Talon’s eyes widen.
“Insane,” he mutters.
It doesn’t escape my notice that his ears redden, likely from a quickened pulse. It doesn’t seem to be fear. Given the previous conversation he and Cassian had, the one in which he disclosed that much of his close circle had died, I can only make one assumption.
Perhaps Talon has been an unwilling lone wolf for some time now. Perhaps the prospect of companionship, however volatile, however strange, doesn’t seem that bad.
I couldn’t say the same thing myself. I like to be alone. I like to work alone.
But nobody ever said forming this group would be permanent. I just would like to use it for the time being.
“If we do this,” I say slowly. Both of them look at me. “If we continue working together in any capacity, there needs to be an agreed-upon framework.”
Cassian’s expression barely shifts. But something glints in his eyes. A flare of interest.
“We only kill murderers,” I state plainly. “Those who have taken life unjustly. We will use their deaths to rule the supernatural creatures. If they exist.” I let the qualifier hang. “But no one else’s.”
Cassian nods. “Agreed.”
“Fine by me,” Talon adds.
“Should we shake on it?” I ask. “Have it on paper?”
“Ew, I’m not writing anything on paper, man.” Talon’s face scrunches. “In my world you spit and shake on it. But even then, expect the other party to fuck you over.”
“There will be no fucking anyone over,” Cassian says.
“Then what guarantee will I have that this can work?” I ask.
We stare at each other. The silence stretches.
“I guess you’ll just have to wait and see,” Cassian says.
And I suppose it’s the first time I hear him tell a joke.
I smile and nod.
I’ve gambled everything today. And so far, I’m still in.
I suppose that will have to be enough.
The supermarket lot looks so damn ordinary.
I guess that’s exactly what makes it so unnerving. When you daydream about some epic, life-saving moment, you picture an equally epic setting. Airplanes. Underground dungeons. You get the idea.
But this? This is just cracked asphalt and a scatter of cars. A tired-looking teenager corralling carts. A woman juggling grocery bags while her toddler drags a plush dinosaur behind him.
It doesn’t match my headspace at all.
But what choice do I have?
Fate brought me here, so here I am.
I cope the only way I can. I don’t look at anyone. Instead, I keep my eyes locked on Cassian’s back and take inventory of everything I’m carrying. A baton. A switchblade. A gun. That’s a lot of weaponry for someone like me. I could do serious damage. I know it.
And I’m not alone.
I’ve got two men with me, and a third waiting in the car, ready to pull up so we can jump in and peel out at any moment.
