"Stavros, stop following them...you can return to the council, thanks for your help."
Stavros," Using your magic to speak to me telepathically, how interesting! I will return to the council at once, please reach out if you need anything."
"By the way how did you know I was being attacked earlier, you must have been pretty far from the house by then?"
Stavros," I was on my way out of town when their convoy passed by me, I thought it was rather strange at first but I continued on my way, and that's when the scent of werewolves hit me not a moment later. I turned back around and followed it to your house."
I need to get out of Urdova I don't want to have to deal with those pesky wolves nor do I want Eric running back here begging for me to take him back. What an absolute loser, did he not realize that part of his pack was in on it, they were helping those werewolves attack us and abduct the other pack members. I suppose I'm the real idiot, why would I allow myself to care about him like a puppy, at least dogs are actually loyal.
Finally finished packing my things into my car, I'm getting the hell out of here. I should pass by Aunt Jen's and let her know that I'm moving back to my hometown, it will be nice seeing my parents and my sister again. I started the engine and put on my soundtrack as I made my way to Jen's house.
I walked up towards the door and rang the bell.
Natalie opened the door.
Nat," Hey Kat what an unexpected surprise, what's up cuz?"
I grabbed her and hugged her tightly, as I let go I replied.
"I broke up with Eric after he and his friends trashed my house...I'm going to be moving back to my hometown, I haven't even looked at houses yet so I'm just going to stay at a hotel until I find something I like."
Nat," Dude, that's insane, why don't you just move in with your parents until you find something?"
"I suppose I could...yeah I'll do that for now, Is your mom home?"
Nat," No, she was called back into work not too long ago, I can let her know for you, just make sure you call her tomorrow."
"Alright, I'm sad I don't get to see her before I leave but I will definitely give her a call tomorrow. I know why don't you guys come visit me once I have my place, you guys could stay a week."
Nat," Sounds good to me Kat, we will have to do it during one of my breaks, please drive carefully it's getting dark out."
We hugged each other again before I got in my car and started my drive home.
(About Katerina's Hometown Midnight Bay)
Midnight Bay is a small town nestled between the mountains and the sea, where the stars shine bright and the waves crash against the black sand beach.
In Midnight Bay, you can hike through the mountains, relax on the beach, or explore the charming downtown area filled with local shops and restaurants.
With its unique black sand beach and breathtaking mountain views, Midnight Bay is the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The town of Midnight Bay is known for its friendly locals, laid-back atmosphere, and stunning natural beauty.
Whether you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or embark on a new adventure, Midnight Bay has something for everyone.
Back to the story...
I decided to pull over and stretch my legs after driving for eight hours straight, the sun was starting to come back up. This would be a good time to fill the gas tank and get some coffee, I still have so much more driving to do.
Katerina," Hi, can I get a large caramel macchiato with an extra shot of espresso, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle, please?"
Barista," Of course! Would you like anything else with that?"
Katerina," No, that's it. Thank you."
Barista," Alright, that'll be $9.50. Here's your coffee."
Katerina," Thanks!"
As she takes a sip from her coffee, she savors the rich, creamy flavor of the caramel macchiato. She can taste the sweetness of the caramel and the bitterness of the espresso, perfectly balanced together.
Katerina drives her forest green BMW down the highway, the sun shining bright and warm on her face. She's heading towards Midnight Bay, a place where she spent most of her childhood. She's been driving for eighteen hours already, passing all kinds of scenery. She's driven through rolling hills, vast plains, and towering mountains. She's seen fields of wildflowers, forests of oak trees, and streams flowing through valleys.
As she drives, she listens to her favorite music, the sound of the guitar and piano filling the car. She hums along to the melody, feeling relaxed and content. She thinks about seeing her parents and her older sister again, feeling a mix of excitement and nostalgia. She wonders how they've been, what they've been up to, and how they'll react to seeing her again.
Despite the long drive ahead, Katerina feels happy and hopeful. She feels like she's on a new adventure like she's discovering something new. She looks out the window and sees a rainbow in the distance. She smiles, feeling lucky and grateful that she has this freedom. She continues driving down the highway, toward Midnight Bay, with a sense of anticipation and joy.
After driving for a few more hours, Katerina finally arrives at Midnight Bay. The city is just as she remembers it: a bustling metropolis surrounded by towering mountains. She can see the skyscrapers rising up against the blue sky, and she can hear the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. She knows that the beach with its volcanic black sand is just a few miles away.
Katerina makes her way through the city, taking in all the sights and sounds around her. She sees people walking on the sidewalks, cars honking their horns, and street vendors selling their wares. She feels like she's in a movie like she's part of something bigger than herself.
Finally, Katerina arrives at her parents' home. It's a two-story brick home with vines growing on the walls, looking beautiful and welcoming. It's just outside of the city in a quieter neighborhood named Villanelle. She parks her car in the driveway and takes a deep breath. She feels a sense of calm wash over her like she's finally home.
Katerina walks up to the front door and rings the bell. She hears footsteps coming from inside, and the door opens to reveal her parents. They look older, but they're still the same loving and caring people she remembers. They embrace her, and Katerina feels tears welling up in her eyes. She's missed them so much.
Her parents invite her inside, and Katerina sees that the house is just as she remembers it. There's a cozy living room with a fireplace, a kitchen with a big wooden table, and a backyard with a garden. It's like stepping back in time like nothing has changed.
Katerina's parents Paul and June are stunned by how beautiful she has become. They can't believe how much she has changed since they last saw her.
"Katerina, you look absolutely stunning!" says June, hugging her daughter tightly. "I can't believe how much you've grown."
"Mom, I'm only a couple of inches taller than the last time you saw me," Katerina laughs. "But thank you, it's so good to see you again.",
Paul nods in agreement. "Your mother's right, Katerina. You look amazing. You've become more toned and tan, and your face is absolutely beautiful."
Katerina blushes at the compliments. "Thanks, Dad. I've been working out a lot and spending a lot of time outdoors. It's good to hear that it's paying off."
Kassandra, Katerina's older sister, walks into the room and is shocked by how much her sister has changed. "Oh my god, Katerina, you look amazing!" she exclaims. "I can't believe how much you've grown up. You're so toned and tan, and your face is just...wow."
Katerina laughs and hugs her sister. "Thanks, Kassandra. It's so good to see you again. You look great too."
Kassandra smiles and looks at her sister. "You know, Katerina, you seem more confident and outgoing than you used to be. What's your secret?"
Katerina shrugs. "I don't know, I guess I've just been trying to push myself out of my comfort zone lately. I've been traveling a lot and meeting new people, and it's been really good for me."
Paul nods in agreement. "That's great to hear, Katerina. We're so proud of you."
June smiles at her daughter. "Yes, we are. And we're so glad you're back home with us."
Katerina takes a deep breath and looks at her parents. "Mom, Dad, I have something to ask you. I was wondering if it would be okay if I could live with you for a while until I'm able to find a home of my own to buy."
Paul and June look at each other, then back at Katerina. "Of course, Katerina," says June. "You're always welcome here. We'd love to have you stay with us."
Katerina's face lights up with relief. "Thank you so much, Mom. I really appreciate it. I just need some time to get back on my feet and find a place of my own."
Paul nods in agreement. "We understand, Katerina. And we're happy to help you in any way we can. You're always welcome in our home."
Kassandra chimes in. "Yeah, Katerina, it'll be so much fun having you around again. We can do all sorts of sisterly things together!"
Katerina laughs. "Thanks, Kassandra. I'm looking forward to it."
June looks at Katerina. "So, when are you planning on moving in?"
Katerina thinks for a moment. "I was thinking right now if that's okay with you guys."
Paul and June nod in agreement. "That sounds great, Kiddo."
Katerina pulls up in her BMW and Kassandra runs outside to help her sister with all of her bags and boxes. They start unloading the car and carrying everything upstairs to Katerina's old bedroom.
"Wow, you brought a lot of stuff," says Kassandra, carrying a box of clothes up the stairs.
"I know," says Katerina, "I didn't realize how much stuff I had until I started packing it all up."
Once they get all the bags and boxes into the room, they start unpacking and sorting everything. Kassandra helps Katerina hang up her clothes in the closet and put her shoes on the shelf.
As they're unpacking, Kassandra notices that the walls of the room are bare. "We should decorate this room a little bit," she says. "Make it feel more like home."
Katerina nods. "That's a good idea. I was thinking the same thing."
They start looking through Katerina's boxes for decorations, and they find some old posters and pictures that Katerina had forgotten about. They start hanging them up on the walls and arranging them in a way that looks nice.
After a while, their parents call them down for lunch. Kassandra and Katerina head downstairs and find that their parents have made sandwiches and salad.
"Thanks, Guys," says Kassandra, "This looks great."
Paul smiles. "No problem, kiddo. We're just happy to have both our girls back home."
They all sit down at the table and start eating.
It's nice being back home and not having to think about Eric or any of his issues.
As they're eating, Kat's mom looks at her and says, "Katerina, I have to ask. Why did you leave your house? We thought you were living with your boyfriend."
Katerina takes a deep breath. "Mom, I broke up with him. He and his friends trashed my house and he ended up cheating on me with his ex."
Kassandra looks at her sister with concern. "Oh my god, Katerina. Why didn't you tell us?"
"I didn't want to worry you guys," says Katerina. "I thought I could handle it on my own."
Paul puts down his sandwich. "Katerina, we're your family. We're here to support you no matter what. You don't have to go through things like this alone."
Katerina looks at her dad and feels a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Dad. I really appreciate that."
They finish eating and Katerina helps her mom clean up the dishes. As they're washing the plates, Katerina's mom puts her arm around her. "Katerina, I just want you to know that we love you. We're here for you."
Katerina feels a lump form in her throat. "Thanks, Mom. I love you too."
After they finish cleaning up, Katerina heads back upstairs to her room. She looks around at the posters and pictures on the walls and feels a sense of peace. She's home, and she knows that her family will always be there for her, no matter what.
Katerina sits on her bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. She's been keeping a secret from her family for a long time, and she's not sure if she's ready to share it with them.
Ever since she was a little girl, Katerina has known that she's different. She's always had a sense of power and magic that she couldn't explain. As she's grown older, she's come to realize that she's a goddess of witchcraft, with powers beyond her wildest dreams.
She's never told anyone about her secret, not even her older sisters, who she's always been close to. But as she sits in her room, surrounded by her family's love, she wonders if it's time to finally share her truth.
She takes a deep breath and heads downstairs to the living room, where her sister is watching TV. As she enters the room, Kassandra turns to her and smiles.
"Hey, Katerina," says Kassandra. "What's up?"
Katerina takes a seat on the couch and looks at her sister. "I have something to tell you."
She looks at her with concern. "What is it?" asks Kassandra.
Katerina takes a deep breath. "I'm a goddess of witchcraft."
There's a moment of silence as her sister process what she just said. Then, Paul bursts out laughing.
"Katerina, that's ridiculous," he says. "You're not a goddess of witchcraft."
Katerina feels her face flush with embarrassment. "I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. I have powers that I can't explain."
Kassandra looks at her with concern. "Katerina, are you okay? Is something going on?"
Katerina shakes her head. "No, I'm fine. I just wanted to share my truth with you guys."
Paul rolls his eyes. "Katerina, you don't have to make up stories to get attention. We love you just the way you are."
Katerina feels a wave of disappointment washes over her. She had hoped that her sister would understand her, but it seems like they were not ready to accept her truth.
As she heads back upstairs to her room, she realizes that maybe it's not time to share her secret with her family just yet. Maybe she needs to keep it to herself for a little while longer until she's ready to face their reactions.
Katerina spends hours looking up high-paying jobs on her phone. She comes across a job posting for a senior lead biotechnology consultant at BioPharm, a pharmaceutical company located in one of the downtown skyscrapers.
The job posting catches her attention because it offers a salary of around $229,000, along with excellent benefits like 401k and comprehensive insurance plans.
Katerina is intrigued by the job posting and decides to apply. She spends the next few hours updating her resume and crafting a cover letter that highlights her skills and experience.
Katerina sends in her application and waits to hear back. A few days later, she gets an email from BioPharm asking her to come in for an interview.
Katerina is excited but nervous. She knows that this job could be the key to her independence and her future success. She prepares for the interview, by researching the company and practicing her answers to common interview questions.
When the day of the interview arrives, she puts on her best suit and heads to BioPharm's headquarters.
Katerina arrives at BioPharm's headquarters and is greeted by the receptionist, who directs her to the conference room where the interview will take place. She walks in and is greeted by the interviewer, who introduces herself and begins the interview.
Interviewer: "Tell me about your previous experience in biotechnology consulting."
Katerina: "I have worked with various pharmaceutical companies in the past, providing strategic consulting services to improve their R&D processes and increase their profitability. I have also been involved in developing innovative products and technologies that have been successful in the market."
Interviewer: "What are some of the challenges you have faced in your previous roles, and how did you overcome them?"
Katerina: "One of the biggest challenges I faced was working with a team that had conflicting ideas about the best approach to take. To overcome this, I used my expertise to facilitate productive discussions and help the team come to a consensus. I also implemented a project management tool that helped us stay on track and meet our deadlines."
Interviewer: "How would you approach a project that involves developing a new drug?"
Katerina: "I would start by researching the market and identifying unmet needs that the drug could address. I would then work with the R&D team to develop a comprehensive plan that includes preclinical and clinical trials. I would also ensure that all regulatory requirements are met and that the drug is safe and effective for patients."
Throughout the interview, Katerina uses her magical abilities to seem knowledgeable and confident. She is able to answer all the questions with ease, impressing the interviewer with her expertise and experience.
After the interview, Katerina feels confident that she has made a good impression and is excited about the possibility of working for BioPharm. She leaves the headquarters and heads back home, eagerly waiting for the company's decision.
A few days after the interview, Katerina receives a call from the Human Resources manager at BioPharm. The HR manager congratulates her on a successful interview and offers her the job.
HR Manager: "We would like to offer you the position of Lead Biotechnology Consultant. The starting salary is $229,000 a year, with excellent benefits such as 401k and comprehensive insurance plans. We also offer 5 weeks of paid vacation and a yearly bonus based on performance."
Katerina: "Thank you so much for the offer. I am excited about the opportunity to work for BioPharm. However, I was hoping for a higher salary, considering my experience and expertise in the field."
HR Manager: "I understand your concerns, but our budget is limited. We can offer you a salary of $235,000 a year, with 7 weeks of paid vacation and a yearly bonus based on performance."
Katerina: "I appreciate the offer, but I was hoping for a salary closer to $250,000 a year, with 9 weeks of paid vacation."
HR Manager: "I understand your request, but I'm not sure if we can meet your expectations. Let me discuss it with the team and see if there's any room for negotiation."
A few days later, Katerina receives another call from the HR Manager.
HR Manager: "After careful consideration, we have decided to offer you a salary of $268,500 a year, with 9 weeks of paid vacation and a yearly bonus based on performance. We believe that you are an excellent fit for our team and we are excited to have you on board."
Katerina: "Thank you so much for the offer. I am thrilled to accept the position and look forward to working with the team at BioPharm."
Katerina is excited that she got the job but also realizes that she has no idea how to do this job. She takes a moment to sit and clear her mind and then uses her magic to fill her head with all of the expertise and knowledge she needs for this job as a biotechnology consultant.
As she begins to think, Katerina recalls a few key facts about biotechnology. Biotechnology is the use of living organisms or their derivatives to create useful products. It involves the manipulation of genes, cells, and tissues, and is used in a wide range of applications, from medicine to agriculture.
Katerina also remembers some of the basic processes involved in biotechnology, such as genetic engineering, fermentation, and cell culture. She knows that these processes are used to create new medicines, develop new crops, and produce a variety of other products.
As Katerina continues to think, she finds that her knowledge and expertise in biotechnology are growing rapidly. She is able to apply her new knowledge to the job at hand and is quickly becoming an expert in her field.
Katerina's expertise in biotechnology continues to grow as she continues to think. She is now familiar with more advanced biotechnology concepts such as CRISPR, gene editing, and synthetic biology.
CRISPR is a revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows scientists to edit genes with unprecedented precision. It has the potential to cure genetic diseases and revolutionize agriculture.
Gene editing is the process of changing an organism's DNA to alter its characteristics. It can be used to create new crops that are resistant to pests and diseases or to develop new medicines that target specific diseases.
Synthetic biology is an emerging field that combines biology and engineering to create new biological systems. It has the potential to create new materials, fuels, and medicines, and to revolutionize the way we think about biotechnology.
As Katerina continues to learn about these advanced biotechnology concepts, she realizes that the field is constantly evolving and that there is always more to learn. However, she is excited to be a part of this dynamic and innovative field and is eager to help shape its future.
Katerina heads downstairs from her room to tell her parents and her sister that she got the job. Her parents are thrilled to hear the news and ask her about the job.
"What kind of job did you get, Katerina?" her mother asks.
"I got a job as a biotechnology consultant," Katerina replies.
"That sounds interesting," her father says. "Why do you like it?"
Katerina explains that she loves the field of biotechnology because it combines her interests in biology and engineering. She tells them that she is excited to be working on projects that have the potential to make a real difference in people's lives.
Her parents are happy to hear that Katerina is passionate about her work, and they congratulate her on her new job.
"We're so proud of you, Katerina," her mother says. "You've worked hard to get where you are, and we know you'll do great things in this field."
Katerina's sister chimes in, "Yeah, Katerina! You're going to be a biotech superstar!"
Katerina smiles at her family, feeling grateful for their support and encouragement. She knows that she has a lot of hard work ahead of her, but she is excited to take on the challenge and make a difference in the world.
As Katerina listens to her family's congratulations, she can't help but think about how her new job as a biotechnology consultant will be the perfect cover for her true identity as the goddess of witchcraft.
Now, as a biotechnology consultant, she would have the perfect excuse to travel and observe the Council of Night, an ancient order of vampires that kept an eye on the order of the world. She knew that her dual identity would be a delicate balancing act, but she was confident that she could handle it.
Katerina smiled to herself, feeling excited about the possibilities that lay ahead. She knew that she was embarking on a new chapter of her life, one that would be filled with adventure, danger, and blood.
The next day, Katerina and her sister go out to meet with the real estate agent. The agent shows them a number of properties, but they are both drawn to a large penthouse apartment that is located 56 stories up and has soaring windows overlooking all of Lower Midnight Bay and the black sand beach.
The penthouse is 7,000 square feet and has 15-foot ceilings, making it feel incredibly spacious and airy. It has five bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, which Katerina and her sister agree is perfect for their needs.
Katerina is impressed with the views from the penthouse and decides to put down the down payment and pay the rent for the entire year ahead of time. The monthly rent is $75,000, which means that the total for the year is $900,000.
While the rent is steep, Katerina knows that she can afford it with her new job as a biotechnology consultant and her magic. She is excited about the prospect of living in such a luxurious space, and she knows that it will be the perfect place to retreat to after long days at work.
Katerina and her sister sign the lease and make plans to move in the following week. Katerina can hardly wait to start this new chapter of her life in her new luxurious home.
As Katerina and her sister leave the real estate agent's office, her sister can't help but express her amazement at the amount of money Katerina has. She says, "Katerina, I can't believe how much money you have! You're like a millionaire!"
Katerina laughs and says, "It's not that much money, sis. I just have a good job."
Her sister looks at her skeptically and says, "A good job? You're paying the rent for the entire year upfront! That's amazing!"
Katerina smiles and says, "Well, I'm happy to be able to do it. And speaking of jobs, I was actually thinking that I could use an assistant. Would you be interested?"
Her sister's eyes widen in surprise, and she says, "Me? You want me to be your assistant?"
Katerina nods and says, "Yes, I think it would be great. I'll pay you six figures, and you'll get to work with me on some really interesting projects.
Her sister is thrilled at the offer and eagerly accepts. Katerina is happy to have her sister by her side as she embarks on this new chapter of her life.
Just then, Katerina's phone starts ringing. She looks at the caller ID and sees that it's Eric, her ex-boyfriend. Her sister asks who it is, and Katerina explains that it's her ex.
She says, "I don't want to talk to him. He chose to be with another woman, so I have no interest in someone who is disloyal and capable of hurting me."
Katerina declines the call and puts her phone back in her pocket. She is determined to move on from Eric and focus on her new life in her luxurious penthouse.
Her sister puts a comforting hand on her shoulder and says, "Don't worry, Katerina. You deserve someone who will treat you right. And now that you have this amazing new home and a great job, you'll be able to find someone who is worthy of you."
Katerina smiles and says, "Thanks, sis. I know that everything will work out for the best. And I'm so glad that you'll be here with me to share this new adventure."
It's been a week since Kassandra and I signed the lease on our new penthouse, and we're finally moving in. We've spent the past few days packing up all of our things and getting ready for the big move. And now, as we walk into our new home, we can't help but feel excited for what's to come.
As we start unpacking, we're amazed by the sheer size of the place. The living room alone is bigger than my old house. And the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows are absolutely breathtaking.
We spend the next few hours unpacking everything and getting everything set up. We've brought all of our furniture from our parents, but we've also bought some new luxury items to really make this place feel like home.
We've got a new leather sofa, a giant flat-screen TV, and a beautiful crystal chandelier that hangs from the ceiling. We've also got two new king-sized beds, complete with a plush mattress and silk sheets.
As we start to decorate the place, we realize that we've got a lot of space to work with. We decide to go for a modern, minimalist look, with lots of clean lines and neutral colors. We add a few pops of color here and there, with some bright throw pillows and a few pieces of modern art.
As the day goes on, we continue to work on the place, adding more and more luxury items to the mix. We've got a new espresso machine, a wine fridge, and even a hot tub on the balcony.
"I can't believe we start at Biopharm tomorrow," Kassandra says, looking around the new penthouse.
"I know, right?" I reply, still a little in awe of our new place. "It's going to be a big change, but I'm excited to get started. And I'm glad we're doing it together."
Kassandra nods in agreement. "Me too. It's going to be great working with you."
We sit in silence for a moment, both lost in our own thoughts...
Kassandra takes a sip of her coffee and grins. "So, I was talking to my boyfriend last night, and he mentioned his friend Luke again. Apparently, he's a single lawyer who's really handsome and 31 years old."
I raise an eyebrow. "Okay, and why are you telling me this?"
Kassandra rolls her eyes. "Because I thought you might be interested. You're single, he's single...it could be fate."
I laugh. "I don't know, I'm not really looking for anything right now."
Kassandra waves her hand dismissively. "Oh, come on. You can't tell me you're not at least a little curious. And besides, I have pictures."
I can't help but feel a little intrigued. "Okay, let's see them."
Kassandra pulls out her phone and scrolls through her photos. "Here he is. What do you think?"
I take a look at the picture and can't help but feel a little giddy. Luke is definitely handsome, with a chiseled jawline and bright blue eyes. "Wow, he's really cute."
Kassandra grins. "I knew you'd think so. And the best part is, he's a lawyer. You know what they say about lawyers."
I roll my eyes. "What do they say?"
Kassandra giggles. "That they're great in bed, of course."
I can't help but laugh. "Oh my god, Kassandra. You're ridiculous."
I can't help but feel a little giddy at the thought of meeting someone new. Who knows, maybe this Luke guy is a real man.
As Kassandra pulls out her phone, I can't help but feel a little nervous. I've never been on a blind date before, and the thought of it is a little daunting. But at the same time, I can't help but feel a little curious about this guy Luke. Who knows, maybe this will be the start of something new.
Kassandra looks up from her phone, a mischievous smile on her face. "Okay, it's all set. We're going out next Saturday night. And don't worry, I've already sent Luke a picture of you so he knows what to expect."
I groan. "Oh my god, you didn't."
Kassandra just laughs. "Relax, I'm just kidding. But seriously, this is going to be great. I have a feeling you and Luke are going to hit it off."
As we finish up the last of the unpacking, I can't help but feel a little giddy at the thought of a new romance. It's been a little while since I've been on a date, and the idea of meeting someone new is both exciting and nerve-wracking.
But as I lay in bed that night, I can't help but wonder...what if he is an idiot too? What if Luke isn't one?