章節 67: 27. You Can't Hurry Love.
I was determined to finish my targets before diving into yet another round of fight clubs. Wulfe, always protective, had given me permission for just one night at the fights. He wanted to see if I could hold my own, keep my wits, and carry out my job without being reckless. It was rare for Wulfe to defend someone so fiercely, which made me feel honored and special. The bond between us was unique.
But I couldn't ignore my pride. I wasn't a damsel in distress. I had saved the world on my own more than ten times. I knew about my job. Meanwhile, Magnum was occupied, busy preparing some wannabe who wanted to join the fleas. It was a bit strange that Magnum himself was taking care of this person. Maybe they were special. Only time would reveal their identity if they still wanted to join after our initiation.
Our little initiation was designed to weed out the weak. Gone were the days when anyone could become part of this. It has led to too many tragic outcomes when individuals couldn't handle the challenges. These few weeks under the guidance of Murdock and Magnum would determine if this person was a suitable fit. Then, we would discuss their desired role and who they wanted to work with. If they ended up on the same base as me, it would be likely that they would want to meet me at some point. I was open to that, eager to see who this newcomer was and form my own impression. Though I trusted my staff, Jarod, and Magnum, it was important for me to have a firsthand understanding of the person I would be working with.
As I walked through the dimly lit alley, the echoes of "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" played in my mind. Despite the dangerous nature of this gig, the lyrics resonated with me. Memories flooded my thoughts, reminding me of countless nights spent alone, hopping from one bar to another, always on the hunt. It used to be my job, but now it has become my anthem.
In the darkness, a sense of danger hung in the air, slowly transforming my mind into that of a killer. The alleys became my hunting ground, my thoughts focused solely on the task at hand. There was no time to reminisce about the past or hope for what could have been. I had changed too much, my darkness consuming everything around me.
I had lost Damon, my pack, and my love. But in return, I gained new companions, a new pack, and the love of Colin. I wished for my pack to have a fulfilling life, one that wasn't too tame, where they could embrace everything they desired. My powers continued to grow, a force that even Wulfe couldn't assist with. He was there to ensure I remained composed, to keep me in check.
Love, I realized, was not limited to romantic connections. It was a powerful force that could be directed towards many things. I loved my twins, Colin, and even Wulfe, albeit in different ways. I felt their vulnerability, their willingness to accept my love and allow it to heal and support them. I had to be patient, to let our bond develop naturally before venturing into the physical realm.
My feelings for Wulfe ran deep, transcending the physical plane. We were soulmates, once again, connected on a profound level. Magnum, Murdock, and Dexter, too held a special place in my heart. I loved each of my five companions, truly and deeply. Love defined me, and only time would reveal what the future held for us.
Finally, I reached my destination, a ladder leading to the roof. My bag, filled with rifles, rested on my shoulder as I began to ascend. Despite the distance, my hybrid abilities granted me speed and strength, allowing me to climb effortlessly. Step by step, I made my way across the dark rooftop, senses heightened, alert to any signs of danger. In a suitable position, I carefully unpacked my rifle, preparing it for the task ahead.
Lying on my belly, I carefully positioned my rifle on the rooftop, adjusting every component. Peering through the scope, I ensured my sight was perfectly aligned. With Wulfe monitoring my thoughts, I suppressed my killer instinct. Finally, my target appeared, and it was time to execute the mission. It took a whole damn night for me to get these killed, but I had now some free time. Well, free and free, the base was calling. Time to be a leader once again.
I was thinking about our next mission. Not easy in any way. This was one of the toughest challenges we had faced, as our enemies had devised a new strategy to impede us. The number of captives and casualties was overwhelming. As I walked towards my car, I sensed a profound change had happened in the realm where the pack had ventured. Evidence suggested their return, and now it was time to embrace my new life.
Mariella's heart raced with excitement as she prepared to meet Jarod. The anticipation filled her with a sense of joy and relief. Magnum had warned her that her physical exercises and gun training would continue, but now she would finally have the chance to enter the base and learn the ropes there, too. Ignorant about the whole situation, Mimi was blissfully unaware of the plans Mariella had in store.
Mariella intended to lure the Salvatores, one by one, into this mission. And someday, when she was an integral part of it all, she would confide in Damon. Although she missed him, Mariella found solace in her busy schedule. Damon had been absent, not even speaking to her, while the wolves enjoyed their performances in various locations. Uncertain about what Adam, Charles, and the boys were up to, Mariella arranged to meet Jarod at a hotel, not at the base.
Once her interview was complete, she would gain the privilege of entering the base. She felt an overwhelming readiness within her, even though she longed for Damon's presence. She knew that one day, he would miss her when she was on a mission. A burst of laughter escaped her lips as she embraced her newfound identity as Mimi number two, ready to embark on missions. It was ironic, considering she had once believed that being like Mimi was not a good thing. Yet, here she was, prepared to become Mimi number two.
She walked up to that grand hotel, the ornate architecture towering above her. As she entered, the familiar scent of polished wood and fresh flowers filled her nostrils. Stepping into the lift, she pressed the button for her desired floor. Uncertainty filled her, curiosity bubbling beneath the surface. What was this all about?
Reaching her designated room, she gently knocked on the door. The sound echoed through the hallway, followed by the soft, rhythmic footsteps approaching. The door swung open, revealing a tall, brown-haired man with a calm disposition. His name was Jarod, and he greeted her with a warm smile.
"Welcome," he said, his voice soothing. "Come in. There's nothing to be afraid of. Let's have a chat and see what you are seeking."
Grateful for his reassurance, Mariella stepped into the room. She walked towards the chair that Jarod had pointed out, feeling its plush velvet against her fingertips as she sat down. Jarod positioned himself opposite her, his gaze fixed upon her. She couldn't help but feel exposed, as if he could see right through her, discerning her true intentions from the start.
Mariella began to speak, her words tinged with vulnerability. "Mimi has probably told you a lot about me, the lust queen. And I can assure you, I have earned that reputation. But not anymore."
Jarod listened intently, his eyes never leaving her face.
Mariella continued, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "Did you know, has Mimi ever told you I was supposed to be a savior? We used to attend parties, and my radar, my special radar, would guide me towards those who needed saving. Often, they were witches who had suffered at the hands of Damien in Damon's body. It took time, but Mimosa and I would help them find peace, and introduce them to the real Damon. I managed to convince most of the witches to live in the magic house."
Jarod's interest was piqued, his curiosity clear. "Interesting," he remarked, his tone contemplative. "Why do you say that you used to be a savior? Has something changed?"
Mariella sighed, a mix of resignation and longing in her voice. "Yes, and no. We started attending fewer parties, and indulging in more carnal pleasures. My need to save others diminished as my own desires grew. And then, our purpose shifted towards breeding. The whole Damien ordeal, everything that has happened since then, the seven years of crisis... I may be a slow learner, but I feel that this is my true calling. I recently spent over three years in another realm, although it was a little over eight months here. I was trapped in the role of a housewife, taking care of the household, making babies, and cooking. I was bored to tears. Men took care of the demons, finding excitement in their missions. I yearned to be more than just a housewife, and this opportunity just clicked."
Jarod's smile widened, a glimmer of recognition shining in his eyes. He tilted his head slightly, as if contemplating his own thoughts.
"Yes," he muttered, almost to himself. "There is something..."
He stood up, walked over to the kitchen, and returned with a steaming cup of rich, aromatic coffee. The enticing scent filled the air, assuring Mariella that it was of high quality and safe to drink. As she took a small sip of the hot brew, she couldn't help but notice its smooth and comforting taste.
"Mini has always been reluctant to share her past," Mariella remarked, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Damon has revealed some details, but it has been a challenge to get her to open up about her war stories over the years. It usually requires heavy sedation, mind manipulation from Damon, or him getting her intoxicated with his blood or pheromones."
Jarod nodded in agreement. "It's not easy for her to recount those experiences since she relives them in her mind. No one can truly understand what it feels like," he explained empathetically.
Mariella suggested, "Damon is a telepath. Maybe he can help her."
Jarod's gaze sharpened as he looked at her. "Wulfe, who is older than Damon, is also a telepath. He has enlightened us about the telepathic abilities. However, I can demonstrate one of the techniques that Magnum came up with. It's a way to interrogate, but I sometimes use it to help others understand Mimi's memory."
Standing up once again, Jarod walked into another room and returned with a briefcase. Meanwhile, Mariella savored the last sip of her coffee, having seen glimpses of Mimi's memories before and knowing their intensity. Jarod retrieved a helmet from the briefcase and connected a small black box to the television.
He turned to Mariella and asked, "Have you ever watched the movie 'Scream'?"
Mariella shook her head, unsure of the movie's content.
Jarod explained, "We'll start by watching a portion of the movie, treating it as your memory, devoid of strong emotions or actual sensations. Then we'll watch the same scene from Mimi's perspective, and you'll narrate what you see."
Mariella furrowed her brow, determined to complete the task. Jarod pressed play, and Mariella was immediately captivated by the eerie atmosphere of the film. The suspenseful music heightened the tension as the caller taunted their victim before the chilling act of violence. She couldn't help but feel a sense of discomfort, wishing she could watch the movie with Damon, seeking solace in his embrace.
Jarod paused the movie, turning his attention to Mariella. "Are you ready? You'll become the victim and describe what happened," he instructed.
Mariella nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Jarod approached her, placing the helmet on her head, and then connected the wires protruding from the helmet to the black box.
Mariella's grip tightened around the cold, sleek phone in her trembling hand. The sinister voice echoed in her ears, taunting her, and sending shivers down her spine. Her heart raced, pounding in her chest, as she felt an overwhelming sense of vulnerability wash over her. She strained her senses, trying to catch a glimpse of the person lurking outside. Unbeknownst to her, every detail of her terror was etched on her face, her body language betraying her fear.
Suddenly, Mariella felt a presence closing in on her. She could see a figure, shrouded in a black robe and wearing a menacing mask. The sight sent chills down her spine, and she could almost taste the fear in the air. The figure approached, slashing at her with a weapon, causing pain to sear through her body. The metallic scent of her blood filled her nostrils, mingling with the stench of death. Her strength waned as she felt herself slipping away, the darkness closing in.
Jarod's swift action snapped Mariella back to reality, allowing her to regain some semblance of composure.
Her voice was weak as she spoke, revealing her vulnerability. "No wonder she's not sharing. But doesn't Damon's telepathy help?"
Jarod, cool and calculating, responded, "Fine, let me show you."
With a press of a button, the haunting memories became less vivid, but Mariella still held onto the visceral sensations of what she had experienced. She knew that if necessary, she could retrieve those memories in all their harrowing detail.
Jarod's voice turned colder as he continued, "Damon's telepathy may help, but it doesn't erase the trauma. You know the saying, 'Stupid is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different outcome.' Mimi may not be stupid, but you and the entire pack are forcing her into the same cycle, expecting a result that will never come."
Mariella removed the helmet, confusion etched on her face.
Jarod's tone remained stern as he explained, "You push Mimi to trust Damon, to share her weaknesses, only for him to exploit them without hesitation. In the past, Damon manipulated her by erasing memories, only to bring them back later and use them against her. And when he discovered her greatest strength, her rage, he subjected her to an electric shock collar, a tool that had been used to torture her multiple times before."
Mariella nodded, acknowledging the mistakes they had made in the past. But Jarod wasn't finished.
He declared, "I took it upon myself to share these truths with you. Magnum was a bit upset, as he wanted to be the one to reveal these facts to you, princess."
Mariella's curiosity piqued. She didn't fully understand the purpose of this conversation, but she could sense that Jarod was warning her, defending Mimi, and about to reveal something surprising.
Jarod locked eyes with her and said, "Firstly, Mimi knew you would be in there for years. She had a dream, a premonition."
Jarod took a moment to collect himself, his eyes scanning the room before he continued speaking. "She was in pretty terrible shape after your treatment," he said, his voice filled with concern. "But she managed to hide her condition, called Colin, and went to his clinic. She took an 8-week nap to recover, and then Colin's leprechaun came into the picture, protecting her. Now, she's linked to Colin. He'll sense whenever she's ill or in distress, and not even all the ten Salvatores can sever that link."
Mariella listened intently, memories of her actions flooding her mind. She remembered telling number two make Mimi to throw up, not be next to her, and then that strong antibiotic with no sedation or digestive protection., the taste of regret lingering in her mouth, and the sickness that followed.
She admitted, "Again, I did it. I was a monster, not thinking clearly. My mind was all over the place because Damon was wounded, and I blamed Mimi."
Jarod nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "Secondly, those ferals were written in our threat report, but since you had to take Damon to fuck earlier, he did not read that report. If he had read it, he would have made sure that those ferals would have been dealt with. Mimi found that report in the pile of spam posts. You must understand, princess, just how much everyone, almost everyone, will protect Mimi. Including me. Wulfe, Magnum, Colin, Dexter, and Murdock, all want to be with her, love her, and keep her safe. They've all lived in Moldova and have a deep connection with her. And it's possible that a physical relationship may develop soon. She's single, free, and not married, not even vampire married."
Mariella nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "I understand, and I want to correct my mistakes. That's why I want to be a part of this, to save and help, not be under Salvatore's control, with my legs spread and used. That report is my fault again and I understand if Mimi hates me. I have brought just misery into her life."
A smile tugged at Jarod's lips as he considered her words. "Princess, this won't be easy, and Salvatore may not allow you to be involved. He has had issues with Mimi being the leader. You, his beloved, doing missions might be too hard for him."
Mariella smiled back, her mind racing with ideas. "I am no longer a little doll to Damon to dress and decorate. I have my mind. You see, my plan is to bring the Salvatores into this too, but they have to go through the same process I did, the whole rigmarole. Only then can they truly be a part of this, not taking over, but helping Mimi and everyone else. Damon and the others can be as versatile as they want, playing roles like interrogators, doctors, planners, and assassins. But I want them tested, thoroughly tested."
Jarod burst into laughter, the sound filling the room. "Damn, princess, you really know how to surprise me. But yes, we'll put everyone through their paces. It's good to have them on our side. Now, can you keep a secret? From Damon, and truly keep it to yourself until Mimi gives the okay?"
Mariella nodded, a sense of excitement building within her. She already had a plan forming in her mind, her room awaiting her, ready for the challenges that lay ahead.
Jarod stood up, his heart pounding in his chest. He made his way to the other room; the floor creaking beneath his feet. With a sense of urgency, he retrieved a sleek black briefcase and swiftly flicked it open. The metallic click echoed in the room as he pulled out a stack of photographs, their glossy surfaces reflecting the dim light.
He handed the pictures to Mariella, their edges slightly worn from countless viewings. As she held them in her trembling hands, she took in the sights captured within. The first photo revealed a towering building, its imposing structure casting a shadow over the surrounding yard. Her eyes widened as she noticed a figure patrolling the perimeter, the faint sound of footsteps echoing in her mind.
Guns glinted in the next picture, their cold steel sending a shiver down her spine. Fences stretched out in the distance, a stark reminder of the barriers that separated them from their goal. She moved on to the next image, her breath catching in her throat. It was Sark, his familiar face etched with determination as he engaged in conversation with an unknown individual.
Jarod's voice broke the silence, filled with disdain. "That is Krycheck's right-hand man, a guy called Ben Voss. A nasty piece of shit."
Mariella's gaze shifted to the following photo, revealing a group of men emerging from the very same building. Disbelief washed over her as she recognized Damon leading a team of scientists. He wore a doctor's coat, a symbol of authority amidst the chaos.
The armed men remained a constant presence, a menacing force protecting the secrets within. She flipped through the remaining pictures, her eyes fixated on Damon conversing with Voss, their smiles betraying an unsettling alliance. Together, they vanished into the depths of the building, leaving behind a lingering sense of foreboding.
Jarod's voice pierced through her racing thoughts. "Salvatore had no idea that his contacts had been compromised. They lured him into one of the nastiest facilities around. But here's the kicker - innocent scientists have been trapped there as well. A full-on assault would mean innocent lives lost, and it's probably Sark's plan to tarnish our reputation, maybe even press charges against us. Salvatore is being kept in the dark, unaware of what's truly happening. They're exploiting his talents as an interrogator, and some of our own people are trapped in there, too."
Mariella's mind whirled with desperation as she tried to formulate a plan. How could she convince Damon that this facility was a den of evil?
Jarod's voice snapped her back to reality. "Congratulations, you're in. This will be your first assignment. I'll take you to the base, where you'll meet the team working to make this mission a success."
Uncertainty mingled with determination within Mariella, but deep down, she knew she had to do this.
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