Many greetings readers!

So, here is the first chapter of the story. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank those who were able to review the prologue. I deeply appreciate it and I hope to read more😊

Please enjoy.

AUTHOR NOTE: I own none of the characters.

CHAPTER 1: The Assignment

Kagome panted lightly as she started the shower. Normally her morning run was relaxed, done more for enjoyment than anything. As a werewolf, her body was naturally fit despite her high metabolism. She could eat a seven-course meal without gaining much weight, well okay maybe a pound or two if she ate like that all the time. No, her runs were just something she indulged herself. However, sometimes when her inner wolf threatened to surface, like last night, Kagome needed to go for long, hard runs through the urban jungle. The exercise was just enough to keep the change at bay.

After stripping her clothes, she stepped into the warm water of the shower. She relished in the soothing water as her breathing evened. Picking up a bar of soap, Kagome began to rub it on her skin, gently messaging the muscles beneath. She began to reflect on her previous transformation.

The last time she had changed was four months ago, when the change was so demanding that she had lost control. She had transformed in the living room of her apartment, biting into a couch cushion to muffle the sounds of her whimpers and howls. The couch cushion had been ruined, one of her favorite shirts ripped to shreds, but that had been the extent of the damage. Once she was transformed, she was fine, her mind cleared. Yet, she hated it, being in wolf form, for it was a harsh reminder of what she was. That she could never truly be normal, never have a family.

Thankfully, she had been alone in the apartment. Hojo had cancelled their date when the hospital called him into work. What if he had not been called in, would she have wolfed out in front of him? It had been a scary thought before, but after that dream... no that nightmare where she had ripped him to pieces... the thought that such a thing could occur was beyond horrifying.

'What should I do?' she wondered, feeling that familiar weight of the world hanging heavily on her shoulders. Even though she wanted to deny it, she felt that an important life-changing decision was on the rise.

Sighing, she turned off the water and grabbed the towel she had placed beside the tub. Tying the big beige around her ample chest, Kagome began to blow dry her hair.

*Arrrgghhh work is calling! Arrrrrgh work is calling!*

Her obnoxious ringtone sounded from the bedroom and Kagome ran in at top speed to answer it. She glanced at the time, surprised at the early hour in which they were calling.

"Good morning, this is Kagome. May I help you?"

"Good Morning Miss Higurashi. This is Miss Yuri. Mr. Akikitoki wants you to come straight to his office as soon as possible"

"Is everything all right?" Kagome could not help but ask.

"He didn't say" Yuri commented pleasantly, though a sneer was apparent in her tone.

Yuri and Kagome had never been friends, not that it was a lose. Yuri had always had a crush on Hojo even before Kagome had come to the firm. Hojo was her boss, Sasuke Akikitoki's nephew, so Yuri was always making cracks about how Kagome was only hired because she was dating Hojo.

"I'll be there within an hour" Kagome tried not to bite out the words.

"I suggest that you come sooner" Yuri was too cheerful for Kagome's taste and Kagome took a small pleasure in hanging up the phone before Yuri could.

Kagome had gotten ready in record time, and the result was still outstanding. As always Kagome dressed to kill, professionally that is. As she exited the cab, she ignored the cat calls from passer byes. She was wearing black six inch stilettos, with a dark grey pencil skirt and a matching grey blouse. She took long confident strides through the glass double doors towards the elevators. She was mentally preparing herself for whatever Mr. Akikitoki was going to throw at her.

"I'm here to see Mr. Akikitoki" Kagome announced.

"Go right in" Yuri invited, not even bothering to get up and open the dark-finished door like she was expected to do.

Kagome took a deep breath before pushing it open.

"Ah here, she is my best lawyer!" said the older version of Hojo. Mr. Akikitoki seemed to come from nowhere, as he threw his arm around Kagome's shoulders, "I guarantee that Miss Higurashi's ability to negotiate will win over the hearts of that rinky dink town"

Even though Kagome was caught off guard, she did not show it. Her eyes honed on the other person in the room and she gave him a winning smile. It only dimmed for a moment as she took in his appearance. She felt like she recognized him from somewhere but could not place him.

He had incredibly pale skin, nearly as white as milk which was a sharp contrast with his coal black hair. It was shiny, but Kagome was unable to discern whether it was silky or greasy. He was overly thin with bony fingers tenting beneath his lips. His muddy brown eyes had a reddish tinge to them, completing his imposing appearance.

"I doubt that I need to introduce you to Mr. Naraku here, Kagome" Mr. Akikitoki said pointedly, indicating that even if she didn't know, she now had a name to work with.

The name was all she needed for her brain to click in. This was Onigumo Naraku, a well-known entrepreneur in Ryko city (Not sure if real city). He donated to all the charities, especially towards the Cancer clinic. He had started big in the Spa industry, having about fifteen resorts in Asia alone.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Naraku. I'm a big fan of your charity work, especially for your work in the Children's Wish Foundation" she stated, reaching forward to shake his hand.

"You flatter me, Miss Higuarshi. It is a pleasure to meet you as well" Naraku returned in a dead-pan voice, sounding anything but, "She will do just fine, Akikitoki. I have another appointment to make so let us get down with business"

Akikitoki nodded and picked up a thin baby blue folder from his desk to give to the young woman. Kagome opened it and examined the few papers inside.

"As you can see, I am planning to build my newest spa resort, to which I have already chosen the location. It is a beautiful and very private spot that my patrons will love. The vast forest that surrounds the area would be ideal for those who prize their privacy such as celebrities and politicians. However, the land is owned by this tiny rural town, who seems to be very against entering the 21st century" Naraku's rather monotone voice had a small bite when describing the town, "I want you to negotiate a deal with them to relinquish their rights to the land, so that I might get started building. If you are unable to convince them to take the deal, I want you to find another way"

Kagome fought against the frown that was threatening to replace her pleasant smile. Was he implying that she would have to play dirty?

There was aloud buzzing noise. Naraku pulled out his phone and pressed the touch screen.

"If you will excuse me, I must go. Continue to debrief Miss Higurashi in my absence"

"Of course. I will contact you with any further information" reassured Akikitoki, shaking the red-eyed man's hand.

Naraku turned to Kagome, his eyes seemed to turn intimidating. Her proverbial hackles rose, her inner beast refusing to back down at the male's silent challenge.

"My hopes lay on you Miss Higurashi" he said and even more quietly, "I am not a man accustomed to being denied what I want. Help me out and a world of opportunities will open to you..." he trailed off, before leaving the room.

'Fucking creep' Kagome thought angrily.

"Well, that went very well"

"He practically threatened me"

Akikitoki seemed surprised by this information and Kagome resisted the need to roll her eyes. What did he suddenly become deaf? No, she knew the answer. Akikitoki had selective-hearing because he did not want to lose a client.

"Listen, Kagome. I'm going to be honest. Mr. Naraku is willing to pay a large sum for our assistance and an even larger sum if we succeed with the case. It is not something we can easily turn away. I won't go into finances with you, but I will offer an incentive. If you are able to win this case, then I will make you an equal partner within the company"

Even though Kagome wanted to hold to her guns, the offer was not one she could easily turn down. Not only was it a prestige position, but the rise in pay was nothing to scoff at.

"Alright, Mr. Akikitoki" she caved.

Champagne was delicious. As Kagome sipped from the chilled flute, she lolled the bubbly alcohol in her mouth. This was even better than the champagne that Mr. Akikitoki served at events, not that she was an expert. Continuing to nurse her expensive drink, she admired the beautiful limousine that had been sent for her.

Not only was there a fully stocked minibar, with other expensive bottles chilling, there was a silver tray tightened in place to the middle of the floor with iced seafood finger foods and freshly cut fruit. The upholstery was like a combination of leather and high-end fur, smooth to the touch. There was more than enough leg floor and seat for Kagome to lay comfortably on. It was a dream of a vehicle.

'A girl could get used to this'

She had been fore-warned that Naraku would be dealing with her transportation and any other expenses she would need during the two-week negotiation period. She had to admit that for a creep he was very generous with his money.

Kagome's happy mood began to dissipate when she glanced out the window. For the last three hours they had been travelling through flat farmland, which despite now being a city girl had not been so bad. However, the landscape had turned to forestry. The line of trees began to grow thicker. True she had researched the area, though it was one thing to look at it from the safety of her home computer, but it was another thing to be here. Even with the windows up and the scents blocked by the steel and glass, she could sense the wilderness outside.

What had she been thinking?

Let me know what you think of this first chapter😊

Thank you again