Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
“Hello, Mr. Saunders,” Cameron greeted him with a smile.
Eddie strolled over, armis crossed, and eyed Cameron up and down. “Don’t be so formal. Just call me Eddie like Brad does.”
Cameron stayed silent. She wasn’t one to act so chummy right off the bat.
Bradley swung open the rear car door and helped Pearl out.
Pearl stretched leisurely on the ground. Even in that laid-back pose, the raw power of a wild predator was palpable.
The four servants didn’t bat an eye at the sight of Pearl. Their calm demeanor made sense-after all, they were professional wild animal handlers Bradley had hired.
Eddie sidled closer to Cameron, eyes wide. “Damn! That tiger’s a monster! One bite and you’re toast, right?”
Cameron just stared, at a loss for words.
Bradley pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses. “Eddie, are you feeling brave enough to test that theory?”
Eddie glared at him. “Get lost.”
Chuckling, Bradley turned to Cameron. “Let’s go. I’ll show you the back.”
“Back there?” Cameron turned to look behind the castle, where an endless expanse of lush trees stretched into the distance,
Bradley nodded,
Eddie sidled up. “Count me in.”
Pearl roared and edged closer to Cameron, prompting Eddie to hastily retreat behind Bradley.
Seeing Eddie’s unease, Cameron hesitated. “It…probably won’t bite?”
Eddie eyed the tiger warily. “You sure?”
Cameron shrugged. “Actually… Uh, not entirely.”
Eddie blinked. “Well.”
Bending down, Cameron ruffled Pearl’s furry head. “Be good, Pearl. Mr. Saunders is my friend.”
Pearl let out a low rumble, nuzzling Cameron’s palm as if understanding.
Bradley led them around the castle to the rear, where a dense forest loomed, separated by the iron fence twice a man’s height.
Pearl let out an eager growl, the call of a predator drawn to the wild.
Bradley unlatched the gate, and in a flash, Pearl bolted into the forest, letting out an excited growl.
“Pearl!” Cameron moved to follow.
But Bradley stopped her. “You can’t go in there.”
“Why?” she asked, puzzled.
Bradley explained, “That’s untouched wilderness, full of predators. It’s dangerous.”
“But Pearl…” Cameron frowned slightly.
“Pearl is a tiger,” Bradley said. “It will be fine.”
Cameron hesitated. “But Pearl has been captive all its life.”
“That doesn’t erase its instincts.” Bradley was calm.
Minutes later, Eddie gasped. “Look!”
Cameron and Bradley both turned. Pearl came bounding back, proudly carrying a half-grown deer in its jaws.
Cameron was stunned.
Bradley opened the gate, and Pearl trotted in triumphantly. The gate clicked shut behind it.
Pearl dropped its prize at Cameron’s feet with a proud growl.
Cameron stroked Pearl’s head. Without hesitation, Pearl tore into the deer’s throat, blood splattering as it feasted.
Eddie recoiled. “That’s…brutal.”
Bradley shrugged. “It’s just nature’s law.”
“Brad, you’re colder than a sewer rat,” Eddie pouted.
Bradley rolled his eyes at him.”
Watching Pearl relish its meal, Cameron smiled. She thought, ‘This place is perfect. But
“Is this forest open access?” she asked, worrying that Pearl would run off.
Bradley shook his head. “It’s completely enclosed. The walls are over 50 feet high with electric wiring. Only birds get through.”
Cameron raised a brow. “Good. Impressive setup.”
Eddie grinned, flashing his charming eyes. “You bet it is, bro. It took me forever to scout this spot for Pearl in Viremont.”
Before Cameron could thank Eddie, Bradley cut in, “I paid for it.”
Eddie scoffed, “I did the legwork.”
Cameron smiled, “Thank you, Brad. And Mr. Saunders.”
Eddie groaned, “Just call me Eddie.”
Cameron nodded. “Thank you, Eddie.”
“Anytime.” Eddie winked.
Bradley gestured to the four guys outside. “Pearl will stay here. I hired them specifically to take care of Pearl from now on.”
Cameron was overwhelmed with gratitude, unsure how to properly express it. “Brad, I’ll cover their salaries,” she said. “And this place… I’m renting it from you. How much per month?”
After a pause, she added, “I might not have enough upfront. Could I pay monthly?”
Eddie waved a hand dismissively. “You and Brad go way back. Why bother with money? Just take it.
Bradley shot Eddie a look before turning to Cameron. “How about paying yearly? 300 thousand dollars per year. Just write me an IOU
Cameron blurted out, “That cheap?” Even a cramped zoo enclosure cost 30 thousand dollars a month. While this sprawling estate, which was complete with hunting grounds and four caretakers, only cost 300 thousand dollars a year.
Bradley nodded. “Friendship discount.”
Eddie chuckled, “Brad, are you actually a lawyer? 300 thousand dollars a year? You won’t recoup costs for a century. Did you flunk math?”
Bradley rolled his eyes at Eddie.
Flushing, Cameron offered, “Brad, maybe reconsider the price.”
“The property is mine,” Bradley said. “300 thousand dollars a year. Don’t listen to Eddie. He’s talking nonsense.”
Eddie was speechless, thinking, ‘300 thousand dollars a year? That’s practically making it free then.’
Pearl, having finished her venison feast, was contentedly licking its paws.
“Come on,” Bradley said, heading inside. “Let’s draft that IOU.”
“I do have 300 thousand dollars handy,” Cameron admitted. “I could transfer it now.”
Bradley paused mid-step. “Better with an IOU. I don’t know my account details.”
Eddie laughed, “I know mine! Transfer it to-“
Bradley’s cold stare shut him up.
Eddie fumed internally. He thought, ‘You’re glaring at me? I’m your brother!’
“It doesn’t matter. I’ll wait for the details, Brad,” Cameron said.
“Alright.” Bradley nodded.
They entered the castle. The ancient-style castle sprawled across acres, its five above-ground and three subterranean floors exuding opulence.
