Resistance (The Variant Series #2) by Jena Leigh Read Free Book Online Page A

moment to appraise him before replying. “Circumstances have changed. I couldn’t be certain of your loyalties anymore.”
    It was Nathaniel’s turn to pause.
    “My loyalties are exactly the same as they were two weeks ago,” he said carefully. “Nothing’s changed.”
    “ Everything has changed.”
    Nathaniel tried and failed to read something behind her expression. His fists clenched. “And our deal? Has that changed as well?”
    The Director’s smile was icy. “You lied to me, Nathaniel. When our deal was struck, it was under false pretenses.”
    “No,” he said. “I never lied to you.”
    Another pause.
    Nathaniel felt the tickle of desperation begin somewhere deep in his chest. He couldn’t afford to let things fall apart. Not now.
    Not when they were so close.
    He squared his shoulders. “The deal was to provide you with information about John Grayson and his family. For the last two years, I have kept my end of the deal,” he said. “I have no intention of reneging now.”
    “Two years ago, you came to the Agency asking for assistance, Nathaniel. Assistance that we graciously provided—under the provision that you kept us provided with important information. We were to be told everything, Nathaniel. That includes any and all information regarding Alexandra Parker.”
    “She didn’t arrive at the cabin until two weeks ago,” he said firmly. “You know that. And I haven’t exactly had a chance to check in since relocating to Florida.”
    The Director’s eyes narrowed. “Did you really think I wouldn’t remember her , Nathaniel?”
    Desperation gave way to fear. Nate swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. “I don’t know what you’re—”
    “Careful, Nathaniel,” she hissed. “You’re forgetting who holds the cards here.”
    “What is it you want?”
    The Director smiled. “Daily updates.” She slid a disposable cell phone across her desk. “If John Grayson so much as blows his nose, I want to hear about it.”
    Nathaniel reached forward and took the phone. “Fine.”
    “And I want you to start including Alexandra Parker’s movements in your reports,” she added.
    “That’s not going to be easy,” he hedged. “Declan’s the one shadowing her during the day. Not me.”
    “Then I highly suggest you get to know Ms. Parker outside of school. You’re a resourceful young man. I’m sure you’ll find a way.”
    Shit .
    “Sure,” he said. “You got it.”
    The Director smiled and pressed a button on her office phone. Another of her faceless lackeys walked in.
    “I’m so glad we were able to sort that out, Nathaniel,” she said. “I would so hate to be forced to dissolve our agreement. Especially knowing what that would mean for your family .”
    Nathaniel bit back a string of curses.
    “Yeah,” he said finally. “So glad we could sort it out.”
    At a signal from the Director, the agent grabbed his arm.
    “We’ll be in touch, Mr. Palladino,” she said, nodding to the agent.
    They jumped.
    Nathaniel fell to his knees and landed with a splash at the center of the training field. While he’d been gone, the sky had opened up.
    The unidentified agent disappeared in another flash of light.
    Nathaniel stood, tilting his head back as the rain crashed down around him in powerful torrents. Within seconds, he was drenched. He closed his eyes as droplets of rain fell heavily against his face.
    Dancing with the devil was getting harder every day.
     
    * * *
     
    Declan rang the doorbell for a second—then a third—time.
    Still no answer.
    He stepped back from the red lacquered door, pausing to peer through a darkened window before hopping off the porch and making his way around the side of the two-story, blue Victorian.
    Alex was home.
    He knew she was home because someone had just turned off one of the upstairs lights, only to turn on another in a separate room. The faint signature of electricity emanating from behind the house had already told him that Alex’s aunt was working