Page 60 of Failed State

We’re likely pawns in some ploy to prevent sanctions or alliances from gathering against Taterman’s regime.

That’s more than I can worry about in our current predicament. If our rag-tag team of misfits is going to incite a revolution, we have to focus on winning their hearts first. The first lick of flames will light a slow burn that will start the wildfire—but only if we’re able to do it without anyone realizing our true aim. Getting primped today is just one tiny step towards that goal.

“Ow! By Lucifer’s shiny hooves, woman!”

I chuckle, laying back in my chair as I hear Huck getting feisty with his technician. The demon is making a gut wound out of a wax strip, but I know why. Vicious’ men are outwardly friendly, but inside, they’re as suspicious and careful as our girl. They hide it better, and this is the demon’s way of making sure he seems prissy just in case any of these chicks have flapping lips. It’s not a bad plan, but more believable coming from someone not as groomed as me or as intimidating as the dragon.

“Mr. Stormbringer, Gemma is pleased with the level of care you’ve been taking with your appearance. She would like me to catch-up on the basics, then begin working on a few more essential procedures to enhance your current look.”

My eyes open and I look at the dark-haired girl. “Do what you will, dear. I’ll behave and I won’t kick up a fuss. I’m quite used to being sculpted, poked, and prodded until I’m a masterpiece. Hell, I might even fall asleep; don’t be shocked.”

Her expression is doubtful, but I’m not lying. “Okay. Well, we’re going to start with the maintenance now. Would you like eye covers, nose plugs, or headphones?”

Fancy.

“The eye covers, please. I’m enjoying listening to the rest of my team learn that beauty is often painful. It amuses me.” I wink at her, getting a bright pink flush and accomplishing the distraction I intended. I don’t want to be blindandunable to hear what’s going on, much less deprived of scent as well. That’s plain stupid and it leads to… less than desirable outcomes. Of that, I’m very aware.

“Alright,” the tech replies as she hands me small soft cups to cover my eyes. “Let me know if you need me to pause briefly at any time. I’ll get everything warmed up and mixed while you relax.”

Yeah, whatever, chickadee. As if I have a choice in the matter.

It’s late by the time they finish with me and when I meander out of my little cubicle, the rest of the guys are dressed in the loose garb they gave me afterward. We’re all carrying bags that contain our previous clothing and to my surprise, no one looksas if they’ve been drugged to behave. That’s a good sign in my book; I was definitely concerned about the dragon fighting the treatments. Since they’re upright and conscious, I breathe a soft sigh of relief.

“Time to head back to our suite, yeah? I doubt the cafeteria is open,” I ask as I look at them.

Sebastian grunts, his expression dark as he nods sharply. “I believe taking our meal in our quarters would be optimal, mage. Comfort and security is our prime need after this nonsense.”

My lips quirk as I stare at the vampire. They’ve tamed his shock of white hair, making it curl temptingly around his face to soften the sharp lines of his visage. He’s obviously the avatar of all things evil and broody now, and it makes me curious to know what they did to him that I cannot see in the long sleeved, high-necked outfit. “I’m definitely sore, if that’s what you’re getting at, Bas.”

“Stop calling me that and quit gawking,” he mutters as he looks at the others for agreement. Letting them weigh in is another step in the right direction for the pissy bloodsucker, and I wonder if they gave him a tranquilizer, too. It wouldn’t knock a vamp out, but it might mellow his ass a bit.

“I agree,” Dante says as he scratches his chin. The dragon already had the ‘big bad’ look going, but they’ve razored his dark hair into an enticing yet masculine style and changed out some of the visible jewelry to things that look far more roguish than hoops. There’s a claw through the pierced eyebrow and the one in his septum looks like a curved lightning bolt. He’s still scruffy, but it’s artful now, which I hope like hell he can maintain. He’ll be in trouble if he can’t; I know it.

The boy-next-door bear, however, is now clean shaven, but roughed up a bit in terms of what style elements I can see. I suppose he’s meant to be the ‘working class’ nice guy to offset the haunting vampire and the bad news dragon. I’m the goldenboy, I know, so their theme is becoming readily apparent—all the men you’d love to have in your bed embodied in one team.

“Sebastian is right, Stormbringer,” Thad grumbles. “The staring is weird.”

I shrug, not really worried about their crankiness. Of all the people in our group, I understand this bullshit the best. “I’m assessing their visual strategy, gummy bear. None of you are qualified to figure it out, so unfortunately, you’ll just have to deal.”

“For fuck’s sake,” Huck says as he tilts his Stetson back. His dark hair is hidden by it most of the time, but I can sense they’ve done things to him we can’t easily see when he’s dressed. It wouldn’t surprise me, but I was hoping to be able to discern more than just ‘country boy’ from their efforts.

“He can’t help himself. It’s how he copes with this shit.”

We all whirl around to see the center of our team step out from behind her curtain. I have to force my jaw not to hit the ground when I see the woman joining us. I said Sydney was naturally good looking and I meant it, but they’ve transformed her from angry waif to stunning bundle of fury. Her expression speaks to the feelings of violation she’s feeling after her session, so I just swallow rather than comment on the changes. After all, I know how I felt the first time I experienced this sort of thing and I’m not nearly as rigid as Vicious.

“You look amazing, sweet pea,” Huck says softly as he holds out his arm. Her jaw grits and she shakes her head, making the demon shoot a concerned look at the bear. “Well, alright then. The magic man says we should eat in our room and I’m inclined to do so. How ‘bout you?”

“Fine.” Sydney lifts her chin, her hand grasping her bag tightly as she walks past us to the open door. “Let’s head for the dorm before we miss the room service window.”

Not good—she’s barely talking and she refused to let her closest friends touch her.

Striding toward the door, I follow the perfectly highlighted blond woman, watching her braid swing down her back as she makes a beeline for the main atrium where the elevators are. Her spine is rigid and posture stiff like she’s ready to pounce on the first thing that crosses her path. It makes me look around carefully as we move, trying to suss out what might be an issue before it gets anywhere near her. I don’t want there to be a scene when our girl is this volatile.

Sydney stops at the elevator, stabbing the button with her finger a few times, as if that will make it come faster. Thad and Huck flank her, staying within reach but not close enough to touch her on accident. She huffs and crosses her arms over her chest, wincing slightly as she does so. Again, I wonder what they did to her that’s making her this furious.

Unluckily for all of us, watching Sydney to ensure no one approached her left everyone else unguarded. A chorus of giggles erupt behind Dante and Sebastian, announcing their presence before any of the gaggle of girls speaks. Vicious doesn’t turn at the noise, but I do, groaning internally as I note the wolf girl and her pack of shifters staring at them.

This is going to suck.

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