The Origins of Captain Trainwreck! #AgentsofASSET

Are you ready for another sample chapter from the soon-to-be-released Agents of A.S.S.E.T. series?




Sample Chapter 2

Sage fell into a fighting stance. “I’m a superhero now, remember?” Even when she didn’t have training scheduled, there was always a chance Devon would try to teach her a lesson. “I can handle anything!”
“Oh, that’s right. How silly of me.” Devon's eyes narrowed, and Sage knew she was in for it. “Faster than a failed autocorrect text.” He ducked down to sweep her legs.
She had been ready for his attack and moved just in time, but kept her eyes on target, knowing there would be more. It took all she had not to laugh at his playful taunts. Devon could be pretty witty off the cuff when he wanted.
“More powerful than an internet meme!” His fist went flying again.
Sage blocked, but the impact sent her stumbling backwards. It took her a moment to regain her balance, and as she did, he launched into another round of attacks. He punched high; she blocked. He kicked round; she dodged. They danced the dance of war for a few moments until Sage executed a beautiful take down that sent her confidence soaring.
“Able to kick massive booty after a single shot of espresso.” She laughed, and reached a hand out to help Devon up.
“Nicely done, Captain Trainwreck. But don’t get cocky, kid. Your skills are improving.” He chuckled. “But before you get out there and face the big baddies on the streets, you have to do it right. Swear in and sign on the dotted line. Have the backing of the Agency with you.”
“Why does that sound like a trap?”
Devon glared at her, all but calling her a drama queen with his eyes. “No one is twisting your arm.”
“But you’re happy to break it, I see,” she replied.
He shrugged. “You’ll heal.”
“This place better have good health insurance. Sounds like I’ll need it.”
“You’re a Terra.” Devon crossed his arms as if that were all that needed to be said.
The tender skin at her neck said otherwise, but there was no use arguing that point. “So what’s my new training schedule looking like?”
“I’m going to put you on a daily regimen. When you’re not training with me, I want you in the weight room, working those muscle groups. You need to get some strength into those string beans you call arms.”
“Whatever. As long as I get to wear the cape!” Sage took the edges of it in her hand and flapped like a bird before wrapping herself up like a bat.
Grey cleared his throat.
She’d been so caught up with Devon she hadn’t even heard his footsteps in the hallway. How long had he been standing there listening to their conversation?
“What the hell is this idiocy?” Grey sounded like he was on the verge of laughter, but his face  retained the stony mask of indifference.
Sage twirled, fanning out the edges of the cape as she rounded to face him. “A superhero has to accessorize!”
Caught somewhere between a scowl and a laugh, Grey’s face hadn’t committed to either look, leaving him with an expression that ruined any serious words he might have spoken next. Before he could summon his voice, Sage lifted her head and strolled proudly across the room to meet him.
“If I’m going to pledge my allegiance to the order, they need to know who they’re getting as an agent.” She sauntered into the hallway.
“And so begins the glorious career of Captain Trainwreck.” Devon’s laughter echoed behind her.
“Great songs will be sung of my adventures. Mark my words.” Tears burned in her eyes as she fought to keep a straight face. With her head held high, she marched onward to victory.
“Sage…” Grey called out behind her.
Mr. Wet Blanket had to have the last word. Sage turned on her heel and shot him a look that could rival even Ava’s icy glare. “Don’t spoil this for me. I’m having a moment!”
“Okay.” He all but doubled over, hyperventilating as he gasped for air between snorts of laughter. “But can you have your moment over there?” Grey pointed as he fought to catch his breath. “Ava’s office is the other way.”
Dammit!
He was right, of course, but no way in hell was she giving up the high ground. She wheeled around and cat-walked down the opposite side of the hallway like a diva in a fashion show. She gave a little flap of her cape as she passed Grey. Overconfidence was better than letting him feel he’d taken the wind from her sails.
Grey clapped slowly. Sage could almost hear the sarcasm in each slap of his palms. “Are you planning to take any of this seriously?”
She wasn’t about to answer that baited question. Joking aside, this was the hardest thing she’d ever thought to do – signing over her partially immortal life in service to ASSET.

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About The Author

Katie Salidas is a USA Today bestselling author and RONE award winner known for her unique genre-blending style.

Since 2010 she's penned five bestselling book series: the Immortalis, Olde Town Pack, Little Werewolf, Chronicles of the Uprising, and the all-new Agents of A.S.S.E.T. series. As her not-so-secret alter ego, Rozlyn Sparks, she is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with a naughty side.

In her spare time Katie also produces and hosts a YouTube talk show; Spilling Ink. She also has a regular column on First Comics News where she explores writing from a nerdy perspective.