An Assassin's Destiny: A Reverse Harem Series (The Huntress Series Book 3)

by A. K. Koonce

  “You should know better than to walk into other people's room unannounced. Besides, sex is healthy.” Her shoulders are straight as she owns her life, but even I can see the crimson shade of her face as she talks about sex with her brother.

  “Are we talking about sex?” Allison enters the room with Mars on her tail, and I narrow my eyes on him and the way his hand is pressed lightly to her back.

  My head perks up like a meerkat who just remembered there’s more to life than eating bugs and singing fun songs with my warthog friends.

  Predators. That’s what’s out there.

  I watch his every move.

  Releasing Rory, I pick a spot to lean against the counter that has a vantage point of the entire space.

  “No, no we are not talking about sex.” I shut that shit down before it can start. We may be sisters, but this isn’t a topic I want to talk about with Mars in the room. At her side. Touching her.

  She’s only eighteen. Sex is the last thing that should be on her mind.

  Academics. That’s what she needs. Academics and… religion.

  My hand itches to reach for the knife rack again. As if sensing my tension, Tylin’s countenance goes dark and he approaches my side, making room for his larger frame between Rory and me, as he wraps an arm around my shoulders.

  Before things get any more awkward than they already are, Mason comes barreling into the room with his eyes on the file folders he’s holding, nearly spilling the contents across the newly tiled floor.

  “Did you get the contracts?” Tylin asks, standing straighter in his role of boss man instead of adoring boyfriend.

  Mason looks up with a grin that reaches his dark eyes. “I did. We’ve got five different missions all lined up. Each one pays well. We just need to assemble our teams.”

  Teams. We have teams here.

  It’s incredible.

  Tylin moves his arm away, clapping his hands together as he smiles a rare smile that makes me grin at his enthusiasm, even though I have no idea what it’s about.

  “What’s happening?” I interject, unwilling to be left out of the celebration. All eyes in the room are on the pair of grinning assassins.

  “We’ve got some work for the new recruits. It’s been our ultimate goal to give them missions to accomplish, just like in the League.” Mason starts, but it’s Tylin who continues, taking over the story.

  “Except these missions don’t involve killing.” Tylin smiles proudly. “They involve skill and teamwork, just like the one you worked for us when you tracked down Allison.” Tylin’s excitement visibly pumps through him, and I realize that this is the start of all the hard work we’ve put into the place. This is the real birth of the Anti-League.

  This is what I should be focused on. This is what we worked so hard on.

  “When do we start?” I push off of the counter and move to Mason’s side, skimming the documents he holds in his hands.

  Beaming down at me, he answers, “Now. We start now.”

  Sixteen

  Electrocute the World

  The last class of my day ended later than I’d anticipated, and my stomach growls in the most demanding way. Grabbing the towel sitting on top of my bag, I swipe at the sweat that glistens on my forehead before tossing it inside, zipping it up, and hauling the bag onto my shoulder. Fresh paint now coats the walls of my classroom, and the cracking ceiling and molding have been replaced, making the whole room appear new. Mirrors now line the wall with the door at the center of them, and I catch my reflection as I head to turn off the light.

  Flicking off the fluorescent fixtures, the room is cast into the moonlight filtering in through the tall windows, and for a second, I just stand there. Breathing in the scent of sweat and rubber mats, I realize that this room has become like a second home to me. I never expected how much I’d like teaching, but being in charge of something important for the first time in my life is giving me a sense of accomplishment I’ve never felt before.

  The light sound of footsteps echo from the hall, and I grin as I stand and wait for Tylin. He usually finds me here, and I’m sure he’s checking up on me since my class ran over.

  That is, until the hair on the back of my neck prickles in a telling way. I narrow my eyes and tilt my head to listen for another sound, but when I hear nothing, I’m not sure if I hallucinated the first one or if whoever is lurking nearby has halted their movements.

  Turning casually for the door, I let my gaze rake across the mirrors, trying to catch any reflection that may aid me in my investigation, while I let the power build in my body, making my arms heavy just before I release it.

  The world around me freezes in time, and I hurry into the hallway, closing the door in my wake with an audible slam, uncaring of the noise. I open my senses and take it all in—the silent, dim hallway, the hardwood under my feet, and the other closed doors in this corridor that lead to several classrooms, all appearing empty as I rush past them.

  Still, the eerie feeling remains, even in my frozen little world, and I wish I had siphoned some sort of useful power from one of the guys or my friends. As it turns out, I’m empty other than my time control, and I don’t even have a weapon on my person.

  With ten seconds left, I make it to the end of the hallway. My heart is a pounding like a hammer in my chest as I round the corner and beeline it for the kitchen, right as my power fizzles and the world returns to normal.

  My breathing rushes in and out of my lungs as I glance over my shoulder, and then I’m crashing into a hard body and careening backward, before strong arms grab me and steady me on my feet.

  “You should watch where you’re walking, Huntress.” The sneer is as unfriendly as the hard eyes staring down at me, and I pause as I place the guy’s name.

  “And you should watch where you’re lurking, Wes,” I counter, addressing the man who taunted me once before with a hard edge of warning in my tone. “What are you doing lurking in the private kitchen?” I ask, although I know many of the assassins in the house use the kitchen as a pass through to get to the foyer, even though they should be taking the longer way around through the cafeteria.

  “I should be free to go where I want.” He crosses his arms in challenge and I roll my eyes at his macho display.

  I get it. You bench and stuff. I’m sure you’ll remind me of the exact number if the conversation carries on for another three minutes.

  “You haven’t earned that trust yet,” I throw back at him, refusing to be intimidated by his height, stature, or lifting average. I’ve already shown this dude that I can lay him flat on his ass, and I shift my stance, prepared to do it again if I need to.

  “And you have?” He angles his head and studies me with a condescending air I’d love to beat out of his thick skull.

  What is with him? Maybe we should start a no steroids policy here.

  I simply offer him an unsettling smirk, not breaking eye contact until he finally shifts on his own feet and drops his arms. My chin lifts and I speak with the calmest voice I have. “I think you should find your way to your room. This is your only warning. Don’t fuck with me, or I’ll fuck with you right back.”

  “What? Going to run to your head boyfriend and tattle on me?” He takes a small step into my space and I match his move with one of my own, closing the distance between us to a menacing level.

  “No. I think I’d rather take care of you on my own.” I hold my ground until another male voice clears and Wes jumps back like he’d been burned. Yeah, he knows who I am and who backs me, and he runs away like a scared little dog with his tail between his legs. “I don’t get that dude’s deal. What? Does he feel more confident challenging me because I’m a woman?” I question the assassin who came to my rescue, whether I needed it or not.

  Vale gives me the smallest smile and shakes his head. “Some men cannot be helped. I’m not sure that one is going to be cut out for our academy.” His light green gaze trails after Wes as he disappears up the stairs and out of sight.

&
nbsp; “Academy?” I roll the term around on my tongue. “I guess that is what we’ve sort of put together here, haven’t we?” I try to keep the shakiness I’d felt earlier out of my tone, but my nerves are shot to hell from the scare after class and the run in with Wes. My need for a hot, calming shower rockets through me, and I move toward the doorway, hoping I don’t appear rude for my lack of conversational skills.

  All of us have special skills. Small talk just isn’t usually one of mine.

  Truthfully, I like the guy. After seeing him and Scarlett’s peaceful interactions together these last few days, I can’t help but place myself into his cheering section as I root for the two of them to solve their shit, and finally admit they belong together. Sure, there was that Archer incident, and sure, he has the power for intense orgasms or whatever, but Vale is sweet. I’ve been mere seconds away from making a t-shirt that says, ‘Team Vale.’

  Team Archer is the rebound team. The team that doesn’t play by the rules, doesn’t make play offs, and ultimately leaves my best friend with a heart more broken than it already is.

  Vale. Team Vale for sure.

  Mars, on the other hand, seems to have given up on Scarlett and has attached himself to Allison like the parasite he is. My teeth grit together as I think about the way his hands are always on some part of her body, and the way she beams under his creepy attention.

  “You’re worried about something,” Vale comments in that knowing way of his, just before I leave the kitchen. I pause mid-stride.

  “I’m always worried about things.” I don’t hide the truth from Vale. He knows, and it’s almost a relief to have someone you can’t lie to.

  “You hold too much on your shoulders.” The truth of his statement hits me in the gut.

  “I’ve never had people before.” It’s a whisper into the dark of night that’s descended on the house, coating the walls of the foyer in shadows. “People I care about and who care about me. I’ve never had a life before.” Admitting it out loud is like breathing life to all of my vulnerabilities, needs, and weaknesses.

  As if he knows what I’m thinking, Vale answers my aching heart. “Having family is the greatest gift. While it’s a vulnerability, it is never a weakness. Having people in your life is a strength. Hold on to them, Alexa. They’re the ones who will be on your side no matter what.”

  His words wash through me and I nod, letting them sink in. And then I can’t refrain from butting my nose into other people’s business. “Are you holding on to Scarlett? Because I think you should.”

  There’s a shine in his eyes, and his low timber sounds completely sure when he replies, “Like my life depends on it.” Then his footfalls grow fainter as he heads back the way he came.

  A smile that warms my heart pulls at my lips, but it fades as soon as I’m alone.

  Still feeling the heaviness of being watched, I gaze around, seeing nothing. Frustrated, I give up and move toward the stairs, climbing to the second floor and making it to the bathroom. The solace of being in a room with a lock allows me to calm my frazzled nerves and I turn the shower on, letting the heat steam up the mirror before I slip under the spray, rinsing the day away and letting the heat soothe my sore muscles. By the time I’m done, I towel off my hair, dry my body, and put on a white t-shirt and a pair of shorts that make me decent enough to traverse the hallway in semi-modesty.

  The long corridor is quiet and dark, but I can’t shake the heart pounding feeling buzzing through my veins. Heading to our section of the house, I glance at all the closed doorways and turn to the one I want.

  Knocking softly, I test the knob and push into Jameson’s room.

  “Hi,” I call softly, as I slip inside, close the door, and set the lock. Soft white carpet caresses my bare feet and I linger just near the door.

  “Hey.” He pulls the book he was reading away from his face, and rubs at his bad eye before setting the paperback aside. Without question, he lifts the blanket with his typical smirk and waits for me drop my things and crawl between his sheets. Settling on his side, he pulls me back into his body and spoons me against his warmth. As if he can feel my tension, he props himself up on an elbow and leans over me, studying my profile. “Hard day?” His brows are drawn together and his concerned expression pulls at the scar running down his face.

  Rolling onto my back, I trace the scar with my finger. He flinches slightly just from the way I’m looking at the imperfection. It’s a long, smooth line that normally doesn’t demand my attention like it does right now. He’s just so strong. It’s easy to see he was once an athlete just by how he handles situations, even terrible situations. He overcomes them with unyielding determination. I love him for his easy ability to make the hardest things in life seem so simple and straightforward. I lean up, and pepper kisses along the scarred line, easing the tension that engulfed Jameson when I gave it my attention.

  “You know what I think about when I see this?” I look up at him in the most adoring way, as he studies me with confusion and glances away. Reaching for his face with my other hand, I press on his cheek until he’s gazing down at me. I can see how important my next words are going to be, and lean up and press a small kiss to the corner of his lips before settling back down onto the pillows that smell like him. “I see a man who risked his own life to save me. Who sustained a life-altering injury to protect his friends—his family. I don’t see a scar when I look at you, Jameson. I see the hero you are in my eyes. I see you as the best version of yourself. One willing to sacrifice and protect what’s his. I see strength, and I see determination. You’ve worked so hard not to let your altered sight change you or your skills. I know it hasn’t been easy, but you’re a fighter. And that, Jameson, is what I see.” I let my fingertip tease gently over the puckered, light colored skin as Jameson stares down at me, finally drawing a deep breath into the lungs he was depriving just a moment ago.

  And then, his lips are on mine in a crushing kiss that sears itself into my heart, and sets my body on fire. I match every nip and flick of his teeth and tongue with my own, giving as good as I’m getting, and I let myself get lost in his affection as I push my whole unsettling evening behind me.

  My heart soars with the protectiveness and love I feel pouring off of him in that moment, and I know that Jameson would electrocute the entire fucking world just to keep me safe.

  “I love you, Lex,” he gasps out between biting and bruising kisses, and it’s all the breath I have left to murmur those words back to him.

  “I love you too.”

  Seventeen

  Brace for Impact

  “Read ‘em and weep, boys!” I smirk as I drop the cards on the table, and then reach over to pull all the poker chips into my steadily growing pile. Groans sound around the table, and I grin as I do a little wiggling happy dance in my seat.

  Modesty is one of my best qualities. I stick my tongue out, and instead of continuing his pouting, Jameson pretends to bite my mocking mouth with an up close snap of his teeth in a most animalistic way.

  Jerk. Accept my obnoxious boasting like Rory and the other guys do.

  Glancing over at the couch, I see a silent smile quirk one side of Mason’s lips as he pours over the papers in his hands. Busy as ever, he’s been compiling the most compatible teams to start assigning work to. I couldn’t even persuade him to join our game, but I’m happy that he’s at least in the same room. Life has been busy these past few days, and I’m missing all of my guys. It’s a rare occasion lately that we’ve all been in the same area at the same time. And I get it. I do.

  Our Anti-League is a baby that needs a shit ton of attention, but I’m already counting down the time until it’s a full-grown child that can feed itself and wipe its own ass, while I sneak in quickies on the drier, counter, couch, and sink.

  Sighing, I glance at the clock and note the late afternoon hour. Tylin and Archer left this morning to work at the warehouse, and I’m anxious to hear how their first day of ‘unmarking’ assassins is going. My stomach h
as been a churning mess since they left, and the poker game I’m playing with a few of the other male assassins in the house to distract myself is losing its appeal—even if I am winning.

  By a lot. Poor saps.

  “Deal me out.” I stretch and push my chair away from the table, moving over to the couch as I watch the next game start. Perching on the coffee table in front of Mason, I look at the stacks of paper he seems to have in some form of organized chaos. “Can I help with any of… this?” I gesture to the intricate process he appears to have going for him, and shake my head with the slightest movement, as my lips curve at the adorable expression on Mason’s face.

  His hair is a mess of wavy locks that’s grown longer in the past few weeks, and his chin is covered in a light stubble he usually doesn’t sport. His brown eyes seek mine from behind thick, black-rimmed frames, and my heart pitter-patters in my chest at just how handsome he is.

  “If you want to,” he replies with a smile, and I’m just happy he’s going to let me help him. “Take that stack there and look over the skill sets each assassin contains. I’m looking for someone who will work well with a pyro, a telepath, and an assassin with adaptive evolution powers. Ideally, it would be someone like myself who dabbles in some sort of technology or tracker field.”

  I gape at him, realizing just how many cool powers there are that I’ve never heard of. “Adaptive evolution. Like someone who can sprout wings to fly if they’re falling or breath underwater with gills?” I ask, thoroughly impressed. At Mase’s nod, I let out a whistle. “I’ll have to meet this guy.”

  Mason arches one dark eyebrow at me and evaluates me from behind his glasses. “I’m not sure I like how impressed you are.”

  “Psh.” I wave him off. “It’s just a cool skill set, that’s all. Your powers are much more impressive, Mase. You can track anyone and anything.” A fact he has proven over and over again.