THIRD PERSON

When he walked into the living room of his house that day, excited to tell his parents about the exam results he got at school, Piper Decker was not expecting to see himself being dragged away from the place he called home by a stranger dressed in fine clothes. His parents left behind counting a big sum of money as they celebrated saying they were finally rich and free. The boy was confused as he discovered the truth of what happened. 

The people who called themselves his parents had sold him off to a circus. Many thoughts went through his mind as he was taken to his ‘new home’ but the most prominent one was: How can someone in their right mind exchange their own son for money? A son that they raised for 17 years. That day young Piper realized how cruel the world was and how being different was his biggest weakness.

Life at the circus was no good, he was treated and showed off like a freak because of his exotic traits: Hair in shades of red, orange, and yellow that simulated a fire and aquamarine scales that covered some parts of his body. But even when he was forced to put on a show to entertain the guests at the circus, Piper never stopped learning. Another one of the ‘freaks’—as the ringmaster loved to call them, was a lovely old woman who took the boy under her care. She taught him many things and one of them was the art of baking. Cakes, pastries, and bread were some of his favorite things to do. It was his favorite way to de-stress and when he spent time with the woman he was happy as she reminded him of someone who actually loved him, his grandmother and he wondered how she reacted when she found out what his ‘parents’ had done.

The day Piper turned 18 everything went to hell at the circus, one of the workers tried to touch him inappropriately with the excuse of being attracted by his omega pheromones, and as an instinct, the boy bit him. Venom quickly spreading over the man's body and ending his life. Piper was terrified, not only because of what he had done but also because of the punishment he had gotten. He was locked up in a cage back in the room where the other animals were locked. His freedom was taken away from him. Lonely, scared, and cold. So cold. Until one day, there was heat. So much heat and as he opened his eyes he saw flames dancing all around him. All the animals were taken out of their cages but him. The flames approached him, Piper closed his eyes shut, and then…

Startled he opened his eyes, trembling and sweating. He hadn’t had a nightmare like that one in years. As he stared at the ceiling calming down little by little he thanked the God/dess once again as that day he managed to escape the flames that took over the circus grounds. A miracle, that’s what it had been to him—A chance to keep living. To be free. 

Coming back to his senses, Piper checked the time and got up to get ready for work. After a shower and a good breakfast, the omega left his house walking on the empty streets of Bramville because of how early in the morning it was. An uneasy feeling came to him as if he was being watched. Slyly looking around him but not seeing anyone around, he picked up his pace. Walking faster and faster until he was safe inside his shop. ‘It was probably nothing, I’m just being paranoid.’ He reassured himself and got ready for work.

~oOoOo~

Afternoon came and the cemetery of Bramville was calm. Not many people visited the place that day, but two figures stood in front of a big tomb, a man and a woman. Both with white greyish hair, dark skin, and piercing yellow eyes. Seeing them together you could immediately tell they were related, siblings. Donovan and Olivia Howl. The heirs of Howl Entertainment. On the tombstone in front of them, it read: ‘Esther Howl. Loving mother.’ and ‘Solomon Howl. Loving father.’

“Can’t believe it has been 20 years already,” Olivia said breaking the silence, her gaze fixed on the tombstone. 

“Yeah, time sure flies.” His brother answered in a monotone tone. 

“Mom. Dad. As always I miss you and Don and I have been taking good care of the company. I hope wherever you are, you are proud of us.” The woman said leaving a bouquet of white lilies near the tomb. 

Her brother just watched her and said nothing else. Silence rained in the air again until Olivia decided it was time to leave.

“Okay, I have a meeting to go to. See you later, Don.” She said looking at his brother and leaving a soft kiss on his cheek before walking to the entrance of the cemetery.

And Donovan, well. He stood there for a while, looking at the tombs. Reminiscing the events that led to the passing of their parents or what he was told happened. When he was only seven years old, his parents were attacked by a snake shifter, their venom was so strong that they immediately passed. The reason for the attack was unknown, a mystery, as the attacker passed away that day as well. Back then it had been painful for Donovan but as time passed and he grew up, the pain subsided and he no longer cared much about it. But his sister, his sister never stopped caring. Until today, she hated serpent shifters and even when they offered huge deals to the company, she always rejected them. 

“Sir.” Donovan was broken away from his thoughts by his secretary—and personal butler, Richard. The alpha turned to look at the man and saw him holding out a letter. “This arrived today. It’s an invitation to the next auction.”

‘Invitation’ was all Donovan had to hear to grab the letter and open it, a big grin on his face as he read the contents. Excitement gathered in him as it was a chance to get a new acquisition for his collection. 

“Send a response to them. We are going.” The alpha said still smiling, the auction was yesterday but he was ready for what was to come. 

“Yes, sir,” Richard said nodding. “The car is waiting outside.”

Donovan nodded and without even looking at their deceased parents' tomb for the last time, he walked to the entrance, his secretary following him.