Page 89 of Heir of Ashes

I looked back at Roland. “And who polices ordinary humans when they abuse preternaturals?” I asked, catching him off guard this time.

“If we receive a complaint about ordinary humans abusing someone in a situation where regular law enforcement is unable to act, then yes, we intervene. However, I’ll be honest with you; in all my years, we have never encountered a situationwhere a preternatural, whether beta or omega, was unable to defend themselves against an ordinary human.”

I was one, I thought to myself. But I nodded, approving of his honesty. “So, you want me to join a group that polices illegal preternatural activity in the United States?”

“And sometimes abroad.”

“And if I agree, you’ll get me out of here?”With all the strings attached?

“Yes, exactly.”

“So what? I just say yes, and abracadabra, I’m free?”

“Essentially, yes.”

“Essentially,” I repeated. I looked from Roland to Vincent and back again. “What’s the catch?”

“There is none.”

“Well then, open the cage and let’s go,” I said, but neither of them moved.

“This is not a decision to be made lightly, Miss Fosch. I will be honest and tell you upfront, it will not be an easy job. It’s grueling work, like living in an Oscar-winning horror film. It’s waking up in the middle of the night to stop a werewolf on a rampage, hunting down a vampire serial killer, stopping a cult of mages from practicing human sacrifices, and breaking up deadly fights between multiple factions.” He regarded me. “Depending on how you look at it, staying here might even be the better option for you. You will be targeted in every single operation, and sometimes your job title alone will be reason enough for some to come after you.”

“But why me? Why not Rafael, or Logan, or even Archer?” I looked at Vincent when I mentioned the latter. “They already know what to do. Me, I can barely keep myself afloat.”

“You’re a tool,” Roland said unapologetically, “one that has never been put to use. When a tool is sharpened enough, honed to a point, it can be used for almost anything. Itoutperforms any other in the box. I want you because, frankly, you’re a novice. Any preternatural your age is already a matured alpha in the jungle. Your inexperience gives me the advantage of shaping you exactly how I need you to be. You have no loyalty to any faction, no family to come before your job, no attachments whatsoever. This makes you the perfect candidate for my team.”

For a long time while I contemplated they made no comments or pressed me with suggestions. I wondered what the PSS thought about them. If they had any say, I would never be joining their team. Had Roland already dealt with them, leaving them no choice? Or was Roland unaware of the conditions under which I was being held?

I pursed my lips, frowning at him. “What makes you think the Scientists will let me go?” Because I was looking at Vincent when I posed my question, I caught the feral gleam that entered his eyes. I had a feeling he was anticipating their protest.

“I can override any of their orders. The Hunters is a highly regarded government group. Without us, the power balance would have tipped long ago, and not in their favor.” He inclined his head and added, “If you agree, I can get you out of here in no time at all.”

“So, I give up the prisoner routine for the puppet one?” I asked, thinking about Remo Drammen. “What’s in it for me?”

“Besides your freedom?” he asked, his tone suggesting that should be reward enough. “It’s a job contract. Some days you will be on call. Others you’ll work for eight hours straight, sometimes riding a desk, sometimes in the field. We’ll provide accommodations, transportation, cover your bills, a legal ID, and pay you a monthly salary.”

I raised my eyebrows. “All that?”

“All I want is your commitment to join my team, undergo the appropriate training, and serve to your best ability once your training is completed.”

I was silent for a long moment. “Sir, I don’t think you know who or what I am. Why don’t you ask a guard for a report on my activities for the past twenty-four hours?” There was no point in raising my hopes, only to have them smashed again.

Roland regarded me with his steady gaze. “Miss Fosch, I’m willing to consider your past actions as the desperate measures of someone struggling to survive. I do not condone the mistreatment of children, whether ordinary or otherwise, and I want you to understand from the outset that I do not tolerate such behavior.”

My gaze flickered to Vincent. Did he share Roland’s perspective? If he did, he either hadn’t known about me or had been powerless to do anything about it. I doubted the latter. He either hadn’t known, or he didn’t care.

“There is a catch,” I muttered. No good deed had ever happened to me without strings attached.

“No catch,” Roland reassured.

“What are the terms?”

“Mainly that you do your best in the job. The rest are just formalities.”

“And I walk out of here? Free? No one hunting me, no more hiding?”

“The moment you agree, you are one of mine.”

---