Chương 81: 1. Miss You Like Crazy.
As I gathered my last set of gear, the warm Brazilian breeze brushed against my skin, carrying with it the scent of tropical flowers. The safehouse had become my temporary sanctuary for the past eight months, and now, it was time to move on. As I organized my belongings, the soft hum of activity filled the air, mingling with the distant sounds of bustling streets.
A slight ache in my neck reminded me of the events that unfolded, the awakening from a two-month slumber and Damon's unexpected release. The Salvatore clan had established bases across North America, while I traversed the landscapes of South America. Magnum, my trusted companion, came and went as our missions dictated, our partnership a seamless dance of efficiency. Wulfe and Krycheck had faded into the shadows, just as Sark had, experiencing firsthand the power of an ancient and vengeful vampire wizard.
I threw myself into my work, seeking solace in the distractions it provided. It allowed me to escape the pain, the memories of a love that had left me wounded and vulnerable. The wounds were raw, and exposed, and I yearned to be flea, to become a leader who didn't have to feel, who didn't have to suffer. My days were consumed by constant movement, shifting from one base to another, tending to consultations, and assuming the role of a shifter doctor.
It was a role that suited me, for it kept me away from witnessing the blossoming bond between Damon and Mariella, or the connection between Adam, Charles, and the wolves. I didn't want the past to hold sway over me. Emotions had no place in my current state; effectiveness was paramount. Besides, rumors of Harrison's resurgence and inquiries about Project Omega loomed, igniting a sense of urgency within me. I couldn't afford to be found easily; I had to remain elusive, always on the move.
The Salvatores proved to be effective, evident as I reviewed our completed missions on my computer. Mariella had already led five solo missions, solidifying her position as a leader. Both the Wolves and the Salvatores had completed successful missions, with the Salvatores having accomplished many ones. The NSA had been beneficial, as I had recruited more hackers and information seekers to help us identify targets.
The council had implemented a new protocol, allowing the NSA to spend some time on one of our bases to learn our methods of finding criminals. However, they were not allowed to interfere without prior notice, giving Sark an opportunity to withdraw funds from the account. Despite this, they gave their approval for our operations.
Next on my agenda was a visit to Bolivia, followed by Paraguay and finally Uruguay, to inspect the bases and potentially recruit more members. I still preferred the traditional approach, as it was amusing how no one believed that I was the infamous Flea. It seemed that many women claimed to be the Flea, but they were not me.
Damon sighed, running his hand through his hair. He, Mariella, and members four and five were currently at the Lexington base. Damon had been overseeing missions and planning operations here for months, and it was beginning to wear on his nerves. Despite having control over the base, he was bombarded with unnecessary questions every time he entered the central hub.
Number four served as the medic, originally aspiring to be a doctor. It was his responsibility to ensure that the medbay was in top shape. Damon had enjoyed his time with the Fleas, but he regretted his moment of weakness when he removed Mimi from the pack after Wulfe revealed how Krycheck had brainwashed her. He wasn't sure why he had done it; he simply distanced himself.
He teleported Mimi into Colin's hands and spent the next five weeks engaging in a tumultuous affair with Mariella. It had been a messy ordeal. Mimi had since departed for South America to continue her work. From what he had heard, Magnum was with her, but she had also assigned him to missions. While she may not have been completely alright, she was still a valuable asset, sharp and focused, albeit just a leader.
Mariella's eyes locked onto Damon's, filled with a mixture of longing and regret. She knew she was meant to be the one to teach Mimi how to love, to ensure that love stayed alive in her heart. But work had consumed them, stealing away their time together. If Mimi ever had any feelings for Damon, they were surely extinguished now. He had once again walked away, leaving Mimi feeling rejected and used. It was another complicated knot in their relationship, and she didn't know where to begin unraveling it.
As Mariella pondered her next move, she noticed Adam and Charles entering the room. They had just returned from a mission in Utah and had stopped by before continuing on. Charles approached Number Four, who seemed highly intrigued by their conversation. Mariella's curiosity was piqued when she overheard the name "Mimi," prompting her to inch closer to listen.
Charles spoke, "Mimi is currently touring South America. The bases there aren't always as comfortable as this one, and they have their own unique ways of doing things. Adam and I are planning to surprise attack her. Would you like to join us?"
Number Four grunted, casting a glance at Number One before replying, "Sure, why not? I've wrapped up what I was working on and was just about to switch tasks, anyway. It'll be interesting to see those bases."
Mariella approached Number One and telepathically conveyed her thoughts, "Damon, Adam, Charles, and now Number Four are heading to South America. They plan to ambush Mimi, and Number Four is eager to organize the medbays. What do you think about us joining them? It'll make it harder for her to ignore us."
Damon peered at her, emitting a low grunt.
His voice resonated silkily in her mind as he replied, "I'm not exactly sure how she feels right now. She knows I've been unreliable in the past, failing to support her. My guess is that she's retreated into her shell, trying to protect herself. But if you want to go, sure. It'll shake up her equilibrium for once. See if you can convince Number Two, the boys, and the wolves to join us. A few Salvatores can handle the gig up here, but we need a group. It's not easy for her to find missions that accommodate all of us."
Mariella nodded in understanding. Number One approached Charles and Adam while she dialed Number Two on her work phone, informing them about the plan. Mimi was headed to Bolivia, and according to Charles, there were only four bases there. Magnum had mentioned that Missy was planning to establish more bases and recruit new members using traditional methods. Charles and Damon were both eager to witness it firsthand.
I embarked on my journey, heading towards La Paz. As I drove, I couldn't help but notice the lack of existing bases in the area. It was a task to establish new ones in every country, sometimes finding only a few. This change of pace required my full attention. With my team occupied elsewhere, it was solely up to me to make progress.
The population in this region exceeded three million, making it a significant area that necessitated at least one or two bases. I was determined to find suitable locations. My first priority was establishing a base in the city of La Paz, so I set my course toward it. My mansion there, although rarely used, would serve as a temporary haven while I organized the base.
I planned to rally personnel from other bases to help set up everything once I had established mine. When Magnum contacted me, I informed him of my plans, mentioning my mansion and the intention to create a base. I also expressed my desire to gather more recruits and potentially undertake a mission or two, depending on the presence of threats in the area. Magnum seemed less than thrilled, but I knew he was occupied with his own tasks.
He requested the address of my mansion, which I promptly provided. I had no qualms about letting my team members stay there if the need arose. Although I missed my twins, I understood it was in their best interest to be with someone who could focus solely on their needs, rather than splitting their attention with work. It had been a unique experience juggling parenthood and work, but it was heartening to see how much my team enjoyed being with my children.
As I drove, a sense of impatience overwhelmed me. I let out frustrated expletives, venting my frustration at the slow Sunday drivers occupying the lanes ahead. Despite my irritation, the smooth and quiet hum of the electric engine beneath me provided a sense of solace. My spacious SUV, the latest model from Tesla, was a joy to drive. It boasted all the luxuries and advanced features, including a generous amount of storage space, which I had fully stocked in case I encountered suitable targets along the way.
A few hours later, number two returned and Magnum provided them with the address of Mimi's mansion. He had warned them not to disturb her. Magnum didn't have time to unload her, knowing that she would need it, but he was too busy. However, they were prepared. They were fleas, ready to assist. Building a base was not easy, but their magical abilities allowed them to enchant and construct it perfectly. Mariella had no expectations, unsure of Mimi's mood and the difficulty of the task.
They planned to teleport into the mansion and wait for her there, observing what it took to establish a base and recruit others. They were still learning all the aspects of being fleas, and there wasn't much a young lady could deny them. The mansion was enormous, a gleaming white structure under the scorching sunlight. Damon took a deep breath, longing for Mimi to be part of their pack, but he didn't want to rush it. He had become more patient, realizing how much he had learned in just a few months as a flea.
They settled on the porch, enjoying the swing and carrying their bags with them, filled with clothes and supplies. They had been given work cars, equipped with lockers, but not every car was programmed for their use. Charles had heard that Mimi had one of the largest lockers in her car, enabling her to carry out missions without visiting the base or warehouse for supplies. Damon had yet to familiarize himself with every warehouse, relying on a list to remember their contents. He knew it would take time, but he was in no rush, absorbing information gradually.
Soon, they spotted a large pink and silver SUV approaching, gleaming in the sunlight. Damon was ready, eager to get going and relish the experience of driving that car.
As I was driving to my mansion, I noticed a group of people sitting on my porch, in my swing. It didn't take long for me to recognize the Salvatores, Mariella, Adam, Charles, the boys, and the wolves. It seemed I had company, but let's see if I can keep them occupied.
I parked my car in the neatly trimmed yard, feeling a sense of exhaustion weighing me down. Sighing to myself, I hadn't uttered a single word to anyone about what had happened - not a word. I had returned to work, determined to continue without discussing it. The last thing I wanted was to engage in conversation with this group, whether they were attempting to help me or simply checking up on me. I was fine.
Stepping out of my car, I grabbed my bags and made my way up the porch, the sound of my footsteps echoing in the quiet air. Retrieving my keys from my pocket, I glanced sharply at Salvatore as I opened the door, making it clear that this was my domain.
"I am not in your pack, so this is my house. No pheromone marks on my door. This is not your territory, but mine," I asserted.
Salvatore nodded, lowering his hand that had been poised to rub his pheromones and mark my territory. His gesture was ineffective. I opened the door and walked inside, placing my larger bags in a corner. My backpack was slung over my shoulder, but I removed it and placed it on one of the armchairs. Kicking off my shoes, I left them in a corner before heading towards the kitchen. Thirsty, I made my way to the fridge and retrieved a bottle of cold Coke. Returning to the living room, I unzipped my backpack and took out my laptop, placing it on the table. Taking a swig from my bottle, I focused on the satellite pictures I had requested earlier.
The members of the pack lingered nearby, their presence palpable. Grunting, I muttered, "mi casa Es su casa. Make yourselves at home. Help yourselves to drinks and food if you need. I am about to examine my targets."
With that, they walked into the kitchen, leaving me to study the satellite images in solitude.
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