Chương 88: 8. A New Day Has Come
As I sifted through the paperwork, the sound of a knock on my door interrupted my concentration.
Irritated, I replied, "Come in. What is it?"
To my surprise, the door swung open and Wulfe number one, two, and Mariella walked in.
Letting out an exasperated groan in my mind, I looked at them and asked, "Yeah, what is it? I'm in the middle of something, so if it's a problem in the hub, deal with it and don't bother me!"
Wulfe snorted and casually plopped down on my sofa, his usual spot. He leaned back, observing me as I struggled with the stack of offers, while Salvatore Trio inspected my office. The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, a welcome distraction from the chaos. I slowly stood up and made my way to the coffee machine, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over me at the most inconvenient time. Number one's gaze was fixed on me intently.
As I reached for my coffee mug, he suddenly appeared by my side, his lips brushing against my ear as he murmured, "Oh my god, you've still kept this. Do you remember, baby? What's yours is mine too."
He reached for my cup. Our ongoing war for ownership reignited. I tightly grasped it, but his warm hand closed over mine, effortlessly prying my fingers free and snatching it away.
Mariella approached Damon. Their connection was clear as she spoke to him through their bond. "Are you trying to seduce Mimi? What's with this mug?"
Damon smirked and replied, "Yeah, she's in an awful place. A little seduction is good for her. This was her mug, her very first, given to her by Adam during their first trip to Chicago when she was rescued. I've teased her, stealing it whenever I had the chance. It was one of our little games, you know."
Mariella fell silent, her voice devoid of jealousy but filled with contemplation. "You two had something wonderful, those little games, those slow seductions. We've never had that kind of stuff. Do you know why? Because you chose me, and you knew there was no need to tease or entice or seduce. I'm always ready for you, always yours. But that creature, I can see it."
I gripped my other mug, my fingers curling around the smooth handle. Memories of Jake flooded my mind, a bittersweet reminder of when he gave me this very mug.
Suddenly, Number Two approached me, snatching it from my grip and declaring, "It's time for me to break this cup, metaphorically speaking. It belongs to both you and Jake, but now it's mine, too."
How intriguing! This person was clearly jealous of Jake.
I had a few other mugs, some of them given to me by Reddington. As I looked at them, I realized each mug held a dear memory, a story that made me feel more vulnerable. Wulfe, the enigmatic teacher, came up to me and took the mug Reddington had given me. His expression was peculiar as he held the cup, walking over to the sofa without even bothering to pour himself any coffee. He turned it in his hands, almost as if he could sense something from it.
Mariella noticed Wulfe's expression and joined him on the sofa.
Wulfe, with a smile on his face, murmured to himself, "He loved her, he truly loved her, and I'm not sure what he was."
Intrigued, Mariella asked, "Reddington? He was human. What do you mean?"
Wulfe smiled and shook his head, explaining, "Not human. He enchanted this mug with ancient magic, meant to provide comfort to Mimi. Here, give it a try. You may not feel anything, but you won't be able to remove it. It's a powerful spell, a good magic that brings me comfort and reminds me of my connection with Mimi."
Curiosity piqued, Mariella took the mug in her hands, closing her eyes. And there it was, a warm comfort enveloping her, like a silent reassurance that everything would be alright, that she would be fine no matter what. She couldn't help but be amazed by the power of the mug's enchantment.
The magic enveloped her like a divine aura, filling her senses with wonder. Though uncertain about Reddington's true identity, she had her suspicions. If her suspicions were true, it would be nothing short of amazing. Mariella was truly in awe. Deep down, she knew that fate had never destined her to meet Reddington. He had been there for Mimi, and she had saved him in return.
Mariella leaned in and whispered softly to Wulfe, "I believe he's a fallen angel. You see, angels can lose their way. They are God's soldiers or workers, but sometimes the human world proves too intriguing for them. It's like a child straying from the path to chase a perfect butterfly. Angels are captivated by humanity, and they lose their way. A fallen angel is not cast out of heaven; they simply become too curious for their own good. It seems Mimi was the guiding light that led Reddington back to his path toward heaven. Perhaps he, Jake, and Rob are all connected."
Wulfe smiled and replied, "It's always refreshing to learn something new, even for a creature as old as I am, rather than always being the one to teach."
As I reached for my mug, memories flooded my mind. This particular mug was from the hotel where I had lost my virginity, a reminder of a different time. Over the years, I had amassed quite a collection of mugs, each holding a piece of my past. But times changed, and during those difficult seven years, my cherished coffee cup collection had slowly dispersed among my various bases and offices, becoming the last remnants of my former life.
Lost in thought, I reached for the cream powder, only for Number One to snatch it away before I could. He read the label, then teleported my powder to an unknown location, replacing it with a carton of cream.
He poured it into my coffee, his sharp gaze piercing mine as he asked, "Are you planning to survive solely on coffee until you eat again?"
I waved off his concern dismissively, replying, "I'll eat at some point, once I finish my paperwork."
Taking my mug, I returned to my desk and started reviewing the offers for computers and displays. We needed them for our acquisitions, and while cost-saving was important, I focused on selecting the best offer, not the cheapest. This was my job, after all - to accept offers that would benefit our work.
As I sipped my aromatic coffee, I couldn't help but notice that Mariella had a cup given to me by Reddington. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the room, but my own coffee pot was nearly empty. At least I managed to enjoy one cup.
Number one sat across from me, their gaze fixed on me as they asked, "What are you doing? Can I help?"
The sound of their voice echoed in my ears.
Wulfe said lazily, "No, these decisions are hers alone. Even Alaric doesn't have a say. She carefully selects our acquisitions and our team has already chosen the best candidates. She has the final say."
Damon furrowed his brow and inquired, "Do you have enough space on your desk for me to join you?"
I let out a sigh, looking at him with boredom clear in my expression. "I don't see you doing much paperwork, just bothering me. I need to finish these tasks."
Mariella suggested, "Why not share? Let's all review the offers together, have a discussion, and choose mutually."
I took a deep breath and replied, "I don't have time for a panel or discussions about acquisitions. It's not just about choosing the cheapest option, but finding the best fit for us."
I realized I hadn't been paying enough attention to everyone in the room. Soon, I noticed Damon had settled himself in a similar chair to mine, clearing half of my desk and placing his laptop and phone on it. He started going through the offers, reading them one by one and furrowing his brow.
He asked, "How do you choose? These offers seem almost identical."
I confidently responded, "Experience, my boy. I have that advantage in this case. I've got this."
He raised an eyebrow challengingly, prompting a grunt from me. Wulfe stood up, joining me at the corner of my table.
He picked up an offer and began reading it. "Not this one," he remarked. "Wrong display type, regardless of how often they provide updates."
I nodded in agreement, adding, "Yes, but the offers with better displays seem to be lacking in other departments. I'm considering requesting separate offers specifically for displays and computers."
Wulfe pondered my suggestion and said, "That might work, but we do need those computers as soon as possible for multiple bases."
I nodded once again. Mariella chimed in, expressing her fascination, "This is all so intriguing. I want to learn about the different types of computers and displays. What Mimi is doing sounds fascinating."
My thoughts were dripping with sarcasm, causing Wulfe to smirk knowingly. He seemed to have caught onto my thoughts or perhaps they simply leaked out.
Damon's voice echoed in my ears as he said, "Fine, I have gotten the necessary info from your mind, my lady. So this is my plan: we take this offer, but not too many, and then ask for more offers. It's not the best choice, but it's our best option. The displays aren't perfect, but we can make them slightly less so and improve them if needed."
Reluctantly, I took the offer, skimming it over before handing it to Wulfe.
I whispered, "Do you think Ginny will freak out if we give her those displays? She threatened to strangle me in my panties."
Wulfe chuckled and replied, "Well, if she does, I want to see that. But don't worry, she'll be fine, especially if you promise her those holographic displays later on."
I placed the offer in its own folder and placed it in the outbox, noting down how many and which items we would be taking. Sighing, I picked up the next pile of papers and rose to stand. I carried the papers with me as I walked toward a cabinet filled with thick folders. It was a tedious task, but necessary.
As I reached the cabinet, I looked at the labels, searching for my first name. Selecting the folder, I pulled it out and flipped it open, finding the papers inside. I opened the middle mechanism to extract the plastic sleeve containing the documents. Number two stood beside me, observing my actions.
He asked, "What are you doing? Doesn't seem like a pleasant task."
I replied, "I'm handling the paperwork for those who were KIA, their 'what ifs.' I need to ensure the compensations are taken care of."
He took a plastic sleeve, read the document, and nodded in understanding.
Focusing on my task, I moved on to the next file, searching for the next "what if" paper. We printed out these scenarios for those who had left us, as I had discovered early on how many people yearn for civilian life. If they were killed, it was my responsibility to take care of their families. Though I knew I needed to visit Lake Lanier at some point, it would have to wait. There was just too much to do, and I already had a long list of missions awaiting me.
Number two took a few files from my grip and began examining the "what ifs." This was my job, my burden. After searching through all of them, I retrieved the files from number two and made my way back to my desk. I started putting things in order, and organizing the paperwork.
Once again, I hadn't noticed that number one was watching me closely.
He spoke up, "You should really share that. We all deserve to be a part of it. It's not just your privilege."
Wulfe said softly, "Actually, unicorn, I agree. While this may feel like punishment to you, many of us would want to offer one last gift to those families, to remember them by. It's not just your loss, it's ours too. We all lost them, not just you."
I glanced at Wulfe, his words hitting home as they always did. He never forced me, just hinted, or had Magnum nudge me.
I replied, "Yeah, I understand. But this account is for me alone. It's for practical reasons."
Mariella interjected, "Actually, I could set up access in that account for others in about five minutes. It's not just yours anymore. Times are changing, Mimi. This will be ours. You'll be a part of our pack."
I looked at her and retorted, "I am part of a pack. My organization is my pack. Wulfe, Magnum, Dexter, Colin, Murdock—they're all part of my pack. You have your pack, I have mine."
Damon whispered in my ear, "Baby, we could merge them together. Deep down, you secretly desire to submit to me, legs spread, helpless, being ravished, completely restrained."
I blushed, unable to utter a word. We were discussing accounts, and he was talking dirty in my ear. My mental balance was thrown off.
Wulfe smirked and said, "Oh, unicorn, you're adorable when you blush."
Oh my god. Mariella smiled and number two added, "Alright, young lady. Number four has arrived. He'll go through you as well after he checks the medbay. There are more Salvatores here, too."
I took a shaky breath as Mariella stood up and said, "I'll go grab us something to eat. I'm willing to bet numbers three and eight are already in the kitchen."
I tried to refocus on my task of organizing the compensations. My phone beeped, and I put on my headset, pressed a button, and asked, "What?"
Brittany, one of our planners, began explaining something about Sark's places.
I interrupted her, saying, "Wait a minute, I'll get to it."
I ended the call and turned to number two and Wulfe, saying, "You two, Brittany needs help with one of Sark's places. Would you mind?"
Wulfe smiled and said to number two, "Sure, let's go rain hell on Sark's facilities."
As they moved out, it was just me and number one. I didn't think as I pressed play on my playlist, and the room filled with music. I had in front of me information about a new type of rifles. Again, it was my decision whether we would take them. Murdock didn't bother with paperwork; he could test them while I bought them.
"You have quite a damn versatile music taste, baby," Damon grumbled next to me.
I said, "Oh, I didn't mean to interrupt you. I can shut it down if it bothers you."
He replied, "Nope, it's just that I have never known your taste, only a few new songs here and there, but this is all good."
I ran my hand through my hair, trying to choose rifles and read the specs. The problem was that different makers presented the measurements in different ways, making it difficult to compare. I had to do mental calculations to get an idea of what they were all about.
As The Beatles' "Hey Jude," played, Damon said, "Did you know I was a Beatles fan? I actually went to quite a few of their concerts."
I said, "That's new to me. Was it fun? I haven't been to many, if any, concerts. Not really my thing."
Damon muttered almost to himself, "One thing that I am going to rectify."
I continued going through the papers, putting them into piles, and Damon pushed my piles back towards me, saying, "This is our desk, this is my side, that is yours. Keep your papers on your own side."
I held my tongue. Mariella and number four walked in. Mariella carrying a large tray full of food. I started organizing my papers and getting ready to eat.
Number four stealthily crept up behind me, his icy fingers gripping my head and turning it slightly. I felt the piercing pain as his fangs sank into my neck, draining my blood in copious amounts. The room spun as the sensation overwhelmed me. Triggered by this very vampiric act, number one followed suit, sinking his fangs into me as well, leaving me completely empty. His hunger was evident. I was just a damn good meal for them to have. I had my powers fully in me, so my blood was potent.
Slowly, I regained consciousness, finding myself on the sofa, a lingering headache reminding me of what I had endured. My once spacious office now felt crowded, filled with the presence of number nine, number ten, and even Adam, discussing my papers.
I rose to take my seat, Damon's voice breaking the silence. "Come on, let's eat. We've already chosen our rifles. Everything is in place now."
I refrained from commenting and settled back down. My playlist continued to play in the background, the provocative lyrics of a Finnish song filling the room. I hoped none of them grasped the true meaning behind the song. I had barely eaten a few forkfuls when the smirks on Salvatores faces revealed they were well aware of the song's implications.
Number one whispered in my ear, "Baby, no need to seduce me so intensely. I'm an easy guy to please. Perhaps we can make use of that sofa."
I focused on chewing and swallowing, my face turning as red as a crab. Reflecting on how my life had grown increasingly interesting since their arrival, I couldn't help but wonder if things would have been the same had he been a part of this. I vividly remembered how he had seduced me, every single time. Only time would reveal the path we would take from here.
Tình trạng nguồn điện hàng tuần
-- Xếp hạng
Quyền lực 
-- Đá
Quyền lực