Cross Bitten

No where to run

Annie’s POV

My eyes finally adjust and I look up to see two very attractive tall men a few feet from me talking.

“Ophelia is here I can sense her, I can even faintly smell her.” Says the taller of the two, a well built man, with a strong jawline and jet black hair that’s tied back. The other one slightly shorter, and lighter skinned, with very pronounced features, and short slicked back silver hair rubs his chin as if pondering something before responding.

“Can you tell how close? Perhaps she is here with us, maybe it’s her.” They both turn toward me. I begin to stand to my feet, before hearing Olivia call to me, as she pulls herself out of the tunnel with the others not far behind.

“Annie are you ok?” She asks as she runs to my side. Now both men have turned their full attention to her, and we hear a low deep growl.

“It has to be one of them, that or she is extremely close! I can almost taste her!”

Olivia and I look to each other before turning our attention back to the two men. “I’m sorry to be the one to disappoint you, but there is no one here with the name Ophelia.” I say with my arms crossed over my chest. The taller one smirks a devilish smirk, before quickly turning around with teeth bared at an uncomfortable looking group of guys.

Tony throws his arms up in front of his chest as he backs up slowly.

“whoa, whoa, whoa, let’s all relax.” I say seemingly causing everyone to freeze. The two larger gentlemen turn toward each other first and then back toward me, a smile spreading on their faces.

“So sorry.” Says the shorter one as he walks over to me before taking my hand and kissing it gently.

“My name is Davin, and this is Markus.” He says pointing to the larger man. “ and it would appear we are in luck, because you are the very lady we were looking for!”

Olivia quirks her eye brow, “I thought you two were looking for Ophelia?” Markus lets out a small chuckle before walking closer to her and offering a devilish grin “This one’s beautiful and attentive I see!” Olivia blushes at his response before Juan appears and wraps his arms around her waist pulling her back and into his body.

I turn my attention back to Davin giving him a look of curiosity,

“and why would you be looking for me exactly?”

“We were sent by Mr.Vondervelg, he saw the attacks on the news and was concerned you may not be able to make your flight, so we came to offer our assistance.”

I squint my eyes at him, “and how exactly did you know to open a hatch in the middle of the road, or that I’d be inside?” Davin grins and lets out a small chuckle.

“A few of those...cannibals were blocking the vehicle. We were taking care of the issue when I heard a noise from the ground, I thought perhaps there were more.”

I stare at him considering his response, “Okay then, what’s the plan now that you have found me?”

“To take you to the plane of course!”

Davin gestures toward a large deep red SUV with black out windows. I look over to Olivia who I can tell is a bit nervous.

“Who will be joining you Annie?” Asks Markus as he looks around at all of my choices.

“Olivia.” I state without hesitation

“Lovely” Markus says as he stares at Olivia, rubbing his hands together and giving her a smirk.

Juan leans toward me “I don’t think I like this whole deal, I feel like if you absolutely have to bring someone, it should be one of us guys.”

I put my hand on his shoulder and give him a reassuring smile.

“It is just an interview, I’m sure we will be back by tonight if not sooner. You have nothing to fear, think about who they work for!” Juan considers my words and let’s out a sigh.

“I guess you are right, just look out for each other, OK?” I give him a knowing glance and a hug before I shoo him back to Olivia and make my way to Tony and Phil.

“Annie when you get the job don’t forget about us, maybe put in a good word.” Phil nudges my shoulder playfully. Making me laugh.

“The best crew, I’d never forget you! You guys be safe, and give Lidia all the footage. Tell her I will call her in the morning.” I give them both a tight hug before climbing into the SUV, Olivia right behind me.

“Are you ready for this?” Olivia asks.

“I feel like I need to freshen up, but other then looking rough around the edges I’m as ready as I’ll ever be!” I respond with a laugh. Markus turns around to look at me, “The plane is fully stocked, you should find all you need to freshen up.” He says with a wink.

Well that settles that I guess, I lay my head back and close my eyes. Might as well rest while I can.

******************************

Pete’s POV

I crush the vile in my hand, Cynthia looks at me with concern. “Pete, you have been at this for the last hour, you have that interview soon, go take a break and clean up, you can work on it later.”

I look at her with frustration on my face before running my hand through my hair and taking a deep breath. She’s right, I need to be clear headed and focused for this.

It’s just so infuriating. I’ve run test after test and I can’t figure out how to recreate this blood. While most people think I’m in the business of blood transfusion to save lives, I’m really only in it to help find a way to sustain our kind. For centuries we had to work so hard just to get what we needed, and often the meal you got isn’t exactly the one you wanted. I knew there had to be a better way. So I made this company, it helps some people sure, but more so it’s a way for us to check and filter out the strongest blood.

About 15 years ago everything changed when we had a mystery donor come in. The blood was beautiful and rich, with almost specks of gold. When drank this blood gave prolonged periods to sunlight, added 75% more strength than the average blood, produced feelings of warmth, allowed those that drank it to feel emotions and sensations that only humans could enjoy prior. I also found it to have incredible healing strength. Test after test I performed I learned so much, but the one thing I have yet to do is figure out which species it came from. I have never even come close to any blood like it again.

Over time this rare blood has been used and been depleted. I am now down to one small vile to try and replicate or find the source of. It is so frustrating to be so close yet so far from an answer. I spend hours every day in my lab trying to crack the code, but I can never quite figure it out.

Awe well, I think to myself, Cynthia is right I need to get ready. I head up to my room to get cleaned up.

I get out of the shower and wrap a towel around my waist and brush my hair back. I spray myself with my alluring calogn, if my persuasiveness isn't enough this always works, I have never been told no when I wear it.

I head out of the bathroom to finish getting ready and look up to see Cynthia sitting there on my bed in a very short skirt and very low cut shirt.

I have been using Cynthia for months to study the effects of her blood on my kind. Cynthia is a special type of hybrid, as she possesses the blood of a Gnome. After using her as a willing donor, I noticed I could stay in the daylight for prolonged periods of time, something I was only previously able to do with the help of magic. I can go multiple days off one feeding usually. However, there are also side effects. I have to be careful how often I feed on her because her blood also depletes and weakens me while it is in my system.

"I came to tell you the plane is almost here, and see if maybe you wanted a little boost before the interview." She smiles and tilts her head to the side.

I stare at her ,eyes locked, and before she can even blink I am on top of her with my hand wrapped around her throat,

"How many times have I told you, never come into my quarters without an invitation! If I need you for any reason I will call for you, do I make myself clear!?!?"

"Y-yes sir, S-sorry." Cynthia chokes out before I release her letting her catch her breath. I motion for the door and she hurries out without another word. I suck in a deep breath before turning around to finish getting ready. If there is one thing I really don't like it is uninvited guests. Everyone here knows this, and recently she has become a little too comfortable.

I turn to my wardrobe and pick out a nice button up and a pair of jeans. Once I am dressed, I head down the hall to the elevator and head to the lobby. I turn the corner and see her sitting there so beautiful and radiant. I can hear her heart racing, she is nervous but exudes calmness and confidence. Annie stands to greet me with a warm smile.

"Mr.Vondervelg?" she stretches out her hand to me, "Annie Levay, It is a pleasure to meet you." I take her hand and kiss the top of it

"The pleasure is all mine Ms.Levay and you can call me Pete." I smile and turn to her friend, also quite lovely, "and who did you bring with you?"

"This is my roommate and good friend Olivia." Olivia smiles and stands to shake my hand.

"Pleased to meet you Mr.Vondervelg!"

"Thank you for coming, I hope you don't mind spending a little more time with Markus and Davin while Annie and I chat a bit?"

Olivia blushes slightly before replying, "Of course, no problem at all."

"Wonderful, Cynthia will you please call for Markus and Davin, tell them I would love if they gave Olivia a tour."

Cynthia nods before looking down, avoiding my gaze.

I smile and motion for Annie to follow me to my office, before the latch clicks shut I hear her scream, and then a male voice speaks, "Well, well, look who we have here!"