something we’re considering.”
“We? We as in you and the Guardians, or we as in you and me?”
“Both.”
“What if I want to try?” I press my lips together.
His entire body stills and it’s some time before he answers.
“Moira, you can’t be serious.”
“I’m just thinking out loud. If I want to try, do you think it’s something I could do? Like, would I be able to do it?”
It’s not totally insane. While I don’t know what Forest is thinking, Griff mentioned using me as bait. If they can find the man who ordered me off the slave menu, I can get close enough to kill him. That would make me feel… What? Powerful? Righteous?
Safe?
Or am I totally insane?
“It would be incredibly dangerous.” His arm slips from my shoulders and he clasps his hands in front of him. Griff doesn’t look at me.
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“Do I think you could do it? Shit, you’re the strongest person I know. You’d need work. A lot of work. Training. We couldn’t send you out the way you are now. You’re strong and fit. You handled yourself well on that ship.”
“But?” I wait for him to tell me I can’t do it.
“Are you saying you want to do it?”
“I know women can’t be Guardians, but if I can help in the smallest way, it might help me feel like I have some control over my life.”
“There are female Guardians.”
“There are?”
“Two. They’re on Delta team. Jenny is Delta-One, team leader. She took over the team when CJ stepped up to lead all four teams. Charlene is Delta-six. She’s been on the team for a couple of years.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“Delta team works domestic issues. They’re often hired by the FBI to work domestic kidnapping operations.”
“So, it wouldn’t be unheard of then?”
“No, but are we talking about what I think we’re talking about?”
“That depends. Is this something you’d let me do?”
“Minx, it’s not up to me to decide what I will or won’t let you do. You can do whatever you want. I’m not here to make that decision for you.”
“But what you said out there…”
“Hey, I’m not thrilled by this. Not one bit. I’m going to work you so hard that you’ll want to quit.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Because, if you do this, you need to know you can do it. I won’t go soft on your training. No one will.”
“What do you mean no one will?”
“We train as a team. Not as individuals. Max won’t take anyone on an op he hasn’t personally vetted. I’ll never lie to you. I plan on doing everything in my power to make you change your mind.”
“That makes no sense. How is that supporting me?”
“Because if you make it through what I have planned and still want to do this, I’ll be right there by your side. I just don’t want you to think this will be a walk in the park. Putting my woman in danger goes against everything I believe, but I’m not here to stand in your way. You need to understand what that means.”
“It means you’re not one of them.”
No need to elaborate who them refers to. He knows exactly what I mean. Griff isn’t here to rule my life like the Masters of my past. He’s not going to tell me what to do, what not to do, or control me in any way. He’s not one of the men who forced me to do as they wished, rather than what I wanted.
It’s the greatest gift I’ve ever been given.
“Tell me one thing.” I lean against him.
“Whatever you want.”
“If I train and pass all your tests, do you think this is something I can do? Am I capable enough?”
“You’re stronger than you know. More capable than you believe. Your mind and your self-doubt are your greatest weakness. If this is something you want to consider, what I think doesn’t matter.”
“Perhaps not, but I don’t know what it takes to be a Guardian. You must have some sense. Am I too weak? Because if I am…”
“As much as I’d love to say yes, and keep you from going any further down this path, I can’t lie to you. You have the capability to pull this off. As for whether or not you’ve got the mental fortitude to endure our unique brand of training, that’s entirely up to you.”
I push out a breath, realizing what’s happening. Griff doesn’t want this, but he won’t stand in my way. He’ll push me. Test me. He’ll try everything he