Chapter 5
With your injuries treated, you stepped out of the lab feeling more like a mummy than a guard. Your three friends photographed and documented every scrape and bruise at the insistence of Ominis who gave you a USB copy of everything.
Anne coated you with all manner of creams and bandages and Sebastian forced medicine down your throat.
To say the trio fussed over you would be the understatement of the year. You'd be annoyed if you weren't so charmed by their attention.
Ominis, his tone both resolute and kind, urged you to accept his arm before walking the hall. Confusion gave way to acceptance as your boots thumped against the floor. With your battered face, men's pajama top, and rolled-up slacks, you should have felt silly hanging off his arm like a Jane Austen heroine- but you didn't.
Under all the aches and stiffness you felt amazing.
Anne recommended leaving your new soaps in the lab, and you were grateful for her suggestion. The stares directed your way were heavy enough without the added weight of your toiletries.
You strolled through the facility halls, your pulse quickening with each step taken on Ominis's arm. The unusual arrangement left your friends quiet as if observing a delicate experiment unfold.
Sebastian arched a brow, glancing at Ominis with a hint of amusement. Anne struggled to suppress a smile, her lips pressed into a thin line.
As you passed door after door, the facility guards shrank away, their eyes averted. The pale busted faces of the men you had beaten in combat training stirred an odd mixture of satisfaction and curiosity. Ominis's presence alone cast a protective shield around you, one that few dared challenge, which seemed odd...
You stole a sidelong glance at his ever-present scowl, admiring the chiseled features beneath. While Ominis was intimidating, his presence alone shouldn't warrant the guards' reactions.
"Ominis?" you ventured, hesitating.
"Yes?" he replied, his brow arching as he turned towards you.
"Why are the guards giving you weird looks?" You tried to describe the discomfort etched on your colleagues' faces and fell short.
"Weird in what sense?" he asked, head tilting.
"Weird as in, 'Oh no! We bullied the new girl, but she's friends with Dr. Gaunt!'" Sebastian snickered, his freckled face split with a wide grin. "Your colleagues are likely shitting themselves about now... Ominis's family owns this facility and all its research. Everyone here is employed by the Gaunt family—"
"Sebastian!" Ominis hissed, causing you to tense on his arm, feeling faint while you processed the news. He turned to you, brows scrunched and foggy eyes shifting side to side as if to find you in the dark. "Don't make a fuss about it. In fact, I'd prefer if you forgot Sebastian's words altogether." He whispered to you, his voice low and serious. "My family name is useful in situations like this, but otherwise, I'd rather pretend I come from a different lineage entirely. Do you understand?"
You nodded, then remembered he couldn't see. "I understand," you murmured, biting your lip. "So... I don't have to call you 'Boss' or anything, right?"
Sebastian choked.
Ominis pursed his lips in thought. "The title 'Sir' will suffice, thank you."
Anne snorted a laugh, unable to contain herself. Heat flooded your cheeks. "Yes, sir," you whispered. You liked the idea of bringing a piece of your...game...out into the open. You moved closer and rested a hand on his bicep. With his height, you felt almost delicate standing beside him.
Sebastian stumbled, staring at his friend in disbelief, his eyes wide with shock.
As your group moved along the unfamiliar route, you slowed to a stop, drawn to a foreboding hallway. Rows of caution stripes painted the entrance's floor in a haphazard mix of red and yellow. Flickering fluorescent lights cast eerie, dancing shadows above the black double doors.
You shuddered, feeling the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. You leaned toward Anne and whispered, "What's down this creepy hallway?"
"It's off-limits without proper clearance and hazmat gear. Trust me, you don't want to go down there." She muttered, her eyes flitting to her brother before locking on the corridor. "It's where Sebastian spends most of his time when he's not with us."
Ominis, overhearing the exchange, tightened his grip on your arm. His tone remained light, but the underlying seriousness was unmistakable. "Anne's right. Stay clear of that area. Better yet, forget it exists." He sucked in a breath, "And if you ever get scheduled to go down that hall...Let one of us know ."
“Ugh, you lot are so dramatic.” Sebastian wined and rolled his eyes beside you. "We're testing drugs down there. Breakthrough kind of work. Things to improve the human body that our names will go into the history books for!" An unsettling gleam shined in his eyes- Thwack!
"That hurt, Ominis!"
"Good." Ominis glowered in Sebastian's direction, "That project is classified and dangerous. You bragging about-"
"It's not like it matters if I brag, that one is not bright enough to understand half of what-"
THWACK!
"Ahh! Anne, you now?!" Sebastian's yell echoed in the hall, drawing the eyes of passerbys.
"Apologise!" Anne demanded, stopping your party and blocking Sebastian's path. Her hands fisted on her hips and her face reddened with fury on your behalf.
Sebastian gaped, a blush creeping up his cheeks as he rubbed the back of his head and turned to you.
"Thank you Anne, but to be honest I probably wouldn't understand..." You try to mediate but Anne stands firm.
"Sorry for being rude," Sebastian said, his freckled face turned toward the floor like a scolded child.
"How tactless, Sebastian." Declared Ominis before turning to you, "He will grow on you eventually."
"Like a fungus." Barked Anne.
"Come now, I've apologized to the lady. No need to stay mad."
Satisfied, Anne leads your group past the creepy hall.
As you entered the bustling cafeteria with your companions, you sensed the weight of countless eyes upon you. Scientists, guards, and various personnel all paused to stare at your unusual group. The air hung thick with curiosity, but you ignore it, focusing instead on the prospect of food.
Anne leaned in, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "We take our meals in the lab or much later in the evening. Our presence here at this hour is something of an anomaly." She explaind.
Approaching the food line, your gaze landed on the man behind the register. Your heart skipped a beat—it was the middle-aged man you'd stumbled upon sleeping with his cock out.
Heat crept up your cheeks as bile rose in your throat.
Anne, noticing your wide-eyed recognition and followed your gaze. She yelped, hopping back as if a mouse ran over her shoes as she reguarded the man with a touch of embarrassed amusement.
"It's a bit tricky to identify him without his bits on display, isn't it?" She nudged you, eliciting a reluctant chuckle.
"Please don't remind me of his 'bits.'" You groaned.
Ominis and Sebastian, intrigued by your shared laughter, eyed you and Anne, eager to uncover the nature of your connection to the cashier. With a quiet sigh, you recounted the mortifying incident, attempting to keep your voice hushed and your dignity intact.
Sebastian roared with laughter- drawing every eye- unable to restrain his delight at your awkward misadventure.
"You have a gift for unforgettable introductions, don't you? He must've known he had a new roommate- a female at that- if your belongings were on the bed. Why on earth would he sleep naked like that?" He teased, grinning from ear to ear. "Unless...Oh." His smile faded, hardening as pieces clicked together.
In stark contrast, Ominis remained unamused. His countenance hardened. "Appalling," he muttered, his displeasure palpable. "Rest assured, I will address this matter with all involved parties. Including those responsible for room assignments—"
"Ominis, please." Your gentle tug on his arm drew his attention back to you. "I appreciate that you would step in, but—" You hesitated, uncertain how your newfound friends would react to your revelation.
"I've already asked her to be my roommate," Anne announced.
Sebastian gaped, raising a finger as if to make a point. Anne ignored him, and barreled on. "I know Ominis could secure her a room, but I've never had any close girlfriends! I won't allow you two to snatch this chance from me!" She jabbed a finger into Sebastian's stomach, her other hand on her hip. "She adores Disney movies, Sebastian! Disney! If you take this from me, there will be hell to pay!"
"Good heavens, woman!" Ominis snickered as Sebastian raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Have it your way. I was merely suggesting we add another bed to the room…"
Anne looked your way, brow arched. You shrugged, indifferent to the arrangement.
"No need. We don't mind sharing." Anne grinned, and you reciprocated, anticipating nights filled with girly sleepovers.
"It doesn't bother you that you've only known each other for two days?" You blushed looking to Anne...and then to Ominis whose lips pursed, face flaming.
"Not at all." Anne waved him off, "If you recall, our parents married after only two months of knowing each other. They were happy. Sometimes you just know..."
Sebastian nodded and you fought a satisfied grin, unwilling to look at Ominis.
Nearing the register, both you and Anne grew apprehensive. "I…I-I…"
I saw your dick. You almost said aloud.
You offered Anne a nervous smile, hoping- and failing- to ease the tension.
"All I can think about is how much darker his cock was in comparison to the rest of his body." She leaned in and whispered.
"Please, Anne, no." You choked, turning to bury your mortified face in Ominis's chest. He pulled his arm from your grasp to patt your shoulder.
"Is discoloration normal for the male genitalia, Sebastian?" She pivoted toward her slack-jawed twin.
"I—Uh. Well, it depends on melanin production and testosterone levels. Circulation and- for the sexually active- friction factors in as well-...wait, Anne!" He sputtered, glaring at her, his face beet red as he realized who and where he was lecturing. "I'm not having a conversation on...that...with my sister-"
"Ugh, this is why we take our meals in the lab or at night." Ominis smacked his cane on the floor, drawing your group's attention and nodding toward the register.
As you and Anne faced the man-whose shriveled cock you saw in your mind's eye- an awkward hush enveloped the group. Neither of you knew quite how to approach him, given your embarrassing encounter with the man. Unaware of the incident, he gazed at you, awaiting your orders.
Your cheeks flamed with embarrassment, and you glanced at Anne, who was tongue-tied too. Sensing your unease, Ominis stepped in to save the day.
"Two of your daily specials, please," Ominis requested, his deep voice slicing through the strained atmosphere like a hot knife through butter. He then turned toward Sebastian and Anne, who added their own orders.
"Coming right up," your former roommate responded with a congenial smile, untroubled by the palpable tension. He busied himself with assembling the meals, and you appreciated Ominis's timely intervention.
As you waited, Ominis rested a hand on your shoulder in reassurance. "Shhh, you are alright," he murmured, his soft words calming your frayed nerves. "Everyone experiences awkward moments. What matters is how we handle them and move forward."
Your cheeks burned at the thought. His sweet, wise words made you want to throw him over the lunch counter and climb him like a tree (regardless of how his dick looked)...
What was wrong with you?
You glanced up at him and mustered a small, appreciative smile that went unseen. His intimidating presence soothed you and heated your blood in equal measure.
Once your meals were ready, the four of you claimed an empty table. Though you sensed the inquisitive stares from the other patrons, their interest died off as you ate and chatted with your friends.
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, in stark contrast to the awkwardness that had engulfed you earlier. Anne went over your room-sharing arrangement in detail and the coming movie night.
"Hey, would you guys like to join us for movie night? We're planning to watch some old classics." Anne inquired, her gaze flitting between Ominis and Sebastian.
“By ‘old classics’ do you mean nineties Disney movies?” Sebastian sighed.
“Fern Gully is not a Disney movie…” Anne sniffed.
“True.” You remarked with a smirk.
“Can’t we watch something for adults?” Sebastian sighed, pinching his brow.
“How about we flip a coin?” You add, trying to appease the twins.
With a grimace, Ominis responded, "That sounds like a splendid idea. Thank you for inviting us."
Your eyes sparkled with anticipation. Every bite of your meal held a promise of camaraderie and acceptance. After finishing your dinner, you and Anne opted to return to your room to tidy up and ready snacks for your guests, leaving the men at the table.
As you and Anne strolled down the halls, you marveled at how you'd found a place among this group of extraordinary people. Gone was the need to don a tough exterior or suppress your love for junk food and girly movies. For once, you were yourself – unapologetic and unashamed.
“So, are we going to make the guys sit through Furn Gully? Not gonna lie, I do love that movie, but…”
“Nah, though I live to watch my brother suffer, we'll settle on neutral territory…Harry Potter series maybe? Everyone loves those movies.”
“True. We could always put on Magic Mike or a historical romance…” You smile. “Um…About Ominis…” You blush, struggling to find the right words.
Anne's laughter filled the hall as you fumbled through your question. "He obviously likes you," she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"But I'm not…Gosh, this sounds lame.," Rubbing your face with your palms you turn to your friend who watches you patiently, “I’m not that smart, Anne. I don’t know if I could keep up in a proper conversation with him…I’m an idiot compared to any of you three, and-”
"Is this because of what Sebastian said?" Anne shook her head, her brown ponytail bobbing behind her as she did. "Intelligence is relative," she explained, her voice warm and reassuring. "IQ is measured by standardized testing, which is hardly a definitive way to rate someone's true intellect."
Her words, though comforting, were also confusing, and you furrowed your brow. Sensing your confusion, Anne continued, "What I'm trying to say is that we already have enough book-smart people in our group. While Ominis could run circles around you in terms of education, you excel in athletics and physical prowess. That levels the playing field between the two of you – opposites attract and all that. I imagine you two would compensate for what the other lacks. Together, the two of you would be like…like the rugby player dating the geek!"
“...What’s rugby?” Anne squints and you laugh, “I’m joking, I’m joking!…” You weren't, but Anne didn't need to know that.
As you continued down the hallway, Anne's words resonated within you, filling the void left by years of self-doubt. She was right – you and Ominis were different. But, those differences could help draw you together.
“Anyways, put all that worry from your mind.” Anne shoved your arm with a giggle, “Ominis is guarded around strangers, but he warmed up to you instantly.” The thought brought a smile to your lips.
Your laughter tapered off as you passed the creepy hallway that had piqued your interest earlier. A disquieting sensation washed over you, and unease bloomed in the air. The black double doors looked different, large scratches carved furrows into the face of one. The bottom edge of one door was curled up and scratched...
What could do that to a metal door?
“God, that hallway is gloomy.” Anne mumbled, “I keep asking them to put out a potted plant or at least fix that flickering light. It’s like they want to frighten-”
Like Brattleby’s elevator times a thousand, a nauseating stench assaulted your senses, prompting you to halt in your tracks.
You turned to Anne, "God,” You cup your nose, what is that awful smell?” You retched at the odor when you spotted something that made your blood run cold.
The corridor held a sinister atmosphere as an eerie, guttural growl sent shivers down your spine.
Anne whipped her head toward the sound. As the shadows shifted and coalesced, a horrifying creature emerged, its grotesque form a macabre distortion of a dog.
This hellish beast belonged in nightmares.
Its coat was matted with filth and decay, hanging in tattered shreds from its emaciated frame. A sickly pallor clung to the exposed flesh and sinew, the result of some unnatural affliction that had ravaged its body.
Its eyes burned with a malevolent crimson fire, devoid of any remaining trace of the canine loyalty it might have once possessed.
The monster's jaws gaped, revealing jagged, razor-sharp teeth encrusted with gore and dribbling foam. As it snarled, a nauseating stench of decay wafted from its maw, reaching your side of the hallway.
Its movements were an unnerving blend of predatory grace and an unnatural, jerking gait as it slunk toward you and Anne.
Every muscle in your body screamed for you to flee, only your training kept you in place.
"Anne, get behind me!" you whispered a warning. "Walk backward slowly, and don't take your eyes off of it."
"Oh, oh God," she stammered, staggering towards your voice.
"Slow, Anne!" You hissed.
With a feral growl, the beast lunged in a blur toward Anne. She opened her mouth in a silent scream, terror etched on her face.
Adrenaline coursed through your veins, your boots squeaking on the marble floor as you raced toward Anne.
Time slowed as you slammed into her, knocking her to the floor. She landed hard on her shoulder and skidded away with a shrill cry. You slipped on the unfurled hem of your borrowed pants as you threw yourself backward, landing hard on your ass.
The beast snapped its jaws, missing you by a hair's breadth as it skidded past, leaving you gasping in the fetid air left in its wake.
Twisting with feline grace, you rolled to a stand and assumed a defensive stance in front of Anne.
The beast lunged again.
You swung your leg forward with a kick that would have impressed an NFL player. Your boot connected to it's head with a sickening SNAP.
The impact reverberated through you, aching all the way up to your hip and sending the monstrous dog hurtling backward. Black blood arced into the air, splattering across the wall in a gruesome wave from the force of your blow.
With horror, you watched as the creature gurgled and lifted its head. The beast's wild eyes turned to you, jaw hanging by a shred of muscle and its flat, green-tinted tongue writhing like a fresh worm impaled on a fishing hook.
That kick would have killed a normal dog, or at least knocked it out. You limped backward toward Anne, hoping she had found her feet.
“The fuck is that?!" the on-duty guards rounded the hall, heading straight for the beast.
The facility erupted into chaos.
Amidst the pandemonium, one of the men who had tormented you during the sparring session roughly shoved you aside to reach the animal. He grabbed the dog by its scruff, barking orders and chastising you.
“The fuck where you doing, Tits?” He shouted, your face heating as the group in the hall glanced at you, “Your out of uniform and breaking protocol by getting in on shit like this-”
“The hell, Olly?” You recalled, hoping you plucked the right name from your memory, “Was I supposed to sit there and let it run down Anne?” You shouted.
“Shut your fuckin'- Argggh!”
The dog thrashed, scraping its yellowed teeth across Ollys' meaty arm and leaving a faint scratch. Cursing in pain, the guard retaliated with a brutal punch to the creature's head. With a sickening CRUNCH, the beast smacked against the marble. A black pool bloomed around the creature, it twitched and fell limp.
“Enough!” Anne, recovering from the shock, took control of the situation. “This hall is under quarantine, effective immediately!” Her voice was firm and commanding as she ordered you not to touch anything. "You too! You need to quarantine and be tested immediately," she declared, her gaze intense and unwavering. “Keep your arms raised and don’t touch anything or anyone. Don’t speak to them. Stay ten feet away from me and warn off any bodies headed in your direction.”
Her words sent the surrounding guards into a frenzy, each scrambling to carry out their duties. Anne's declaration of quarantine only added to the chaos, causing a whirlwind of activity and confusion.
Anne didn't linger, her concern for you taking precedence over everything else.
With steely determination, she quetly guided you away from the commotion and deeper into the hall. Her face was stony and you could see her mind calculating.
Something was very wrong.
"Anne, we should stay to make sure-" Ignoring you she pulled you by the arm and continued walking. "Okay then, lead the way..."
"I'm going to murder Sebastian." She grumbled.