I had been on the ranch for roughly two months, surrounded by the rustic beauty of nature. Magnum, my friend, had sent a message inquiring about my whereabouts, expressing his concern. With caution, I assured him of my safety. Engaged in fleas, I had a feeling Magnum would eventually discover my secret hideaway.
In our conversation, Magnum revealed that Damon's recovery had been a slow process, taking a month to regain his strength, and only recently had he rejoined the lively pack of Adam and Bran. Meanwhile, I had been indulging in new hobbies during my time away, including the art of tree felling.
The ranch now boasted a total of 15 llamas and 20 alpacas, their skittish demeanor mirroring that of horses. Feeding them required a gentle touch, just as I would with the horses.
Interestingly, Mimosa, my faithful companion, possessed a unique ability to navigate among the llamas without triggering their flight response. However, when I approached, their instinctual fear forced them into a mass exodus. Alongside my growing llama family, I had recently gained a flock of beautiful, exotic-looking chickens, their feathers fluffy and mesmerizing to behold. My plans also included introducing a pair of peacocks, although that endeavor was still in progress.
Emotionally, I had found solace in this ranch life, experiencing sheer joy and contentment. I took pleasure in cooking, nurturing my animals, and admiring them from a distance. Mimosa, ever-independent, was free to roam and explore at her own leisure.
Our hunting expeditions had proven fruitful, resulting in an abundance of kangaroo meat. Aware of the surplus in Australia, we had responsibly undertaken this endeavor. Equipped with a spacious SUV and a reliable pickup truck, we ventured into the wilderness, efficiently carrying out our tasks.
Word of our kangaroo removal service had spread throughout the local community, thanks to our introduction and explanation of our background. The response was overwhelming, with many individuals reaching out to collaborate. Proper authorization had been got from the authorities, granting us the privilege to hunt as much as we could. Rabbits were among the creatures we could pursue.
And we had done a few times where Mimosa would go off and I would then take the form of a big silver grey wolf. Mine was a silver grey, shiny-haired and short-haired wolf, almost as big as Mimosa and a lot more robust, but we were a pretty good pair when we went out full moon hunting.
The moonlight bathed the forest in an ethereal glow as we prowled through the underbrush, our paws making soft, rustling sounds against the fallen leaves. The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, heightening our senses as we searched for our prey.
We always got a good haul, the thrill of the chase fueling our hunt. As dawn broke, we loaded our bounty into the car, the metallic scent of blood mingling with the crisp morning air. We had one butcher man or some such carcass handler to whom we left our catch. He skillfully skinned the animals, sending the hides to be tanned, while he expertly chopped and packed the meat. Often, we had the previous batch with us when we brought more in, the mingling aroma of fresh and aging meat filling the car.
Now, we had 15 full-grown red giant kangaroos, 80 rabbits, and a couple of deer. I helped the man load the carcasses into his warehouse, the weight of them straining my muscles as I paid him a fair price. In return, I received the previous batch of hides, meat, and bones, their weight adding to the heaviness of my truck. Mimosa's anticipation filled the air as she eagerly awaited her share of the meat.
On our way back home, we made a detour to a wagyu breeder. The scent of manure and hay greeted us as we arrived, the lowing of cattle echoing in the distance. I purchased some cattle from there, the sight of their massive carcasses filling my cold store. The sharp knives, axes, and saws awaited their use, glinting ominously in the dimly lit room. The anticipation of a future butchery hung heavy in the air.
A few weeks later, Magnum asked me where I was and told me who was doing what. I had just returned from our trip, my pickup truck filled to the brim with supplies. Exhausted but content, I headed to the feed store, the aroma of hay and grains enveloping me. I took a bag and poured some birdseed into a bucket, the sound of the seeds cascading against the plastic filling my ears. I prepared to feed my chickens, their excited clucking filling the stillness of the morning.
I had eggs, their shells smooth and cool to the touch, a promise of deliciousness. They were surprisingly plentiful, their vibrant yolks a testament to the health of my flock. With 30 chickens, the eggs came almost every day, filling my stockpile. The horses, llamas, or alpacas had never grown accustomed to my presence, their skittishness confusing me. Perhaps I should find a different breed of horses.
Magnum, however, knew exactly where to find me. As his car pulled up, its engine purring softly, I saw him and Colin step out and explore the yard. I greeted them, my hands still tingling from the warmth of the freshly laid eggs.
Magnum commented on my appearance, Colin's forced smile clear. I welcomed them to my farm, showing off my basket filled with another day's eggs. Magnum glanced at the basket, his eyes lingering for a moment, while Colin examined the packets in my pickup truck. I placed the eggs in my outdoor fridge; the coolness seeping into my fingertips. I pondered if I should bake something again, the memory of the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods filling my mind.
I greeted Colin and smiled and hugged them both. I said, "First things first, a brief tour to show you who I've got here. "
Colin said, " Oh, you've got more than chickens." I nodded.
First things first, I showed them my chicken. And my weird horses, my llamas and my alpacas. Colin watched the reaction of the horses and others for a moment with a smug smile on his lips, as if he knew exactly what it was all about. If I knew him at all, he'd tell me somewhere along the line. Magnum and Colin eagerly went off to feed the llamas and alpacas.
All I saw was Magnum swiftly pick up his phone and leave a message, the sound of his footsteps fading as he walked away. Had he perhaps been asked to check on my situation?
We strolled around the lush yard, the vibrant green grass tickling our feet as I proudly showed them how I had been skillfully cutting down tall trees with a roaring chainsaw. The scent of freshly cut wood filled the air as I presented them with the neatly stacked logs and the clappers, a testament to my hard work.
Another pleasant hobby of mine, I showcased my pile of compost, the earthy aroma mingling with the slight hint of horseshit, as I explained how I nurtured the plants in the pots. With one pot almost ready, I carefully finished the planting process. Afterward, I rinsed my hands in the cool water dish, feeling the refreshing liquid cleanse away the dirt, before gently drying them on a soft towel hanging from a nearby nail. Although adorned with a little bird poop because of the frequent visits from parrots, it served its purpose well.
Colin inquired, "Don't you wear gloves when you plant?"
I replied, "No, I prefer to feel the soil on my fingers. It's therapeutic."
As we made our way inside, the men marveled at the magnificence of my meticulously renovated big house, their footsteps echoing through the spacious rooms. I proudly led them to my green room, a sense of accomplishment filling my chest. Having demolished the wall between the two rooms, I basked in the satisfaction of my handiwork.
Curious, Colin questioned, "Where's the medbay? I must have a look and familiarize myself with its layout. My dear, you're in for a thorough health check, after I attend to some food and other preparations."
Oh, the smugness I felt at that moment. This was my ranch, now transformed into a doctor's sanctuary, complete with a medbay I had single-handedly assembled. Equipped with top-of-the-line technology, I had gained a range of exquisite equipment, from the luxurious and comfortable beds, lacking the once-present spiked handles, to the plush chairs and the latest supernatural blood analyzers. The operating theatre exuded excellence, every detail meticulously chosen. This was truly mine.
With Colin and Magnum in tow, I guided them to the medbay, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the pristine hallway. Colin's brow furrowed as he meticulously examined all the equipment, his steps soft against the polished floors. There it was, an array of innovative machinery: an instant scanner, a CT scan machine, an MRI, an X-ray machine, ultrasound devices in both plain and 3D, even a dental x-ray. I had spared no expense in acquiring the latest models, and it had hardly made a dent in my finances.
Suddenly, I overheard Colin whisper to Magnum, "I wonder what Salvatore will say about this?"
I hadn't even considered Salvatore's opinion, and truthfully, I didn't care. As I walked into the kitchen, the clinking of dishes echoed in the room, signaling my preparations for the upcoming meal.
Magnum glanced at Colin and remarked, "Or Samuel? I can picture them attempting to move the equipment to America. Miss has been quite occupied lately. Have you noticed the immense trees she has felled? Has every tree fallen exactly where she intended? And what else?"
Colin studied Magnum and responded, "Why do you think the lady has a health check approaching? There's something in her blood that shouldn't be there, but I'm not a Salvatore, so I can't easily detect it."
Magnum sighed, aware that Mimi always had some issue.
Colin continued, "She eats without caution, handling earth and whatnot with her bare hands. Damon must have informed you about how germ-sensitive Mimi is. She stores those germs somewhere, and when she falls ill, the germs are just as harmful, as I experienced earlier. Then you examined the tractor tracks. And those horses, llamas, and alpacas, they all need Damon's approval to ensure there are no germs. The lady may appear healthy, but looks can deceive."
Magnum acknowledged Colin's valid points, promising to convey the message to Damon when he had the chance. Magnum felt the pack should be moved to their location, so the animals could have a caretaker when Mimi was absent. This way, she would have meat readily available.
Magnum had peeked into the cold room, noticing it was filled with axes, saws, and supplies for butchering carcasses. He knew Mimi wasn't skilled in that area and feared she might accidentally harm herself. Colin nodded in agreement. They left the medbay and began exploring the house, as Mimi had left them to work.
Meanwhile, I placed trays of savory and sweet treats in their designated spots. Knowing both men had hearty appetites, I had baked something from time to time. I observed the men entering the summer kitchen and once again caught sight of a snake.
This one had three colors and slithered under the rattan sofa where Magnum had been sitting. Magnum was wearing shorts, and I wasn't willing to take any chances if this was the venomous version. Those types of snakes always seemed to lurk nearby. Unsure of the toxicity to humans, I had always eradicated them. The poisons wouldn't affect me for long.
Approaching the men, I politely said, "Excuse me, Magnum, please remain where you are for a moment."
Crouching down, I reached under the sofa and felt the snake bite me again. My method wasn't effective. With a firm grip on the snake, I twisted its neck, disposing of it in the bucket where I had kept the previous ones. It seemed I would need to empty it once more. The bucket was quite full.
I simply smiled at the men and said, "Nothing to worry about. I'll get back to my tasks."
When I felt a familiar ache spread up my arm, a dull throb that tingled with discomfort, I couldn't help but let out an exasperated snort. Annoyed, I made my way back to the kitchen, the sound of my footsteps echoing through the empty hallway. I knew this ache would persist for weeks, a constant reminder of my encounters with various snakes over the past three months.
Some bites I barely felt, a mere whisper of pain, while others ignited a fiery anger within me. Mirella, my trusted companion, had her hands full, digesting the venom of these creatures. Not all snakes and spiders were easy to process, but Mirella always aimed to recover specific molecules from them. I, on the other hand, remained resilient, undeterred by the occasional discomfort. After all, I had a well-stocked car with painkillers that suited me, even though I hadn't needed them yet.
My car, filled to the brim with supplies, served as a testament to the local fleas' generosity. But now, my focus shifted as I set up the table and headed off to fetch the men. Little did I know, Colin and Magnum, ordinary individuals, harbored a passionate interest in snake science. As I approached, I coughed lightly, catching Colin's attention. His gaze held a hint of curiosity, perhaps even concern, but I assured him I was fine. With Mirella's help, I swiftly and efficiently neutralized the snake venom, extracting valuable molecules for our molecular store. Or at least I thought I did.
Meanwhile, Colin and Magnum, unable to resist their fascination, ventured to inspect the container where Mimi had deposited the snake carcass.
Colin's thoughts echoed in his mind, "That snake was poisonous, and the lady got bitten. Let's examine all these snakes, photograph them, and send the pictures to Damon to assess their status."
Magnum grunted, his pulse still racing slightly. Snakes were not his forte, and when Mimi had unearthed the serpent from beneath the sofa, he had struggled to maintain composure. Carefully, they tipped the dish, placing each snake on a light-colored plate to capture the perfect photograph. The room filled with the soft click of the camera, as they meticulously documented every snake before them.
Magnum quickly sent a message to Damon, informing him of the situation and promising snake pictures soon.
Once the snake photography session concluded, Magnum eagerly read Damon's response, his eyes scanning the message on his phone screen: "Call me. I need to talk to you."
Without a moment's hesitation, he swiftly forwarded the captivating pictures to Damon and instinctively reached for his phone, feeling its cool touch in his palm as he prepared to make the crucial call.
As the call connected, Magnum could sense the tension in Damon's voice, tight and filled with worry. It was as if his words were being delicately held back by a knot of nerves.
"Start talking Magnum, are you sure Mimi got bit?" Damon questioned, his voice tinged with concern.
Magnum replied confidently, his words flowing with a sense of urgency. "I am. I heard Mimi's muffled curses as she desperately twisted the snake's neck. Missy has been fearlessly handling compost with her bare hands, her fingers stained with the remnants of bird droppings. She hastily rinsed her hands in water from outside, barely giving them a moment's thought. She's been devouring kangaroo meat, fearlessly driving a tractor, and fearlessly cutting down towering trees. She has a menagerie of animals—chickens, llamas, alpacas, and horses—collecting eggs with no protective gear. Colin is deeply concerned about the risk of germs. Mimi may be in a good mood, but Colin senses that something is amiss."
Damon emitted a gruff sound, a mixture of frustration and resignation. "Fine. Miss needs to be checked out. I have a feeling even Bran wants to come and see her, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Bran won't be there for a wild party, but he might lend a hand. He has contacts in Australia, so he can help find carers for the animals. Once again, I'll have to be the bearer of bad news and disrupt her seemingly perfect life. Adam is equally concerned, less thrilled about Mimi endangering her own health."
Magnum concurred, his voice filled with understanding. "Yes, Mimi needs boundaries and love. It's important for her to hear the facts and face reality."
Damon let out a tired sigh before responding. "Fine, we'll get going. We've secured a slightly faster plane, allowing us to bring the supplies. I doubt the lady has any drugs on hand."
Magnum nodded, his mind already racing with plans. "Yeah, not for herself. Colin will send over the details once he finishes his assessment, so you'll know where to find us."
With that, Damon broke off the call, leaving Magnum to contemplate the impending journey and the challenging task ahead.
Colin stood up, his voice calm and friendly, as Magnum picked up his phone and stepped outside to talk. I could hear the faint sound of his conversation in the distance.
"How many bites have you had?" Colin asked, his eyes curious.
I smiled and waved my hand, feeling a sense of relief. "Mirella will assist me in chopping them up and extracting the vital molecules, which we'll take to the molecular store. I've heard we make excellent dentifrices," I replied.
Colin's expression turned serious as he shared a startling revelation, his voice filled with concern. "Did you know that every snake in that container was poisonous? Most of them are severely poisonous, even to supernaturals. You're probably filled with snake venom particles. That strange smell you have must be because of it. But don't worry, I'll conduct a thorough examination and run many tests to see how it has affected you."
I reassured him confidently, "Yeah, but I'm immortal. I'll recover. I've been bitten by several spiders before, but I never spared them."
Colin remained unfazed, guiding me back to the medbay and gesturing for me to sit on the bed. He left momentarily to gather the equipment while Magnum entered the medbay, informing me about Damon's disapproval of my snake venom collection. Magnum added that Adam, Damon, Bran, and Samuel were on their way to join the discussion.
Feeling a sense of resignation, I sighed and directed them towards a specific spot at the edge of the woods. "Go over there, by that fir tree. That's where the previous snakes are."
Colin approached me, his voice reassuring. "Sit down, we'll be right there."
The sound of equipment hummed in the background. I had grown accustomed to the relaxed atmosphere of the medbay, even performing procedures on myself. I had cannulated myself, allowing saline to drip, and I tolerated it well. There was no immediate concern.
At that moment, I was completely honest. The truth was, there were snakes, many of them. I always made sure they were dead, but I got bitten quite a few times as a result. Now, I wondered if those bites had caused any harm. I was annoyed because my left arm was slightly swollen, causing constant pain. I recognized the snake that bit me, knowing that it would take time for the reaction to fully manifest. It was simply an inconvenience.
The men would hang out in the woods for a while and then come back. Magnum went to sit on one chair.
He sent a message from his phone and said, "I'll take care of the local fleas. You should concentrate on being a patient."
I said, " Yeah, I've pretty much made new bases and expanded the business here even though I have done no gigs. There's a local Sark. an Indian guy."
I didn't tell Magnum everything about this guy.
Magnum said, " Do you have a list?"
I nodded and walked into the study, took my tablet. It had all my information on it and gave it to Magnum, who started looking at it eagerly, and then I directed him to my study to work.
I returned to my seat while Colin went to get the blood tubes. First, he stripped me naked and photographed all my little lesions. Then he put me in the rapid scanner and then naked again on the bed. He felt me through, tapped, twisted, and turned. He took my heat, and my sugar.
Then he started taking dozens of tubes of blood. There were 80 tubes. I never knew I had so much blood taken from me. He let me get dressed and sighed.
He said, "Let's get to eat first and then we'll see what the blood tests say. But, my lady, the operation is waiting. You've got the amplification enzyme back on somewhere, you can see it in your scan. If you can make anything out of that. We'll see how light you are after the operation."
Oh, fuck. I had a quick look at the scan and I didn't know where 16 of my stomachs were going to eat. Yes, I shat when several of my intestines joined my rectum. I seemed to have four bladders and then the rest was a mess. Fucking replicating enzyme.
And I so thought I'd got myself in great top shape and I was just growing more organs. I wonder if some snake venom is to blame. I put the tablet on the table. I don't know; I was thinking about it when I went into the kitchen.