Whisper in the Dark

by Charlene Perry

  I clench my jaw to keep my chin from hitting the floor. My first instinct is that this is just some ploy; a game he’s playing to get into my pants. But that’s ridiculous, because we both know it was me who was trying to get into his pants.

  Maybe he’s setting me up... to embarrass me professionally as payback for last night. That doesn’t make sense either. He’s an Elite, not a Cadet with more spare time than brains.

  What am I missing here, Damon?

  I don’t like him. He looks at you like you’re food.

  I don’t know why I expected you to help.

  I always help. We don’t need him.

  “Whisper has been looking for an opening with the Elite program,” Jeffries speaks up, because it’s clear I’ve lost my own ability to talk. He must notice how uncertain I am, because he quickly adds, “But I’m not sure this is the route she was searching for. Perhaps she can get back to you at a later date if she’s interested?”

  I’m still trying to find the hole, the catch, the hidden agenda that I’m clearly missing. Although I’m really good at ignoring him, Damon’s warning isn’t something I take lightly. He might not be a big talker, but when he voices his opinion it’s usually for a good reason.

  “I’d be interested in hearing the details,” I blurt out, not entirely sure if I sound professional or terrified.

  “Perfect.” Gideon nods to Charles, reaching out to shake my hand yet again. He appears completely satisfied at the way this little meeting played out. “I’ll pick you up at six. We can talk about the details over a meal.”

  He fails at hiding a grin as my eyes probably double in size. Did he just use a business proposal to get the date he wanted? Or was the date actually about the business proposal... ‘I like you, Whisper. And I sure as hell want you. More than I’ve wanted anyone in a long time.’ No, that wasn’t about business.

  I don’t know what this guy’s real motives are, and that pisses me off.

  Not that it matters now. The jokes on him if he thinks he’s getting a date or a fuckbuddy out of this deal. I just want my ticket to the Solars.

  Not a Date

  The glowing display on my kitchen wall swaps over to 6:00 just as a dark green SUV pulls into my short driveway. I grab my bag of necessities and head out, not wanting to give him the chance to meet me at my door.

  I skip down the few stairs, wearing a casual pair of black pants and a dark blue button-up blouse. It’s business casual, which is what I’m hoping this little meeting will be. No one needs to know I spent the last few hours cycling through outfits to achieve that particular mixture of business and casual.

  My hair is loose, hanging in thick waves. I’ve got a hair tie around my wrist, just in case the breeze picks up. A touch of mascara and some lip gloss, and I’m feeling more dressed-up than I have in a long time.

  It’s not a date.

  I have no reason to be nervous.

  The vehicle’s windows are tinted so I can’t see the person behind the wheel. Instinct has me putting a hand on the pistol at my hip, but any concern I have is short lived. The driver’s door opens and Gideon steps out.

  He’s wearing a dark pair of jeans, fitted to his body as if they were tailored just for him. I stop in my tracks, helpless to prevent my eyes from travelling up his long legs, over the black button-up shirt that accentuates his gloriously ripped body, and directly to the smile that’s playing across his lips. Lips I can vividly remember kissing mine like a fantasy come to life.

  He is painfully sexy. He’s also dressed much more casual than business. It doesn’t matter. Tonight, I’m all business.

  I’ve been thinking about it all day. If his offer is genuine, if he wants to give me a shot, I can’t pass that up. I also won’t be accused of sleeping my way up the ladder. That means even if he decides to take me up on last night’s proposition, it has officially expired. That also means I need to stop looking at him like he’s got the lead role in all my wildest fantasies.

  “Hello, Elite Gideon.” I greet him formally as I tear my gaze away from his body to look instead at his freshly washed truck. “I’ll take my truck, so Damon doesn’t shed on your seats.”

  “No need,” he answers quickly. “Tarek’s a bear by default. I’m used to the fur.”

  He opens the back door and I glance down at Damon, who’s standing tight against my side. He looks up at me as he growls low in his chest, ears flattening briefly against his head.

  “Don’t worry, it’s been cleaned. You won’t smell like a bear when you get out.”

  I laugh because I know that’s just what Damon was thinking. It’s refreshing to be around someone who understands how Shifters think. They aren’t exactly social butterflies.

  “Come on,” I say as I give him a rough pat on the head. He growls but follows my lead, jumping through the open door as I climb into the front.

  Gideon slides in beside me, and I inhale a little deeper as his unique scent fills the space. A hint of expensive cologne mingles with a freshly showered, almost soapy smell. It’s the same scent he was wearing last night, and the memories flood my mind. I squirm in the seat and wish that I had insisted on taking my own ride.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Fine,” I answer a little too quickly, then clear my throat and remind myself that this is not a date. This is a job interview. “Where’s Tarek?”

  “Probably above us. He likes his wings, and he doesn’t like people. He’s always close enough to communicate.”

  “Damon is pretty clingy. He doesn’t let me too far from sight.”

  Maybe if you didn’t take so many stupid risks. I ignore the voice in my head and the accompanying growl from the backseat.

  “I can’t say I blame him. You must have to watch your back more than most of us.”

  “I like to think I can hold my own.”

  “I have no doubt you can.”

  I look for the sarcasm that I assume is behind that comment, but his expression is neutral as he stares ahead at the road. I take a moment to appreciate the slight flex in his arm as he grips the wheel before averting my eyes safely back to my own side.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Nowhere special. Just a little diner I like with private booths so we can chat.”

  “Is that where you wanted to take me when you asked last night?” Holy shit. Did I seriously just bring that up? I sink a little lower in my seat and keep my eyes locked out my side window.

  Of course, Gideon laughs, perfectly unfazed by my lapse. “No. I would have taken you somewhere much nicer than a diner. But you don’t date.”

  It’s safer if I just don’t respond.

  He seems to find that funny as well, and he laughs again. The sound is rich and deep as it fills the space around us. My embarrassment is fading, and it’s quickly being replaced by just being pissed off at myself. I need to do a serious course correction here. Remind him why he’s even considering me for his Apprentice.

  I open my mouth to change the subject, but the vehicle slows as he turns into the parking lot of a local diner.

  “Have you eaten here before?”

  “No, I haven’t gotten around to it yet.”

  I’m not about to tell him I despise fast food. It’s kind of a hang-up from growing up eating nothing but take-out. After a while it all starts to taste the same; the subtle flavors of a shitty childhood.

  “It’s good. Tastes just like home cooking.” He parks and slides out of his seat, opening the door for Damon. “Do you want to wait here? They won’t let you inside, but if you have a form that blends in you can wait by the door.”

  Damon growls, baring his long, white fangs.

  Come on buddy, just be polite to the guy.

  I still don’t like him.

  He apparently decides to set his ego aside, because when his paws touch the ground he’s in his Retriever form.

  “Nice. Good choice.”

  “Only problem is that people tend to want to touch him when he’s w
aiting alone.”

  “I suppose, but it’s a breed that people are comfortable around, while still having the size to take down a human if something went south. It’s a good choice.”

  Maybe he’s a little smarter than I thought.

  Once we’re settled into our table, with burgers and fries on the way, it’s even harder to keep my eyes off Gideon. It’s one of those classic half-circle booths, and we’re facing each other from opposite ends. I don’t have any food to focus on yet, so I settle for inspecting the ice cubes in my glass as I stir them slowly with a straw.

  I can feel him watching me, clearly not experiencing the same awkwardness I can’t seem to shake. I suck in a breath, swallowing the ridiculous butterflies that seem intent on escaping my stomach.

  “Why are you considering me for your Apprentice?”

  I look him straight in the eyes. His lips part as he takes a deep breath. It seems I can affect him just as much as he affects me. I just need to take back the power that gives me, and then find a way to use it.

  As he opens his mouth to respond, our food arrives. I have to admit it looks pretty good, and there’s so much on the plate even Damon will get a good meal out of it. We both thank the young waitress, but she can’t keep her eyes off Gideon. He smiles at her and I swear she actually melts into a puddle right in front of us.

  Girl, I know how you feel.

  “I already told you, your stats are impressive. You clearly have the skill and experience that this job requires.”

  “Sure, but you told me that back at Base. Why are we here, Elite Gideon?”

  He nods, but instead of responding he takes a bite of his burger. I force myself not to watch him eat.

  After a moment, he slides his plate across the table, moving along the booth until he’s sitting so close I can feel the heat from his body. I know he’s doing it for privacy, to be sure our conversation isn’t overheard. Having him closer does nothing to help the war that’s raging between my libido and my brain.

  “I’m well aware that you’re a woman, Whisper. I’m also well aware that nearly everyone in this organization thinks you shouldn’t be where you are. I also know you have a superpower.”

  That statement takes me completely off guard. I stop mid-bite and set my burger down. I turn my body just enough to let him know he has my full attention. How does he know about my superpower?

  “Any other Agent with your skill level can be seen coming a mile away. We all present the same. Same body type, same walk, same look in our eyes. It just comes with the job. But not you.” He gives me an obvious once-over for the first time this evening. “Your marks must never see you coming, even when you’re standing right in front of them.”

  “Are you suggesting I use my body to get at my marks?”

  Yeah, I definitely do that. But my tone says I’m highly offended that he would suggest such a thing.

  This is starting to play out like a trap. Like he’s baiting me to admit to some unsavory thing; to cheating. There’s nothing in the rulebook that says I can’t use any means necessary to get what I’m after. Taking out the mark is the job. How I accomplish that is my business.

  “It would be effective.”

  His tone isn’t giving me any hints about what he wants to hear.

  “I do whatever works. I study their files and figure out the perfect predator for my prey.” Might as well spell it out for him. If he wants me to work with him, he’s going to figure it out eventually. “If sniping or brute force is best, that’s what I do. If they like vulnerable, innocent girls, I can do that, too. And if they like something a little more mature...”

  I let my eyes drop to his mouth, as I slowly moisten my lips with the tip of my tongue. His eyes are drawn to the movement like a magnet, and in that moment, I make my shirt fade into a lacy, see-through material. Right on cue, his eyes drop farther, down to the strappy, green bra that doesn’t leave much to the imagination.

  His lips part as his breathing becomes shallow. I gently rest my hand on his thigh, running my fingers up his leg as I lean almost imperceptibly closer. He mirrors the movement, leaning slightly toward me. I could kiss him so easily right now.

  He reaches a hand toward my face, and in one quick movement I remove the gun from its holster at his hip. The barrel is pressed firmly into his ribs before he even has a chance to register what happened.

  The look on his face is priceless.

  Honestly, I will remember this moment for the rest of my life. It’s a mixture of shock, embarrassment, confusion, fear... it’s all there and I have all I can do not to laugh. I lay the weapon, safety still on, in the space between us. I return my shirt to its original fabric. I think I’ll keep the bra for now.

  I go back to eating, acting deliberately casual, as if nothing happened. He holsters his gun, still staring at me even though he’s schooled his expression. I wish he would speak, but instead he follows my lead and goes back to eating. Even if that little demonstration lost me the job, I’d have to say it was well worth it.

  We eat our fill, and although Gideon finishes his I’ve still got a good portion left for Damon. He insists on paying, since this was a business meeting, so I head out to get a few moments alone with Damon while he waits for the bill.

  I lean against the truck as he eats my leftovers, still in his Retriever form. The air is still, and unusually warm for this time of evening. A little treat predicted for the next week or so, before the expected rain arrives.

  Did you take the offer?

  I’m not even sure if the offer’s still on the table.

  What did you do?

  I showed him what I can do. Men don’t like being overpowered by a woman. He’s a nice guy, but I’m pretty sure he’s not quite so eager to work with me now.

  Nice guy?

  “Hey, beautiful.”

  I turn my head toward the raspy voice that interrupted our silent conversation. A heavyset man is approaching us. He’s about five-eight with full sleeve tattoos on either arm. Shoulder length blond hair and light eyes. No implant tats. He’s walking toward me from the direction of a few parked cars and a group of about a dozen other men, all with the same unkempt hair and tattoos.

  “You’re looking a little lonely out here all by yourself.” He stops beside me, leaning against the side of the truck as he reaches to touch the ends of my hair.

  See, my problem is that I could take this guy easily. Just a little show of confidence and strength is usually all it takes to get an ass like him to back off. He’d call me a few choice words to shore up his ego, but ultimately go along his merry way. The problem comes if he doesn’t take the cue. If he persists and I end up in an altercation with an unmarked civilian, who then gets injured, who then decides to complain to the Protectors. I can’t afford to give them an excuse to suspend me.

  Usually, I have a giant panther beside me to tip them off that I’m not such an easy target. Damon’s still in his Retriever form, and he knows the situation as well as I do. If he shifts now and this guy pisses himself, he’ll go crying to my bosses’ boss just the same as if I broke his arm.

  “I’m good, thanks,” I say in a casual tone. “My date will be out any minute now.”

  “Ah, I see.” A smile spreads across his face as if he’s taken my statement as a challenge. “It looks to me like your date doesn’t know how to show a woman like you a good time. How about you come with us, and I’ll make you forget all about him.”

  He punctuates his offer by moving his hand up to tuck my hair behind my ear, then running his thick knuckles along my cheek.

  “Made a new friend, Agent Whisper?” Gideon’s voice is close, and I exhale the breath I’ve been holding since this dick put his hands on me.

  I look up into his dull blue eyes, noticing that the whites have a faint yellow tint. I push my hair back over my shoulder, so he can see the implant tats now visible on my neck. A second later his eyes widen as I hear the unmistakable growl of my panther.

  “How about you
come with us, and we can talk about what exactly you like to do to lonely women after you lure them into your group?”

  “I was just playing.” He backs away, his hands raised in a gesture of surrender as his eyes dart between me, Damon, and Gideon. “We’d never hurt anyone.”

  I turn my back on him, opening the back door of the truck for Damon before letting myself into the front. Gideon is already behind the wheel when I close my door. His tires squeal on the concrete as we leave the diner.

  “Why did you let him touch you like that?” He sounds genuinely pissed off, and for some reason that makes me a little happy.

  “It’s not a big deal.”

  “He could have hurt you.”

  “I heal.” I tap my Medic tat for emphasis.

  “Shit, Whisper. Do you like that kind of attention? Do you like putting yourself in danger?” Oh, he is really pissed.

  “Gideon, seriously. What do you think would happen-”

  “I think he would-”

  “No. What do you think would happen if I gave that guy a broken bone, a black eye, or hell, even just wounded his pride? He’d go running to Base and report me for misconduct. We both know that my bosses would jump on any excuse to get me out of this program.”

  Gideon doesn’t reply, but I can see his jaw flexing like he’s grinding his teeth to keep from speaking. He’s got both hands on the wheel, gripping it far tighter than necessary. It’s pretty sexy, seeing him get all worked up. It’s also a little sad, because I think this is honestly the first time he’s realized how fucked up the system really is.

  We pull into my driveway, and he jumps out to open Damon’s door. I start toward the house, but my mind is spinning. I don’t have a clue how to wrap up this interview, if it’s even still an interview. I pretty much stomped all over his ego when I pulled that stunt in the diner... and then he saw me cower under the attention of that scumbag.

  I keep walking until I have one hand on my door handle. When I turn around, Gideon’s just a few feet away. He’s also two steps down, making us about the same height. His forehead is creased, and he’s looking off to the side. It gives me a chance to appreciate his features in the dim light from the bulb above my door.