Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
Ardan doesn’t usually wear his frustration or emotions, but it’s clear he has a lot on his mind. I plan to do something about that this morning though.
Since I don’t have my library to hide away in for my morning me time, I’ve decided to find Beck and Bourne so I can observe what their days are like.
“Where are we off to this morning? I made myself well acquainted with the layout of the entire property. Tell me where you want to go and I will lead you there, Officer Billy,” Dracon says.
“Oh, you have jokes. You know Ren is quiet. I wonder if Ardan would switch you guys out if I request it,” I taunt.
All the blood drains from his face and his smile falls. I can’t help bursting into laughter. I’m laughing so hard I stop in my tracks to bend at the waist and hold my knees.
“I’m just fucking with you. I know how much your station means to you. Even if Ardan doesn’t think I know all six of you are supposed to be my guards. Congrats on becoming first in command.”
He looks at me as if he’s in shock. I laugh and pat him on the back. “Like I said. I’m a detective. I pay attention to details. Now, about my plans for this morning. I want to find Beck and Bourne.”
He gets this look on his face as if he’s mind-linking. I wait patiently for him to get a location. He nods to whatever he is told and waves for me to follow him.
“They are in training,” he says as we continue to walk.
“That seems to be a running theme here.”
“It will be an honor to train here in the Ji Dojo during our stay. I’m most excited about it. Master Kenji and his assassins are legendary in our world.
“Each assassin is handpicked by Master Kenji himself and it’s very rare that he’ll pick a male. When he does it’s an honor to that male’s entire bloodline, even if another isn’t picked from that family. Other factions will recognize the status, and it leads to great opportunities,” he says excitedly.
“Sounds like I might just lose you after all. I guess I can learn to live with the silent, broody type.”
“Although it was once a dream to train within these walls to be one of the puppet master’s assassins, I’m right where my fate intended. I would have you know Ren is quite talkative when you get to know him. He’s still figuring out his place with you. We all are.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
I’m beginning to realize I still have so much to learn about this world and the communities within it. There are so many moving parts.
I want to be a part, but I still don’t know how to make that happen. This is totally outside my wheelhouse. Not just the supernatural world but wanting to be involved.
I mean, I’m trying. Ardan left after my morning blessing to guard the location of the stone. When I asked for a shift, I was told no, much to my annoyance.
However, Ardan did get this look in his eyes as if he wanted to say more, but he shook it off and changed the subject.
“This is the boys’ training room. Hudson and Arledge are on their way. You can let us know if you need anything else,” Dracon says, pulling me from my musings.
“Okay, thanks. Try to relax. I’m not going anywhere.”
With a smile, I punch Dracon’s arm playfully as I walk by to enter the little training room. The smile on my face grows as the boys come into view in their little gear with their wooden swords.
I look around to take it all in and freeze. I take in a sharp breath and narrow my eyes as I place my hands on my hips. Is this why he didn’t want to bring me along?
“Well damn. This motherfucker.”
Ardan
“Thank you,” I say as one of Kenji’s servants brings me a cup of tea.
It is a part of his hospitality. My team will not go hungry or thirsty in his dojo. Everyone within these walls will be treated with respect and kindness as long as we are here.
“You are welcome, King Ardan. Is there anything else I can get you,” the woman says as she bows slightly.
“No. We are fine.”
I look around at everyone standing guard with me. Whoever thinks they can waltz in here and take my stone has to be powerful. As we took this into consideration, Kenji and I agreed we would split the shifts up between him, myself, and Amadeus.
We will each guard the stone with a team with us. This morning, I have Irving, Ford, and Ren from Billy’s guard with me. As well as a few of the assassins since they know the dojo best.