Message Conveyed

Flameheart

I watch through the floor-to-ceiling window of my twentieth-floor office as the reporters gather at the office gates. Each one clamored for a chance to interview me.

Ha! Life surely is unpredictable. Who knew that one day everyone would want to rub their shoulders with me? Just seven years ago I was an existence that none of them would give a quack about. None of them knew me. Even if they did, they would not spare a second glance at me.

Now everyone who knows me wants to curry favor with me. Everyone is intrigued by my existence but none of them know the road I had to traverse to reach where I am. The heads of state tremble in my presence. No one dares to provoke me.

I can safely say that I stand at the very pinnacle of power but still, I am not happy. The very reason I chose to return and establish my company in this God-forsaken country is because of one thing or should I say, a person. A girl. No. She is probably a woman now.

The one girl I owe this success to. I do not know her name but I know that she is alive. I know that the day I will meet her, I will know her. She bears something of mine. My mark. I left a bite mark on her that will help me to identify her. She is the only reason that I am alive today. I owe her more than just gratitude. I owe her my very soul.

Everyone else around me in the corporate world is just hypocritical. I give zero fucks about anyone. All these bigwigs compete to get access to my good books but to me, they are all a bunch of idiots. Whether I partner with them or not, I will lose nothing. I am who I am today because I started from scratch.

My right-hand man and friend, Gunther, walks in with a grin on his face, ultimately, disturbing my peace.

"Hey, man. Are you not going to even give them one interview? Anyone in your position would never stop flaunting their success. You, on the other hand, shy away from the public eye. Sometimes I fail to understand you, Alpha Flameheart."

Yes, I am a werewolf and so is Gunther. I did not know of my identity as I grew up an orphan. My wolf only showed up four years ago. They say that I am what they call a late bloomer. Either way, I am not bothered by that because I made myself who I am. Not because of a special identity. I rose from the ashes like a Phoenix. Hence the name Flameheart.

"Even if I do not flaunt my success, it still speaks for itself. Now, spit it. What is it that you want? I know it is not because of those lousy journalists out there."

I make sure to show Gunther that I have seen through his intentions. He never disturbs me, unless it is something important. He scratches his neck, a sign of his nervousness. I curb my aura so as not to make him feel uncomfortable. He heaves a sigh of relief and flips his laptop open.

"Alpha, there have been reports from our agent in Sussexville. The arts and crafts day was recently held there. He says he met one artist who piqued his interest. She is a lady but she also has two children. He says that the boy bears a subtle resemblance to you. Here, take a look at the pictures."

My heart skips and my breath hitches when I lay my eyes on the said pictures. The little boy looks to be about six or seven. Gunther says he bears a subtle resemblance to me but it is not true. None of these people around me had seen me when I was younger.

This boy is an exact replica of the younger me. There is not an ounce of doubt that he is my son. But how? Does this mean that the beautiful girl got pregnant that very day? That is a possibility!

A joy so overwhelming engulfs me and my heart swells. I cannot believe that she decided to carry my seed and bring two offspring for me into this world. Now I know that I am no longer alone. A new zeal and zest for life spring up from deep within me. I have a new goal now. To attract that lady's attention.

The fact that she kept the pregnancy shows that a part of her cares. Picking up my jacket, I reach for the door. Turning around at the gaping Gunther, I smirk.

"Why are you looking like a fish out of water? Are you, not the one that begged me to give them an interview? Let us go. You are my assistant, remember?"

Gunther springs up and almost loses his footing in the process. He is overjoyed because this is the first time I am choosing to appear in public. As I step out, the group of journalists lets out a collective gasp. I can literally see the wheels in their minds turning.

For a moment, they remain rooted to the spot, forgetting their purpose for coming. Clearing my throat, I raise my voice a little, jolting all of them out of their reverie.

"Welcome all of you. As a busy man, I can only spare fifteen minutes for you. Follow me into the conference room."

With that, I turn around and stride back into the office. The reporters regain their composure and rush in behind me. I can sense their excitement and enthusiasm. I smirk at Gunther and take my seat. I unbutton my blazer and eye the bunch of reporters lazily.

One lady summons up the courage to ask the first question. She is just average-looking with short hair styled into a bob. Her eyes are sharp, giving her a shrewd vibe.

"Mr Flameheart sir, you are a business legend across the world. However, you have never once bothered to show your face to the public. May I ask what has changed now?"

I stare at her and she shrinks back but grits her teeth refusing to be intimidated. I like her resolve. I quickly tell Gunther to look into her through telepathy. She can withstand my intimidating glare. This means she is not just an ordinary woman.

Well, miss.." I trail off and she quickly offers her name.

"Miss Donna Kays sir. Chief executive reporter of the Kays News."

"Alright, Miss Donna. How about this, I am only here because you people won't stop bugging me. Is that good enough?"

Instantly, the room fell into an uproar. Although they are all talking at once, I can hear every word from each of them. Compliments to my werewolf abilities. I can distinctively hear everything without any trouble at all.

Seeing that they are getting a bit out of hand, I release just a fraction of my aura, and they all shut it. I know I am not supposed to use my aura on them as they are a relatively weaker species but I hate noise and disorder.

Seeing that I am about to lose my temper, Gunther decides to salvage the situation.

"If you want to talk to Chairman Flameheart, I suggest you do it in a more composed manner. One question at a time. Ask relevant questions only. Remember that you only had fifteen minutes."

Lifting his hand, he checks his watch and adds,

"Now you have thirteen minutes."

With that, Gunther resumes his post behind me. Another man stands up. He looks to be about thirty years of age. He is dressed neatly in a blue tuxedo and oozes wealth. I assume that he must be from one of the affluent families.

Scrutinizing him, I find his face oddly familiar. Raking my mind, I try to think back to seven years. I barely had any friends and besides, he is older than me. He could not have been my friend at all. Closing my eyes, I try to reach into my memory banks and try to see if I can fish out his face.

Seeing no connection, I decided to open my eyes but my wolf, Emberwing, stops me. He urges me to look back on that fateful day. If it can be helped, I would rather not, but since I came back here, it is something I cannot avoid.

The reason I returned is to ensure that everyone who played a role in that incident is brought to book. Exhaling, I delve into the one memory that if it can be helped, I would rather leave locked for the rest of my life, and bingo! I find him there.

He is one of the masterminds of that despicable crime where I was made a pawn because I was just a nobody. His name is Dante. A scorned suitor. When they decided to dispose of me as they were sure I was dead, they discussed openly about their heinous crime. Although my eyes were puffy, I made sure to print their faces on my mind.

Opening my eyes, I compose myself and stare lazily at the despicable man in a tuxedo standing in front of me. He adjusts his tie and starts talking.

"Chairman Flameheart, it is my honor to be in your presence. My name is Dante Graham the CEO of Channel 8. I specifically decided to take up this chance to speak to you, lest my subordinates mess up. Would you kindly tell us and the world at large why you decided to come and establish your business in Sunshine City?

We all know that Sunshine City is one of the wealthiest in the world, but instead of starting your business venture here, you ignored even the higher-up's invitations. I am sure everyone is curious as to why you decided to come now. Apart from that, this is also the first time you are accepting an interview. Care to share your reasons with all of us?"

Dante's arrogance ticks me off but I just smirk and clear my throat before responding.

"Well, everything has its place and time. It was not yet time for me to enter Sunshine City back then. As for my reason for this interview, I can only tell you that it is a message to my enemies. I just need them to know that the Phoenix has risen. Also, I lost someone precious to me in this City seven years ago. I'm hoping that if she sees this interview, she will come looking for me."

I stare at their gaping mouths before adding, " So, in actual fact, I just needed you guys to assist me to convey a message to that precious woman."

Taking a deep breath, I stare directly at the cameras and convey the message from my heart. I decided to use the very words I told her that very day. I hope that she still remembers. Of course, I make sure to filter words that will rouse the assailants' suspicion.

" I am sorry for everything that happened. I promise to protect you and spend the rest of my life making it up to you. Give me ten years, if I do not return by then, know that they have killed me."

Everyone stares at me aghast but no one dares to make a move. Even though they cannot make sense of my words, I am pleased that I have used them to convey my message. The one who it is intended for will understand. Gunther checks his watch and claps his hands, successfully drawing the reporters' attention.

"Time is up. Scram!"

Gunther is not a force to be trifled with. He would not be my right-hand man if he was not capable. Without sparing the stunned reporters a second glance, we leave the conference room. Once we reach the topmost floor, Gunther bursts into unrestrained laughter.

"Alpha, you are daring. I think I like this arrogant side of you more. At least it makes my day."

I ignore Gunther and stare into the distance. In my heart, I know that it will not be long before I meet that woman again. I will give her everything.