Page 62 of Cooper

“Natalia will be officially sworn in then,” Daniil says. “And that’s when we foresee Dax finishing his training as well.”

“What about me?” I ask. “If I decide to do it. How long would it take?”

“Natalia still has to sign off,” Joe replies. “Assuming you haven’t pissed her off, but you haven’t made up your mind yet, have you?”

I shake my head. “No.”

“First of all, you’re not going to rush your recovery,” Erik says, firmly. “It doesn’t do any of us any good if you’re not at the top of your game, no matter what you decide.”

“But learning the language and the tunnel system will take months,” Daniil says. “So unofficial training can begin immediately, even while your body is still healing. How do you feel about that?” he asks. “We’ve talked about it, and decided one way to help you make up your mind is to let you begin some low-key Protector duties, no strings attached. That way, you get a hands-on idea of what it will be like, and you’ll get paid.”

“Wow, you know how to show a guy a good time,” I joke.

“Changing citizenship and making a lifetime commitment shouldn’t be done lightly,” Erik says. “This life is hard, and being in a relationship will make it that much harder.”

“Those of us that are still here,” Ace adds, “find it worth it, but only you can make that decision.”

“Guys like you are a special breed,” Erik says, looking at the four of us. “I’m incredibly humbled that so many of you are willing to put your lives on the line for me and my family.”

“I didn’t have a choice,” Daniil says, wryly. “We’re first cousins. I was born into this shit.”

Erik nods. “Yes, but you had a good life in England. You could’ve stayed there when I came out of exile, but you didn’t.”

Daniil shrugs like he’s bored, but the twinkle in his eyes reveals his amusement. “Eh… Being a prince is fun. Chicks dig it.”

“You and Princess Alexandra looked pretty cozy,” Erik says. “Something going on there?”

Daniil shakes his head. “Nah. She’s just trying to keep her father from marrying her off by letting him think there’s a chance with me.”

“She’s beautiful and titled,” Joe says. “What’s the problem with her?”

Daniil’s eyes are momentarily shrouded. “No spark, I guess.”

“You’re full of shit,” Erik interjects, shaking his head. “You’re just butthurt that Courtney ghosted your ass.”

“I’m not butthurt,” he protests, “I’m pissed! She was into me—both times we were together. And then she just… left.”

“Who’s Courtney?” I ask, before I can stop myself.

“She’s one of Lennox’s friends,” Joe says. “She’s a marine. Helicopter pilot.”

Wait… There’s something familiar about that. “Do you mean Courtney…Miles?”

Daniil groans. “Please tell me she’s not your ex or something.”

“No, nothing like that,” I say quickly. “But she’s a legend. Do you know the story of what happened in Afghanistan?”

They all shake their heads.

“Jesus. It was epic. A group of Seals had been boxed in by the Taliban and couldn’t get out. They had RPG’s and were firing them at her chopper one after the other. Somehow, she managed to not only land in the middle of it, she got out to help drag the wounded in before flying the hell out of there.”

Erik lets out a low whistle and cuts a glance at Joe. “Damn… Why isn’t she one of the Protectors?”

“I tried,” he responds. “Sandor tried; Lennox tried. Daniil must’ve scared her off good.”

“I didn’t know anything about her!” Daniil protests. “We met at the wedding and hooked up. That was the first time she ghosted me. Then she was here visiting Lennox during the last attack. She’s the one who got Casey and Levi to safety when Lennox went into labor. That’s when I figured out who she is and what she’s capable of. But we spent one more night together and then she was gone.”

“Maybe she likes her job more than she likes you,” Ace jokes.

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