Chapter Eight-Be Mine (1)

Roshan arose early, preparing for his meeting with his board members. He chose a sharp, charcoal grey suit that emphasized his strong build. Underneath, he wore a crisp white shirt, buttoned to the top. A silver tie, almost the same shade as his eyes, added a subtle touch. His shoes were impeccably polished. As he dressed, he exuded a controlled and powerful aura.

Roshan left his room, which was right next to Reina's, unknown to her. He quietly opened the door and saw Reina sleeping peacefully in bed.

Roshan sat on the bed and at Reina's beautiful face with admiration and love. Her platinum blonde hair covered part of her delicate face. Her skin looked smooth and had a natural rosy color on her cheeks. Her dark eyelashes rested on her closed eyelids, and her lips were full and slightly open. He felt a strong desire to kiss her lips but held back, wanting their first kiss to be a meaningful moment for her. He gently moved her hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear.

Roshan then exited the room, gently closing the door behind him, afraid not to wake her up. Roshan then went downstairs where Damon and Alex were waiting.

"Damon, you'll be coming with me. I'll need you at the office." Roshan stated, his voice firm. He turned to Alex. "You stay here. Watch over Reina. Ensure she doesn't leave your sight. If I see a single scratch on her delicate skin, I'll split you apart with my bare hands and feed you to my pets". Roshan threatened.

Alex gulped hard knowing fully well Roshan's pets weren't cute little puppies or cats, they were enormous, gruesome, gigantic hellhounds. "G-got it," Alex replied, shaking off the thought of being mauled by those beasts.

A flicker of anticipation filled his eyes. He'd always hoped for a chance to connect with Reina, but her shyness had always kept a distance between them.

The moment Roshan stepped into the gleaming, modern lobby of his company, a ripple of surprise and hushed excitement spread through the staff. It was Monday morning, the usual hum of activity filling the air, but his unexpected arrival injected a palpable tension. Years had passed since they had last seen their elusive CEO in person. As he moved through the building, Roshan's aura was a force field of icy command.

Heads lowered instinctively, hurried footsteps quickened, and hushed whispers followed his imposing figure. Everyone was instantly on high alert. Roshan was known for his exacting standards and ruthless efficiency; any misstep could have severe consequences. He entered the opulent boardroom, and as one, the assembled board members rose to their feet, bowing their heads in respect and also fear cause they don't know what they should be expecting from this impromptu meeting.

Roshan nonchalantly took his seat at the head of the table. "Shall we begin". He spoke with authority as if he wasn't asking.

Back at the mansion, Alex and Reina were engrossed in a movie in the living room, a comfortable camaraderie filling the air as they shared a bag of chips. Their laughter echoed through the room, their easy banter suggesting a friendship that had blossomed in years but its just been a few hours.

"Pass me the chips, Reina". Alex said, his gaze fixed on the screen.

Reina tossed the bag over, her own attention glued to the drama unfolding. "Ugh! I thought James loved Sarah!" she exclaimed, a wave of frustration washing over her.

"No, he doesn't. I mean Reina, it was pretty obvious". Alex replied, a mouthful of chips muffling his shock.

"But he kissed her! Doesn't kissing someone mean you love them?" Reina's cheeks flushed with indignant anger.

"Nope. My best friend kisses random girls all the time. He said the difference is in the taste". Alex proudly stated.

"Stop hanging around such a person. He's a bad influence".

Before Alex could respond, his body tensed, his senses suddenly on high alert. "Intruder," he murmured, his heightened senses picking up a familiar scent. "Fuck, Nicole!". He cursed.

The next moment, a figure swept into the living room. A tall, slender woman with skin as pale as snow and a delicate flush of pink on her cheeks, her long dark hair a dramatic contrast to her complexion. She wore a sleek red dress that seemed to pulse with an inner rage, mirroring the fury contorting her features.

"Where is she?!" the woman demanded, her voice sharp and laced with venom.

Alex instantly moved, placing himself protectively in front of Reina. "Nicole, what are you doing here?".

"That's her, isn't it?" Nicole spat, her eyes blazing. "That's the girl Roshan is ignoring me for? Move out of my way, Alex!" Her eyes flashed crimson, and sharp fangs elongated from her gums, a clear threat.

Reina's eyes widened in shock and fear. "Alex, what's going on? Who is she?".

"Nicole, you need to leave right now, before I'm forced to do something I might regret," Alex warned, his jaw clenched, struggling to contain his own inner turmoil.

"Get out of my way!".Nicole roared, shoving Alex with a force that sent him flying across the room. She lunged at Reina, grabbing her arm, her elongated nails digging into Reina's skin, eliciting a sharp cry of pain.

"Roshan is mine, do you hear me?". Nicole hissed, her grip tightening. "And I won't hesitate to eliminate anything or anyone who poses a threat!".She slapped Reina hard across the face, and as she raised her hand to strike again, a flicker of memory crossed Alex's eyes – Roshan's chilling warning: Not a scratch on Reina.

"I'm not ready to be dinner for hellhounds". Alex suddenly used his ability to turn back time. Suddenly, they were back at the moment Alex sensed the intruder. Nicole stormed in, her threat echoing in the room. But this time, before she could fully transform or lay a hand on Reina, Alex moved quickly, tackling Nicole to the ground.

"Let go of me!" Nicole shrieked, struggling beneath him.

Alex leaned down, his lips close to her ear, his voice a low, menacing whisper. "Listen carefully, Nicole. I wouldn't lay a hand on a woman, especially one who is my friend. Consider yourself lucky for that. But you will be far from lucky if you even think about touching that girl again. Roshan won't just kill you and your entire bloodline; he'll erase every memory of you, every person you know, anyone else who even bears the name 'Nicole'. So, for your own good, leave."

Nicole shoved Alex off her, scrambling to her feet. "Consider yourself lucky you ltitle bitch".

With a final, venomous glare at Reina and a frustrated snarl at Alex, Nicole turned on her heel and stormed out.

"Alex, who was that?". Reina asked.

Alex scratched his hair trying to think of a lie to tell Reina. "She's uh...".

At that moment, the door opened and Roshan and Damon walked in. Alex couldn't be more relieved. He sucked at telling lies.

"Reina, you should go get ready". Roshan said, his tone suggesting an air of anticipation.

Reina's eyes widened as she recalled Roshan mentioning he'll take her somewhere the day before. Alright". She replied, and headed to her room to prepare.

"Who was here?" Roshan asked Alex, his senses still lingering on the faint trace of another presence.

"It was Nicole." Alex replied, hoping and praying Roshan doesn't get suspicious any further.

"I see." Roshan said, his eyes narrowing slightly before he turned and went to his own room.

Reina was drying her hair, a cheerful melody humming on her lips, when a knock echoed through the room. "Come in!" she called out over the whir of the dryer.

Sébastien entered, a beautifully draped blue dress and a velvet box held carefully in his hands. "Master Roshan wishes for you to wear these, milady."

Reina's eyebrows rose in surprise. A dress and jewelry? She couldn't help but wonder where he was taking her.

"Please just leave them on the table, Sébastien. Thank you," she said politely.

Sébastien placed the items as instructed and quietly left.

Once her hair was dry and she'd finished her usual light preparations, Reina turned her attention to the garments and the box.

The blue gown is a stunning masterpiece of elegance, its exquisite silk fabric radiating a brilliant, jewel-toned sheen that exudes opulence and refinement. The intricate folds and delicate draping of the material create a breathtakingly beautiful silhouette, clearly showcasing the gown's haute couture craftsmanship and unapologetic luxury. "Wow. It looks like something out of a fairytale". Reina said in awe of the stunning masterpiece.

Her breath caught as she opened the velvet box. Nestled within the plush lining were sapphire earrings teardrop-shaped and framed by tiny, glittering diamonds, lay beside it. A slender silver bracelet, interspersed with smaller sapphires and diamonds, completed the set, radiating an aura of understated yet immense wealth. Strangely, there was no necklace on the jewelry set but Reina didn't mind.

Reina applied a touch of subtle makeup – a soft, smoky shadow to enhance her blue eyes, a delicate swipe of mascara to lengthen her lashes, and a hint of rosy gloss to her lips. She then styled her platinum hair in loose, elegant waves that cascaded over her shoulders. Slipping into the gown, she fastened the delicate clasps of the jewelry.

Finally, she chose a pair of sleek silver heels and a small, elegant silver clutch. Satisfied with her reflection, she headed downstairs.

Roshan was in the living room, engaged in a serious conversation with Alex. He was dressed in a midnight blue velvet suit that seemed to absorb the surrounding light, making his silver eyes stand out with an almost supernatural intensity. A crisp black dress shirt lay beneath the jacket, and a subtle silver chain glinted at his throat. His dark, wavy hair was neatly styled, and an aura of effortless power and breathtaking handsomeness surrounded him, making him look utterly ethereal.

"I'm ready," Reina announced, a faint blush warming her cheeks under his intense gaze.

"Lord have mercy for I have sinned". Roshan breathed, utterly captivated by her beauty.

Reina giggled softly, her cheeks burning even more.

"You look so gorgeous, Reina!" Alex complimented, earning a sharp, almost possessive glance from Roshan.

"Thanks, Alex". Reina replied shyly.

"Shall we?" Roshan asked, extending a hand towards her.

Reina nodded, her fingers intertwining with his. They walked towards the front yard, where Sébastien stood waiting by a sleek, dark car. He opened the back door for them, and they slid into the luxurious interior before driving off into the evening.