Bitten (Book 1 - Book 4)

“I have to run an errand,” Natalia said when she reached the apartment. “Zena, can you take me?” "Sure."

One of Zena's nostrils flared.

Lisa's apartment was almost empty.

“It looks like you got this,” Natalia said.

Lisa nodded, looking overwhelmed.

“I'll catch up with you at the new place.”

Natalia scooped up Victoria.

“What happened?’ Zena said once they were in the elevator.

“Why do you ask?"

'I smell blood.’

“Someone attacked me in the elevator. The kitten followed me and attacked him, giving me some advantage.’

“Attack kitty," Victoria said.

“No wonder Mag is afraid of it,’ Zena said.

Natalia knew she was joking.

'I never knew a cat could be so protective,’ Natalia said.

“Where are we going?’

'Viperia. Jail.’

“Why?’ Zena said.

“I think it is about why Anpu was assigned to watch over me.’

“He's here?’

'Yep. He took the body."

“He scares me,’ Zena said.

This time Natalia knew Zena was serious.

Bonnie was already moving Victoria's car seat to Zena's car when they stepped outside.

“Thanks, Bonnie.’

“No problem.’

While Natalia slipped into the front seat, two people stepped out of the apartment building, vocalizing puzzlement on where their car went.

“Where did Bonnie have all the cars towed?

'I think the next block over. Don't underestimate the power of the Driver's Guild.’

“I never have.’

Because of the increased downtown construction, it took them over half an hour to reach Viperia. “Someone needs to have a talk with Moralis."

Zena broke up laughing.

I don't think it's all his fault.’

“Never underestimate Morals.’

Zena pulled through the gates. With no traffic, they were at the jail without any delays.

“I'll stay out here with Victoria,’ Zena said.

“No, I'd like to take her.’

She felt some comfort having Victoria with her. As she headed toward the building, she was aware that Tail was following them.

“I think we're safe in Viperia,' she said to Tail.

However, she didn't discourage her.

Inside, an officer on duty waved her downstairs. Natalia took the stairs. She could see the lights were on in all the cells. A short way down was Sherri’s cell. Sherri was standing at the door talking, but no one was there. The speaker was off as well, so she could only see Sherri’'s mouth moving. “Nattie."

Natalia turned to see Kareen approaching.

“There are a lot of things I can't tell you,’ Kareen said.

“I'm aware that I'm kept in the dark either because of my origins or because it's believed I can't stomach it.

“There are many things you are not used to. However, there are many things that you do need to allow with Victoria.

Kareen raised a hand to shake hands with Victoria who smiled.

“I've heard about that as well,’ Natalia said.

She set Victoria down and gestured towards Tail.

“Apparently, she likes to be a guard cat,’ Natalia said. “And, yes, I am aware that Victoria is a Viperian and must learn and do as Viperians. Now, what about Anpu? Why am I assigned a guard when having one of my maids around would work just as well?"

"Your maids are Uri's family. Not yours. Even though you are his woman... his wife... and that Victoria is his child and you are her mother, you are still not family."

'I see. I share no blood with them.’

“Exactly. Therefore, the best person to protect you is someone who cares for you. Which is why we allowed Uri to take you in the first place. He cared for you and did everything as he was instructed... which is why you are still here today.’

“We're talking about Anpu, not Uri.’

'Anpu cares for you,’ Kareen said. “He is probably as deeply in love with you as Uri."

“That's going to cause some tension.’

Kareen shrugged.

'In your culture, you might be more aware of men who love-them-and-leave-them. With Viperians, it is women who are more likely to do that. Men tend to want to develop strong bonds. They want to secure breeding rights. However, there is no such thing as a breeding right. Women can choose whomever they want or desire. Even you. If tomorrow you decided you wanted another man, you can have him. Uri can do nothing other than try to woo you or bed you more often.’

Natalia thought that explained his increase in sexual activity since Anpu’s presence was noted “What is Anpu hoping for? That I will leave Uri?’

“He's ready in case you wander... or in case Uri goes away."

“Goes away?’

“If Uri would die tomorrow, Anpu would be right there. Even if you had to mourn a year or two years... he will wait. He will always be watching you.’

“This sounds creepy and like a stalker.’

Kareen shrugged again.

“Some women like it. Some don't. Like Tessa. She chose another and encouraged the others to fight for her. All the men, except the one she wanted, lost. They finally got the message. However, Anpu knows not to pick a fight with Uri and vice versa. Besides, we won't allow it."

“Therefore, I should just tolerate it and know I am being protected.’

“Exactly. At the moment, the most important thing is to get Uri nominated as the next bank president.’

“We have a clue where the accusations are coming from,” Natalia said.

Kareen pricked up her eyebrows.

“Board member's wife, Biffy.’

Kareen grimaced.

“That fat cow.’

Natalia nodded, turning slightly. Victoria was standing in front of Sherri's door.

“We knew the accusations were coming from a board member, but we weren't sure which one. We will watch her more closely.’

Kareen also turned to watch Victoria and Sherri.

“She is deteriorating.’

“I don't know why a life sentence is any more humane than a death sentence,’ Natalia said.

'We did that because we still needed her. There was unfinished business that needed to be transferred to the new Council members. That is now complete.’

“Does she know this?"

Natalia knew there had been nothing transferred to her. At least nothing that she knew of.

“No, but we are slowly updating her time keeping. She's realizing the time that has passed and that none of her children will visit her.’

“She has a keen interest in Victoria.’

“I'm betting seeing her will throw her over the edge. She will be reminded of the child she had planned to give up.’

“Grace?’

Yes.’

'I feel sadness whenever I think of that.’

Kareen nodded.

“I also heard about your shop.’

Natalia welcomed the change of topic.

“Custom clothing. I also have the entire building rented and two apartments next door. All Undents, I'm afraid.’

“Don’t be. We want a blended community. If I had thought you were being exclusive, I would have dissuaded you, but I see I don't have to.’

Natalia was reminded of how much the Council ruled Viperian lives. She didn't know why she kept forgetting this since she was on the Council and saw it on a weekly basis. Maybe because she was with Uri who was always thinking of ways around the rules.

I'm glad about the tailor. Mina was in such a foul mood,’ Kareen said.

She laughed.

“Umi is such a laid back kid. It's hard to believe he’s from Uri and Mina.’

“They canceled each other out,’ Natalia said.

Kareen laughed again.

Sherri started pounding on her door. Victoria backed up a step. Natalia could tell that Sherri was now screaming. All of Tails fur was standing on end, and she was standing between Sherri and Victoria

"Yeah, she’s going over."

“Cell three. Lights off,’ Natalia said in a commanding voice with a wave of her hand.

She knew the guard on duty would hear her.

The lights in Sherri's room went out. She was no longer visible.

Victoria, bring Tail over here.’

Tail head butted into Victoria to push her.

“Interesting animal,’ Kareen said.

"Yes, indeed.’

“Keep people close to you, Nattie.’

“I have and will continue to do so. Thanks for letting me know about Anpu.”

“He won't wrong you. Trust him."

Natalia didn’t know if she would go that far.

“Have a good rest of your weekend. See you on Tuesday, Natalia said. “Let's go, girl. Show Kareen how you can run up those stairs.’

Victoria smiled and giggled. She ran to the stairs, dropped down to all fours and ran up the stairs. Natalia followed. Kareen laughed behind them

Natalia felt relief when she walked outside into the sunshine. Zena seemed to be relishing it as well while she leaned against her car. Natalia checked a text on her phone.

“Lisa is all out of her old apartment and they are on their way to Hell."

More texts popped up while she fastened in Victoria and took her seat.

“Damn. I have three more people who want to look at apartments. Referrals from Christina.’ “Who?

“Christina. Channel 14. The Women’s News Channel."

“Oh, WNC."

'Yes. She interviewed me and Lisa today. She also rented one of the apartments.’

“Celebrity. That will get everything moving. Hell is now the hot spot to be for totally different reasons than it used to be.’

“For sure.’

Natalia noted that Zena skirted around town and that this allowed them to avoid a lot of traffic. She recognized some of the streets she had taken during the time she had walked to Hell tracking Gussy.

Zena pulled into Hell. There was an attendant monitoring the gate.

“Only owners and workers or people moving in can drive in,’ the man said.

“Nattie. Owner.’

“Oh, didn't see you over there, Nattie. Go on in."

“That will be nice for a while,’ she said.

Zena nodded.

The box truck was in front of the apartment building. The men were busy unloading. Natalia unstrapped Victoria.

“I walk,” Victoria said.

“Okay. Keep Tail close.’

Natalia looked to the building and stopped.

Within the black arch that extended across the entire building, was gold lettering.

“A Stitch By Design. The painter got the sign done. Wow. It's magical.’

“Does look nice,’ Zena said. “Look at the window.

The two manikins were fully dressed and surrounded by gold threads that looked to be raining down on them. There was gold confetti scattered on them and on the backdrop behind them. It accentuated the sign over head.

“Wow. It just pops. We're going to stand out,’ Natalia said.

“I think that's the idea,’ Zena said.

"Oh, there. There.”

Five women rounded the corner.

Natalia looked for Victoria to plan an escape, remembering angry women beating on the limo. “Nattie? Are you Nattie?” one said who was leading the group.

“Christina said you might still be here,” another said.

The women looked giddy. They were all in high heels and fashionably dressed. Natalia figured they were all in their mid-twenties and probably backed by a rich father.

“Yes, I am.”

“I'm Mary. This is Brenda, Chantilly, Forschia, and Nella. We're interested in looking at apartments.” “Sure, come on in."

Natalia looked to Zena.

“I'll watch Victoria.”

“Ladies, this way.”

Natalia took them into the foyer of the apartment building. Grazie was there, talking with a man. "Head on up the stairs. I'll join you in a moment. The two back apartments are available and any on the third floor.”

With giggles and the loud clicking of heels, they headed up the stairs.

“Hi, Grazie.”

“This is the plumber. We have a few pipes to fix, but drains are working.”

“That's good to hear. What other buildings have apartments?”

"One of the things Uri wants is a map so he knows what is available and what's not. We already have two buildings across the street rented and some interest in buildings on Uri Ave.”

“I had a reporter take an apartment, and she’s spreading the work.”

Natalia indicated the women upstairs. They could still be clearly heard.

“I heard about that.”

A man stepped in.

“I'm looking for a..Grazie?"

“That's me. I take it you're the locksmith?”

“Right-0.”

“Get the front two on the second floor done first,” Natalia said.

Grazie nodded. Natalia left him to go upstairs. She could hear the giggles emanating from one of the back apartments.

“The places need a good cleaning and some paint,” she said when she joined the women. “That's why rent is free the first month if you clean and paint.”

“Which one did Christina rent?”

“Front and to the left. Two zero one. The other front one is the manager of the clothing store next door. She's moving in today. She'll also be the apartment manager.”

“This is frigging huge,” Nella said, emphasizing the word huge.

“Let's go up and see the third floor,” Mary said.

Natalia followed behind them, noting that the other end of the hall was busy with the movers in Lisa's area. When she reached the third floor, she stopped. The man that Sophie had bitten was sweeping the floor. He seemed oblivious of everyone. She decided to ignore him.

Natalia didn’t know if the three referrals were three of these women. She just knew she didn't have to walk around and show them anything. They went through every apartment on their own as a group. They chattered constantly. Sometimes it almost sounded like arguing, then there would be apologies and sweet talk.

An hour later, every single one of them wanted an apartment, but they couldn't decide which ones. They all wanted to be on the same floor together, but there were five of them and four apartments. “We can't leave anyone alone.”

“Wait, Christina will be there.”

Then the arguing turned to who wanted what. Natalia let them talk it out.

"Okay, we know which ones we want,” Mary said.

“Give me your contact information. I'll do my background checks and let you know. Then arrange for leases and deposit.”

There was just a slight pause and the women agreed. While they sent her texts with the information, Natalia knew they hadn't been expecting background checks. She knew it was something she needed to do. Christina was an exception since she was well known. Natalia knew she had a job. She knew nothing about these women.

They all ended up in front of the shop.

“Can we go in?”

“Sure. There is a restaurant in the back as well.”

Natalia was actually relieved to see them go. She wandered over to Bonnie who was leaning against the limo.

“I'm sure you can do this, but will you? I need background checks on those five."

Bonnie smiled.

“I can do.”

Natalia forwarded the texts to her, then headed up to Lisa's place.

“This place already looks lived in,” she said when she stepped in.

Lisa laughed.

“Because it looks a mess.”

The locksmith was working on her door.

“I can't believe I'll be sleeping here tonight. The first thing I'm doing is sewing curtains.”

Natalia realized there wasn't a single blind or curtain on any of the windows.

“I guess you will be.”

“Towels and blankets will do for tonight,” Lisa said.

“We're all done.’

Natalia followed the movers out.

“Thank you. Bill your time to me.’

They nodded and left.

Grazie came up from downstairs.

“We're putting in special door locks for all the apartments, including the front door. Key fobs are cheaper than keys. We don't have to touch them to program them. People can lose them and we can disable them. Lisa is a good example of what we can do. Her fob will open the front door, her apartment, and all the shop doors, and it's easy to add doors as needed.’

“Nice, but doesn't that require wiring?"

'WiFi and batteries. I'll have a master created for you soon, so you don't have to carry any keys.’ “This is moving so fast.’

Grazie shrugged.

“Not as fast as you think. He's not the locksmith I wanted, but he'll do. I have to keep an eye on him. I'm hoping my other one will free up. I'm on his list. It's hard to find workers with so much going on in the city. Forget sending kids to college. We need to send them to trade schools.’

Grazie headed back downstairs. Natalia returned to Lisa's apartment.

"Sorry we didn't get any painting done,” she said to Lisa.

“That's why all this stuff is in the living room. Two of the bedrooms are empty. I'll paint them first. The bed is only set up temporarily because I want the larger room for myself. Oh, shit.”

She grabbed up her phone.

“What?”

“I totally forgot my father was coming over. He just said he is on his way. I have to tell him I moved.” Lisa dialed his number and walked away.

Natalia moved over to the kitchen where Kate and Zena were standing. There wasn't anything else for them to do other than watch Victoria.

“We're good, Zena, if you want to leave.”

“I can't see how this place turned into Hell with apartments like these here,” she said.

"History, as I know it,” Kate said, “Is it was run over by gangs, then Viperians took advantage of that and turned it into hell. Supposedly it got so bad that even the gangs left.”

“This is going to be lucrative,” Zena said.

“No shit,” Natalia said. “If these rentals go through, I'll have paid for this building in one month of the rents. I shouldn't even be worrying if the shop is successful or not.”

She sighed.

“I'm ready to go home. This has been tiring.”

Lisa stepped back in, looking excited.

"He wasn't thrilled at first, but he is coming over to look.”

"Everything looks under control. I need to head home. Victoria didn't get a nap, and I'm tired. I need a nap.”

"Oh, Nattie. Thank you for everything.”

"You're welcome. You know who to call if you have problems. I'll come over tomorrow.”

Lisa walked them to the door. The locksmith was finishing up. Grazie was now in the hallway, watching him.

“Later, Grazie. I'm running background checks on those five ladies. If they come through then I'll need fobs for those places.”

“On the list,” he said.