Falling for a CEO from another world

"Sophie, your transfer is ready."

A huge folder full of papers dropped onto Sophie's desk, pulling her out of her thoughts. The idea of leaving her comfort zone made her shudder. Although she had no one in that huge city where she worked, the prospect of going to work in Charleston gave her the chills.

"And if I say I don't want to accept it? What would happen?" Sophie reproached her immediate boss.

"The moment you signed your contract, you said you were willing to travel. Besides, you have two options: stay unemployed or go there. There is an opportunity for a person with your profile there; not here."

Her boss's voice was cutting and cold. The company where she worked as an assistant was going through imminent bankruptcy; the executives were trying to relocate employees. She was lucky, as she was one of the few who still had a position.

But to her misfortune, she had been assigned to go to the coldest and darkest place in the country. Though, what did it matter anyway.

Sophie packed her few belongings and, the following day, took a train there.

Charleston is a small city located in the mountains, surrounded by a thick forest and a cold, misty climate. The city has a rich and dark history, full of legends of vampires and supernatural creatures.

That was what terrified Sophie the most: that perhaps those legends were true. She couldn't imagine being devoured by a legion of vampires and having her poor body lie cold and dry in some unknown place. That death was not something she wanted for herself.

Sophie is a twenty-five-year-old young woman, with fair skin and dark brown hair. She has large and expressive hazel eyes and a shy smile that is rarely shown. She is an intelligent and hardworking woman, with a reserved but curious personality.

What remained of her salary had been allocated to pay for the inn where she would spend her days while in Charleston: a large and old mansion, with several rooms available for rent to strangers.

Maria was the landlady. She had given her a beautiful room upon the recommendation of Sophie's boss, one with views of the dark mountain.

"Look, girl, here is the key to your room. You have the right to the kitchen and the communal bathroom. Your shower time must not last more than ten minutes because you would run out of hot water for the others. You must keep your food and all your things in your room; here, I am not responsible for anything."

"Thank you. I will try to eat quick things. Could you tell me where the big factory is? I must report to work there tomorrow."

"In the big factory? What will you do in that place, girl?" Maria asked her somewhat confused; her eyes were full of terror.

"Well, I will be an administrative assistant, Maria," Sophie replied with resignation. "Why do you ask me with 그 face of panic? Is there something I should know?"

"No, just a recommendation: whatever you see, just keep silent. In this city, some paranormal things are rumored that, to tell the truth, I don't know if they are true, but be careful."

When Sophie heard her landlady's words, she felt a deep chill run through her body, but she preferred to think that everything rumored and said was nothing more than fantasy.

When night fell, her room gave her a view of the huge mountain. At the top of it, a beautiful mansion could be seen, dimly lit; it looked more like an ancient castle that had been modernly modified.

Her eyes remained fixed on that dark place. She felt a magical feeling settle over her. She closed her eyes, and through her mind passed the image of a beautiful man, but pale and with skin like ice; his eyes were red and his smile, devilishly white.

She suddenly opened her eyes and, terrified, pulled the curtain of her window.

"This must be a joke," she repeated to herself several times.

Although her first night was not the best, she got up early to fulfill her duty. She had to work to eat and pay for her mother's nursing home, a woman who had gone mad when Sophie was just a child, leaving her alone to her fate and with one more burden.

It was very early. The cold of Charleston seeped into her bones and, although it was already eight in the morning, the city was almost dark. Now she understood why they called it that and why its inhabitants were so pale: sunlight was something she wouldn't see again for a long time.

When she stood in front of the big factory, she realized it was an excessively luxurious place, much more than her old workplace: a huge ash-colored building that matched the city perfectly, large tinted windows and metallic doors. When she crossed the first one, she automatically felt a terrible cold; it was something she had to get used to living with.

"Good morning, miss. How can I help you?" A young woman at the reception greeted her. She was no different from the others: her face was pale and white; her dark suit was simply adorned with a red scarf around her neck.

"Hello, I am the new administrative assistant. My name is Sophie Robinson."

"Ah, yes, we were expecting you. Follow me, please. Your duties will be the same as in your old job. You must catch up with the factory's affairs, but we are completely modernized. At your workstation, you already have all the information you need."

The receptionist explained to Sophie what she had to do while leading her to her office: a beautiful workstation, a desk, a latest-model laptop, and enough to not lose her sanity in such a frivolous place.

Sophie had already been working at the big factory for a week. She had only interacted with another girl who worked alongside her: Glorie, who was becoming something like a friend.

"Sophie, are we going to eat? I'm starving."

"Thank you, Glorie, yes, let's go, please. This cold makes my stomach want to devour an entire elephant."

"What are you saying, woman! Come on, the elevator is about to arrive."

Both waited for the elevator to stop on their floor. It came from the very top of that skyscraper. It was rumored that no one went up to the top floors, for there was the great office of the superior boss and, for some strange reason, he never allowed anyone to approach him.

When the elevator stopped, the doors opened before their eyes. Although Glorie had already lived this scene, for Sophie it was completely new. A tall man, blond, with gray eyes and red lips, appearing to be about thirty years old, dressed in a fine dark suit and with an exquisite fragrance that flooded the place, was in front of them.

Sophie was completely incredulous. She stood frozen at the entrance of the elevator when she saw him. It was the same man who days before had appeared in her visions, only dressed differently.

"Good morning, ladies," Valentin's deep voice greeted them.

"Good morning, Mr. Von Strudel," Glorie replied to the greeting, while, surprised, she stood watching how Sophie seemed enchanted.

"Sophie, are you okay? We must go. Sophie!"

A shout from Glorie pulled her out of her thoughts. She stepped into the elevator next to her friend. As soon as she passed by Valentin's side, a sensation of panic invaded her being. She did not understand why she felt that strange pressure.

They reached the first floor and he simply left; it seemed as if he had disappeared, while they continued with their plans to go to lunch.

"Who is that man?" Sophie asked Glorie.

"What do you mean who is that man? He is the great CEO of the factory. You were very discourteous to him. Fortunately, he speaks few words. I have been working here for a few years and he has been just as perfect since I can remember. Many things are rumored about him, but you know how it is: small town, big hell."

"What is rumored? Tell me, Glorie," Sophie was terrified at that moment. The last thing she would want to hear was that her boss was a vampire.

"They say that Valentin Von Strudel is a member of a very ancient and powerful family of vampires that has been established in Charleston for centuries. And it is rumored that he has had many passionate encounters with humans throughout the centuries. His presence in the city has been fundamental in maintaining the balance between vampires and humans in Charleston. Although, by this time, I have been living here for ten years and I have never seen a single vampire," Glorie shrugged her shoulders and made a gesture of resignation.

"That's not true?"

"I don't think so. They must be just rumors, dear. Come, let's go eat. I'm starving."

Sophie was left completely confused. She couldn't even eat in peace. Valentin's gaze had become completely imprinted on her. He was a man wrapped in an almost extraterrestrial divinity, one could say infernal. That scared her in a way she couldn't explain. She was far from imagining who that mysterious man was who had already appeared before her eyes previously.

For Sophie, falling asleep during the following nights had become a complete challenge, for every time she closed her eyes she had horrible nightmares. Since she was little, she had felt fear of everything paranormal, and working in a city like Charleston only increased her insecurities, especially being stayed in the room facing the large mansion; every night this situation caused her panic attacks.

"Maria, could you consider the possibility of changing my room? I don't feel comfortable in the one I'm in."

"I'm afraid not for now, Sophie. Tell me, did something happen in the room you're in?" Maria asked anxiously.

"No, it's just that I don't feel comfortable. It seems to be very cold, but if the possibility doesn't exist, I think I'll have to change inns."

"Give me a few days, honey. I'll try to arrange something better for you," Maria smiled warmly at Sophie, who resignedly went back toward the room.

It was already almost eight at night and at that hour the city's cold froze one's bones. She leaned out of her window to close the curtain completely when, suddenly, she felt as if someone were watching her from the large mansion. A horrible chill ran through her being. She closed it quickly, ran to her bed, bundled up very well and, trembling with fear, covered herself with all her blankets up to her head.

"What are you looking at, my dear brother?" Lea, Valentin's older sister, took him by the shoulder while he held a glass of wine and had his gaze fixed on the window.

"Nothing important, I was just looking at the city. I'm sorry we have to leave here soon," Valentin was lying. He had fixed his eyes more precisely on Sophie's room; his great abilities allowed him to observe her every night.

From the first day she arrived, his gaze was encapsulated in her dwelling and every night he observed her. He could smell her fear, her panic, but also the natural scent of her skin, and that really excited him.

"I also regret that we have to leave, but our time here has passed. People, after a number of years, begin to suspect why we don't age. And although it's no secret to anyone here that we are vampires, you know the agreement we have: to maintain peace in the city, we must leave."

"I wonder who will look after them now. You know that as soon as a clan of vampires leaves, the lycanthropes are ready to attack. They will always want to take over Charleston."

Lea approached and took him by the shoulder while she stroked his cheek.

"That is no longer our problem, dear. We have only one year left here. Besides, possibly some clan from Bavaria will come to look after them. They have always been eager to conquer the gold mine that is in this place. It's the only thing that has motivated lycanthropes and vampires for years."

"I know, Lea. I hope this last year is fruitful for our family. It's time to rest through the world for a good while," Valentin smiled at her and concentrated his gaze back on the window.

The Von Strudel clan was made up of Valentin's adoptive parents and his sister Lea. They were only children when they were rescued by Aby and Morgan: a pair of children without care or love, full of diseases and at the gates of death. The Von Strudels cared for them and, when they were mature enough to decide, they turned them into vampires. But it was a special clan, one that belonged to a legion of vampires that only consumed animal meat and blood; they had managed to control their instinct to consume human blood.

Although for Valentin and Lea it was even more difficult; they preferred not to get too close to humans. They still lacked a bit more to suppress that instinct.

"Valentin, I don't think you're looking at the view of the city. These past days I've noticed you've stayed looking at a window in particular, a humble girl in particular. Is she your next victim?" Lea asked him with suspicion.

"Victim? Of course not, she's not my type. I like more voluminous women, you know, with more sculptural and striking bodies. She's a young woman who works at the factory, nothing important. Just that my damn sense of smell doesn't stop perceiving her fear," Valentin took a last sip of his wine glass.

"I know you, little brother, but be careful. That girl doesn't give me a good feeling. She isn't just attractive to you; I've had visions," his sister whispered in his ear.

Lea had developed special faculties, such as having premonitions about the future, and she had already had images of Sophie.

"You don't have to worry, I know how to take care of myself perfectly," Lea gave him a smile and left the place.

But Valentin was completely captivated by Sophie. He also had certain faculties, so in less than thirty seconds he was in her room. She was already half-asleep, but like every night she was feeling his presence and trembling. The more fear she felt, the more obsessed Valentin became.

He approached her and began to smell her neck; his nose brushed against her soft skin and he shuddered. He passed his large hand over her back and stroked it. He was dying to catch onto her and, without giving her warning, turn her into his princess.

But his designs came first, so he simply delighted in her for a few more minutes and left her room. Sophie thought it was just a horrible nightmare. No matter how much he was the most divine man her eyes had seen, she refused to accept it was a reality, for the one she fantasized about was her great boss.

The next day she overslept more than usual. She had become late and the turn for the bathroom at the inn was longer than usual, so that morning, for the first time since she had been at the factory, she would arrive late.

She carried a hot coffee in her hand while she ran in a hurry to catch the only elevator. The doors were about to close when a large, white hand reached between them. The CEO of the company entered.

"Good morning, miss. Arriving late, right?"

Sophie stood motionless. Valentin was wearing a delicious perfume that flooded Sophie's nostrils. That morning he wore a dark suit as usual, his hairstyle was perfect and his huge gray eyes observed her without stopping. He sketched a smile at her with the corner of his lips.

Sophie, incredulous because of the awkward moment and what was happening there, in a movement of the elevator dropped the coffee, completely soiling her clothes and those of her boss.

"I am sorry, sir, I dropped the coffee by accident. Please forgive me," her cheeks were flushed. She pulled a makeshift handkerchief from her bag and, with a sovereign shyness, began to clean her boss's leg. He took her by the hand and raised her to his height.

Magically, the elevator stopped at that moment, giving them a little more time.

"You have nothing to apologize for. These things can happen," suddenly the two of them were closer than expected. Sophie began to tremble in terror as she felt Valentin's energy; it was the same energy she felt every night in her bed. She gently broke free from his grip and turned her gaze away.

"I must get to work, sir. How do I make this device continue on its way?"

Valentin smiled at her again and bit his lower lip. This made Sophie blush again. She was nervous and confused, having not the slightest idea of what was happening at that moment. She was far from imagining the sinful thoughts passing through her boss's head.

"You have already reached your floor, Miss Robinson."

"You know me?" she asked in surprise.

"More than you can imagine," his gaze intimidated her completely. She left the elevator with her head bowed and sat straight at her desk.

"Sophie, why have you arrived so late? That can be a reason for dismissal in the company. If there is one thing the boss hates, it is lack of punctuality," Glorie snapped at her as soon as she sat down. Their offices were close, and communication was very easy.

"Well, if anyone knows I arrived late, it is precisely him."

"I'm not understanding anything, Sophie. What do you mean?"

"That I ran into him precisely in the elevator. To be honest, that man gives me the chills, I don't know."

"He gives them to anyone, friend. He is far too attractive and striking. His mouth is a delicacy for the gods. He is handsome, but he only likes women with many curves, you know, those who come from the big cities to do business: they come, spend a night with him, and leave. Nothing more formal has ever been known of him."

"Don't tell me those things, they are of no interest to me. I don't mean that kind of chills. That man scares me, real dread, and I even have nightmares about him."

"That can't be true! You haven't had the chance to know him. Very little contact can be had with him, but he is far too kind, intelligent, caring, generous. You're crazy! No one could be afraid of a man like him."

Sophie turned toward her laptop. She was completely confused. Her friend was right: he was a spectacular man, but what she didn't understand was why he appeared in her nightmares, intimidated her, and made her feel the worst of feelings. For many times, when she felt his breath, something in her body shuddered, her nipples stood up immediately, and that made her feel ashamed.

That afternoon it was difficult to concentrate. The idea of having had such a close encounter with her boss disconcerted her, but she had to maintain her sanity. She had been entrusted with the factory's large monthly report, and she only had a few hours left to deliver it.

Thinking about her sexual nightmare was not among her plans.

The following day at the Von Strudel mansion was not a normal morning. The family had received an unexpected visit: it was Elian Blackwood, the powerful lycanthrope warrior, leader of his pack. In his human version, he is a muscular man, with an imposing presence and an intense gaze.

He has a well-trimmed beard and black hair that he usually wears short and messy. His facial features are strong and angular, with thick eyebrows and a straight, prominent nose. He has dark, deep eyes that seem to scrutinize people's souls.

"What is Elian doing here, father?" Valentin filled with rage when he saw the lycanthrope sitting in one of their large armchairs.

"Quiet, Valentin. I come in peace. Even though your family has always been at war with mine, today I come to tell you that something very bad is approaching."

"How can I believe you, Elian? You are a complete traitor. Thanks to you, I lost my fiancée."

"Well, those are things of the past. I can only tell you that an enemy pack is coming straight to Charleston, regardless of who is protecting it. It is a large pack; they don't care if there are humans or not, they are simply coming to claim their territory and they are quite rough."

"Where did you get that from?" Valentin looked at him with suspicion.

"Well, you know: women know everything. If not, ask Lea, who has already seen it in her visions."

"Is that true, Lea?" Valentin asked her angrily.

"Valentin, it's just that I haven't been sure of what I've seen. Forgive me, brother, but Elian is very likely right."

"Incredible that you hide these things from me, Lea! If you know anything, keep me informed. I have to go, and you, Elian, I will be watching you."

Elian simply shook his head and, in a sigh, had already left the mansion. Valentin was completely angry, as well as worried. He didn't have enough information to stop that threat; however, he would set himself the task of finding out. He had to stop them at any cost, for the humans were his priority.

Upon arriving at the factory, his mood was dark. Everyone knew the boss's kindnesses, but also when he was angry; no one wanted to make a mistake that day.

Going up to the top floor of his building, he prepared to review the final reports of the factory, those Sophie had made the day before, but he had no idea it was she who had prepared them. Upon reading them, he noticed there were several spelling errors and was filled with indignation, as one of his qualities was perfection.

"Itzel, who the hell made this report? Tell them to come up to my office immediately," Valentin's voice was raw and precise.

"To your office, sir?" his secretary replied with a nervous tone of voice. When he summoned someone to his office, they usually ended up fired. He hung up the call without allowing her to tell him who the unfortunate soul was that morning; however, Itzel called her.

"Robinson, hi, this is Itzel, Mr. Valentin's secretary."

"Hello, how can I help you?" Sophie replied in surprise.

"The master wants you in his office. I advise you not to be late; he is far too angry. It's about the report you did yesterday."

"I understand, I'm on my way."

Sophie hung up the call, straightened her clothes and, with a cold that froze her very soul, took the elevator to her boss's office. That morning, coincidentally, she felt no fear of him, as he had not visited her in her dreams the night before; that had allowed her to have a pleasant night. It seemed the strangeness of the situation was ending.

Arriving at his office, she gave two knocks on the door. It was a somber place, quite elegant but very dark; there was not a single window and the color purple was dominant.

"Beautiful place, mysterious and far too... tempting," Sophie thought.

The door to Valentin's office suddenly opened and he was sitting with his chair facing away from the door. She entered slowly; his office was even more somber. In that instant, her skin crawled.

"Miss, have you not been told that the reports you must deliver to the factory must be perfect?"

"Sir, I am very sorry. I promise I will correct it and send it to you again."

When Valentin heard her voice, he realized immediately who it was. He hadn't been able to know before because, since she had no fear that morning, her scent was different.

Valentin turned toward her. She was dressed in quite simple clothing; her social class was obvious from miles away. He looked her up and down and murmured:

"But what do we have here? For you, arriving late is not enough, but you are also doing your work halfway."

Valentin was in such a bad mood that he did not measure his words with Sophie.

"I already told you, sir, that I offer an apology and that I will try to amend my error, if you allow me."

"That is giving you special treatment. You will be suspended for one week without pay and, upon returning, if you have two more memorandums, you will be fired. Have you understood? Now get out of my office," Valentin shouted at her curtly, causing her to break down instantly.

"But sir, please!" Sophie pleaded with him. A week of work without pay would be a very large deficit for her, as the expenses for her mother and her own were paid exactly with her salary.

"What was not clear, Miss Robinson?" Valentin rose from his seat and looked over his shoulder at Sophie.

"Well, if you do that to me, I won't eat for the rest of the month. Sir, I beg of you, allow me to amend my error."

Sophie began to cry inconsolably. Valentin could not believe what he was seeing; never had any of his employees asked for clemency. But she was daring to appeal to his kindness, and he had it, although that would be breaking the rules.

"Sophie, do not cry, please," the smell of her tears and her sadness were driving him crazy, and his vampire instinct was beginning to burn. He was dying to throw himself upon her and suck her neck, bite her, but not before making her his woman.

"I beg you again to let me make up for my mistake," Sophie's laments were deeper. Valentin slowly approached her; longingly he wanted to take her in his arms, but he restrained himself. It was neither the appropriate person nor the appropriate place.

"Leave, please," he told her while he moved away again quickly toward his chair.

"What does that mean, sir?"

"Just leave. I will tell you your punishment later."

Sophie left drying her tears. Her boss was a very strange man, but he had been kind to her, at least she believed so. She never imagined that he simply made her leave so as not to bite her neck.