Cardinalis Academia Trilogy: Shattered Heirs: Cardinalis Academia, #2

By A.J. Nighthawke

From Book 2: This is not a standalone novel! This is book 2 in a trilogy and must be read in order. What if everything you knew was based on a lie? What if I told you that there are puppeteers behind the scenes that pull the strings of all organized crime, corrupt governments, politics, wars, and greedy powerplays in the world? You wouldn't believe me! No one ever does. Just like you wouldn't even consider that magic exists or that all of those facts in your history books are what they want you to believe. They distract you with their designed entertainment and busy schedules so that you won't see. They like you blind and indoctrinated to believe success is money, power, and pride. They've already corrupted us, and we are supposed to know better. I'm taking a chance here! This is the secret... Their system is all based on Bloodlines, lies, and deceptions. They don't want you to know the truth because if you did, you might look deeper. Yeah! Unbelievable, right? Well, here is something to think about. Columbus might have sailed the ocean blue, but North America wasn't the New World! Shocker, right? Yeah, there was a more sinister motive behind that voyage. To introduce you to this hidden world, you must know of the Cardinalis Academia. I bet you haven't heard of that before! There is always a war of good versus evil... But what happens when the good has been corrupted since infancy and trained within a system that teaches them everything illegal, immoral, and shady? Welcome to Cardinalis Academia! This is where students learn everything from interrogation, surveillance, hacking, embezzlement, forgery, larceny, combat, mastery of every weapon, to wield their magical abilities, and everything in between. If it is illegal, they are supposed to master it within their time at the academy. It's always been like this... or has it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.J. Nighthawke
• Release date: Aug 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201197971

A.J. Nighthawke

There is nothing like a good story that leaves you feeling warm and cozy inside. Here is my promise to you - Within the pages of my books, you will never find anything vulgar or inappropriate. My goal is to leave you encouraged and happy. Who doesn't like a happy ending? You may find a little drama, maybe a touch of suspense. Some of the characters might even face hard challenge's but a sweet kiss, and a happily ever after is a must.

Book preview

Cardinalis Academia Trilogy – Shattered Heirs: Book 2

© 2022 A.J. Nighthawke No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise – without written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

For more information, contact

A.J. Nighthawke

[e-mail]

All rights reserved

Cover: turnthepagenow.com

ISBN:  9798847270656

Published by: A.J. Nighthawke

Printed in the United States of America

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BLADE & BLOOD

YEAR 2 – SEMESTER 1

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

BLADE & BLOOD

YEAR 2 – SEMESTER 2

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 1

Map compass outline

Axel

Whoever said that anything worthwhile is never easy was correct. It’s taken months to get everything running smoothly. We’ve not been out of the realm since the mission to retrieve H.A.V.O.C. Things here at home were too unsteady, especially with Wilmot’s treachery and the discovery of his captives that he had locked in the basement of his house. The villagers near and far needed us to be consistent and present. The students at Cardinalis Academia needed the same. The others agreed with my suggestion that home comes first months ago and they’ve proved it with every decision.

We’ve grown as a family. I know you thought that I’d never say this, but Twain and the boys have actually grown on me. We work well as a team, each using our talents and gifts to accomplish tasks that come up. The lot of us switch out duties so that each of us might be able to fill in if necessary. It works.

After a much-needed summer break, the fall semester is officially starting today. Cardinalis Academia will have all the students move up. After searching the magical realm, Winter has found those that she believes will be worthy teachers. It’s almost unbelievable, but after three weeks here, none of the students decided to leave.

Hurry! Zeek calls, passing me on the stairs. If we are late, Winter will have our heads.

Pffft! I snort. The woman doesn’t scare me. I don’t need to be reminded that, as this is the first year of what would have been my second year at the academy, it is all hands on deck. I’ve got a few more minutes.

Twain, Thatcher, Arrow, Zeek, Kainda, and Stryker have trained Bastian, Gray, Rogue, and I just like they did Winter in preparation for her arrival at the other campus. We still have a lot to learn, but I’d say that the four of us have come a long way from where we were.

Walking out of the main castle, I take the narrow stairway leading to the cobblestone path. The guards glance back at me as I walk alone. Everyone else left early, but I was caught up with my research of slowly combing through Leonardo da Vinci’s workshop. Not all of us can read ancient languages, so Winter will just have to get over it if I’m a few minutes late to her welcome assembly.

The assembly was to happen in the Lakos behind the Kardia. Approaching the three main buildings, I find them strangely quiet, with no one walking around. Figuring that they are all there, I keep walking. An empty arena awaits me. Where in the world did Zeek go?

My boots echo down the empty corridor. My heart picks up the pace. Heading back to the Kardia, I enter by the main front door. This building doesn’t have many people inside. The Headmistresses office, along with one for Luna and Jasper, are located in this building. There is also a communal library that all three schools have access to. If there are any problems with the students or any kids who need help or have questions, they come here for answers and discipline.

Luna and Jasper are already busy in their offices, their doors side-by-side, allowing me to peer in at both of them. Why are you in here when there is an assembly? I question, leaning against the doorjamb of Luna’s office. My arms fold over each other as I study the two, my ankles crossing leisurely.

Her head pops up, startled. Uh...um, she stammers, causing me to smile. The assembly ended an hour ago.

The scowl on my forehead burns. What? I balk at the thought. I just passed Zeek.

He was headed to help assist Mr. Arlovski with his first class, Luna informs, making that prickly lump form in my throat. Winter wanted the Royals to stand on that stage together as a symbol that you were all united in this.

Ugggh, I groan, my head falling back. Where is she? If I don’t find her, who knows what she’s going to think or plot. The woman is unpredictable on the best of days.

She had a meeting with H.A.V.O.C, Luna informs, setting my eyes to roll.

That isn’t until nine, and we are going there together, I state, knowing that we planned it.  She’s not to meet them without me.

Oh, yeah? Luna chirps sweetly. It’s as sweet as cyanide. Yeah, sweet Luna has been hanging out with Winter too much, brandishing with that devilish smile. Like you promised to attend this morning’s assembly? Her head cants to the side, making her ponytail swish. By the way, it’s 9:15.

A headache pulses in my temple. Great! Just great!

Rushing from the Kardia, I run back towards the main castle. When my feet hit the cobblestones of the main courtyard, I catch sight of Gray walking through the main gate with Thatcher.

Both stop walking as I nearly skid to a stop in front of them, their conversation halted. Gray’s brow furrows, and I guess it is too late to hope that they wouldn’t notice my absence this morning. No such luck!

Where is she? I hurry out.

Oh, no, Gray says, holding up his hands. I’m having no part of this. You promised her that you’d be there, and you did not show. My cousin has every right to be angry with you. After all, you are the protector.

Gray? I drawl, hoping my stern tone will make him budge. It doesn’t. He just continues to shake his head.

When my attention flicks to Thatcher, he’s also shaking his head in disappointment. That was a strategic move by Winter to prove that you were all united. You didn’t show, and that spoke volumes.

How mad is she? I question needing an idea of what I’m going to face.

Are you serious right now? Thatcher questions like I’m insane. Twain raised her! She didn’t show an ounce of emotion.

Uggh! I groan, throwing my hands up. Where is she meeting H.A.V.O.C?

Oh, yeah, Gray drawls with furrowed brows like something is just dawning on him. I thought you promised... Nope! You threatened her about going by herself. It’s not like you to let her go alone.

Where. Is. She? I enunciate every word, demanding an answer.

Don’t know, Gray answers with a heavy sigh.

She is currently in the company of Constantine, Twain says, entering the main portcullis all decked out in his charcoal-gray armor. Winter can take care of herself.

Where? I growl, wanting an exact location, and he knows it. The man is just as cryptic as she is. It’s annoying. Why do I have to ask the same question over and over?

Well, Constantine invited Winter on a walk to the ocean so the two might be able to talk privately, Thatcher taunts, knowing exactly how to make me pay for my tardiness.

Privately, I seethe through clenched teeth, a low growl rumbling from the beast within.

Yes, Twain answers, amused at my response. The bard was playing a reel for the two as they passed through the outskirts of town.

The bard... Uggh! I knew that Constantine had a thing for Winter. Of course, he’d want to get her alone to whisper sweet nothings in her ear. The leader of H.A.V.O. C. has been mooning over her since she first stepped from the plane when she rescued them.

Is Kali with her? I hurry to ask, growing worried that she is out there without backup. At least the Night Monster will be a buffer if he accompanies her.

No, Twain drolls like he’s reading the ingredients of our alchemy book. To my recollection, Winter assured me that you were accompanying her.

Just rub it in! Why do they have to be so irritating?

If you point the way, I’ll catch up, I bargain.

Headed north of town, Twain says with irritation. I think that the two were strolling towards the sea.

I rush north into town, venture as far as the sea, and search the forest. Stopping back by the H.A.V.O.C. headquarters, I’m told by Admetos that the two had not returned. I literally search for hours until I head back to the main castle empty-handed. I’ve only wasted time by searching for Winter half the morning.

The guys are in and out, making sure that the first day at the three schools runs smoothly. We constantly swap out with responsibilities until darkness falls and Winter still hasn’t returned.

Twain paces by the massive fireplace in the Command Center. His worry is only seeping into everyone else. With his every footfall, my nerve endings burn and itch to do something. Bastian and Rogue have gone in search, both unwilling to sit in the room with me. How can the woman be so irritating when she’s not here? Where has she been all day, and what has she been doing?

It’s nearly thirty minutes later when the three walk into the Command Center. Twain has Winter in his arms as soon as she’s four feet inside the massive library. He mumbles something that I can't hear, and the two walk right back out.

Expecting them to re-enter, I wait. I’m looking forward to the Ice Queen getting scolded for making Twain worry. The problem is that both are exactly the same. Neither will come back in here knowing that it is what I want.

Where did you find her? I mumble to Bastian.

Being escorted back to the castle by Constantine, Bastian informs, arching a brow at me. He cants his head for me to follow. The two of us head to the Notos suite, so he must have something to tell me privately.

Bastian retrieves his tablet, his finger typing out his message. –‘You said you were not interested in Winter. Is that still true?’

Swiping the tablet and unable to hide my frustration, I counter. –‘What? Why would you ask me that?’

‘Because that woman is perfect for you.’

‘WHAT? Do you think she’s interested in me?’

Bastian looks at me like I’m insane. He snatches the tablet from my hand.  ‘Are you serious right now? No one knows any emotions that woman has. She keeps that wall up. I thought she might open up to you.’

‘See, not interested. Winter has never shared any feeling or emotion with me.’

‘Have you?’

‘Why would I?"

‘Because you like her but refuse to admit it. I see the way you look at her sometimes. Besides, Gray’s toe warmed when you said you weren’t interested.’

‘Did you ask his toe if she’s interested in me?’

‘Of course not. I’d not violate her privacy.’

My eyes narrow on him.

‘You said it out loud. Winter has said nothing,’ he defends.

‘You gonna tell me why we are talking about this?’

‘Because if you are interested, you aren’t the only one. Constantine is definitely pouring on the charm.’

My blood pressure builds.

They visited póli̱ από nýxi̱, he whispers before typing that he didn’t know how to spell it. City of Illusions.

Shaking my head, I march towards the door. Despite everything, the two of us needed to talk. I’m man enough to admit that I owe her an apology for this morning. Thankfully, Winter’s door is close by.

Standing before her suite, I raise my hand as my heart thumps frantically in anticipation of what the little minx will try and do about my slight this morning.

Knock. Knock.

Arrow is the one who opens the door. Not now, he whispers, trying to shut me out.

Shouldering my way in, I’m not taking that. Yeah, I don’t think so.

Seriously, he hisses. Have some respect. We’ve got something to...

Yeah, I’ll not be left out. Pushing past him, I make my way into the suite. Murmuring voices has my attention glancing to see Twain and Winter upstairs. She leans back on a table that looks to be made of glass. Papers and parchments are piled on the top, telling me that she studies constantly. Most nights, she stays up with Kainda and Rogue, pouring over ancient tomes in search of clues that might help us.

Twain spins, the stoic look so much like Winter. He gives nothing away as he watches me approach. Winter whispers something before he nods and walks away. He strolls from the Aparctias suite leaving Winter and me alone.

You gonna tell me what is going on? I question, leaning back on the desk to match her pose.

Something is happening to me, she says low, causing me to straighten and stand before her.

What do you mean? I ask, perusing her for harm.

Winter spins away from me, lifting to lift her long raven locks from her neck. Hidden beneath her kohl-black mane, a white lock glistens like shimmering snow on a sunny day. Lifting my hand, I let my fingers touch the hair that is starkly different from the rest.

It’s freezing cold, I say, feeling the temperature chill my fingers. It’s also silky, but I keep that little tidbit of information to myself.

Constantine told me today that the firstborn females that were born from two powerful bloodlines were always killed, Winter goes on. It would make sense since the Pinzóns didn’t want to live in a female body. There hasn’t been a Queen born of two Royal bloodlines. I don’t know if this is normal.

Winter pauses, then continues, My mother was a mix of Royal blood and human. Most likely, she was allowed to live because she was a twin. I found an old parchment at a library in the City of Illusions that stated something interesting. If one from the magical bloodlines mixes with a human, the magic doesn’t diminish or weaken. But... if one is born from two magical bloodlines, the product is multiple abilities, strong magic, and substantial power.

And you aren’t just a product of two magical bloodlines, I  fill in, catching on to what she is telling me. You are the combination of two fully powerful Royal bloodline magics.

My entire chest constricts. Winter has become family. The unknown here in a magical realm is a given, but I’m not liking it one bit when it includes Winter. All my worry about how she would react to my mistake this morning vanishes. It seems that there is always something more important... more dangerous to worry or figure out.

Chapter 2

Map compass outline

Winter

Warm hands drop to my upper arm to spin me around. Pulling away, I walk towards the rows of ancient records. These bookshelves are a lot like those that I found in the Aparctias vault, except these are made of polished white stone. I ask the Amulet of the Hunt to find answers about what is happening to my hair, but it doesn’t warm or pull in a direction.

Winter, Axel sighs behind me as my searching gaze roams up and down the spines. Winter, can you please stop a moment?

Turning to face Axel, I struggle to hold my face from reacting. I really want to throttle him for not showing up this morning. Looking up to meet his gaze, those hazel eyes soften.

I’m sorry about this morning, Axel apologizes, taking a step closer. I was caught up in my own project. Thinking I was on time, I showed up to find the Lakos empty. I really did try to catch up. I didn’t mean to break my word.

Giving him a stiff nod, I go to spin away when he growls. Would you just stand here and scream at me, he pleads, moving to block me. You are mad... disappointed? Would you for once just show it!

Why do you need me to react to your actions? I question coldly. You know that you were in the wrong, hence, the apology. It is a waste of breath for me to point It out again.

You are the most frustrating woman that I’ve ever met in my life, he complains, his Grecian nose flaring with irritation.

Well, I’d venture that you still haven’t met many since you’ve been limited, I counter, spinning to walk away.

Winter! he seethes through clenched teeth, his simmer morphing into a boil. Don’t walk away from me!

Spinning back to face him, I keep my voice calm and soothing. So because I don’t react like you think or wish, you are going to label me as irritating, I purr, moving so close that Axel has to look down from his tall stature.    

You are the Ice Queen with everyone, he grounds out.

And the Bane of the North to you, I remind before turning and walking out of my own suite. Serves him right for leaving me high and dry this morning when we were supposed to present a unified team to the students and professors at the Cardinalis Academia.  

Map compass outline

My mornings are actually busy, helping Luna and Jasper work out the kinks of the first day. We not only have the Cardinalis Academia but the other two schools as well. We’ve started calling the youngest students the Micros. Those from middle to high school, we have dubbed Mésis.

Of course, the guys chip in wherever needed but the teachers and caregivers are actually doing a great job so far. There have been a few hiccups, but that is to be expected. Reviewing the small disciplinary matters from yesterday, the sound of boots has me looking up from my desk in the Headmistress's office.

Stryker, Twain, and Constantine walk in. Well, that look says that y’all have information and that I’m gonna find it interesting. We must be flying out.

Stryker laughs, clapping Twain on the back. She knows you too well, brother.

Yeah, Twain deadpans, moving to take the only seat in the office so Stryker will have to stand. We’ve finally got some information on the Mystiko meeting. It will be held in Düsseldorf, Germany, in ten days' time.

But you don’t want to go to Germany, I fill in, making that eyebrow arch. Mmmm. I’d figure you’ve got some information on someone who needs a lift, and you want to do it while the criminal underworld plots their world domination.

Partly right, Twain informs.

Two missions then, I correct, bringing a smirk to his face. Yup, I’m right.

Constantine has made contact with the others belonging to H.A.V.O.C, Twain explains, looking up for Constantine to take over.

Seriously, the name fits him perfectly. He definitely has the Keanu Reeves thing going on with the long dark hair and slim build.

Communication has been spotty, he picks up. My last message was for them to move one final time. We use code words so that only H.A.V.O.C. members will understand. They are heading to Atlanta, where they will go underground until we send word of a rendezvous point.

How much time do we have? I question, needing that since we won’t have a lot of time to prepare.

They should all be in place by midnight tonight, Constantine picks up.

Stryker, what is your opinion? I question, bringing in the Captain of the Guard.

We should retrieve the rest of H.A.V.O.C. while the others start planning for Germany, he offers. The numbers are twenty-six to thirty-two. One plane should do.

If I take Rogue, could he shut down an entire city block so I can land the Night Fighter? I ask aloud, trying to think through everything. We can’t wipe every cell phone in a place like Atlanta. Are we ready for the world to know that we are out here?

It’s safer for them to hide in the city, Constantine offers, but I’m shaking my head.

I’m not sure that anywhere is safe, I counter, steepling my fingers. The Emperor has a seer. They were a few days behind us when we rescued your group. We need to plan smarter. If they know that we are coming, they’ll be ready. Maybe we need diversions and to switch things up last minute. We need to ask Gray if the Emperor’s seer is one from a specified bloodline or can see whatever they choose.

Not sure that will work, Constantine says. It would be worth checking.

I think that they were late on tracking Constantine’s group because they were distracted by trying to find everyone who disappeared from the Cardinalis Academia, Twain offers, and Stryker agrees.

It won’t be that easy this time, Stryker adds. One plane would be enough for the men, but I’m just not sure what the Aster would likely pull.

If I left now, I could set it down on the top of a building and cloak it, I suggest, trying to think of everything. It will allow me to be in place for those that are there and those that come at different times. It will allow me to leave in an emergency. At least I could retrieve some. We could plan another mission if some don’t make it in time.

There is no good solution, Twain huffs as Rogue and Axel walk in.

This doesn’t look good, Axel remarks, already demanding an explanation with his gaze. His intense hazel eyes study me as if to find secrets. The man never lets up or relaxes. Pfft! He rarely even grins. It would probably hurt his face if he tried.

Twain explains everything. We all watch Axel’s demeanor darken with every word. He steps around to my side of the crystalline desk. He half-sits on the edge while crossing his arms to look down on me.

We can’t leave them, I state, holding that narrowing glare.

And what grand yet lethal plan have you cooked up? he snarls back, leaning closer so that his large frame looms over me.

We’re thinking on it, I quip back. I need Gray.

I got it! Rogue says, tapping a button on his right vambrace.

You already upgrading? I question, admiring the new technology infused into this armor. He nods before calling on Gray and Bastian to join us.

When Bastian and Gray arrive, we ask a series of questions in search of a safe way to rescue the rest of H.A.V.O.C. Nothing that we find is helpful. The seer is not tied to anyone from H.A.V.O.C. We must assume that they will foresee us coming.

They were tracking H.A.V.O.C, I point out. You would think that we would be the top priority being Royals.

Unless they can’t track us, Axel fills in, and I’m thinking the same thing.

There is no safe way to do this if they know we are coming, I say, feeling my shoulders tense at the thought. We have pilots, but I don’t think that most would work well under pressure. I think that Twain should do a flyover. Bastian, you can come with me unless you let me borrow the Wren. Rogue and I could jump from the plane. Once we are on our feet, we will stay together, using the two Songbirds to transport H.A.V.O.C. back here. Gray and Axel can consult with Constantine to send meetup spots last minute.

You can take the Wren, Bastian answers, willing to do anything to help.

We need to be in and out as fast as possible, Twain points out. I don’t like you two exposed. At the first sign that something isn’t right, you two head back and we’ll try something else if we have to.

We will need everyone else on computers to run interference and clear CCTV footage, Rogue offers, already typing on his tablet. Axel, that means you too.

No way, he counters, standing to face Rogue. Of course, he’s going to counter everything. I’m going up. There is no way that I’m letting you go alone.

I just overtalk him knowing he won’t listen to reason. Axel won’t jump, so he’s out. We need him here with the Canary, so we have a home destination for H.A.V.O.C. to teleport to.

I think that would be a wise move, Constantine says, rounding my desk to lean on my other side. What is up with these two? It’s annoying that they perch like guardians on either side of me.

You need to help run interference, Axel throws out. What in the world is he doing? He just demanded to go himself. My skill is combat and safety. That means that I go!

We need to move within the hour, Twain says, popping to his feet. He ignores Axel, making the broody Beast of the East turn on me. Thankfully, I’m saved by Bastian.

Gray and I will take the lead from here, Bastian states, for the first time really sounding like the King of the South. I want us all linked with comms, trackers, and this new communicator that Rogue made for the vambraces.

We all walk out of my office to ready for the newest mission. An angry, growling prince echoes his disapproval from behind.

Chapter 3

Map compass outline

Bastian

Axel is my brother , but he’s driving us all insane. Nothing pleases him. He doesn’t work well with Winter. He just demands his way, she ignores him, and that only leads to him growing broodier by the minute.

Pulling him aside, I whisper, Ease up. We need you here, and you know it. They can handle whatever comes. Trust them! We have to have that Songbird to link them here.

Are you kidding me right now? Axel snarls back. I’m supposed to protect us. This splitting up isn’t supposed to happen.

We agreed that a King or Queen would remain so these people wouldn’t be stuck, I remind, barely audible.

They’re my family, he pleads, and I really see the struggle within him. This protective instinct is ingrained so deep that no one can dare change it. It is a blessing to be loved this much. It’s going to torture him if I suggest that he stay here. It will break him if I demand it. I can’t change who he is no more than I can change my Royal Bloodline.

Do what you need to do, brother, I concede and watch as his muscles uncoil. I’ll do my part from here.

Map compass outline

Ten of us join together inside the Command Center within the main castle, listening in on the moment before take-off. Twain will pilot first, allowing Winter to work on the packs and parachutes. Every single time someone in my family leaves this realm, it doesn’t feel right. I’ll actually admit that I can relate with Axel on this.

Twain calls out readings through comms for the first few minutes, and then I can overhear Winter explaining to Axel how the parachute works and how to pull the cord. Maybe we should have practiced jumping before a mission came up. Sure, I’d do it because I trust Winter. Axel, on the other hand, adamantly refused the first time Winter took us up in the plane. I’m literally not the only one praying that those two won’t try and kill each other.

Halfway through the flight across the big pond of the Atlantic, Winter takes over, flying for a few hours so Twain can stretch and take a nap. He will have to fly back solo. Surprisingly, Axel asks questions about the instruments. Winter answers, even allowing him to take the reins as she directs.

When the eastern coastline of the United States is in view, Twain takes back over. My heart jackhammers knowing that it won’t be long before two of my people are jumping from an aircraft and into a possible trap. It’s nearly sickening. There is no possible way that Axel could have sat here and listened. I can at least understand that now.

We’ve got news choppers and an apartment fire on the northside of the city, Constantine calls through comms. Head south, or you’ll be in a mess.

Twain calls out that the information is received and that he’s correcting it. He wants to do a sweep above the city before opening the hatch. There is no doubt that if he could jump with them, he would.

Should I send the message for H.A.V.O.C. to move? Constantine questions from the other table who is monitoring aircraft and media.

Not yet, I answer, glancing over at Thatcher, Arrow, and my brother. We are holding off to the last possible minute to make contact, thinking that it might be the safest.

The truth of the matter is that this mission is a learning experience for all of us. None of us have done anything like this before, and there are bound to be some hiccups along the way. Our team has to learn each other's strengths, weaknesses, and to trust those in this room to do their part.

Gray is beside me. He leans over. We really need to formulate special teams for certain missions. We need an extraction team, assassin team, recon team, flight team, jump team...

Maybe we should all practice jumping before an actual mission, Constantine offers, and we both look up and nod together. I know for a fact that I’d like to practice several times before I actually had to.

I was thinking the same, I confess, catching Gray nodding.

Well, go ahead and put Axel on all the teams that we are on, Gray says with a chuckle knowing that he can overhear through his comm.

He doesn’t care about teams, Rogue chimes in, glancing up briefly from his clicking keyboard. Axel goes where he wants to go. Right now, he is in protection mode. He won’t let a hair on Winter’s head be harmed.

Realizing that he’s listening brings a smirk to my face. I wonder if he’s suppressing a growl. I can already picture Winter as indifferent as ever. That in itself is driving him crazy.

Are we talking about the same woman? Constantine sneers, and I hear the rumble from Axel. Is the leader of H.A.V.O.C. taunting the Beast of the East? Winter is the Bane of the North...

And who do you think gave her that name? Axel grounds back, his