Page 60 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
"I know the risks," my voice is steady despite the flutter of fear in my stomach.
"Do you?" Kade leans forward, his eyes intense. "Because once we start down this path, there's no going back. Your life will never be the same."
I think of Jenny, of her passion for justice, of the life cut tragically short. I think of all the other potential victims out there, trapped in a nightmare they can't escape.
"I understand," meeting Kade's gaze unflinchingly. "But some stories are worth risking everything for. This is one of them."
Kade's bright blue eyes narrow, searching my face. "You might witness things that'll haunt you forever. You think you can handle what's behind all this darkness?"
Without hesitation I meet his challenge head-on. "Fucking absolutely."
Kade locks eyes with his teammates, their silent exchange excluding me. A wordless dialogue unfolds before me, leaving me feeling like an outsider looking in.
Finally, Kade turns to me. "We're moving to CPG headquarters. We'll have everything we need there to start digging into this properly."
My eyebrows shoot up. "Wait, we're going to your actual base of operations?"
He nods. "It's the safest place for you right now, and we need access to all our resources."
A thrill of excitement washes over me, mixed with nervousness.This is really happening.
"Alina," Kade's voice pulls me from my thoughts. "Is there anything you need from your apartment? It might be a while before you can go home."
The reality of not seeing my family hits me like a punch to the gut. I'm not just tagging along for a story anymore. I'm diving headfirst into something that could change my entire life.
"I... yeah, I guess I should grab some clothes and my laptop," I try to keep my voice steady. "And maybe my external hard drive. It has all my research on it."
Kade nods. "We'll send someone to pick up your things. It's not safe for you to go back there yourself."
I want to argue, to insist that I can take care of myself, but I know he's right. If these people are as dangerous as they say, my apartment might already be compromised.
"Okay," I agree reluctantly. "But please be careful with my stuff."
"Don't worry," Jax chimes in with a grin. "We're professionals at this sort of thing."
I smile back, even as my mind races with all the implications of what's happening. I'm about to step into a world I've only ever written about from the outside. It's thrilling and terrifying all at once.
"So," I look around at the team. "When do we leave?"
eighteen
Alina
It's been four days since the team revealed their true identities, and my skin practically buzzes with anticipation. After waiting and wondering, I'm finally going to see behind the curtain.
Kade leads me through the sleek glass doors of Centurion Protection Group. This is it—the headquarters of a secret mercenary team masquerading as a high-end security firm.
I mentally catalog every detail for potential future use. Not that I'd ever publish without permission, but old habits die hard.
"This is what most people see when they visit Centurion Protection Group," he gestures around.
I nod, taking in the sleek lobby. Gleaming floors reflect abstract paintings on the walls, while a massive reception desk dominates the space. It reminds me of the fancy techstartups I've covered downtown. But something feels different here—an intensity I can't quite put my finger on.
"We spare no expense on appearances," Kade's hand comes to rest on the small of my back as he guides me forward. "But it's not just for show. Notice anything unusual?"
I shake my head. "It just looks... expensive."
He leans in closer than necessary. "Good. That's the point. See that glass? Bulletproof. And there are at least a dozen hidden cameras tracking every movement."
