Hunter

You've got to be kidding me

Hunter

Mason has a habit of ruining special moments or the life you built. Hell, it doesn't matter one way or another. He'll find some way to insert himself into your life, like my brother showing up at the base in fatigues.

I was talking to my commanding officer when I spotted Hayden out of my peripheral, walking toward me in black fatigues. My commanding officer walked away to let me deal with this new arrival. FML.

Hayden stopped before me and dropped his duffle bag on the floor.

"Are you lost?" I asked with my arms folded and my brow raised.

"Nope. My lieutenant transferred me out of my unit. He gave me instructions to arrive here. So, here I am."

"No, you're here because Mason wants us to bond."

Hayden screwed up his face in annoyance. "Why doesn't that surprise me?"

"Nothing should surprise you with Mason. Because Zane and Marco are headed to the college on an assignment, I'm guessing you're here to fill an empty spot."

Hayden shook his head. "Where can I put my stuff?"

"Grab your bag. I'll show you to your quarters."

Hayden grabbed his bag and pulled the strap onto his shoulder before following me to an open room.

"You can bunk here since this room is empty. Showers are down that hall to the left. The mess hall is to the right. There are a few other guys that stay here and perform missions. You'll meet them when they wander through."

"It has better accommodations than I figured it would have."

"Welcome to working for Mason Jones." I walked away to get my next assignment.

My commanding officer briefed me on my next job. I grabbed the file and left his office to head to the mess hall. While I grabbed a tray and placed a plate of food on it, Hayden saddled up beside me with a tray and grabbed a plate of food. We sat at a table across from each other.

"Look, Hunter. I don't know what Mason's deal is with this whole situation. I didn't even know you existed until I met him a few weeks ago," Hayden said.

"You need to learn a few things about Mason Jones. It doesn't matter what you think. Mason expects loyalty in exchange for 'helping' you. Learning the game and playing along is better than balking at him. It won't end well for you."

"I didn't think it would."

"You don't seem surprised by what I told you."

"Nothing surprises me. I learned that when my mom died."

"At least you didn't have to deal with an asshole for a father. I got stuck with an asshole sperm donor."

Hayden looked at me. I wasn't one to cry over my life. It's not me. My life was a shit show from the word go. Mason just added to it.

"So, tell me about yourself. If Mason wants us to bond, I should know something, right?" He asked.

"Not much to tell. Mason found me when I was thirteen, hiding in the woods. He dragged my ass to his house and blackmailed me. I only agreed to his demands to protect Gail."