Valor | Marcel Gerard

Chapter 24

Andra was stressed.

Klaus had left without a word. She had no idea if he had or hadn't talked to Elijah.

Then, Freya told her they'd gotten into a fight.

"Seems it ended better than expected," said Marcel as Andra joined him on a morning run, casually checking his phone as she struggled to keep up. "They made amends. Your idea to tell them worked out."

"Thank fuck," she panted, his loft in view. "Marcel, I don't think I'm going to make it, I'm exhausted..."

"That fatigue you feel isn't real, is it? Come on, you can make it to the door. You've got this."

"I've been trying to run at your pace! My heart and muscles may not be real but I'm pretty sure if my heart can be made not to beat, both things can tetanize and I can feel like I'm about to burst."

"All that stress you were feeling can be wiped away! One last sprint, come on..."

"This– is why– I run– on treadmills! I can't believe I gave up morning cuddles with Landon to be killed by you!"

"You're the one that said you wanted to improve your endurance. Besides, most people like me when I'm shirtless and sweaty."

She glared at him before breaking into a sprint, trying with all her might to make it to the loft. As soon as she did, she staggered in, lowering herself to the ground and groaning, hands covering her face. "Next time you want some cardio, ask for something different."

"Here." He tossed her a water bottle. "Come on, doesn't it feel a little bit good?"

She shrugged, gulping down as much water as she could. "Feels horrible. But I am a little less nervous."

"See, then it did something..." he trailed off, noticing the tray by his bar, glasses of liquor empty. "You've got to be kidding me. Who came and helped themselves to my liquor?" He shook one of the decanters, turning it upside down. He held up a pair of solid-gold cuff-links that bore an owl. He showed them to Andra, whose expression darkened.

"That's The Strix's symbol," she said. "That suit..." she eyed one hanging on the wall. "Was that there when we left?"

"No, it sure as hell wasn't." He examined it, holding up a masquerade mask that went with it. "Speak of the devil..." he showed her his phone, where an unknown number was calling. "Let me guess, Aya?"

"Unfortunately for you, no," came a voice on the other line. "If one could surmise anything from your tone, she made quite an impression. In all fairness, the violence was my idea. Had you come willingly, none of that would have been necessary."

Marcel had reached into the tuxedo's pocket, holding out a Strix business card with a message on the back, an address. "So, this is your version of asking me something nicely?"

"It's an invitation. I believe Aya told you a bit about The Strix– who we are, what we're capable of. Every few years, we gather to celebrate our status as the most elite creatures in the world. And, in the rare instance we feel we've identified someone worthy of our attention, we open our doors."

"What makes you so sure I'm interested in you?"

"You haven't hung up the phone yet. I understand you've fostered quite a community here in New Orleans. We can offer you a global network– resources, access, power. You're a born leader, Marcel! Why stop at just one city?"

"Maybe I'm happy with what I've got."

"Somehow I doubt that. But, if I've failed to pique your interest, by all means disregard this call. If, on the other hand, you feel you'd be a worthy addition to our ranks... Join us. Tonight. Alone. And, don't be late."