The Twins

"Why me Lucian?"

He laughed at that, as he cut my bindings free. Which was weird because I never saw a knife.

"Phoenix Castiel. The most looked down upon agent alive. Former undercover star now disgraced for causing the death of not one, not two, but three other undercover agents during a mission gone wrong. Every organization wants you. Most don't care if your dead or alive as long as a rival doesn't get you. You have caused a hell of a lot of unease."

"Fuck you, Lucian. Let me go."

I knew I had to play the part, even if I did not want to go.

"Easy there Ms. Castiel. There is no reason to get feisty. You are free to go whenever you please. But you should know, there will be people out there to kill you. We're you to stay, I could protect you. Nothing would happen to you as long as you work for me. You would be a valuable asset, therefore you would live with us. Would be paid like us. And you Would be treated like us."

I was confused. This was not the man I'd heard stories of. The cold, ruthless killer that demanded obedience from everyone around him. But I threw that thought out. I was here to take this man down. To take down his entire operation.

I sighed and said, "Okay. How do we go about this?"

He smiled then, and it was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. But as soon as he noticed he was smiling, he was back to his emotionless face.

"You'll go home tonight with two of my men. Tomorrow your belongings will be moved to my land. Any questions?"

"Yes. After having your name know by every agency in the world since birth, how does no one have a single picture or description of you?"

He looked at me for a few moments. King enough that I could tell he was considering how he should answer.

"By keeping my head down and being smarter than those around me. Be very careful with your questions Ms. Castiel. You will find not everyone is willing to satiate your curious nature."

With that he spun on his hell and walked out of the room. I knew what he meant though. The unspoken threat in his words. I needed to be careful with what I asked. After all I am the new recruit. Not to mention the whole being an ex agent thing.

Footsteps broke my thoughts as I looked up and noticed two men walking in. One had messy red hair with beautiful eyes and a tan skin tone. His muscles stuck out through his tight shirt as he helped pull me to my feet. The other man looked just like him except for the scar over his eye. If you looked close enough, it looked like it was from claw marks. Even though he looked like he would be the aggressive one, he was the one that smiled and spoke to me.

"I am Xavier and my brother here is Daniel. Ignore his rudeness. He is known as the brooding twin for a reason."

His brother growled and spoke up then,

"At least I am not reckless and carefree. There is a reason you have that scar."

The two looked at each other and seemed to be having a silent argument. It lasted for a few moments before Daniel, the grouchy one, turned and walked out.

"Don't kind him. We will be your watchdogs tonight, and we'll be helping you prep for the move."

I could feel the heat coming from his body but I chose to ignore it. I figured he was probably just warm blooded or something. Instead I introduced myself.

"I'm sure you already know, but I'm Phoenix Castiel. It's a pleasure to meet you Xavier."

He took my hand and said,

"The pleasure is all mine Ms. Phoenix. Now let's get you home."

We walked outside and I noticed we were in a big building in the center of town. I was walking to the black Escalade parked outside with Xavier and Daniel on either side of me as I saw someone familiar eating across the street. Michael and Sarah were dressed up and eating lunch as though they were on a date, but I knew better. They were here to keep an eye on me.

I climbed into the Escalade and watched everything pass by us until we arrived at my apartment.

"Are you two coming in with me or staying out here?"

"I will come in with you while Daniel does whatever Daniel wants."

I started thinking as I walked into the building with Xavier. So far I've met three of Lucian's men. Each one hit and ripped. Each one with a dangerous feeling to them. But none quite like Lucian. He was, well I don't know what he was. He held a commanding, and dangerous aura. But his was unlike the others. I'd never met a man quite like Lucian. He was supposed to be the most dangerous man alive but that's not the feeling I got while around him.

"Phoenix? Are you listening to me?"

I didn't realize we had stopped outside of my apartment.

"Sorry. I kind of got lost in thought."

I unlocked my door and let Xavier in then followed behind and locked it. Xavier immediately took to examining my apartment for any sign of intruders. But I knew he wouldn't find anything.

"Xavier are you staying here all night?"

"Yes, Al-Lucian has given us orders to keep you safe. He wants one of us near you and one keeping a lookout from the car."

I thought about here he could sleep. I live in a one bed, one bathroom apartment. I won't lie, the thought of letting him join me in bed sounded appealing. I'm not a keep a guy around type. So I find one I like, have my fun, then send him on his way. Xavier would be fun to sleep with after all. But in order to keep this professional I decided against it.

"You can have the couch in here. I'll be in my bed. Blankets and sheets are in the cupboard."

With that I turned and walked into my room, shutting the door behind me. As cute as the guy was, I needed my privacy.

"Besides," I muttered to myself, "dark, sexy, and dangerous is more my type."

I turned and walked into the bathroom. I had already stripped and turned on my shower when I saw a note poking out from behind my mirror. But I paused in my quest to get in the shower and grabbed it. I didn't recognize the handwriting, but I knew the code name. It was the only written thing on an otherwise untraceable typed note.

Remember who you are, and why you are there. We will be watching from a distance. Do not fail. - The Scorpion

I sighed and burned the note, then stepped into my shower. This mission will be the death of me. But I'll openly accept it when the time comes.

After an hour standing under the hot water I decided to go to bed. It had been a long day and tomorrow would be even longer.