, but they didn't evoke the same feelings that Mr. Roberts did in her. She suddenly felt intimidated by the number of men inside her home, and considering she was a very young woman, it was unsettling.

Her heartbeat began to increase, feeling both fragile and frightened. She quickly averted her gaze as if burned by what she saw. The men glanced at her briefly before they suddenly scrambled out of the living room, leaving her and Mr. Roberts alone, as if afraid something would happen. She relaxed a bit. At least they didn't jump on her as she had imagined. Maybe she was just being paranoid. But what sensible woman wouldn't be afraid if surrounded by large men?

She looked back at Mr. Roberts and saw him already staring at her, his green eyes turning dark before she blinked multiple times and saw they were just the same shade. She shook her head. How could she think something like that? It's impossible that his eyes were changing color.

"I'm surprised. I thought you weren't going to come back," he commented, sounding amused and even relieved.

Relieved about what? She didn't know.

Cyan shivered at the way he stared at her. "I came here to resume our talk, Mr. Roberts," she said, wanting to ease the tension between them.

"Please call me Lawrence. We can skip the formalities," he said and put the paper he was holding on top of the pile. "And please sit down." He motioned to the couch beside him.

"Sorry, but I'm more comfortable like this," Cyan replied irritably. She wasn't used to being invited to sit in her own house. She sat across from him, avoiding his tempting offer to sit beside him.

That would be very dangerous. "Why don't you tell me what your exact plan is?" he asked her calmly.

Seeing him so calm made her furious with herself, especially seeing that she was the only one feeling these strange things. Why did this man have such an effect on her?

"I don't plan on leaving the house," she said straightforwardly.

The side of his lips tilted up a little, as if amused. She frowned at him.

"Then, I'm not going to tell you to leave the house," he agreed.

Cyan was shocked by his response. She hadn't expected their conversation to be this easy. Was this why everything in the house was still in place?

"I'll give you the money as soon as I can," she said, relief flooding her heart.

"I don't want your money."

"What?" Cyan asked in surprise, furrowing her brows as she looked at the man.

Would he return the mansion to her for free?

He then answered her question. "It's you that I want," he said, and Cyan would have sworn that she saw his green eyes turning black.