Page 5 of Court of Evil

“What’s that?”

“The strength to survive.” I nod at the door. “You can leave now. Come to me with any issues in your unit. Welcome to Stalkers’ Rest.”

She purses her lips, knowing she is being dismissed, even if she wants answers. She stands, offering me a respectful incline of her head before turning and heading to the door.

“Oh, angel?” I call. “See anything interesting?” I nod at my desk, and she blanches.

“My name is Tate or lieutenant.”

I smirk. “I prefer angel. Your hair makes you look like you have a halo.”

“Then I’ll tell everyone I hate to be called that,” she snaps, “and only my friends can call me Tate.” She turns and stomps from my office.

She is perfect.

“Are you sure she can do this?” Ronan asks from the corner he’s hanging out in—not that they would see that. “It could be a death sentence.”

“You and I both know death isn’t the end.” I eye him meaningfully. “No, she’s exactly what we need. Follow her, all of you, and report back to me. I cannot interfere, but I am curious how it will play out.”

“You’ve got it, brother.” He heads out the door, a habit he cannot break, and then he’s gone. I’m alone again, something I’m not used to.

One of them is always here, ever since my birth, but it is a necessary evil for this to work.

CHAPTER 3

The elevator opens on the fortieth floor, and Glasses hands me a card. “For the building and essentials. Do not lose it. I will not get you another one no matter how much you threaten or bribe me.” He steps back into the elevator as he looks me over. “Good luck. You’re going to need it.” The door shuts, and I turn back to the level.

He’s not wrong.

I’ll need all the luck I can get while serving under Major Black and his elite soldiers. They are the best, but they also have the highest mortality rate due to what they hunt—not to mention I hear he can be a picky, cruel bastard.

He’s my leader now, though, and I plan on doing as I’m told. I will make myself indispensable. Besides, this is what I wanted—a path to the top to become the best I can be. This is where I’ll do it.

“Watch out!” a voice barks.

I duck as a blade whizzes over my head, then I stand and look at the blond-haired Adonis who’s grinning as he hurries my way. “Sorry, drop, didn’t know anyone was coming.”

“Drop?” I ask as I glance over my shoulder to see the blade embedded in the wall next to the elevator.

“Yeah, anyone who comes to us always drops dead or out.” He chuckles, flashing straight white teeth. He has dazzling blue eyes and messy, short blond hair. He’s taller than me, stacked with muscles, and dotted with scars, and he has the hunter brand across his shoulder.

“I thought we couldn’t have weapons inside,” I say, refusing to acknowledge what he said. I won’t be doing either.

He grins, pressing his finger to his lips. “Oops. I won’t tell if you don’t.” He sticks out his hand. “Name’s Mav, and you’re the new kid.”

“Not a kid.” I take his proffered hand, adding pressure, and he groans as I let go.

“Got it.” He shakes out his hand. “Shit, you’re strong. What’s your name?”

“Tate.”

“Well, come on, Tate. Let me introduce you to the team.” Sticking his hands in his pockets, he waits for me.

I follow him down the hall. It’s pretty short, with a thin grey carpet. The walls are the same grey, and it has blade marks adorning parts of it. Once we walk through the door at the end, the utilitarian ambiance changes.

Talk about luxury digs. I’m used to sleeping in my car, motels, or even the shared bunks at outposts. This is a fucking penthouse. There are sofas in a pit facing a huge TV and a bar to the right before the windows. A basketball hoop hangs before me and a hallway leading away.

It looks like two floors were converted into one, with stairs heading up the middle and the walkway lined with doors.

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