THE ELITE AGENT

54. DRAINED SOUL.

Alex's POV:

A bunch of dragons crowded in as they checked us for transmitters. They found two on me and none on Ben. After that, with a nasty glare, they left. Too bad, they would never know I have another transmitter on me hidden in plain sight. Or, specifically, in my sight.

"Why were you caught?" I ask, turning towards Ben.

"I was ambushed. Until my instincts kicked in, it was too late." I could see it in his injury on the side of his forehead. He did put up a great fight but a soldier unaware is considered a walking corpse. Why did Meghan get Ben here? At least I was prepared but Ben... What would the chief say? How would he react?

I sigh and look up at the ceiling. "Elena is going to be so pissed."

"Speaking of my sister," Ben turned his expecting eyes on me. "How did the proposal go?"

I opened my mouth and then close it as I revisit the last few seconds I had with her on the roof. Her warm presence in front of me, our eyes never seem to look away, answers and queries at the tip of our tongues which were never voiced out.

"Well," I sigh as I close my eyes. "It's complicated."

"Then uncomplicate it."

"She didn't give me a definite answer but it seems...seems that she can't allow an 'us'."

"Why?"

I shrug. "I don't know. She said that I would eventually get over her."

"Why is she beating around the bush? Did she give you a direct answer?"

I shake my head. "No. Before she could say anything, Meghan happened. But most certainly," My voice slightly breaks as I try to keep myself calm. "It seems like a no."

There was a pregnant silence. Neither Ben nor did I speak. Quietness had a strong grip around our neck and it was shattered by Ben's booming laughter.

"God, I can't believe my sister loves you."

I glare at him. "Did you not hear anything I said?"

"I did. And it shows the unseen unknown side of my sister. I am your best man, aren't I?"

I look away from him. "Not the time to joke, Ben. I am already frustrated."

"I think when you started gaining strength as an agent, the common sense of yours seems to be on a vacation."

"What's your point?!" I snap at him.

Ben smiled. A very genuine one. "Death causes irrevocable pain, Alex. And my cold-hearted sister-"

"-Don't call her that."

"-has enough warmth for you as she chooses to sustain the pain all on her own rather than sharing it with you. If that's not love, I don't know what is."

I look at him in bewilderment as with each passing second, each word combines into a comprehensible meaning, making my heart go erratic.

"You mean, she...she..."

"Yes. A dying person would try to minimize the effects of their forthcoming imminent end. She would never choose you if all she could share is a few stolen moments which would have an abrupt end," Ben chuckled. "Who knew Elena would choose to play safe? And for you? I never imagined."

"So you think she said no because of her health?"

"I don't think so. I know so."

Before I could ask him some more questions, the door clicks open. Our heads snap up as we see a bulky bald man with tattoos all over his arms walk in. A stern rough look etched on his face as he crossed his hands. I have seen him before. On the ship. The right-hand man. The bodyguard. Which means...