THE ISLAND WOLF - EPISODE 36

“Prince Dakar is back”
Those were the words on every lips throughout the whole day. Everyone claimed a different story of what really happened. Some said he fell from the sky during the night storm. Others said he came before the storm decided to announce his arrival. The worst story was, he fell as rain and formed back into human form. The truest of the stories was that Prince Dakar was found during the terrible night storm. Some men heard loud rumblings close to the borders of the kingdom. They alerted the guards on duty and they went there, thinking some Intruders had found a way into their kingdom. They flashed their lights all around and found nothing. As they were about to go back, one of them noticed a body lying on the floor, totally drenched by the rain. He flashed his light against the body and found out it was their long lost prince.
***

Avril watched as Betty made meatballs for dinner. She did not join in the cooking because she didn’t want to. Cooking would remind her too much of Dakar.
“Do you know how Paolo got his burn? The one on his hand?” Betty asked, as she was rolling the meatballs in her palm.
“No, it’s a burn, isn’t it?” Avril asked.
“Yep. He survived an explosion that he created. He wanted to kill some men who he was supposed to deliver drugs to. He wanted to receive the money and run away with the drugs to sell off again. Too bad, the grenade took off while he was still throwing it,” she explained and Avril laughed.
“Why does he have bad luck with his own accomplices? He wanted to cut me with the same knife I used against him,” Avril said and Betty laughed.
“He’s just a man who life dislikes. He’s nasty,” she mused and turned to the pasta boiling on the stove.
“How long before we reach Mexico?” Avril asked.
“Uhm, not more than a week. It’s really close by now.”
“All right.”
“Avril, why are you eager to go to Mexico? I hope you’re not harboring plans of escaping when we get there,” Betty asked with a Stern face. Avril shook her head.
“I’m not going to run away from what life is offering. Maybe I was created for this,” she answered.
“Created for what exactly? A sex slave? Trust me, Avril, that’s not a life to live. These so called men can do whatever they want to you. It’s like they own you. If they want a public display of sex, you cannot refuse. If they want three men to strip you publicly and deal with you right there, you have no choice but to oblige,” Betty revealed and Avril’s spine turned cold immediately. She had not even thought about that. She did not think she would be a sex slave. All she saw was a thug life and running dangerous errands.

“I–I didn’t think about that,” she stuttered and looked at her wrist where the charm bracelet glistened.
“What were you thinking all these while, then? That you were going to be a cute princess in Mexico? Don’t you know what these guy’s businesses are? They trade women as sex slaves, drug pushers or worse, errand girls.”
“Why is errand girls worse?”
“Oh, those ones? Their lives are always on the line. They disguise themselves and run errands to other drug lords. Mostly to spy on them or seduce and kill them. If they’re caught, it’s bye bye without a second thought.”
“What a life.”
“Terrible life. Do you see why I chose to lie underneath a stinking old man every night and live everyday without having much fears?”

“A stinking old man?” Paolo’s voice rang into the kitchen. Betty’s hand slipped on the counter and she almost fell face down into the pot on fire. Avril had to pull her at the last minute and they both fell on the floor.
“Both of you, meet me outside,” Paolo ordered and left the kitchen, glaring particularly at Betty.
“Are you okay?” asked Avril.
“Yes. Thank you for pulling me,” she answered.
“You are welcome,” Avril said. They both went to see Paolo who was looking quite happy compared to how angry he looked when he heard Betty’s little compliment about him.

“What is it?” Avril asked and crossed her arms.
“Hey, you, watch your tone with me,” he said to her and she rolled her eyes.
“What is it, Paolo?” Betty asked.
“We arrive Mexico in three days. Freddie just called and he said the buyer has struck a deal again. Huge money, hahaha. Avril, you are precious. Ha ha ha,” he laughed, showing his mushy yellow teeth.
“Wow, I can’t believe I just got sold like a piece of furniture,” she drawled sarcastically.
“Guess what, if we see another buyer when we land, and he is willing to pay higher amount, we give you to him. He will deal with you in a way that you won’t survive. And guess what, Freddie will not save you,” he mocked and laughed again. Betty glared at him.
“Why do you seem to be enjoying this?” she asked.
“Because I dislike her. I hate her, in fact. But I have figured out you don’t anymore. Why? Did she charm you too?” he asked and she scoffed and held Avril’s arm.
“Let’s go back inside,” she said and pulled Avril along.

***
The Kingdom of Remus was thrown into jubilation at Prince Dakar’s return. It had been fifty four years since he was last sighted. No one knew why he disappeared because the secret was just between him, his best friend and his parents. No one even knew he was responsible for the Queen’s death. All they knew was they were attacked during their journey by a large army of vampires who killed the Queen. And, caused the Prince to disappear to an unknown location. That story was cooked up by Camper, and somehow, everybody believed it.

Prince Dakar was taken back to his Chambers the next morning after his return. His father, the Alpha and king, was more than happy to see his son again. He had lost hope of ever setting his eyes on him. However, all effort to make him talk proved abortive. At first, they all thought he needed to rest. But after a few days, rumours began to run around that Prince Dakar returned without his ability to speak. Camper visited him everyday and tries his very best to even get a stare from his best friend, but Dakar wouldn’t budge. He only stared at one thing; his closed hand. That also, he refused to open. Camper came to see him the fifth day and decided to try his luck.
“Dakar, are you hungry? I ordered the maidens to make some food for you,” he said to Dakar who was sitting on his bed and staring down at his hand. He gave Camper no answer.
“Man, when will you return to yourself. I know you went through a lot, I can feel your messed up emotions. But please, let it go. Try and be strong for us. We need you, Dakar,” Camper said, frustratingly. He stared at his best friend for minutes and couldn’t bring himself to look at a pathetic Dakar anymore. That was not what he knew him as. He got on his feet and turned back to the door. He walked towards it and immediately he touch the doorknob, Dakar spoke.

“I miss her,” he said in a low and groany voice. Camper turned back immediately with wide eyes.
“What did you say?” he asked and began to walk closer to Dakar.
“I miss her so much. The air is terrible without her scent. And I want her to order me to go and cook because she is hungry,” Dakar stated.
“Oh my God! Of course, your mother. You miss your mother. That’s why you couldn’t speak. Dakar, what happened was not your fault. Please, get on with your life. Your father still needs you,” Camper said excitedly. Dakar looked up at his face and smiled.
“You are still a moron,” he mumbled and Camper jumped up.
“Yes, yes! I’m a moron. I’m still a moron. Oh my, Alpha needs to hear about this!” he screamed and ran out of the room. Dakar got on his feet and walked to the open window. He looked down at the stone pathway beside his personal building. He opened his palm and took out the wrinkled paper, read it all over again then sighed. He turned back inside and folded the paper. He placed it in a little box and hid it. Then he tied his hair back, leaving few strands over his face. He looked himself in the mirror and smiled. He was back home.

***
Avril bade Betty goodbye as she separated from her and the other men on the ship. She was taken into a chopper alongside Paolo and flew to Mexico City. Their entry was very illegal, but they had corrupt officers in the business with them. The chopper landed on a tall building when it was already nighttime. Paolo pulled Avril behind him roughly, like she was going to run away by jumping off the tall building. He took her through a trapdoor on the roof and down through many steps in the dark.
“Why do we have to pass through here? What happened to the entrance of the building?” she asked after she almost slipped.
“Because Freddie doesn’t want you to be seen with him before tomorrow,” Paolo answered roughly. She huffed and continued to walk. Finally, they arrived in a fairly lit up room. It looked like the Janitor’s room. Paolo opened the door and they entered into a very bright and neat hallway. The floor, walls and ceiling were sparkling white. Paolo walked to the first door on the wall and opened it. He pushed Avril inside and closed it back, without entering.

“Hey, Paolo!” Avril called and banged on the door.
“Take it easy, girl. You’re with me now,” said that chill American accent she so remembered. She turned around and saw Freddie standing there, in his shorts and shirtless.

“Missed me?” he asked with a smirk. She stood still, not knowing how to react. He was kind to her, but he was going to sell her too.
Freddie walked to her and placed his hands on her shoulders.
“Wow, you’ve changed. So beautiful and elegant. Your face is firmer,” he stated while looking all over her body.
“Freddie, why are you trying to sell me off? I don’t deserve that kind of life,” she said.
“Ssh,” he shooed and placed a finger on his lips. Avril had earlier his her bracelet in her pocket, because she thought Paolo would sell it. She was even more scared Freddie would find out about it too.

“Such clear skin,” Freddie whispered and ran his hands over her arms. He began to push her slowly towards the door.
“Freddie, what are you doing?” she asked with wide eyes. He rammed her unto the door and kissed her abruptly. She screamed and pushed him but he didn’t even move. She tried kicking his groin but he grabbed that leg and held it tight.
“Don’t fight it, baby girl. Because as from tomorrow, you will wish your master was as easy on you as I will be tonight,” he whispered into her ear.