Barely Lethal

three.

"Basically, you kill them?"

"Yes. When every other method doesn't work for these criminals, there is no other solution. We are called in to deal with the problem once and for all." He tells me bluntly.

My stomach ties in knots. I know these people killed bad criminals with reasons but they were still human. They can't just be disposed and Sloan makes it sound like we are talking care of pest control.

"Our agents are trained for months before they are put out on the field and each agent has a partner. Zach's partner is no longer a member of the agency," He tells me and exchanges a look with Zach. "And you, are going to take his place." Sloan tells me, grinning wider than Cheshire cat.

It takes me a while to realize what he had just said, and my eyes widen. I begin to shake my head frantically, and flapping my arms screaming, "Oh, hell no!"

"That's a lovely proposal and all, but rapists and guns are not what I really have in for my future. Thanks for the offer but I decline." I said.

Sloan chuckles, "So, you think you have a choice? Would you rather stay at home getting beaten up by your father constantly?"

That struck a cord in me and I can feel the tears threatening to come out. I've been crying a lot these days. Why can't I stop?

"Quinn, we have not picked you off the streets randomly," Sloan tells me. "We look through the best candidates from schools around the country, trying to find the next talented agent. Judging by your grades, you are smart. You may have confidence issues but the real test was to see how you would react when you were abducted. You put up a good fight. And that is what this agency needs, a fighter."

As Sloan recited his motivational speech, I noticed Zach tense up next to me slightly and Sloan's voice sounded like he was reading straight out from a script. Clearly, he had explained this bunch of times. "As for the rest, you will be trained to be the best agent you could possible be. Fighting, handling guns, knives, you name it and we will train you."

When he finished his speech, I found myself being too quiet as I took in his words, processing them carefully.

"And if I refuse to join you?" I whisper, looking at him and waiting for the answer I had thought was coming.

He stared back coldly and without hesitation, "Hopefully, it will not come to that." he replied simply. His voice was threatening and it confirmed what I already knew.

If I didn't join them, they would kill me so that I don't spread their little secret around.

Did I really wanna die?

No.

Did I want to live a life where I would be killing others?

No.

I thought about my options, and it didn't take me long to come to a decision. I gulped, swallowing the growing lump in my throat from the fear evident in my body.

"I refuse." I tell him, trying to keep my voice confident as possible as I can.

I notice the shock on Zach's face at my words, and even Sloan recoils a little, surprised by my refusal before he goes back to the threatening posture he was few seconds ago.

"Quinn, I know that you understand if you refuse, we have to kill you but you don't seem to know the whole extent of it." Sloan began, and my attention was all on him. "If you refuse to join us, your contacts will be disposed off as well."

My jaw dropped open. Was he really serious?

"My contacts?" I repeated, disbelief showing on my face, "As in my friends and my dad?"

Sloan gave me a cold stare, confirming he was talking about the loved ones in my life. I know I wished my dad would die, but he's my dad and I'll still love him. And there's Thea and Farah, I don't want them to be murdered because of me.

"You don't really care about your dad, do you? Even after all he has done to you?" Sloan haunts me, trying to get a reaction from me.

"He's still my father." I said quietly. "If I don't join, you're going to kill me, my friends and my dad?"

"We have to terminate any possible connections you could have that will lead to Werwolf."

"How could it lead to this agency if you kill me when they clearly don't know that I'm here!" I counter back in a high pitched voice.

"We have no choice but to terminate any connections," He repeated again in a monotone voice, ignoring my protests, "Unless, you join us."

I bore my eyes at him icily, realizing he had me between a rock and a hard place.

Well, he actually had me between two guns, a grenade and a hard place.

"You will learn to grow used to Werwolf, the other agents will soon become you new family." Sloan tries to persuade me.

I pursed my lips while thinking about my options. I must have looked around the room in desperation looking for an exit. Realizing I had no chance of getting away, I turned my eyes back to Sloan.

What choice do I have?

"Fine." I managed to choke out.

Sloan's lips curve into a triumphant grin, and he pushes himself off the desk, leaning over and putting his hand out for a hand shake. I looked at Zach, and he gave me an understanding nod at the decision I had just met.

I reach my hand out hesitantly and took Sloan's, glaring at him whilst clenching my jaw. He ignores my murder stares and just grins back shaking my hand enthusiastically as if he want the noble prize. It was clear that Sloan was a man who always manages to have his way.

His eyes locked with mine. "Trust me Quinn, we will turn you into one of the greatest agents this firm has ever seen."

As soon as those words escaped from his mouth, I knew that my life would never be the same.

I, now belonged to one of the most dangerous firms of assassins in the world.