Chapter 9
382words
"Ivy, about Marcus's situation..." he began delicately. "Perhaps we could reconsider? The Association's growth does require some... flexibility."
"Flexibility?" I sat down, my voice eerily calm even to my own ears. "You mean the flexibility to ignore risk assessments and endanger civilians?"
"Not ignore—just make appropriate adjustments," he said, dabbing sweat from his brow. "Marcus brings valuable resources and connections to our public operations..."
"Enough." I cut him off. "If our growth depends on abandoning our principles, how are we any better than the rogue werewolves and vampires we hunt?"
The office door swung open mid-sentence. Sebastian strode in wearing a crisp navy suit, looking every inch the executive.
"Ivy, we need to talk," he said. His voice was soft, but his eyes held a coldness I'd never seen before.
"About what?" I asked, though I already knew.
"About Weber's project," Sebastian said, taking a seat across from me. "I understand your concerns, but business decisions require a broader perspective."
I stared at the man I'd married—this skilled Hunter I'd fallen for—now asking me to compromise everything our world stood for.
"A broader perspective?" I echoed. "Sebastian, do you understand what you're suggesting? We never risk exposing civilians to our world for profit. Never."
"This isn't a risk," he insisted with practiced patience. "Weber's plan is sound, and his resources..."
"So you want me to make an exception?"
"I'm asking you to consider the Association's greater interests."
Silence fell over the office. The supervisor shifted uncomfortably, clearly wishing he were anywhere else.
"Sebastian," I said quietly, rising to my feet and pulling the silver Blake family badge from my drawer, "I thought you knew who I was."
"Ivy, what are you doing?" His voice hardened.
"Standing by my principles," I said, placing the badge on the desk with a sharp metallic sound that cut through the silence. "If the Association needs someone who'll compromise their values, you've got the wrong Blake."
"Ivy!" Sebastian rose, but I was already heading for the door.
Just before I stepped out, I spotted a familiar figure in the hallway—Sophia, my trainee.
Our eyes met briefly, and something unreadable flashed across her face.
I walked out of the Hunter Association headquarters without a backward glance.
