MR: Chapter 2
Sneak Peek
Day 2
January 16th, The Order’s Estate
5:00am
Chase Sommer bent over,
sweat dripping from his face, lungs burning from exertion. The estate’s large,
world class gymnasium was empty. Training sessions for the civilians had not
yet begun for the day. The smell of sweat hanging in the air was his alone. He
swallowed, wanting to relieve the dryness in his throat. The sparring ring lit
with overhead lights felt hotter than usual, or perhaps it was Kingston’s
assessment of his every move making him nervous. The big guardian had not even
broken a sweat during their training.
“You
are like the prodigal son.” Kingston finally spoke.
Chase
stood, a questioning smirk hooking the corner of his lip, breath sawing in and
out beneath his drenched t-shirt. “I’m not asking for redemption.”
“Maybe
not from me. But it seems you seek your brother’s approval?”
He
swallowed again, his mouth felt tacky. Caleb had been an asshole, doing
everything he could to make him feel stupid about his decision to join the FBI.
When Chase left, he’d decided to go on without his family’s support. It
affected him more than he had expected. But that was the past. Shaking his head
he locked onto Kingston’s eyes. “We’ve made our amends.”
The
High Guardian straightened to his full height, huge deltoids bulged from either
shoulder, stretching the sleeves of his black t-shirt as he crossed his arms
over his chest. “I am happy to hear it. Brothers must be united.” He locked on
to him, crystal green eyes dancing with an inner fire. “The streets have
changed. What is required of us has changed. The rules we have always abided by
no longer have meaning. Our best may not be good enough. Are you willing to do
what is necessary?”
The
question froze him where he stood. Working for the Feds brought to light a
secret project aimed at exposing Others--supernatural beings including his own
people, the Anakim. The Seraphim Project was bad news and completely covert.
Somehow, he managed to get recruited into the Project; allowing him to keep
watch from inside the FBI, and alerting The Order about important agency
activities in the city. He never really considered himself a mole for The
Order. Guardian or not, his loyalty was to his people. He only chose to serve
and protect in a different way.
He
was finally deployed for an active mission a few days ago, right before all
hell broke loose on The Order. And he found himself playing double agent
instantly. Going undercover had been turned on its heels and he was now trying
to bring down the agency he worked for, or more accurately, General Mitchell,
one of the most influential men in the United States Army. Severing his ties
with the FBI didn’t come in to play. He was ready to do what was right. “Yes.
For our people. For The Order.”
Kingston
gave him the traditional bow. An acknowledgement, and in this case, acceptance.
The powerful guardian approached him, the gait smooth, flowing, king-like and
intimidating. Even the man’s light mocha skin, from his shaved head to his
thick corded arms, seemed to brighten as he reached out, hand extended.
“Welcome to my team.”
He
let out his breath, excitement making him feel elated. Though he knew Caleb
would not get in the way, he also knew the High Guardians saw him as Caleb’s
‘little brother,’ and the guardians were known for their overprotective
natures.
Kingston
was smiling, his posture more relaxed. “Caleb vouched for you.”
Predictable.
“Is that the only reason I’m in your team?”
The
big guardian shook his head. “No. You are a highly trained FBI Agent. You have
also been trained as an Anakim Guardian. One of the best. It was our loss when
you decided to walk away. I have much respect for your brother, but the
decision was mine alone. I’ve watched you since you returned.”
“Thank
you. I won’t let you down.” With Kingston as his High Guardian, he felt
compelled to share information about the Seraphim Project and his suspicions
about General Solomon Mitchell. “I need to tell you about the Seraphim
Project.”
Kingston
nodded once. “Caleb has shared your concerns with the High Guardians. We all
agreed, more information is needed before this can be presented to the rest of
The Order and the Council.”
Not
yet, his brother had advised. Get hard evidence, then we can present this. The Order was overwrought,
and they couldn’t go off of suspicions. Hard facts about the Project was
needed. One more burden and The Order could break. If he was going to add to
the scales tipping quickly against them, he had to make sure it was worth The
Order’s attention.
“This
General Mitchell. You will have to feed him information.”
“I’ll
find out more about the Seraphim Project. I’m convinced it’s connected to
everything that’s happening now. I just need to find the link.” General Solomon
Mitchell held information The Order needed. Until Chase could find out the
Project’s true mission, he had to keep up the ruse with the army general. But
Mitchell was not a stupid man. Sooner or later, he and his FBI team would be
discovered. “What about Kimmer and Jackson?”
Kingston
shifted in his stance, big chest puffing up with a sharp breath. “I have
watched your friends. They are good men. Good Agents. Kimmer Jones will join
our team. I have asked Jarron’s team to take him on some assignments to get him
familiar with our ways. His abilities will be useful.” Kingston paused
momentarily as the gym lights started to come on one by one, and lines of
civilians steadily poured in, many of them in idle chat. Kingston looked around
until he spotted who he was looking for. He lifted a chin toward a group
getting ready on mats near the entrance. “There.” He pointed. “Your friend,
Jackson Powell has become an invaluable member to our cause. Without his
assistance, training of the civilians would not have come as far as it has.”
Chase
nodded, not surprised both of his men have found a place amongst the Anakim.
“Jackson
is needed here at the estate.” Kingston affirmed.
Jackson’s
voice rose above the din of the noise muffling the gym. He looked at his
friend, a human, who just days ago had no idea about the existence of supernatural
beings. Yet here he was, balls deep and risking his life to help The
Order.
In
just the few days since the Call to Arms was declared, his people had rallied
together. Civilians were being trained to become soldiers to go against hordes
of demons. They were outnumbered at least a thousand to one. The future of the
Anakim was bleak, but watching his people now, and feeling the commitment
emanating from their essences, he vowed to do what must be done; for The Order
and for his people. “What’s my first mission?”