More Than Human

Chapter 22

Arriving back at base there was a buzz in the air but I felt disconnected, my thoughts had been full about Harry. I needed to talk to him properly and lay down the ground rules for our relationship. For now I needed to focus on my job. Alistair was by the lift waiting for me when I jogged up to him carrying my bike helmet in one hand. He handed me my pistol in the free hand.
"There's been an attack on a vampire nest last night in Birmingham, it had been dealt with however there's been another attack on a pack just outside of the city and on a fairy boarding house. We're just getting more details but you need to pack an overnight bag." He explained as we climbed into the lift.
"So why the gun?" I asked.
"It's the new model, you like to feel the weight before going into the field." He took my helmet and handed me three files together, "info on each of the groups. It's been speculated it was the anti magic extremist group we've had run ins with in the past." The doors opened and we stepped out into the dorm corridor. "I'll just grab my bag and come down to your room. You will be going solo but I'll be there for back up, okay?"
I stopped outside my door "really I get to call the shots?"
"Of course, it's about time plus this is more to do with your new job than my role." He smiled as I dug in my pocket for my keys and unlocked the door. "Don't take too long, I'll be back in a few minutes." I took my helmet from him and closed the door.
"Right let's pack," I said to myself. To start I put the files in my satchel type bag so I could read them more on the way up to Birmingham. Then I went to my bedroom where I packed one of my loose fitting suit sets, it was easy to run in and allowed free movement enough to have easy access to my gun. It seemed a bit strange thinking this time I'd head the investigation, whatever that would entail.
I pulled off my jacket to swap it out for a suit jacket so I'd look a bit more professional on arrival. Underneath I only had a vest top on so as I stood in front of my full length mirror I could see the now scarred lines down my arms and coming just over my shoulders and all down my back.
As warned Alistair was back in moments "you ready Cubby? Ugh sorry I know you've grown out of that nickname."
I didn't have enough time to get something to cover myself when he walked in on me. He stood frozen in the doorway as I pulled on my suit jacket. "I'm ready, we gonna get going?" He turned around and walked out of my dorm. I followed into the corridor with my two bags. In silence he walked to the lift so I followed there too "hey is anything wrong?"
"We can talk in the car," was all he said as the doors to the lift opened.