The Queen of Hell

Chapter 8

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The next morning I found out that Joseph didn't want any assassins at the guild until after midday so I found Nathan milling around the gates and forced him to go on a run with me.

I loved running. I don't know if it was because I was good at it or because I liked to run away from my problems and emotions but I felt like I was free when running.

We jogged for about an hour before stopping in the town square. I pulled my hood up and walked like every other male, trying not to be caught in masculine clothing.

We entered our little shop and, seeing that it was empty, I pulled the hood down. The little lady at the counter looked happy to see us and didn't bat an eye when she saw what I was wearing.

We browsed through the aisles of weaponry not really looking to buy, just wasting time.

After spending about half an hour browsing the shelves the old lady shooed us out, realising we weren't going to buy anything.

Pulling the hood up, I went to the clock in the middle of the square only to realise that we still had a couple of hours until we'd be allowed into the guild.

I would've gone back home but I had Nathan with me and I didn't want to just give him the location of my apartment. Instead, we just wandered around the lanes and alleys near the guild.

Seeing many assassins milling around the guild gates I got an idea. "Nathan's it" I screamed as we ran through the group. Everyone hesitated for half a second before scattering away from him. We may be killers but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun every once in a while.

And so a game of tag ensued. It was almost impossible to figure out who was in, especially since everyone's poker faces were top-notch even when playing around.

By the time Joseph came to open the gates, we were all sweaty and smiling. I think I was the only one who noticed that Ashton limped out behind Joseph. He shouldn't be limping, he can heal. But Joseph probably told him not to heal it - for it to be a reminder.

***

I stayed at the guild last night because after tag I got berated for starting the game and had to sit through what felt like a hundred lectures about how 'this is making our guild look weak' and 'you're assassins for goodness sake' because god forbid we actually have fun for once. Then, on top of all that I had to go through hours of training and classes until I was ready to eat my way into a food coma.

When I left the cafeteria I was notified to go to Joseph's office. Making my way there I looked in at one of the training sessions with the level 2 junior class and screwed my nose up. The kids would be 15-16 and right at the age where their training actually matters. Ew, imagine being 15 again.

I got to Joseph's office and when I walked in and saw Ashton I sneered. He was on his knee so, remembering the other day, I joined him albeit reluctantly.

"Up" Joseph said, gesturing to the chairs. He looked reluctant when he started talking "You'll be going on the second half of the mission" My mouth fell open and Ashton groaned. I glared at both Ashton and Joseph in turn. "Not happening." I said standing up. "If you think I'll put my life at risk for him again then you're crazy. Absolutely not" I said, starting towards the door. "If you leave this room you can pack your things and never return" Joseph always knew exactly how to make me do what he wanted. Maybe that's where I get my manipulativeness from.

I stopped, still facing the door but I knew I couldn't walk out. "Fine. But I won't be happy about it. And I kill him" I spun from the door to see Ashton go pale. "Who?"

"Not you, idiot, Kateroll,"

"Of course you knew" Joseph smirked proudly, almost forgetting the shitstorm of the last few days. I raised my eyebrows as I sat and Joseph handed me the mission folder. "Kateroll's been poking around and I need him gone - out of the picture." His expression changed to a blank face but I could see the irritation in his eyes. "I don't care how you do it, just dispose of him and as usual, don't get caught." I glared at Ashton, accusation potent in my stare. I was secretly wishing he'd drop dead so I wouldn't have to go on this mission with him. I could do it perfectly fine on my own.

I gave Joseph the folder back which he passed straight to Ashton. As he was reading Joseph flipped through a few folders in his evidence/information drawer and pulled out the paper Kateroll wrote on; the one I slipped under the door.

"According to this, Kateroll's office is on the seventh floor. You'll be going at 6:30 because it takes about an hour to get there, leaving you with half an hour's leeway before he leaves at 8. You both are to go plan all other details" With that we were dismissed to go to a sitting room and work the rest out ourselves.

***

We were sitting in an awkward silence as I decided to give Ashton a hard time for being a dick. He kept watching me, waiting for me to say something. Either that or he was waiting for me to jump up and start throwing punches.

"As fun as this is, we do actually have to plan," Ashton said. I sighed dramatically, taking my time to fold my arms and cross one leg over the other. "Fine. Let's get your stupid idea out of the way first" I sighed. "Ok well, I was thinking-"

"A dangerous pastime in your case" I interrupted. He rolled his eyes and continued

"I should-"

"You know I really think I should come up with the plan" I said, interrupting him once more, knowing I was being a petty bitch. I could see him trying to stop his anger levels from rising as I continued. "Just create a distraction with the guards long enough for me to get into Kateroll's office and kill him. Easy peasy" My smile was fake and I knew he could tell as he pursed his lips. The expression did not suit him and I sniggered. "Ok, I'll stop. Your turn."

Sceptically, he started talking "Well yes the distraction's good, but-" This time Nathan barged in, cutting him off. "Oh come on!" Ashton cried, throwing his arms up. "Oh, um, sorry?" Nathan looked at me with a very obvious confused expression on his face. I shook my head, stifling my laughter with my hand. "Ok? Ashton, Sir needs you. He's in his office" Grumbling, Ashton made his way out the door and to Joseph's office.

Nathan and I were left in the room and the silence went from the usual friendly silence to an awkward one. Nathan rubbed the back of his neck which I noticed he did a lot when he was nervous and I knew he felt the same awkwardness that I did.

His eyes drifted from the wall behind me to my eyes then my lips. "Nathan, stop looking at me like that" I warned. "Why?" His tone was husky and bordering lustful, neither of which I liked. "Really?" I raised an eyebrow. His only response was to look between my eyes and lips again. "Nathan. Stop"

He knew that I didn't like being looked at like all the prostitutes you see on the street; like an object of desire, a piece of meat. Actually, everyone knew that since I 'accidentally' broke some new guy's wrist after he hit on me.

He took a step closer. "Nathan" I warned. He took another step but for some reason I didn't feel the need to step away. I did have to look up at him though, which I hated. "You have no idea do you?" He whispered almost to himself.

Then he kissed me.

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A/N
Can you tell what's happening? *wink wink nudge nudge*

That was cringey but I hope you enjoyed

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