“At the moment, I think fifteen. Operatives can submit their names for consideration, but the Authority has final say.”
We reach the drink station, where the rich aroma of coffee wafts into my nose. Fuck yes. I inhale that glorious smell directly into my soul.
“Kallister said you have real coffee beans?” I ask hopefully.
“Damn right.”
There’s a large platter of baked goods next to the coffee machines, offering pastries, muffins, and what appears to be a loaf of banana cake. I plop a puff pastry onto my plate, about to ask about their trade agreement with Tierra Fe, when a female voice interrupts us.
“There you are, babe.”
We’re joined by a beautiful girl with long jet-black hair and dark eyes surrounded by impossibly thick lashes. She’s clad in jeans and awhite tank top, and what she lacks in curves, she makes up for in the pure sensuality rolling off her in waves.
She stands on her tiptoes and plants a kiss on Gray’s lips that lingers a little too long. It’s very intentional, and also very unnecessary.
“You guys were in that war room for ages,” she remarks when she pulls her mouth away. She flicks her curious eyes toward me.
Gray is quick to introduce us. “Wren Darlington, Karra Colfer.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you,” Karra says, continuing to size me up.
I still don’t have my own clothes, so I’m once again wearing Luisa’s leggings and too-tight top, paired with my combat boots. Gray’s girlfriend doesn’t seem too impressed, finally releasing me from her scrutiny.
“All good things, I hope.” I shift my tray to my left hand as I reach for an empty tin cup.
“Gray says you’re a sniper?”
“Not really. I mean, I’m a good shot, but it’s mostly just been taking out white coyotes on my ranch.”
Gray bends his head to press a quick kiss to Karra’s lips. “Why don’t you go sit down, KC? We’ll meet you at the table. You want some coffee?”
“I’m good. Thanks, babe.”
Karra saunters off. Now that she’s openly staked her claim, I guess she’s comfortable leaving us alone together. It takes some effort not to roll my eyes.
“She’s gorgeous,” I tell him as he pours the coffee.
“That she is,” he agrees.
Trays in hand, we walk to a table near the far wall, where the small group seated there goes quiet at our approach. I can’t help but feel self-conscious as everyone’s attention focuses on me.
“Everyone, this is Wren,” Gray says, taking the chair next to Karra’s.
God. This feels like the first day of school.
After a second of hesitation, I sit beside a young man with black hair and tattoos all over his arms. He’s built like a mountain, with a large muscular chest, broad shoulders, and the wingspan of a wild condor. His legs are so long that I assume he’s well over six feet tall.
I offer a tentative smile, and he offers a goofy grin in return, which eases some of my nerves. I’ve never cared much about fitting in or winning the approval of others, but I find myself desperately wanting these people to like me.
I didn’t have a big social circle in Hamlett, my village in Ward Z. Tana was my only friend, but I know that’s on me. I never made a real effort to build and nurture other friendships.
Ugh. Why is it so hard for me? Why can’t I just be…warmer?
I guess because I take after Julian Ash. We might not have been related by blood, but I definitely inherited his cool exterior. He was the only example I had growing up, and warmth wasn’t his strong suit. Uncle Jim subscribed to a strict philosophy: Never show affection, emotion, or vulnerability. The end. He buried his emotions so deep, it was next to impossible to drag them into the light.
I’m not as bad as he was, but I do put up walls. I know I do. But I don’twantto be this way. I want to change. To soften. I want to let people in, more than just Wolf and Tana.
As Gray introduces me to everyone, I do my best to keep up. I learn that Luisa is a transport pilot, which means she only flies helicopters, hovercraft, and cargo planes.
