Page 134 of Shrouded in the Dark
Night had already settled across the horizon as I approached the headquarters. I’d done this thousands of times before, but this time, a pit had opened up in my stomach. I fought the nauseous feeling.
Luck was on my side as I pulled to a stop in front of the gatehouse. I knew the men guarding it. There was more security than normal, but that was to be expected since they were waiting for the Fae to retaliate against them.
“Yo, Wyn.” Lenny, who was only a few years older than Felicity, leaned out of the window. “It’s been a bit, glad to see you back. You heard about what happened?” He was trying to grow a mustache and the result made him look like a hick.
“I heard. Sounds like y’all have been busy while I was away.” Handing him my ID, I glanced at the clock. “Aunt Nina is going to have my head for being late.”
The kid shook his head, although he really wasn’t all that much younger than me. I just had a habit of thinking of anyone younger than me as a kid.
“Yeah, I don’t envy you having to report directly to Nina. She scares the piss out of me and the guys here.” He handed me my ID back without so much as looking at it. He didn’t even move to fill in the log. “You’re in luck. Felicity is guarding the second gate tonight.”
Normally, I’d bitch about procedure but this would help in the long run if he didn’t fill it out.
“Oh, yeah? How’s my cousin doing with her training?” My animal started to get annoyed with my small talk.
“Oh, man.” Lenny shook his head as he waved at me. “It’s just lucky she’s the boss' kid.” He flipped the switch that lifted the guard rail.
I gave a vague wave through the window as I pulled through the open gate. The drive to the second gate was quiet. The outer buildings were spaced apart. It was the beginning of the night shift so there weren't any patrols out on the road. I had maybe another twenty minutes if I was fast. My animal began to pace within me. Something didn’t feel right. He wanted to get us in and out as quickly as possible.
The second gate came into view. The spotlight moved to follow my car as I pulled to the side of the road, in front of the gatehouse. I kept the car on as I stepped out of it, lifting my hand up in greeting. Several men held up automatic rifles until they noticed who I was.
“Ho!” I spotted the man who was in the resistance and a friend. He was older, closer to Gary’s age and balding. He actually was a pretty nice guy and I often wondered how he’d ended up with The Venandi.
His eyes widened slightly at my approach, but he schooled his features into a glare. “Wyn. What the hell, dude? It’s been forever since you graced us with your presence.” We clasped hands and went in for a back slapping hug. “Felicity is ready. She’s a terrible actor, so get her out of her quickly.” He barely whispered the words, but I heard them crystal clear.
“I just couldn’t keep away from your ugly mug, Brad.” We pulled apart and I glanced around as if curious to see who else was around. “It looks like you got stuck with the losers for this shift.”
There was a round of curses and name calling from the other guards on the shift as they all moved off. Felicity appeared in the gatehouse door. My animal went on guard. She was terrified and I could smell it from where I stood. This girl would never have been able to kill a shifter, much less Axel. She was no hunter.
Brad took the initiative. It seemed he was in charge of this patrol. “Yo. Cadet, come say hi to your cousin. You’re due for a break, why don’t you go grab us all some drinks?” He passed by her with a nod.
She had no idea that he was in the resistance. She didn’t know anything other than I was about to label us both as traitors. I met her halfway, pulling her into a hug.
“Suck it up, kid.” I was quick. “You need to hold it together for a few more minutes.” I slapped my hands down on her shoulders as I stepped back. “You look great, cus. I don’t have to report in for a little bit, why don’t we go get some McDonalds?” I made sure to speak loud enough so that everyone could hear. “We’ll bring everyone some coffee back.” I put my hand on her head and softened my voice. “Go ahead and get in the car. I’ll be right there.”
I walked over to the gatehouse to speak with Brad again. He leaned against the doorway.
“You have my phone number. Text me your orders and I’ll make sure to get you your coffees.” I stared at him. “I’ll see you later.” We shook hands and I turned back to the car.
As I got inside, Felicity was visibly shaking. I reached over and squeezed her hand in mine as I closed the door.
“It’s going to be okay. Just a few more minutes.” I pulled the car around in a U-turn and headed back toward the first gate. When we were out of sight of the second gate, I spoke, “I need you to get into the back seat and onto the floor. There’s a large black blanket on the seat. Cover yourself with it. Be quiet until I say it’s safe.”
She nodded and crawled into the back without a word. I could hear her shuffling around until there was silence except for her shaky breaths only I could hear. I turned on the radio to an oldies station.
“We’re almost done, kid.” I pushed down on the accelerator. This was going a lot smoother than I’d hoped and we were almost out.
It felt like an eternity before the exit came into sight. It looked like Lenny hadn’t moved. He looked confused as I slowed, rolling down the passenger side window.
“Wyn?” His brows frowned. “It hasn’t even been an hour.”
“No, I got orders before even getting through the second gate.” The lies just kept falling easily. “Back out to the wilderness.”
Lenny nodded, his brows going up. “I don’t envy your job, dude.” He stepped back as the gate opened. “See you next time.”
I pulled through going at a normal speed, but as soon as I rounded a corner, I pushed the car to go over the speed limit.
“Alright, Felicity. We’re clear.” I looked in the mirrors to make sure that we weren’t followed. “Go ahead and come back up here and buckle up.”
