Bate

by Jessie Rose Case

  Walking back to the reception room Ena was greeted by several people waiting on them. “Everyone,” Arturo announced, “please welcome Athena. For those that don’t know her she’s family, the daughter of Mr W J and a specialist in her own right.” Arturo encouraged her forward. Ena was surprised to see a mixture of vamps and humans. It was clear that several were couples. This intrigued her. Her father had not mentioned that. Arturo led her forward and introduced her to Lord Alex and Lucy. Ena held out her hand. Alex took it. “I met your father many times over the years, he was an intriguing man. His work will be missed as much as the man himself.” Ena held back a sob in her throat. It was a kind thing to say that she had not expected. “Thank you.” She was introduced as Lady Lucy who cringed at hearing it, “that is so not right,” Lucy told Lord Alex and leaned into him. Lord Alex turned to her, “do we need to …….. discuss this again Lucy? I am happy to revisit the conversation if you so wish.” He told her warmly kissing her. Ena tried not to smile. She guessed there was much meaning in that conversation.

  She noticed Regin move forward and kiss and or hug the other people in the room. Arturo turned to her, “Lady Valentina and her companion Pete,” Arturo said raising an eyebrow questioningly to Pete, Ena noticed. Valentina looked at her in curiosity while Pete held out his hand, Ena took it and shook, he nodded in Valentina’s direction, “we’re still arguing over titles,” Ena wasn’t sure what to say. “May I hug you?” Valentina asked surprising Ena. “I knew your father when he was working with Arturo. He was a fine man, I am sorry to hear that he is gone.” Ena nodded. “He was, a hug’s fine.” Valentina moved in slowly and hugged her. Ena was surprised that it felt like anyone else hugging her. Comforting. Nice. Valentina pulled back and held her arms, “I saw you twice as a child, you were beautiful and at the time, a reminder of lost opportunities, the first time you saw me, you looked at me for a while then came walking over holding out your hand, I took it and you asked me why I was so sad, I hadn’t even realised that I was projecting sadness but I realised after that I was, you told me not to be sad, you tugged on my hand to bend down and you hugged me.” Valentina laughed, “you should have seen your father’s face, he wasn’t sure if he should be worried for you or for me. I cannot tell you how amazing it felt at the time. A human child so full of innocence and love giving it freely. You patted me on the shoulder and kissed my cheek saying, all better now, like I guess your father had done to you many times you were sad. I am so very happy to see you.” Ena had a tear in her eye and her throat tight again. She just nodded. She didn’t remember the incident but it reminded her. Valentina let her go and Arturo introduced the others, Lady Gia, Lord Pierre, Eve and Charlee. “Call me Ena please.” She told them.

  They all chatted in small groups and Ena found herself chatting with everyone. They were all interested and curious of her military life with guns and what she had brought with her. The Butler called them into dinner m shortly after. The table was now removed of her guns and held a full dinner setting. It was something Ena had rarely seen. Silver service, flowers, candelabra, crystal glasses, it was old school and very posh, it reminded her of military dinners and that’s where the formality ended. Everyone was relaxed and clearly took seats where they liked. No ceremony here. Arturo indicated a seat next to him and Ena took it. The conversation was light and entertaining. Ena watched the play around her. She suddenly realised that although the vamps had all the power, it was the humans that held sway. It was clear that the vamps deferred to the wishes of their human partners or indulged them but they were clearly proud of them, loved them and as with human couples, the dynamics between each couple different. “So, Ena” Regin asked her while she was cutting in to her chicken which was the most delicious thing she’d had in ages and wondered if she could get the sauce recipe, “what do you think of us?” Ena looked up and found she had several eyes on her.

  “I don’t know much about vamp society but I think this is unusual. You’re a family and I expect, as dysfunction as the next.” She told her shrugging. Regin smiled. “We are,” she laughed so did several others around the table. “Do you know anything about vamps?” Regin asked. Ena shook her head. “I know some of the facts. Not enough really. My father told me there were those that eat you and those that don’t.” Gia burst out laughing. “That’s good.” Several others smiled and chuckled. “He did tell me that jokingly.” Ena felt the need to add. “Actually,” Arturo told her, “that about sums it up nicely.” Ena frowned, Seriously? “How do you tell the difference?” She asked. “Red eyes, no control are good giveaways.” Pete told her. “Do you have vamps like that?” She asked turning to Arturo. “Not in my house no but sometimes we get visitors or are invaded and have to put them down. We keep as much from the population as we can and we have, others who help us keep control.” “Do I need to be cautious?” She asked him. Arturo held her eyes all amusement gone. “The gift you made for me, do one for yourself and carry enough weapon power to take down an elephant till you do and even with that, you might not be fast enough. Don’t go anywhere without your security. The risk is low but its here.” Ena just stared at him. The table had gone very quiet. “Noted.” Ena didn’t feel much like dessert after that. Conversation had gone back to being light but Ena found little joy in it. She wondered what her father had been thinking.

  “Shall we?” Regin told the table. Ena must have got lost in her thoughts dinner appeared to be over. “Coffee should be in reception.” Ena got up and moved with everyone else. Checking her watch she saw it was 8.30pm. She turned to Regin, Arturo was talking with several of his staff, “I’m sorry but I need to go, I have to lock up the shop. I can leave the weapons, if someone could bring them back to the store tomorrow anytime after 2pm?” Regin reached out and touched her arm. “That’s fine Ena, I hope you come and see us again.” Ena was about to turn and thought of something, “Blane, I’d rather he did not do security for me, he has a club to run and I’d like the space.” Regin looked at her curiously. “Let me see you out.” She told her and walked her through the reception doors towards the main house doors as they stepped outside Regin turned to her. “I’m assuming the sex was consensual as you’re not saying anything about it and I wouldn’t expect anything less of Blane. He’s an honourable male. However, I have not known him to take to a human as he has to you and so quickly. That is new and you should know that. And if that’s the case, taking him off security won’t keep him away if he’s interested.”

  Ena frowned, “They can smell the sex can’t they?” Regin nodded. “Shit.” Regin shook her head, “no don’t think like a human. Their sense of smell is heightened, they live with knowing others business. They cannot help it and generally try not to interfere. As I said, smelling Blane on you was a first.” Ena sighed. “I have a choice right?” Regin nodded, “of course you have a choice. If you don’t want him tell him so.” Ena nodded. “He can’t persuade me?” Regin smiled, “if he’s into you, he will try every trick in the book, but he will not use anything to compromise your free will. That is not who we are.” Ena felt relieved. “Good, thank you.” “Still want him gone?” Regin asked curiously. “Yes, I don’t need the complication.” Regin looked at her again. “I’ll let Arturo know, drive safe Ena.” Regin hugged her and let her go. Ena jogged to her parked car. She needed to get back to her shop and what she knew best. This night was way too weird for her.

  Regin walked back in and took her seat grabbing a coffee. She had a lot to think about and discuss with Arturo. There were many layer’s to Ena and she was adamant in her conviction of not being involved with Blane. That could be a problem if Blane wanted her and had already steakd a claim. His scent was all over that woman. Regin could see the bonding. It was a strong link.

  Ena arrived at the underground garage just before 9pm. She’d informed the girls she was on their way and to lock down and wait for her to complete the process. Walking up the stairs she felt a sense of piece and achievement. It might have been her father’s wishes but
she had made this happen. “Hi guys,” she called out as she came through the office door. “Hay Ena, good night?” She heard Kirsty say. Ena pushed open the salon door and faced her girls. “It was a lovely meal and nice to see new friends. So you guys can go, thanks’ for holding the fort. Anything I should know?” “No we sold some major pieces, the info is on the computer, it went well.” Ena smiled. “Great job guys see you tomorrow.” Ena checked the reception door was locked down and started to close off the shutters to the guns and secure them. Once they were all done, she turned off the lights and walked back into the corridor security the salon door and the back door engaging the bars. She then walked back into her office and started up the computer. She’d have a couple of hours of paperwork to do if they had sold some good stuff today. Going over to the coffee machine she made a coffee and took it back to her desk. The computer was ready to work. Ena stretched and remembered what Arturo said about carrying. She took out the small hand gun from her hand bag. That wasn’t going to cut it. She put it in her top drawer and closed and locked it. Moving over to her safe she unlocked it and took out the piece she had just finished. She wasn’t sure what made her make it but now was glad she had. Grabbing the magazines and shoulder holder to go with it she re-locked the safe and went back to her desk. She had work to do.

  Blane put the phone down. Arturo had told him he was off security for Ena. That she’d requested it. And, they could smell him on her. Shit. He had not been thinking. He’d wanted to ask if she was ok but couldn’t bring himself to give that much away. He looked at the time 10:15pm he wondered if she was still at the shop. He knew the number and dialled not really expecting her to pick up. It rang a couple of times and he thought he’d forget it. “William James and Co.” Blane held his breath. “William James and Co.” She repeated. Blane let out his breath, not that he really needed to breath, “hi Ena, its Blane, just wanted to make sure you were ok.” It was Ena’s turn to be quiet on the other end. He could hear her breathing. “I’m fine thank you.” Blane smiled she was so polite, so English, she was surprised he’d called. “Yeah I just wondered, seeing as you had me taken off security for you. Thought I might have scared you or something.” She’d gone quiet at the other end. Not used to being pulled on her actions? “Look Blane, the sex was good but I don’t need complications or more than that ok.” “Fair enough,” he told her, “I’ll take that under advisement. Now, I’ll tell you what I want and that’s you.” He could hear her breathing. She’d been holding it not sure what he’d say. “I’ve made myself clear. Thanks for the call. Good night.” She put the phone down on him. Blane leaned back in his chair. He wasn’t sure he liked her calling the shots and this wasn’t over.

  Ena looked at the phone. If she was honest it pained her a little. He couldn’t just leave the sex as it was. The sex had been very very good. Her body twinged at the thought. She licked her lips. It had been more than very very good. Her clit pulsed. Fuck. She’d asked for it and boy had he given it to her. Ena smiled. Uncomplicated and good. Well now, maybe not so much. Her smile waned. It was time to go. Thinking like that could only end one way and she wasn’t going there and riding that pony any time soon. Picking up her mobile she drop called the security guy to let them know she was about to leave in 5. They would pull out the car park and meet her at the underground exit and follow her home. They would stay outside her house from now on. She liked her space and privacy and didn’t need to interact with anyone unless it was business.

  Arturo looked up from the file in front of him. Athena had lived up to her name. Her career choices were unusual for a female. Some had shocked him. The level of expertise in intelligence gathering and interrogation were a big surprise and very very dangerous. She’d been left behind enemy lines on many occasions to gather information. Been caught herself on a couple of those and been tortured. It didn’t make for good reading. And when she’d got free, she’d taken her revenge and gutted them all, taking down the entire group. Arturo expected her father had not known those bits of her career. He had supported her interests in martial arts as a child and it was clear that she was very good at it. She was also a good marksman and had won several competitions. She could have been a professional athlete but chose the military. Not enough spice for her he guessed. Well she’d certainly got that in spades.

  She’d moved up very quickly and didn’t bulk at taking on some of the more obscure jobs. There were several commissions and commendations. A couple of medals too. She eventually found herself in special ops. They’d asked for her. Most of that work was blacked out. That told him a lot. She’d eventually left having completed a successful last mission and her 15 years’ service up. No permanent relationships were listed. In her line of work he could understand why. She’d chosen not to re-enlist although it had been offered to her in a different role with a promotion and gone straight back to her father and picked up where she’d left off. His right-hand woman. That had been a couple of years ago. He suspected she knew her father’s health was starting to fail and wanted to go home. She would have made a good warrior. Hell, she had. Closing the file, Arturo wondered if her current work was enough for her.

  Ena had gone through her normal routine and made a bagel and cream cheese for breakfast with fresh fruit, coffee and juice. She’d had trouble sleeping and was paying for that now, it was later than normal. She was restless. If it kept up she’d have to start running before bed to get rid of some of that unwanted energy. Maybe she needed some action? Take a job or two? Finishing up she placed the dirty dishes in the dishwasher poured some more coffee and headed down to her work room. She wanted to get started on her new piece. She loved her work room. It was a cross between a black smith’s and a lab. She sourced out the moulds for her pieces and kept them in specific order. Each new piece had a specific place. It was like her personal show room only no one came to see it. It was hers. Taking down the mould for the gun she’d made for Arturo she set about firing the kiln. Gathering the metal materials together she set about getting them ready to melt. She’d caste the mounds today, by tomorrow they would be cool enough to start working on. Moving over to her computer, an old-style desktop that sat on one of two benches, it housed all her munitions information and contacts. Ena pulled up the emails for the suppliers of the silver casings and the liquid silver nitrate, she wanted the 100% dose, in the capsules they had agreed on, her silver bullet casings were made to fit them. It was an unusual order but her guy knew her. She placed two large orders. Both her suppliers would be happy. Ena had a feeling that she would be making more of these if Arturo asked.

  Ena came up from her work room around 12. She was pleased. She had managed to caste two of everything. With a bit of luck she would have one maybe two to work with. It was a good start. Ena headed to the shower. She had time to grab some lunch for the office and head over. Ena was at the office just before 1pm and opened the back door to let her girls in. They worked in rotation. Three hours on the front desk, an hour break, three hours in the salon and stock. Ena covered which ever one was on break. It was a good system and seemed to work. Any problems all hands-on deck. Both girls were good marksmen and knew their way around a gun. It was vital. They were tough girls and didn’t scare easily and more importantly they liked their job.

  Just after 5pm Ena watched as two cars approached the reception door. She buzzed Kristy on the reception desk. “Two cars approaching.” Kristy nodded into the camera and continued with her sale. The reception room door buzzed. Two men stood there. Ena recognised Charlee and Pete from the other night. “Gentleman I am with a customer I will be finished in around 8 minutes if you wish to wait.” Kirsty told them. “We will wait.” Ena recognised as Pete. Kirsty completed the sale and made sure not to look rushed. She did a good job. She asked the customer if she could be of any further assistance using the old-school charm that Ena had asked the girls to use. It worked on both the males and females who came in for different reasons. It was good business. The customer got up feeling they had had g
ood service and the weapon they wanted on order. The grill gate outside the reception door allowed for the reception room door to secure before the grill gate was opened. It prevented a congregation around the door or tail gating in. It was the same for getting in. Both doors did not open at the same time. Pete and Charlee moved forward towards the door carrying boxes. Ena realised it was her weapons. She walked out of the office and into the Salon. “Kirsty buzz them in, I know them.”

  Ena watched Charlee and Pete come forward towards the glass, “where do you want them?” Charlee asked. “hi guys can you put the cases in room 1 please.” They both moved over to put the boxes in. The doors locked behind them once they came out. “Don’t suppose we could have a look around do you?” Pete winked, “one solider to another?” He asked her. He was being cheeky and he knew it. “Kirsty, lock down please.” “Gentleman, please put any weapons on the desk, the room will be secure and walk through the metal detector on doorway on room 2 and step through, if it goes ping, you’ll be out of luck.” She told them. A number of weapons were laid on the desk, several guns of different kinds, ammo and knives. They walked through the door on room 2, it stayed quiet. Ena closed and locked room 2 then opened the adjacent door to the salon. Both men walked in. “Welcome to Willian James and Co, Carol and Kirsty my girls. Dam good with guns, so I’d recommend you don’t annoy them.”