Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 26781 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26781 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
“What can you tell me about his partner?” I wasn’t trying to suggest that there could be bad blood; I simply wanted all the information before I met the man.
“Milan is a great officer as well. He’s intelligent and fair. He doesn’t possess magical powers, but-”
“What?” I cut in with a bite.
“Milan doesn’t have powers,” the Captain repeated, and I threw my hands in the air.
“Then what in bloody hell is he doing on the force? Magic is right in the fucking title! He obviously isn’t equipped to be dealing with this shit! It’s no wonder his partner got killed with this guy watching his back! If he was any kind of a man, he would turn in his badge and save the next sorry sucker who would be assigned as his partner.”
“That sorry sucker would be you,” a voice said from behind me. I whipped around in my seat, and my heart sank into my gut at the sight of a gorgeous man in the doorway. I’d been yelling so loudly that I didn’t hear him enter.
The man looked eerily similar to the one in the photograph; he had tan skin, black, coiffed hair, and sad eyes that were so dark brown they were nearly black as well.
He was stunningly handsome, but that didn’t explain why my body suddenly burst into goose pimples, or why my heart nearly beat out of my chest. My blood raced, my hands tingled, and my mind spun with joy and recognition; this man - Milan - was my beloved.
“I…I…” I stuttered, but couldn’t complete my thought. For the first time in my life, I was at a loss for words.
“Don’t worry,” Milan hissed through his teeth, “I heard enough.” He dropped the box he was holding into the dustbin by the door. The flap came open, and a couple of pastries tumbled to the ground. I could only guess that it had been a gesture of welcome, which was now revoked. Milan turned on his heel and marched out of the Captain’s office, slamming the door behind him.
I spun around in my chair once more when I heard the roaring laughter of the Captain. His hands were on his giggling belly as he exclaimed, “Boy, have you got some serious ass to kiss!”
“Kiss it? I don’t even think he’ll let me near it!” Captain Mullins’ laughter stopped, and he cocked his head in confusion. When I explained, “Milan is my beloved,” he howled even louder.
“You are so fucked!”
I glared at him beneath my furrowed brow. “That’s very helpful, thanks.” But my face softened when realization struck. “Wait, he’ll have to forgive me; our bond demands it.”
Each mage was granted a beloved - a fated mate with whom to share their immortal life. The pair were perfectly matched, and their souls were to be bound for eternity. They were destined to love, protect, and nurture each other. They needed one another to survive. My cranky ass had given up hope that I even had a match, but I had just met him…and pissed him off.
“He has no powers, remember?” Captain Mullins chuckled. “Which means he doesn’t recognize your bond. He doesn't know who you are besides an asshole who thinks he’s inadequate.”
Dammit. I leapt to my feet and scurried out of the office, the Captain chuckling behind me. Although I had destroyed any chance with my beloved, at least I’d lightened Mullins’ mood. Now I had to make things right with Milan.
Chapter Three
Nigel
It didn’t take long to find Milan’s whereabouts; I only had to ask the young man at the front desk (after sheepishly apologizing for my previous behavior; I figured I needed the practice before facing my beloved). The man pointed out an interrogation room down the hall, and received my thanks.
On my way towards the room, I passed a lounge, and quickly hatched an idea at the sight of a vending machine inside. Hoping for a peace offering, I purchased one of each item inside, cradling them in my arms.
When I reached the interrogation space, I was unable to knock on the open door to alert Milan of my arrival, so I used my foot to tap on the wood. He looked up from the file in front of him, but said nothing to acknowledge me.
I nodded towards my armful of rubbish food and explained, “I thought you might be hungry since you threw away your breakfast.” Because of me.
Milan glared for a moment before dropping his gaze. “I don’t want anything from you.”
Ouch. “Well, maybe later, then.” I placed the goodies onto the table. A few of them fell onto the floor, but I left them alone. I doubted Milan would eat them anyway. Since the snacks were a bust, I knew it was time for apologetic words. I cleared my throat and offered sincerely, “I’m sorry for what you overheard - for what I said. I had a bad morning and-”