#Chapter 14 - Investigation

Elijah and I headed back to the stage. I held my head up high and smiled at the crowd. The host and announcer of the contest was hyping the crowd up to for my return on stage.

I had to hand it to Elijah the people that were under his employment knew how to turn the situation no matter the situation. He has applauding as I returned to the from of the stage.

The host shouted at everyone, “ CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!!!!! ” The audience were roaring at his dramatic announcement.

"Oh, it was just a wonderful impromptu performance just now. Ms. Ava's acting skills have fooled us all. She is indeed our acting star." I looked at him appreciatively, he was a man who was good at getting out of trouble.

"Now, we announce that Moon Entertainment will officially sign contracts with the top three winners of this acting competition. First place, Ms. Ava. Second place, Ms. Lily. Third place, Ms. Jessica."

I gave the other two a friendly smile expressing my congratulations. But Lily gave me a supercilious look. I knew from her spectacle backstage she was not a fan of me.

As I walked off stage I could feel something behind me. Or someone. That is when I saw her coming from behind me.

When passing by me, Lily whispered slyly, "Are you the boss's little lover? Because from where
I am standing you do not deserve to be here. Let alone winning first place. In my opinion, you don't deserve his praise at all."

I was taken back by her accusation. Is that what she thought of me? That I won the competition by sleeping with Elijah?

"What are you talking about? I don't have that relationship with Elijah at all."

I could tell that Lily was not finished.

"Who wouldn't quibble to being asked that type of question? You getting this ranking and the contract--the proof speaks for itself, you improvising trash bag."

Lily approached me, yet, instead of backing down I stood my ground against her. I was not going to be pushed around by some brat that was a sore loser.

"I really hope you stop insulting me, about my acting skills and my private life. Which by the way are none of your business,”

Lily's face quivered in anger at my boldness.

"Then I dare you to say clearly and truthfully, how did you suddenly appear on the competition scene when you didn't participate in the training before? Don't take us for fools. One day, sooner or later, I will reveal the truth..."

Lily left. I tried not to grit my teeth at the bitch.

I could feel Tide snarling and baring her fangs at the back of Lily. As Luna I would have taken this as a challenge and ripped her apart, but in the human world I knew that I had to ignore her--she was the smallest of the issues that I was having right now.

I reassured my wolf that there was no need to worry about Lily's accusations. I also had to myself that I was number one. And that I had earned the right to call myself number one.

Moon Entertainment provides two plans for the contestants who sign the contract: one is that they can live at home, and the other is that they can live in the accommodation provided by the company.

I decided to chose the second option. After all, after being away from the human world for ten years, I had almost nothing to worry about. And besides there was no way I was going back to the werewolf world after my dream was just taking off.

The game was over, and I was overwhelmed by the exhaustion of the week. Lydia was nice enough to order me an Uber to my new home for the next three years. It was a condo that was fully furnished.

As I walked in the first thing that greeted me was a hologram light that shown in blue lights:

“Congrats and Welcome Home Ava!” Right next to the light projector was a gift basket or assorted goodies. This must have been a gift for all the contestants that signed with Moon Entertainment.
I took a small tour of the home taking in that I had a fully stocked kitchen and a binder labeled
“Eating Habits and Schedule” on the front cover. Elijah did warn me that the company control almost every aspect of my life.

Right down to my eating habits and relationships.

The bathroom was a full size shower in the corner that had the showerhead connected from the top of the ceiling. There was a huge size tub that looked like it could fit a small group of people.

I smiled to myself. I cannot wait to soak in this thing.

Last was the bedroom. There was a studio room that was a recreation for exercise or whatever free time that I might have. But the bed was what caught my eye. After a grueling week of traveling between the worlds and the competition I felt warn down.

I went to the closet and changes into a dark blue pajama camisole and shorts set before climbing into bed. The king size was the most relaxing and comforting thing I had felt all week.

I fell into a deep sleep. I could even feel Tide running through the field of wildflowers in my dreams. I was watching her in amazement. I wish my dream would have stay like that...

In my dream darkness clouded my thoughts, I let out a cry of pain...
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Elijah's POV

As Alpha to the Shadow Walker Pack, I am able to manage the license in different worlds, and I needed to have sharper claws in the human world. When I opened my entertainment company it allowed me to achieve this goal. After all, whether it is up to the high-level human beings or down to the local hooligans, there is no one who could resist beauty.

I can also obtain more information about any Shifter through this company.
I discovered that Ava had been completely missing for ten years after being wanted. That is she had been completely missing from the human world.

I chose to open an entertainment company and sign actresses, partly because of my interests - I was a true movie lover. On the other hand, the entertainment company can help me get in touch with people of all levels and teachings, and help me expand my network.

Just then I heard a knock on my office door. “Enter.” I really hated not being able to smell or sense who was at the door. The last thing I needed was another complaint about the ruling for the contest.

I had bigger matters to attend to. When I looked up I saw my brother in arms stretching in the lounge chair across from my desk.

“You needed me boss.” Grayson said with a chuckle.

“I just wanted a rundown of everything that has been going on in my absence.” I said. I had to keep both the werewolf world and the human realm balanced. I could not shirk one responsibility for the other. Even if that meant putting my research of Ava on hold.

“Nothing too pressing. The normal amount of applicants trying to transfer or visit the human realm is decreasing for right now. But it might pick back up after Spring.” Grayson said trying to stay with his business tone.

Since he had fallen asleep during the competition he had been trying to reassure himself that he was working to the best of his abilities I told him there was no need to worry. I knew that he was stretched thin and needed a break.

“That is all,” I paused. “Grayson if you need to take a three day weekend in with the pack. I know the back and forth has your sleep schedule fried.”

“Much appreciated ….I might take you up on that offer. But if there is nothing else I will take my leave, Alpha.” Grayson said as he stood from the chair and made his way to the door.

“Get some rest, Gray.” I called out before he closed the door.

I poured myself another drink as I looked over the files that I was given on Ava. I had my work cut out for me. To deal with Ava's identity I needed to investigate into her more.
Although this is also in line with the actions of the wanted criminal, it is too clean to disappear.

Almost by magic....

And Ava's return this time, it is obvious that the pupil color and body type have changed, plus she looks too young...

What happened to her?