Regretted Rejection : Wrath of the Moon novel Chapter 36

Bella was completely thrown when Ryder said, "I need your help."

Bella understood Ryder's nature. Unless it had been a really problematic situation, Ryder would never approach her directly. "What is the problem? How can I help?" Bella asked a bit tensed. She moved to a side and allowed Ryder to step inside Maya's room.

"The Xia Clan." Ryder replied in a clipped tone.

"Xia Clan?" a voice called from the open door. Both of them turned to see Maya standing there with a bag slung over her shoulder. "Didn't we deal with the power struggle in Xia Clan last time? As far as I know we cleaned out all the bad people from the clan." Maya continued questioning them.

"Apparently, we missed someone the last time. There is a illegal sale of were animals going down in the country. It is scheduled on the coming weekend though the specific day and time is unknown. We are still trying to get the information on this sale. The organizer seems to be named Xia." Ryder replied in a reporting tone. Although Ryder was leading his own team now, he slipped into his old way of reporting to Maya.

"Any chance that it is a coincidence? Maybe it is someone else named Xia with no relations to the vampire clan." Bella commented trying to see other possibilities.

"Someone else named Xia in the criminal world committing the same type of crime? Highly doubtful. It cannot be a coincidence." Maya replied.

"Alright, it is your first time as a Team Leader Ryder. A lot is riding on you. If you need any help then don't hesitate to ask me. Also remember, successfully rescuing the victims of trafficking is more important than anything else." Maya stated to Ryder and turned towards Bella, "Once this mission is completed, we will enter our deal. I have high hopes from you."

Bella and Ryder left the room to walk towards the computer zone and Ryder's office. There was a feeling of an unspoken truce between them.

"She doesn't make it easy, does she?" Bella asked Ryder with a smile.

"It is certainly difficult to work while knowing the expectations people have from you." Ryder replied in a soft tone.

"Put me to work. Let's make sure this demon is slain forever." Bella said.

When Bella entered the room, everyone  was busy on their workstations and no one paid attention to her. However when Bella set up her own work station and logged in on it, Carter noticed her and asked Ryder, "Who is she? Is she a new joinee?"

"She is a temporary consultant that will be helping us on this case." Ryder replied.

"Is she any good?" Carter asked.

"She is Bella. She is a vampire and she is the best online tracker out there. Trust me, she is more than good for this work." Ryder said.

"Ok boss man, if you say so." Carter replied not believing his words. For Carter, Ryder was the best person for online criminal tracking while he ranked the second.

"You don't believe him, do you?" Bella asked raising her head a little arrogantly.