Chapter 18 Blade Assassin: The Choice

                A little while later, Wolf woke to hushed voices speaking in rushed tones coming from the kitchen.  He checked the time on his watch and knit his brows in confusion.  It was about four o’clock in the morning.  Knowing that they had only been back to the house for a few hours, and, even though he did not know Zena well, from what he had so far seen, he was guessing that it wasn’t like her to keep these hours. He slid off the couch and stood, then pulled on a shirt and jeans since he often slept in his boxers alone, and was aware that it was not kosher to walk into a conversation you were not invited to half dressed. 

                He slowly and quietly makes his way down the hall to the kitchen doorway, deciding to hide out of view to the side of the doorway to listen.  Knowing it was wrong, he decides to listen only long enough to make sure that they weren’t intruding the house.

                “And how do YOU think you did tonight Wolf?”  He heard Jaenes say without breaking his tone.

                Wolf jumped slightly in surprise but stayed hidden.  He immediately kicked himself for it.

                “Wolf.  When a higher assassin speaks to you, you answer.” Zena said, sounding exhausted.

                Did I really think that they wouldn’t notice me eavesdropping in the hall? Wolf thought to himself.  They’re two of the greatest trained assassins, and I expected them not to notice?

                Wolf sighed and showed himself in the doorway. “I know I could have done better- but maybe what I need is more… training? I know that I made too much noise… and I’m glad that Maurly and Zena were there to provide a quick escape” he said shakily as he pulled out a chair and sat down with them.  Zena was nodding slowly and so Wolf continued. “I believe that I am ready for a higher level of training, but not yet ready for another job. “

                Jaenes nodded.  “ Well, I think that right now what is best is to have you go back to camp and go through the boot-camp training.  It’s for pre-trained assassins, ones who’ve been through their mentor’s training process and need additional training in order to help them reach their full potential.  Now, it’s up to you whether you want to do that or not, but you need to decide before morning, because the new recruits begin tomorrow morning, and you need time to get acquainted with the instructors and other students. If you stay here, Zena and you will have to train hard.  So far, she has been going quite easy on you, but from here on out, she will have to really push you.  Ultimately, it is your decision.  Zena has already said that she is willing to keep training you, if that’s what you choose.”

                Wolf was silent for a few moments while they watched him and he thought it over.  If he stayed, he would be able to get real-world experience, while shadowing Zena, whom he’d also grown quite fond of. But if he went with Jaenes to the camp, he would be able to train with others who were also learning, and he wouldn’t have the distraction of his feelings for Zena.  He sighs and asks to be excused, to give himself time to think it over, and they agree, but tell him that Jaenes is leaving with or without him before the sun rises.

                Wolf nods and leaves, disappearing into the hall once again to think.  Jaenes and Zena go back to speaking quietly, and waiting for his answer.

Reviews

[Meat of Dog]

This is a little thing, but I like how you added that Wolf recognized his eavesdropping as bad. Zena is so strong, and does whatever she needs to do in order to be successful at what she does. Wolf on the other hand, is so reluctant and confused. It's nice to see Jaenes so cool and collected, as opposed to an obsessed and overbearing boss. It adds to his character as a father figure.

Furthering that point, I love that despite Jaenes's experience (and his obvious ability to decide what is best) he lets wolf make a decision of what he wants from this whole thing. It feels less like a dangerous club and more like a real job. At first, Zena seemed eager to get rid of the distraction that was Wolf, but her agreement to continue training him is a nice, subtle way to prove that he's growing on her.

Nice chapter :3 I await the next

other suggestions:

-"Did I really think that they wouldn’t notice me eavesdropping in the hall? Wolf thought to himself. They’re two of the greatest trained assassins, and I expected them not to notice?" I would use a single quotation mark, or another symbol to distinguish his thought from the rest of the sentence (otherwise it becomes a little confusing).

-"If you stay here, Zena and you will have to train hard." You and Zena (the other was is awkward)

[Thomas Sawyer]

This chapter is kinda short and adds very little to the story. I suggest you add more detail. You also switched tenses a few times, you should look out for that. Keep the story coming though.

[Coyote Poetry]

A very strong chapter. Poor Wolf is getting tested. To be a killer need a iron will with no fear. I like the conversation and the situations in this chapter. A very good chapter. Thank you.
Coyote

[Sam]

This is great. I'm gonna start reading the whole thing