Chapter 1
Everything that could go wrong today, went absolutely fucking wrong.
First, I didn't manage to have my coffee in the morning and Ryder had the nerve to wake me up. Of course he paid the price for it - but was it really necessary?
The dry cleaners somehow managed to shrink three of my favorite suits by two sizes.
And that's not even the worst part.
Tonight I was supposed to meet one of my trusted dealers. Simple exchange. Just to stock up the casinos for the special geasts.
Well apparently the idiot decided to play HR and recruited a new guy without doing a background check. Lucky us, the dude is working for the DEA.
Rooky mistake. Of course, as one can guess the police now has a target on my ass.
Thankfully, my man know what they are doing. They grabbed the packages and left before anybody noticed.
Of course that left me with a bit of a mess to clean up. I don't really mind it. If you want something done the right way, do it yourself.
I slipped into one of the abandoned warehouses across the industrial district. One of the perks of doing business in places no sane person wanted to visit.
The second I stepped in, I froze.
Someone else was inside.
Well fuck, that complicates things.
A figure, guessing by the size - male, stood motionless in the dark.
If he noticed me, he didn't show it.
Dead?
Maybe? Hopefully?
I drew my gun out and moved deeper into the shadows using them as a cover.
As I got closer, something caught in the moonlight.
Metal.
Chains.
They hung from the ceiling, locking both of his wrists above his head.
Another step.
His head snapped towards me.
And that's when I saw it. Not at me, but at my scent.
Two silver wolf ears twitched, a long tail hung limply behind him.
A beastkin.
Well...now this was interesting.
I lowered my gun. What exactly could he do when chained, right? Right?
I breath out and steady myself. When I stop in front of him, I noticed the blindfold covering his eyes.
His breathing was ragged, torso stained with blood clearly dry from woonds. Bruises, cuts...too many.
He'd been here for hours if not days.
I low growl rumbled through his chest.
- Easy there doggy. - I say lazily.
-Who are you? - his voice came out rough.
His nose twitched again, trying to smell me.
- Depends, - I shrugged - for all you know I might be your savior.
Another grow.
- Well that's not very polite. - I cross my arms. - What are you doing here?
Silence.
-Hello? I asked a question. Don't make me wait. - I tilt my head.
- I -
Red and blue lights flashed through the broken window followed by sirens. Shit.
- They are close. I'd answer faster if I were you. - I say through teeth.
- They...left me here to die.
I raised an eyebrow.
- Do you want to die? - I ask no exactly concerned with who are "they".
That finally caught him off guard.
The sirens growing louder by the second. Shit. Shit. Shit.
-You are waisting my time beast.
His upper lip twitched, revealing sharp canines.
- ...No. -he finally said.
- Well okay then.
I took of his blindfold. Rushing too much to pay attention to his face.
I pull out my gun.
- I know I will regret this. - I murmur to myself.
One shot echoes through the warehouse. A second followed.
The chains around his wrists snapped and he hit the floor with a heavy thud, followed by a grown.
- The police are coming. - I wrap my arm around his waist. - Little help?
He hesitated for a second before pushing himself to his feet. Once I was sure he could stand, I let go.
- The van is around the corner.
I run off not bothering to check if he was behind me. If he wanted to live, he would be.
I check quickly before walking outside, thankful for the terrible Seattle weather. Fog, rain, perfect cover.
By the time I climbed into the black van, he stumbled in a few seconds later.
I tapped Ryder on the shouder.
- Drive.
Only after we'd passed a few streets, I finally allowed myself to breathe.
The beastkin sat in the opposite corner as far away as physically possible from me.
His ears stayed alert. His eyes never left me, tracking every motion.
- What's your name?
He takes a moment - hasitating.
- Subject 4001A
I raise my eyebrows.
- Really? That's your name?
He doesn't react.
- Not a cheerful one I see. Anyways, I'll make it simple for you. If I dump you on the side of the road right now, we both know what exactly happens next for a creature of your kind.
His ears lowered.
- Here is my offer. I'm looking for a personal driver. Not for jobs, not for missions. Just me. Do you have a driver's license?
He stared down at his hands. Most beastkins were bred to fight or...serve. Very few were taught to read. Driving? I knew how laughable it sounded.
- I don't usually rescue strangers. Especially beastkins. Today is your lucky day. - I push.
- No. - he whispered.
- Wrong answer boy. I am giving you a way out. I will ask one more time. Lie to me if you have, your ass is on the line after all. - I lean forward - Can. You. Drive?
A long silence followed.
- Yes. - He finally said.
- Good. - I nod. -Welcome to the team.
