Immortal Desire

Chapter 7 | Danger

Bernice did not respond to Ephraim’s speculations. She thoroughly looked at the man on the picture frame with a dragon tattoo. Erasmus and that man may be alike but their eyes are different. Erasmus has pierced eyes. The way he looks at her makes her feel his drawing her into him. His eyes speak louder than his words.

“He is not Erasmus. Babbo, they are different. Why will I be in danger with him?”

When Bernice was on Erasmus del Fierro’s arms, she felt secure. That feeling she was protected. Though she feels the threatening aura in him. It is different from what she feels for Raque. Is it because the opposite attracts? Or is it because her body and mind suddenly desire a man instead of a woman?

Bernice is an androgynous—a hermaphrodite even herself couldn’t determine what she likes. When she saw Raque at the European Fashion show before the European Jewelry exhibit, she wanted to be with her. She yearns to be her friend—more than a friend. Bernice and Raque started going out on a date and traveling together until Raque bid farewell to her. She needed to come back to the Philippines. Now, she is feeling the same with Fierro. She desires him. Her mind and heart scream for Raque but her body wants Fierro.

“Don’t be stubborn,Bambina.”

“I am not being intransigent, I don’t feel him as a threat.Erasmus makes me feel he is the other half of me. Why is that so father?”

“Don’t you smell his true colors yet, Bambina?”

“Babbo, I can read minds and move things as I please but I can’t don’t have strong smell like you do. But I can hear . . . I can hear someone — an intruder.”

Bernice heard footsteps. Her sense of hearing is now stronger than in the past years. She also has developed to command the creatures she sees. A skill that she hid from Ephraim. Bernice can move the water and play with fire but her father nor Dimitri is not aware of it. When she felt that electrifying sensation the first time Erasmus and her hands touched curiosity killed her.

Bernice made everyone believe she lost her memories when she had the car accident. She saw who mastered the plan. Bernice knew the person behind her plotted murder. It was Fierro. The only way to catch an enemy is to befriend them. Luck comes along with her because Raque is connected to Fierro. It is way easier for her now to find out the truth about him and their connection.

Bernice is determined to avenge her parent's death.’I am coming back to take back my throne. I was born as the chosen one. I am meant to save my pack. The most powerful Luna of all the werewolves—of all creatures.’

Most of the time she acted to be someone who forgotten her past. It’s been fifteen years and she doesn't know how to get back to La Quinta. The Senadosa mountain or Sorento mountain is not visible on the map nor can be searched on a GPS. The only way to get back to her roots is to force Ephraim to show her the place. Magdalene and Ephraim won’t have a choice if she uses Dimitri with her plan.

‘I will need to seduce you, Erasmus del Fierro. Be ready for a poisonous Bernice!”

Bernice can smell a scent of an unfamiliar human outside the basement.

“Babbo, there’s an intruder.”

“How did you know?”

“I can smell it. He's looking for you. She’s talking to mother. We must hurry, he has a poisoned dagger with him.”

“Y-you can—”

Bernice left Ephraim with her speed as a light-year. She can’t bear to see her second mother being murdered. Not for the second time. In a split second, Bernice is holding the man's arms. She took the dagger away from him.

“You're not one of our kind. Who are you? How dare you step on my territory? Don’t you know you may not be able to come out—alive?”

Ephraim was surprised to see how forceful Bernice. Fierce. Danger. She sounded a danger and a threat. He did not see it coming. Bernice grabbed the man by his neck and threw him off the wall. Holding him steady.

“Speak now or I won’t spare your life!”

“Spa—”

“Ronquillo, what brings you here?” said Raque who was walking right after Dimitri who is now standing beside Bernice.

“You know him?”

“Yes, he is my cousin.”

“Speak! Why do you have a knife with poison with you? Who sent you here?”

“B, it must be a misunderstanding.”

“Shut up, Raque! Do I know you? Do I really know you? Did I fell in love with an enemy? You plan to kill me, aren’t you? Now, you couldn’t do it and they send this man?

Bernice couldn’t figure out why Raquel Santillan would deceive her. She couldn’t

feel a single hint of lie on her.

“B.”

“Don’t touch me. Take your cousin with you and never be in my sight again. The next time I see you with a dagger. I will slit your throat with your own poisoned knife. Do you understand? Tell them I am back! I am back to avenge my parent's death and I am bound to kill each one who conspired with my parent's murder. Those who planned to kill me will pay a price they can’t imagine.”

Bernice threatened the man that shocked Raque to her core. Does Bernice know everything? Is she toying with her all this time? How about Fierro? Does she know his true intentions?

Ephraim, Dimitri, and most of all Magdalene were open-mouthed seeing how cruel their sweet Bambina can be. Rest assured Bernice's power as a shaman is now in full bloom. How would Bernice take it if she finds out she’s a werewolf? A true-blooded werewolf. She’s about to transform into a wolf three weeks from now.

Ephraim and Magdalene looked at each other. Ephraim instilled into Bernice's mind that she's Luna and that she’s a chosen one. But for what purpose, he always avoided the conversation.

Bernice's words are deadly. The tone of her voice means war. Her eyes are like fire that burns your entire body and soul. What more could it be when she becomes a wolf? Is this the power that Sorento and Senadosa needed to save them from the blood moon?

“Emmeline, guide us,” muttered Magdalene.

Ephraim and Dimitri started talking through their minds. The thing that they do every time Magdalene is around. She couldn’t hear and know the truth why Silas Guideville adopted Bernice Cruz. Dimitri knows and certainly, it is for his gain. Bernice is the only chance he can see his mother again.

“Father, you didn’t tell me she had unleashed her power.”

“I have no idea myself son. I know your sister is a troublemaker but not as strong as she is right now.”

“Did we raise a monster?”