The Blood Heiress

Release

Adella

I was alone at breakfast, which suited me just fine. I was sore from head to toe. I stabbed the piece of cantalope in front of me and then stabbed it again for good measure. When we had finished with our sparring lesson, I had come back to the room to find missed calls from both Cassian and Verity. When I had returned them, only Verity had answered.

Apparently, I was still out visiting the captial with Evander on business. Having never actually been there myself, I found it hard to answer her questions. Initially, I had to steer the conversation away from specific quesitons more than once. But once we got into our steady rhythym again, the words came easily.

Verity was doing well, has restarted classes and was also startung to show. She was little concerned about her persistent fatigue but her doctor wasn't super worried. Overall, the time we spent chatting went well and acted as a balm for my insecurity concerning Cass.

He had left quite the long message. I could hardly discern exactly what he was getting at, but I gathered that he wanted me to stay put with Evander for now, he missed me, and he might be hard to reach in the coming days. My heart sunk lower. I heard his words, understood most of them but couldn't push the thought away that he was distancing himself from me. I had so little experience with this sort of thing and it made it hard to figure out what exactly had gone wrong. Did I do something? Was it the trouble I had caused when I had started to transition? Was I too much work?

Done with breakfast, my appetite absent, I pushed out my chair and left the dining room in the same dark mood I had gotten out if bed with. After a quick change into my workout attire, I journeyed to the gym. Evander was waiting for me, as was quickly becoming his habit. Or maybe it had always been his habit and he was simply making room for me in it. So thoughtful to take in this wayward neophyte. I made a face at his turned back as he situated himself on his yoga mat. We started with the stretching, with me pushing through the soreness and moved on to the treadmill in absolute silence. I snuck a glance at him, he was focused, confident and absolutely fine with the quiet surrounding us. This was better than the alternative. I wasn't certain that I was ready for another charged conversation. I tore my attention from him and chided myself. I was still caught up on the moments where with my back up against the wall, seperated from each other by mere inches. The feeling of his breath on my neck, the flames that fanned out from his almost touch. The way that my breath had hitched when his words were whispered into my ear. My eyes traveled on their own to him again. I shivered and the heat rose into my cheeks. He caught me and slightly raised an eyebrow in question. Swiftly, I turned back to staring outside. We moved through the rest of the circuit of exercises wordlessly, neither of us eager to break the silence. I took note of the increase in the difficulty the regimen proveided today and silently praised myself for rising to the challenge. My body was evolving to match the rigor rapidly. Almost impossibly so. I was certain that this was an effect of the partial transition.

When our conditioning concluded, I grabbed my water bottle and wordlessly headed for the exit.

"Adella" His crisp voice sent another shiver down my spine. I half turned to better hear him. "We meet in twenty." I nodded and went back to my room.

When I entered I immediately noticed the package on my bed. It hadn't been there earlier. Curious, I picked it up and found the included, attached note with its one word scrawled elegantly on it.

Enjoy -E

I tossed the package back to the bed as if it burnt my hands and turned on my heel to the bathroom. Taking off my shirt I turned to examine in the mirror my barely there scar. It was quickly becoming a bad habit. The one reminder of the moment my entire world was irrevocably changed. I wasn't sure how I felt about it. Whether I should be thankful or hateful. I undressed the rest of myself and got into the hot water. Evander had been right when he said that I had gone through alot recently. The gravity of it all was finally sinking in.

I let it fall on the sore muscles of my back. My hand wandered down my stomach and settled inbetween my folds. I couldn't remember the last time I had had a chance to do this. My fingers explored and ran back and forth along my slit. Spending time working my c**t on each pass.

Cassian's face lit by the lamplight of Occidental Park filled my vision. His smirk on those full lips, his stubble, his kind eyes tenderly looking down at me. It sent a wild heat blooming up from my core. I applied pressure to that special bundle of nerves and set a firm pace.

His lips were on mine, me straddling his lap, I could feel his arousal straining against his pants beneath me. He was sucking on my bottom lip, biting it intermittantly between his teeth. My mouth opened to let his tongue in to taste, to explore, then to tangle with my own.

I applied more friction, relishing the way my core began to coil. The tension building. I dipped a finger in my wet opening, letting out a low moan.

Cass's hands began their sneaky trip under my shirt where they went under my bra and they gently each cupped a breast. I had never gone this far with anyone and had let out a gasp into his mouth. He pulled back and smiled satisfied with my response. That amazing, carefree smile.

I picked up my pace, the coil tightening further. Our kiss had been broken, he had started sucking and kissing a trail from my ear to my collar, eliciting soft moans from me. I began to pant and leaned against the back wall of the shower.

His fingers had eventually pinched my n*****s and tenderly rubbed them back and forth. Another first for me.

The wall against my back was cold. But the warm water was beating against my breasts adding to the building tension. I arched my back, teetering on the edge. I gave my c**t a little more friction, the memory of his fingers on my n*****s filling my mind once more.

That did it for me, pushing me over the edge. My climax sending cascading waves of pleasure rocking through me. I let out a last shuddering moan.

Slowly, I slid down to the floor, waiting for my breathing to steady, my vision to clear. The streams of water coming from above plastering my dark, long hair to my face. The blinding euphoria soon gave way to reality all too quickly.

The insecurities, the uncertainties, the overwhelming nature of my identity crashed down on me. I let out a strangled sob and buried my head in my knees. The tears started coming fast and strong with more sobs on their heels. Gratefully the water washed them away.

With my tears completely spent, I rose shakily to my feet and turned off the water. I swiftly dressed myself in my preplanned outfit complete with comfortable yet appropriate footwear. Next, I dried my hair as well as I could and styled it. I gave the gift another look on my way out the door. I was running behind by five minutes.

Evander said nothing when I arrived a whole lot less put together than I had been yesterday. He had however, given my outfit a once over, his expression unreadable. I was thankful though that he had not uttered a word about it or my tardiness. The elevator had already been called and arrived almost simultaneously with me. We boarded and rode quietly down to the office.

It was today's theme apparently. Work was quiet too. It had just been Evander and I all day with no interruptions. Today my task was to sit with him behind his desk as he went through contracts with various vendors and suppliers. I needed to be educated about them, so I was to listen and absorb what he had to offer. Which were well made and why, which were poorly made and why. What specific things to look out for. Red flags, pitfalls etc. He was a knowledgable and effective teacher. I learned far more than I ever thought there could be to learn about contracts. In between impromptu lessons, I was to be perusing the accursed resumes again. But with so little direction I simply flipped through them aimlessly.

When lunchtime came, I was all too happy to get up and stretch my legs. He, of course, remained steadfastly at his desk absorbed in the same contract he had been with for the majority of the morning. Bringing myself to the windows I watched the cubicles empty out with their occupants heading all to the far right corner and disappearing down a hallway. Hunger pangs snarled at me as I watched them all laughing and chatting on their way out. I realized then, that I had no idea how I was going to acquire food for lunch today. The first day we had gone to the restaurant, yesterday had been catered during the meeting but today.... I hadn't prepared anything. It hadn't even been a thought.

The last few employees disappeared and I decided then and there to figure out where they were headed for their lunchtime and possibly get a chance to meet some of them. I threw a careful glance back at Evander and found him to be the same as before.

As noiselessly as possible, I opened the office door and shut it. A small thrill of adventure went through me. Exploring an office and tracking down where the employees were headed wasn't something me from a few months ago would have found exciting. But it was better than anything I had come across recently. I was unsupervised, unescorted and completely on my own. Sweet freedom!

I made my way through the middle of the floor where the personal cubicles were. A few of them caught my eye as I passed, their personal touches were intriguing. I stopped a few times to examine them closer. Some employees had put alot of heart into their spaces. Others were sparse, workspaces only.

The hallway was not straight. It had a few jogs in it. But I could hear a symphony of voices coming form wherever it led. The voices grew louder and more inviting the closer I came. After no more than I minute I arrived at a large cafeteria. It was slightly reminiscent of my high school cafeteria all grown up and larger. Every table was claimed by one group or another, sometimes two. Everyone was chatting and enjoying their break together. I paused at the entrance, very aware that I had no ties to any of them, and no money. Also predominantly, that I hadn't ever been what one would call a social butterfly. What had I been thinking?

"Did you think I was going to let you go hungry?" Evander's smooth voice startled me and I whirled around. Caught red handed.

"I didn't want to disturb you."

"Next time please do. I don't wish you to be uncomfortable on my account. I have called up catering. It should be no more than another fifteen minutes." My mouth pulled up to oneside. Don't want me to be uncomfortable? Sure you don't. I had a mental file of evidence from previous conversations that proved otherwise.

I looked back at the cafeteria and resigned myself to eating in his office. I walked past him. His voice stopped my return to the office to await the food he had summoned.

"Would you like to eat here instead?" I turned again, a little more excited than I should have been.

"Yes." My eyes looked over the scene again. He waited for me to reach him and then we walked out into the cafeteria together. All the conversation hushed immediately and the attention turned to us. Walking in with the boss, I should have expected it. I studied his reaction to the attention and as always he was a stoic neutral.

He brought us to the food line, those ahead of us nervously watching.

"Sir, here you can cut ahead of us. We know how busy you are."

I shook my head and gave them a smile at there offer and waited for Evander to say something. Instead it looked as he meaned to take them up on their offer. Taken aback, I placed a hand on his arm. He turned to me and I subtly shook my head. He couldn't cut in front of his employees, that wouldn't set a good example.

"Thank you for the offer but we are content to...wait in line" While his refusal was half hearted, he remained in his spot. I let go of his arm and turned my attention to the food behind the glass. It sprawled on for a good thirty feet. I had never seen so many options at a cafeteria. I wondered how much of this was wasted on vampires. But then I suppose some of them may have been like me and needed food.

"What are you going to get?" I looked to him to find his attention focused squarely on me this entire time.

"Blood, I am not particularly hungry at the moment." The line moved steadily forward. My mouth salivated at the delights we passed. A few tempted me enough to fill my plate.

"They serve blood..." I stopped myself. Of course they serve blood here.

"Yes, all types. We have the largest bloodbar of any vampire institution." We arrived at the pay station and a starstruck cashier took one look at Evander and waved us through, free of charge. He gave her a small nod and led me over to the far wall for our drinks, utensils, napkins and...blood.

"All types? How many types of blood are there?" Saying the word so many times made it sound less nausea inducing and marginally ridiculous.

"As many as there are people."

"Everyone's blood is different?" I had thought there were only so many different blood types.

"Yes, every person has a unique blood profile. With different flavors, notes, finishes. Much like wine. That is part of what we do here at Santos Industries."

"Catalog blood?"

"Not quite, though our catalog is extensive."

He held up his glass and carefully considered each option in front of us. Anticipation evident on his face. Each different refridgerated dispenser was filled with the crimson stuff. I was ashamed at my body's initial reaction to the sight. There was a compulsion at the sight of it all. I...craved it. A label on the dispenser gave the specifics of what was inside. Top notes, finish, general flavor, enhacements, age and some other symbols and letters I wasn't sure of. If I hadn't known what was truly being served I would have had no clue with the way it was all described.

"What does that date mean?" I pointed at some small writing in the corner of the label.

"The production date."

"Production? Is that the date that you...acquired it?" In that moment it became abundantly clear to me why I got nasueated at the thought of drinking blood. This all came from people. What kind of people? Where were they being disensanguenated? Were they willing? I took a few steps back from the lineup of options.

Evander made his decision and joined me at my post, a few paces back, concern briefly flitted across his face. "It is better if I show you. I will have to take you to the production facility."

I bit my lip and looked up at him, gauging if he was joking. Why would he ever think I wanted to see that? He placed his hand on the middle of my back and steered me to an empty table. The whispering and stares picked up again as we passed by others. Unconciously, I noticed all the glasses with blood in them. Every single person seemed to have one.

I looked down at the food I had chosen, appetite gone again. Evander stalled momentarily when we arrived. He reached for my chair for a moment amd then thought better of it and seated himself. I cast a quick glance aside and also seated myself. We were along the windows that looked out upon the city.

The Santos industries building wasn't the tallest building in the city but it was in this part.

I forced myself to eat a few bites of the food that had previously looked so appetizing. I was still grateful to be out among all the people and out of the office. It was just the blood issue. My focus turned to the liquid in Evander's glass as he sipped on it casually. His eyes surveying the room full of his employees.

While I was grateful to be here it looked like our presence was stifling many of the others in the room. Equal parts interest and anxiety.

"I see you have chosen the macaroni and cheese."

"Yes, it is pretty good too. A nice blend of cheeses." I cleared my throat. "How is your...blood?"

"This is one of our newer offerings. It is a bit bitter for my tastes. May have to take this back and rework the flavor."

"Oh um, what was it supposed to taste like?"

"More chocolate notes with raspberries. Less overwhelming bitterness." He took a big drink and set the drink down. "Are you finished already?"

"My appetite wasn't a big as I had thought."

"I see, why don't we go see what catering brought up and finish what we started."

I nodded and brought my plate over to the tray return, he set his glass on it once I had set it down.

The murmuring of the diners behind us picked up tenfold as we walked back to the office.

"You intimidate them"

"I am sure I do."

"You prefer them to?"

"Some of them yes. Keeps them working, productive. Not everyone though."

We entered the office to find an array of nuts, meats and cheeses spread out on a table along the wall. My appetite returned.

Evander smiled indulgently at my reaction. "Help yourself. Then come and tell me which candidates you find most appealing."

Ugh, this again. I grabbed a small plate and loaded up on snacks. We had two more hours of scheduled work before it was time to return back to the penthouse to spar.

Anxiously I sat down and looked through the resumes once more. Not a single person stood out. How was I supposed to choose? What was the criteria?

He waited expectantly, I grabbed a resume at random and held it up to him.

"Fontana Gregorio?" He took the resume and looked it over. "What about Miss Gregorio did you like"

Shoot! Think quickly! "Her professional dress."

He set it aside and gave me knowing look. "I hope that you are not simply picking people based on their dressing habits. While important it is not paramount and can be taught later if needed."

"Understood." I hung my head and picked at the paper at the top pfnthe stack.

"Do you have any others?"

"No"

"No? No one else. We interviewed over fifty applicants."

This wasn't working. "Why don't you pick then? You won't even tell me what the job is that I am filling with these applicants. That matters a great deal."

"You were never informed what the position was?" His brows knitted together for a moment and frustration twisted his lips.

"No. I tried to tell you yesterday" I sent him a pointed look. He was lost in thought.

"My apologies Miss Mayville was in charge of informing you. It is for a personal assistant." He confessed and gave me an apologetic smile.

"No wonder she was worked up about it" I blurted out without much forethought.

"Oh no. it isn't a replacement for Miss Mayville." Evander tried to hide one of his amused chuckles. His words only added to my confusion. "The position is for a personal assisstant for you."

"Me? I hardly do enough to warrant an assisstant." Why was he still smiling? Was this his misguided idea of a joke? Had this whole mentorship been a set up to illuminate how inept I was? I needed to get a handle on my runaway thoughts. Turning from him I refused to play into whatever he had set up.

"Now yes, but soon you will be doing more and eventually you will be running your own company." His cool voice had a softer, warmer edge to it and it beckoned me to face him again. This wasn't a twisted joke at my expense? I tentatively let a smile grow on my lips.

"Why now and not when I take over?" What would I have them do? Get me lunch?

"Better to get to know them now, have them train under Miss Mayville. Wouldn't do to throw you into training your assistant when you have just assumed control." His logic was sound and I found myself feeling grateful for his meddling this time. Even if I had to dig through layers to uncover the whole picture.

"Is it too late to interview them again?" I ventured to ask him rather sheepishly, staring at the stack of resumes once again.

"It is unorthodox but we could pull a few back for a second round." My eyes grew wider and did not waver their focus from the pile that appeared to grow larger by the second. I didn't want to have to choose. I would choose incorrectly, I knew it. "How about I pull the most promising and then you can make the final decision?" My smile was instant and wide, I nodded, relief evident.

"Thank you I would like that."