Taming the Vampire

PROLOGUE

[PRESENT]

There's a society hiding behind the humans. Yet, unlike these weaklings the creatures in this hidden society have much stronger physique and longer life span, they have special abilities and characteristics that are distinct to them. Sa lipunan ng tao sila ay walang pinagkaiba sa mga kwentong-bayan, isang kwento na patok na patok tuwing sasapit ang Halloween. Unbeknownst to them that these creatures with sharp fangs, pale skin, red eyes, and blood lust are real. Vampires do exist.

Sa loob ng isang malawak na conference hall ay makikita sa stage ang mahabang pangalan ng sikat na entertainment agency sa Pilipinas ngayon. 23 Years with Axellerate Entertainment, iyan ang mga salitang magarang nakaukit sa kulay pulang mga letra sa pader ng stage na pinapalibutan ng iba't ibang dekorasyon. Sa gilid ay ang dalawang paikot-ikot na spotlight. May dalawang higateng LCD screen din sa gilid nito kung saan dito ipinapalabas ang pictorial ng poster ng mga artista na hawak ng agency. In the middle is the red-carpet sprinkled with silver paper, surrounded by flower arrangements of roses on the side. Sa harap ng stage ay ang mga bisitang suot ay mamahaling tuksedo at gown.

However, among these civilians there are few from hidden society. The guards outside the conference hall, the head chef, the manager, the top former actress and the agency's CEO himself — Axel Wesley.

Behind his gorgeous face and successful life, Axel has been living for many centuries, just like the other vampires. He constantly changes his jobs, roles, and have been fabricated his deaths. He has had fifteen deaths registered. This time is his 16th life, in his previous personality he was a medical specialist who died in a car accident after falling asleep while driving.

Rasonable naman ang sanhi ng pagkamatay ni Axel considering the time he spent for duties. Halos hindi na nga siya nakakatulog noon dahil sa trabaho. But he must admit, it was the best job he ever had. Kaya nga hinintay pa niya na mag tatlumpu't limang taong gulang siya bago umalis sa trabaho at buhay na 'yon. He wanted to stay longer yet his young face wouldn't allow him, it could become too suspicious to the humans around him.

432 years old, that is Axel's exact age. Pero sa kabila ng tatlong numero ay masasabing bata pa si Axel kung ikukumpara sa ibang bampira. Despite his age, he looks like a human in his prime. Fresh, young, and energetic.

Nakatayo sa gilid ng silid si Axel abala sa pakikipag-usap sa mga bisita.

"Congratulations for the 20 years, it's a young entertainment agency but look where it is now, at the top of the social cycle," maarteng bati ng babaeng may puting mermaid dress na puno ng sequins.

"Oh, don't exaggerate it Madam Victoria. Everything I have now, I owe it to my artists' hard work," tugon naman ni Axel na suot-suot ang isang maroon na tuksedo na may puting roses sa bulsa.

"By the way," sabad naman ng isa pang matandang babae na may magara ring suot na kulay gray na infinity gown. "are you still single, Mr. Wesley? It's such a shame to see a successful young man like you waste so much time in work. I should introduce you to my daughter! She's a Harvard Student, taking up her doctorate degree in Chemistry. I know it's way far from your field but she's a beautiful and smart young woman, a great pair for a gorgeous young man like you. What do you say, Mr. Wesley?" Halos walang prenong pagsasalita ng matandang babae.

Hindi maiwasan na mapunta palagi sa ganitong paksa ang usapan sa tuwing nakikipagkwentuhan si Axel sa mga matatandang investor ng kanilang kumpanya. Axel is a huge fish to catch for the rich madams, they absolutely want him as their son-in-law.

Sino ba kasi ang ayaw sa lalaking katulad ni Axel. He has pale skin and beautiful pair of eyes caged in long and thick eyelashes. His aura screams royalty, like a prince brought out from a fairytale book.