Page 2 of Goddess of Storms

“Aww, is little Harper jealous that I get all the attention? Or maybe you’re upset because you secretly want me as well.”

“I...I…why would you say that? They can have you, I don’t want or need their sloppy seconds.” I finish as I rise from my chair and escape to the supply room.

Closing the door and locking it, I start to gather some first aid supplies, making them into a make-shift kit. I add in a few thermal/fire blankets, and once I grab a few more essentials, when the door begins to shake.

“Arthurs, did you lock yourself in the supply closet again?” The boss's voice booms from behind the door.

“Yes, sir.” I holler back. Slowly walking to the door, the lock clicks under my wrist.

“Arthurs, how many times have I told you not to lock this door?” Forest Ranger Nicks questions. He looks ridiculously like Santa but in a green uniform and shorts.

“Sorry sir, you know me, I like to work in peace. It will not happen again.” I slide out through the door and head back to my desk.

I check through my little pack, marking off what I have inside as I go. Once satisfied, I head to Nicks’s office.

“Boss, okay if I head back to my house? This storm will lift in a couple hours, I’d like to be packed and ready to head out then. Will you have Stone do the same? And tell him to bring his own tent.”

Nicks just snickers as I speak, “Yes, of course, and I will talk with him now. You know I paired you with Stone because you’re the only one not following him like a lost puppy. The other agents don’t think I see it. I’m not as blind as they think.”

“I never thought you were, and that was a smart move. I bet the others are whining to each other about it. Have they all come in and complained yet?” I ask truthfully.

He shakes his head in reply, “Not yet. You better get out of here before they corner you, too. You can’t trade partners. If they stop you, that’s an order.”

“Whatever you say, boss,” I say, giving him a little salute.

He snickers and waves me out.

Leaving his office, I take careful steps towards my desk. I only need to grab my jacket and I’m almost home free. The moment that my fingers graze the hood, another hand covers mine.

Glancing up, I see it’s Reid. That bitch scares me a little. She’s always playing with a knife. I sometimes feel as if she is practicing her murdering skills. I mean, what better place to bury a body than in the middle of the forest?

“Keep your paws off of Morganite,” Reid warns, running a thumb across her neck as if to slit it open.

“I have no problem with that; he, on the other hand, might.” I shrug.

Reid eyes me as I put on my jacket. I head to the door. Peeking back over my shoulder, I see her mimic cutting her throat open again.

I jog to my Jeep with careful steps, the asphalt is slick from the rain. I hustle in and when I close my door there is an echo.

There, in the passenger seat, is Stone.

“Shit, Morganite, why are you in my Jeep?” I sigh, starting the engine.

“I thought you may need help packing. That and Reid was hovering over my desk. I needed some air.”

“So, let me get this straight, you’re hiding from Reid. Is the big bad Morganite afraid of her?” I tease.

“She would destroy me!”

“Stop lying to yourself, you’d be into that.” I laugh. “Will you get out now?”

He shakes his head no. “I’m good where I’m at.”

“Fine, but you are not helping me pack my underwear.”

He chuckles as I reverse out of my spot and make the quick drive home. “You’re no fun.”

* * *

---