Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22

STUBBORN LITTLE MATE. WHAT DID YOU DRAW?

I watched as Mr. Smith's calm and composed face filled the large wall screen. His icy blue eyes seemed to pierce through each of us, though his expression never wavered from its collected demeanor. The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension, a mix of anticipation and unease that clung to my skin like a suffocating web.

"Thank you for meeting with us, Mr. Smith." Trux said, his deep voice commanding attention. I felt the strength and authority emanating from him as he took charge of the negotiation. "We understand you have important information regarding an upcoming mission."

"Indeed." Mr. Smith replied smoothly, not betraying any hint of emotion. "But first, let's discuss the terms of our newest team member."

"I assumed nothing less." Trux bit out, but his expression didn't change.

"After what happened at the Kansas facility, we've decided it would be more beneficial to expedite Ms. Hansley's transition to the field team."

Trux nodded, but he didn't speak.

"Ms. Hansley, how are you feeling after your little adventure?"

I fiddled with the box of crayons, not liking how every time Mr. Smith said my name felt like a power play. I wasn't sure how he made it feel that way, but it left me wanting to do something ridiculous to take control back of the conversation.

"Oh, doing great. Nothing better than a little steam from a sauna." I pulled a few crayons out of the cardboard box, still amused that Kearan used basic crayons for coloring. "Just a normal spa vacation."

Mr. Smith snorted. "You know, if you weren't such a headache to the higher ups, I might actually enjoy working with you."

"Let's get back to business." Trux took a step forward, pushing himself further into view. I rolled my eyes.

"As efficient as ever, Mr. Miller."

I couldn't help it. In the middle of the tense and very serious meeting, I loudly snorted. Of course, Trux had a common, normal name. I don't know why I expected something unique... it just seemed fitting with a first name like Truxten.

All eyes turned to me and heat filled my face as I dropped my eyes down to the paper. Without conscious thought, my fingers pressed one of the crayons to the paper.

"Sorry, just ignore me." It felt like Trux's gaze cut through me like a sharp knife. The man was too uptight. Maybe he needed another one of my demonic laughing fits to lighten up.

"Based on the terms accepted by Ms. Hansley on her arrival at the Kansas facility, she is required to spend 200 hours minimum a month as part of an active operation. This includes?—"

"No." There was a coil of power that blanketed the room, pushing Trux's one word with his Alpha power.

Apparently, it didn't work on Mr. Smith, or he didn't care. "That's not negotiable. She's already agreed to that."

Trux let out a low growl as he responded. "She is a human, unused to this world or the demands of being on a team like ours. At no point have you conditioned her to the rigors of something like this."

"If she hadn't burned the training facility to the ground, she would be currently in training to do so. That is no longer an option. Besides, Ms. Hansley isn't human. Her demon powers will account for anything she's not accustomed to. We've already seen what they can do." Mr. Smith tapped a finger on the table he sat at. "Ms. Hansley's first mission will be simple. A basic bait and trap of a demon."

As Trux dove into the conversation, outlining our goals and potential cooperation, I couldn't help but feel a sense of irritation brewing within me. He automatically went into bossy Alpha mode the moment work was mentioned. It irritated me that he glared at me every time I spoke. He was always the one to take control, to assert his dominance over every situation. My own need for control gnawed at me, threatening to claw its way out. My mother had tried to control me my entire life, and I refused to live that way anymore.

Rhiot spoke up, catching a glare from Trux. "Which demon will be the target?"

"That's inconsequential." Mr. Smith dismissed Rhiot.

"Answer the question." Trux ordered.

Mr. Smith sighed, then tapped his finger on a small tablet. On the screen next to where his face was, appeared a dossier with someone who looked human. "Ronove."

I felt a swirl of anger and fear from Rhiot before our mate bond changed to a neutral emotion. Rhiot didn't like the demon we were being sent to trap. I made a mental note to ask Rhiot about Ronove after the briefing was over.

"Kearan, you'll be responsible for managing all of Ms. Hansley's weekly medical needs. We'll require routine blood sample testing, verbal and physical evaluations, and administering supervised maintenance medications." Mr. Smith didn't look up from the tablet he was focused on, but his finger pointed at Trux. "Before you protest, Mr. Miller, I feel it's prudent to inform you that this was also something Ms. Hansley agreed to."

The negotiation continued, Trux navigating the conversation and pushing at every boundary put up by Mr. Smith. But as each minute ticked by, my frustration simmered beneath the surface, annoyed that they talked about me like I wasn't sitting here.

And then, the opportunity presented itself. Trux paused for a moment, carefully considering his next words, and in that instant, I found my voice.

"Mr. Smith," I interrupted, my tone firm yet respectful as I jumped up from my seat and stepped forward to meet his gaze head-on. The room fell silent, all eyes on me as I continued.

"Yes, Ms. Hansley?"

"You didn't say anything about testing or medications when I was there before." Trux's jaw clenched at my sudden interjection, but he said nothing.

"It was in the contract you signed."

I huffed. "It was a two hundred page contract. You said I didn't have anything to worry about."

"I stand by my words. There's nothing to worry about. As one of our most valuable assets, we will ensure your wellbeing to the best extent we can. However, it is not my fault that you didn't read the contract before signing."

"However," I repeated, feeling my confidence grow with each word, "I refuse to take any medications without knowing exactly what they're for and what risks they present. It's my life we're discussing."

For a moment, Mr. Smith merely stared at me, his expression unreadable. But slowly, the corners of his mouth lifted into a slight smile, and I knew I had made an impression.

"Very well, Ms. Hansley," he conceded, inclining his head ever so slightly. "Your concerns are not without merit. Everything will be disclosed before dosage. But remember, compliance is required to fulfill the complete terms of the contract."

"Listen carefully," I said, my voice steady and commanding despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me. "I will not let you threaten my Tsigos. We both know what I am and what I can do. So it's in your best interest to approach these interactions with that in mind."

I didn't want to flat out threaten a powerful government agent responsible for managing Supernatural Team 3, but I also couldn't let him think we would roll over at every little command.

Mr. Smith's eyebrows rose ever so slightly, his interest piqued by my boldness. The surprise in his eyes only fueled my desire to assert myself further.

"First," I continued, "we need access to any and all information relevant to our objective. No secrets, no half-truths, no assholes from your organization trying to trick me or treating us as less than. Second... I want your guarantee that no harm will come to any member of my team."

I paused, allowing the weight of my demands to sink in. But I stood my ground, unflinching in the face of Mr. Smith's scrutiny. Also, I refused to look at Trux. Not even a glance. I didn't need to to know he was fuming at my audacity. He'd probably make Vesuvius look like a hiccup in comparison.

For a moment, silence hung heavy between us, thick with anticipation. Then, Mr. Smith leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers, his expression thoughtful yet calculating.

"Ms. Hansley," he began, his tone measured and deliberate, "I must admit, I am... intrigued and impressed by your tenacity." His gaze held mine, surprised by my sudden dominance. "And while I cannot promise that no harm will come to your team, I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to minimize any potential risks."

I clenched my fists, fighting against the urge to say something stupid. Trux was already pissed I'd spoken up. Without looking at him or feeling for our bond, I felt his glare lasering into me. Instead, I focused on the satisfaction of having pushed for our team's needs, and contributing to the terms.

"Very well," I said, my voice unwavering. "See that you keep your end of the bargain."

I felt a rush of victory coursing through my veins. I had stood my ground and made my mark, proving that I was more than just a pawn in this twisted game. And while I knew that there would be consequences for my defiance, I couldn't help but relish the taste of power that lingered on my tongue.

"Agreed," Mr. Smith said, his eyes never leaving mine. "I'll send you the mission briefing shortly." With that, the screen went black, leaving us to process everything that had just happened.

"Parker." My name was nothing more than a snarl from Trux's lips. My stomach dropped to the floor as I turned to him. Oh shit.

The now dimly lit room pulsated with the power struggle between Trux and me. His eyes, dark as a moonless midnight sky, bore into mine, daring me to challenge him. But I was done being submissive... It was time for me to seize control of my own life.

"Enough!" My voice reverberated through the room, seizing everyone's attention if I hadn't had it already. "I've sat here quietly long enough, listening to you make decisions on my behalf. From now on, I demand equal participation in this."

Trux's jaw clenched, muscles rippling beneath his rough, chiseled features. "You're out of line. I'm in charge here."

"Am I?" I challenged, taking a step until I stood toe-to-toe with him. The heat radiating from his body enveloped me, but I refused to back down. "You may be used to barking orders, Trux, but that doesn't mean I have to follow them blindly."

"Damn it, Parker!" He growled, frustration seeping through every syllable. His fingers twitched at his sides. Before I could register his movement, he sank his fingers into my hair, yanking my head back until he glared down at me. "I'm the Alpha. You're my Tsigo, our Tsigo."

My heart thundered in my chest, adrenaline surging through me like liquid fire even as heat pooled low in my core. "You're my Tsigo."

Trux stared at me, his eyes ablaze with anger and... desire. It was intoxicating, knowing that I had the power to ignite such raw emotion within him. Yet, it only fueled my determination to prove myself further.

"Mine." Trux snarled as he yanked me to his chest, plastering me against a wall of hard muscle. His lips crushed mine as he claimed my mouth while he held me in place.

Everything around us disappeared as he devoured me, marking my body and claiming my soul. His Alpha power wrapped around me, pulling me closer to him.

Trux was possessive and domineering, and a part of me liked it. Craved it. Maybe that was why I kept pushing his buttons? More so when it came to squishy time than during serious business matters. Then he was suddenly gone. When I opened my eyes, he was a foot away from me, his fingers curled in like he could barely hold himself back from grabbing me again. My head spun and my chest heaved for air after the intensity of the kiss. I met his fierce gaze with equal intensity, my defiance and love clear as day.

"Stubborn little mate. What did you draw?" Trux didn't move toward the paper even as he growled the question.

Oh, right. We were supposed to be testing my powers. I looked at the drawing in surprise. A stuffed dog toy stared back at me, its button eyes gleaming with roughly drawn crayon lines. Scribbling the words 'stuffie dog toy' beneath the picture, I felt a surge of calm assurance flow through me.

"The moment of truth." I muttered, tossing the paper into the air. The room filled with a brilliant flash of light, and as it dissipated, a small brown and white dog stuff appeared, landing softly on the floor.

Ryker, still in his raccoon form, scampered over to investigate the new arrival. He sniffed the toy curiously, then put both of his paws on it, alternating as he kneaded the toy. Though tension hung heavy in the room, Ryker's playful interaction with the toy brought a smile to my face. It was a momentary reprieve from the chaos that had become my life.

Cerbie materialized out of nowhere, launching himself at the stuffie.

Ryker picked up the dog stuffie by the tail and held it up to his mouth as he backed away with the toy. He put one paw up, trying to hold the large three-headed hellhound at bay.

Cerbie scooped the stuffed animal into his mouth, and as he did so, Ryker clung to it, determined not to lose his plaything.

"Cerbie!" I shouted, trying to suppress a laugh. "Can't you see Ryker's having fun?"

The scene turned chaotic as Cerbie shook the toy, Ryker stubbornly holding on.

Trux scowled, clearly unamused. "We don't have time for games. We have an hour to prepare for the mission."

"You're not going to give it back, are you, Cerbie?" The hellhound looked up at me, the stuffed toy still clenched between his sharp teeth, and I could see a hint of mischief in his eyes.

"Come on, Ryker, I'll make you another one." I soothed as I stepped closer to the two animals.

Ryker, still clinging to the toy, gazed at me with pleading eyes. I held out my arms, and Ryker let go of the toy, leaping into my embrace. I cradled the raccoon gently, whispering reassuring words as I stroked his fur. "It's alright. I've got you."

My heart swelled at Ryker's lack of resistance as he curled into my chest while I held him close. His little paws searched for something to get into even as I petted his head.

With a final growl, Cerbie shook his massive head. In an instant, he transformed back into the intricate tattoo on my chest. I glanced down at the inked design, noticing a change in its details... a small dog stuffie now dangled from Cerbie's ink-rendered mouth. Interesting.

Trux's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched as he watched me. For one heart-stopping moment, I thought he might lash out again. But then, slowly, the tension in his shoulders eased, and he let out a long breath. "Come on everyone. We have an hour before we need to be at the mission site."