Page 38 of Dark Gambit Reliance

Playing house had been nice for a while, but Eric was getting bored with it. He felt great, and it was time to get a real job. Kian had said that he needed another pilot, and with rumors flying about a possible rescue mission in Russia, he probably could use one now.

Except Eric couldn't go anywhere until Darlene transitioned, which could start today, tomorrow, or the day after.

Eric pulled out his phone and called her. It was only eleven o'clock, and this was his fifth call that morning.

"I'm still fine," she answered. "I might be a little late for lunch, though. William needs my help sorting the supplies and ordering what's missing."

"Is it for the mission?"

She laughed. "What mission?"

"The secret one that everyone is talking about."

"That's why I'm laughing. I'm supposed to say that there is no mission."

"You sound energetic, so perhaps what you felt this morning was just fatigue."

"I told you so. But just in case, I told Kaia to keep an eye on me. She took it very seriously and moved William's desk so she could see me from where she was working."

"Awesome. Do you want me to bring your lunch to the office? We can eat it together on your desk."

"Good idea. I'll see you later."

Perhaps he could stop by Kian's office on the way?

Nah. He should call first, or better yet, text. Kian was a busy guy, and Eric was no one important. Well, beyond being Darlene's mate and Toven's future grandson-in-law. Did that make him special?

Not likely.

Perhaps texting Shai was a better idea. After all, the guy was his future father-in-law.

On second thought, being Darlene's chosen made him a well-connected guy.

Scrolling through his contacts list, Eric found Kian's number and typed up a message.Hello, Kian. You mentioned needing another pilot. As soon as Darlene transitions,I will be ready to serve. Who do I need to see about piloting for the clan?

That was short, to the point, and wouldn't waste much of Kian's time.

His phone rang a moment later. "What planes can you fly?" Kian asked without preamble.

"Nearly all of them except for large passenger jets. I'm not certified to fly those." Eric rattled out a long list of jets, including those he'd flown while serving in the Air Force.

"Impressive. You're hired. I'll tell Onegus to put you in the training program."

As far as Eric was aware, he could teach the clan's two pilots, not the other way around.

"What kind of training are you talking about?"

"Guardian training. I assume that you got combat training in the Air Force, but that was long ago. You need a refresher, and you also need to learn to work with our Guardians. It's nonnegotiable."

"I'm not negotiating. I was just wondering about the kind of training you had in mind, and now that you've explained, I get it. Should I wait for Onegus to call me?"

"Just stop by his office whenever you can, and if he's busy, you can wait. We are not very formal here. I'll tell him to expect you."

"Thank you."

"No problem. He'll also tell you how much the job pays."

"The pay is secondary to me. I just need to be up in the air again."