One of the thugs gave the iron door a massive kick, denting it inward as cracks webbed across the wall beside it."This is your last warning. Open up or we're coming in!" he bellowed.They had been here a few times already. Their patience was wearing thin, and their curiosity about Tanya's looks was killing them.Indeed, they were too chicken to make a move in broad daylight with the patrols around.They had not caught a glimpse of Tanya yet because they were more like dusk predators.If they had, who knew what kind of trouble they would stir up from being unable to hold back their worst instincts.Tanya's heart skipped a beat as her mind raced with fear and confusion.She fumbled for her phone, eyes darting to the clock. She had already dialed 911.Even the cops would take precious minutes to get here, which was a concern.The goons outside were relentless this time, their ferocity sending chills down the spine of someone who had never faced such danger.There was another th

"How about signing a work contract with my company? Let's say for 20 years? Should you bail early, you owe a hefty fine."Tanya's eyes blazed with anger. "20 years? That's over the top! What do you think I am, your property?"In a swift move, Seth pulled her close. She was soft in his arms, her scent intoxicating. "I'm offering you a fair deal. A contract with a solid paycheck or... the alternative. It's your call.""Get away from me, you jerk!" Tanya sprang from Seth's arms, putting a few meters between them. Her cheeks were burning with a mix of rage and embarrassment. Her heart was racing, and she was not sure if it was because she was mad or mortified—or maybe a bit of both. Seth sniffed his hand, which was still scented with Tanya's perfume. He grinned. "You smell amazing." Tanya gritted her teeth, glaring at the infuriating guy. Deep down, however, she was not as furious as she let on. It was weird and confusing to her. "Where is he? Where's that guy?" Just then, Tanya's

Seth gave her a look as if she were the biggest dummy in the world. "You think you're some kind of prize? Like every guy is out to get you to like him? I'm offering you a place because I need a favor. After work, you've got to help me out with some international stuff," he said.Seth knew Tanya's background was in management.The Medicine Sect was always sending over piles of paperwork, and Seth could not be glued to that stuff all day. He needed someone to take some of the load off, and Tanya was it.Tanya's cheeks flamed with embarrassment after Seth's sharp words stung her pride. She felt the heat on her face and the sting of humiliation, so she quickly steered the conversation elsewhere. "So... what do you need me to do?""Just take care of some stuff abroad. It's no big deal. It won't take more than an hour of your day. Just follow my instructions, and you'll be fine," he assured her."If that's all, then you have got yourself a deal," she agreed."Let's hit the road."He d

Seth bolted to the kitchen and found Tanya balled up in the corner, still screaming her head off."What's up?""It's a bug, a huge one!"Tanya's face was almost planted to the wall as she pointed behind her. Seth glanced over and could not help but crack up.The 'huge bug' was just a little gecko.It was normal to find some critters here since the place had been empty for a bit.Feeling a bit devilish, Seth blurted out, "Yikes, that bug's making a beeline for you!""Ah!"Tanya's scream hit a new high note as she leaped onto Seth, clinging to him.She was all soft and squishy, a sensation Seth found pretty awesome. He had that grin that guys just get.Since luck had fallen onto his lap, he had no intention of declining it.Tanya clung to Seth for a solid minute before she jolted back to reality. She leaped away with her face burning so much that she was as red as an apple.Seth was not having any of it, though. He shot back, "What's the big idea? Jumping on me out of nowhe

"Hey, do you know any reliable biology experts?" Seth had snagged some hot intel on genetic warriors from the Warhawk Empire. That info was gold, and he needed to cash in. Keke, the ultimate tech geek, might just have the right connections. "You're asking the right person, Boss." Keke chuckled. "One of my old college buddies is a bio whiz. Things are rough for her right now, though. Her research tanked, investors bailed, and she's out of a job. Trust me, she's got skills."Seth gave a firm nod. "Okay, then give her a call. I want to see if she's up for a meet-up with me.""You got it, Boss. I'm calling her right now."Keke punched in the numbers right there in front of him.In a dingy little apartment somewhere in Imperial City, a woman who looked to be in her early 20s was sprawled out on her bed. She had thick glasses, and her hair was all over the place.She was rocking a pair of shorts. Her long, pale legs were bent and fidgeting nonstop.Her face was the picture of frust