by Celine Yorke
"Good, that all sounds wonderful. I have hired Colette Blanc as the comparer. I have also hired some great entertainment. An excellent band will play during the breaks and after the show's finished. I'm sure it'll be a fantastic evening."
They talked some more about the details of organizing the show. When they were all happy everything for the show was under control and there were no more details they could think of, they packed up and left.
On the night of the awards, Hotel De Triomphe filled up with guests and spectators. Designers, business people ready to copy the winning garments or dresses, and journalist and photographers ready to get the latest news or picture of the winning designs filled the halls. There were famous trend-hunters and socialites, and a few bewildered family members of the nominees hovering at the edge of the crowd. The excitement filled the air in the hall; the atmosphere was electric. Many guests found their seats and sat at the tables, enjoying a drink before dinner.
Serena had butterflies in her stomach; the excitement was nearly too much for her. Tom sensed her uneasiness, putting his arms around her to give her a hug.
"You will do great. I'm sure you will be a winner," he whispered in her ear. They sat at a table close to the front with Jock, his secretary Michele, and Andre and Francine. Serena had also invited Violet and her boyfriend in place of her family. A band played some of the latest modern songs, and a young man and woman sang a duet-- nice warm up before the fashion show began.
Waitresses dressed in black and white served dinner, and waiters came around to the tables and served drinks. The gourmet dishes were delicious, but the excitement had gotten to Serena, so she didn't eat much.
After dinner, Jock went up on the stage and picked up the microphone.
"Welcome, everyone, and thank you for coming to this special event. I hope everyone will enjoy the evening, because a lot of people has worked hard to make this night the best you'll have for a long time. I'd like to introduce you to Colette Blanc, who is going to tell us about the designs and models tonight." People clapped and cheered.
There were many lovely and smart dresses and designer outfits modeled on the catwalk during the evening. However, Yvette was a huge success. Every time she came on the catwalk, people were clapping and whistling; she was a favorite with the audience. They loved the dresses she was modeling, too, as well as her unique looks and attitude. There was no doubt at all; Serena's designs were among the winners. However, a professional designer by the name of Larissa Bodou had also created some smart dresses modeled by a gorgeous model with long black hair. She too was a favorite with the audience and received many cheers and applause. She posed a threat to Serena. Another strong competitor was Daniela Barrette. Her dresses and outfits were elegant and stylish and seemed very popular with the audience too. Her garments were modeled by an equally beautiful young model. It was hard to tell who the winner would be.
After lots of amazing dresses and outfits had passed across the stage, Colette Blanc announced, "This is the end of the modeling. The judges will now get together and decide on who will be the winner of this year's awards.
"However, this year we are going to ask the audience to help the judge to decide who the winner is. On each table, there is a little writing pad, and if you look at the program, you will see there is a number on each outfit. Write your name and the number of the designs you liked on the paper. One of the waitress will come around with a box where you can put it in.
"While you are all waiting for the results, we've got quite a show for you! Please welcome this evening's entertainment!"
The entertainers were funny, the audience had a few good laughs of the comedians. It helped Serena let go of her tension.
The entertainers finished, and Colette Blanc came back on stage. It was time to reveal the judges' results. One of the judges came up on stage and handed Colette an envelope with the result. Colette started to open the envelope.
"The judges and the audience were in agreement on choosing the winner. And the designer of the year is ..." Everything went quiet in the audience, and the drums started to play. "SERENA CARLSON!" Colette called out.
"Oh my God!" Serena cried. "I'm speechless." Her knees felt weak as she walked up on the stage in a daze. Colette congratulated her and handed her the trophy.
"Thank you so much, everyone, for voting on my designs. This means a lot to me. I'd like to thank Jock Lassalle for all he has taught me, and for believing in me and encouraging me to be the best I can be. I would not be standing here tonight if it wasn't for him. Thank you," Serena concluded in an emotional voice.
She had also won a contract with several of the big stores, which gave them the rights to sell her designs. All this meant a lot of money for Serena. She could now consider herself a rich woman. Tom was so proud of her, and happy that she had gotten the chance to fulfill her dream goal.
Serena was getting ready for work. She turned the TV on to watch the early morning news. A clip from last night's event started to show Tom and Serena sitting at the table. Colette Blanc handed over the trophy to Serena.
"Come and look at this, Tom! We're on TV," Serena called out.
"Yeah, what a good looking couple we are," Tom joked.
Serena poked him in the ribs. "Don't be so up on yourself."
Tom laughed. "Darling, I'm so happy for you. It was a great evening." He took her in his arms and held her close, then kissed the top of her head. "It worries me a little, though, having my picture on TV. Just in case some of Carlos Fontana's men recognize me."
"Oh yes, I hadn't thought of that." Serena looked worriedly at Tom.
When Serena came into work, they all clapped and congratulated her. "Oh, I feel like a star!"
"You are a star, winning that award is an amazing start to your career, and you can be very proud of yourself," Jock said as he came into the workroom.
"Thank you, everyone, for your support, I'm so grateful to you all." Serena's eyes were soft, with an inner glow.
Serena was on a high all day, and for once, she found it hard to concentrate on her work. The orders kept coming in for her designs and everyone got busy making them. This also meant financial benefit for Jock Lassalles, not that he needed the money. But it felt good; things went well for Serena, and he took a lot of pride in having taught her.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Chan had been teaching Philippe and Candela exercises and martial arts every morning for a while now; they were both improving. They enjoyed their morning routine. He kept on giving them more and more difficult tasks to conquer. He took them further into the jungle so they could learn how to handle themselves in difficult situations. Chan was pleased with their progress, and the three of them were having fun. Sometimes some of the warriors joined in and added to the excitement.
Philippe and Candela was still very attracted to each other, but Philippe didn't want to be hurt again, so he held back. Whenever he came near her or their bodies happened to touch during their morning practice, an electric shock went through his body. He tried to avoid coming near her. He used all his will power to control his longing to take her in his arms and have her there on the spot.
I sense she is just as aroused as I am, but it is not right for me to lead her on. Although it's not like she doesn't know I'm a shape-shifter, unlike Serena, he tried to justify to himself.
"So it wouldn't be like Candela went into a sexual relationship with me not knowing the truth," Philippe kept on talking to himself. "No, I'd better not get caught up in another relationship. I came here because I wanted to be with my own kind. I wanted to experience the freedom of being accepted for who and what I am. Not to get involved in a romantic relationship. I should walk away from this temptation."
"Chan, would you mind if I bought my little camera so I can take some pictures of us doing our work-out routine?"
"Yeah, that will be okay, as long as you don't give away our secret hideaway to the newspapers when you finally go back to civilization one day," Chan said.
/> "I promise you I won't do that. I will only keep them for personal reasons. If I should publish anything from the jungle, it will only be pictures from other places, not from this area here."
"That is okay, then. You can take some photos of all of us for your own personal photo album, so you have something to remember us by, whenever you get back home again," Chan said with a smile.
"Thanks Chan." Candela got busy taking photos of everyone willing to pose for her. Chan and Philippe hung up in the trees, laughing. One of the warriors took a photo of the three of them together. She got a photo of Chan, Romina and little Thomas together, all looking very happy. Candela was happy with the result. She cared for these people, and so far she enjoyed staying there with them, but didn't want to leave just yet.
"Of course the big attraction is Philippe," she said to herself once she was in her little guest room.
But I can't quite work him out. Sometimes he is so protective of me and a real gentleman. Other times, he is a bit aloof, and it feels like he's more or less avoiding me. I like the man, and I don't care if he is a shape-shifter. Where can I find a nicer person than Philippe? I've had a few boyfriends over the past few years, but it's never worked out. When I'm close to him, a warm feeling goes through me. I'm almost aroused."
She woke up in the middle of the night in a sweat from a nightmare. Shaken and scared, she wrapped the pelt around her and padded into Philippe for support. He looked up when she came into his room, wide awake, and lit a candle.
"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked.
"I had a nightmare that some wild natives attacked me." She looked pale and scared.
"Come here." He lifted his pelt up for her to crawl under. She quickly climbed in, and he tucked her in close to him. Oh, what am I going to do now? The poor girl is shaking all over. I'll have to protect her and make her feel safe. How am I going to handle being this close to her, when I can't just start making love to her?
Candela was still shaking all over, and tears ran down her face. Her dream must really have frightened her. Philippe held her close in his arms and he tried to calm her down the best he could.
"You are safe; you are okay. Nothing is going to harm you. No one can hurt you. I'll protect you. It was only a dream." Philippe stroked her hair. The shaking of her body slowly eased off, and after a while, only a few little shivers went through her body. She dozed off into a peaceful sleep.
She is sleeping now, my job is done. I don't suppose there is any harm in just holding her. This is going to be difficult; I have already got a hard-on. Philippe finally fell asleep too.
He woke up the next morning with the soft touch of Candela's kiss on his lips. He opened his eyes and looked into her sky-blue smiling eyes. "Thanks for making me feel safe last night," she whispered, and affectionately stroked his face.
"You are welcome." She is so beautiful! What am I going to do? Oh, I still have a hard-on. I can smell that she's aroused too. Maybe I should start to tell her how I feel and get it out in the open. I don't want her to feel I'm rejecting her.
"Candela, I think you are a beautiful woman, and I feel very attracted to you. As you know, I'm a shape-shifter and half-jaguar if I choose to shift. I am not sure it is a good idea to start a sexual relationship with you because we might both end up being hurt. I've had relationships before with human women, but as soon as they found out I was a shape-shifter, they broke up with me. So I've decided I will not enter into a relationship with another human again. It hurts too much."
"Oh Philippe, I'm so sorry for you. But I don't care what you are. I've had several relationships myself, but it never worked out. I have never met a man as nice and attractive as you before. I think it only adds to the attraction for me to find a guy like you. I think we could have an exciting life together," Candela said.
Philippe was surprised to hear such a confession from her. He had not expected that. What if it's only an interesting situation for her, and she thinks it's a novel experience? Then again, with the kind of attitude she has, maybe it could work for us. Philippe took her in his arms and held her close. "Are you sure?"
"Oh, yes, I'm sure." Candela put her lips close to his as an invitation to kiss her. An electric jolt went through Philippe; that was it, he could not control himself any longer.
"I'm already rock hard for you," he whispered. He cupped her face and kissed her tenderly for a long time. His hand found its way under her blouse and caressed her breast. He started to undress her. The heated touch of his skin against hers stirred her desire; she wanted him.
He kissed the curve of her neck. Her breasts rose as he worked his way down her chest with small kisses. He circled his tongue around her nipples and gently sucked one at a time. Candela moaned from his touches, lost in a world of sexual pleasure.
Philippe bent down between her legs and spread them out. He let his tongue sweep over her swollen clit.
"Oh, I'm going to burst! What are you doing to me?" She moaned as desire and lust flushed through her body.
Philippe was equally turned on. He had tried to push his feelings away, but now he had accepted them, and he was elated. He wanted to explore her body more and make his claim on her before he stimulated her to the point of climax. He didn't hurry. He took his time; he wanted this thrilling moment to last as long as possible.
He could sense she was ready and entered her as he kissed her passionately. The heat of their bodies seemed to melt them together as he thrust in and out of her with long, ardent strokes.
"Ahhhh!" A jerk went through her body as she orgasmed, and together, they reached a climax.
Philippe let out a cry of pleasure. He collapsed on top of her, breathing heavily. They lay like that for a little while. He rolled over on his side, took her in his strong arms, and held her close.
Philippe and Candela had finally bonded. When they came out for their morning rituals, Chan was waiting for them. He smiled when he saw them and sensed the new aura around both of them.
"There you are. You both look happy this morning. I sensed you had taken your relationship one step further," Chan said, and smiled as he nodded in approval. "Okay, let's get started. I thought we should start making a bow and arrows for Candela. If we all help, it shouldn't take us too long."
Candela clapped her hands. "I can't wait. I'll be able to shoot my own kills."
"Right, you got it; that's the whole purpose of this training. It's for you to be able to survive in the jungle on your own if you should be in such a situation."
CHAPTER EIGHT
"I think it's time we started to think about where we want to live. I have enough money saved up, so we could afford to buy a house now," Serena suggested to Tom. "I'd like to settle down somewhere here in Paris. We both have good jobs, and should be able to afford it."
"Let's go house hunting on the weekend," Tom said.
"Good idea. I'm looking forward to that," Serena said.
When the weekend came, they went around looking at houses. They found a few addresses they might be interested in. After looking at several over a couple of days, they found one they both liked, and decided to settle for that one.
"It is an older house, but with a few alterations, we should be able to make the house look more modern," Tom said.
"Yeah, that sounds good. I like the feel of the house; I can see it has potential," Serena agreed.
The house was in a nice suburb of Paris, not too far from where they worked. They were excited. Tom got busy drawing up some designs to make the house better and more modern. After working on the drawings for a while, he showed them to Serena. "What do you think?" Tom said.
"That looks great, and with the bathroom renovated, the house will be like new. But don't you think we should move in as soon as the settlement of the house is final? Then we can do the renovations one room at the time. We aren't used to so much space anyway, so we won't miss one room if we close it down for renovations," Serena said.
"Yes, I think we should do that. Then I can work on
the renovations in my spare time and get it finished a lot sooner," Tom agreed.
"I can't wait. Just think! We'll soon own a house, have it all to ourselves, and our parents can come for a visit and stay with us."
"I want you all to myself first before the family comes for a visit." Tom took her in his arms and gave her a long, passionate kiss.
Serena ran up the stairs to the apartment, anxious to tell Violet the good news, but sad to have to leave her.
"Violet, we found a house we like and are just waiting for the settlement to go through. I'm very excited, but also sad to leave you and this apartment. You've been such a good friend to me. I'll miss you," Serena said.
"I'll miss you too. I hope we can still keep in contact. Any time you need some female company and someone to confide in, I'm always going to be here for you," Violet said.
"That is good to know." Serena had tears in her eyes.
It didn't take them long to get settled into their new house with the few bits of furniture they had bought so far. They were in the process of putting sheets on their brand new big double bed when they both looked at each other and smiled. Tom laughed and threw the pillow up in the air, then got up on the bed and jumped around. He pulled Serena up there with him.
"Our very own bed! I think we better try it out," Tom said as he took her in his arms. He pushed her down on the bed, where they rolled around, kissing, laughing and in high spirits. "I'm so happy we finally have our own place and we're together again. I want you with me always," Tom said.
"Yes, it's wonderful to be together. We waited long enough!" Serena said.
Tom couldn't control his excitement, and planted small kisses all over Serena's face. He gently bit her earlobes and started to undress her while she laughed and giggled. He pulled his T-shirt off and pressed his muscular body close to her soft curves. The feeling of his hot skin against hers spurred Serena on. He cupped her breast and let his thumbs circle around her nipples.