Blood & Honor (Serpentia #1)

Chapter 3 ∞ Alliance

Chapter 3

Serpentia's hideout, the Lair, as they called it, was surprisingly vast and comfortable. Besides the office, there were three bedrooms, a bathroom and a small kitchen. Yet, I couldn't shake off the eerie feeling of being underground.

Sebastian offered me to stay here. He had security cameras surrounding the lair, assuring me it was the safest place I could be in. To be frank, the bedroom he offered looked better than my whole flat.

The bedroom was small but convenient, with two beds, night tables and a wardrobe. The other two rooms were the same, the kitchen squeezed in between.

I was torn between going back to my flat and staying with them. As Sebastian said, they offered protection and I was tired of running and changing identity. I promised him to think about it, even though I knew I would most likely accept it. He humbly said himself the lair wasn't much of a place to live in, more suitable for working at night, but I found the place serene. Quiet.

The streets raised me. I was used to sleeping wherever I could. From dark alleys to subway stations, I didn't choose as long as I had something over my head and dry ground to lie on.

It all changed one day. Even now, years later, I still remember it as if it happened yesterday. It was one of those rare moments when I actually had some cash to treat myself with a hot bagel and a cup of tea. The wonderful smell of bread fresh from the oven was pure heaven, almost more satisfying that eating it. As I nibbled on it, savoring each crumb, I overheard a man talking to the waitress about how he needed someone to fill in a spot at his gym.

It felt awkward to approach him, but I was desperate for a job. I had quickly finished my meal and caught up with him outside. Words coming from my mouth hadn't been making much sense, due to both fear and excitement. Surprisingly, he didn't seem to care, relieved he wouldn't need to look further.

Maybe he pitied me. My appearance made it obvious that I was desperate for a place to stay and work, judging by my wood stick thin body and disheveled hair specked with dirt.

''Want some coffee?'' A deep baritone voice startled me. My head snapped up, gaze settling on a tall silhouette leaning on the door. ''Caleb,'' I breathed out, ''I'm sorry, I dazed off.''

''I'm sorry,'' he said sincerely, ''I didn't mean to scare you. For someone who dared to stand up to Gabe and live to tell it, you're rather jumpy.''

He snickered, holding two cups of steaming coffee and extended one. ''Here, I thought you'd like a cup.''

''Thanks,'' I returned the smile, ''I appreciate it.''

He plopped down on the bed beside me and ran his hand through his curly ginger hair, looking at his knees. ''What were you thinking about? You were all in the fiery lioness mode minutes ago, and now you're more like a kitten.''

He leaned towards me, frowning. ''I'm still a lioness, but not exactly fiery.''

It sounded more like I was trying to convince myself instead of him. Sensing my discomfort, Caleb let it go.

''I like you more that way.'' He chuckled to himself. ''Damn, lass, you can get really scary. I thought you were going to rip Gabe's throat out. Wouldn't blame you if you did,'' he shrugged. ''He can be an asshole, but don't let it get to you. He's not that bad,'' Caleb persuaded.

I raised an eyebrow. ''Well...'' he continued, ''he's a bit rough, but once you get to know him, he's a pretty good guy. A loyal friend.'' I only nodded, not saying anything. He took a long swing of his drink and noticed the untouched coffee in my hands.