Phyre Sparks

Chapter Seven: Predator and Prey

“Don't you mean cat and mouse, mom?”

Jesse asked. As the most highly intellectual of the triplets, he wasn't a fan when someone didn't say something correctly unless they explained their reasoning on why they explained why they said it exactly that way.

“No Jesse dear, it is exactly as I have said it. We are the predators and the others are the prey. Now it is time to play with our food for a bit. It isn't fun if there was no chase involved. Better yet, when the prey thinks that they are the predator in disguise when they are in fact just on a wild goose chase.”

“I like the way you think, Miss.”

Upon hearing the butler’s statement, an image of him in his well tailored suit, wearing sunglasses, and giving her a double thumbs up crossed her mind. She quickly erased the image from her mind. Gods, what a troubled image to think of. Let's never think of it again. Rayla waved off his statement with her hand.

“Oh stop it, Rick.”

Rick purred at her butler, while promising herself to never tell the butler of what she was thinking. If he ever found out, there would be no doubt in her mind that he would dress and act that way to get back at her. The thought of it sent shivers down her spine. Yeah, let's not tell him about it.

“Alright, enough of the fun and games. I have an idea on how to deal with this new situation. Luckily for us, I have a good idea but first. Rick, do you have those fake IDs that I requested.”

“I do.”

To prove his point, he flashed the cards. If it wasn't for her supernatural senses, she wouldn't have noticed that they were indeed their fake IDs.

“Good. Now here is our plan. Rick, you have the driver come in here to retrieve our bags. The moment that the paparazzi see this, they will have a field day and follow the car once it takes off. We will head straight up to the cabin and settle in. Rick, have the driver drop off our bags at the hotel that we booked our rooms with. While we won't be using them, it wouldn’t be good if we don't put them to use. Have some of our people go pick them up in the early morning and bring them to the cabin.”

“Of course my lady. I must say that I am impressed with your planning skills.”

Rayla beamed a smile towards him, pride beaming in her eyes.

“I know right. I am pretty amazing, aren't I?”

“Oh!”

She pouted as she held onto her forehead. Once the person graded a bit, she dropped her hand to reveal a big red spot.

“Why did you flick me?”

She whines at the butler as he drops his hand.

“ Now is not the time to fool around, Young Miss.”

Rayla stuck her tongue out at him.

“I am aware of that but that doesn't mean that I can't have some fun.”

Her children stared at their mother while whispering to one another.

“Why does Mom seem like a child compared to us?”

“I don't know, Jewel. Maybe she is secretly a child in disguise?”

“Jesse, that isn't possible. If that was true, then we wouldn't be here.”

“James, you are a party pooper.”

Jewel stuck out her tongue, becoming a mirrored image of their mother from moments before. The brothers both became clear of mind for a brief moment. How are they not their mother's children when the proof was before them. Then, the triplets' world became pain for a brief moment of time.”

“Oww!/Owwiee!”

The children shouted at the same time before looking at the culprit in question.

“What was that for?”

They said at the same time.

“I heard your words. Don't act like you didn't say them, you little rascals. Just wait until we get to the cabin.”

A cold wind hit the triplets, causing them to shiver. Wait, that can't be right. Why was there a cold wind? They were inside. It was impossible for a breeze going through unless the windows and doors were left wide open. Maybe, it was just a figment of their imagination. Looking off to the side, they didn't dare meet their mother's gaze. A small chuckle caused them to look towards their mother, shocked into freight upon seeing her holding back her laughter. What was so funny?

“Oh my dears, your faces were priceless. You really thought that you were in deep trouble there for a moment.”

Her laughter only increased in volume when the triplets had nothing to say. Quickly calming down, she returned to being serious.

“Rick?”

“Miss Rayla?”

“Please bring your car to the side entrance. We will make our way over there in the meantime. The sooner that we are out of here, the better.”

“By your leave then.”

He gave a light bow before turning to leave, but was stopped when his lady called out.

“Rick, remember to look into that other issue. Those that dare to think that they can get away with a slap on the wrist need to be taught otherwise. I don't tolerate fantastical whims. After all, the rabbits should always fear the fox.”

“I will see it done.”

“Good.”

Without another word, the butler departed.

________________________

In a massive office building, a man sat back in his chair, starting out into the city. His secretary, should he say his beta, stood off to the side. Silence resigned the space with tension so thick that one could cut it with a butter knife. The beta shifted in his place, awaiting for the inevitable anger that was destined to come. The sound of clinking glass filled the air, causing the beta to flinch.

“Let me guess. Pack Moongrass refuses to cancel the engagement between our two packs because some little girl thinks that she is my destined mate and therefore the rightful Luna to my pack.”

His tone, sharp like a whip, struck the air. The beta shivered in fear. He knew that this was going to go poorly. Why was he the one here delivering the news when it was clearly the Gamma who was tasked with cancelling the engagement in the first place.

“Ye-yes…”

His throat tightened, refusing to say the words. Giving himself a few moments in clearing his throat, he spoke clearly though there was no hiding the fear.

“Yes, Alpha-a Bla-ke.”

A sigh emitted from the seated figure.

“How….. very disappointing.”

Within the shadows that cloaked the seated figure, a set of crimson eyes appeared. Their fiery ruby depths gleamed in the darkness, rage working in their depths.

“Rodger!”

The alpha snapped at his beta.

“Yes, sir!”

“Go and check on this little she-wolf who dares to think that she is my rightful Luna. If she has the guts to boast, she can certainly take the heat.”

“Is-s this truly necessary, alpha?”

The beta couldn't help but question. Three alpha turned to face the beta, dating him to argue.

“What do you think?”

“Of course sir. Right away, sir.”

Without waiting for another second, the beta left the room, leaving the alpha all alone with himself and the beautiful nighttime view before him. His eyes turned from rage to forlorn as he looked out across the city.

“For seven years, I have hunted for you my moon but each time that I thought that I am getting close. You slip through my grasp time and time again.”

His mind flashes back to a particular night where he and his destined mate meet by chance or was it an opportunity? Either way, they had met but by morning, she was gone. Vanishing like a ghost, as if she never existed but that wasn't true. What he felt that night when they were one was no figment of his imagination. No matter when she hides, he will find her and when he does. He is never letting go. Just gotta take it one step at a time. Releasing his clenched fist, he forced his body to relax.

“Just you wait, my moon. We will meet soon. That I guarantee.”