Enjoy
Chapter 6
Leaning against the refrigerator, I let myself slide to the floor. Once I sat, Abby came over to me, her tail wagging excitedly. Absently, I extended my hand to pat her golden hair as I stared into space.
This is all too much. First the stone thingy, then the Shifter guys and then Anthony doing… And me… No, this wasn’t the time to think about that. I looked at Abby, who I’d just noticed was whining. She’d probably missed me, if I’d really had been gone for an entire day. “I’m sorry girl” I gave her an apologetic hug before getting up.
“Wanna go for a walk?” From her loud bark, I took it for a yes. I hurried around the house, grabbing a coat and some other things. Two minutes later, I was out the door, Abby on my heels. We walked for a short time, in the midst of the trees – that looked creepy in the darkness of the night – until we arrived to our destination. A big oak tree.
Sure, it sounds silly, but it was my spot. It was one of the biggest trees in the area, and I’d made it officially mine the first time I’d climbed it. Here, I could think, be alone, admire the view and so much more. I stood in front of it, scanning up and down. There wasn’t much wind, so the climb would be okay.
I glanced to Abby, who took her cue and laid down. If she wanted, she’d go walk around, but she would always come back. She was such a smart dog.
I stepped closer to the tree’s trunk. Grabbing hold of the wooden planks that were nailed to the tree, I started climbing. About halfway up, there were no more planks; however, the branches were close enough at this point to climb them. Thank goodness for my gymnastics classes when I was a kid.
Some time later, I reached the height I wanted. It was few feet below the tree top and a couple meters higher than my own house. Also, since this tree was higher than the majority, it gave a perfect view of the area, that is, on the other side of where I was. Most of the night had passed, so by the looks of it – plus a quick glance to my watch – the sun would rise in not long.
I managed myself around the tree, and moved slowly towards the huge plank installed there. This spot had four branches that grew apart, but converged afterwards, making small pit, so it was easy to nail a plank on top. I could sit down while leaning against the tree this way. So I did, and then sighed in contentment. I always felt so comfortable here, like I was queen of this castle. You know what I mean.
Finally installed, I put on my IPod and let songs play on random, although I was really paying any attention to my music. A cool breeze flew by, smelling like the autumn that it was. I sighed again. Now, I can think.
So I let my thoughts flow at first, simply recalling everything that had happened in the last twenty-four hours. So much had happened. Then, I reflected on it all. I literally went over every detail that needed my attention, but only one kept going back and forth in my head. What am I going to do now?
There were only two options: join them or don't. I rubbed my temples, trying to ease the headache that was building from my deep brainstorming. Maybe lowering the blazing music in my ears might help. I was about to, when the song changed and I heard Linkin Park's Leave out all the rest. I decided to listen to it, singing in my mind the lyrics.
I dreamed I was missing
You were so scared
But no one would listen
'Cause no else cared
After my dreaming
I woke with this fear
What am I leaving
When I'm done here
So if you're asking me I want you to know
Huh. Funny how I always seemed to find songs that fit with how I was feeling. The song was right though, as weird as it is to say. I was getting the opportunity of a lifetime. Plus, with the way they were talking, I was going to be involved in this one way or another, so I'd rather embrace this....gift. So I'd finally taken a decision.
I was going to become a Shifter.
* * * *
The next day, I'd made my way back to the mansion, to tell them what I'd decided, and was greeted by an awkward looking Anthony and an impassive Ben. Barely in the door, they ushered me towards the office, where some freak was waiting for me. His name was Mr Creepy, as per me. Tall British guy, mid-forties, bald spot on his head, weird looking spectacles while wearing an Armani suit. But it was his smile, the one of an old perverted man, that really freaked me out. The minute he'd looked at me, I'd felt as if I was completely naked. Even Anthony seemed to feel my unease, since he came closer to me, kind of blocking me off from Mr Creepy.
"I would keep your eyes in your head, Peterson, or you might lose them." He snapped angrily.
Peterson sneered. "You dare to threaten me boy? Do take notice that I could have you out of the Knights with a snap of my fingers." he gestured what he said.
"Your head would hit the floor before you even lifted a finger, I'd make sure of it."
"Gentlemen," Ben interjected "please, let us calm down. Our meeting today is to contract our newest member, not to indulge ourselves in testosterone."
I might've laughed, if it wasn't for the first part of what he said that clicked in. "Newest member? I haven't even told you yet I was going to join in."
He looked at me with a slight smile. "Forgive me for assuming, then. But rarely has anyone ever refused...and lived to tell the tale. I judged you smart enough to make the better choice."
"And if I'd refused?" I stated harshly.
"You wouldn't have," he chuckled. Arrogant know-it-all jerk. "Now," he gestured to the four seats " shall we get this over with?"
We all agreed, and went to sit. Peterson sat in the desk chair, facing the three that were on the other side. I sat in the middle chair, the other two on either side. Peterson took out papers from the briefcase he'd been holding and installed them on the desk in front of me. It was some kind of contract. I glanced up and noticed that Peterson had become all serious. I guess he was a career first kind of man.
"Now," he started "they have vouched that you are indeed a Galäbriel Knight. This is obviously a first for us all, but the Council as agreed to give you a chance. They will however be looking very deeply into this, of that you can be sure. Therefore, if you accept, you will be put on a customary one year probation time, of which you can leave at any given period, if you wish to. During your probation time, you will be trained, by your peers, to become a Knight. Fighting with and without your abilities, the use of weapons, basic politic notions, necessary knowledge of history and every fundamental information on mythical creatures will be taught to you. Once your probation is expired, you will be required to meet with the Council, in which time they will determine whether you are suitable or not. But that will all be in due time.
There are a few rules, however. Firstly, any and every means necessary must be used to annihilate any demonic, or other, threats. You will be notified to any possible or real danger in your area, by the Council itself, and must thereby take action on that terrorization. Killing any colleague or Council member, however, is strictly prohibited.
Secondly, what the Council says, goes. You never disrespect their rules. Ever. Any disregard will be highly punished, and possibly even expulsion can occur.
Thirdly, in no way, are you to divulge any of this information to anyone what so ever, excluding family, of course. No advertising of yourself, either. We do not exist. Never have. You will be paid for your services, of course, but any payment that has been flagged by anyone - and I do mean anybody - will be dealt with by the Council. You mustn't worry over such things.
Fourthly, alcohol and drugs are tolerated, although drugs not legally, during working hours. Meaning, always. The reason being in case you need the use of them for an undercover mission. However, you must never consume above your limits, therefore rendering yourself incapable of proper use of any or all of your abilities.
Point five, you also agree with this," he motioned towards the contract "that once your kin bare your abilities, to become a fulltime Council member, until death takes you, of course. And last, but not least, if the odds happen to not be in your favour, you must be willing to surrender yourself for the greater good. Losing is not an option in this. Your loss will be mourned, but it must and will be done, if needed."
He took a pen out of his pocket and handed it to me. "So, Miss Evans, if you will, please sign on the dotted line."
