such. State-of-the-art is old school to us.”
“Well, if the way you’ve tricked out this place is any indication, I have no doubt I’ll have no shortage of resources in the field.”
“Already starting to talk like us.” He has a warm, genuine smile. “And yeah, I like to think that we’re innovators, but truth is I just tinker with existing technology, modify it to meet our needs. My forte is weapons technology. Jiro puts me to shame when it comes to computers.”
“Impressive.”
Just then a figure appears in the open doorway. She is slightly taller than me, slender build, red streaks glowing through her dark hair. Black boots, cargo pants with loud metal zippers, and a jet black tee. If army-issue Goth is a style, she certainly owns it.
“You must be Lori. I’m Crina.” She speaks with a thin, eastern European accent.
We shake hands.
“Nice to meet you,” I reply cautiously as she assesses me with suspicious eyes.
Her gaze softens and she turns to Xan. “Xan here show you around?”
“Yeah, gave me the grand tour.”
“Good.”
“We’ll start training tomorrow,” adds Xan.
She nods approvingly.
“So this means Catch is back?”
“He’s probably reporting to Marcus.”
Crina turns to me.
“Must’ve been an exhausting trip. Get some rest, settle in. You’ve got a long journey ahead of you, newbie.”
And with that, she’s gone.
“Crina’s the Queen Bee around here, so to speak. She and Catch share the second-in-command title since one or both is almost always out on assignment. Marcus—“
“Is first in command?” I guess.
He nods. “He’s of a very strong, powerful lineage, and—and I’m guessing Catch already told you all of this…”
“I look forward to meeting him.” I try to sound as respectful as possible. I am supposed to feel honored by the role bestowed on me and I’m not looking to make waves on day one. Xan is seemingly converted.
“Settle in. We’ll pick up in the training room after dusk.”
He hands me the key card.
“Try not to lose it. I misplace mine all the time. Anything I can get for you?”
“Thanks, but I’m set. Just gonna unpack my things.”
“Cool. We’re all glad to have you here. Rest up.”
He shuts the door behind him. I am standing in a castle outside London. Perhaps I could get used to this after all.
The large, heavy windows ease open after some protest and allow me to step out onto a curved balcony. I have a brilliant view of the half-moon above, haloed by sparse clouds and illuminating a tree-lined horizon.
Leaning over the rod iron rail, I look down at the dirt trails leading into the rather ominous wooded landscape. There is a knock at my door. I reluctantly re-enter and cross to the door. It’s Catch.
“Hey!”
I fling my arms around him. If he minds my overzealous greeting, he doesn’t show it.
“How do you like your new digs?”
“Not too shabby.”
“Xan’s a character, isn’t he?”
“Yeah, seems like a really nice guy. I also met Crina.”
“Ahh, good. I’m sure she was curious to meet you. She knows of Adrian’s involvement. Let’s just say everyone here will be sniffing around.”
“I get it—I think. It’s okay.”
He retrieves some blood from the bar’s mini fridge and pours us a couple glasses.
“To what should we dedicate the first toast in your new flat?”
We’d already been through this ritual on the plane. But I have to admit, my attitude had improved since, so I decide to play nice.
“Fresh start?”
We drink.
“Come on, I’ll show you the bedroom.”
Chapter 12
I awake at midday. Side effect of jet lag. Catch lies sound asleep, lost among the thick down comforter and feather pillows that decorate the dark, chestnut bed. I quietly begin stocking the bureau with the contents of my duffle bag.
Stepping into the bathroom, I am relieved to see it fully stocked since I’d failed to grab much in the way of toiletries. It’s
“Well, if the way you’ve tricked out this place is any indication, I have no doubt I’ll have no shortage of resources in the field.”
“Already starting to talk like us.” He has a warm, genuine smile. “And yeah, I like to think that we’re innovators, but truth is I just tinker with existing technology, modify it to meet our needs. My forte is weapons technology. Jiro puts me to shame when it comes to computers.”
“Impressive.”
Just then a figure appears in the open doorway. She is slightly taller than me, slender build, red streaks glowing through her dark hair. Black boots, cargo pants with loud metal zippers, and a jet black tee. If army-issue Goth is a style, she certainly owns it.
“You must be Lori. I’m Crina.” She speaks with a thin, eastern European accent.
We shake hands.
“Nice to meet you,” I reply cautiously as she assesses me with suspicious eyes.
Her gaze softens and she turns to Xan. “Xan here show you around?”
“Yeah, gave me the grand tour.”
“Good.”
“We’ll start training tomorrow,” adds Xan.
She nods approvingly.
“So this means Catch is back?”
“He’s probably reporting to Marcus.”
Crina turns to me.
“Must’ve been an exhausting trip. Get some rest, settle in. You’ve got a long journey ahead of you, newbie.”
And with that, she’s gone.
“Crina’s the Queen Bee around here, so to speak. She and Catch share the second-in-command title since one or both is almost always out on assignment. Marcus—“
“Is first in command?” I guess.
He nods. “He’s of a very strong, powerful lineage, and—and I’m guessing Catch already told you all of this…”
“I look forward to meeting him.” I try to sound as respectful as possible. I am supposed to feel honored by the role bestowed on me and I’m not looking to make waves on day one. Xan is seemingly converted.
“Settle in. We’ll pick up in the training room after dusk.”
He hands me the key card.
“Try not to lose it. I misplace mine all the time. Anything I can get for you?”
“Thanks, but I’m set. Just gonna unpack my things.”
“Cool. We’re all glad to have you here. Rest up.”
He shuts the door behind him. I am standing in a castle outside London. Perhaps I could get used to this after all.
The large, heavy windows ease open after some protest and allow me to step out onto a curved balcony. I have a brilliant view of the half-moon above, haloed by sparse clouds and illuminating a tree-lined horizon.
Leaning over the rod iron rail, I look down at the dirt trails leading into the rather ominous wooded landscape. There is a knock at my door. I reluctantly re-enter and cross to the door. It’s Catch.
“Hey!”
I fling my arms around him. If he minds my overzealous greeting, he doesn’t show it.
“How do you like your new digs?”
“Not too shabby.”
“Xan’s a character, isn’t he?”
“Yeah, seems like a really nice guy. I also met Crina.”
“Ahh, good. I’m sure she was curious to meet you. She knows of Adrian’s involvement. Let’s just say everyone here will be sniffing around.”
“I get it—I think. It’s okay.”
He retrieves some blood from the bar’s mini fridge and pours us a couple glasses.
“To what should we dedicate the first toast in your new flat?”
We’d already been through this ritual on the plane. But I have to admit, my attitude had improved since, so I decide to play nice.
“Fresh start?”
We drink.
“Come on, I’ll show you the bedroom.”
Chapter 12
I awake at midday. Side effect of jet lag. Catch lies sound asleep, lost among the thick down comforter and feather pillows that decorate the dark, chestnut bed. I quietly begin stocking the bureau with the contents of my duffle bag.
Stepping into the bathroom, I am relieved to see it fully stocked since I’d failed to grab much in the way of toiletries. It’s
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