Early morning.
Sunlight spilled across the bed sheets. Steve stretched lazily, then slowly rose and glanced at Hill, still asleep beside him.
Her beauty was like flowing water, her inner charm like drifting clouds. If not for her strong resolve, Steve would have been completely captivated.
Ring, ring, ring!
The phone rang. Hill mumbled, reaching for it. "Hello, this is Hill."
"Ma'am, the source of the unrest has been identified. It's a hybrid vampire named Faith."
Hill sat up immediately. "Call Blade to the conference room for a briefing." Even half-asleep, her professionalism remained intact.
Turning to Steve, she said, "Honey, it's time for another mission."
"No problem. We still have time. I can teach you some aerobic exercises first," Steve teased with a smile.
When flowers bloom, you must pick them immediately; don't wait until they wither.
An hour later, S.H.I.E.L.D. Conference Room.
Hill walked in gracefully in high heels, followed by Captain America.
Her rosy face and poised demeanor quickly hardened as she received documents from her assistant. A frosty, unapproachable aura settled over her.
Blade, wearing sunglasses even in daylight, extended his hand toward Steve. "Hello, Captain."
"Hello, Brooks," Steve replied politely.
A projection screen displayed a pale-faced vampire with cunning eyes and a rebellious aura.
"This is our target, Faith," Hill explained. "He's an external agent of the Vampire Council."
She clicked, revealing a map of New York City marked with red dots—nightclubs frequented by vampires.
"He's been expanding abroad and has violated the coexistence agreement between humans and vampires. We can't contact the council elders. Our only option is to capture him."
Hill's baton pointed decisively at Faith's image.
To catch the leaders is to scatter the followers. Taking down Faith would weaken the rest, allowing for gradual elimination.
Steve noticed a black woman sitting nearby. Not a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent? "Who's she?"
Hill smiled briefly at Steve, then returned to her icy demeanor. "This is Dr. Karen. She's a hematologist developing anticoagulants to control vampire aggression. Her work is proving effective."
"So when do we leave? Do we know where he is?" Steve asked.
"We depart at 8 tonight. Target: Feislun Building, Faith's headquarters. If he isn't there, we'll destroy the place to force him out."
Hill leaned on the table, her figure elegant and commanding. "Steve will lead the mission, Brooks will assist, and you'll handle the special forces team. Captain, perform well."
Her confidence in Steve was clear—an opportunity to strengthen his position within S.H.I.E.L.D. Hill's planning ensured he wouldn't be isolated during future maternity leave.
Night.
The latest newspaper headlines were shocking:
Stark Industries Closes International Weapons Division!
Tony Stark Kicked Off the Board; Stock Price Plummets!
Steve had expected this. Pepper had resigned as Tony's assistant and was now president of Stark Industries.
Obadiah Stane could no longer manipulate Tony easily. With Steve's influence as Captain America—a national icon—Tony's adversaries had limited options.
Blade, preparing for the mission, injected himself with a serum. His fangs were visible as he faced Steve.
"I must control my bloodlust periodically, or I become an uncontrollable killer," he explained.
Half-human, half-vampire hybrids had vulnerabilities.
They weren't as strong as super soldiers, but they were faster, agile, and could recover by consuming blood.
They also enjoyed remarkable longevity—up to 300–500 years, potentially even a thousand with proper training.
"Perhaps your girlfriend can help research a permanent solution," Steve suggested, fascinated by vampires.
Blade admired Steve's strength, having seen his combat firsthand.
"She's not my girlfriend!" Blade interjected.
"Can't you chase her, then?" Steve countered.
Steve sighed. "It's a pity all the female vampires you mentioned are being used carelessly. Killing thousands of people is wasteful. Are there any pure, beautiful vampires left?"
This was not the type of question one would expect from the righteous, moral Captain America.
Blade paused, scanning the room for safety. "Captain, won't your girlfriend be jealous?"
"Jealous? That's because her strenght aren't strong enough! If they were, she'd manage just fine and encourage you to find more sisters," Steve replied, imparting his experience with a senior's casual authority.
Blade's face darkened at the remark. Being a vampire didn't cure all weaknesses; those with kidney deficiencies would still face serious consequences—no one, not even gods, could save them.