Page 79 of Dark Shaman: Love Found
"That's good."
"I will teach them to gather information. How to ask questions without seeming interested, how to get people to open up, and how to recognize valuable intelligence versus gossip. I've spent years doing exactly that for my own amusement and for money. I will also teach them seduction and manipulation. Not just the physical aspects, but the psychological ones, which are much more important. Howto become what someone wants, how to create emotional connections that feel real."
"I assume that's the part they're nervous about."
Carol laughed. "Yeah. I thought they would be anxious about combat training, but they are happy to learn self-defense and how to handle weapons. They are worried about the things that should come naturally to them."
"Not everyone is as gifted in those arts as you are."
"True." Carol didn't bother to play coy.
"Is twelve weeks enough time?" Kian asked.
"I hope so. It depends on what they bring to the table. How natural they are at the various things they need to learn to do." She set down her tablet. "The bigger question is, where do we send them once they're trained?"
Kian seemed to have been waiting for her to ask that. "I've marked several politicians who need nudging in the right direction. I'll forward the list to you once I have it finalized. How soon can you start the training?"
"Two weeks. I need time to set up the curriculum, assemble the instructors, and prepare the facilities."
"What facilities? Aren't you going to use the underground training center?"
"Yes, but I want to use the one in the keep. Since Lokan and I are staying over there now, and we are also in charge of the paranormals, it would make things easier for me."
"That makes sense. Are you sure you can handle both tasks, though?"
"They are related. Some of the paranormals might join the spy program." Carol checked her watch. "Speaking of which, I should head back. It's been almost twelve hours since Lokan induced Jeremy. We are all anxiously waiting for his transition to start."
"I want you to know that I appreciate what you and Lokan are doing," Kian said. "It's a lot taking on both projects."
"Honestly, after our previous mission, this is nice and safe."
"Don't jinx it."
Carol laughed. "Good point." She stood, collecting her tablet. "Do you want me to email you a summary of what we talked about?"
"A few bullet points would be appreciated. I also need you to come up with a budget."
"I will. Although, to be frank, money is not the real currency here." She sighed. "This kind of work changes you if you don't have the right constitution for it. I enjoy wearing different costumes, and I don't mean clothing. I'm a chameleon, but I always remember who I am under the mask. Not everyone can do that. Some forget who they really are, becoming the role they are playing. Some have a hard time forming connections with targets while knowing they'll betray them, and living in constant fear of discovery is not a life everyone can handle either."
"You handled it exceptionally well."
She smiled and patted her curls. "That's because I'm special."
26
LOKAN
The memory of last night's induction played through Lokan's mind as he stood at the wall of glass in Amanda's penthouse, admiring the city view. The hardest part of the fight had been the stress of providing enough venom to induce the transition, but not enough to kill Jeremy.
The guy had put up a decent fight, but he was no match for an immortal, especially not one who was three-quarters god. Lokan had been careful not to hurt the young man, but Jeremy hadn't been happy about that.
"You're holding back," the guy had gasped, circling warily after Lokan had tapped him lightly on the ribs, a blow that could have shattered bones if he'd used even a fraction of his strength.
"Would you prefer I didn't?" Lokan had asked.
Jeremy's response had been another rush, this time attempting some takedown he'd probably seen in an MMAfight on television. Lokan had stepped aside, caught Jeremy's arm, and used his own momentum to guide him to the mat—face down, arm twisted behind his back—not enough to injure, just enough to immobilize.
"I yield," Jeremy had said immediately, smart enough to know when he was outmatched, but it had been unnecessary.
