Eternal Service by Regina Morris Read Free Book Online Page B

captain’s eyes. “Captain, I know this is a lot of information. I remember all too well sitting where you are right now.” He took a deep breath as he viewed her signed oath in his hands. “If you choose not to take the promotion your memories of this meeting can be wiped away. That decision will not negatively affect your career.”
    “Immortality and mind games.” She peered down at the signed agreement. “I’m glad to see Hollywood does you justice.” Rubbing her brow she continued, “I’m fine. I can do this job … I just need a minute to think everything over.”
    Dixon’s eyes did a classic ping–pong match as he scanned the room from Alex to the vamps and back. Silence filled the room as Alex rubbed her temple. “Take a week to ask Raymond and Ben questions. They’ll be happy to discuss everything about this job and about their vampire culture with you. If you do accept the position, your new assignment will be noted in the President’s Daily Briefing and I will remain on staff to help you transition.” He stood up. “Go grab some coffee and talk.”
    “Alone?” Alex squeaked out. “You want me to be alone with them?” She moved one hand to touch her neck, or maybe she reached for the cross necklace she wore. Raymond wasn’t sure, but for someone who took the news that vampires walked among humans fairly well, Alex had now begun to panic.
    “They won’t bite you.” Dixon paused, “No pun intended.”
    “But you don’t want to come with us? What if I have questions they can’t answer? What if … I don’t know? What if I need something? Or …”
    Dixon cut her off. “There’s nothing I know that they aren’t going to know. Go talk. Get familiar with one another and with the rest of the team so you can make an informed decision. This position is long–term, not something you take on for only a few months.”
    “For starters, captain, call us Raymond and Ben. No need to be formal.” Ben said.
    Alex visually sized the vamps up. “My first name is Alex. Please, feel free to use it.”

CHAPTER TEN
     
    Raymond watched as Ben escorted the captain out of Dixon’s office. Just as he was about to follow, Dixon pulled Raymond aside.
    “I hate that I even need to mention this,” Dixon said in a hushed tone, “but Alex is off–limits.”
    Raymond turned so his back now faced the opened door giving them some privacy. “Off–limits?” he whispered back.
    Dixon raised his eyebrow and repeated, “Off–limits. So make sure your son doesn’t go after her.”
    Apprehension marred Raymond’s face. He hadn’t even thought of Sterling in this entire scenario. The first thing that boy would do is to make a play for her, and yes, he agreed, Alex was definitely off–limits to his son. He nodded to Dixon and stepped out of the office.
    Once he reached the hallway, he picked up on a familiar scent. The smell of Irish Spring soap, crest toothpaste (the plaque reducer one), and Old Spice hung in the air. The scent remained strongest right outside the office, which could only mean one thing. He looked around and spied the pair – Matt and Brandon. God, those two were the thorn in his side more times than he wanted to count. He watched as the two men stood at the end of the hall, looking like they were having a meeting with the plants near the window. They couldn’t appear more out of place if you paid them. The fact that their scents were strong right outside Dixon’s office meant they had spent some time right outside the closed door. Spying, no doubt.
    Raymond nodded over to Ben, who immediately caught sight of the two humans. “Please escort Alex to her desk so she can pick up her purse,” he directed Ben.
    Once he was alone, Raymond walked slowly down the hallway in the opposite direction of the two spies. Using his sensitive vampire hearing, he eavesdropped on their conversation.
    “… Looks like they got to the captain too,” Brandon said.
    “ Who? Who are ‘they’, Brandon?