Page 79 of Asphyxia
My perspective on life, on love…
Even going as far as thinking about raising a family together. Although, I don’t know how that discussion would go… who would get the first shot at putting a baby in me… then again—
“So when am I to expect a mini Chyler or Atlas to make their appearance?” Changing the subject off me and back on her where it belonged.
Today was her day; the whole reason we were out shopping, to begin with, was to finish planning her dream wedding.
Most of the essential arrangements had already been made, including the venue, flowers, catering, and limousine services that would shuttle us around all day and night.
Chyler was ready for her big day. The last item on our list was just my perfect dress.
“Atlas and I have talked about it… We’re thinking… honeymoon baby?” She giggled, biting her lip at the thought, her eyes creasing with sheer joy. “Or at least trying for it. If it happens, it happens.”
“You’re going to be an exceptional mother… You know that, right? Your mom would have been so proud to see you right now. Like this.” My voice softened as I felt my eyes warm with tears at the heartfelt moment brewing between us. “I know you never opened up to me about her—their accident. But I know she’s looking down on her little girl right now, and her heart is full knowing that her most cherished daughter is finally getting her happily ever after. The dream she always held close to her soul.”
“You promised you wouldn’t make me cry,” Chyler whined as a tear fell down her cheek.
“I promised I wouldn’t make you cry on your wedding day once you had your make-up done. Until then, your emotions are free game.”
Chyler shoved me playfully before standing and pulling her phone from her back pocket.
“Oh shit… Get dressed; we’re going to be late.”
“For what?” I arched my brow, confused.
We didn’t have anything else planned today, at least, to my knowledge.
Was I forgetting something?
“Don’t worry about it; get your clothes on, and let’s go.”
With a sigh and a shrug, I hauled my ass back into the dressing room and changed back into my clothes.
This better not be another cake-tasting appointment… on second thought…
EPILOGUE 2
Marcus
Drakestillhadn’treturnedfrom Nevada, so that left me spending even more time with his Alpha-Six team. I assumed he would have been back months ago, but I couldn’t complain about my current arrangements.
He wanted me trained for whatever would be coming at us next, so Dennison had been instructed to take me under his wing like a mentor, and honestly, he was a lot easier to work with than Drake.
Once a week, we would train at the gun range, where I learned how to use various types of firearms properly. I was a natural with the assault rifle and leaned on that more than any of the others, but Dennison insisted that I perfect my sniper skills for future consideration.
Juggling the CIA and the extensive training with Alpha-Six was a lot more work than I had anticipated, and I wished I had significantly more free time to do other things, like sit around on my ass andschooling Dean in Call of Duty, but I knew the long-term payoff would be worth all the effort invested.
I started my training with Dennison early this morning before dawn even broke. We started with our usual run through the city, building my endurance, and then finished at the range with sniper practice.
Our sessions had become routine, starting with the run and ending with some form of tactical or weapons training.
Dean was jealous. Nothing interesting happened this past year at the CIA, and if any significant assignments did come in, they were usually given to Atlas, Derek, or one of the other senior agents first.
We were essentially chained to our desks and laptops for the time being, which pissed him off because he was bored as fuck. I was more than okay with it, having more time to focus on my Alpha-Six training.
Drake rarely called me, and if he ever did, it was to tell me to stop being a pain in the ass to Dennison.Fucking tattle tale…
Being Drake’s eyes and ears while he was out of state no longer felt like a favor. I was sure that request was just used as an excuse to skate around the fact that he didn’t want to invite me into his ranks formally.Manly pride and all.
