Page 16 of Forging Bonds: Part One

"Right, fill me in then," she says before adding, "I haven't heard from Libby, but I sent her best friend over to her a couple of days ago, and she's kept me in the loop."

I grin, "Good call."

We quickly fill her in with everything that happened with the shifter and then go on to explain more about what they are and what they are capable of. We also let her know that Ty has now briefed the SID branch here and that they are aware of what to look for.

We stay and talk until we've finished our drinks.

She sighs, and levels me with a look that makes me wonder what the hell I have done.

"Before I let you get back, what aren't you telling me?"

My eyebrows rise, "How the hell did you know that I wasn't telling you something?"

She smiles, "Because I know you. Now spill."

I glance at Van in question. I have no idea what the rules are or if I can tell her.

"Ty didn't say you couldn't say anything, and besides, she's going to find out soon enough," he replies.

"Why do I get the feeling that this isn't a good thing?" she asks.

"Because you have good instincts," I reply.

Her eyebrows raise, "Come on then, stop stalling, out with it."

"Have you heard of the Choosing?" I ask her.

Her eyebrows dip into a deep frown, "Of course I have. Everyone has heard of the Choosing. What does that have to do with," she trails off, her eyes widening, "Fuck."

I grin, "Yeah, a team at SID has triggered the Choosing and wants me on their team; they are absolute assholes and don't give a flying fuck that I am human."

Niamh seems to think about it for a moment, considering her reply carefully.

Eventually, her expression clears, and she grins at me, "Well, while I know that it's definitely not going to be easy, I do know that if any human," she winks, a knowing look in her eye.

Which means she knows shit as well, whether that's just a catch-up with Sully or she is under the same silencing spell as everyone else. I don't know, and I can't help but interrupt. "Is there any point in me asking?"

She shakes her head, "Probably not." Continuing, she says, "As I was saying, I know that if any human can make it through the Choosing withoutdying, it's going to be you, Neith girl. You're as tough as fucking nails, and you've got the heart to back it up too."

A sudden wave of emotion crashes over me at her words. Niamh is not the kind of person to give compliments like that very often at all, so when she does, they mean so much more.

"Thanks," I manage to get out.

She nods and then clears her throat, "Alright then, kids, you better head off. I imagine that you have a lot of things to sort out before you have to head the Choosing."

She stands up, and we all do the same, grabbing our bags before we follow her out of the room and back to her office.

"Don't forget to message Sully," Reed says from beside me.

"Oh shoot," I reply as I fish out my phone. "I can't believe that I almost forgot to do that. I've been using the portal for years, and I know that he needs to know when I'm on the other side and ready to go."

Reed wraps an arm around my shoulder and pulls me close, "You have had a lot on your mind. It's okay that you've let a couple of things slip."

I sigh, "I know, but I don't like it."

He chuckles and drops a kiss on the top of my head, "Come on, let's get home."

"Home," I repeat, a soft smile accompanying the words.

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