29. A Story Part 1

If there was a way, I could describe what I’m seeing I would say old. Old as hell, ancient.

I stared at the building lobby with its wooden floors and walls. Windows tainted in brown gave the entire place an eerie vibe, or a very dark academia vibe. Even the paintings hung from the walls didn’t seem modern. They seemed old with a mystery surrounding them.

It was not what I expected when I saw it from the outside. In my mind, I had expected something different, like the building back in the States. This, I had no words for.

We stood in the middle of the place, waiting for someone, it seemed. Hector and Adonis seemed tense, if not uncomfortable.

I quietly observed with curiosity. Although the place seemed untouched by modern technology, you could see it was well taken care of.

Voices echoed down the hallway as we all turned to see who it was. Hector was the first to move and stand in front of me. I frowned but let him.

The voices became louder as someone laughed. I peered over Hector’s shoulder when a group of six men appeared and halted.

They seemed surprised, except for one who seemed pleased.

A smile spreads across his pale face as he raised his arms and headed our way. He immediately wrapped Adonis in a bear hug, which he seemed to be scowling at.

“Welcome, welcome! It’s been a while Billiot.” The stranger said and turned to look at Hector. “Mi amigo, welcome. I’ve wanted to call you. I needed to ask you something of importance, but it doesn’t matter now, does it?”

Hector chuckled and hugged him back. Laughter echoed around us as they both continued chatting. I stood in the middle, still surrounded by our entourage.

“I was expecting Callisto, but he informed me he wouldn’t come until much later. Which reminds me, I have a few things to show you as well as a few guns that you will love.”

I fiddle with the straps of my bag as I stand there waiting for some introduction.

“Now tell me how was the trip? Was it rough? I heard there was an attack. Bastards,” he shook his head and met my eyes. “Oh.”

Hector and Adonis followed his gaze back to me.

“Yophiel,” he said my name making me frown. I didn’t know him. “This is her,” he said as Adonis blurred in front of him, his arm raised.

"Just wait a moment, Doc. What do you think you’re doing?” Adonis hissed, fangs out and eyes as black as obsidian. “Don’t give up one more step.”

“Oh, but I won’t do anything.”

"Don't touch her, don't even come near her,” Adonis warned. I had no idea why he acted that way. He didn’t seem dangerous; on the contrary he seemed way too friendly.

Then I recalled the person they had mentioned before.

I asked, "Are you Dr. Alex?" I got their attention. He smiled, but it didn’t seem malicious at all.

“Yes, I see they told you about me. It’s a pleasure to meet you, although we have already met,” he inclined his head respectfully.

"We have met?"

“Yes, but you might not remember. It was ages ago when you were small.” He said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

It only took him that phrase for me to realize who this man was. Fear clawed in and I stepped back. Hector was next to me in a second, holding me steady.

He waved his hand like an old man as he said, "Oh bummers. I won’t harm you gorgeous. Now you must be tired. We can continue talking once you rest.”

He started walking back the same way with the group of other men that had been silent just watching and the vampires who came with us. But I didn’t move. I stood there, confused and scared.

“It’s all right,” Hector whispered as I looked up at him. “Alex is many things but not someone who will hurt you, so let’s go rest and then you will meet him later, alright?”

I reluctantly nodded because what else could I do?

***

We followed the group as Dr. Alex told us about our bedroom arrangements. Under Callisto's ridiculous orders, I am sleeping with one of my two companions.

I slept with Adonis before. It wasn’t that difficult, but this time things would be different and to my surprise, I would share a bedroom with Hector.

He seemed pleased, even happy to stay with me in the same room. It’s true Hector and I hit things differently since our first encounter, even friendly if we can call it that.

I never thought I would get along with a person of his kind and even call him a friend. But Hector felt more like a friend than anything.

“The sun is setting so I advise you all to get some rest. And please don’t go hunting. Blood will be delivered to your rooms and food for our gorgeous Yophiel. Now off you go boys and girls, I’ll see you tomorrow,” Dr. Alex waved as he disappeared down the hall. His high pitch voice disappeared with his group.

“I will go check on a few things, make sure Yophiel eats and Callisto said he would call you in an hour, so here this is for you,” Adonis said handing me the phone from earlier.

“I have one,” I said showing him the phone Darcy had given me back a couple of weeks ago after my accident with Seth that left me unconscious for a month.

“Still, this is the one Callisto gave me for you, make sure you keep it close at all times. And our numbers are registered on it." Adonis pushed the phone into my hands and vanished.

I rolled my eyes and turned to enter the room already being inspected by Hector.

I moved my eyes around the room. Like the rest of the building this one had some vintage decoration with the same wooden floors and walls.

Everything was in dark tones, even the drapes Hector pulled to the side. Maybe because we were inside, I hadn’t noticed that the sun had set down behind the mountains.

I went to the window and glanced outside. We were on the third floor of the building, so we had a nice view of the forest surrounding the place. From afar you could hear a few chirpings of birds and crickets.

“Why don’t you get a bath before Callisto calls?” I turned to Hector’s suggestion. “There’s warm water.”

I nodded and grabbed my bag. In silence, I searched through the clothes that Adonis had packed.

He really packed clothes but most were revealing and sporty. Seeing that he had packed a lot of sexy lingerie and none of my comfortable underwear, I cursed under my breath.

What was I supposed to do with that? Model it?

I sighed and slouched on my knees. Everything he piled into the bags was either black or grey with olive tones and two white tank tops. This was his choice of clothes, not the rest of the things the guys got for me.

I had to tell Callisto to bring me extra clothes. This won’t work.

“Is something wrong?" Hector asked from his spot. He placed his gun on the table.

“It’s nothing,” I turned back to stare at my clothes. I decided to grab a black cotton dress with two zippers on the front and my other bag and head to the bathroom.

I took a quick bath and in ten minutes I was out, exhausted and ready to crash into bed. But I had a call with Callisto, and I really needed to talk with him, especially about this hell of a mess he got me into.

As I placed the towel down, the phone rang. I ran out and saw that it was him.

“Hello?” I said, heading back to the bathroom.

“Are you busy?” Callisto asked.

“Just combing my hair.”

“Ok, get your laptop. I will give you some instructions so we can video talk.” I quickly returned and grabbed the bag where I had the laptop.

Finding a spot on the small coffee table, I sit on the floor and let the thing run until I’m logged in. “Ready.”

Callisto quickly instructed me how to log into a secure network using a program each computer had. He gave me a password and I logged in. Hanging the call, I set the phone aside and focused on Callisto who seemed to be in his bedroom.

I blushed for no reason which was stupid.

“Hey beautiful.”

“Hi,” I waved shyly.

Hector waved my way, letting me know he was leaving for a while. I nodded and returned my attention to Callisto who was speaking in Korean to someone.

I waited patiently for him to finish before talking.

"Now, is Hector staying with you?” he asked.

“Yes, how do you know?” I frowned.

“Adonis texted me. You could have stayed with Adonis you know."

He was right, but I shrugged.

“Phi.” I looked up. “I know you don't want this; I am aware. But you can tell me you know that right?”

Why was he saying that?

“Never mind, let’s start with your questions. I will answer them as we go along,” he said leaning back on his chair.

Not knowing what to ask first, I toyed with my fingers. As I glance to the side, I spot the box.

“What does the necklace do?” I asked. “I mean you said it would give me control or something like that while you’re not here?"

He nodded. “Yes, that necklace puts you in command Yophiel. In other words, you are the head of the bloodlines right now.”

"I'm WHAT?" I almost yelled.

Callisto laughed. “Calm down.”

“What do you mean by calm down? You just gave me a huge responsibility Callisto. I’m not even a vampire or a bloodline or anything!”

Was he serious now?

“You might not be a bloodline Yophiel, but you’re our everything, my everything. With that everyone will recognize you as the head of our army. And just one word will annihilate anything that stands before you.”

I sat speechless.

He could have told me to do anything else, but to make me the head of a race of monsters was too much.

“I can’t,” I said pushing the box onto the table. “I’m sorry but I can’t do it. I’m not important or have powers. I’m just a weak human Callisto. So no, I’m sorry but I can’t.”

He remained quiet watching me. I bit my lip feeling sorry for my silly self but it was the truth. I had nothing to offer.

“You’re important to me.”

I raised my head.

“You’re the most important person in this damned world Yophiel. I don't care if you're human or not, but your existence means everything to me. Take this chance not for me or others, but for yourself. I’m offering you a way to become stronger. To become someone your father didn’t expect.”

“But…” There had to be a way out of this.

“Give it a chance or at least try. If you don’t like it after I return, I will take it back and never show it to you again.”

The offer wasn’t that terrible. I could try, but what if everyone criticized me? I will be the laughingstock of all bloodlines, even humanity.

“Think about it and you can answer me by the end of this conversation or tomorrow morning. However, you want,” Callisto smiled.

It was nice that he wasn't pushing it too hard.

“May I ask something else?”

“Go on, this is your chance to ask anything,” he smiled back.

“Why were the guys mad?”

There was a pause before he sighed.

“Giving you the necklace means giving you the choice to become one of us in your human form. Although I know they haven’t voiced their concern having you as a human around us makes you vulnerable Yophiel, so the rest are just worried because it makes you the target of our enemies.”

I frowned recalling the time we were attacked while leaving Adonis compound.

“The humans won’t harm me if that’s what worries you,” I commented. “I mean last time they wanted me to escape but I chose to stay.”

“And for that you’ve become their target,” Callisto answered.

I leaned closer. “What do you mean by target?"

I didn’t like where this was going.

Callisto searched my face on the screen to see what he could say or not.

“Don’t leave me in the dark, Callisto. I hate that!” I groaned annoyed. “Just speak and tell me what is really going on!”

“The rebels know you’re with us,” he sighed, then reached for something. It was a wine glass full of blood.

I tried not to focus on that but it was impossible.

“They somehow found out we keep you with us. That we are interested in you and you also decided to come back to us that day.”

“And do they know about everything else? The lab, our connection, the offer of becoming like you?" I choked on the words.

My hands clutched the pillow I had on my lap. I could feel my heart thumping fast as I panicked.

“No,” he shakes his head. “They only know we are interested in you for a reason. But they don’t know which one.”

“Is that why you sent me here?”

“Yes,” he responded. “I’m sorry for not telling you earlier but I couldn’t risk it. Maybe you wouldn’t want to leave, and I couldn’t have you here when things become dangerous. You saw what happened after the bomb attack.”

He was right. Things were getting too dangerous lately, I even feared for their lives.

“Breathe, Yophiel,” he said and I glanced at him. “I can feel your worries.”

I rolled my eyes and breathed. I really needed to calm down, even my hands sweated a lot.

With a sigh, I leaned back and toyed with the pillow. “Is that the only reason they’re mad?”

“What do you mean?”

The conversation was still important, as many other things around me were. I rubbed my face, feeling tired.

“I mean they looked at the thing like it was poison to them. The way they stared at it earlier told me it wasn’t just the fact you handed me command of your bloodlines but also something else.” I stared at the screen. Callisto barely moved, his face stone, still and rigid.

It was so difficult to know what he was thinking.

“With that necklace you can command everyone, but also them. It may not be like becoming one of us. However, just wearing it will keep them respectfully away from you since it’s my blood in it, and you know I manipulate blood.”

I nodded.

“Well, that’s all," he shrugged.

“Then should I just wear it starting tomorrow?” I asked, picking up the necklace.

“Yes, you can wear it over a sweater or a dress. Just make sure it’s visible. Once everyone sees it, they will know what it means.”

“Oh, I just remembered. Could you bring me some extra clothes?

Callisto frowned. “Why? Didn’t you pack clothes?”

“It’s not that, it’s just that… Just bring me some please. Anything with sleeves and pants," I mumbled feeling dejected.

Callisto must think how dumb I am. But I can’t help it. Being around strangers makes me want to cover myself up more. I don’t like their stares, and earlier they were watching me.

Judging me, think about how awful I look.

“Fine, as you wish,” he smiled in defeat. “Anything else you need?”

I shook my head and we started talking about a few tasks I would be doing. One of them was to chat with Dr. Alex.

“Don’t worry, he won’t do anything."

“I know that Callisto, I’m just worried. Earlier I got the feeling he wanted to say something and I just freaked out, especially after he said we had met.”

Callisto side was silent.

“You will know more tomorrow."

I smiled wryly but remained positive.

“Is there anything else you want to ask?” Callisto cleared his throat.

I did. I had many things.

“I want to know something but it’s out of curiosity,” I said. “It doesn’t have to do with all this, but with something I saw.”

“Go on.”

"Are you the one who hurt Adonis?” the question came out of my mouth in a judging manner that I even flinched. “Don’t take it the wrong way. I just saw the scar on his face and was curious.”

What in heavens was I saying.

“I did,” he responded and I looked at him with my eyes wide.

I was lost for words.

“Why?” I asked nervously.

Callisto’s eyes darkened and I saw tension in his shoulders. “All you need to know is that sometimes when things don’t turn out my way, I must remind them who owns them. I don’t mind what you think, think whatever you want, but in this world Yophiel, I must keep things in check no matter what means I use.”

"I..." But was it necessary for him to be so aggressive?

I remember Adonis seemed furious that day.

“Yophiel, we are not entirely human. Remember that we will always be more monsters than anything else. Our instincts are primal, our desires are animalistic and although you help us in a way, we won't be humans again. Our genes were not modified to return to life to be humans. We are nightmares and the most terrible ones for decades to come.”

I lowered my head, thinking about his words.

“Then what about when they drink my blood? Wouldn’t they also become humans?”

He frowned. A deep crease on his pristine face.

“They? What are you thinking Yophiel?” he hissed.

I muttered a curse and took a deep breath. “What if I let others bite me?”

“Is that what you want?”

I retorted, hating the way he was becoming aggressive. “I’m just asking. Would my blood have the same effect on them?”

Something crossed his face before he sighed and leaned back. His face was away from the screen.

“Yes, but we need to try it. I know I told you before that we feel human if we drink blood from you, but I can’t trust the rest to drink from you. I don’t know their control.” Callisto seemed troubled but hey, I was just asking out of curiosity although I was tempted to let someone else bite me. “Darcy found out that depending on the amount of blood we ingest, we can be transformed for one day or a few hours. He is still testing some of my blood from when I drank from you.”

“He said that?” That was news.

"Yeah, but it's still in the trial phase. I lasted almost a day so we need more. I can’t let anyone harm you.”

I chuckled at his words. “All of you may hurt me in any way. I am vulnerable around you all.”

Maybe I rounded them into the same group but they all hurt me one way or another, well with the exception of Hector who has been the most behaved one.

And now that I think about it, I never had an issue with him. Not even one.

“I got another question.” I said looking down at the necklace over the pillow. The red blood gleamed softly in the light. “What would happen if I’m captured by humans?"

I didn’t look up, I waited but then heard a glass shatter and looked up worriedly.

Callisto’s hand bled as his fangs grew long and scary sharp.

All his body language changed in a second and though he was not really in front of me I feared him.

“I would bring doom to the world, Yophiel. I would hunt each human until I had you back in my arms because you belong to us. Only us.”

After angrily saying goodbye, Callisto ended the call. I stared at the screen. He was furious, almost like my words hurt him.