Page 4 of Court of Evil

“Yes, sir,” he grates out. “And if she cannot cut it?”

“Then we let her go, same as always. All I’m asking is that you try her first. I think you’ll get along well. They say she’s abeast that even other hunters fear. She has out tested every other candidate in the last two years. She will fit your unit well.”

He nods, grinding his teeth, and we lapse into silence as we wait for her to arrive. She’s here within ten minutes, a knock sounding on the door.

Major Black stands, his new title grating on my nerves, another thing that was not my choice, and I turn, eyeing the door, wondering how she will react. “Come in,” I command.

An officer steps inside, and she follows. Everything I thought I knew about her pales in comparison. I have seen footage and photos, but she is so much better in person. I can see the muscles on her body and the strength in her bright green gaze as she shrewdly scans the office before looking at us. Her lips curve down ever so slightly, giving her away.

She’s good and very beautiful. That wasn’t something I was expecting.

She has scars, most hunters do, but she is truly beautiful in a way most humans aren’t.

“Tate Havelock, I presume?” I ask as I sit and indicate the two seats opposite my desk.

She nods, eyeing Black. Her eyes tell me she knows who he is.

“Sit,” I order her.

“With all due respect, not until he does. Only a fool would give their back to a hunter like Major Black.”

Clever girl.

“We are all on the same side here,” I tell her, steepling my fingers as I watch her. “Black, sit.”

His jaw grinds once more, but he heads over and sinks into the chair opposite mine. She finally heads our way and sits as well, eyeing us both.

She knows Black’s reputation. Her gaze darts to me, challenging me. I bet she’s wondering if I brought her here to dieor if this is a test. It’s neither—not that I will tell her or Black that.

“Tate Havelock, this is Major Black. He will be your new commanding officer. You will be joining his elite unit of hunters. That is why you were brought here, for this honour. Black, you will have time to test and train her to fit, but please explain what you need from her.” I gesture for him to speak, leaning back in my chair.

She keeps her eyes on me, knowing I’m the biggest threat in this room.

Oh yes, she’s good. Black might be a rabid dog, but I’m a silent stalker.

That is why it is called Stalkers’ Rest.

“My unit is the top performing unit. We take missions no one else can. We work together and have each other’s backs. I will push you harder than anyone else ever has. I expect results?—”

I watch her as Black speaks. She slides her hand over my desk discreetly. One of her gloves is off, and her gaze becomes unfocused for a moment. It makes me wonder what she is doing.

Are the rumours true?

Her eyes rise to mine, and she pulls her hand back, sliding her leather glove back into place.

Interesting.

“Is that understood, lieutenant?” Black demands sharply.

She looks at him. “Understood, major. I am honoured to join a unit such as yours, and I look forward to killing monsters with you,” she replies sweetly, but her eyes are piercing as she watches him.

He smirks and looks at me. “Maybe you’re right.” He stands. “I will meet you on level forty, which is our level. You will bunk there with us.” He leaves, and she turns her attention back to me, waiting to be dismissed.

“Major Black’s unit is one of the best here. You will do well to learn from them?—”

“Why me?” she interrupts. “Thousands of hunters apply for that unit every day.” Her eyes run over my face. “So why me? Why now?”

“Because you have something I need,” I admit.

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