“She’s a Common,” Orion says tightly. “We only pick Gifted for Black Star. This is a waste of time.”
I read through Spider’s report.
Name: Mercy.
Age: Nineteen.
Status: Common.
The note at the bottom is in Spider’s handwriting, messier than usual.
She didn’t flinch when I multiplied. She cursed me and then pulled out two knives.
Spider touches the cut near his hairline. “This one was from her.”
Of course, it was. She couldn’t resist a parting gift.
I sort the files into two piles.
“These four,” I say, tapping the recruits Spider selected. “And these six,” I gesture to Orion’s pick. “The rest I never want to see ever again.”
Spider frowns. “Are you sure? These two aren’t as bad as you may think.”
“My choice is final,” I say. “Tomorrow, we will train them. Harder than the standard program. I want the best of the best. Only one survives, and the others die. Make them sign a contract. If they die, I don’t want their parents coming after me.”
Black Star is a covert unit. A secret weapon that nobody knows exists. It is completely off-the-books. Only the Supreme Director and a few key personnel are aware of it.
Spider’s smile returns. “I love this part.”
“We’re taking the girl?” Orion asks, surprised. “The Common? She won’t survive a week.”
“Hey, he already selected her,” Spider says. “You don’t see me bashing your choices.”
“I’m going to think about her,” I say. “And decide if she is the right fit.”
I pass them the rest of the files, leaving behind Haven’s.
“You both train your chosen recruits,” I say. “Whoever’s pick is the last one standing gets a credit increase deposited straight to their Smart Card and ownership of one of the new property developments on Vale Row.”
“No way!” Spider exclaims. “The capital? My mom is going to flip out.”
Orion straightens.
“Dismissed,” I say.
The door clicks shut behind them. Alone again, I stare down at the file of Mercy—no, Haven Warrick––because I know without a doubt the girl who parades around the Forge with that arrogant glint in her eyes is Haven.
My wife.
The Director wants obedience. Ashford wants leverage. I want control. And if the rebels are increasing drastically against our will, then I’ll do what I’ve always done. I’ll choose my fighters carefully.
Even if one of them would rather point her weapon at me than at the enemy.
chapter
ten
Haven
