Page 17 of Love & Heart Braking

It was my turn.

I nearly waved before remembering Rebel Club didn’t like that. “Hey, I’m, uh… Love Girl.”

Silence.

“Cool, so I’m here because the twelve are after me and a good friend. They also potentially have another friend, but he may be dead.”

“Jaeke,” Fenton clarified.

I nodded. “That’s him. This weekend just gone, the twelve paid me a visit and offered me employment. Well, less of an offer and more of an… ultimatum.”

The man in the leather jacket jerked.

Soleil hissed, “You’re not working for them.”

“Take it,” Fenton breathed.

I announced calmly, “I will be accepting their offer. Final negotiations are this weekend. I need your help to make sure we spin the contract to our advantage. We don’t have anyone on the inside. I’m sure you can all see the value of having me there.”

“They’ll try to tie you up in legalities,” the short female beside the guy in the leather jacket said. “It’s what they do. Either that way or financially.”

I tilted my head to the vampire. “We have someone who has outwitted them in past deals.”

Bain spoke, “I can also help.”

“And me,” said leather jacket guy.

“Me also,” the short woman said.

“I brought a copy with me.” A slightly edited version. I’d removed all instances of “heart elemental.” I dug around in my tote. “It’s in here somewhere. Hold on.”

“I don’t know what’s in here either,” the tall, lanky woman read the side of my bag. “I like it.”

“Thanks!” I pulled the tote up onto my lap. “I swear the contract was on top.” Yanking out a stapler, I ignored Soleil’s, “That’s mine!” and drew out a book titled, Blood Trial. “That’s where it got to. Had big plans to read that this winter.” Digging some more, I beamed. “Found it.”

I passed the crumpled contract to Bain.

“What are the black marks on this?” he asked.

“Personal stuff.”

He looked at me, or through me to my soul. “The truth covers the lie. Non-malicious intent.”

I cleared my throat. “Awesome. So you guys will look into the contract?”

“If you are brave enough to go behind enemy walls, young one,” the unicorn said, “then I will ensure you are protected.”

That was a weight off the shoulders. “The contract is skewed in their favor. Beyond that, I don’t know enough to have a clue.” I smiled, forgetting they couldn’t see it. “And that’s me.”

Tall, lanky, and stylish sighed. “I’m here because I’ve got dirt on one of the fuckers.”

We waited for more. When it didn’t come, and she jerked her head, the guy next to her fidgeted and adjusted his cap.

“I’ve had recent dealings with them,” he said quickly. “I know a lot about the Cinereses in particular.”

I narrowed my gaze and glanced at a blurry-faced Soleil. No idea who the woman was, but the guy was obviously Austin.

“I’m trying to right some of the recent wrongs I’ve made in my life,” he added, turning his head my way.

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