The bombshell

Third person POV

Anthena stared at the acceptance email from The Stars Entertainment, her fingers hovering over the laptop screen, tracing the words with a sense of hesitation. A part of her wanted to jump at the opportunity—this was her dream job. But something didn’t feel right. Her investigation in Oxford had just started to bear fruit. She was uncovering things, connections, truths that pulled her in deeper each day. Abandoning it all to move back to London? That felt wrong.

And then there was Mandy. Her friend had seemed fragile, walking around with a shadow of sadness that worried her. If Anthena left, who would be there to make sure Mandy was safe? What if one day, in her desperation, Mandy wandered into the forest alone? Anthena shivered, imagining her friend lost in the woods, or worse—at the mercy of the monsters out there. She wouldn’t be able to forgive herself if something happened.

Then there was Talon, his secrets heavy as shadows. He was handsome and mysterious, but there was something else about him—a danger that lurked beneath his charm. The threat she’d received flashed in her mind. Was it empty, or was there something darker behind it? Talon might be more than he seemed, and leaving Oxford without answers felt like stepping away from a puzzle that begged to be solved.

With a sigh, Anthena made her decision, hoping she wouldn’t regret it. “I should stay in Oxford,” she murmured, unpacking her bags with renewed resolve. She quickly typed out a message to The Stars Entertainment, declining their offer.

Across town, Talon was anything but calm. Every attempt he’d made to convince Anthena to return to London had failed. She was stubborn, and that stubbornness only deepened his worry. How could he protect her if she refused to leave? He even went so far as to assign extra guards to watch over her. If any harm came to the woman he loved, he knew he’d never forgive himself. Frustration gnawed at him, and he found himself pacing his office, unable to focus on work or anything else.

Two days later, Anthena was in her room when Mandy burst through the door, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “Anthena! My fashion show is tomorrow at 7 PM, and you have to come. I want you to see my new designs!”

Anthena’s expression hardened at the mention of Talon’s company. “I don’t want anything to do with him or his world. I’m not going.”

“Please, Anthena,” Mandy pleaded, her voice softening, a sad pout on her lips. “It would mean so much to me if you were there.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Anthena sighed, her resolve melting. Maybe, deep down, she did want to see him again, using Mandy as her excuse. “Alright,” she murmured.

Mandy’s face lit up as she hugged her tightly. “Thank you, Anthena!”

The next evening, Anthena dressed carefully, choosing a silky blue dress that hugged her curves, paired with medium heels and a hint of makeup. She studied her reflection, noting her radiant glow and a confident smile she hadn’t seen in a while. She was ready.

The event venue was stunning, adorned with lights and decorations that set the atmosphere aglow. Cameras flashed as Anthena and Mandy walked the red carpet, capturing their every step.

Just as the show was about to begin, panic swept through the backstage area. One of the models hadn’t arrived, and Mandy’s expression grew tense as she paced back and forth.

“Call the agency again,” Mandy barked at her assistant, who made another frantic call. But it was clear—the model wouldn’t make it.

In a flash, Mandy turned to Anthena. Her eyes lit up as if she’d found the solution to her problem. “Anthena, I need you to step in. You’d be perfect.”

Anthena’s eyes widened. “Mandy, are you serious? I’m no model!”

“Please, Anthena. I have no one else,” Mandy’s voice cracked, her gaze pleading.

Anthena hesitated, but eventually, she nodded, feeling a strange thrill. Together, they hurried to prepare her.

Meanwhile, Talon entered the event hall, dressed in a tailored French suit, his gaze scanning the crowd before he took his seat. The show began, and the models paraded down the runway. Talon’s mind was elsewhere, distracted and barely paying attention.

Until Anthena stepped onto the stage.

Her presence commanded the room. She moved with a quiet confidence that left him breathless, each step measured and graceful. The masterpiece red dress hugged her frame, a daring slit revealing her thigh, while her blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her radiant smile. The crowd fell silent, all eyes drawn to her.

Talon’s heart thundered, each beat faster than the last. She stopped at the edge of the runway, her gaze locking onto his, holding him captive. For a fleeting moment, everything else disappeared.

Then Cassie appeared, her eyes narrowing as she spotted Anthena on stage. When she saw Talon’s intense focus on her, anger twisted her face. Cassie clenched her fists, fury boiling inside. She’d paid off that model to ruin the show, but Anthena had taken her place—stealing the spotlight, and worse, Talon’s attention.

Murmurs rippled through the audience. “She’s gorgeous. Prettier than the others,” one woman whispered.

“Isn’t she Mr. Talon’s assistant?” another remarked, “She’d make a stunning model.”

Cassie shot them a deadly glare before storming off, leaving a trail of frustration and bitterness in her wake.

During the post-show mingling, Dan, approached Anthena, applauding. “You were incredible up there, Anthena.”

“Thank you,” she replied, her gaze drifting to where Talon was engrossed in conversation with another female guest. A pang of jealousy stirred within her.

Dan offered his hand. “Would you care for a dance?”

Though tired, Anthena accepted, hoping her presence on the dance floor might catch Talon’s eye. As they swayed to the music, Dan’s hand rested on her waist, pulling her close. Anthena played along, even leaning in slightly when she noticed Talon’s eyes finally flicker in their direction.

His expression darkened, a sharp flash of something raw beneath his composed exterior. Anthena held Talon’s gaze, sensing the effect her presence was having on him. She leaned into Dan just a little more, a challenge in her eyes.

Suddenly, Talon crossed the room, his jaw set, and gripped her wrist. Anthena’s eyes gleamed with triumph as murmurs rose around them, heads turning to watch as he led her out of the ballroom. Yes, she’d done it.

Outside, Talon stopped by his car, his face a mask of barely-contained frustration. “Get in,” he ordered, voice rough.

“Why should I?” she shot back, challenging him.

“Don’t push me, Anthena. Get in,” his voice left no room for argument. With a silent nod, she slipped into the passenger seat, and they drove to his apartment.

Once inside, he gestured toward the couch, and she sank into it, arms crossed. “What are we doing here, Talon?” she challenged, her tone defiant. “Didn’t you say you were out of your mind?”

He looked at her, his mask slipping, his eyes vulnerable. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly, struggling with the words. “There’s something you need to know.”

Her heart pounded as silence stretched between them, thick with tension. He took a deep breath, the admission seeming to tear its way out of him. “I’m a werewolf, Anthena. And the danger you’re in… it’s real. There are people after me, people who would hurt you to get to me.”