After a few moments of long, voracious kisses, he finally pulls his head back and stares down at me like he’s beholding me with new eyes. We remain connected as we take each other in, wondering where we will ever be able to root our love in a place as ruthless and unforgiving as the Dark Forces.
25
EMERY
The last ofmy uneven hair falls to the floor. I purse my lips as I turn my head to both sides, making sure I got the worst of it. At least it’s still shoulder-length, but I’m unable to braid it like I’m used to doing.
Reed, you asshole.I toss the scissors back into the basket I found them in and spend a few more minutes looking at my reflection before returning to the bedroom.
It’s not morning yet, at least I don’t think it is. It’s almost impossible to tell down here without any windows, but everyone is still passed out and the hallway is filled with the hum of their snores. So I assume it’s still too early.
Even Cameron fell asleep quickly after our lovemaking and sweet confessions. For some reason, even though I’m beyond exhausted, I couldn’t sleep for more than a few hours. I’m restless with everything still.
I decide to take a detour to find a clock. I hate going back to sleep if I only have twenty minutes before I have to get up.
The halls are dimly lit. Herringbone wooden floors stretch throughout the entire basement with the exception of the bathrooms. The farther I get from the snoring of my squad mates, the more eerie this place feels in these early hours. Old buildings have that effect, don’t they?
I round another corner and see that the light to the break room is on. I’m expecting to find Erik in there, either by himself or going over data with Mikah on her laptop, but when I step through the doorway I’m surprised to see Wraith.
My instincts are to turn around and go back to my room before he sees me, but I hesitate, curious as to what he could possibly be doing in here at this hour. I ultimately decide it’s not for me to find out. As I’m shifting to leave, Wraith looks up at me and presses his index finger to his mouth.
Be quiet?My legs lock in place and I assess him carefully.
The Wraith I once knew was arrogant and cruel. He was loud and didn’t give a shit what happened to anyone. He’s a cold-blooded murderer and everyone knows it. But I noticed something the moment I saw him on the helicopter, it’s as if the life has been sucked out of him. The once malice-driven dickhead seems to have been put in his place.
I don’t think anything could ever snuff out my disdain for him completely, but something about the concerned flicker that crosses his gaze gives me pause.
I quietly approach him until I’m standing across from the table he’s seated at. I don’t hear it for a few beats, but then muffled voices come through to me.
My eyes flash wide and I look at Wraith.Who is he eavesdropping on?
Wraith’s brows are pulled together and he nods his head up to the vent above, indicating that the voices are coming through there.
Carefully, I move a spare chair closer to the vent and stand onit to hear better. I blame the exploding building we just escaped for my lack of hearing such quiet whispers.
Two male voices skitter through the metal vent and chill me to the bone as I realize I recognize at least one of them.
General Nolan?What is he doing out here?
“Did Morphine get the next dose?” Nolan asks. He sounds impatient, a dull sound of shoes pacing on tile accompanies his words. “She’ll need the next one in a few weeks before we can test the new short-term drug. It’s proven useless unless the host is already prepped with the main series.”
“Yes.” The brief answer isn’t enough for me to discern who it belongs to. I worry my lower lip.The black injection, Series Z? They want to use it on me?Cameron has it in his room as we speak.
“Good. Her and Mori will be vital in this final stage. Tell the squad that they’re all earning their cards out after this final mission.” Nolan has a bite to his tone. I don’t understand it, earning our cards is a good thing, isn’t it?
The other male is quiet for a few long moments. I feel as though I can hear him mulling over Nolan’s words.
“Are you certain? I’ve grown fond of them. Three of them are new too.”
Lieutenant Erik?
My eyes widen and my throat dries. I look down at Wraith, his expression is grave. He must recognize it as him as well.
“Mavestelli was originally bringing his product to a beach in Denmark in one month’s time. But because of the rescue tonight, he’s changed it to be in remote Italy. He has several hideouts there. I’m not sure which one it is yet, but we’ll have the details soon. I want you to have Fury stationed here until then. There’s no sense in bringing them back to headquarters. I’m going to have Riøt occupy a bunker four klicks away from here, they will remain on standby until after the mission. Phasetwocannothave mishaps. Captain Bridger will be arriving the day before load out to ensure that if any problems arise, they gethandled. He’s staying with Riøt but be prepared in case he decides to visit.”
Wait, Riøt Squad is strictly for hunting down other soldiers who are deemed no longer needed, aren’t they? Why is he having them come here? Unless…
Unless.
