The Wolf King

~The wind blew that night as it did any other night. The stars were shining brightly in the violet-colored sky that night as the bright yellow moon was high in the sky. The streets were filled with people laughing and talking as they walked down the streets, truly unaware of the dangers that stalked them. Unaware that during the night a dark predator stalked them all, seeing them as nothing but cattle, livestock to feed on. But the noise of the city was too much, too many witnesses to be seen. Soon enough he would have his prey, his yellow eyes kept on eye on them, soon they would be dinner. ~

In the misty morning of March, Reina opened her dark blue eyes and looked at her alarm clock. It was flashing 7:00am. She sighed not wanting to get out of her nice cozy king-sized bed. It was so warm and down feather comforter was so comfortable. She knew that if she did not get up her white tabby cat would be pouncing her up out of bed soon to eat. Pushing the comforter off, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and slipped her feet into her moccasin slippers. As she crawled out of bed, her feline friend pounced up on her bed meowing ever so softly. Reina smiled and ran her hand over the cat’s head and down her back, “Good morning, Lovey. I’ll feed you in a second.” She went to her vanity to brush her long red wavy hair. Sighing, she was not sure what to do with it as she had another job interview this morning. Maybe curling it or just braiding it. Lovey meowed louder this time rubbing between Reina’s legs. She took that as a cue to get up and feed her pet before the cat started knocking things down as she usually would do.

Walking into her kitchen, Reina opened the canister that contained the cat food that she kept locked up otherwise Lovey would be knocking that over too. Putting some food in the bowl the cat started to eat. Sighing deeply as the sun was bright in the sky, Reina turned on her Keurig coffee maker and started brewing some medium roast coffee. Nothing made her feel better than a nice warm cup of coffee in the morning. Today would be a rather unusual day as Reina had to prepare a few songs for her interview at the night club, The Luna. Her best friend from college, Alex Kaizer, got her the interview and she was nervous. Alex stated his boss could come across rather intimidating sometimes, but to just be herself. Reina scoffed at the idea she knew what she needed to do. It was just gathering her courage and determination to do it and hoping she passed.

After finishing her coffee, Reina decided it was time to go take a shower and prepare for the day’s events. She had a few hours before her interview, so she had time to practice a few songs and dance moves, hopeful that it would land her the job she wanted.

Later that day, Reina was walking down the streets, it was about three o clock in the afternoon and the night club did not usually open until about nine at night, but she was told to come in for her interview now. Carrying her hula hoop and her violin with her she took a deep breath looking up at the sign to the night club, Luna. Suddenly she felt an arm wrap across her chest and pull her back against a broad chest. She knew that arm that held her, on the forearm was a long deep scar that started at the upper biceps and traveled down to the wrist, “Alexander Nicolai Kaizer. Please let me go you buffoon.” Reina turned her head to look at the tall man grinning at her with his hazel eyes. His shoulder length brown hair with hints of auburn in them shaped his round face and chiseled cheekbones.

“Rei Rei, it is wonderful to see you. You look lovely as ever. Here for your interview?” Alex stated as he dropped his arm and escorted Reina inside the night club. She smiled up at him and nodded, “Yes. I am kind of nervous. What kind of person is Jaxson Beliniski like?” She peered up at her long-time friend with a smile. Reina had known Alex since her early college days where they both majored in a music. She majored more in singing and Alex was a dancing and composer major. It had been 10 years since she graduated from college and had always stayed in contact with Alex.

“Jaxson is a kind and compassionate person. He’s been my best friend my whole life. He is more like a brother to me. He can also be very critical but does not know much about musical talent. So, for your interview you will have two judges. The other judge you know quite well.” Alex smirked and winked at her as they walked into the nightclub.

Upon entering Luna, Reina looked around and was astonished at what she saw. To her left she could see tables and chairs placed around for guests to dine or drink. To her far right you could see a pool table and dart boards for guests to entertain themselves. Near the tables or rather behind them you could see a long oak countertop which she assumed was the bar with bar chairs lined up in front of them. Along the wall behind the bar, you could see that it was lined with liquor and spirits. Different kinds of alcohol lined the wall from tequila, vodka, wine, and whiskey. Anything a person could imagine drowning their sorrows away was available. In the center of the nightclub was a round stage which included a stand-alone microphone and a black Bosendorfer baby grand piano. Reina was in awe of the piano. She walked towards the stage and up the three stairs on the stage. Her back to Alex as she ran her slender fingers of the white keys of the piano. The ivory keys were newly polished. So smooth and delicate, it was as if it was brand new.

“Enjoying the sight of your possible new stage, Ms. Fraser?” Reina turned around to see a man standing by Alex. His shoulder length sandy blonde hair pulled back; a couple curls framed his face. His blue green eyes stared straight into hers as he smiled at her. She smiled back as she walked down the stairs and extended her hand to him, “Hello Mr. Belinski. I am Reina Fraser.” She smiled when he took her hand. His hand enveloped hers in a tight firm handshake. She could feel how strong of a grip that he had. “It is indeed great to meet you. Alex has told me a great deal of your work. I am most eager to hear it. What will you be playing for us this morning?” He stated as he dropped his hand and crossed his arms over his broad chest.

Reina smiled and set her tote down and got out a folder. Inside she had a few sheets of paper. She handed a couple sheets to Alex and Jaxson, “I will be singing a couple songs for you this morning. By the end I hope that you enjoy what you hear.” She smiled brightly at him as she walked back up to the piano. Pulling out the seat she placed her first piece of music on the piano and took a deep breath to steady her nerves. It had been a while since she had performed for anyone. Placing her fingers over the keys she started playing a soft melody and Alex smiled. He knew the tune all too well. It was one she played as a warm-up exercise often in their college days. The tune started out soft and melodic, then slowly increased in crescendo. The mood got more upbeat as her fingers danced across the black and white keys. Reina looked towards Alex and nodded, “Now that I am all worked up, it is time to really begin.” She turned towards her sheet music and took a deep breath as her fingers danced across the ivory keys.

The tune that she started playing was very familiar and one that Jaxson was quiet familiar with thanks to Alex, “I should have remembered you talking about this one. Good choice. Let us see how she handles it.” He stated staring up at Reina. Alex walked up to the stage to move the microphone closer to the stage as the singing part of the song was about to begin, “I throw away my sorrows, there was one chance to escape into what they call the other side! One more bad dream and I’m gone, it’s hard to walk this road alone, with no fire burning inside!!” Reina kept singing the song that had won both her and Alex awards at a talent show multiple times. This time though she was doing both parts as she played the sing further on the piano. She further played it and finished the song as both Alex and Jaxson clapped.

“Wonderful choice, Ms. Fraser. Alex has told me how you both performed this song in college. I do hope you sing one that truly shows me your voice range though. I am quite curious as to how your range is.” Jaxson crossed his arms over his chest and looked up at her. Reina smirked turning around in her seat looking at Jaxson in an almost challenging way, “Is that a challenge Mr. Beliski? If so, I accept. I am sure you will be quiet please with this next song then. Alex if you would please.” Reina takes out a CD from her tote handing it to Alex. He looks at the title of the song and cocks his head to the side, “Are you sure about this?” Reina just smirks as she grabs the wireless microphone and does a little shake standing center staged.

Alex puts the CD into the player and hits play. A low ominous musical tone comes over the speaker, the sound of a soft piano melody playing in the background, “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide no escape from reality. Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see! I’m just a poor boy, I need no sympathy. “She continued singing as Jaxson smiled and she swayed herself back and forth. Her eyes closed as she continued singing Bohemian Rhapsody, by Queen. Her voice belting out perfectly with the melody of Freddie Mercury.

“Too late. My time has come, sent shivers down my spine bodies aching all the time. Goodbye everybody. I have got to go. Got to leave you all behind to face the truth. Mama! Oooh! I don’t want to die; sometimes wish I’ve never been born at all!” Reina belted her voice out louder, her eyes closed as the guitar solo played through the speakers. Alex jumped on stage to sing the falsetto part with her as the two friends sang back and forth. Jaxson smiled looking at them sing face to face. He had never seen such a strong force and dynamic duo before. He had been struggling to find a musical talent for his night club for years. As the song ended, Jaxson clapped loudly.

“Reina.” He walked on the stage and smiled placing a hand on her and Alex’s shoulders. “I believe I speak for Alex as well when I say that you are indeed hired. Your vocal range and talent are astounding. You are indeed what I am truly looking for. Welcome to Luna.”

Reina smiled brightly as she hugged Alex. Her heart was racing, she had not performed that song in years. It was her audition song for college, and she was not sure if she had the range to perform it again. She was shocked beyond words that it had impressed Jaxson.

“Thank you so much Mr. Beliski I am ---” Jaxson put a hand on her arm and smiled, “It’s Jaxson. I believe we will be great friends. Now come let us have a drink and celebrate. We have much to discuss.” He smiled walking over to the bar. It was indeed the start to a great friendship.

Later that night, Reina was sitting in her apartment rearranging some of her old sheet music. She was trying to decide what was best to start her new position. Reaching over on the coffee table she grabbed her glass of red wine and took a sip. She sighed deeply unsure of how to organize all her music. She was never great at writing her own music as she did not have the patience to write it all out. That was more of Alex’s forte. She looked over at her phone and smirked, she turned it on and saw that Alex had texted her. “Well speak of the devil.” She read his text and giggled and decided to respond to him “Well listen dork if you could come over and help me organize my music, I will trim your hair for you.” She set the phone done and saw his response that he would be right over.

It was only ten minutes later that Reina heard a knock on her door and opened it and there stood Alex and Jaxson, “Really Alex? You didn’t say you were bringing anyone with you.” Reina stood to the side to let her guests through. She looked up at Jaxson as he smiled, “You live alone?” She nodded as she turned to go sit back down on the couch trying to organize her music. She could hear pouncing around as she looked over and her cat was looking up at Jaxson, “A cat? Well, she is pretty for a cat.” Jaxson smirks and reaches over and pets the white tabby cat.

Alex laughs, “You still have her? I remember when she was a kitten. The kitty you saved!” Reina elbows him and shoves her music at him. “If I hadn’t of saved her those seniors would have killed her. They were kicking her all around.” Jaxson looks over at Reina his eyes narrowed, “She was abused? You saved her?” Reina nods as she bends over and picks up Lovey as she pets the cat who then bounds off to go play elsewhere. Reina smiled as she watched the cat bound off towards her bedroom with her feather toy in her mouth. Picking up the papers in front of her, Reina arranged them in an organized fashion. She was rather nervous having Jaxson in her home. Alex looked at Reina and he guffawed rather loudly, “Quit being so nervous, Rei. It’s all good here.” He took the sheets out of her hands and she glared at him knowing what he was going on about.

“Alexander, if you laugh like that again I will punch you in the gut.” Reina glared at him knowing what that laugh was about. He just winked at her and handed the sheets to Jaxson, “Take a look bro, this stuff is amazing. It’s some of her best work.” Reina blushed as Jaxson looked over the music, “How do these all go? Sorry I am not like you or Alex. I cannot read music. I listen by ear.” Jaxson stated as he leaned back into the couch. Reina grabbed a sheet that included a soft somber piece. She went over to her piano and place the sheet down as she placed her fingers over the ivory keys and started playing the soft somber tune. She concentrated on the music as she could feel both Alex and Jaxson’s eyes on her. Jaxson stood up and walked over to her standing beside her as she played, “This is a beautiful piece. How did you come up with such a beautiful tune?” Jaxson looked down at her as she looked up at him “I wrote it about my mother, who died six months ago. It’s a melody dedicated to her.” Alex stood straight up and looked at her, “Esme is gone? Why didn’t you call me?” Reina looked at him with sadness in her eyes, but a heartfelt smile crossed her lips, “I needed time, Alex. It was a traumatic time. She was murdered.”

Jaxson walked over to the wide-open bay window of Reina’s apartment, the rain spitting against the glass as the window blew gently. He folded his arms across his chest and sighed, “Reina. I would like you to sing this song. Come up with some words for it.” He peered over his shoulder at her, his sandy blonde hair shaping his face as he looked at her with his blue green eyes. Reina took a deep breath trying not to let the memories of her adoptive mother come flooding back. The pain of her death was still too raw for her.

Alex looked at Reina and sighed, “I’ll help you, Rei-Rei. I know it hurts.” He placed his hand on her shoulder and she looked at him through saddened eyes. Jaxson facepalmed, “I am so sorry. If it’s too much I won’t make you.” He walked up to her looking down at her. Looking into her violet eyes, Jaxson could see the pain of trying to hide her tears and sadness, “Alex, help her with the song would you.” Jaxson stated, before he could say anything else his phone rang. Taking it out of his pocket he looked at the caller ID, it being someone he would rather not talk to but needed too. “Excuse me, I need to take this. Is there somewhere private I can talk?” Reina nodded and showed him the way towards her room where it was quiet, and soundproof. “I hope this works for you, Jaxson.” She stated and forced a smile and he smiled back at her.

Alex sat at the piano playing a lively tune, “We do not need to do the song. Besides, you owe me a story.” Alex longingly looked at her demanding the truth of how her mother was killed. Reina sighed sitting beside him hanging her head. Her red hair hanging in her eyes as the memories came flooding back. Her dark blue eyes filled with tears. “Are you sure you want to hear this, Alex? I know you. You will get angry and demand answers.” Reina looked at him and felt him place his hand on her cheek, “Just tell me. We will get justice later.” Reina sighed and looked into his hazel eyes, “As I stated it was six months ago. Mom had just gotten off work from working the night shift at the hospital. During the time while mom was working, I was at home asleep after having worked a sixteen-hour shift at the café.” Reina sighed gripping the edges of her shirt, fighting to hold back the tears that were about to start flowing out. “Around six in the morning I was awoken by a loud knock on the front door, it was the police delivering the bad news that Mom had been killed. Her throat was ripped out.” Reina struggled to give the details of her mother’s murder but continued with her story, “Her arms at six-inch gashes in them. The cops said it looked like she was trying to defend herself against an attack from a wolf or bear.”

Reina closed her eyes taking a few deep breaths when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up through tear-stricken eyes and saw Jaxson standing beside her with sympathy in her eyes, “Continue if you can.” Alex looked over at his friend anger in his eyes, as he held Reina’s hand. Jaxson nodded at him and looked Reina in the eye as she took several deep breathes, “We can stop if you want.” Reina shook her head and looked up at Jaxson, “It’s almost over.” She took several deeper breaths and squeezed Alex’s hand, “I went with the officers and they took me to the morgue. The sight I saw was so heart wrenching.” Jaxson squeezed her shoulder, “Say no more. There is no need for you to relive the pain, Reina.” When he said that Reina could no longer hold the tears back. Alex held onto her and let his dear friend cry. “We will find who did this, Rei. I promise.” Jaxson nodded and took out his phone, “I need a make a couple calls. I will be back.”

Reina could barely hear him as she cried more. The pain had all come flooding back as the memories were all so real. She never wanted to relive that pain again. The horror of seeing the gashes and bruises and all of the blood upon her mother’s body. The sudden rush of emotions it was so raw and quick. She gripped Alex’s arm and looked up at him wiping her tears away, “I’m sorry. I probably look like a mess.” Alex chuckled a bit and fixed her hair, “Nah, you’re a hot mess.” She laughed and punched him in the arm, “Jerk.” She hugged him tightly never wanted to let go. Alex smiled and hugged her, “I am going to talk to Jax about something really quick. I’ll be right back.” Alex got up and headed towards the bedroom where Jaxson was on the phone and having a heated discussion.

Jaxson was pacing the room as he was yelling into the phone, “Axel, I don’t care what time it is. Wake her. I will deal with her anger later. It’s important.” He looked towards the door and saw Alex walk in shutting the door tightly, so Reina did not hear. “Kenzie, I need to know. What were you doing about six months ago? Where you near a hospital?” Jaxson yelled over the phone at his older sister. He could hear the rage in her voice as he was sure her green eyes were fuming. “Jaxson I was running. Why? I was hunting. I must eat. Hurry this up so I can go to sleep!” Jaxson narrowed his eyes, “Did you come across a middle-aged woman in scrubs?” Jaxson questioned his sister as he sat on Reina’s bed closing his eyes. Alex glared at Jaxson knowing full well the kind of person Kenzie Belinski. A chilling laughter came over the receiver as Jaxson could imagine his sister’s sinister smile, “She put up quiet the fight. The chase was fun.” Jaxson let out a bone chilling roar and Alex glared at him, “Jaxson…Reina is in the next room.” Alex nodded to the door hoping she did not hear that. Jaxson took a deep breath as he heard his sister laughing, “I am calling a meeting to discuss your punishment, sister. We do not kill humans. You disobeyed my rules. As Alpha, I will be handing out the punishment.” Jaxson hung up the phone and looked at Alex, “Reina cannot be left alone. Either you stay with her or I will.” Alex nodded, “I’ll stay. You’ve got to deal with Kenzie.”

Reina looked towards her bedroom door when she heard a loud noise. She figured it must be a rather heated argument. She wondered what was going on but decided not to intervene. Sitting down on the couch she looked over the music she had. Trying to figure out words to the song she wrote about her mother was going to be heart breaking. She sighed and grabbed a notebook and went to the piano and started playing the tune again and humming to herself, “Eyes of amber, a smile that chased the rain away. You were my constant sun, that was taken away. I long for your love, to feel your embrace. To tell me everything will be okay.” Singing the lyrics out she made sure to write the words down as she generally liked the first verse that just poured out of mouth. The words came from her heart and just seemed to pour out.

Suddenly her bedroom door opened and out walked Jaxson and Alex. Reina turned around and looked at them, “Is everything okay? I heard yelling which is odd since I have sound proofed that room.” Reina looks at them both as they look at each other. Jaxson takes a deep breath to compose himself, “I have a reason to believe that you might be in danger. So, I am asking Alex to stay here with you tonight.” Jaxson walks over to Reina and kneels in front of her looking into her dark blue eyes, “Reina, I believe I might know what happened to your mother. For now, though I need you to trust me.” Reina gasps and puts her hands over her mouth and nods at Jaxson, “I do. I trust you.” Alex smiles at them both and starts laughing as he walks away from them. Jaxson glares at his friend and shakes his head, “I have to know you are well protected, so that is why Alex will be staying here.” Reina smiled looking up at Alex who was standing beside her, “Thank you, Jaxson.”

Jaxson stood up and put his hand out for Reina to grab as she stood up. Letting go of her hand Jaxson walked to the door, “Alex, keep your phone on. I will be calling when I am on my way back. This matter should be resolved soon.” Jaxson stated grabbing his coat as he walked towards the door. He took one last look and smiled at Reina, “Keep singing. It sounded beautiful.” Reina smiled and nodded at him; this song would be her greatest achievement yet.