Chapter Four
Aaliyah
I ’m harder on my car than I should be on the way home, but I’m beyond pissed at this point. First, Tyson being an asshole and leaving me on the dance floor practically without a word. Then running into Archer and his new lady love. I should’ve just stayed home. Even Danny’s food isn’t worth all that.
Kira is waiting for me at the door once more, jumping up to cover me in dog kisses again. I feel some of the stress and annoyance fall away from me as she smothers me in her love. It’s hard to stay angry around dogs, at least for me. It’s why I decided to get her. I decided a German shepherd would be the best choice given my line of work because I knew from day one there was no way I’d be leaving her alone. And letting a pet sitter in my home? That’s a no.
“Down,” I tell her, and she drops to all fours before sitting down, love in her eyes. “I forgot to bring you a treat. Damn it. Let’s go see what we can scrounge up for you. I’m sorry, baby. Let’s just say that Mommy’s night didn’t go the way she thought it would.”
I see the intelligence shining through her eyes as she tilts her head before licking my hand. It makes me smile. If there is anyone or anything that can make me forget about the shit show that is my life, it’s Kira. She trails me to the kitchen, where I once again move to the refrigerator.
This feels familiar.
Rolling my eyes, I move around the containers with my pre-made meals, grinning when I find one with steak in the back. I knew I’d saved some for Kira.
If there’s steak being made in this house, Kira better get some, or she’s going to let her unhappiness be known.
I toss it in the microwave long enough to warm it but not make it too hot. Shaking it up before pulling off the lid, I stick my finger inside. With a nod, I set it on the floor for her and laugh at the happy bark that falls from her mouth before she digs in. Standing up, I decide I need a drink after dealing with Archer.
Before I make it to my liquor cabinet, a black envelope sitting on my counter catches my attention. That hadn’t been there when I walked into the room.
What the hell is going on tonight?
I pick up the envelope, turn it over, and realize it isn’t sealed. At least I don’t have to worry about being poisoned by it or anything. Opening it, I find a black paper with red ink and read over it.
Huh.
The Femme Fatale Freakshow.
I wasn’t actually sure they existed. Over the many years of my life, I’ve heard a whisper of them here or there, but never enough to confirm their existence. I’m surprised but not shocked to receive an invitation from them. Though, I’m not sure why they decided that now was the time to invite me. I’ve been an assassin for a long time.
Rather than being offended by their offer, I find myself seriously considering it.
I don’t do as many jobs now as I used to, but it would be nice to not have to do all the legwork. Surely, they’ll provide the pertinent information needed to take out a target. It would make my life easier. I bet they pay well, too. Plus, I won’t have to vet the clients I take on.
I might be an assassin, but I do live by a set of morals—even if they might not be like everyone else’s.
I like to make sure I’m not just helping someone take out their lover or their competition—stupid things like that. You’d be surprised by the amount of people who thought they could use me like that. Those were the ones who usually ended up dead by my hands, which was unfortunate for them.
I set the invitation back on the counter and grab my bottle of tequila. Setting it beside the invitation before grabbing the rest of the ingredients for my favorite drink, a Lavender Paloma—grapefruit juice and lavender simple syrup. I mix the drink and set it down, taking the invitation into my hand again.
“What do you think, Kira? Should I join the guild?” I turn to find Kira staring up at me with her tongue lolling out of her mouth. “That’s not very helpful, Kira. You’re supposed to tell me what I should do, not just sit there in silence.”
Kira barks at me a few times before laying her head down on her crossed paws.
Well, I guess she told me.
I consider the invitation for another moment as I lift my drink to my lips. I sigh as it hits my taste buds. It’s an odd drink, which is why I don’t generally attempt to order it while I’m out. But at home? It’s definitely my go-to.
I just don’t know what to do about this damn invitation. I’ve been on my own for thousands of years, and I’ve never had any problems finding jobs. It’s not like I really need them, so what’s the point in me joining their ranks?
It’s not like I can just leave if I decide I don’t like it. I’m not sure how much more blatantly they could’ve written it out except to say they will kill us if we try to leave. I’m not big on lifetime commitments, considering I might live forever.
On the other hand, it would be kind of nice to not have to do it all on my own. They say they won’t send us anything that doesn’t fit within my criteria for a target, which tells me they’ve done their research. It also tells me I won’t have to do nearly as much research myself. Sure, it’s easier now with the Internet, but it takes up a lot of my time, seeing as I have to research the client and the target.
I know there’s no way to research the guild, and I’m sure they vet their clients. Based on the information in the invite, I feel like they’ll be able to provide at least some information on the targets.
It would really free up a lot of time for me. I’m sure I’ll have the option to turn down targets, so it’s not like I need to take back-to-back jobs.
What will it really change?
With that thought, I know I’ve already made up my mind.
I guess I’m joining the guild.
Calling forth my poison, I choose one that works like acid when applied to wood or anything made from wood, such as paper. I hold the invitation over my glass and bring my finger to it. The paper dissolves beneath the poison, both spilling into my cup. Once it’s completely gone, I lift the glass to my lips and toss it back.
Instead of ruining the taste, the combination of the paper and the poison seems to only enhance it.
I set the glass aside and when nothing else happens; I shrug. I guess they’ll send me my first target at some point.
“Come on, Kira. It’s time for bed. We’ll turn on a movie and see how long we can stay awake for.” Kira follows me up the stairs, a yawn spilling from my lips.
Something tells me neither one of us will last very long watching the movie.