13 years later....
~Kalen's POV~
"Thinking about that night again?" My beta Wren asked me, I lifted my cold gaze to him before shifting it back to the files on my desk, he sighed at my lack of response.
"You've withdrawn from us completely Kalen... the whole pack live in fear of their cold and emotionless Alpha...if things continue this way...." He began but cut himself off at the noticeable change in the atmosphere, I gazed darkly at him, my gaze conveying everything I couldn't be bothered to say and he lowered his head in submission.
"I understand Alpha, Forgive me... I will take my leave now." He said sadly before turning and exiting my office, my thoughts drifted slightly as I stared at his dejected figure...'how could I not think of that night...it was the first meeting with my mate... and also the last, I found my salvation and lost it just as quickly.
I shook off the saddening thoughts, focusing on my work till I was interrupted by the sound of my ring tone, I glanced at my phone and noticed it was my personal assistant at Blade Corporation.
"Blade... I'll be there in an hour." I said and hung up, rising to my feet and heading to my room to get ready for work.
I got into my room and headed straight to my walk in closet, taking off my clothes. I glanced uninterestedly through my closet, picking out a grey Saint Laurent suit and the accompanying accessories before getting dressed.
________
I stepped down the stairs of my mansion, ignoring the frozen in fear maids, I moved out of the house and headed for my car, Johan, my personal bodyguard already stood beside it and he pulled open the door, shutting it after I got in before moving to the driver's seat, starting the car and driving out the mansion.
________
The managers of Blade Corporation where all already in the board room awaiting my arrival, they rose to their feet as soon as I stepped in, only taking their seats after I was seated.
The meeting began and I listened quietly as my managers took turns briefing me on the situation of their current projects.
"For Blade Arts and entertainments, in our attempts to break into the African market, we've decided to work with the two top African art/entertainment companies, Iva's flame Arts media and Akunna entertainments, both companies are subsidiaries of Akunna corporation and completely dominate both the African market and that of a good number of leading countries in the entertainment and Art industry, you can say that when it comes to the show business this two companies are the top dogs in over 20 countries and they constantly overtake new markets with their award winning film productions and outstanding talents, as well as their collection of the most priced artworks they also have quite a number of outstanding artists... including the famed little flame-Iva whose artworks have remained the most sought after ever since his debut when he was just 10, I believe if we work with them, breaking into the African market will be a smooth sailing endeavor." The manager of Blade Arts and Entertainments said, I pondered over his words even as another manager raised a question.
"For Akunna Entertainment, they have been prominent in the film industry for years and are one of the world leading entertainment companies...Akunna corporation in itself is quite a good choice for partnership however Akunna corporation never delved in artworks, not until a few years back... I completely agree with the previous options but will working with Iva's flame Art media who has only been in the market for seven years be a good idea?" The manager for Blade Energies inquired.
"Indeed they have been in the art market for just seven years however in those short seven years they have been able to surpass all related companies in Africa and a lot in other parts of the world, they also have signed numerous talented artists whose artworks they possess sole rights over, no other company are able to acquire or trade on artworks from this artists as they are all completely loyal to their mother agency- Iva's flame Art media. Each of these artists boast of two or more art awards...among these artists there are outstanding names like...Kenji Davies the award winning Japanese artist who boasts of 5 awards, numerous nominations and counting, Alessandro and Maximillano Roman the twin award winning artists both bagged seven awards, numerous nominations and counting and most importantly Vin popularly known as little flame-Iva the 17 year old artist crowned the Art God, he has to his name an outstanding four future generation art prizes, one Hugo boss prize and one Mac Arthur fellowship award...at just 17!, He is already at the number 10 in world top artists and no 1 art prodigy and young talent... again at just 17, these artist was scouted by and is under the management of Iva's flame and has adamantly refused numerous offers from any other company...this alone boasts of the capabilities of Iva's flame, and if that isn't enough, well.... knowing the standards of Akunna corporation, anything relating to them should naturally be outstanding, as a subsidiary company of Akunna corporation, Iva's flame will certainly make a good partner." He concluded firmly.
I nodded slightly, and I could see the joy on his face, getting a nod from me was practically as difficult as fetching water with a sieve, getting any reaction from me in fact, so a nod of mine meant more than a thousand commendations... I clapped twice adding to his joy, his briefing was satisfactory, he had truly done his research.
"Have you decided on how to go about acquiring their partnership?" I asked him and he nodded.
"Their headquarters is in the city of Lagos, Nigeria, I was thinking we send a delegate for the discussion... after informing him of our intentions of course, going in person to discuss it will show our sincerity." He said.
"Akunna corporation... I have heard of this company, however the lines of business we have in common are few...Ike Akunna... I believe that should be the name of the president..?" I asked recalling I had heard it quite a few times in passing.
"Yes, He is the one, however currently most of the business ventures are handled by the vice president, President Akunna's son, his name is Adedeji Michael Akunna." The manager informed me.
"Hmm, this business venture is of great importance to Blade Corporation, I will make the trip personally so prepare accordingly." I instructed, they all agreed and with that the board meeting came to an end, I quickly headed to my office at the top floor of the building for another meeting.
"Send in Mr Donovan." I instructed my secretary before placing down the telephone.
"Johan, he might be a bit reluctant so go escort him in." I said as I glanced through the first file on the large heap on my desk.
I didn't have to wait long before the trembling man was brought in, Johan coming in behind him and shutting the door.
"Please have mercy on me, Mr Blade!" The man cried out, dropping to his knees with so much force a loud banging sound was heard, I paid him no attention focusing on my work.
"Mr Blade, forgive me please!!, I'll return all the documents I swear it!!, I'll return them all... just please...please spare my life!" He cried practically choking on his tears, I continued working, ignoring him once again.
"Please Mr Blade, it was a foolish mistake, have a heart...!" He tried again, I slowly shut the file I was working on and leaned back into my chair, a dark look on my face.
"A heart...the thing here is... I don't have one..." I said lazily, his eyes widened as Johan began moving around the office, pulling down the curtains, he immediately began screaming for help, rushing to the door in an attempt to escape only to find it locked, he frantically banged on the door yelling for help.
"It's sound proof....no one can hear you.... and even if they could...no one can save you...." I said quietly, he turned to face me, his back pressed against the door, perhaps hoping to diffuse through it as he stared at me in terror, his terror converting to horror as Johan pulled out the barely alive body of his brother from my washroom.
"You...you, how could you do this to a person...?" He stuttered out, staring at his battered kin.
"As much as I understand your care for your kin... I believe right now, you should really be more worried about your own self, you dared steal from me after all.... your fate will be a thousand...no a million times worse than his...put him out of his misery Johan." I instructed, casually twirling my pen in my hand, I didn't react at the sound of the snapping of a neck, or when poor Donovan screamed at the death of his brother, but I did react when he turned shakily to me and said in horror.
"You... you're a monster!!" He said in a horrified voice, my reaction was a wide grin, if only he knew how right he was.
"Oh Donovan...you don't know the half of it." I said, before relaxing back into my chair even as Johan advanced on him, his scream of pain echoing in the quiet office.
"Aaaaaaaaaaah!!!!"
__________
"Clean up and meet me in the car." I instructed Johan at the door, wiping of the drops off blood that had stained my jacket, I frowned, pulling it off and throwing it to Johan before exiting the office and heading out for my inspection.
I walked casually through the offices , watching them work in silence, my cold gaze putting in place anything that was previously out of place.
Through every department I passed, the murmuring of the female and even male population I passed could be heard, their dreamy sighs as they chattered excitedly, saying the most atrocious things.
"Oh what I'd do to have that body pin me down."
"I'd let him do anything he wanted to me... anything I tell you."
"He gazed at me for a second longer than usual, do you think he's interested in me, maybe I should risk my life and go over to his office later? As dangerous as it would be I'd put my life on the line for a night with Mr Blade..."
"Damn... I think I'm gay for President Kalen..."
"...sigh...if only I wasn't married...but then again, the boss doesn't have to know that does he...hehehe."
"Mr Blade... please look at me, I love you so much, even for just one second and my life goal would be achieved..."
"I'm already so wet from just catching sight of him... I wonder how sex with him would actually feel..."
"Why does my heart beat so fast whenever I see him.... could it be?...but I'm a guy!"
It was amazing how many people unconsciously thought out loud, if only they knew I could hear them... I frowned in disgust thankful that I had concluded routine inspection, moving down to the lobby, I walked out the building, the car was already waiting some distance away and Johan was standing by the door, probably done with his work, as I headed towards it a bubbly little kid bumped into me, I came to a halt and she lost her balance and fell on her butt. She lifted an aggrieved gaze to me as she stood up rubbing her sore bottom.
"Mister... little children are fire hazards you know, couldn't you have just noticed me barrelling towards you and caught me like a prince?...so uncharismatic.." She mumbled, although she was considerably older looking to be about 8 or 9, her eloquent and fiery words reminded me of someone... someone I missed terribly.
My gaze followed the child even as she skipped towards her mother who apologized profusely for her behavior before running to catch up with the skipping kid.
My wolf whimpered in pain and longing as thoughts of our mate filled our mind.
'miwa...my miwa... where are you?, Why can't I find you, I've been searching so long.. when will I find you again?... I need you.'