The Soldier's Luna: Ascension

Chapter 1

<I have eyes on the target,> I informed Soldat through the comms.

<Do you have a clear shot?>

<Negative,> I replied when a bodyguard covered the target. <Holding position until I have a clear shot.>

<You don't have much time, Luna.>

The bodyguard moved away from the target. The target reached for a pen but before he could sign the document, I pulled the trigger. Through the scope, I was able to see the target was hit but it wasn't a clean shot. Depending on the target's constitution to live, there was the potential he could make it through.

<Shit,> I muttered.

Soldat walked over to the practice target. He studied the bullet hole and shook his head, <Good chance the target would live with this, which would mean?>

<The next time there will be double the security.>

<And you failed the mission.>

I got up from my spot and walked down the steps until I was next to him. <I don't know what I'm doing wrong.>

<You always angle it more to the left. If you're already doing that, imagine where that bullet will hit if you factor in the wind's velocity.>

I handed him back his sniper. <Well, I'll leave the sniper to you while I handle the rest.>

<We won't always be together on missions. I won't be there to watch your back.>

"When aren't you watching my back?" I grumbled lowly, knowing that Karpov would randomly assign Soldat to watch me when I was on solo missions. The hairs on the back of my neck would rise and a warm sensation would travel through my body whenever he was near me. Sometimes that feeling was so strong that I wouldn't realize that I was holding my breath. The way his shadow cast over me was intimidating yet...alluring. He gripped my shoulder to shove me against the metal wall. I winced at the throbbing sensation on the back of my head. His metal hand wrapped around my throat. He didn't squeeze my neck hard as a warning but not enough to cut off my air circulation my eyes diverted down to avoid his cold threatening glare.

<Watch that tone with me, Luna,> He growled lowly.

He applied a light amount of pressure for me to look at him. His eyes lightly moved to the entryway that was on the balcony. I gripped his wrist, pretending to wretch away from his hold just so I could see who was on the balcony. Knowing what I was doing, Soldat's grip tightened, and forced my face back on him to keep up with the act. Karpov and Petrov were quietly talking to each other but in reality, they were watching us. If they heard me back talk to Soldat and he didn't do anything, they would've had us go through preparations.

His piercing glare sent shivers down my spine, <Do you understand?>

I uttered weakly, <Yes, Sir.> His grip loosened and his body relaxed, signaling they left the balcony. I could feel his breath on me and the smell of leather and metal hit my nose. A sensation inside me stirred but I didn't understand it. Before I could question it, I said in a quiet tone that was enough for both of us to hear, "But we both know it's true. They order you to keep an eye on me."

"That's not the only reason."

My eyebrows furrowed. "What's the other reason?"

If I blinked, I would've missed it but I saw his eyes move down to my lips before he looked into my eyes again. His jaw clenched, loosening his hold on my neck until it felt like a feather was touching me. His thumb glided along my skin before he completely released me. "You know what happens when you make mistakes—what I have to do if you fail..." He paused for a moment, looking away from me. His breath hitched, "I don't want the orders to hurt you anymore. I don't want to hurt you anymore. So, do me a favor—don't give a reason to do it."