Page 12 of Poison Ivy
“We aren’t asking you to hunt, exactly. You will be handed assignments, and then you will find the target and despatch justice.”
“In what form?”
“Death.”
“Wow, okay. That is final.”
“Only the worst scum is of interest to us. If death isn’t deserved, we don’t touch it.”
“So you want me to track down the most evil creatures the world has to offer and kill them? Who is to say they won’t kill me first?”
“That is a risk, yes. But is the incentive for you to be the very best you can be.”
“Do I get paid?”
“Handsomely.”
Now, she’s piqued my interest beyond being able to walk away. I don’t believe she knows what happened to my parents, but with cash on my side, I can fucking find out myself.
“Say I agree,” I say slowly. “What happens next?”
Vera’s smile widens, revealing unnaturally sharp teeth. “If you agree, you will get an assignment. A low level training exercise.”
I suppress a shudder. “This is still a kill?”
“Very much so. Just a not-so dangerous target.”
We lock gazes, and I pause.
“Still a bad creature, Ivy, just not the worst offender you’ll come across. You need to start small. Low-risk assignments to build your confidence and abilities.”
The warlock finally speaks up, his voice like gravel. “If you survive.”
Vera shoots him a look. “Ignore Vex. He can be a bit of a dick.”
“Come over here and say that with it shoved in your mouth.”
I blink at him. He is attractive in that bad boy kind of way. Clearly a little unhinged. But I like that in a guy.What that says about me, who the fuck knows or gives a shit?
I glance between them, weighing my options. On the one hand, this is insane. They’re asking me to become an assassin, to kill supernatural creatures. It’s dangerous, probably illegal, and definitely morally dubious.
On the other hand... answers. Justice. Purpose. Money.
“What about the university?” I ask. “I’m supposed to start at Thornfield in a few days.”
“It’s the perfect cover,” Vera says. “You’ll attend classes, blend in, be normal. No one will suspect a thing.”
I take a deep breath. “And you swear you’ll tell me what happened to my parents?”
“Once you’ve proven yourself, yes.”
I close my eyes for a moment, steeling myself. When I open them, my decision is made.
“Okay,” I say. “I’m in.”
Vera’s grin is predatory. “Excellent. Welcome to the Syndicate, Ivy Hammond.”
“Say goodbye to your soul,” Vex adds before going back to his computer screen.
