Page 24 of Orlando
“Maybe a little, but what you’re proud of is to have been strong enough to get through it.As you said, it’s selective.They didn’t choose a lot of people to be part of their program, and even fewer made it through.You showed strength and resilience, and that’s something to be proud of.”
Orlando hadn’t thought he’d hear those words from his mate.He hadn’t wanted to make it sound like he was proud of being able to kill people, but Liam was right.Finishing the program made Orlando special in a way.
It might also lose him his mate.
“Once the training’s over and all the tests have been passed, the trainers talk to every person who made it through.They’re the ones who select who’s going to be an assassin in the end, but of course, everyone makes their own final decision.”
“And you decided to say no.”
“I realized I couldn’t say yes a while back.I finished the program, but I was trying to come up with an alternative.It’s not exactly something you can put on your resume, and I’ve been training for a few years now.I was offered a job with the council, something different, but I declined.”
“How come?”
Orlando shrugged.“I realized that life wasn’t for me.I’m grateful to the council for everything they do for our community, but I don’t want to work for them.”
Liam covered the cauliflower with water and left the pot in the sink.He turned and leaned his hip against the counter.Orlando could feel him watching him.He wasn’t sure what to do, but he told himself not to freak out.
“What do you want to do, then?”
That was something Orlando didn’t know how to answer.“For now, I have no idea.The council’s paying for this apartment and everything else and giving me the time to come up with something, but I’ve been struggling.”
“And everything that happened today isn’t helping.”
Orlando snorted.“That’s an understatement.I can’t focus on finding a job when I have to think about you getting hurt.You’re my priority.”
“And I’m grateful for that.”Liam hesitated.“I know it didn’t look like it.I’m sorry I blocked you out for a bit, but I needed some time.”
“It’s fine.”
“It’s not, but thank you for saying that it is.I honestly don’t have any idea what to do with any of this.If it had only been one thing, I might’ve been able to wrap my mind around it, but I’m being hunted for something I didn’t do, and there’s also you.I don’t know where to start.”
“You don’t have to start anywhere.”
“I can’t exactly ignore the fact that I’m being hunted by a professional assassin.”
“I know it’s going to be hard, but I promise I’m doing everything I can to get you out of this mess.I’ll protect you, whatever happens.”
“I’m not worried about that.I know you’ll protect me.”
Orlando was relieved.He hadn’t wanted his mate to think he’d changed his mind.No matter what happens between them in the end, Orlando wouldalwayskeep Liam safe.“I also won’t push you when it comes to the mate thing.”
Liam cocked his head.“Mate thing?”
“I know that keeping you safe and stopping the council has the priority.I’ll focus on that and give you time and space to wrap your mind around the fact that we’re mates.”
Liam was already shaking his head by the time Orlando was done speaking.“I never said I needed time or space.”
“You said you were overwhelmed, and I don’t blame you for it.Your life was flipped upside down this morning, so of course you need time.”
“Don’t tell me what I need.I know it better than you.”
“Probably, but meeting your mate is important.I don’t want to rush into anything.I don’t want you to make decisions you’ll regret.”
“You’re my mate.How can I regret any kind of decision I make when it comes to you?”
Orlando blinked.He hadn’t expected that answer, and he wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.He wanted to believe that Liam truly was okay with them being mates, but he was hesitant.“Well,Ineed some time.I didn’t expect to meet my mate this morning when I went to the community garden.”
“I don’t think anyone would have expected you to find your mate while he was being threatened by a woman you consider a friend.”
