Chapter 1
I was startled awake by the sound of folders slapping down on the table. My face caught the light push of air created upon impact.
I immediately snapped my head up off the smooth surface of the table and sheepishly looked over at the two figures standing in front of me. Both of them looked amused as I quickly wiped the drool from my cheek and tucked my hair back in place. If it had been anyone else who woke me up, I would have been absolutely mortified, but I was happy to see my closest confidants Ernest and Dr. Nadine standing before me.
Ernest had been employed by my family since I was a young baby. He was a tall man, probably standing about 6′4", but I wouldn’t be surprised if he weighed 130 pounds wet. His eyes were an icy blue, but they held so much warmth and adoration in them. His once black hair was almost completely gray now and his face was weathered from age. He was wearing a gray suit with a navy tie, plain, but efficient.
Nadine stood next to him looking like his polar opposite. She was petite, only coming to about 5′3". Her smooth, radiant mahogany skin highlighted her youth and all the years she had ahead of her. Her naturally kinky dark brown hair proudly came down to her shoulder blades and her coral blouse and white skirt reflected her professional, but lively attitude. I still remember the day I recruited her. She was a genius. By 17, she had a bachelor degree in microbiology. I kept a close eye on her educational career knowing that once she was ready, I was prepared to give her everything she wanted to work here. After she received her PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Bioscience, I arranged a meeting to discuss my vision and how she fits in it. The progress we made since bringing Nadine on board allowed us to be 10 years ahead of other pharmaceutical companies. While I was a year older than Nadine, she was light years more advanced and intelligent than I.
“Good Morning, Aria. How was your nap?” Ernest said trying to stifle a laugh.
I took in the empty board room around us, “Please tell me I didn’t sleep through the whole meeting” I croaked as I rubbed my face in frustration.
Nadine snickered lightly, “Unfortunately, you did. Ernest and I thought it would be best if we let you sleep seeing as how you don’t get the opportunity to do so any other time. Don’t worry, you weren’t visible on camera.”
I nodded my head in defeat and sipped on the room temperature water in front of me, “Did it go well?”
“No,” Nadine started with a slight frown, “they didn’t seem too happy with our test results and did not understand why ours differed so much from theirs.”
“Did you point out all the flaws with their test study?”
“I did. I’m not sure the room full of men heard me.”
I shrugged, “Their loss.” I started to quickly pack up my things in front of me, I didn’t want Nadine and Ernest to wait any longer.
I caught Ernest shifting nervously in my peripheral, “Ernest? You look like you have something to say?” I asked raising my eyebrow ever so slightly.
He cleared his throat to buy some time, “Yes. Your Aunt and Uncle called; they were hoping to get dinner with you tonight.”
I narrowed my eyes ever so slightly, I knew what they were doing. They wanted to keep my mind occupied. As if I could ever forget the significance of today. Today was August 2nd and it marked the 18th anniversary of my parent’s death. “They know I’m hunting tonight.” I mumbled darkly as I stood up with my things.
“They know and they would never prevent you from that, but maybe you could spare some time to have an early dinner with them before you head out?” Ernest asked softly.
I let out a small sigh as I started towards the door, I could hear Nadine and Ernest hot on my tracks. I loved my aunt and uncle; they took me in when I was eight and raised me as their own. I know I was a very difficult child, so full of anger and hate, but they showered me in affection and understanding as I grieved my lost parents, “Fine. Can you send me the information?” I asked, pushing the door open. I heard the ding on my phone and smiled at Ernest’s promptness.
“Are you needing anything special tonight?” Nadine asked
“No, I think I’m stocked on everything. Do you need another test subject?” I asked as I casually smiled at a young female in a lab coat walking down the hallway.
“Probably an intern” I thought.
“I will be needing some more, but I still have some to work with. Feel free to go crazy tonight.”
I shot her a smile before she waved goodbye and headed off to the lab.
“You should probably head home to get ready for your dinner.” Ernest said as he frowned at his watch.
I nodded my head and checked my own watch, it was already 4:30 PM and I didn’t feel like I had accomplished anything today. Truthfully, I had went out to hunt every night this week, discontent that I wasn’t getting the amount of action I wanted. To my dismay, the Types had been unusually quiet and impossible to track.
“Will you be joining us tonight, Ernest?” I asked, allowing my voice to sound hopeful.
Ernest put his warm weathered hand on my shoulder, “I think it would be best if this dinner was just for family”
I scoffed, “You are just as much my family as they are.” I was speaking the truth, Ernest was always by my side. Without him, this company would not be thriving the way it has been. Without him, I would not be able to hunt freely. Without him, my life would fall apart. There was no me without Ernest and I prayed I never would have to go a day without him.
He chuckled, “I know baby doll, but you know your aunt and uncle would appreciate your undivided attention.”
I sighed, “Maybe some other time then.”
Ernest pulled me into a tight hug, I felt like I could wrap my arms around his waist twice if I wanted to, “Be careful out there tonight kid, I don’t want you to do anything reckless.”
I pulled away and flashed a smile, “When am I ever reckless?” I asked as I spun on my heel and headed for the exit. I heard him let out a small laugh behind me, I could almost feel the eye roll.
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“Aria!” a familiar voice exclaimed as I stepped out of the car. I smiled at my driver Chip before turning my gaze towards my aunt and uncle. My aunt, a shorter, stockier woman was rushing towards me with open arms. My uncle, a taller stoic man had a small smile as he walked behind her.
“Uncle James, Aunt Trisha!” I exclaimed with a big smile as I embraced my aunt.
“It’s so good to see you!” My aunt gushed as she watched me give my uncle a hug.
“Your aunt acts like she hasn’t seen you in years” my uncle teased, causing my aunt to playfully swat at his arm.
It had been a longer period of time since I saw them. I had been feeling extra restless the past few weeks and made sure Ernest had booked my schedule when I wasn’t hunting. My aunt and uncle were also active council members of The Association and had been touring other large cities that were having the same issues as ours.
We promptly made our way inside the overly expensive, but oh so delicious Italian restaurant. The host immediately recognized us and swiftly led us to our table.
“Will you be having your usual Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage, Mr and Mrs Turner?” the host asked as he laid our napkins in our lap.
“Yes, that sounds delightful, thank you!” my aunt beamed.
“And will you be joining, Ms. Winters?” The host asked with a polite smile
“No, I think it would be best if I didn’t. Can you bring me a sparkling water, please?”
He nodded before dashing out of sight.
“So...Ernest has been telling us that you have been hunting a lot more recently.” My uncle said with a small frown. I could feel his eyes bore into me as I fidgeted with my menu.
My uncle was a kind man, but he never was one to beat around the bush. I could tell my Aunt would rather be talking about the latest gossip because she silently sent my uncle a disapproving look.
I opened my mouth to speak, but our waiter came up with our bread, wine and water, “Hello Mr. and Mrs. Turner, Ms. Winters, my name is Kenny and I will be your waiter tonight. Have you had time to look at the menu or would you like me to name off the specials?”
Once we had ordered, my uncle focused back on me, expecting an answer.
“I have been,” I started before sipping my cold water, “I haven’t been able to sleep anyway, so I figured I might as well be productive.”
My aunt was chewing on the inside of her cheek, “You look exhausted, Aria. Your uncle and I are just worried that you are spreading yourself a little thin.”
“I’m taking care of myself. You know Ernest would not let me go out if it was affecting me too much. Besides, hunting is a stress relief for me.” I said. Everything I said was true; Ernest would lock me in my home before he let me overexert myself and killing Types always seemed to give me a sense of purpose in this world.
“Well just take care of yourself, okay?” she said as she rested her hand on mine.” Your mother and father would be so proud of you.”
I smiled at my aunt as I held back the tears that were pushing their way to the surface.
My aunt and uncle talked about their travels to cities like Arora, cities who were also plagued with Types. Apparently, cities were starting to see an influx of activity as well and were finding it harder and harder to maintain.
After dinner, I gave my aunt and uncle hugs and kisses before I made my way back to my vehicle. Chip opened my door and shot me an enthusiastic smile, “Where to miss?”
“Home.” I said quickly. It was time to change and go hunt.
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Hello all! So here is the first part. I know not a lot happens here, but I wanted to make sure I set the groundwork before all the action takes place :) Let me know what you think about Types!
