Page 17 of Infiltrated

Sigh, after a few hours, we had compiled information about all the potential Shadows that have already been recruited and given invitations for the Academy two months away. We learned their history and calculated possible weaknesses. Also interestingly, enough it turns out our four guys were actually four out of six instructors that will be teaching the students. The curriculum will involve, hand to hand combat, weapons training, defensive magick, offensive magick, tactical training, and apparently a course dedicated strictly for outdoor survival, which meant obstacle courses, let’s be honest. These people aren’t going to spend much time outdoors, surviving shit.

I smirked at Pixie. “This shit is going to be fucking cake. Now just to get this fucking invite.”

9

“I never insult people, I only tell them what they are.” -Unknown

“That would be an accurate representation of me, yes. It’s not my fault that everything they are is, indeed, insulting. To humanity. To themselves. To us. To the French.” -Etienne

Luca

As we tookthe elevator down to the parking lot, I slid my well-practiced façade in place. I knew that in order to deal with whatever shit was coming, I had to fake it until I made it.

“That may not work that well this time around, boss,” murmured Dante.

“What are you talking about,” I snapped. We got to the lower floor and stepped out, heading to where the car was parked.

“I’m saying, your cool face of indifference doesn't mean shit. You are as affected by them as we all are.” He rolled his eyes. I bit back a sigh and ignored him.

The garage attendant nodded his head, and smirked. “Those girls put you on your ass?”

“They definitely did something alright,” I muttered.

“Those girls are the best thing that has ever happened to this Magick Community.” He narrowed his eyes. “Although they can be quite intimidating to a lesser man.” He chuckled at that, and Dimitri scowled. At my expression, he added, “No worries, no worries. Ellie and Pixie have every man within a 500-yard radius conflicted. At least you didn't leave in a body bag. It means they like you,” he said jovially.

“Hmm, it was a pleasure meeting you again. We will see you soon.” I nodded at him, walking toward our truck, not even bothering to grin as it would probably look more like a wolf ready to attack.

We piled into our respective seats and turned out of the lot, heading to the coordinates provided.

“I don’t like leaving them. I demand we go back, tie them up, and make them love us,” Dimitri growled.

“Dude, that was ridiculously illegal and kinky.” Dante held his hand over his chest. “That's all my job. Don’t tell us you're a changed man! Who else will torture, maim, and murder. We cannot have the same roles in this relationship.”

“Let’s joke around after we figure this out. My father hasn’t stopped borderline harassing me since we arrived,” I grunted out. My dad is such a prick. I’m not sure when he became that way but it was when I was younger. He suddenly came home one day with a new passion for uniting the Council families. Ranting and raving about allies and takeovers. I think he had officially lost it then. I just did what was expected of me, excelled in my studies and became Elite. Anything to keep him off my back.

Etienne scoffed. “Your father harasses everyone. That is not a surprise.”

I gave a rueful smile. “You’ve been quiet, brother. Granted, it's expected, but this is more than usual. Something on your mind?” I asked, knowing what the answer would be, what the answer for all of us would be. Despite the mission, there were two people on our minds. Two women who made sparks fly, literally when we were around them.

“I’m considering the danger here,” he started, looking pensive. “The sparks that fly when we are around. Can you imagine what would happen if the Council got wind that this was more than just a myth? But an actual possibility. They thirst for power and control, think of what they would gain if we were on their side. But more realistically, think of the threat they would perceive us as.”

“You know your father will not stand for something he cannot control,” Dimitri added.

I sighed as we drew closer to the Magickal Law Enforcement office.

“What do you suggest? I cannot deny us the chance of being truly bonded,” I said plainly, pulling over, and turning to face the rest of them all.

“After you bond, normally, the visual aspect is no longer there. We can assume that the same thing will happen with us all. But…” Etienne paused. I know the sparks were a source of contention when bonding. With normal users it was an exciting time, boastful to show those sparks fly before the bonding. For us? It would be potentially lethal.

“But?” I prompted.

“That is assuming they want us. We know the urge to bondis difficult to deny, to ignore, and we may never get the chance again, but it's possible,” he finished quietly, his accent thick with frustration or sadness, but I’m sure it was a combination of both. Etienne thrived on knowledge and control, without either, he was...lost. Shit, with this, I think we all were.

“Let’s shelve this conversation, all this emotional shit is making me want to punch someone. Let’s go and fucking do that.” Dimitri jumped out of the car, and strode purposefully into the office, everyone parting as he walked in. We chuckled as we followed suit.

Two Hours Later

“What the fuck do we do now?” Dante growled, his rare but deadly, angry side peeking through as we got back into the truck. I blew out a breath, punching the steering wheel. I completely understood his frustration. We got to the MLE and waited for fifteen minutes only to be told that the witness was missing and then another hour to review all footage and even that looked to be scrubbed clear. Then another pointless forty-five minutes, listening to the excuses of the useless MLE. Honestly, I don’t even understand why we go through the motions of having that pointless organization when the Council had us.

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