Bitten (Book 1 - Book 4)

Anpu put the car into gear.

'We have a small change in plans,’ he said. “Before you go to the Charity Ball."

'What?'

“When I say so, roll down your window.’

“Okay,’ she said, watching him and knowing she wasn’t going to get any more details.

They drove into the city toward a small business district. She could see a mix of both Undent and Viperian marked businesses.

“When we pull up to the old lady, open your window.’

He stopped at a corner. Natalia rolled down the window. The old lady tossed in a package. Anpu drove off.

“Open it," he said.

She undid the wrapping. Inside was a white object. It was oval with a flat end.

“Camera,’ he said. “We have to plant it."

“Where?’

Jail.’

Natalia realized they were heading toward Viperia

“How the hell are we doing that? I'm supposed to be in the hospital.’

“It was suggested to me to use the kitten."

'What?'

'l was hoping you would know how.’

“Me? She's a kitten.’

"Yes, the words told to me were attack kitty.’

Natalia felt speechless. Those were Victoria's words. She stared down at Tail who was sitting between her feet. Attack kitty. Tail had defended her. She seemed to know what to do.

Tail."

The kitten looked up at her.

She remembered Tail had stood between Sherri and Victoria when Sherri started pounding on her door.

“Tail. This needs to go in front of the cell where the lady was pounding on the door. You protected Victoria from her.’

Meerup.

Natalia swore the kitten said okay.

She looked to Anpu.

“How are we getting the kitten in?

'You have access.’

Ill be seen going to the door by the outside cameras.’

“Not if you come down from the roof. You just need to crack open the door wide enough. There is only one camera at the door. There will be a pigeon that just so happens to land and block it at the right moment.’

“We have trained pigeons?’

“Dead. Stuffed. However, they are nice with a buttery garlic sauce.”

Natalia almost laughed.

“This is why everyone is amazed Tail is still alive. If it isn't human and it's breathing, you eat it."

He smiled and shrugged.

“We have a history of making do with what we had. We're very good at making food out of anything and everything.’

She suddenly has this image of someone seeing her climbing down the jail building with her ass in full view.

"You sure I won't be recognized? I'll look like an Undent who is climbing down the building. There's only one of me around.’

“No one will see you,’ he said.

They passed through the gates of Viperia. He parked down the street from the jail. There was no one around. They ran to a building and climbed up. Natalia was amazed at how agile Tail was. She kept right up with them.

They ran across the roof top. She jumped a gap to another building, catching glimpse of Anpu grabbing up Tail. He released her as soon as he landed.

'I didn’t think she would make that far of a jump,’ he said as if he had to explain.

She nodded in agreement.

After that, there were no more wide gaps to jump.

Anpu waved a hand for her to stay back. He leaned over the edge of the building to take a look, then waved her over. There was no one behind the jail. There were three cars parked.

Anpu climbed down to the camera that was aimed at the door. He fluttered some feathers in front of it, then put the stuffed pigeon. As soon as he did that, Natalia dropped over the edge and climbed down. She tapped the code to unlock the door. The click seemed awfully loud. She felt that someone was going to hear it, so she quickly repeated what she wanted Tail to do, let her take the camera in her mouth, and let her slip inside. Once the door clicked shut, she scrambled back up. Anpu removed the pigeon and climbed back up with her.

“How do we know when she is on her way back?’

He pulled out his phone. On the screen, she could see the inside of the building but from a few inches above the ground. It was moving, then it stopped and scanned the area.

The view caught sight of an officer who sat in front of the security cameras. Natalia thought for sure that Tail would be seen the moment she went down the stairs.

There was the booming of rap music. It was getting louder and louder. A car screamed past the building. Natalia saw the officer move. Even he heard it. He rose and left his station. She could tell that Tail had fallen in behind him, then dashed down the stairs.

All the lights were on in the cells, but no one was visible. Then she saw part of Tail pass the camera. The camera was now still.

“She has it in position,” Anpu said.

Natalia could tell it was right across from Sherri's cell and about six inches off the ground.

“It should have stuck to the wall," he said in a quiet voice. “Go open the door for her.’

He dropped down and placed the pigeon like before. She dropped down and entered the code and cracked open the door. However, it felt like a very long time before Tail squeezed through. Natalia grabbed her and put her on her shoulder, then climbed up the building. She had barely reached the top when Anpu joined her.

They ran back across the roof tops, but Natalia held Tail when she jumped the gap.

Natalia could tell that everyone's heart was pounding when they reached the car. Anpu drove slow and careful, selecting a different gate to leave Viperia.

“Let's get you back to Hell. We have to get us both dressed for the Ball."

'I need some lunch.’

“I'm sure some will be there,” he said.

“Aren't there enough cameras in the jail?’

“None that we have control of. We've found gaps in the footage that we did get our hands on through Mirren. This isn't our first attempt at placing a camera, but it's the first one we've gotten in place. Our people have either been diverted and couldn't get down there, or the cameras were found. We're hoping a white camera on a white wall will be overlooked.’

Natalia stroked Tail while she gazed out the window. She could tell Anpu was also skirting around the city back to Hell.

"Your leg is looking pretty good.

She thought he was being sassy, until he touched her wound. He hadn't put any makeup on it. It was easily seen, however, it now had the appearance of a bruise.

"Yeah. I don't feel it any more.’

“A little more sanguine tea than normal will help.’

She nodded, remembering that Kate had her drink two glasses full at dinner last night.

Anpu's car was waved in through the gates without him even saying a word or rolling down the window. He parked in the same place, and they walked back to the apartment. Natalia smelled food as soon as they were inside.

I don't even want to change first."

Kate wasn't there, but there was containers of Chinese food on the counter. Natalia poured herself a big glass of sanguine tea while Anpu pulled out plates.

“When you're done, go take a shower and wash off all the makeup, 'he said.

She nodded and dove into the food.

Kate returned just as they were finishing.

“Talk about last minute. Here's the dress. Your suit is already in the other room.’

“I want to make her up first,’ Anpu said. “Did the wig arrive?’

'Yeah. It's in her bathroom. We're getting good footage from the camera.’

“Excellent,’ Anpu said.

Ill go take my shower,” Natalia said, rising.

It wasn't a simple act to wash off the makeup. She had to scrub and stand in the hot water to melt some of it off.

“What the hell did you put on me?" she said, stepping out in a robe that she had found hanging on a hook in the bathroom.

Anpu smiled.

She could tell he had showered and shaved.

"You should cut that pony tail off,’ Kate said.

“Don’t you dare,” Anpu said. “Sit.’

Natalia followed his wave and sat.

He undid her hair and brushed it. Then he pinned it tight against her head.

"You can go rest. We have some time and the skin on your face needs to breath a bit," he said, returning to his position on the sofa.

“What's the whole plan for this evening?’ Natalia said, looking at Kate.

“Everyone only knows their part,’ Kate said. “Finch is your goal. We'll have Ratter show up. You will do your bite to get him agitated. Messing with Finch and his wife would be an added benefit. We've already heard that Hewie is in the hospital and will not be attending the Ball."

“And Biffy?’

The police are holding her.’

“Poor Hewie,' Natalia said.

"You are way too kindhearted,’ Anpu said. “He's not a nice person.’

Natalia didn't have a response. She had to think back. He had never really spoken much to her. If fact, none of the board members had.

She returned to the bed and settled down. Tail came in to sit by her and bath before taking a nap. Natalia didn’t nap. There was way too much going on in her head about who was good and who was bad. Nobody was an angel. Not even Victoria.

Time,” Anpu said, tapping on her door.

Natalia rose. She noted it was shortly after five pm

“We have two hours to get ready and be at the Ball by seven,’ he said.

He applied makeup on her. She felt like he had slathered on just as much makeup as earlier. He didn't give her the mirror to see because he was using it to apply his own makeup. She could see he was making himself look older, including adding some gray in his hair.

He finished and grabbed the wig.

"Hold still."

He fitted the wig on her. The hair was bleached blonde and up in an elaborate coif.

“Get the dress on. I'll bind you up.’

“Bind?’

She grabbed the dress from the table and stepped into the bedroom.

“I can't wear any underwear under this,’ she said.

“No, you're not supposed to," he said.

“This is so indecent,’ she said stepping out.

The dress laced up in the back. Anpu worked on the lacing.

“I wouldn't wear this outside of the bedroom,’ she said.

Too hard to get on and off," he said.

“Uri would cut it off.’

Anpu laughed.

"Yeah, I'd do that as well.’

Natalia tried to take a deep breath.

“Isn't that tight?’

She felt like she was wearing plastic wrap. Straps held up what covered her breasts, but seemed to accentuate and push them up.

“This is a popular style,” he said.

“I'm leaving nothing to the imagination.’

"You'll find similar dresses tonight.’

Natalia could only think of Biffy dressed in such a tight dress with all her voluptuousness trying to spill out.

“I didn't need that image,’ she said.

Anpu laughed as if he knew.

He left to go into another bedroom.

Natalia found a bag on the floor. There were shoes and some jewelry. She figured it was costume jewelry because it looked so gaudy. There were a few pieces she decided were for Anpu.

Anpu came out, dressed in a black tuxedo. He looked rather elegant.

"You dress up nice.’

He smiled.

“There should be some cuff links in there,” he said, rummaging through the bag.

“On the counter,’ she said.

Kate returned but did a double take when she saw her.

“Oh, my word, Nattie. I didn't even recognize you."

“That's good. This is a dreadful dress.’

Kate nodded, almost like she was afraid to say anything.

"Your car should be here any moment,’ Kate said.

“We're ready,” Anpu said.

“There have been no new instructions,’ she said.

He nodded.

Natalia followed him out.

He paused by the door until a car drove up.

"You'll be up front,” he said.

He stepped out and opened the door for her, then he got into the back. A Viperian man she didn't know was driving. She didn't say anything. No one spoke. However, Natalia was surprised to see Tail with her.

The drive lasted a long time. She knew they were driving to the other side of the city, but skirting around so they didn't get caught in the evening rush traffic.

The car pulled into a parking lot and stopped by a black four-door sedan. It was an expensive car. Anpu got out and opened her door, helping her out. As soon as the door of the car was shut, it drove away.

“Our ride for the evening,” he said, opening the car door for her.

Tail whipped in before her and disappeared under the seat.

Natalia could smell the strong scent of polish. This was a brand new car.

“Where is the Ball?"

“One of Hewie's expensive hotels,” he said.

“I've been to a couple of them for the Friday cocktail hour.

“The Luxe Grand."

“We were there once. It is elaborate.’

“Only the upper elite will be there. There should be tickets in the glove box."

Natalia pulled out two gold foil tickets.

“Without those, there is no entry.’

"And how did we score these?"

“Hewie's safe apparently was an easy crack.’

“Say no more,’ she said.

“I don't crack safes,’ he said as if he needed to clarify.

Natalia watched out the window. It was another long drive to the hotel. This time they were slowed by traffic. It was shortly after seven when they pulled up.

“We have to use the valet parking, but someone will be watching where they put our car,’ he said. Natalia didn’t ask who.

Attendants opened doors for them. The one on her side, helped her out. Natalia felt naked in the dress. She was impressed that the attendants managed not to stare.

Anpu took the tickets from her and handed them to the man at the door.

The man gave a short head bow, and they were allowed entry.

They stepped into a grand hallway. The paintings on the walls were huge and in gilded frames. The carpet was red. The lighting over head was all crystal chandeliers. There were other people strolling along the hallway, taking in the paintings.

At the end, there were three double arched doorways to enter into the ballhall. The room was huge. However, the first thing Natalia noticed was that there wasn't a single Viperian.

“All Undents,” she said.

“We are not part of the upper elite. The closest we have gotten is you and Uri. However, you may have notice, even you weren't invited to this."

She gave a short nod.

He led her into the room. A waiter drifted past and Anpu gracefully snatched champagne glasses from his tray.

“Don’t drink.’

“Don’t worry, I hate champagne,’ she said.

Anpu led her in a slow walk around the perimeter of the room, keeping to the outside. More and more people arrive and the noise level increased to the point where the quartet of musicians hidden upstairs in a niche could no longer be heard.

Natalia had seen neither Ratter nor Rubert Finch.

'We have a problem,’ Anpu said. “Stay here.’

There seemed to be a disturbance across the room. Anpu disappeared, blending into the crowd. It was hard to pick out any man since they were all in black tuxedos. It was only the women who stood apart in their flamboyant dresses and gaudy jewelry.

Someone grabbed her. She instinctively threw the man against the wall. He was dressed in a suit. It was a shabby one at that. Then it dawned on her. Ratter had shown up with some of his buddies. She pulled the man up and held him by his throat.

“Where's Ratter?” she said.

He seemed startled when she squeezed his throat with her fingers.

“I'm a lot stronger than I look,” she said.

“I-1 don't know."

“How did you get in here?”

“Back ack ackkk.”

She loosened her fingers just slightly.

“Backdoor. It wasn't locked.”

“Where was he headed?”

“Drinks,” the man said.

Natalia decided if there was to be one agitated man, then two was even better. She pressed in close and bit him hard on the ear. There was no taste of blood until she bit harder. He was trying his hardest to push her way. She suddenly let him go, and he went crashing into another couple sending them to the ground.

There were shrieks. The man rose and ran, trying to find his way out. Natalia could easily track him. Then she spied Ratter. He was in a tuxedo, but he was heading to aid his friend. She moved quickly toward them.

Having been around the room, she had an idea of where they would head. She cut them off and pretended to trip into Ratter. Since his ear was so readily available, she bit him and ripped off the earring he was wearing.

He jerked and pushed her away, but she managed to fall, bringing him down with her. She landed with a planned scream. When she looked, his friend was banging his head against a pillar. He was foaming.

Natalia hadn't realized her venom worked so quickly. She rose and hurried off, still shrieking. Anpu was nowhere in sight. She had no visual of Rubert and wondered if he had even arrived yet. There was the worry that she that had started her bites too early.

People bumped into her. There seemed to be some disturbance that she had yet to identify that was sending everyone in this direction. That's when she smelled smoke.

"Oh, dear.”

A woman ran into Natalia. A man reached out and he almost pulled off one of Natalia“s straps to her dress. She pushed him away before she realized this was the man she was looking for.

With planned movements, she broke her own strap, ran in to Finch and fell with him to the ground. She kissed him as if he was the one who had instigated it.

"What are you doing?” she screamed, slapping him across the face, using a finger nail to leave a scratch.

With a lick of a finger, she rubbed it into the scratch. She was glad to see she had left a streak of lipstick on his face.