Craving Prince Charming

CHAPTER ONE ~GISELLA~ I was only twelve when I had to start taking the responsibility of an adult. My drunk dad had acquired a lot of debt and there were two options—pay or he ends up in prison. I knew he wouldn’t last a week there with his failing health so I did the right thing. I worked for his debtor, Miss Jezerel for the past six years, painting for free while she sold off my paintings to rich dukes and business owners. She owned an art academy which I worked in, painting all day and night so I could slowly meet up with my debt. “This looks good,” A small smile formed on my face as I stared at the canvas in front of me. I tugged a loose strand of my blonde hair behind my ears, sighing in relief. I was in a painting room in the academy—used canvases and paint scattered around. The door burst open and Miss Jezerel finally walked in. She was in her forties. Short—thick—with a black thin bob hair; a mole at the side of her lips and a forever frown plastered on her face. “You’re finally done painting. Took you long enough,” she walked up to the canvas, nodding her head in satisfaction. She was never complimented by work, ever. “You’re lucky you finished up in time. Quick! Pack up the painting,” she snapped. “I have a question “ I stood up from my stool. “Can I know how much I’ve covered this month? I painted a lot in the past weeks and I’m sure it has covered a significant amount of my debt,” “Those lousy paintings? They didn’t make much!” She growled in annoyance. I didn’t understand why she was angry for asking a simple question. “But—“ “Pack up the paintings!” She interrupted, her forehead creasing, cheeks tightening. “We’re going to deliver this to the palace so we’ll talk about it later,” I could feel excitement leap inside of me. I have never been there but I’ve had stories of how magnificent it looks. I wondered why Miss Jezerel wanted me to accompany her for a personal delivery but I didn’t mind. I changed into a clean simple flair dress and a few minutes later, I got into the bus along with some of her staff. It was then I realized why I was called. She sacked six of them today and because she was short-staffed I had to fill in. I gasped as the bus stopped in front of the palace. I was looking at a majestic castle, something I could only see in the movies. It was painted a dull white color with a magnificent water fountain in front of it. There was a nice greenery with colorful flowers planted around the house. I could spot a few peacocks moving around as they spread their feathers proudly. “Don’t just stand there! Go make yourself useful and pack some of the paintings from the trunk!” Miss Jezerel snapped me out of my reverie I jolted and joined her staff, helping them offload the large heavy paintings. There was a man at the entrance, waiting to direct us to the places we would take the paintings to. My eyes widened in awe as I stepped into the living room. It was breathtakingly beautiful, crafted with the most unique design and there was only one word to describe this place-MAJESTIC. I didn’t have time to take in the excitement I was feeling as we were directed to drop off the painting in the storage room. Suddenly, I was feeling pressed and asked one of the guards for the restroom. He pointed in a direction at the end of the long hallway which looked like a hotel with white polished doors on each side and a chandelier on the roof. I became confused as I walked, wondering which of the doors held the restroom. There were no signs on it so I wasn’t sure where to go. I paused when I heard a sound. I strained my ear, trying to pick up what it was. It sounded like a grunt. Curiosity got the best of me and I traced the sound with my ears till I stopped in front of a door. “Check it out!” My wolf leaped excitedly inside of me I didn’t know where I got the courage from but I was surprisingly drawn to the sound like a moth to a lantern. I slowly opened the door, poking my head in. I was greeted with the sight of a guy, seated on a chair, his back to the door as he stroked his c**k, groaning inaudible words. My mouth parted open but no words could come out of it. He stroked it so beautifully, looking out the window with so much concentration that he didn’t notice I was at the door. He looked like he was enjoying what he was doing. From his back, I could tell he was toned, muscular—. I wondered what his face looked like. An idea suddenly popped into my head. I’d like to paint this man. I wish I could see his face. Suddenly, I could see his neck turn and I bolted out. I ran all the way downstairs to meet with the rest of the staff. “I need to visit some friends down the road so you all should find your way back home,” Miss Jezerel said as she got into the bus. She drove off without sparing us a glance or bothering about how we would get home. I could hear the staff grumble, cursing at her and complaining bitterly but in the end, we all began to leave one after the other. I suddenly remembered that today is my birthday. With how busy I got painting all day and night, I had forgotten all about it. There was nobody to wish me a happy birthday and celebrate with me. Dad always forgets my birthdays every year. He was always at the bar, drinking and laughing with jobless friends. As I walked across the cold streets, my eyes feasted on people—families and friends, walking hand in hand, laughing and talking together. I suddenly felt so lonely and sad. I want people of my own. Friends—a mate—a nice little family and pups. Doing life alone is hard and boring. I sniffed, blinking back the tears that were gathering under my eyes. I need to get my mind off my problems. I walked into the next bar I saw and sat on the stool, opposite the barman. “I’d like a shot, please,” He nodded and began to mix some concoctions together. My eyes darted around the club. There was loud music booming in the background, neon lights that were almost blinding, and drunk people scattered around. I sighed as the barman handed me the glass of shots and I gulped it, squeezing my face as the alcohol burned my throat. “Another one!” I groaned. I had taken about four shots when I suddenly felt a presence beside me. “Easy, beautiful. You’re going to hurt your kidneys!” I turned to the side and my eyes rested on the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. Nice brown hair, sharp jaw, pointed nose, and the most kissable plump lips. I swallowed hard as I stared at him. He was dressed in a dark leather jacket with a hoodie, covering his head. I wanted to tell him to mind his business but somehow, the words couldn’t form on my lips. “He’s hot!” My wolf squeaked happily inside of me. I suddenly began to feel something, but I wasn’t sure what it was.