She stopped in front of them.
“What we do here is necessary,” she said quietly. “Not for politics. Not for power. But for people who aren’t protected by laws never meant to reach them. The world will feel the impact of your work. But it’ll never know your name. The Ravens are a fully covert operation. Your anonymity is for your protection and the people you’re affiliated with…or families.”
She let the words settle before continuing.
“The moment a Raven’s identity touches the outside world, it becomes leverage. Enemies won’t come after you. They’ll go after the people you love. Trust me, it’ll be the fastest way to end you. So that line has to be cut and stay that way.”
Scar didn’t mind no one knowing his name. He had no family, and his popularity in South Chicago had almost gotten him killed more times than he could count before he’d been sent to prison for life.
“Whites, you are the final Ravens. The last of us…” She stared at Gage. “And whether you believe it or not, something very special and rare came out of your program. Gage, your lossof vision doesn’t disqualify you or diminish the weight you’ll bring to this team.”
“I already told you,” Gage said evenly. “I will not kill.”
A low scoff came from the black section. “We got ourselves a saint.”
Jo ignored them. “And as I said, no one will force you to. But if you and Scar learn to operate together”—her eyes gaze flicked between them—“you won’t have to.”
Roz grunted under his breath.
“Roz, I know you and Scar have bad blood.” Jo pointed at the frozen image on the screen. “But what you’ve just seen—what’s happening in the world—is bigger than your pride, ego, and petty feuds. You’ve spent your lives tearing shit down. This is your chance to build something up.”
Scar felt chastised, and by the downward cast of Roz’s eyes, it appeared he did too.
“Roz, you’ll begin training on assimilations with Corvo. Gage, you’ll start by working with Dr. Blackwell first, learning to take control of your vision impairment.” A slow grin curved Jo’s pink lips. “Scar…at his demand, you’ll be training exclusively with Meridian.”
Hisses and muted laughs echoed around the room.
What the hell is that about?
“Scar, Gage, rely on your brothers and learn fast. We don’t have the luxury of time. The world needs you.” And with that, Jo turned and left the room with her entourage.
Gage stood, and Roz immediately stepped in, offering him his arm. Gage took it without hesitation.
“I think that should be your code name,” Roz said, leading Gage away. “Saint sounds pretty badass.”
Gage’s laugh was soft.
Scar had to force himself not to go after Gage, feeling as if they had important shit to discuss that couldn’t wait.
And damnit, he liked that codename too. It fit.
Gage had just cleared the threshold before the room darkened, and a chill settled over him.
He turned and came face to face with the man in black. Tall. Broad-shouldered with unreadable midnight eyes.
He was a nightmare come to life.
The man’s partner—who’d been introduced as Ex—stepped into Meridian’s space, and the dark killer’s gaze lowered to him, fierce and molten before it softened just enough for him to lean in and press a kiss to Ex’s mouth.
It was chaste but still hot as hell.
What the—
“Go get dressed and meet me in the garage in thirty minutes,” Meridian said casually, as if he hadn’t just blown Scar’s mind. “Don’t make me wait a minute longer.”
He glanced down at his hole-free jeans and clean, white hoodie.
“I am dressed.”
