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  I pack up my meager possessions and lay back on my bunk and close my eyes. This time tomorrow I will be training with a new person and a new team. I only hope that this team is more focused on the work and less time on getting laid. I do not want to deal with their flirtation until they realize I’m not interested. I can only hope they are more dedicated to their work than their needs. With this new division, they will need to use their big brains more than the one in their pants. I have never had any dealings with the vampires, but I can imagine from what I have learned they have incredible strength and other abilities. I do not think we would be able to take them out without using our heads.

  Who would have thought when I enlisted that I wouldn’t be fighting foreign enemies but mythical creatures from nightmares? It’s turned my entire belief system on its rear. The government wants them exterminated, and from what I have learned, I can see why. They are a danger to all of us.

  Chapter 3. Isaac

  I lay out the different weapons I will be training the recruits to use and make sure the room is tidy. I use the facility here in Washington to train those chosen by their superiors. I only train the best. They send me the people who they think will be Rangers, the elite of army intelligence. I have a reputation for being a hard ass, and it’s all true, but it’s nothing they can’t handle. I have never had a tender feeling toward any of the men or women I train, though, to be fair, I do not have many feelings one way or another. I’m cold and growing colder by the day.

  I go back out to the cage I’m driving and grab the water cooler full of bottled water. I hate driving the fucking truck. I miss the freedom of my bike, but necessity dictates I must have the cage for when I need to transport things such as the water cooler and weapons. The damn metal box is confining. I slam the door closed behind me in frustration. I always loved the discipline and organization the military gave me but even it is becoming dull as I lose more and more of my emotions. Everything is drab and a bother anymore. I need something, though, I have no idea what it is.

  I go back inside the large room and set up the mats for the physical training. It takes me a little over an hour to get it set up and just the way I like it. I am meticulous, and I need absolute organization. I hate surprises. Therefore, I prepare for any eventuality. I work hard and appreciate those who work hard also. I hate when the men I train are lazy or unorganized. Sloppiness has no place in combat situations and lets' face it, in the world we live in, every situation is a combat situation. You need to be ready for anything, and that means having everything you need, where you need it. Nothing is worse than being in a situation and need a tool only you can’t find it.

  I’m almost finished with everything when I hear footsteps entering the room. I turn as the first recruit enters the room. The man is tall but thin with a very short haircut. He looks clean and put together only I must detract points for hearing him enter the room so loudly. I understand I have heightened senses, but even a human would have heard him. Carelessness is what will get you killed. I’m not sure what assignment I am training these men for, I never know, but these things could mean life or death.

  “Drop soldier and give me twenty. I could hear you walking from a mile away.” I shout, and the man automatically drops and starts doing pushups. At least the elephant is well disciplined. Several others walk in silently especially the elf like creature with red hair that practically dances in on the balls of her feet. The hair rises all over my body, and any remark or welcome dies in my throat when my cock starts to stir at the vision of this lovely woman. I wouldn’t be alarmed if I was still human, but it’s been hundreds of years since a woman could get a rise out of me, literally.

  “Fall in.” I finally shout when my lungs finally start to work again. They all stand in a line at full attention.

  “Names?” I shout, and the first man in line starts.

  “Sergeant Peters first battalion, sir.” He shouts back before saluting.

  “Sergeant Akon second battalion, sir.” The second guy shouts and salutes. I can see these are well-trained men and woman. They clearly are Rangers, probably here to train before a major mission. They each clip out their names until we get to the end of the line.

  “Sergeant Marks second battalion, sir.” Her voice is loud and clear, yet I barely hear it as the drum of my heart eclipses all other sounds in the room. I press my hand to my chest and feel the steady beat, all just from hearing the sound of her voice. I’m so fucked. My mate, the only woman in the world, created just for me, is right here in this room and one of the recruits I must train. A woman that I will never be able to live without from this day forward will be leaving me in a few weeks on some dangerous mission for this country, a country that still thinks women are less superior. I nearly growl in frustration. How could this be happening to me right now of all times?

  I let my mask slip back into place. I’m used to never showing emotion. Hell, I have not felt any in so long that I nearly forgot what it feels like to actually feel any. Now, they rush through me in quick secession. Horniness, definitely the strongest right now as my cock lays heavy in the confines of my pants. Happiness, I have finally found her. Resignation, I will need to work hard to train her but also gain her trust. And most of all, fear, I could lose the woman I have waited my whole life to meet. I finally have something to lose, a soft spot that if my enemies knew about would certainly use to gain the upper hand.

  I have one enemy that has been particularly elusive. He tried to gain entrance in my last house, but I know how to protect my lairs well. This man is well trained and doesn’t give up easily. It’s only a matter of time before he finds my new place and now that I have my mate there is no way I want to be found. A growl rumbles up my throat before I can stop it. I cut it off quickly, but I can tell the men heard it anyway.

  “Warm up and run laps,” I shout, and each of them drops down and starts stretching. I watch my woman as she stretches her legs out in front of her and reaches for her toes, which she easily exceeds the distance. She is flexible and fit as I always dreamed my mate would be. I had given up on ever believing I would find her after centuries of looking. Though, I admit I didn’t look very hard. I’m not an easy man, and I know the woman destined to be mine would need to be strong enough to handle me. I look down at Sergeant Marks, and I know she will be that strong. Maybe, stronger than I could have imagined. I can’t take my eyes off her. I can’t remember a time that a woman captured my complete attention. Probably never.

  They take off running laps, and my eyes follow her, drawn to her every movement. She is so graceful, and I can see why she’s at the top of her field. She moves with such fluidity that I can barely hear the sound of her feet falling along the path. She is all things graceful, and I can’t wait to explore the curves on her. She might be short and thin, but she has the right amount of curves in all the right places. Her breasts will fit nicely in my hands. They are small but perfectly shaped from what I can see, and I wonder what color her nipples are. I growl as my cock hardens painfully in my pants. I look away from my enticing mate to the other man to get my mind off the dirty things I would rather be doing right now.

  The other men are good though not as good as the tiny woman who has caught my interest. It seems like she was born for this kind of activity, which only proves that fate picked the perfect mate for me. The men may be faster, but their feet are heavier as they fall against the pathway. They are louder, clumsier. I shake my head. I have my work cut out for me when it comes to these guys. I was told to expect them for as long as it was needed to make sure they were ready for any situation. Still, this could take longer than I would have liked. Little do they know; a little red head was not going anywhere without me. She is mine to cherish and protect with my life if needed.

  I whistle loudly and wave them over. The soldiers come to a stop and walk back to me. I tell the men and woman what they can expect as far as training goes. I break them up into groups of two for a sparring session. They will be sparring with eac
h other while I watch and assess the level of training they will need. Sergeant Marks may not be as fast running or as strong, but she outwits the other men, and her reflexes are faster. Pride swells within me the longer I watch her. She is everything and yet more than I ever could have imagined. Now, I just need to figure out how to get her to spend some time with me alone. That may be the hardest part of all of this.

  Chapter 4. Paige

  I was not expecting such a young trainer. Usually, they are older and full of too much gruffness. They usually watch us train but do not join us in the activities. This man does. He looks no older than twenty-five, much too young to be as far advanced as he is in the army yet here he is. His dark hair is cut short and cropped as the military insists. His blue eyes are large and fringed with thick long lashes that would make any woman envious. His body is a thing of beauty. He is a large man, probably six feet six inches tall and must weigh close to three hundred pounds of solid muscle. His large muscles look like they might break free of the tight t-shirt he’s wearing. Tattoos cover his arms and even up his neck. I would love nothing more than to spend days exploring them, preferably with my tongue.

  The instant attraction nearly catches my breath because I never react to men like this. I’m used to being around overly large men who believe they are god’s gift to women. They are usually poorly lacking in social skills. It could be that he’s staring at me with the same intensity that seems to be plaguing me. I know when a man wants me and this one does. I do not have any experience with men as far as dating goes. My father with the help of my brothers scared away any man interested in me. In high school, everyone knew my brothers and avoided me. Never was one daring enough to take on their wrath to be with me. Not that I cared much at the time. Then the men I have met since have been testosterone laden idiots who only wanted to get laid. No thank you. I have too much respect for myself to become another’s conquest.

  Everything is tossed out the window with this man. My body heats up just knowing his eyes are on me. I never felt this kind of desire, and it makes me a little uncomfortable, yet it’s also exhilarating. It proves that I’m not broken, that I can feel desire for a man. I guess I’m just particular. I want Isaac Bowings, and that is very shocking. I always thought I would someday marry a normal guy, probably an accountant or something because my brothers and their lude behavior toward women had turned me against military men, but something about Isaac is different. I can’t put my finger on what that difference is.

  We take a short break for lunch before diving into my favorite thing, weapons. I am one hell of a shot no matter what revolver, rifle, shotgun, or missile I am firing. My father always said I had the eye for it. I took to it like a duck to water. In this session, he trains us how to throw our bodies into a roll that protects our weapon and then aim afterward. It’s difficult to do after rolling to gain your equilibrium again. It takes me three turns before I hit the bullseye in the middle of the target. Everyone claps including Isaac. I feel my cheeks flush at his approval.

  “Excellent job, Marks.” He shouts, and I feel my stomach flutter. I will do anything he wants to feel that way again. I should be admonishing myself for needing anyone’s approval but I can’t with him. I crave his attention on me. What is this effect he has on me? I do not understand it. I just know it’s not going away anytime soon, I may as well enjoy it.

  By the end of the first day, my muscles ache, and I’m a sweaty mess. The men file out of the room, and I lag as I run the dry towel over my body, trying to capture as much moisture as I can. Isaac comes over and stands beside me and waits for me to drop the towel in the pile of other soiled towels.

  “Which hotel do they have you staying at?” He asks casually, though there is nothing casual about his presence. His muscles are tense, and there is a fine tick in his jaw from clenching it too tightly. Could he be nervous talking to me? For some reason, I like that idea. I grin up at him, and I hear his breath catch. Yes, I do believe I have his interest.

  “The Paramount,” I tell him with a lift to my right shoulder. From what I have heard, it’s where they put everyone who trains with Isaac. He should know that information already or does he usually not care enough to know. Either way its information he should have. I walk over to the door, and he follows behind me, and I swear I can feel his eyes caressing every inch of my skin. I peer over my shoulder at him and see his gaze is glued to my ass. I would normally be appalled at such behavior but with him, it makes my nipples pucker, and a warmth starts between my legs. I have never had reactions like this to men. I would normally knock someone on their ass for staring at me so blatantly. I never considered jumping their bones like I am now.

  “If you’re up for it, I can pick you up and show you something I think you’ll find interesting?” He says near my ear, and I nearly roll my eyes.

  “Is this your MO? You pick up the new female recruit and show her a good time.” I say scathingly. I will never be just another notch on someone’s bed post. He stops walking, and his eyebrows pinch together. I have upset him somehow.

  “I have never asked a woman out.” He says, and I chuckle. I’m sure he never needed to date to get them out of their clothes. I bite my lip when he looks even more upset because I laughed.

  “Look, I’m sure women fall all over themselves for you, but I’m just not like that,” I tell him honestly.

  “What are you like?” He asks as though he really is interested. His eyebrows are still scrunched up, and he looks like I have hurt his feelings, but I can’t understand how that’s possible. I’m sure women have turned him down. I look him over and change my estimate; they probably have never turned him down. The man is too good looking to need to pander or beg for a woman’s attention.

  “I do not sleep around,” I tell him, and he smiles down at me as though I have said just what he wants to hear.

  “I’m glad to hear that, neither do I.” He says, and he looks so serious that I almost believe him. The man is fucking gorgeous. There is no way that he keeps his dick in his pants at all times. I would be the world’s biggest fool if I believed that for a minute.

  “Marks.” Someone calls from the bus that takes us to the hotel. It’s against protocol for me to not ride with them back to the hotel. After I get there is another story.

  “I would like to see you. Will you at least meet me in the bar?” He asks, and I stare up at him for a moment. He’s very determined and honestly, what would it hurt to meet him in the bar. I’m sure several of the men will be there as well.

  “Alright. Give me an hour, and I’ll be there.” I tell him before running to the bus. I turn back around as I climb the stairs on the bus and see him watching me with a smile on his face. It’s the first time I have seen him smile and for some reason, I feel like he doesn’t do it very often. He is such an enigma, and I wonder if that’s what attracts me so much. I know men. Hell, I have always been surrounded by them, and not one of them stumped me. My brothers were only concerned about their physical appearances and their next conquest. This man seems older than them somehow even though he is probably younger. It’s as though he’s an old soul trapped in a young man’s body.

  A nervous fluttering starts in my stomach as I take my seat. I have not been on any dates or even met socially with a man I have been interested in before. Mostly because not one man has garnered any interest from me but also because I feel awkward in most social situations. Give me combat or obstacles, and I’m your girl but throw me in with someone to socialize, and I’m a bundle of nerves. As I said, I didn’t grow up in the same way other women have. I didn’t go to school dances. I went to a small high school where my brothers were considered gods. It was a hard shadow to be under, and not one person tempted me to change the stigma. I am no social butterfly. I was honed as a weapon just as my brothers were.

  I shake my head to dispel the lingering side effects his smile caused. What the hell is happening to me? It’s like I can barely recognize myself anymore. I have never agreed to meet a
man for drinks before. I have become very adept at telling guys no. There is something about Isaac Bowings that calls to me in ways I have never experienced. He makes me feel all the things I have been waiting to feel. I only hope he’s worthy of such feelings. I have a feeling I will soon find out.

  Chapter 5. Isaac

  I’m sitting in the hotel bar waiting for her to come down. I realize how early I am and yet I couldn’t wait a minute longer. I should do the right thing and let her go because the last thing she needs is to be brought into my world. It’s too violent and bloody for such a beautiful, vivacious woman. She deserves the world, and with me, she would get a dark shadow cast over her to the point that she would need always be looking over her shoulder. No one deserves that kind of future, and she is more vibrant than most. I can’t let her go. I’m a weak vampire because I know without her I will go back into the cold existence I had been living. One without emotions and constant darkness.

  As soon as she steps into the room, I feel her. It’s as though a flame bursts to life inside of me, melting away the shadows until all I feel is the light. My heart races and I place my hand over it, feeling it beneath my palm, still getting used to the feel of it. It has laid dormant in my chest for so long I had forgotten its existence. She has made this all possible with the simple sound of her beautiful voice. It’s strange how quickly a life can change from one moment to the next. I went from no emotions to feeling everything so acutely that it nearly brought me to my knees. If it weren't for my strong discipline, I would have made a complete ass out of myself at that moment.

  She steps up beside me, and I look up into her beautiful green eyes. My heart stutters and then speeds up as I gaze upon the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Her long red hair is down and swinging around her delicate looking shoulders. I had not realized just how vibrant the color of her hair was. It looks like it’s on fire especially as it lays against her creamy skin. She has freckles going across her nose and cheeks, but the rest of her is a flawless sheet of porcelain colored skin.