As Mariella had managed to get those NSA agents to come and see us, it made my day even busier. I had to be in almost three different places at the same time, and I had to keep an eye on everything happening around me. Our people had ensured that these agents were trustworthy, which took some time to do quickly and effectively. Meanwhile, Mariella was at the base dealing with her own tasks. Magnum wanted to test her fighting skills, and Wulfe went off to play with magic. I wasn't paying much attention to that, as the boys could have fun with Mariella.
My life had taken another turn, and I was uncertain about what the future held. A few days later, Mariella informed me she would be taking a few days off as some boys and a few Salvatores would be home, so she planned to start their initiation.
The NSA agents were very impressed by us and also recognized that certain facilities should be shut down, but they suggested that it should be done semi-publicly. Planning this wouldn't be easy, but it was agreed that the minimum amount of lives would be lost. Since it would be a federal operation, we would simply assist them and wouldn't be in danger of getting in trouble.
The NSA agents wanted to establish more cooperation with us, and within a few hours, more agents arrived and identified several areas they could focus on. It seemed like we had finally received the help we needed, although there were still places, like most of Sark's, that they couldn't reach. We suspected Sark knew his way around the law and had a lot of influence, so dealing with those would be our responsibility.
I directed the agents to other bases as well, as there was much to be done. It soon became clear that the NSA would be very busy for the next year or more. After they had gathered all the evidence, they left for their official buildings to make formal plans, and their activities were to be kept secret.
It had taken a lot of work from us, but now we finally had the time to focus on Sark's and Krycheck's facilities. The NSA had entrusted us with these two locations where the Salvatores were spotted. It was up to us to strategize and then communicate our plan to them. Once they were on board, they would present our plan to the big boss, the president, who would sign off on a special division dedicated to rooting out corruption from government offsite facilities. We were more than willing to assist if we came across anything suspicious.
Let's just say, those agents were quite impressed when I showcased just a few of my abilities. I transformed into various forms - a house cat, a red fox, a wolf, a stray dog, a poodle, and a lynx. Mariella was thrilled to be a part of the team, embracing her role as the princess of the "fleas." It was no longer an insult to her, but a badge of honor. Oh, the fun she would have getting boys and men to join the "fleas." It would be a delight to witness Magnum tearing Damon a new one for being so sloppy.
Mariella had learned so much in just a few days, thanks to Magnum and Wulfe putting her through rigorous training. It wasn't easy fighting with Magnum while Wulfe distracted her with his magic, but she wasn't hopeless. When Mariella became irritated enough, she showed them both the power of an energy witch. Though Wulfe's condescending pat on her cheek sparked her irritation, she conjured a curse and playfully gave him a pair of bunny ears on his head. Wulfe was impressed but swiftly removed the ears.
Mariella noticed the arrival of the NSA, and she felt a sense of pride. It was her doing, and Magnum had taught her even more. She was very sore and slightly bruised as she made her way to the New York manor to wait for the men. The wolves were eager to join the "fleas" as well, and Mariella promised them that they could be a part of it, but it would take time and she would coach them. Mimosa, who had been part of the original fleas, felt a bit unsettled, but Mariella assured her that it was a challenging but rewarding journey.
Mariella groaned inwardly as Wulfe informed her that Murdock would be present and might teach her more. The constant learning was starting to take its toll. Mimi had been particularly irritable, snapping at people who dared to enter her office and ask questions. Mariella watched as she emerged from her office, striding confidently to the table, and condescendingly explained a few things to the clueless individuals.
Mariella knew that once Damon, number one or number two, joined them, he could help her. And, of course, Adam, Charles, and the others would lend their support. However, Wulfe had brought her back to reality by pointing out Mimi's skill in assigning him, Magnum, and others to missions, often to unknown locations. She was exceptionally good at it and could direct the Salvatores in the same way, especially when they were eager to prove themselves.
Mariella was in the bath when she heard the door creak open. Number four walked in, his gaze landing on her bruised body and blonde hair.
He settled on the toilet seat and asked, "What happened to you, sweetie pie? Tell me everything."
Mariella looked at him and replied, "I grew up. I got tired of being a housewife and decided to join the fleas. Once accepted, my title became a princess. It's not what I expected, and only after being in it do you truly understand. I've been on a few missions with Damon over the years, but it was nothing compared to this. If you want in, go through the process, meet with the group, be evaluated, and accepted. Then, Damon, I can assure you, that you will be pleasantly surprised. Oh, and Mimi has twins, special ones, with siphon abilities and violet eyes. A boy and a girl. Mimi knew we would spend years here, so she moved on. Five eager ones are close to her, and even Alaric tends to those babies and calls himself their daddy."
Number four raised his brows in surprise, deep in thought.
Mariella continued, "Mimi was overwhelmed, but that's not all. There's a problem, but I can't tell you about it unless you join us. It involves at least number one and number two, and maybe others as well."
Number four grunted. His curiosity was piqued as he contemplated joining the mission. Fleas seemed like his kind of place. After all, he had been a doctor this time, working alongside Samuel. But the opportunity to go on missions would be a refreshing change of pace. How difficult would it be to get in?
He had been the one to teach Mimi how to shoot and fight, so he was ready for it. "Fine, I'm in. Put me through the loops or whatever," he declared.
"Us too, darling," voices remarked from the door.
Damons Numbers nine and ten, Mariella's companions, stood there as well. Mariella quickly grabbed her robe and rose from her bath.
However, number four observed her body and spoke with concern, "Young lady, we need to take you to the medbay and check you over. You're badly bruised."
His voice carried the authority of a doctor, leaving no room for argument.
Mariella wrapped herself in her robe and followed the men into the medbay. As they walked, she silently hoped that this doctor would notice Mimi and provide her with some treatment. After a few hours of tests, scans, and many IV bags, Mariella was allowed to dress up. She sighed in annoyance as she noticed her hair had turned red again, but she knew it wouldn't be difficult to change it back to blonde. Carefully, she was fed a substantial amount of food.
She had already informed the recruiters about these three individuals, and it would take a day or two to arrange their first meeting. She was well aware that Adam, Charles, and the boys would be returning home in a couple of days, making them the perfect next targets for her infiltration. The Salvatores then led her to the bedroom, not for sexual purposes, but for sleep. They purred at her, helping her relax and drift off.
Number four had always wanted to be a doctor. It was a calling that resonated deeply within him. When he finally gained entry, he would ensure that the medbays were up to date, protocols were sufficient, and hygiene was impeccable. From the snippets he had gathered from Mariella's mind, it was painfully clear that Mimi required great help. Someone needed to remind those idiots to use their brains, but he couldn't deny that Mimi's aura had a magnetic pull on them.
Number four stayed awake all night, diligently watching over Mariella as she slept. Memories of their first night together flooded his mind, recalling how Mimi had clung to him throughout the night, their souls singing in harmony. And now, with this divorce looming, he wondered if he had truly lost Mimi again. Was it possible for him to win her back? He loved Mariella too. She had brought joy into his life, but she had grown tired of being pregnant and the demons had consumed their attention entirely. He regretted not getting to know Mariella better during their time together.
Soon, he would begin his initiation, eagerly awaiting the moment. There was something different about him compared to Number One, a sense of tranquility that had settled within him since becoming a doctor. Unlike Number One, he didn't fear losing patients; he understood that not everyone could be saved. And someday, he would be by Mimi's side in the operating room, enduring her scoldings.
The mere thought of her being with someone else, particularly Magnum, made his stomach churn with bile. It would be an interesting change to have Fleas as Number Ten and Nine join their ranks. Those two were snappy and efficient, capable of getting the job done. But Mimi was a true professional. It would be amusing to witness Miss Manager attempting to command them. And if more Salvatores, boys, Adam, and Charles were to join as well, the winds of change would blow in her direction.
He longed for the day when Mimi returned from her mission, summoning her to the medbay without giving her a choice. As a ruthless doctor, she knew his methods well. No more self-operating or extracting bullets with her bare hands. The future held so much that he desired, needed, and eagerly anticipated.
Mariella awoke in the morning, finding herself alone in bed. Despite feeling a bit sluggish and experiencing a slight headache and nausea, she was fine. She recognized the symptoms of being drugged with velvet at some point. Determined to rid herself of any remnants, she made her way to the shower. However, she had to wait for the men to return home.
Glancing at the nightstand, she noticed a wallet and a phone. Upon inspection, she discovered an empty wallet and a children's play phone, a rather comical sight. Finally, stepping into the shower, the warm water cascaded over her, washing away her troubles. She felt so much better, as it was the first time in ages that she had slept soundly and felt secure.
Hunger gnawed at her, and she realized that her clothes had been set aside for her. They were new, a thoughtful gesture from the men who had purchased them.
She dressed herself in a soft silk dress, the fabric gliding against her skin as she made her way to the kitchen. The aroma of Salvatore's cooking filled the air, a mix of savory spices and simmering ingredients. At least nine and ten Salvatores were bustling around, their voices mingling with the sizzling of pans.
Curiosity piqued, she asked, "Where is Four? He slept with me the whole night."
Ten smirked mischievously and replied, "He got called into his first meeting. He wants to be a doctor, so if and when he gets in, there might be quite big changes in the way healthcare is handled."
Mariella rolled her eyes, remembering the fancy medbay she had seen earlier. The gleaming equipment and the presence of a few dedicated medics, Mimi's files safely locked away, accessible only to Colin, the headshot. It could be quite a war. Colin protected Mimi, and he was her doctor so he might not want to share and since he had gotten the new king almost ready for elves, there was no need for Colin to be as king.
As she savored her meal, she shared with Nine and Ten what Mimi had gone through, emphasizing how Wulfe had protected her and how Colin had treated her. Magnum and Wulfe were almost always by her side.
Number Ten, with a seductive tone, mused, "I wonder if Wulfe is inexperienced when it comes to physical stuff."
Mariella choked on her coffee, the hot liquid burning her throat as she coughed vigorously. She wasn't sure how Wulfe would react if Salvatore tried to seduce him. She knew Magnum had succumbed to their charms before, but the fate of Colin, Murdock, Dexter, or Wulfe in the clutches of the Salvatores was uncertain. Lust creatures, they had used their allure for centuries.
Contemplating the day ahead, Mariella missed the thrill of being back in action. She acknowledged that her pretender side was yearning to learn, so she headed to the bookcase, retrieving a surgical textbook. As she read, she shared her newfound interest with Nine and Ten, who, although initially hesitant, grew curious and began exploring Mimi's botany books. They had to dig a little to find pretender power. Mariella had told a lot about Jarod and salvatores, they wanted to prove to Jarod that they were stronger than him, and soon better pretenders as well.
The scent of their meal still lingering, they ventured to the gym, accompanied by the wolves. The sounds of grunts and the thuds of bodies colliding filled the air as they trained, honing their skills and strengthening their bodies. Mariella showed just what she had learned in a few days, what Magnum had taught her during that week.
Late into the night, Number Four returned. The room was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from the flickering candle on the bedside table. They ate in silence, his hunger evident in the way he devoured his meal. Eventually, he took Mariella by the hand, leading her to bed, their passion igniting in a fiery embrace.
Meanwhile, Number Nine and Ten took care of the wolves, ensuring their needs were attended to. It was a time to unwind and indulge, to release the tension that had built up throughout the day.
In the quiet stillness of the night, they found solace and pleasure, momentarily forgetting the weight of their responsibilities. Mariella was very aroused but her soul was somehow very happy when she smelled the distinct smell of strawberry in number four's skin. Mimi had gotten some cock and by god, that girl had been in need of that. Number four seemed very smug about it, but he did not say a word. Mariella was not jealous at all.