Ravenwolf's Rose

Will This End Well Too?

"Hey bro!" Jackson waved at Kai. 

It suddenly felt like I was turning scarlet red. Kai was staring at me. I think I was making avoiding-eye-contact an Olympic sport. I couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed about the banter between myself and Jackson. 

"James told me what happened. I'll make sure Dr. Lee drops by this afternoon," Kai was pouring himself a cup of coffee. Jackson sighed while looking a little worn out.

"Does she have to come over?"

"Yes."

I wondered who this doctor was and why Jackson's energy had gone down a few notches... Kai walked over to sit beside Jackson. He stared at him while sipping his coffee.

"I guess I'll be sticking around for a while."

"Don't destroy the house while you're back and as for you..." Kai said and then turned to look at me. "We have a meeting in the afternoon so make sure Walt brings you to the office on time" he sipped his coffee again and then stood up and walked out of the kitchen.

"We actually adopted him from a family of robots," Jackson chuckled and then added "so... how are things going on for you here?"

"There's less tension..."

"That's good."

"Mmhmm...maybe you should go and rest some more?"

"Worried about me?" I got up with my bowl in hand and passed by him.

"A little..." I could feel Jackson's gaze on me as I left the room. I needed to get myself together again and plan for the rest of the day. I wanted to do some painting this morning before I made my way to the office.

When I faced a newly blank canvas I couldn't help but get entranced by the opportunity to release an intense amount of emotion.

I didn't know what I wanted to create so I just dipped my brush into some paint and began...

I must have been lost in thought for hours because when I looked at my phone I saw a few missed calls and messages. Mainly from Walt asking me if I was ready and then a few from Nathan asking me if I was nearby the office. 

I gasped when I saw the time. If I just left now I would barely make it. I took off my apron and dirty clothes and threw on some professional attire. I called Walt as I bolted out from my room and apologized for making him wait.

When I got to the office I was running at full speed. Everyone seemed to be looking at my intense effort to get to the elevator. When I bumped into someone I dropped their portfolio. I stopped to help them gather their documents while apologizing again.

I almost bumped into another person when I stood up.

But even then I was able to sidestep avoiding a complete collision. I watched a few beautiful blonde locks bounce into the air. The woman passing me wore large sunglasses... when she looked at me she smirked... I couldn't help but think we met before...

I could hear the elevator ding and I ran forward. I didn't have time to think about how I knew her...

When I got upstairs I raced over to the board room. I regained my composure and stepped into the room. There were several people making small talk with each other. Kai was at the head of the table showing Nathan a few documents. When he saw me he motioned for me to come over.

When I arrived, Nathan looked like he wanted to say something but Kai told me to "sit next to him," so we wouldn't delay the meeting any longer. When I did he stiffened and then leaned into me and whispered: "you have some paint on your face."

I suddenly turned around trying to feel around my face.

Someone called out to Nathan so he left Kai's other side.

"Here..." Kai passed me a small compact with a mirror on it and I nodded. I tried rubbing it off to no avail. Kai then leaned in to grab something from his briefcase. It was a wet wipe. I stared at him as he nonchalantly passed it over to me... was he always this prepared?

"Thank you," I said and he simply nodded again. I smiled to myself.

Shortly after, the meeting began.

During the meeting, Kai let them know about the new product launch. The Ravenwolf S15 would be featured in a sports magazine spread. He told everyone about the magazine, who he consulted with about modelling, and the different promotions behind it. He then said something outrageous...

"And Miss. Rose will be the one attending and over-seeing the photo shoots," I turned to him instantly. I was surprised by my new 'responsibility.' And there seemed to be zero objections from the crowd so...

Kai wrapped up some more minor details and then everyone was excused for the remainder of the day. Nathan escorted them all out while I sat quietly beside Kai.

"Why?" I turned to him hoping this wasn't some sort of test? I thought we had gotten a little closer considering how poorly I started off with him...

"It'll be a great opportunity for you."

"Really?" Kai stood up while grabbing his briefcase. I watched him turn around and walk forward a few steps before speaking again.

"I... think you are capable of doing more, business-wise."

"But I'm still just a painter," Kai turned to look at me seriously.

"Perhaps, but for now you're the heir to Ravenwolf... so consider this apart of your job but also a time for you to try something new..." since he didn't avert his gaze from mine the entire time... I wondered why...

"What?" I suddenly started to panic. "I didn't get all the paint off?" I looked around my neck with the compact mirror he gave me. I swore I could hear a chuckle from him... when I looked at him he was walking away.

"Nathan will escort you on those days so don't worry."

I exhaled. I didn't think I was cut out for it but if he insisted... then I'll at least try and take it as an experience I will remember...

"And... since when did you get close to Jackson?"

"Huh?" I was wrapped up in my own thoughts so I didn't quite hear what he said.

"Never mind... see you later..."

After a few minutes I also got up to leave. I went back to the mansion and thanked Edna for making me dinner again.

After eating, I made my way to my room.

Before I went upstairs my phone started ringing. I looked at the caller ID and was unsure of the person calling. It was a number I didn't recognize. In case it was important I picked up the call.

"Hello," I said. 

There was silence on the other end.

"Hello..." I repeated, but no one responded.... before I said anything else the person on the other end hung up...

This wasn't the first time this happened to me. But this time it seemed a little eerier... I looked at my phone one last time... and I decided to block the number.

Shortly after there was a noise in the background. I turned to look...