Unexpected

Chapter 21

I walk around the house, it was dark, lightning flashing outside with thunder following behind. I look around confused, shouldn't it be morning? It doesn't look like it's morning?
    I walk back into my room, deciding to just fall back asleep. There's no point in staying up if there is nothing to do.
I laid back under my covers, closing my eyes to sleep. I felt my bed dip next to me, I look over to see a shadow.
I thought it was one of the countries, my eyes glistening in confusion. They widen as a flash of lightning lit up the room, revealing the shadows identity.
Ryder.
I panicked, sitting up in the bed, taking a deep breath to scream. But he crawled over on top of my, clamping his hand over my mouth to prevent my scream from reaching to any help.
I could feel my time ticking out, I have to find a way to escape this. "Shh, don't want to ruin the beautiful voice do you?~" Ryder smirked.
I begin to squirm under his grip, he let out a frustrated sigh, "I thought you would be happy to see me. Didn't you miss me?"
I glared at him, wiggling my leg out and kicking him in the gut. His hand slipped off my mouth as he coughed in shock.
It shouldn't have done that.
I took the chance to leave, but then his fingers wrapped around my neck, blocking my air way. "That was a big mistake babe." He growled, raising a knife in his other hand. The plummeted down, stabbing through my gut.
Pain shot through my body as the knife dig through my flesh. The corners of my mouth streaming with blood. "Haha. Night night dear~" He chuckled, as blackness covered my vision.
***********
I shot up into a sitting position on my bed. Breathing heavily, sweat running down my face. There were even tears streaming out of my eyes.
I sipped then away quickly, then pulled up my shirt to see nothing... not stab wound. It was all just a dream, or really a nightmare. The fourth nightmare tonight.
I sat in my bed, trying to steady my breathing. I jumped almost out of my bed when my alarm went off. I let out a sigh in relief, turning off my alarm. Who knew I would be so glad to hear my alarm.
I slipped out of bed, changing into skinny jeans and a long sleeve white blouse. I then felt someone slither up my leg, laying across my neck.
I look over to see Echo, she looked at me, her golden eyes sparkling in joy. "Fine, you can come to work with me. Just don't cause too much trouble like you did last time." I said with a sigh, walking out of the room to get ready in the bathroom.
I brushed my teeth and hair quickly, with Echo constantly flicking her tongue in and out, trying to taste the toothpaste. I giggle at her adorable intentions, then went to the mascara. I look at her saying, "Now... don't mess me up unless you want this on your scales."
She let out a small hiss, then turned her head facing the mirror. Once I was done with mascara I watched Echo, she was opening her mouth showing her fangs, then closed it. Then she opened her mouth again, then closed it.
She did this for a good five minutes before she just stuck her forked tongue out, keeping it there. I let out a giggle, shaking my head, "You're a mess."
I walk out of the bathroom, seeing the sun starting to rise. I look down at the living room seeing it empty. "Yes! The first awake! Finally!" I silently cheered, walking down the stares.
I left a note on the fridge saying I will be back by four. Benjamin changed my hours so I won't have to go home at night anymore, offering me more protection from him. I thanked him of course and thanked him for helping my brand new assistant.
I slipped on some black flats, grabbing my keys, then left the house. It was a safe drive to work, Echo occupying herself with the rear view mirror, doing different things with her head.
I parked my car by the entrance, walking into the building with my phone, keys, and Echo who was looking around in awe.
I walked into the building, "Welcome back miss (L/N). Is that Echo I see?" The lady at the front desk was practically in awe. All the senior employees here or people who were here before I became leader all knew who Echo was. And they adored her.
"Yep. The one and only." I said, walking over to the desk. Echo extended her head out to the desk lady, flicking her tongue in and out, recognizing her.
The woman petted the snake on the head, then said, "Alright have a nice day you two!"
"You as well." I said in return, giving the woman a small smile. I walk over to the elevator, pressing the up button.
It didn't take long before the door opened up, I walk in then pressed the floor my office is located. The doors closed, the elevator going up before reaching my floor.
The doors open, revealing my assistant, her brown eyes locking with my red ones. She smiled brightly, "Welcome back miss (L/N)."
I smiled in return, "I would say I'm glad to be back but..." I let out a sigh, "Work is work."
Abigail giggled, "That is understandable miss (L/N)." She then noticed Echo her eyes widening in horror. "Um miss there is ... um... there-"
    I stopped her mid sentence saying, "I'm fully aware. This is my pet snake Echo, don't worry she's harmless. But she loves to prank people in anyway she can."
    She nodded, still eyeing Echo who locked eyes with her. She found her first scare victim. I gesture for her to follow me as I made my way to my office. "Give me the list."
    Abigail unlocked the tablet she was holding saying, "You have a meeting with some vets, zoologists, and wild life rescue lead team member in about ten minutes. Then you have a meeting with the board members on the new game coming out. After that you are scheduled to try out the game Rogues. Then lunch with Benjamin."
    "Did he just forced that into the schedule?" I asked, entering my office. "Yeah he did." Abigail answered.
    I rolled my eyes, "Of course he did. Go on."
    "The last thing on your list is to complete the artwork of the logo for your new company. If you don't mind me asking... what is AHS?" Abigail asked,
    "Animal Health Studies. It's really for finding ways to find different ways to treat animals health and to make animals habitats in zoos more comfortable and realistic to their environment." I answered, placing my phones and keys down on the table.
    "Really? How are you plan on accomplishing that?" She asks.
    I turn around, giving her a small grin, "What do you think the meeting is for?" She nodded, smiling as well. "Are they all here?" I asked her.
    "Yes, they are just waiting your arrival." Abigail answered with a nod.
    "Thank you, go get yourself some breakfast or wonder around. If you see Benjamin tell him that if he keeps forcing himself in my schedule without my permission that he is going to get thrown out a window." I said walking out.
    "Don't worry I will." She called out to me, a slight giggle afterward.
    I walk into the meeting room, confidence in my stride. Knowing my goal and intentions on this new company and project. It's not about games anymore... it's about lives.
Poland's POV
I woke up to the sound of arguing... screaming arguing if that makes sense. I groaned, getting up out of bed. I opened the door, thinking they were in the hallway, but they weren't. I walk out of the hallway, towards the living room.
The arguing grew louder and louder as I got closer and closer to the stairs. Once I got into the living room I see Phil, America, France, Reich, North, and Britain all caught up in a heated argument. I noticed they were mostly targeting Reich.
    "You has not right to just kiss her on the cheek! Much less get close to her lips!" France shouted.
    Wait what!? Are they talking about (Y/N), well they have to be. She is the only girl in this house besides Echo, but she's a snake. I don't think they would be fighting over a snake.
    "Well you all were going to do it! I just actually did it unlike all of you!" Reich retorted.
"I would have if it wasn't for him!" America argued, pointing at North.
Then everyone started pointing fingers and blaming each other. I couldn't help but feel jealous, so that's why she was in the monster's arms. It looks as if I have competition... a lot of competition.
I simply watched, knowing that if I butt in I'll get dragged into this. "What is going on?" I turn around to see South rubbing his eyes.
He must've just woke up. He walks up next to me, looking down at the arguing group, then look over at me with a confused expression.
    "Arguing about (Y/N)." I answered. "Apparently Reich got to kiss her on the cheek, close to her mouth." I added darkly, glaring down at Reich who was currently arguing with Britain.
    "What!?" South growled, looking down at the group. Then a smirk played on his lips, "Well, I doubt she's thinking about that still."
    "What do you mean?" I asked, looking over at him with a curious gaze.
    "I kissed her on the cheek not to long ago, yesterday actually." South said, a smug grin plastered on his face.
    I clenched my teeth, but remained calm. At least he isn't Reich or Soviet, but still... I want her. Then I smirked, "Maybe you should tell them that."
    "No way! They'll come after me and I don't want America and Britain on my back! My brother however... telling him would be a treat." South said, a flash of fear crossing his gaze before triumph covered his features.
    "You have a point there." I said, sad that he didn't go for it. Reich thanks he has power over her now, thinking he has a higher chance of catching her heart. Oh how wrong he is going to be when she gets home... wait... she shouldn't be at work right now is she.
    I look over at South asking, "Where is (Y/N)? She can't be sleeping through this can she?"
    South look over at me, "Your right! She's a light sleeper!" We both turn around and walk down the hallway going towards her room.
    Germany came out of his room, blocking our way. "What is going on out there!? I can hardly get any work done with all that noise!" Germany complained.
    "You can go check it out, but we are going to check on (Y/N)." I told him, gesturing for him to move.
    "She's not up yet? I expected her to be screaming at them telling them to shut up by now." Germany said, adjusting his classes.
    "Exactly." South said, pushing past Germany.
    South knocked on her door asking, "(Y/N) are you alright?" No response.
    "Just open the door." I said, walking up to South.
    "But that's breaking the rules." South said.
    "Let's just crack it open." Germany suggested. South nodded, then opened the door a smudge. She wasn't in bed... or anywhere in the room.
    I bolted down the hall, stopping by the stairwell. "Guys (Y/N)'s gone!" I called out.
    Everything went silent in and instant, everyone one of the once arguing countries turned to look up at me.
    "She can't be gone... she has to be in the house somewhere." Britain said.
    "But she has work in thirty minutes." North pointed out.
     "Guys calm down." I look past them to see Russia leaning up against the doorway to the kitchen, carrying a note in his hand. How long has he been standing there? "She went to work early. Most likely so she can get off around the afternoon. I was about to call her to make sure she got there safe till you six started arguing like a bunch of children."
    "I'm not a child!" America retorted.
    "Well you act like one." Russia said with a smirk.
    "Why you little-"
    "That's enough you two. Let's not start another fight we need to break up. Instead let's try to contact her." Germany said. He is usually the one to split up the two, but since we got stuck here (Y/N) has been the one to stop the fights if they either stretch out too long or starts getting physical.
    Both Russia and America grumble in agreement. America pulled out his phone dialing her number, then pulled it up to his ear. All of us waiting for an answer.
Your POV
    I shuffled through paperwork, the meeting went great and the board members had to cancel the meeting because the person who created the game gotten into a car crash on their way here.
    He's alright, just a broken arm and a couple of scratches.
    I jumped at the sound of my phone vibrating against the glass. I pick it up to see America calling me. Why is he calling me now?
    I was about to pick it up till Abigail walked in saying, "Miss (L/N) there is someone here to see you."
    I look up at her, giving her a confused look. "Who?"
    "Why me darling! Your favorite aunt!" A woman with (h/c) hair bursted into the room. As usual making herself a grand entrance. I sighed, "Abigail, can you text this person saying I'm busy at the moment and call them back in a couple minutes."
    "Of course." She said, taking my phone which had stopped ringing by then. Then she left the room.
    "What are you doing her Aunt Patricia?" I questioned look up at the woman's golden eyes.
    "I came here to make a grand proposal my beloved niece." She said, sitting down in the chair in front of me.
    Oh great here she goes again.

    Hello readers! First I want to thank you all for your support for this story. Second someone asked if the second Q&A is still on.... Yes! It still is! The book is coming to an end soon sadly (don't worry there will most likely be a series... maybe). So I want to put one last Q&A if I can if not then it's no biggy. Ask anyone on of the characters or me anything you want (you can even ask Echo lol) until next time readers!!!