Austin

"What do you mean, unlisted?"

That dilly wag gave us a fake name, I should have guessed. Trustworthy people don't go around killing people, ethics one-oh-one, no? Take me, for example, if I had a Nickle for every life I've snuffed out, well let's just say I wouldn't be working for Jacob. Na, I still would. I love my job, current mission aside.

"Don't worry about it, just get Jacob to call me back."

What is that smell? I knew I should have sprung for a better motel. It stinks like foot fungus in here. Thank the gods I'm immune to human ailments. I cringe, looking around and discovering the curtains are an outdated mauve with red and yellow roses. The once thick blackout fabric is now covered in a layer of brown dust, making them appear grey as spots of sun peek through. The bedding is the same design but faded and tattered on the edges. Even the television is a joke. It's an old school tube in black and white. Although it's the perfect area to create a broke traveler's persona, not to mention a central location to the recruits but shit, I can't wait to leave.

I've always had a sixth sense for the criminal element that's what made me instantly qualified to work for Jacob, but this mission twisted me in ways I thought were behind me. I've been powerless before. There's nothing new there. To be attempted to be used that way dredged up a past that has long since been buried. I grind my teeth at the memory. It was easy enough to glamor the porker, just one of my many abilities. He thought he was raping me. He saw, felt, and heard it, but all the while, I was actually in the next room getting samples of the multiple serums John had concocted. I recoil at the thought of Amanda thinking that of me, but it doesn't matter because she's off limits.

I work for the NGSA, National Gifted Service Association, and I wasn't picked for this mission because I drew the short straw. Nope, I'm the deadly decoy. All innocent and approachable, but behind the mask I'm a natural born weapon. It was my mission to be taken so I can enlist the miscreates and gain intel on the undisclosed association. Mission accomplished, except for one thing or person I should say. I can't track down the big one that killed John. I can't keep my mind off Amanda either. Shit! I shouldn't be thinking about her and not because of the mission, She's not for me. I'm not fit for anyone, and I can't make relationships work. Ever. Especially with sweet doe eyed girls. When I fuck, it's rough and always from behind. I Don't do face to face and I've never kissed a woman. I highly doubt a sweet timid soul like Amanda would be interested in any kinky fuckery from a man like me, damaged and dark. I already lied to her in the first conversation we had, pretending my glowing skin was part of Johns concoction and not one of my natural given qualities. Closing my eyes, I clear my head.

Besides, she's off limits once she becomes a member of the NGSA. That's Jacob's first rule: don't fuck where you eat. Followed by, don't shit where you eat. I've already broken a rule, a big one. I gave her my actual name. I don't know what goaded me to make such a stupid decision, it's not my first rodeo. Hearing my name on her lips was so worth it! Then I had to tell everyone else, so I didn't blow my cover, fuck. Jacob would put me on research with Tally, and I'd have to listen to her whine all day about her inability to shift form or how her favorite show isn't going the way she thinks it should all while trying to seem busy to avoid her moon eyes. I better leave that tidbit out when I meet with Jacob...

Walking into the complex I spot Jacob at the computer with Tally. She's preening, probably over some compliment Jacob spews forth to keep her happy. Jacob has been like a father to Tally since the wee age of thirteen, after her parents disowned her. She set fire to her school and was facing charges until Jacob intervened. She's been a pain in my ass ever since, got some ridiculous crush on me. I tried to discourage her for years, but the more I try, the more inventive she gets.

Her latest ploy took hours to clean. I came back to the compound last week, after the "rescue" from Michael, and my room was a collage of Tally summers. Lipstick writing on the mirror in my bathroom, her undergarments on the floor, my entire room was covered in pictures of her not a bare area available and on my bed was a body pillow with the print of her face, lips puckered. The caption read, "I'm always with you."

Jacob had a good laugh, I on the other hand was livid. I couldn't say much for three reasons. One, she's a ticking time bomb. If anyone pisses her off, she could blow the place. She's a Phoenix and has no control over her powers. Two, she's Jacob's beloved. To mistreat her is like committing suicide. Jacob doesn't look like much but he's our leader for a reason, and three, I hate to admit it, but she holds a soft spot in my heart. Probably the only one I can stand out of the group, but this obsession has to stop. She's fooled by my beauty and doesn't see the monster inside. That's the lure of the fae. We make you feel comfortable. Everything's meant to lure our voice, looks, even my demeanor. I curse it all because its skin deep. People don't see me, they lust for me or want to be me. Its sickening. I'm probably the only fae who view's it as a curse.

"Austin! you're here early."

Jacob gets up from his position on the desk and tally turns in her chair, looking at me starry-eyed.

"Didn't your mom teach you, tables are for glasses, not asses?"

Jacob gives me his trademark: I've had enough glare and Tally snorts. I ignore her because if I even look her way, it's all the encouragement she needs.Following Jacob to the kitchen, I help myself to a coffee. Skipping the cream and pour a heap of sugar. Jacob cringes at my preference and I shrug. I like my coffee sweet, so what. The room gets cold, signaling Estevan's presence. He's a bloodsucker, first one I ever met. They're rare, almost extinct. No one knows how old he is, and he doesn't talk much. Jacob inclines his head in welcome. I watch Estevan shaking off a shudder of my own as he moves eerily across the floor to warm a mug of blood in the microwave.

"We'll meet in the library in ten, Grayson and Elliot Should be back by then."

Perfect, an excuse to leave. Nonchalantly stepping back a few feet, I turn to go so I can avoid the pungent smell of warm blood and Grayson barrels through the door. With an incline of my head, I bound making a fleeting escape. Me and Grayson don't see eye to eye. He's careless and cocky, it puts everyone in jeopardy. He doesn't like me much either. His brother was murdered by Fae. Not one I'm related too, but my breed all the same.

I missed this place with its brick walls and dreary lighting. Even the smell is comforting, it's like home and a little musty. Maybe we should get a maid? The library is my least favourite. There's not a single descent book in the entire collection. It's all history and folklore, I'm a fantasy reader myself and I prefer my books from this century. Human views on fae are extremely amusing. It's so off the mark it's entertaining. Elliot enters in his dower mood as always. At least he's civil, which is a thousand steps up from Grayson. Speak of the dumbass and he appears. Estevan strolls in soon after, and Jacob sits down on the nearby sofa.

"So, how did it go?" Jacob says, tipping back his head towards Grayson.

"Not a problem. We wired the place, but I don't think it's their headquarters. Are you sure about that piece of information?"

I watch Jacob do his search thing where his eyes go white and I look away uncomfortably, giving him privacy. After all these years, I still find it personal.

"It's the only place I'm picking up on. So It's where we'll start. That should lead us to any other locations that could be protected. Grayson, fill me in."

"It went well my cover worked without a hitch I've got the samples and a location on everyone but the guy with the scar."

He smiles, nodding.

"I got your message and I'm looking into it."

Jacob looks toward the entrance,

"You might as well come in Tally, this concerns you too."

The door pops open and she walks through, taking the cushion next to me. I give Jacob a pleading look and he ignores me. Asshole.

"It's time to move the genetically modified humans in."

Shit! Amanda here! this close? I guess I won't have to worry about anything happening. Once she finds out I'm fae and I could have gotten her out of there at anytime she's not going to want anything to do with me. My mood turns sour, I know it's for the best. Nothing good can come of my infatuation.

"A little bird told me our adversaries are going in for the taking. I need a volunteer to bring the GMH's in, by any means necessary,"

I mull over Jacob's statement and a seductive fantasy plays in my head distracting me, Amanda tied up, me lapping at her until she concedes control-

"I'll do it!" Grayson barks. My head snaps towards him. I panic, tiny chills trickle down my spine and I react without thinking,

"NO! They know me and trust me. It's best I do it." I pause, looking around, gaining back a miniscule amount of decorum. My voice was overly loud and aggressive,

"I'll have the best chance at getting them to co-operate with no force."

Jacob nods his head in agreement. Damn it, this wasn't a mission I wanted, but the thought of that mutt anywhere near Amanda makes me see red. All I can picture is his seductive, easy smile as he paws at Amanda. A loud crack pierces the silence and I feel fiery liquid pour down my arm.

"Austin? You all right?"

Ah, fuck! I broke the porcelain cup. Picking up the pieces, I glare at Grayson and he gives me a curious look. "I'm fine, just a little on edge." I reply with obvious annoyance tainting my tone. Jacob clears his throat,

"okay, questions? Concerns?... Alright, I'll see you all tonight. Who's staying for dinner? Tally's cooking her mac and cheese again."

I throw a yeah in as everyone confirms their attendance. Even Estevan who doesn't eat comes around for dinner. It's traditional here, unless you're on a mission you don't miss it, Pisses Jacob off. I fill the van with a few just-in-case necessities. Even before I form the routes in my head, I know I'm going to save Amanda for my last stop. I don't want to rush things with her...