Page 61 of Rugger: The Huntress

I’d never failed. Not in life, the field, at school, or within my career. I didn’t understand nor did I accept the defeat staring back at me with a handsome face and well-groomed beard.

This isn’t the first tear you’ve cried and it won’t be the last. Crying isn’t the end of the world, it’s the beginning of a new one. Make sure it’s the one you can see yourself in for a while, because those tears need to be few and far apart. Design her well, Rugger, the new you that’ll be birthed from this moment. Design her well.

My father knew what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. Though he was firm, he wasn’t unreasonable. And, that’s whatkept me clinging to his words even after his death. They stuck with me.Hestuck with me.

I pressed my fingertips into my eyes to halt the remainder of the tears. My mind was made up. The new world had been designed. And, it was one that didn’t involve Psalms. He’d taken something precious from me. He didn’t deserve to keep breathing.

I slathered soap from the bubbly towel across my body. The idea of being hunted didn’t sit well with me. I was busy securing the list of those who’d once hunted my family while someone had begun their personal assignment and I was the mission.

There won’t be a third time.I swore with a shake of my head.

Project 184. Down.

Project 185. Down.

Project 186. Down.

Project 187. Down.

Project 188. Terminated.

Project 189 — Sonnie.

I exited the shower with my body wrapped for drying. I was standing in front of my wardrobe less than a minute later. I pressed a single digit and pushed the flipped phone up against my ear.

“Speak.”

“Psalms. Sonnie. I don’t have a last name. I need to know every–”

“Hold on. Hold on. Let me get to my computer.”

“Your computer is glued to your fingertips,” I reminded her.

“I am a human who has to piss from time to time.”

With a roll of my eyes, I sighed, “Hurry.”

“Okay, meanie. Don’t forget you called me. You’re asking me for a favor.”

“I don’t ask favors. I’m telling you to give me all the info–”

“See, now I’m going to hang up.”

“Catana is a flight away. Please don’t make me board the next thing smoking. I will.”

“So serious. Who pissed in your cheerios.”

“Information,” I demanded.

“You first and then I’ll tell you everything you need to know, sweet face.”

Royce was skilled at pissing me off at the wrong fucking time. But, I was in need of information. I didn't have time to find myself. She was my only hope for now.

“Now, who has your panties in a bunch, baby?”

“Sonnie.”

“Becausssssse?” She dragged.

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