I narrow my eyes dryly, staring at my computer's screen. From behind, she leans into my neck and nibbles on my skin before announcing in a stiff, robotic voice "I… am… a… vampire... and... I… will... suck… your... blood."
My lips twitch and curse under my breath. "What the hell are you doing now?" I arch my head back to meet her pouting face. "When did vampires become robots? Huh?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. "And who talks like that?"
She rolls her eyes, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Maya, you're such a killjoy." She unhands me and plops down on her cubicle beside mine.
I shoot her a wry glance. "And you're a nutcase" But I say it with affection because this weirdo is my best friend, Peridot Roosevelt— the daughter of our company's director. I sneer at her "I'm not the one pretending to be a make-believe creature"
She responds "Make-believe to you, but real to those witnesses on 8'oclock news." She clicks her tongue "You're just jealous because unlike me, you have never seen a vampire"
"You've seen a vampire?" I scoff, my attention fixed on the computer's screen. I highly doubt it. We vampire hunters take great pains to make sure humanity is unaware of the supernatural threats lurking in the shadows. Our role is to protect them all while hiding the existence of vampires and vampire hunters.
Besides, the overprotective director Roosevelt who still gives his daughter curfews— despite her being 23— would never let his daughter set eyes on a 'vampire'
Peridot glares at me, preparing to respond with probably a believable story of how she saw a vampire or witnessed one killing a human, but the sudden entrance of our department's manager prompts all movements to seize.
The room falls silent, all eyes fixed on Mrs Stella. Her stern face scans each and all of us, her hands clasped behind her back. Our eyes meet, and I force a warm smile.
She looks away, and after a small pause, she says "I'm sure you all are already aware of the owner's visit today"
Her statement sends rowdy thoughts and nervous glances flying across the room. She continues, "Well, of course you do." She pauses, "Most of you have never seen him before, this is because he rarely comes to the company. Today, he's here and all shall be accounted for. So let's make sure to leave a good impression"
I shoot Peridot an uneasy glance. Unfortunately, I'm one of the many who have yet to see what the owner of the company looks like. Once Mrs Stella leaves, Peridot whispers
"I've seen the owner"
My eyes narrow, and I raise an eyebrow. "Oh really? What does he look like?" I ask, rolling my eyes.
Peridot's expression turns dramatic. "His looks are nothing like you imagined. He's Mr Reynold, a stout, chubby man with a generous midsection" She widens her eyes for emphasis. "Imagine a beach ball with a suit wrapped around it"
I roll my eyes again, chuckling "You're exaggerating, Peridot, there's no way he's that….. rounded"
Peridot grins slyly, her lips parted to reveal another juicy detail. But before she can utter a word, she freezes mid-sentence as a man clears his throat.
Our attention shifts to the elevator as it slides open. Instinctively, I straighten up, composing myself. Standing in the elevator is Mrs Stella and a man. A man fitting Peridot's exact description.
His hands clasped behind his back, he walks forward slowly, Mrs Stella trailing behind him. His eyes scan around, watching us work. My gaze falls on his midsection, which jiggles with each step.
I quickly avert my eyes, bringing them down to my computer and I start typing random keys to distract myself.
Peridot whispers "See? I told you he's a walking barrel" I purse my lips, containing a stifle laugh. I shun her quietly with a stern stare.
I sneak a peek... so this is what the owner looks like. Peridot wasn't exaggerating at all. Mr Reynold finishes his inspection, heading back to the elevator with Mrs Stella.
"Ms Anderson?" Mrs Stella calls out.
I rise from my seat immediately, exchanging nervous glances with Peridot before approaching Mrs Stella. She hands me a stack of papers while introducing me to Mr. Reynold.
"Mr. Reynold, this is Ms. Anderson. She'll be escorting you back to the office," Mrs. Stella explains
I nod politely, giving Mr Reynold an acknowledging smile. We step into the elevator together, leaving Mrs. Stella behind.
As the door closes, I bite on my lower lip, a wave of awkwardness washing over me. This feels so awkward! But I can't do anything about it.
I let out a sigh of relief as Mr Reynold's phone started ringing, breaking the stuffy silence. He answers, speaking with the caller in a foreign language. As he hangs up, the elevator chimes and we exit.
Mr. Reynold's pace quickens as he says "We must move quickly, Ms. Anderson, the owner just arrived at his office and dislikes being kept waiting"
I Instinctively hasten my steps. But my mind lags, "Wait, did you say 'the owner'?" I ask, narrowing my eyes. "I thought you were the owner, Mr Reynold?" I blurt out.
He responds almost immediately "Good heavens, no! I'm merely his half-brother"
Half brother? I tilt my head, confusion etched on my face. If Mr. Reynold isn't the owner, then who is??
We halt before a door adorned with a golden nameplate. The name 'Van'Helsing' is written in bold black letters. My heart racing, Mr Reynold knocks on the door.
My ears perk up at the sound of a woman's firm voice, "Enter." Mr Reynold opens the door and I step in.
Oh...fuck! My eyes widen, and my jaw drops.