Foxes Equinox

Copyright © [2023] [Maree Schreiber]

All rights reserved. No parts of this book may be reproduced without written permission. For more information, contact the author [[email protected]] All events and characters in this book are completely fictional. Any resemblance to actual people is entirely coincidental.

Phoebe:

I can think of worse things than being an isolated loner, living a hermit's existence of peaceful nothingness. The mindless small talk and banter of others gives me a headache - I prefer it this way.

I currently owed two months' worth of rent, as I had been fired from my second job in under three months. The first job was an administrative assistant position at the local council office in my hometown. It was mainly paper work and filing - but the pay was good and most of the time the mayor was away on business, so they left me to my own devices. Unfortunately, they’d let me go after my one month's probation due to lack of funding and resources.

Living in a small country town in the Australian outback was like that - minimal job prospects and unsecured work.

The second job I took on a whim, desperate for some income, I agreed to waitress covering the breakfast shift at the local cafe owned by the Corbett family in Moggs Creek. It was a bad idea from the beginning, especially for a socially awkward dork like me. I was fired after I tripped for the third time, sending condiments flying through the air into an unsuspecting customer’s lap.

It was the middle of summer, I sat outside under the majestic branches of an old gum tree, sipping on a lemonade while scrolling through the job adds online. Someone was looking for a barmaid in the town over and although the pay was good, the thought of having to interact with drunk idiots made me want to stick a kebab stick through my eye. Lawnmower - nope. Paperboy - what am I fourteen? Next. Escort - I snorted at that one.

I was just about to give up when an advertisement popped up. You know the ones - the annoying pop ups that are usually a scam or trying to sell you something. I clicked out of it, but the darn thing kept popping back up on my screen. So, I indulged the pop up poltergeist and read:

'PARTICIPANTS WANTED FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH. IF ACCEPTED INTO TRIALS, A REIMBURSEMENT OF $2000 WILL BE GIVEN’

I pondered it for about a second, thought seriously about applying to the escort add, then considered trying to find a housemate. Finally, my frustration with the lack of appealing options led me to enter my personal details and pray while looking up at the glistening summer sky. I just hoped that my body parts wouldn't get chopped up and sold on the black market.

The sun's descent created enchanting swirls in the sky, splotching all shades of yellow, red, and purple around like an abstract masterpiece. It was getting a little chilly, so I decided to head inside of my modest two-bedroom bungalow. I heard a meow and paused at the entrance. My cat phoenix bounced out of a bush and proceeded to follow me inside, with dinner in his mouth.

‘Yuck, Phoenix, not another bloody possum’ I say.

“Hissss,” was his only response.

‘Well, someone is in a bad mood. Too bad your day is going to get worse. Looks like you’re getting wormed again, buddy.’ I begin chasing my feral cat around the small garden, weaving between my Webber bbq and the rusty wrought-iron table setting. Giving up, I tell him ‘suit yourself, stay outside then you mangey animal,’ and then headed inside.

I was preparing myself a light chicken salad from the produce I had collected from the small vegetable patch at the side of my house when I heard a notification on my phone. I licked my fingers clean of the dressing I had been making, savouring the tangy flavour and then after wiping my hands on a tea towel I opened my phone.

Congratulations. We are pleased to inform you that we have accepted your application for the stem cell research program. Your induction will be at 2pm on Wednesday 21st September at the Greenwich Institute Of Genetics.

I curse, that’s tomorrow’s date. In a mad panic, I rush around my bedroom, throwing assorted items of clothing into a small suitcase. With not much time to pre-plan my outfits, I chose to pack more than necessary and by the end, I’m heaving, taking deep breaths to slow my racing heart. Sitting on my suitcase to flatten it so I can do up the zipper, I remember to tell myself to calm down. Having anxiety can be a huge help with organisation. When you are a constant over thinker and planner, being late is not an option. I’d rather show up an hour early to a job interview than risk being even one minute late.

The following day I leave a note in my elderly neighbours letter box asking if she wouldn’t mind checking in on Phoenix while I’m gone. Not that he will starve - he’s been hunting the local pests since he was a kitten.

I make the 3 hour drive south to the Greenwich Institute, taking in the calming sight of the farmers’ crops rolling over the hills. Paddocks full of sheep find shelter under lonely gum trees scattered far and wide throughout the vast, dry landscape. I stop once on the way to refuel and grab a bite to eat. My snack of choice - a delicious coconut summer roll chocolate bar.

I arrive at the institute thirty minutes early like I had planned. I expected to see a white, clinical building akin to a hospital - instead I am in awe. In front of my parked car is a beautiful industrial style loft that towers five stories high. The outside is recycled brick with vertical wooden details and black accents. Lush greenery walls take over various sides of the building. ‘spectacular’, I say to none in particular.

Looking in the overhead mirror, I apply a small amount of dusty pink lipstick and push back the flyway strands of thick chestnut hair that have escaped my high pony tail. I start talking to myself, playing out different conversation scenarios to make sure I am prepared. I’ve learnt that the more I practice what I’m going to say, the less I stumble over my words - preferring not to appear socially awkward if at all possible.

Exiting my car, I walk over to the entrance and join the queue of women lined up outside, noticing that we are all of similar age. Perhaps I shouldn’t have arrived so early, I think to myself. The stiletto heels I am wearing, although fabulous, are going to be killing my feet in an hour. A woman exits the building with a bewildered expression on her face, not even glancing in our direction. The same scenario plays out over and over until I am the only candidate remaining. Nervously, I bite my cuticles in anticipation of my name being called out.

I jump hearing my name - ‘Phoebe Eriksson,’ and taking one final breath of courage, I enter. Exposed red brick covers the walls with lush greenery everywhere. Wooden beams that look like old railway sleepers line the high ceilings and an impressive chandelier made from what looks to be deer antlers hangs in the centre of the grand entrance. I’m looking up with my mouth agape in absolute awe. Tiny dust particles float gently around beams of sunshine streaming through the circular windows.

‘That was my reaction when I first saw this place too,’ a stranger in a white lab coat says, interrupting my gaze. He holds out his hand for me to shake ‘My name is Eric, and I will be conducting your evaluations today. Come this way.’

I follow the handsome man with the blonde slicked back hair into what looks like a doctor’s office. He holds out a hand pointing towards the bed and says, ‘don’t look so nervous, Phoebe. It’s just a standard physical.’

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Eric conducts a routine examination I’ve done plenty of times before, checking my weight, height and blood pressure. He tells me everything looks great so far and then leans in with his stethoscope, listening to my heartbeat. I sneak a peek while he is so close at his handsome face. His light blue eyes sparkle and I swear I can see fluffy clouds moving around as if his eyes were the sky itself. I notice my heart beat racing and I swear he notices my anxiety - a hint of a smirk appears on his face.

‘So, um, how did I go?’ I ask as he sits back down at his desk. Without turning around, he simply replies, ‘Great, you passed with flying colours. Just a blood test to go here and then we will conduct some mental health checks.’

I wince when he mentions a mental health check and ready myself for the almost certain failure ahead. My anxiety is a lot better than it used to be, but it’s still there, hanging over my shoulder like an old frenemy that you can’t seem to get rid of.

After taking some bloods Eric takes me up a flight of black metal stairs, scaling them two at a time and I find it hard to keep up with him. At the top of the stairs are double doors locked by a keypad. After entering the combination, he places his hand at the small of my back and says, ‘ladies first.’

I look back and see Eric has locked the doors behind him and I start to panic, playing out every possible scenario in my head. Maybe he’s just trying to prevent anyone from entering I think to myself. He did say it was a mental health screening.

A noise grabs my attention over in the far side of the room and snapping my head to where it come from I see two very large men. Both are lounging around on sofas as if this is an everyday occurrence for them.

Noticing me ogling the buff dudes, Eric walks us over and introduces them.

‘The huge meathead here with the tatts and beard is Pantelis.’ - was it just me or did he just growl? - ‘and the other guy is Lance.’

‘Excuse me doc, the extremely charming, sexy and good-looking guy is Lance.’ Grabbing my hand, he kisses the back of it.

What a slime ball I think to myself, the charming, suave debonair is not attractive to me in the slightest.

I feel like a rabbit in a den full of wolves, about to be hunted and played with before they go in for the kill. I’m trying to figure out how I can get myself out of this situation when Eric begins to speak.

‘Phoebe, I’m going to be blunt with you. This isn’t exactly a mental health check, as I insinuated. What we are doing in this test is assessing the changes in a females body when exposed to someone you…desire.’

With my eyes wide, I just shake my head. ‘I don’t understand. I thought this was a stem cell trial? What has my sexual inclination got to do with my genetics?’

An image of the ripped bearded Pantelis throwing me down onto a bed flashes in my mind, imagining what he would look like naked has me blushing. What the heck, Phoebe, get a grip. Just play along and you can leave $2,000 richer than yesterday.

‘A lot more than you think.’ Is the only answer I get from Eric. As if realising the answer wasn’t sufficient, he adds. ‘If I am correct, the chances of producing embryos resistant to all disease could be determined simply by assessing the pheromones in the mother’s body when around a potential donor.’

I still don’t understand what he’s talking about. Maybe it has something to do with IVF and the health of embryos. Whatever, let’s get this show on the road so I can go home, I think to myself. ‘Ok, what do I have to do?’

First, Eric asks me to pick which man I’m most attracted to.

That’s easy. I’ve always been attracted to the ones a little rough around the edges. ‘Pantelis’ I say pointing to him.

Lance just shrugs, ‘your loss,’ and turns around to watch the television.

In the centre of the room, I notice a large black box, about the size of a small shipping container. I wonder why I didn’t notice it when I walked in. Strange.

‘Phoebe, I’m going to ask you to enter into this confined space with Pantelis. I have instruments inside that will be picking up any changes to your pheromones.’

I stare at him as if saying - you have to be joking. ‘It’s a box.’

Pantelis chuckles, ‘doc likes to use big words, but yes you're right, it is a box.’

I sigh, ‘ok let’s get this over with.’

Eric clasps his hands together excitedly. ‘Perfect.’

I’m sitting in said box with a giant beast of a man taking up most of the space. His legs are bent and splayed, trying to give me enough room to find a comfortable spot.

‘Damn it’ I say, hitting my head on the roof. I’m unable to stand completely and wriggling around like a worm trying not to touch the sexy man.

‘You know, I don’t think there is enough room in here for the two of us.’ Pantelis casually remarks, his voice laced with sarcasm.

I look at Pantelis in the darkness and frown at him. ‘Geez, you think?’

A single red bulb is the only light inside and it illuminates his remarkable features. Strong jawline, intense eyes with a prominent masculine brow. I notice a tiny scar running across his eyebrow. It’s the only technical flaw to his perfect face - if you can even call it a flaw.

‘I’m seriously regretting my decision choosing you. Lance looks smaller.’

He laughs, ‘smaller yes, but a lot more handsy.’

My back is starting to scream in pain at my half standing, half crouching position. Beads of sweat start to form on my forehead and my legs are shaking.

‘Look, I don’t want you passing out on me. Come over here and sit on my lap. I promise to keep my hands to myself.’

With a lack of options, and the genuine possibility that I might faint from the pain in my back, I agree. ‘Ok, but no funny business.’

I sit down on top of his muscular legs and lean my arm against his shoulder. We sit in silence for a while, with just the sounds of our breathing. I am a shaking bundle of nervous energy, surrounded in all directions by raw masculinity.

‘Relax Phoebe,’ he quietly whispers.

‘I’m fine, just a little cold that’s all.’

Pantelis glances at me sideways, ‘it’s 30 degrees in this box.’

Beginning to get uncomfortable again, I wiggle trying to change my positions but immediately pause when I feel something hard grow underneath my ass.

Pantelis looks down at me with a cheeky smirk. ‘I can’t help it - a gorgeous woman is sitting on my lap.’

I give him a cold stare and with that he puts his hands up as if surrendering.

‘I bet you’ve been enjoying yourself all day, haven’t you, big guy? What am I like, the tenth woman to sit on your lap today?’

‘Indeed, but none have been as pretty as you.’

I snort.

After all our banter, I notice that the surrounding air has become thicker and laced with an unidentified smell.

Pantelis is studying me intently. ‘It’s our pheromones. They’re released when we…get excited, so to speak.’

Oh, my god I think I’m going to die. I need to get out of this box, so I knock on the tin walls. ‘Are you done yet, Eric?’

The door opens and I squint, trying to adjust my eyes to the bright light of day once more.

Eric is practically bouncing off the walls with excitement, talking to himself, muttering, ‘amazing. Brilliant. This was the best one yet.’

‘I gather things went well then?’ I ask with raised eyes.

‘Phoebe, you have no idea. You’re exactly what we’ve been looking for.’

Eric continues with his mad scientist display, and I laugh at his antics. I see Pantelis scratch the back of his head and then he looks at me ‘Ah, when he’s like this you're not going to get anything out of him. Come on, I will finish everything up for you and explain where we go from here.’

Pantelis is rustling around in the top of Eric’s desk draws, looking for something. ‘Are you sure you’re allowed to go through his things? Isn’t there like personal documents and stuff?’

‘Nah, it’s all good - we’re like brothers and all work together. This is as much my job as it is his.’ Pantelis hands me an envelope full of cash. As I’d already assumed, he explains it’s my payment for participating in the research today. I’m about to leave when he stops me by grabbing my wrist.

‘Phoebe, we have another job offer for you. Your test results were so promising we would like to offer you a permanent position within our organisation.’

Ok this is weird. Nothing in the advertisement mentioned the prospect of a long term job. I take a step back to free my arm from his grip. ‘What kind of position?’

Continuing, Pantelis explains that they are part of a secret organisation called Seraphina that runs a lot of smaller enterprises, like the one at the research institute. They give every member within the organisation a job, and in return they offer generous salaries on top of all expenses paid accommodation and meals.

‘What’s the catch?’

Pantelis cocks his head to the side as if studying me. ‘No catch. It’s a job offer. We have offered the position to only 9 women out of thousands across Australia, and if you accept, you will become the 10th person to fill it.’

‘What will my job be specifically?’

I can see the wheels turning in his head as if he’s trying to come up with something. ‘We will figure that out once you accept. I’m sure you all have different skill sets that will be useful to us.’

‘When do I have to let you know my answer?’

‘Now. We leave for club Seraphina in fifteen minutes and I can’t risk you going home relaying information about us to your friends.’

I laugh at him, ‘not going to happen - I don’t have any friends.’

Pantelis raises his eyebrows in question then shrugs his shoulders, ‘nonetheless, there's a reason why we keep our existence a secret. I know it's difficult to understand. If you accept, which I hope you do, you will find out exactly why we are a secret real soon.’

I’m feeling a little uneasy about this mysterious offer, and my thoughts must be clearly visible on my face because he adds, ‘I promise that you will want for nothing, Phoebe,’ pausing for a moment he walks to me closing the gap so his face is inches from mine. Looking down from his 6’5’ frame he adds, ‘we always protect what is ours.’

I see Pantelis glowing golden aura and connect with how genuine his words are. My grandmother told me when I was a teen battling with extreme emotional issues that I have the gift of an empath. The ability to read a persons essence simply by feeling the vibrational frequency around them. I used to hate feeling everyone’s emotions and intentions - it was suffocating, especially in high school with everyone’s raging hormones playing a part in their behaviour. Right now though, I was grateful for it.

‘If I say no, what will happen to me?’

Pantelis stares seriously at me, ‘you will wake up in your bed tomorrow, having no memory of your day today.’

No memory of him.

Honestly, what would I miss if I didn’t come home? I have no job, I’m behind in rent and will be forced to live out of the back of my car in a week’s time. I have no family, no boyfriend, my parents are dead - honestly I’ve got nothing to lose. I decide to muster up all of my courage and take a chance.

‘Ok, I accept your job offer.’