I shaped myself up, feeling the burn in my muscles as I prepared for what lay ahead. After being with the tick for a few weeks, I was not in the best shape. He had eaten well me, so I weighed only 39 kilos.
Mimosa's voice echoed in my mind, "We've got another Eurasia gig coming up, set in dense jungles. It's going to be a long, grueling journey, spanning over a year. And it starts in just five days."
Panic surged through me. I was not in the best shape for this, so I immediately sprung into action, organizing everything. I informed everyone, and Adam assured me he would pass the message along to Damon. The entire pack was already swamped with tasks, even Bran, but it was crucial for everyone to be present at the gig. It was a daunting task.
Adding to the excitement, my phone was inundated with flea-related issues. I had just dealt with them recently, so there was plenty of work to be done. First, I had to prioritize the gig, placing it above the flea work, hoping that tackling the fleas might help with some additional tasks. It's time for good old-fashioned multitasking.
Bran's responsibility was to establish diversions and conduct interrogations. Specific individuals held valuable information, and neutralizing them was crucial. Bran ordered the loyal alphas to set up an interrogation site, and I provided them with the targets and potential intel they could gather.
Bran was highly motivated to carry out this mission, as it would not only benefit him as the Marrok but also shield him from certain nosy individuals who were keen on investigating him. Sark was one of them. He was very keen to get an ancient werewolf to his clutches. Bran was not impressed by that knowledge. He wanted to remain under their radar and would do whatever it took to send that message. I knew I wouldn't be alone in this endeavor.
Like a constant presence, I always had Adam, Damon, Charles, or Magnum by my side. Knowing someone was there to watch over me, assist me, and provide guidance was reassuring. The European gigs were a whirlwind, with an abundance of fight clubs. But that was alright, no problem. There is nothing new on that one.
It was comforting to see that I had support, but deep down, I preferred doing things my way, especially during the European gigs. Each of my partners had their own forceful personality, and it wasn't always easy to get them to align with my desires. It required nerves of steel and flexibility, but I understood my responsibilities.
Even though I had someone accompanying me, I still gripped the reins in my hands. I didn't relinquish my decision-making power completely during this time. Yes, I managed diplomacy, but I also fulfilled my duties. Besides the fight clubs, the flea work demanded my attention, and it was challenging to juggle everything when I was constantly being observed. The pressure was on, no doubt about it.
First, it was Portugal and Spain with Adam, then Italy and Germany with Damon, followed by Austria and Switzerland with Charles, and finally Romania and Bulgaria with Magnum. After that, it would be Adam's turn again. Strangely, the thought made me anxious, and it took me a while to realize that I didn't enjoy surrendering my independence and decision-making power.
Fine, Bran and Samuel had their own tasks of unraveling mysteries, sabotage, rescues, and blocking. Bran seemed to relish those assignments. As I mentioned, Bran had his own interrogations to conduct, while Samuel recruited Colin to assist with the mysteries and sabotage. Good for them.
But I kept a vigilant eye on everything, all the time. First, I visited one of the bases and stocked up on supplies, ensuring I had everything I might need for the mysteries or sabotage. Being prepared for the unexpected was crucial, and I had to be ready at any moment.
Normally, when I go to a fight club, I have my own customs and practices, and now I have a partner. Some fights are done in pairs; that was the question mark. How well would we go together, and with whom?
That was only one part of this gig, and the other part was how well this individual would let me do my job, the flea job. I knew, for example, that Charles was getting increasingly involved in the fleas and had already left some of his father's work behind. I had heard rumors from Jake and Rob about it, but that would be seen when the time came. And the bigger question mark was Damon. How well he had Damien under control. Would he be a liability on this gig? Could I trust him when I did my flea work?
I had now given the fleas time off whenever someone wanted to, which meant that we were understaffed there and here. Of course, people always went to help if it was possible, but I had now clarified that everyone should remember their own life and family first so that no one wastes their chances by just working all the time.
So I flew straight to Portugal with Monroe as my pilot. The crisp air hit my face as we descended, and I was greeted by the vibrant colors of the Portuguese landscape. I had recently purchased two houses, one in the north and one in the south. As I approached the north house, the scent of freshly cut grass filled the air.
I had already sent Adam the addresses, so I had a few days to rejuvenate myself. The journey had taken a toll on me, with the lingering, not-so-good shape from a tick and the exhausting flea work. But I was determined to get back in shape. The flight had been smooth, and waiting for me was my sleek dark blue BMW all-electric SUV. It stood there, gleaming under the sunlight, its wide locker offering ample space for all my essentials.
I could smell the faint new car scent mixed with a hint of leather inside the car. It was one of my newest acquisitions, equipped with first aid supplies, medical equipment, and an impressive arsenal of firepower and ammunition. Knowing that I could handle any unexpected challenges that may arise during my mission provided me with a sense of security.
As I pulled up to the front of my house, I was taken aback to see Adam sitting on the porch of my grand orange-brick hacienda. The sight of him brought a wave of comfort and familiarity. Stepping out of the car, I felt the warmth of the sun against my skin, contrasting with the cool breeze that swept through the air.
Adam approached me, his arms enveloping me in a tight embrace. His kiss was passionate, igniting a spark within me. In an assertive manner, he took the car keys from my hand, assuming control. He looked into my eyes and spoke with authority, reminding me he was still my alpha, my trusted second in command.
Without a word, I led Adam to the back door where my locker was located. Opening it, I felt the smooth metal handle against my fingertips. A prick of needle, and then I got it open. It was very large and comprehensive. Adam meticulously examined each gun and bullet, his occasional grunts showing his approval. His scrutiny extended to the first aid kit, and I watched as he inspected the contents, his brow furrowing in concentration.
Among the supplies were two vials of the latest large animal tranquilizers. Hugh had gained them, and I knew they were not yet available for Samuel or Damon. My analyzer had assured me they should work on me, but I had no resistance to their effects. Adam carefully removed the vials from my storage system, and his actions were deliberate and efficient. His expression was neutral, but I knew he would inform Samuel and Damon about my drugs.
With a nod of satisfaction, Adam instructed me to close up the locker. I complied, the metallic click of the lock echoing in the air. As I shouldered my bag, I noticed Adam on the phone, his gaze fixed on the jars of medicine in his hands. The sound of his voice blended with the rustling of leaves as they crunched beneath his feet while he walked and talked, a symphony of determination and purpose.
I made my way inside the house, the coolness of the tiled floor soothing beneath my feet. The anticipation of the upcoming days filled me with a mix of excitement and trepidation. With Adam by my side, I knew I had a formidable ally. Together, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead.
I left the door slightly ajar, allowing a sliver of sunlight to filter into the room. As I ascended to the fifth floor, the wooden stairs creaked beneath my weight. Arriving at the top, I entered a spacious bedroom, the air heavy with the scent of lavender. There, I deposited my bags, feeling a sense of relief.
Suddenly, a faint sound reached my ears - the familiar footsteps of Adam. Descending the stairs, I made my way to the medbay, where I found him. He stood before the medicine cabinet, holding the keys in his hand. Carefully, he stored the medications inside, ensuring they were separated from the securely locked box.
Adam turned to me and spoke, "Samuel and Damon entrusted these medicines to us, to be used only at their discretion. But now, let's eat and then focus on our work, missy."
We proceeded to the kitchen, its tiled floors cool beneath my feet. Adam intervened just as I approached the fridge to gather the supplies. "Sit down," he instructed. "I'll prepare the food while monitoring your work."
I agreed, knowing that my independence would be momentarily relinquished. Nevertheless, I retrieved my work laptop and set about my tasks.
Meanwhile, Adam placed two sizable roasts in the oven, their savory aroma filling the air. On the stovetop, a simmering dish emitted a tantalizing scent. Curiously, he observed my every move, occasionally glancing at his own phone.
Frustratingly, whenever I attempted to devise a plan for the project, Adam would redirect the discussion to others, asserting, "Now, it's all about saving the world. You have people, a lot of them. Delegate and empower them. They can handle it."
Aware of our perpetual staff shortage, I voiced my concern. Adam grunted disapprovingly, abruptly taking possession of my laptop. "Go shower, change your clothes, and join me for dinner. I'll oversee this task for a while," he commanded, his tone brooking no argument.
Resigned, I retreated to the shower, feeling the warm water cascade over my body. Afterward, I donned fresh clothes and released my long, now crimson hair from its ponytail, the strands falling gracefully.
Upon entering the kitchen, Adam had already set the table, clinking utensils filling the room.
"Well, the tasks are under control," he stated confidently. "We've addressed the immediate issues and reorganized the staff more efficiently. We have capable individuals; we just need to engage them fully in every endeavor."
I nodded in agreement and eagerly sat down to eat. We consumed our meal heartily, savoring each delectable bite. Following dinner, Adam guided me to the gym, where the sounds of exertion filled the air. He embarked on a workout routine, providing guidance and coaching simultaneously.
In less than five days, the time crunch left me unable to tend to the flea work. Thankfully, Adam stepped up, pushing me to be my best. He guided, fueled, and pushed me further. With another bullfight fight club approaching, the pressure was on.
We had to hope our teamwork was seamless while ensuring Adam avoided taking too many hits—the bullfight fight club - a daunting challenge. Adam stood beside me, clad in a black sleeveless shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers. In contrast, I wore pink jeans, a white tee shirt, and a pink denim jacket. Despite the scorching sun, I kept my jacket on as a shield against the division demons' bites.
The arena was quite small: Two huge-sized, fully grown, enraged bulls and two nasty, powerful division demons, so we had our work cut off for us. As we began dismantling our opponents, Adam and I worked in sync. Thanks to his coaching, he understood my capabilities and the feats I had accomplished.
As the intensity rose, Adam's curses became more frequent, prompting him to realize the value of keeping his clothes on during these battles. Our clubs thrived, and Adam prevented me from destroying any enemies unnecessarily.
He forbade me from toying with my foes, knowing the consequences. If he caught me playing with my victim, he would swiftly intervene and eliminate it. While division demons weren't always our adversaries, my favorite opponents were the formidable dark elves. Their arrogance ignited my predator instincts, causing my hair almost to change color - its white streaks signaling my vampire side becoming more pronounced.
I stood in the center of the ring, surrounded by the electrifying energy of the crowd. Adam, my companion, faced off against his own opponent while I had a formidable dark elf by my side. The scent of its blood lingered in my nostrils, pumping through my veins, invigorating my vampire nature. I had already gotten a few good bites out of it, and I could feel its blood empowering my vampire side.
As the elf brandished its sword, I circled it with a calm demeanor, sensing the anticipation in the air. With a swift movement, it lunged towards me, but I effortlessly leaped into the air, executing a graceful somersault, and landed behind its back, catching it off guard.
However, my triumph was short-lived as I watched in dismay as Adam's stern expression confirmed that he had swiftly dispatched my prey. I had taken an unnecessary risk, and Adam's disapproval weighed heavily on me. He kept me on quite a tight leash, so to speak.
We left the ring, and I felt my anger simmering, needing to be controlled. Adam always carried the means to inject me should my rage become unmanageable. We had to keep it in check. Adam's principle was to dispatch opponents swiftly, with no unnecessary theatrics or taunting. It was efficient, but it left me longing for a hint of excitement. I wanted to play, but Adam would never allow it.
Despite this, I did my best to protect him, accepting hits meant for him. Adam fed me and tended to my injuries, ensuring the others were aware of my condition and behavior. The world-saving tour continued, and Adam and I worked well together, although he remained uncertain about potential complications. But I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead with Damon. His involvement promised intense battles that would require a surge of rage for truly captivating times.