Runic Domination

Chapter 9 || How To Establish A Working Relationship

Nearly three hours had passed by then time Tyler finally returned. He pulled back as soon as he noticed the frigid expression on my face but recovered a moment later.

"They are definitely smuggling the kids from here. I wasn't able take a longer look at the documents, but I think I know where we can find more information about this," he explained quickly.

If it wasn't for my promise to Paul, I would've been long gone. Even now it was hard not to give into my impulse and say screw it. I did work better on my own after all.

Let's check what he found out first.

I crossed my arms in front of me, waiting for him to continue. When he didn't say anything else it took everything I had not to smack him upside down. "That's it?"

Deep breaths.

"That's a lead," he replied stubbornly.

Pressing my finger between my eyebrows as I tried very, very hard not to snap at him. "You were in there for hours and the only thing you got to show for is a lead? Another lead?"

Ty held up his hands defensively. "I know how they smuggle the kids as well. They are using an underground—"

"Ty," I finally snapped at him. "We need names. Find their connections. We can worry about the how later! That's it I will go in and—"

"No," Ty said.

"What do you mean, no?" I growled at him.

"I already sent a message that I'm on my way. And we have to stay together." He had the nerve to cross his arms in front of him as he quickly blocked the way.

"Then why," I pressed out, "did you make me wait here when I could have done something useful?"

"K, that guy... he's too dangerous. Trust me with this, you don't want him to notice you. Ever. Plus, I promised Paul to keep you safe."

I gaped at him. Was he serious?

Doing my own thing sounded better by the second. This partnership had been going on for too long already.

"Tyler," I started but then paused. Why was I even getting so worked up about this?

In the back of my head, I knew I was being too sensitive. But somehow the prospect of him acting like this was bothering me. Which in turned annoyed me even further. It wasn't like I really knew him anyways. Maybe it was me. Maybe he was starting to grow on me. This wasn't good.

"Hey, we will get the information," Ty said, obviously misinterpreting my worried expression. Was I getting too attached? "If we meet my contact—"

"Argh!" I threw my hands up exasperated.

Okay, change of plans.

Ty watched me warily as I took a threatening step towards him. My finger poked his chest, sending just a bit of electricity through and he flinched away.

"Tyler," I said smiling. "You are wasting my time." He took a step back when I raised my finger again.

I followed. "So, I think we need to establish some ground rules." My expression became friendly, as I smiled at him widely—we were just having a nice chat after all.

Yep, Tyler definitely looked worried now as he backed away from me slowly.

As if confused, I tilted my head slightly to the side as I questioned, "I think you misunderstood something?"

Tyler's eyes kept flickering between my expression and my still raised finger as his back hit the wall.

I pushed my hand on the wall next him, cornering him. Intimidating him proved to be difficult due to our height difference, but I managed. The spark of electricity travelling between my fingertips might have helped a little.