Jackie took a deep breath as she looked up at Ann's office building. Despite working for almost two weeks the place still intimidated her.
Jackie's internship had proven to be educational and alot of hard work. Thankfully Ann, Stephanie, and Michelle looked out for the 17 year old, taking her under her wing. Jackie had already proven to be invaluable considering Ann's age still fluctuated from time to time.
While back at work, Ann's condition still flared up from time to time. Thankfully her boss had been very accommodating. Although Ann, Stephanie, Michelle, and Jackie remembered everything that happened, the rest of the office didn't. The explosion in the research offices explained away as a tragic accident, resulting in Ann's illness (the office believed Ann suffered from anemia and acute nerve pain).
As Jackie now made her way through the office she could see everyone already busy with work, a few employees looking up to give the teen a wave or kind smile as she entered Ann's office. "Morning angel."
Ann looked up from her computer, giving Jackie a smirk as she continued working. "Morning darling," Ann said. "Thought we agreed not to go by pet names at the office."
"Couldnt help it," Jackie smiled. "So whats on the agenda today?"
"Meeting in a couple of hours," Ann stated. "Apparently some outside parties are interested in some of the research the company was conducting." Ann sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Needless to say little nervous."
Jackie nodded, giving Ann a critical look. "Take a deep breath Ann you know what happens if you get too stressed out."
"I know I know," Ann grumbled. "I've been trying but still not helping. Take a look."
Jackie now slowly approached, carefully studying Ann. The 45 year old business woman now looked about 10 years younger. The small lines around Ann's eyes seemed to have vanished while her hair and skin appeared to be healthier.
"Well 35 isn't so bad" Jackie replied, trying to think positive. "And you still look like you. Just a bit fresher."
Ann frowned, furriwing her brow as she gazed at her girlfriend. "Oh like I didnt look good before," she said wryly. Jackie stammered, causing Ann to chuckle softly. "Just teasing angel," she smiled. "But thats how it starts. Next thing you know I look like I belong in the company daycare."
"So what do you need me to help with Ann?"
Ann sighed, slowly standing and adjusting her business attire. "Well," she said. "I asked Stephanie to take over the meeting. What I need you to do is act as Stephanie's right hand. Help her out, take notes. And report back to me when the meetings over."
"Really," Jackie gaped. "You want me to sit in on the meeting?"
"Of course," Ann smiled. "Jackie, I trust you. Yeah your still new but you're smarter than most people in the office and have a natural aptitude for this. Steph likes you and I think you two work well together."
"Thank you," Jackie squealed, hugging Ann. Ann chuckled, a little shocked by Jackie's outburst. "Dont mention it Jackie," she said. "But when the meetings over only you come in. Got a feeling I'm going to be back in grade school before the day is through."
Taking Ann's notes, Jackie now made her way down the hall to Stephanie's office. The raven haired executive finishing her prep as the teen entered the room. "Let me guess," Stephanie said. "Ann's not going to make it." Jackie nodded as Stephanie sighed.
"You know a couple of years ago I would have been excited that my professional rival was out of action," she said. "Now I just hope she's okay."
"Shes getting better," Jackie offered. Stephanie nodded as the two now made their way to the conference room. "I know," Stephanie said. "Still, I worry about my friend. Maybe after the meeting I'll check up on her."
"She gets a bit embarrassed about people seeing her when she's a kid."
"Then I guess it'll just have to be a play date Jackie," Stephanie replied with a smirk.
As they now entered the conference room, Jackie beheld an attractive auburn haired woman with a rather large man by her side. "Ms. Marsh a pleasure I am Dominique Milosevic and this is my employer Mr. Donovan."
As Stephanie now introduced herself, Jackie studied the two business people in front of her. Dominique was gorgeous with a slight European accent, while Donovan was a hulking man, dressed on a business suit. Jackie couldn't help but find the man intimidating with his pale skin and dead eyes. Jackie couldn't quite put her finger on it but something about the man chilled her to the bone.
Donovan now said nothing as he watched his familiar work. Dominique was charming, beautiful, and quite intelligent. It was the reason the vampire had chosen her to be his familiar. The hulking vampire had heard rumors during the war that this company had designed a military suit to combat magic. Now the vampire wanted those suits for his Lord Miro.