Chapter 5 The Volkov Group

As Blaire rode in the car, exhaustion tugging at her senses, the rhythmic hum of the engine and the steady motion of the car lulled her into a drowsy state. Her eyelids grew heavy, and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep. When she woke up, she was startled to find herself in the heart of New York City. The morning had given way to late afternoon, and she had slept for far longer than she had intended.

Rubbing her eyes in disbelief, Blaire glanced around, half-expecting the driver to have vanished. But when she checked the rearview mirror, his reflection was still there, stoic and unmoving. Human. The sight sent a chill down her spine, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. How had she managed to sleep for so long without even realizing it?

As she sat up in her seat, the familiarity of the surroundings slowly registered in her mind. She knew parts of New York City well, and she realized they were headed towards Manhattan. The traffic, the hustle and bustle of the city, and the towering skyscrapers all confirmed her location. Though she was still perplexed by how she had slept through most of the day, Blaire focused on the present.

As the car made its way through the busy streets of Manhattan, Blaire couldn't help but marvel at the towering buildings and bustling crowds. The city had a unique energy that was both overwhelming and exhilarating. She had been here several times before. An hour later, they arrived at the Volkov Group's business headquarters, a sleek and modern skyscraper that stood tall amidst the city's skyline. The sedan pulled into a large underground basement.

Stepping out of the car, Blaire was greeted by an elegantly dressed woman with a warm smile. The woman introduced herself as Natalia, one of Alexei's associates. Natalia led Blaire through the impressive lobby, adorned with contemporary artwork and sleek marble accents. The building was still bustling with activity, despite the early evening hours. Employees in sharp business attire moved purposefully, engaged in their work as if the night was just another part of the day.

They entered a high-speed elevator, which whisked them to the upper floors of the building. As the elevator ascended, Blaire couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the state-of-the-art technology surrounding her. The walls of the elevator were glass, offering a breathtaking view of the city's skyline as they shot upward.

The doors opened, and Blaire stepped out into a wide corridor that led to Alexei Volkov's private office. The corridor was adorned with modern art pieces, giving it an air of sophistication and elegance. Soft ambient lighting illuminated the space, casting a warm glow that contrasted with the evening darkness outside. The atmosphere seemed to be coming to life, despite the usual time when most businesses would be shutting down.

As Natalia led her towards Alexei's office, Blaire notied how every detail had been meticulously planned and executed. The carpet was plush beneath her feet, muffling her steps as they walked. The air carried a faint aroma of oud and pine, adding to the ambiance.

Finally, they reached the entrance. The door was an exquisite work of art, made of black marble with the Domovoi Crest carved intricately into it. The crest, a symbol of Alexei's family legacy, depicted a winged creature surrounded by ancient symbols, signifying power and protection.

The door was shut behind her and she was left to nothing but her thoughts and the distant setting sun casting oranges over the skyline. She sat there for a time until the last rays set and escaped from view. It was around then a pleasant woman, who identified herself as Monique, Alexei's assistant, came to check on her. Blaire noted she cast no reflection in the darkening windows.

Monique had brown mousy hair, but an unmistakable allure, a simple beauty. Something Blaire became accustomed to all vampire's possessing. And although Blaire denied wanting to anything, shortly after, Monique came back with a full spread of food for supper.

Thanking Monique for the food, The lush feast laid out before her consisted of a tantalizing assortment of dishes from various cuisines around the world. Exotic fruits, succulent meats, and delectable desserts adorned the table, to tempt the senses.

As the evening turned to night, Blaire's initial lack of appetite began to wane, and the savory aromas wafting through the air beckoned her to indulge. She took a small portion of some dishes, trying to sate her curiosity and hunger simultaneously. The flavors exploded on her tongue, each bite seemingly more exquisite than the last. Despite her uncertainty about the circumstances, she couldn't deny the culinary delight before her.

Just as she began to enjoy her meal, the door to the office creaked open, and Alexei Volkov entered. Dressed in the most opulent of suits, his appearance was strikingly different from Blaire's average, normal clothes. His tailored suit clung to his form, emphasizing his commanding presence and exuding an air of elegance. His jet-black hair was immaculately styled, and his grey eyes held a depth of knowledge that Blaire couldn't fathom.

He approached her with a graceful stride, and Blaire couldn't help but feel captivated by his aura. His clothes, like everything else in the office, exuded luxury and sophistication, making her feel acutely aware of her own modest attire.

Seating himself across from her, Alexei observed her with a faint smile. "I enjoy watching people eat, you know," he said, his voice like velvet, smooth and enticing. "It brings me a sense of nostalgia, though I can no longer partake in such pleasures myself."

Curiosity overcame Blaire's momentary unease, and she paused to look at him, genuinely interested. "You don't eat anymore? Is that because of your... condition?" she asked, her words chosen carefully.

Alexei nodded, his expression contemplative. "Yes, I no longer require sustenance from food as humans do. I sustain ourselves through other means." His gaze seemed to pierce through her, as if assessing her reactions.

"Can you describe how it tastes? The blood, I mean," Blaire asked hesitantly, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Alexei's smile widened slightly, as if amused by her question. "Ah, it's a complex sensation my dear. It is difficult to put into words. Each blood type carries a unique flavor, and the taste can range from sweet to savory, depending on the person's diet and health. But above all, it's the warmth and life within it that truly make it a captivating experience."

As Alexei spoke, Blaire couldn't shake the feeling that she was conversing with something beyond human comprehension. The idea of drinking blood as sustenance was unnerving, yet she found herself drawn to understanding more.

With her endless curiousity, she pushed the plate of food aside, realizing that her purpose here went far beyond savoring exquisite meals. She had come to learn and train, to confront the truths that had been hidden from her for so long.

"I appreciate the feast, Alexei, but I'm here for a reason. I want to learn about vampires, about their origins, their strengths, and their weaknesses," Blaire said, her voice steady despite the underlying nervousness.

Alexei leaned back in his chair, studying her intently. "Your gumption is commendable, Blaire. Knowledge is indeed power, and you are right to seek understanding. I have hunters scattered across the globe, but here in the Volkov Group, I've gathered a select few whom I've been closely training to help me."

A spark of excitement ignited within Blaire as she realized that her journey was just beginning. There were others like her, those who had taken on the mantle of hunters in the fight against the darkness that plagued the world.

"I am prepared to start my training," Blaire stated, her determination evident. "But first, I need to understand vampires, their true nature. I can't fight what I don't comprehend."

Alexei nodded, his expression showing approval. "Very well, Blaire. The journey you've embarked on is not an easy one, but with knowledge and training, you will be better equipped to face the challenges ahead. Tomorrow, I will introduce you to some of my most skilled hunters. They train here in the Volkov Group complex. They will help you learn, grow, and become the best hunter you can be."

Alexei grinned a bit. That is when Blaire again was struck by his appearance. It was nothing short of mesmerizing. He possessed classical Russian features, with chiseled cheekbones and a strong jawline that exuded both strength and sophistication. His pale, flawless skin contrasted beautifully with his jet-black hair, which was meticulously styled to perfection. His eyes, a captivating shade of pale grey-blue, held a depth of wisdom and experience that seemed to see through to one's very soul.

His tall, well-muscled frame spoke of strength and power, hinting at the ancient secrets he carried within him. Every movement he made was graceful and deliberate, reflecting the aura of elegance and control he exuded. Alexei's tailored suit, a masterpiece of sartorial craftsmanship, fit him like a second skin, accentuating his commanding presence.

As Blaire caught herself ogling him and stopped. He was undeniably attractive, but she knew that beneath the alluring exterior lay a formidable and deadly figure. It was clear that Alexei had lived through centuries of life, carrying with him the weight of knowledge and experiences that she could only begin to comprehend. She found her mind idly wondering all the things he could teach her. She stopped herself and cleared her throat.

Alexei sensed this and chuckled, finally settling into his chair, "Now, we should discuss where you're going to live. I have a variety of apartments you can choose from. We will have to fake your death, of course - it would have been easier if you died last night in the shooting but, here we are."

Blaire wondered, "Live? Where I will live, wait my death? What about my family? My friends?"

A pause, "I thought I had made that clear. I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what?" She asked.

"Blaire, you can't go back to your life. You asked me to protect your family, you will have to cease to exist. You will have to die, the human world will have to consider you gone."

The silence wove through them tensely, like thick strings that waited for words to pluck and shatter them. The tension grew until Blaire exhaled, "Oh."

Alexei gauged her response and turned in his chair, illuminating a monitor next to him, "You asked me to keep them safe, and so, Blaire Kingston has to die. I will make sure they're cared for. Honestly, I thought... well. I suppose it doesn't matter what I thought."

"Thought what?" Blaire managed, watching the screen he brought up. It was a file, on her. On her entire life. She blinked as he scrolled through it.

"I thought when you took on the Lakeshia persona you were trying to get rid of Blaire."

She shook her head, "No, I just wanted to get ... into the Gala. I wanted to get proof, video, a photo, anything." A dull thought swam in her mind, "And I suppose I found the ultimate proof."

He grinned. But somehow all of his nonchalance was unnerving to her. Even now her mind kept dipping back to the previous night, the bloodshed, despite not even seeing it clearly. She shuddered and cleared her throat again. Her mind sluggish, almost working against her in light of these traumas.

"So you have." Alexei managed and flipped the screen to show her clearly, "But, you can no longer exist if you want to keep them safe. You have no idea the resources we have, Blaire."

"I think I'm beginning to understand."

Without much thought, and far too callous for Blaire's liking, Alexei joked, "So, tell me - how do you want to die? Car accident? Train accident? Mugging?"

Blaire grew more uncomfortable and instead asked, "How did you die?"

This question caught Alexei off guard. He paused utterly, his expression frozen on his face. It was as if she asked him something especially personal, and inappropriate. He casually, and with fluid grace, turned his wrist and body, "Ah. That is an interesting question."

The gravity of it finally fell over him and he said, "You know what, quick and painless. We will kill you in a car accident. I will ensure your family is given a substantial benefit, but you can never contact them again." He decided clicking a few buttons.

The question burned in her mind, "How did you die?"

As Blaire posed the question, "How did you die?" a flicker of vulnerability crossed Alexei's usually composed expression. The weight of his ancient existence seemed to briefly bear down on him as he recalled memories from a distant past.

"I died many, many years ago," Alexei began, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. "It was during the late 15th century, a time of turmoil and unrest in Russia. I was a young soldier, fighting in a brutal war against invading forces. One fateful night, I was mortally wounded in battle, and as I lay on the cold ground, certain of my impending death, when my father, Vladmir Volkov found me. He wasn't my father then, but you understand. Vlad is one of the ancient vampires. One of the first twelve."

Blaire listened intently, her curiosity now matched with empathy for the centuries-old vampire sitting before her. She realized that beneath the elegant and powerful exterior, Alexei carried a profound history and experiences that were beyond human comprehension.

"The vampire who found me was named Vladmir Volkov," Alexei continued. "Vlad was walking thorough the grounds, feeding on the fallen men. He came upon me, and stopped. He saw I was still alive. He asked me what I would die for. I said "It is more important to live for something than to die for something." So .... he made me an offer. He offered me immortality, the chance to transcend death and live forever."

Blaire watched him as he returned his cold blue eyes to her, his whisper soft accent still floating through his words, "He offered a dying man more life, and never explained the costs. What a clever man." He ruminated and then returned his attention back to Blaire.

He felt the weight of her judgment, and something he had not felt in a very long time. He felt the weight of her pity. Alexei didn't wear it well, so he diverted, "But not all who are lost are found, hm? Now.... you, unlike me, understand this deal really well."

Blaire watched as he turned back to the monitor and finished, "You will die, and be given a new life. You won't ever have to exchange your soul. All you'll have to do is exchange your old life for this new one. And in return I will train you to kill every last vampire you meet. End their unlife."

This intrigued her, deep in her heart she felt it leap. Her purpose. Her reason to live. She knew it, she felt it with every fiber of her being. She asked, as coldly as he referred to her life, mimicking the callous to his chilly tone "Even yours?"

A chuckle was the reply, "Sure. Yes. Even mine."