Page 43 of The Order: Rise of the New Empire

Feeling a let up in her Hold, I try and reach for my walkie as quickly as I can, feeling her hand coil around the device, crushing it in a matter of seconds.

Watching the fragmented pieces fall to the ground, she shakes her head, forcing her Hold over me stronger than she has before.

"See where trusting you lands me?" she questions, my throat dryly swallowing nothing.

"Now, now, Fallan, no need to be fearful of me."

"What the hell do you want, Forest?" I question, no longer willing to entertain the woman's mind games.

"And just like that, your sweet talks of our love fizzles away once you are not getting your way," she pushes, reading me like a book.

"What do you want?" I snap, watching her eyes fill with thrill.

"There's that killer my sister loved so dearly," she smiles, patting my chest. "It's a damn shame she can't see you now... Perhaps we can dig up her head-"

"Forest," I hiss. "Answer me."

Rolling her eyes at me, she scoffs.

"I'm here to offer you a job you can't deny on behalf of me and my father."

"Your father? Really warmed up to that title for him. What would Andrew-"

"I'll never know," she hisses, grabbing my throat, her nails digging into my skin. "You killed him, which I have yet to forget. Mention his name again, Fallan, and I'll rip out your tongue."

Snapping my mouth shut, I heed the woman's warning.

"A job?" I question, shaking my head. "There's no way in hell I am doing anything for either of you."

"You have done my father's work once before and did so with no regrets."

Her Call festers inside my mind, making it impossible to lie to the woman.

"And look where that landed me."

"Well, you've never made a deal with me before," she smiles, looking around the area. "Are you not tired of being looked at as if you are a walking body bag?" she questions, knowing my answer well before I have said it.

"Come on, Fallan, there was a time you thought you loved me-"

"Thought being the defining word."

"So you say," she urges, taking in a deep breath.

"Xavier is going to come after you," I spit, her interest suddenly sparked. "Your little conversation with him last night has only motivated the man."

Shaking her head at the claim, she clasps her hands together.

"What better time to make an offer then?" she questions, giving me a wide-eyed look.

"Don't you think I know Xavier would come after me? Have you not gathered I allow all things to happen around me?" she questions, her posture isolated, meant to stay away.

Taking a step closer, her nose grazes mine, her Hold letting up once more.

"If you don't take this offer, Fallan, there's no guarantee you make it to see your birthday. I am offering you a way out, I figured you of all people would jump at the opportunity to stand on the winning side," she barks, my arms gaining some mobility.

"You stand on the winning side?" I question.

"Well, of course... I'm on it."

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