Chapter 1

I stared blankly at the elevator doors, impatiently waiting to reach my floor. I straightened the form fitting suit around my figure. I normally wore a t-shirt, jeans and tennis shoes, but all my clothes were back at my apartment, hours away.

When I woke up in my hotel room yesterday afternoon, three suits were hanging in the closet, with a pair of black heels on the floor. I was slightly unnerved that the Agency knew my exact measurements, but then again what didn’t they know? I hated wearing heels, but I was grateful for the change of clothes. Everything else I needed was waiting for me in the bathroom. The suits fit well – too well. I wasn’t used to showing off every curve of my body, like this clothing did.

I was uncomfortable with everything. These unfamiliar clothes, foreign surroundings and the resounding loneliness growing inside of me without Amy by my side were utterly claustrophobic.

Finally the elevator dinged and the doors opened with a whoosh. My heels clicked down the marble floor of the Agency’s Los Angeles office.

At the end of the hallway I stopped in front of the familiar wooden door and took a deep breath before raising my hand and knocking.

“Come in,” a muffled male voice came from the other side.

With another deep breath I reluctantly turned the handle and pushed the heavy door open.

A muscular, middle-aged man, sat behind a large desk, covered in papers, at the far end of the spacious corner office. His salt and pepper hair was cut short and complemented his square jaw. The wrinkles around his eyes made him look kind, however, his piercing sky blue gaze, almost identical to my own, had more of a hard edge to it and completely changed the way he came across to others.

He was a man to be respected. He was a man to be obeyed. And he was my father: Lucas Edwards.

His eyes darted up to meet mine as I clicked the door shut. “Aurora.” His face softened at the sight of me and he rose from his office chair and came around his desk. I preferred to be called Rory; he was the only one who still called me by my full name. But he was my father and it didn’t feel quite appropriate to correct him. He approached me somewhat apprehensively, but gave up and enveloped me in his strong arms.

I went a bit stiff when he pulled me in. He was rarely physically affectionate with me – at least not since I was a child anyway. Despite my momentary shock, I slowly relaxed and slunk into his warm embrace.

“I was so worried about you,” he whispered into my hair.

I retracted from his hold, “I’m okay,” I attempted to reassure him, “I just want to go home. I have so much to take care of there.”

He slowly made his way back to his chair, “About that…” He motioned for me to sit in one of the waiting room type chairs in front of his desk.

“About what?” I hesitantly took a seat.

“You’re not going back to Seattle,” he said flatly.

My mouth fell open slightly, “But –” I paused to collect my thoughts before saying something irrational. “All my stuff is there,” I said through my teeth, hoping it was a good enough reason to justify returning and knowing it was not.

“Not anymore,” my father leaned back in his chair, “I had your things packed up and they’re being shipped here.”

“Dad!” I was alarmed, but again, I knew that flying off the handle wasn’t going to help my situation, “Why did you do that?” I asked slowly.

“It’d be a waste of time to let you go back up there just to move your stuff.” He reasoned.

“You can’t just move my stuff Dad.” I was upset, “I can’t believe you’d do that.” I shook my head.

“Well, I didn’t think you’d want to go back there anyway,” he replied gently. My face fell, he thought he’d done me a favor.

“I just really don’t want other people touching my things.” I shifted in my seat.

“It’s too late now,” he pursed his lips trying to understand why it mattered. To him they were all just things. But to me they were so much more. My apartment was full of memories and I wanted to say good bye. “Your things will be here tomorrow,” he finished.

“Why are you shipping it here?” My anger was waning, but he still had a lot of explaining to do.

He took a beat to study me before answering, “I want to keep a closer eye on you. So starting now, you’ll be based out of L.A.” He stated honestly.

My face flushed with embarrassment. It wasn’t enough that I blamed myself for what happened, but this was such a huge blow to my pride. And what was worse is that he had no idea why I was so pissed. “Why can’t I just go back to Seattle? My life is there.” I tried to convince him to change his mind. Sure I joined the Agency to get closer to him, but this wasn’t what I had in mind at the time.

“Aurora. Stop whining,” he scolded. “I hand picked your new Agent, your new apartment is twice the size of your old one and you should view this as an opportunity rather than a tragedy.”

I avoided looking him in the eyes, “Fine.” I huffed and folded my arms indignantly.

He glanced at his watch and his eyes widened in alarm, “Listen, honey, I hate to do this to you, but I have an appointment to make across town, so I’ve got to run.” He got up, suddenly in a rush and gathered some of the papers on his desk. “Fred’s going to pick you up from the hotel tomorrow and take you over to your apartment.”

“Fred?” I questioned as he pulled out his briefcase and began laying the papers inside. I only knew one Fred.

“I appointed Fred and his Sentinel as your Seconds.” He said quickly.

“Fred Jones?” I asked hopefully. I had gone to the Academy with a Fred Jones.

“Yeah, he said he trained with you. He’s a good kid.” He grabbed the coat off the back of his chair and kissed me on the cheek as he strode past me. “We’re picking Sebastian up from the airport on Friday at 5pm, don’t be late. So I’ll see you then, okay?”

“Sure,” I turned and let my eyes follow him out the door – he was gone.

I stood in the empty office for a moment in a daze. It occurred to me that I should leave, so I called a cab to pick me up. I thought about going back to the hotel, but there was nothing to do there but sit and think about everything that had happened over the last week. And thinking about Amy was the last thing I wanted to do right now.

I waited outside the non-descript office building that housed the Agency’s West Coast headquarters in downtown Los Angeles when the taxi pulled up. I told the driver to take me to the closest movie theater.

Amy and I always went to the movies together on Sunday afternoons. It was our time to decompress and escape the demons that chased us during the rest of the week.

I sat alone in the theater as the credits rolled and sunk further into my chair. I wanted to cry, but I had shed every single tear in me days ago. Now I was just numb. I would never be able to look over and see Amy laughing, crying, or screaming at the images on the silver screen again.

People make mistakes in movies, but two hours later all their problems were solved and wrapped up in a neat little package. Unfortunately for me, life was not like the movies I adored. Things for me were complicated… a lot more complicated.

My cell phone vibrated in my pocket. I hesitated a moment before reading the caller id: Fred Jones. I flipped it open, “Hey Freddy,” I tried to sound more cheerful than I actually was.

“Aurora Edwards!” He beamed. I remembered in an instant how painfully optimistic my old Academy buddy was, “How are you?”

“I’m doing alright,” I lied.

“I’m sure L.A. is a huge adjustment from Seattle; what with the traffic and lack of rain,” he chided.

“I don’t know how you stand it,” I humored him as I wandered through the mall attached to the theater chain.

“I don’t,” he chuckled. I had forgotten how much of a positive influence Fred had been on me while we trained together three years earlier. I suddenly felt the need to see him and that goofy grin he always sported. We shared the occasional phone call, though more often than not, it was due to a case rather than to catch up. But after our first year at the Academy, he was cleared to become an Agent while I only tested high enough to become a Sentinel.

I snapped out of my reverie, “My dad told me you’re my Second,” I tried to make conversation.

“Yeah, I guess he remembered that we trained together and he thought it’d be nice for you to have a familiar face around,” he stopped, wondering if he’d said too much. Fred’s biggest flaw was that he forgot to censor himself from time to time. It could be endearing, but mostly it was just comical when he attempted to back track.

“Well, I’m glad he did.” I let him know I wasn’t offended, “I’m excited to see you again.” I smiled at the thought.

“Oh yeah!” He exclaimed, “That’s why I called. Mr. Edwards asked if I’d help you unpack tomorrow. The movers should be there around four, so what time do you want me to come get you?”

“Whenever,” I said nonchalantly. Thinking about my things belonging anywhere else than my usual apartment in Seattle hurt too much.

“Three okay?” He asked, “I don’t think it’s that far from your hotel, but with traffic you never know.”

“Three is just fine Freddy.” I confirmed

“Cool, I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“Bye.” I ended the call and dialed for a cab again. Hopefully, they’d issue me a company vehicle soon so I didn’t have to keep using the cash they left for me along with the suits. I felt guilty using it. It was pity money.

The sky had darkened since I entered the theater two hours earlier. I only had to wait a few moments before the taxi showed up. I hailed the driver to let him know I was the one who requested his service.

The lights of Los Angeles were bright and foreign. I felt like a five year old leaning up against the window to get a look at the businesses we passed.

The Agency spared no expense in my accommodations and had put me up in a very ritzy hotel close to their office building.

I called for room service the second I returned. I was starving since I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. For some reason it hadn’t occurred to me to eat lunch before I left to meet with my father.

I flicked through the TV channels while I ate the cheeseburger and fries I had ordered. It was a far cry from the same dish at my favorite diner in Seattle, but it was my usual order, and I was nothing if not a creature of habit. My entire routine was shattered without warning. Now I would have to create an entirely new set of rituals – alone.

I awoke with a start in the hard hotel bed. I wiped the sheen of a cold sweat from my forehead. Nightmares plagued my sleep since the night I left Seattle. It was always the same. I would walk through the events of that last night with astounding clarity, from the moment we got the tip, to the blood curdling screams that escaped my mouth as I rocked back and forth on the ground cradling Amy’s blood stained and lifeless body in my arms.

I sat up trying to forget the images my mind refused to ignore each time I closed my eyes. I blinked back tears as the thoughts of Amy slowly faded into grey.

I sulked into the bathroom and tried to recognize myself somewhere in my reflection. My pale blue eyes were sullen and lifeless, my wavy chestnut hair had no shine to it whatsoever and fell limply below my shoulders. Make up might fix my face, and a hot shower may return the luster to my hair, but nothing could fix my attitude that morning.

I took my time getting ready. Even though I had slept in, Fred wasn’t due to pick me up for another couple of hours.

While I showered I thought of the last time I saw Fred. We crossed paths on a case in Portland. At that time his Sentinel was a nice older man. Fred humored his quirks, but he must have retired by now. I wondered if Fred still kept his sandy blonde hair short. I was sure it was; it was more professional. And Fred was nothing if not professional.

I could be mad at my dad for relocating me without notice, but I was thankful that he appointed Fred as my Second. It was nice to know that if I needed anything on a case, or personally he was a resource I could use. Lucas Edwards hadn’t always been the best father, but he was a great leader and he deserved being appointed as the head of the Agency’s West Coast division.

As I had predicted the shower and the make up helped me look a little less depressed. With a sigh I dressed in one of the suits. I didn’t have any other options. And the thought of slipping into my own clothes in a few hours was enough to momentarily lift my spirits.

I used the plastic bag provided for laundry and neatly placed the remaining suits and the rest of the clothing and toiletries the Agency had provided me with in the bag.

My cell phone buzzed in my pocket, it was Fred, “Hello,” I answered.

“Hey Rory, I’m in the lobby. Do you have everything?” He inquired.

“Yeah, I’m ready. I’ll be down in a sec.” I flipped my phone closed and grabbed the bag on my way out the door.

I took the stairs down two floors and when I rounded the corner into the lobby I nearly collided with a tall blonde man with a thin but muscular build. At 5’5” I wasn’t petite, but my slim frame surly made me appear slight compared to most of the men I usually worked with – this man was no exception. He had his back to me and I marveled at his impeccably tailored navy suit before clearing my throat.

Fred spun around to face me and his emerald eyes lit up with recognition. He almost knocked me over when he caught me in his embrace. “Rory! What a sight for sore eyes!” He squeezed me tighter.

I let out a chuckle, “It’s good to see you too Freddy,” I patted him on the back in an attempt to signal that I was satisfied with the hug.

He let me go and there was that goofy grin I had all but forgotten until the night before. Fred’s demeanor was infectious, “You look great,” he scanned me from head to toe as I nervously fiddled with my necklace.

“The suit’s too tight, but thanks,” I blushed. “You look great too, L.A.’s really working for you.”

He laughed, “All the sun doesn’t hurt,” he took the bag from my hand and pressed his hand on the small of my back as he escorted me outside, “I checked out for you while I was waiting,” He answered me before I could think to ask the question.

The flashers were blinking on Fred’s black Escalade. “Nice, you’ve got the new model already.” I commented as he opened the passenger side door for me.

“Got it last week,” He said brightly while I focused on stepping up into the car without tripping over my heels. “Charlie hates it – says it’s too big. But it’s the same size as the last one.” He shut the door once I sat down.

I waited until he had made his way around the front of the car and into his own seat before asking, “Who’s Charlie?”

“Oh!” He laughed at himself, “Sorry, Charlie’s my new Sentinel. Richard retired about…” he calculated the time in his head, “Six months ago. Charlie’s awesome. You two are going to get along great. Everyone loves Charlie!” He beamed. “You guys’ll meet this weekend.” He drove patiently.

“Can’t wait.” I smiled at him.

He nodded in approval.

“So, do you know who your new Agent is yet?” He asked cautiously after a while.

“Yeah, my dad told me. Shit, what was his name?” I tried to replay our conversation from the previous day, “Something with and S. Steve? Sean? Sam… no… Sebastian!” I finally exclaimed.

He slowly turned to look at me, “Sebastian?” He questioned skeptically.

“Yeah, stupid name right?” I joked, ‘Who names their kid Sebastian?’ I thought.

“Sebastian Gray?” He asked dubiously.

“I guess, I don’t know. My dad didn’t say his last name, he just said we were picking him up from the airport on Friday.” I told Fred all the information I had on the matter.

“Holy shit,” He shook his head in disbelief. “I had no idea he’d ask Sebastian-effing-Gray to come back to the states to work with you.” He was genuinely shocked, “Can I come with you to the airport!?” He asked suddenly.

“Okay?” I was getting slightly irritated with the sense of awe Fred had with this guy, “Who the hell is Sebastian Gray?”

“You’re not serious?” He snorted.

I raised my eyebrow in annoyance, “Should I know who he is?” Fred gaped at me, “When did he graduate from the Academy?”

“He didn’t” Fred laughed.

“What?” I was confused, “You can’t be an Agent unless you train at the Academy.” I said matter-of-factly.

Fred looked at me again like he couldn’t believe I was so daft, “Rory, your father trained him.”

“My dad doesn’t train Agents.” I stated, thinking that Fred was just pulling my leg.

“Well he trained Sebastian Grey.” Fred retorted smugly.

“How old is he? How long has he been an Agent?” I asked, trying to probe for more information on this seemingly infamous Agent that I had never heard of before. And I was curious as to when my father trained him. Was it before or after I found him?

“He’s our age, 28 I think, so only like a year older than us. I’m pretty sure he’s been an Agent since he was 18. He was the youngest to obtain Agent status.” Fred answered me, and elaborated more than I cared for him to. But for some reason I felt better knowing that my dad trained him before we reconnected. Still, my jealously flared knowing that I wasn’t good enough for my father to train. But I suppose he never wanted me to join the Agency in the first place.

“What makes him so special?” I let envy get the best of me, “How do you know who he is?” I was determined to find out if Fred was lying. He wasn’t the type of guy to psyche someone out, but it had been three years since we were close. It was possible he wasn’t as sweet as I remembered.

“Sebastian Gray is possibly the best Agent the Agency has ever employed,” Fred began, “Once he took on a portal by himself and didn’t let a single demon get past him.” He smiled, “Rumor has it your dad’s grooming him to take over the West Coast division when he retires. I mean, Sebastian’s practically his protégé.” He stopped abruptly realizing that I might be upset about my father adopting a surrogate child in my absence. But our 12 year estrangement wasn’t a choice either of us made; it was my mother’s decision.

Fred shifted uncomfortably, waiting for my response. I didn’t want him to feel bad, so I said, “Fanboy much?”

Freddy scoffed, “I’d like to think of it as professional admiration,” he let out a big laugh, “I suppose it does sound like I’ve got a big crush on the guy.”

I giggled, “Nothing wrong with a little hero worship.”

“Man, Charlie’s gonna freak out. I mean Sebastian Gray and Rory Edwards are our Seconds. You don’t get much better back up than that.” He was thrilled, “Sebastian’s so good he probably doesn’t even need a Sentinel.” He joked, then realized what he said and figuratively inserted his foot into his mouth, removing it only to unsuccessfully retract his statement, “Not that your dad brought him over to make sure that you would have an easy time. You’re a great Sentinel, and perfectly capable. I bet he just wanted you to be able to learn from someone with more experience who –”

“Freddy,” I stopped his ramble, “It’s fine.”

“Sorry,” he said sheepishly as he pulled into the parking lot under my new apartment building.

But he was right.

My father had assigned me the most fool proof Agent a Sentinel could be partnered with, thinking that he was making life easier for me and knowing that with a partner like Sebastian I would be out of harm’s way.

This discovery upset me much more than I would allow Fred to see. However, there was a tiny part of me that was elated that my dad still cared about me enough to feel the need to take care of me like this. But a larger part was beyond disappointed that my father had so little faith in me as a Sentinel.

I wanted to prove him wrong more than anything.