Into the Wolf's Den

"THE LIVING ARE JUST THE DEAD ON BORROWED TIME."

I could feel Omari's pressing gaze digging holes into my back as I dressed up. Only this time, it wasn't filled with lust—it was curiosity, and maybe suspicion.

"Omari, you're going to burn me with those eyes," I said, my back still turned to him. "Whatever it is you want to say, let it out already."

I felt him shift from the doorpost he leaned on and walk into the room. He then approached me, turning me to face him.

"Vel," he said, taking the shirt from my hand and buttoning it for me, "just what in the world are you?"

I looked up at him, a small smirk forming on my lips. "A zombie, just like you," I said.

He didn't smile like I expected him to. For the first time, the playful Omari was a little too serious.

I straightened my back.

"Are you going to talk, or should I ask again?" he said, his gaze shifting from the buttoned shirt to my face.

I heaved a sigh. It was foolish of me to assume he would just let what he saw in the basement go—when my blade materialized in my hand—even I wouldn't.

But the truth was, I didn't know what that was. I didn't know how to explain it.

"If it's about the blade, then trust me, Omar, I'm just as confused as you are."

He furrowed his brow. "It's not just that, Vel. You've displayed abilities before, remember? In the bank? With that cashier? You sort of hypnotized her. I thought that was all. But now, bringing mysterious-looking blades from the middle of nowhere? That's fucking insane!" he exclaimed.

I couldn't tell if he was impressed or shocked—or both—but his astonished expression amused me.

"I know, right?" I responded. "I guess there's more to me—to this body—than meets both our eyes."

"Oh, I know," he said, eyeing my boobs as lust flashed through his eyes before he raised his gaze to meet mine. The closeness of our bodies made my heart race. "And if it weren't for the fact that you have to be in Yosemite in an hour, I'd spend the entire day helping you figure out every single one."

I cringed to hide my blush.

"Ugh, get over it, Omar. We've literally got work to do," I said, taking a step back and turning away from him. Before I could take another step forward, his hands circled my waist, pulling me to him until my back hit his rock-hard body.

I swallowed the gasp that almost escaped my lips.

We stayed that way for a second before he spoke.

"On a much more serious note, Vel. Your abilities… they scare me. I'm scared for your sake. You seem like you don't know how to control it. And even if you do, I fear you might not truly know its full extent. I don't want you going berserk someday or breaking down because your body is too weak to harness the great powers hidden inside of you."

I pressed my body even more into his, letting his warm, hard torso calm my already fraying nerves. I needed to be extremely calm if I wanted today's mission to go smoothly.

The old man was gone. There was an empty slot. They didn't know it yet, because the interview hadn't started.

But I'd be there just in time—to fill the vacant spot.

We had to leave. Now.

"I understand, Omari," I said, still leaning into his chest. "But you need not worry. I can take care of myself. Besides, you should know this body was created by Lucinda herself. It's definitely not weak."

He exhaled, gave my left boob a small squeeze, and let me go.

"I'll get the keys. Get fully dressed and meet me outside."

I nodded and watched him walk out of the room. I stared blankly at the door for a moment before turning my gaze to the beige sleeveless dress I was going to wear over the shirt.

Other thoughts were welcome later. Right now, I was the tigress in wolf clothing about to walk into the wolf den.

---

An hour later, Omari's car pulled into the company's driveway.

Staring at the huge building in front of me through the car window, I subconsciously took a deep breath.

Omari's hand met mine in a tight squeeze.

"Do you need me to follow you?" he asked, concern written all over his face.

Like hell I needed a baby sitter.

"Just be here when I'm done," I said, stepping out of the car.

I was a little nervous, yes. But I sure as hell didn't exude it in my confident strides into the building.

The eyes plastered on me confirmed it.

This, kids, is how you command every room you walk into. All you need is a crazy amount of self-confidence—enough to mask your inner turmoil—and a killer body.

Perhaps I should write a book.

I approached the receptionist's table. The pleasant-looking lady stared at me awkwardly, mouth hanging open.

Clearly, their staff isn't trained right if they display unprofessional emotions so easily.

"G–Good morning, miss," the woman stuttered. "Welcome to Yosemite Corps. Who are you here to see?"

I returned the pleasant smile, although it did nothing to ease her tensed body. "I'm here for the interview, please."

She stared at me for a while as though she were lost. Did I hypnotize her? I was sure I didn't turn it on yet.

"Are you good?" I asked quietly when she still didn't speak.

"Oh! Of course, yes." She jolted back to the present. "The interview, you said?"

"Yes."

"Great. May I have your name, please?"

I paused for a while. I knew my name wasn't going to be on the list, but I came anyway, thinking I'd figure something out. But now, I wasn't sure what to do.

Do I tell her that my name isn't on the list of applicants but not to worry because I tortured and killed the original applicant and I'm here to replace him?

I was almost curious to find out what she'd say to that.

"Lilithine Zaravel," I said instead.