Page 7 of Bind Me

“So, because Scout, who decided to turn a simple capture mission into an episode of Let’s Trigger Every Alarm Possible, gave you his version of the story, I’m getting relocated? And here I was, thinking we were supposed to work as a team!”

My boss scowls, yet his expression is surprisingly heavy with resignation.

“The issue is that your priority was the target, not the animals, and you let him escape. Scout is still new, and he needed your backup to take him down. So, you made a huge mistake in your choice today, which unfortunately is going to cost you.”

The room feels smaller suddenly, the walls closing in as the reality of his words sinks in. Even his framed motivational posters on the walls, screaming about teamwork and vision, now silently mock me.

Swallowing hard, I shift uncomfortably in my seat across the desk from Mr. Daniels. I don’t regret saving those animals from the fire. My conscience wouldn’t have allowed me to walk away, but that burning side of me flares up, a mix of anger and injustice.

Staring at him, a desperate urgency curls up inside me that I’m being sent away from the team I’ve worked with for the past five years, from my friends in the place, not to mention the embarrassment of being kicked out.

“I’ve never failed a mission before,” I begin, hating that I’m sounding more desperate than I want to reveal to my boss. Weakness isn’t a trait suitable for bounty hunters, but I’m fuming at Scout, dreading to find out where I’m going to be sent. I’m picturing some small office in the middle of an isolated town, tucked away like a broken artifact.

He sighs, leaning back in his leather chair. “My manager is now asking for an explanation on how such a straightforward mission went awry, and I can’t let your failure taint this department.”

“But… I should never have been paired with Scout. He’s a newb,” I argue, the words tumbling out in a rush.

“You’re not seeing the real issue here, and that’s the problem. You put your personal feelings before the greater good of Prime Bonds Recovery, and that makes you a liability and untrustworthy.”

My mouth falls open, his words striking like a punch to my solar plexus.

“I-I’ve put years into this, brought in so many targets, and this one time, I didn’t catch my target…” My mouth dries, my chest tightening.

His shoulders soften slightly as he leans back in, his folded arms on the desk in front of him.

“Look, I’m sorry, Sasha, but management is fuming, and they want to see heads roll over this as King Kaspian himself wants results. The best I could do was get you transferred instead of losing your job. Prove yourself with a clean record, then we can relook at you coming back after twelve months in Norway.”

Twelve months! Norway! Reality hits me like a blow, and I almost fall out of my seat, shock jarring through me. I manage to steady myself, gripping the arms of my chair and forcing myself to breathe.

“Norway,” I echo, the word tasting sour on my tongue. “A whole year?”

“Yes.” He nods, his gaze unwavering. “It was a tough situation negotiating with the team there, but it’s a chance to really prove that you can prioritize and handle big cases again. Think of it as… a test of your dedication.”

I narrow my gaze at how mocking and condescending he sounds. Years of loyalty meant nothing to this company!

I’m mindlessly fiddling with the gold bracelet on my wrist, a charm in the shape of rolling waves joining the chains around my wrist. Unlike most who wear family crests in the form of pendants, charms, or rings, I chose this design myself for the peace it brings me. Now, it feels like a cruel reminder of how quickly life can change, how everything I value can be ripped away without warning. It brings back memories of losing my parents and the realization that, once again, I have no control over my life.

As much as I’d love to quit on the spot and storm out, I’m not exactly swimming in riches, and I don’t have any inheritance from my parents.

But maybe I’m looking at this wrong. It’s been over a year since Billie, my BFF, moved away to Finland, drawn by the pull of her fated mates, and Norway is a damn lot closer to Finland than South Africa is. I grasp onto that beacon of hope while I feel like I’m drowning. Up on my feet from the seat, I stumble toward the door, feeling dizzy.

“Sasha,” Mr. Daniels calls out. “Make me proud. I know you will do great in Norway. Just don’t get distracted. Oh, and the team there will be sending me regular updates on your progress.”

I exhale loudly at being treated like a newb. My anger simmers, and I hate the tears stinging my eyes from the fuckery of the day.

“Thanks,” I mutter bitterly as I push the door open. The large open office in front of me is bustling with staff, and most are avoiding looking at me. Which means they all know. Of course they do.

Fucking Scout. I spot him across the room, two desks down from where mine used to be. He’s laughing with someone but glances my way with the widest grin. I curl my hands into fists, furious that he got me relocated. I want to rip that damn smirk off his face. Rage and betrayal boil over as I glare at the man who cost me so much, yet he walks away unscathed.

All because of one mission, because I chose compassion over cold duty.

Fuck you, Scout!

Chapter 2

Kaden

Three Months Later

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