Once I Rebel

By Tara Ingham

Mina knows who she was, who she is, and it’s time she learned who she’ll become.
Over two years have passed since Mina Hurley awoke as a revenant to discover she’d been murdered. Two years during which she’d been pursued, tortured and ultimately forced to become a hunter herself, tracking and apprehending the woman who had murdered her. She had hoped that would be the end of it, but now she knows better.
When Maat’s founder, Kesi, dismisses the Millennial council, ordering their capture and Mina’s, Mina is left with no choice but to run, no one to turn to but a rebellion she never wanted to be a part of. With Kesi’s fear threatening to tear apart the fragile stability of the supernatural world, Mina’s friends flock to her aid as they’re forced to fight a battle none might survive. With her friends’ lives at stake, how much is she willing to give to avoid falling into Kesi’s hands?
What will become of her if she fails?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Nov 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781398420687

Tara Ingham

Australian author Tara Ingham began writing at 14, quickly developing a love for the written word. She went on to undertake a tertiary writing course in 2010 and then study creative writing and literature at University. After graduating in 2014, Tara completed her fourth full manuscript and began editing on a casual basis.

Book preview

Epilogue

About the Author

The Australian author, Tara Ingham, began writing at 14, quickly developing a love for the written word. She went on to undertake a tertiary writing course in 2010 and then studied creative writing and literature at university. Since graduating in 2014, Tara has done casual work as a fiction editor and published her debut Once I series.

Dedication

For my friends, whose loyalty and antics never cease to inspire me.

Copyright Information ©

Tara Ingham (2020)

The right of Tara Ingham to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781528950282 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781398420687 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published (2020)

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd

25 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5LQ

Acknowledgment

Firstly, I’d just like to say WOW! Here we are, Book 3 – the finale for the Once I series. There have been times I didn’t believe I’d actually manage it, but I know I never would have if it wasn’t for those who’ve helped me along the way, so thank you to everyone who’s had even the slightest influence. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Thank you to the team at Austin Macauley, it’s easy to act like the author makes all the effort but I know how much work goes on behind the scenes. I appreciate all the effort you’ve put in over the course of producing this series.

Thank you to my family and friends, who, as always, have been eagerly supporting me (when they’re not nagging me for release dates) and proving a constant source of entertainment and inspiration through their antics.

And of course, my readers. I love hearing your feedback and seeing the excitement you exude for my novels and I hope you love Once I Rebel as you have Rise and Remember.

A final shout-out to my pets, Illium and Khyro, who have no capacity to read whatsoever. Your constant nagging and attention-seeking while I’m trying to work remind me to get up so I don’t end up with cramps or a numb butt, which is always important for an author.

Happy reading and I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey!

Prologue

Nine years ago…

His breath hovered in the air ahead of him for a moment before he passed through it, pulling his hood lower over his head. Jet had always hated hunting in the winter, the biting air cutting straight through his lean muscles. He wondered if his brothers felt the cold, enormous as they were, then pushed the thought aside. He wouldn’t have to worry about cold nights hunting anymore, not after tonight. Cold as he was, his lean build did have some advantages; the ability to move like a shadow, disappear into the small gaps his brothers couldn’t dream of fitting into, walk by unnoticed. These things were valuable assets for a hunter and he used them to full advantage tonight.

Glancing back over his shoulder discreetly, he checked once more for pursuit before taking the final turn for the rendezvous.

The alleyway was dark but not enough to hide her. No, nothing could ever hide her, not from him. Not from the first moment he’d spotted her. He stopped at the end of the alleyway to watch her for just a moment as she stomped the cold out of her feet and rubbed her gloved hands together to warm them. Her cheeks and the tip of her nose were pink with cold, the bow of her mouth pursed as she blew puffs of steam into the air, her hair was half hidden below a dark beanie but the equally dark tresses left out gleamed even in the dimness. Her eyes turned to him and they glinted with mischief.

He could feel the dumb smile on his face, unashamed at being caught and waited, appraising her just a moment longer as her lips curved into a smile, then he ran, catching her mid-stride to a delighted squeal.

Did you have any trouble? she asked when they finally came to a stand-still, still held tight against his chest as he now tried to still her shivers with what little body heat he had.

Jet shook his head. Nope. Someone tried to mug me – bet ‘e’s regrettin’ that ‘right ’bout now, but otherwise we should ’ave a clean get away. I bled myself a ’lil, tossed it ’round so it’ll look like someone got the better’a me. Momma ain’t gonn’ bother lookin’ more’n a few days if she thinks I’m dead.

Nodding, Sifa said, Let’s hope that works. The mischief lingered in her eyes and she tipped back, forcing him to set her back on her feet. Are you ready to admit defeat and run away with me?

Sifa, girl, he said, slowly walking her backwards, caging her in with his arms when she hit the wall. I was ready to ‘mit defeat ’moment ya put that axe in my shoulder. Though, I’m still holdin’ out for an apology, he teased.

Apology? she asked, trying and failing to keep her expression serious. You mean, like this? She pushed away from the wall enough to inch up on her toes, kissing him ever so softly.

That’s a start, he chuckled, letting his hands drop to her waist as he dipped to her level, nipping at her lip lightly before kissing her again, letting himself get lost in that moment as her fingers tangled in his hair and his hands moved to her face, thumbs brushing against soft, cold cheeks and he pushed her up against the wall once more, completely lost in her taste, her smell, her.

She gasped, a sharp, jagged sound and Jet opened his eyes to meet hers. They were wide, pained and he was confused.

Sif­— he felt it, warmth trickling over his hand, down his wrist. His stomach knotted as he felt the call, realised what was in his hand. He didn’t want to look, didn’t want to see what the warmth running over his skin was.

It’s okay, Sifa’s voice was a gasped whisper as Jet shook his head in denial.

It’s… No…I didn’t do this… he looked down, a strangled scream of denial working its way up his throat as he saw his hand, still wrapped around the shaft of an innocents’ bone arrow. I didn’t…I don’t understand, he sobbed in confusion. He knew he hadn’t brought any bone with him, had avoided having any near him since he’d started chasing her.

You didn’t do this, her eyes were distant, looking off over his shoulder. He didn’t look to see why.

She was in pain, he could see it, hear it in her ragged breaths and then her legs gave out beneath her. He caught her, lowering her slowly and cradled her in his lap once they hit the ground.

Sifa, don’t go. Don’t go, please, he begged hopelessly, the veins already spreading up her neck.

This was inevitable, Jet, she murmured, voice pained as she reached a trembling hand to press against his cheek. He imagined he could feel the cold of them through her gloves as his tears splattered against her skin. Remember, they will try to snuff your light…because you are more…you are more powerful than they can accept…they will try to use you. Fight… Never stop fighting f-for what is right. Don’t let them destroy you, she said, forcing the words out as the darkness started seeping into her eyes.

Jet shook his head in denial, shook it so fiercely he thought his brain might be crushed against the inside of his skull. No, no no no no. Sifa girl, I love you. Stay, I’m beggin’ ya jus’ stay with me, he sobbed as the darkness reached her pupils.

I love you, forever, she murmured and the glimmer of her life faded, her body turning limp in his arms.

The pain hit him hard and fast, wrapping around his throat like a fist, crushing his heart like a bullet. He couldn’t breathe. Then he roared. It was the sound of a beast, his agony, his pain spearing him through and finding its way out into the night until it had emptied from him, left him hollow and so cold he couldn’t feel the bite of the wind anymore. He rocked her, gently, murmuring nonsense, gently rubbing her cold cheek with his bloody thumb until the world didn’t seem to exist anymore. His world lay still in his arms, cold, her veins turned black; a gaping maw carved into his chest where his heart was meant to be.

Well, this is…tragic, a high pitched, childish voice with an accent Jet couldn’t place sounded from behind him and he pulled Sifa’s body closer, a threatening growl revibrating up his throat as he let his gaze move over his shoulder.

The child that stood behind him looked no more than ten, but her demeanour gave her away, along with the tailored suit, slicked back hair, olive skin and bald Egyptian man flanking her. Any hunter worth a damn knew exactly who she was.

Kesi, he growled, still clutching Sifa protectively.

Kesi rolled her eyes, primly folding her arms over her chest as she looked down on him. You’re not an animal, so stop behaving like one, she scolded and Jet was momentarily taken aback. It seems we have an unfortunate situation here but fortunately for you, if you accept my proposition, I won’t have to have you killed for it.

What? Jet hissed in confusion, refusing to face her full on, refusing to let Sifa go.

Since your liaison with Sifa came to my attention I’ve been keeping tabs on you. You see I have a position to fill on my staff, and as a hunter you’ll suit my needs quite nicely.

You’re outta your mind. I should jus’ kill you now.

There’s no need for that. If you accept the offer, you can return to my base with me tomorrow and your family need never know of this dalliance. And, of course, you’ll be able to keep hunting, only you’ll be hunting those who actually deserve it.

Hunting. The word broke through when nothing else seemed to be making sense. He needed to hunt something, maybe then he’d feel normal again.

Kesi saw the change in his gaze and smiled, taking a folded piece of paper from the man flanking her and held it out towards Jet. If you’d like to join me, be at this address no later than six A.M. If not, best of luck, Jethro.

Jet carefully eased an arm out from under Sifa’s body, reaching a bloodied hand out slowly to take the paper.

I’ll see you in the morning…and I’ll have someone come clean this up, she said, tossing a disinterested gaze over the scene.

Jet didn’t notice, unfolding the paper to read the contents.

Good evening, Mister Peirce.

His gaze lifted to watch her leave, then he slowly lowered Sifa to the ground and, without looking at her, stood and followed, refusing to let his gaze drift back as he wished it to. He quickly matched Kesi’s stride and she beamed up at him.

Welcome to the team.

Chapter 1

Dressed from head to toe in black, Mina blended into the shadows and moved like a ghost. Months of training were beginning to pay off as she glanced at Jet where he was nearly invisible ahead of her, his immense form somehow cloaked as easily as hers. The evening was heavy, air thick with humidity, so she breathed slowly and carefully placed her feet as she navigated the dense forestry. Jet raised his hand sharply, fist closed to indicate they should stop and Mina heard the almost indiscernible sound of four sets of feet still in the brittle debris across the forest floor.

This wasn’t her first hunt, and far from the most dangerous since she’d helped Jet hunt and apprehend the woman who had killed her almost six months earlier. Still her heart pounded against her ribs and her throat felt dry. As she stood frozen, waiting for Jet to indicate they move forward, she felt her muscles quiver and imagined herself tumbling into the debris, giving away their approach. Grimacing around the image, Mina forced her eyes to remain fixed on Jet’s closed fist as he cocked his head, listening to something no one else could hear and, slowly, his hand opened and with two fingers he pointed the team forward.

She had to fight the urge to release a relieved sigh as they began blending through the shadows once more, a small, flickering light slowly coming into view ahead. Taking a slow breath, she caught the scent of smoke and cooking meat drifting from it and her heart beat picked up once more. It all came down to this.

What felt like an eternity of slow creeping later, Jet motioned for them to spread out from where they hid in the spindly underbrush surrounding the camp and its sole occupant.

Mina almost felt sorry for the man in the camp as she eased into position, turning her gaze to where she thought Jet was hiding so she wouldn’t miss the signal. They’d been tracking this revenant since he started causing trouble a few days ago. It wasn’t anything serious, as far as Mina knew. He hadn’t sired anyone or risked exposing Maat, but Jet said he was building up to it, that he’d gone rogue and it was better for everyone involved if it stopped before things got too serious.

It was the kind of judgement call she’d learnt Jet had to make all the time. The kind of judgement call she would eventually learn to make as she continued to work alongside the hunter.

There.

Barely visible through the branches, Jet lifted three fingers, dropping each in quick succession before springing from his hiding place, weapon raised. If anyone had missed the signal, they didn’t let on, appearing without hesitation to surround the rogue – who pulled a broadsword from the under edge of the log he’d been resting on.

Drop the blade and we won’t have’ta shoot ya, Jet drawled, his Texan accent thick with antagonism.

She knew well enough by now that he usually wanted the target to put up a fight, just so he could play with them.

The rogue ignored him, eyes wild as he searched for kinks in their defences, the easiest way to slip through, and they quickly landed on her. As a significantly older revenant, he’d have recognised how young she was the moment he saw her, and for their kind, that meant she was less likely to know how to hold herself in a fight.

Unfortunately, this time he was right. Since capturing Veronica, she’d learnt to fight with every kind of knife imaginable, practised Okinawan kobudō constantly with her tonfa, been punched in the face more times than she could count by more people than she cared to remember, but not once had she come up against a sword.

Her brain froze as he charged her, the gun in her hands trembling as she tried to figure out how to react. Distantly she realised people were shouting at her in voices she knew, but she was caught up on the fact that she was being charged by a guy with a sword and she didn’t have a shield.

Thunder rang out through the forest jerking Mina free of her stupor as the rogue lurched forward at her feet, thrusting his sword towards her as he did so. She had just enough presence of mind to leap back.

Breathing hard she realised how stupid she’d been as she saw Jet stalking towards her, hot gun in his hands as the rest of the team closed in with varying degrees of disappointment on their faces.

Point and shoot, darlin’, Jet drawled as he pulled handcuffs from a pocket and snapped them around the rogue’s wrists while they hissed a string of curses in a language she’d never heard.

I know, I just froze. I…I’m sorry, heat was creeping across her skin and Mina dropped her face towards the ground, not wanting the rest of the team to see her shame.

We’ll talk ‘bout it at base, Jet said, his tone implying this ’talk’ was going to more closely resemble a lecture.

As he hefted the struggling man over his shoulder, Mina joined the rest of the team in snuffing the flames and collecting the rogue’s gear before they returned to Maat.

The drive back was uncomfortable. Mina knew she was being judged and that many of those Jet usually worked with didn’t think she was cut out for the job, but it was all she had now, and all she knew to do. She’d felt lost for a long time after Veronica had been captured, without a purpose or direction, and ultimately it was Jet who gave that back to her, albeit at the insistence of Emnie. Mina suppressed a shudder as she remembered why Emnie had pushed for this as the imposing form of Maat came into view ahead of them, the building standing dark alongside its neighbours. Kesi hadn’t become less suspicious in the months past, if anything, Maat’s founder had become more so, constantly checking in as though she was trying to back Mina into a corner and make her confess allegiances she didn’t have. It all made the situation so much more stressful.

Helping with the usual run around as they unloaded the prisoner and deposited him in a cell helped Mina distract herself. She filled out the paperwork without thinking now, quickly explaining everything that had happened in as simple terms as possible before depositing the documents on Jet’s desk to be submitted before Jet called everyone in to his office to debrief just before sunrise.

Debriefings were boring. Mina usually spent the duration half listening while Jet explained what had happened, what went well, what did not, but today she sat to attention, heart thumping against her ribs painfully while she waited to be chastised for freezing again. It never happened. Jet glossed over the entire incident, concluding that despite some minor mistakes, the hunt had been a success and they could all leave.

She was still trying to fathom what had happened as she stood, following the lead of the other two men on the team when Jet called after her, Mina, a minute, please?

Her stomach dropped to her feet as she turned woodenly, struggling to keep her eyes from dropping to the ground as Jet stood watching her with enormous arms crossed across an even broader chest, his bright blue eyes sharp as he took her in.

What happened?

Shuffling on the spot, Mina tried to explain, I wasn’t expecting the sword, I guess it threw me and I just…froze.

Jet nodded slowly, unfolding his arms as he made his way around his cluttered desk to stand directly in front of her, Ya can’t be doin’ that, darlin’. That’s how ya get hurt, or more important for you, exposed.

Mina grimaced, aware she was in a more precarious position than most, not only for Kesi’s suspicion that she was a rebel, but because she was also the only revenant in history who couldn’t be killed in any of the known ways.

I know, she murmured, remembering the excruciating test they’d conducted to prove she was immune to innocents’ bone, which for most revenants would kill with the tiniest pin prick, poisoning them in the most agonising of ways. I’ll try not to freeze next time.

Ain’t no try to it, ya simply won’t. I’mma start trainin’ ya on swords first thing, Jet announced, sitting back against his desk as Mina groaned.

First thing to Jet really was first thing. In the morning. Which was approximately two hours away.

Can’t I get some sleep first? she groaned; all earlier embarrassment gone.

Jet smirked, a wolfish glint in his eyes that Mina had come to recognise as being more playful than threatening, Nope.

Pouting, Mina turned for the door only to pause as she reached for the handle. Actually, she turned back to Jet as he raised his eyebrows curiously. There was something I wanted to ask; I just haven’t heard anything in a while…

That is? Jet prompted when she didn’t continue.

Sovereign and his family, how’re they doing? She’d been keeping up to date on the developments with the other hunter since he’d been released after handing himself in.

Sovereign had once been one of Veronica’s senior lieutenants, but had risked his life and the lives of his family to get out when he couldn’t stomach letting Veronica kill innocent girls anymore.

They’re doin’ well, I’ll let ‘em know you’re askin’, Jet said almost too casually, as though he knew there was more to her question.

And his job…? she prompted.

’Course, he murmured. He’s doin’ good, managed to track and catch most’a the hell bitch’s loyalists. Jus’ a few to go.

Mina nodded, Good, that’s…good. She meant it, but it still felt odd knowing he was tracking and capturing his old hunter buddies, when in her own right, Mina had every reason to do so as well. And the girls?

Jody’s workin’ ‘gain, Robyn’s startin’ kindergarten. They’re gettin’ their lives back together, he said with a note of pride. Mina knew he’d been working closely with the family, being that he was the only person at Maat Sovereign didn’t instinctually want to kill, but it still surprised her how familiar he’d become with the family.

That’s…that’s good, she forced a smile and Jet rolled his eyes.

Go clean up and rest, you got an hour and a half.

Mina groaned dramatically as she once again turned for the door, releasing a melodramatic, Fine, as she walked out.

Chapter 2

Jet watched approvingly as a pair from his team sparred at the back of the gym, striking and counter-striking without remorse. A small bubble of guilt welled in his stomach but he quelled it. Mina needed to learn to ignore her weariness and react by instinct instead of overthinking everything, that was why she’d frozen when faced with a sword, and that’s why he’d ordered her to attend training instead of letting her sleep. He still struggled not to let the part of him that wanted to protect her make the calls. The world was a much more dangerous place for her than she knew and he had to make sure she could protect herself should the time come.

Turning his gaze to the large clock hung against the back wall, he watched the heavy hands count down the minutes, bouncing slightly with every turn as though they might snap under their own weight. Still watching the clock, he could hear the breathing of one of the sparring men growing sharp, a gentle rasp scraping up his throat as he tried to push back against his opponent.

Three, two… One, Jet murmured just as the rasping man was knocked from his feet, landing on the mat with a pained groan as he struggled to regain his breath.

The elevator doors slid open behind him and Jet turned to see Mina rushing into the gym, her blond-streaked brown hair tied back in a short pony tail now that it was once again long enough to do so, and the puckered, red scar down her left cheek warped as she grimaced.

‘Mornin’, darlin’, he greeted with a broad grin and made his way towards the sparring mats.

I’m glad you didn’t add ‘good’ to that statement, she grumbled as she met him in the middle of the central mat.

Sure ya’are, he teased and collected bo-staffs from the equipment rack against the far wall, tossing one to Mina once he was in range again. And you’ll be glad as a goose once we get warmed up, he added sarcastically as she glowered at the bo-staff in her hands.

Of all the Okinawan kobudō weapons, it was easily her least favourite and he knew it.

They started off slow, pacing out the space and gauging the others movements. Jet always attempted to use a different approach in their training so she wouldn’t get used to his style and learn to predict it. He wanted her to be able to interpret an opponent’s intentions by watching them in the moment, which was hard when she was always training with the same people.

Soon enough Mina lunged and the dance began, the snap of wood clashing bounced around the gym with every strike, getting faster as they each blocked and counter-struck, spinning and twisting to avoid blows, all the while searching for weaknesses in the other’s defences. As much as Jet would have easily taken Mina down while she made errors and left herself exposed, he didn’t. It still amazed him how quickly she could move now, having first seen it while watching her spar with a young Nephilim in America, and she’d grown even faster since then, light on her feet and, once properly trained, lethal.

He allowed her to continue fighting to see just how far she could push it. She was able to match his speed, but was yet to outpace him, but he hoped that soon she would.

Sweat soaked Mina’s shirt when he finally called it, swinging out with his bo-staff to knock her feet out from under her with a single swipe. She landed hard on her back and let out a winded cough.

Owch, she groaned as she slowly began to roll to her feet, panting and red in the face.

Now you’re warm, he said with amusement, snatching the bo-staff from the mat and returning them to their rack. The real training begins. He produced a couple of wooden broad swords, specifically designed for training and watched Mina’s expression become desperate.

I’m exhausted, Jet. Isn’t Okinawan kobudō enough for the day? she pleaded.

Darlin’, in this job, it ain’t ‘bout whether you’re tired. You gotta learn to go without sleep, ’cause the job don’t care whether you’re rested, it’s gotta get done; it ain’t gonn’ wait for ya to get ya beauty sleep, his tone was harsh in the way he used it while training teams and Mina wasn’t used to having it targeted at her yet. When she flinched and nodded, Jet said, Good, now catch, and tossed her one of the swords.

Mina threw her hands up, catching the sword before it could hit her, hands wrapped tightly around the wood representing the blade and she huffed at the unexpected weight of it.

Congrats, ya jus’ cut your hands off. You can ’ficially join Mr Headless in team dismemberment now, Jet said sarcastically as he held up his sword to demonstrate how to hold it.

Forcing herself not to laugh, Mina imitated Jet’s grip. Mr Headless was Jet’s name for Wyatt Kalmin, the revenant she’d been paired with upon her arrival at Maat to ‘help her accept her death’. He’d died horribly, dismembered while still alive, and while it was a cruel nick name, Jet had a habit of coming up with inappropriate nicknames for basically everyone.

The weight in the practice sword surprised her as she struggled to balance it, hefting the weight and raising the point only to have it drop again as Jet ran her through drills, giving her a slap with the flat side of his own sword whenever she let her guard drop, and by the end she was beginning to accrue a collection of bruises. Jet didn’t let up, pushing her to move faster with every round and she found herself glaring at him more often that she actually managed to block a strike.

Sword play, much like knife fighting, was something she was going to take a while to master.

When Jet finally let her stop, she curled onto the floor with a groan, skin slick with sweat and muscles screaming.

You’ll be better next time, he said with an edge of amusement to his voice.

Will I be able to hit you? she panted sarcastically.

Not ’less hell freezes over, he laughed and reached a hand down to help her up.

Mina took it, begrudgingly grateful for the assistance as he heaved her to her feet. Then let’s hope hell freezes over.

Chuckling, Jet gave her a shove towards the elevator. Go get some sleep, darlin’. Hell, ain’t freezin’ over anytime soon.

You never know, Mina murmured as she trudged to the elevator, legs so jelly-like she thought they may collapse from beneath her at a moment’s notice.

***

Sleep was bliss. Mina had disappeared into an exhausted sleep, too deep to dream the moment she’d crawled into the over-sized, cloud like bed of her apartment and didn’t wake until after sunset. She lay comfortably cocooned in a plethora of blankets and pillows as she watched the lights of the city come alive through the window-wall at the foot of the bed. It was one of the small joys she’d discovered since moving into her own unit, that she could watch the city without ever having to leave her room. Not that it mattered, she didn’t share the small one-bedroom apartment with anyone so there was no one to disturb her even if she did venture into the living spaces, but there was just something inexplicably relaxing about being able to observe from the security of her bed.

Soon enough her body decided it was time to move, her stomach growling unhappily at its emptiness and she half-heartedly dragged herself from her cocoon and dragged her feet towards the kitchen as her still-sore muscles protested the movement. ‘Breakfast’ was a slightly stale bowl of cereal and a slice of bread with butter which she barely tasted as she sat at the small round table facing out over the city. The view still managed to be beautiful, if not as inspiring as that from the old apartment, despite only being on the sixth floor. She leaned to the side slightly to spy on the sliver of green-space she’d discovered resided in a gap behind their neighbouring buildings and watched for movement, flinching back into place as the phone Jet had forced on her vibrated on the kitchen bench, the sound echoing through the tiny space of the apartment.

Sighing as she retrieved it, Mina expected to open it to a message from Jet only to find one from Wyatt instead. Grimacing she realised he wanted to have dinner and she looked at her meagre meal, half-finished on the table. She imagined they were eating better than she was, but the air of awkwardness that had settled between herself and Wyatt in the time since her return made her uncomfortable, not to mention Meko would probably be there, and she strongly suspected the other girl didn’t like her.

She hesitated with her fingers over the keys, unsure whether she even wanted to