Among The Wolves

Nu

I found a decent bathroom in a nearby restaurant and washed my hair and face with the soap from the dispenser. It was a shock to see my skin color change ten shades and to see the gritty water swirl down the drain. I had not known how covered in dirt I was.

Once cleaned to my satisfaction, I checked my watch. It was just past seven in the morning. I was not sure if the facility was open yet and if it was, what I would get, being there so early. I shrugged, what could I do about it? This was day nine in Vakuski and the only bit of information I had was that the humans had a wolfblood for a leader.

After changing I found a discreet place to hide my boots, clothes and backpack behind a dumpster. After tousling my chopped hair to ensure it was fully dry, I walked up to the sky-scraper-like building. Large revolving doors beckoned me to enter, so I did.

I took two steps forward toward the receptionist desk. Large marble tiles laid underneath my feet matching the five huge columns that stood about ten meters tall in the vast entryway of the foyer. It seemed every wall was made of glass, most were tinted, pexi, or stained. The only see-through surface was to the outside. I could clearly see the cars drive past on the main road. Every corner sparkled with cleanliness. Even so, this building was not new. It used to be the largest Biotechnology Research Program facility in Vakusi. I only knew that from the historical plaques that hung on the walls behind the reception desks that were also made of glass.

The plaques boasted of discoveries that were made and of people who donated to the cause.

Despite getting up before daylight and making my forty-five minute walk I still ended behind a small line of people. I straightened out my business dress once more as I stepped up again. Just one more person before myself.

The lady that sat there had a very similar outfit to mine. White blouse, gray pencil skirt with matching dress jacket. Seeing her flawless french twist made me toy with the rough edges of my own hair. She looked more natural in her environment while I felt as if I was out of my place.

I fingered my reader's glasses as the receptionist (whose tag said Donnatel) directed the person ahead of me to HR and then glanced at me. "How may I help you?"

I stepped up to the desk, "Hi, uh... ma'am... how is your day going?"

Unamused, she pursed her lips, "It just started. What can I help you with?"

I blinked. That flatlined so bad... Gummy scrunchies, I don't even know what I am doing! I should just go for it, tell her that I am here to see Joinervetti.

Albeit my internal cheerleading I was doubtful, Nonetheless, I cleared my throat, "I am here to see Joinervetti."

Donnatel's eyes moved from me to her computer screen. "Do you have an appointment?"

Uhhhh... "No ma'am"

"Unfortunately, I do not have clearance to just schedule an appointment with our Prime Minister. If you have questions for him you can wait until the next press conference to do so; provided you have press clearance as well."

As she spoke I noticed out of the corner of my eye a gentleman speaking to a shorter gentleman. Considerably shorter, either that or the taller guy was considerably tall.

I looked at Donnatel as she awaited my response, "Um... when's the next press conference?"

"Let me see the schedule..."

I turned to the two men conversing. Unsure why I was drawn to gawking at them. The taller one lifted his head for a half a second. It looked as if he was just blowing some of his curls out of his face but I had seen that gesture done too many times to assume that. I wanted to deny that it happened but it had been so obvious... right? I mean the man, did he really just sniff the air? As in sniff sniff? Something only wolfbloods do?