Hushed Willows i won't let you fall tonight

She seemed surprised by his observation and in extension: compliment. He studied her reaction as if she were a newly discovered scripture: intently, and slightly awestruck. He was used to studying others: being hyper-vigilant came with the job description but this was ...different. Banner wasn't a target and he was genuinely interested in her reactions, in what made her tick. Even if he could hear the part of his mind that The Officer might always occupy warning him that it was a bad idea, and scolding him that he didn't learn, that he would never learn. Ghost did not dare compare Banner to Phiipa though: they were entirely different women, in looks and in personalities. Banner spoke her gratitude, her voice taking on a curious, higher pitch than it had held previously and though this earned a curious cant to the wraith's head he did not capitalize upon it.

Banner pointed out that he smelled different, and the assassin was quick to pick up on the question that she left unspoken in the statement. It was Ghost's turn to divert his gaze for a moment, feeling the ire burn hot beneath his skin. With his standing with Silver Creek initially unclear to him and Phiipa's departure he did not think there was reason for him to pursue it further. Silver Creek did not run on the simple acceptance like all the other packs that Ghost had “joined” and he doubted they would miss him much (or at all) if he vanished like the golden woman. A prospect was not the same thing as a ranked member, after all.

“I was a prospect for a pack, but only because I'd sworn my loyalty to one who would give me purpose. Neither matter anymore,” Slowly, Ghost's face had begun to twist into a scowl, wondering what had been so off putting about him to chase her away. Sure, he was a soldier: he needed to be commanded, he needed purpose but he was an assassin and there had only ever been The Officer and the mission; the world beyond had almost become mythical as The Officer molded him to forget that there was more than just the next mission, than the next target. Perhaps it was the responsibility was too much to bear even with the unwavering loyalty and vow of protection. “I was betrayed by her and I do not believe the pack will care enough to look for me. I bore no rank of theirs.” Thus he was wholly expendable. “The scents have likely yet to completely fade.” This was spoken matter-of-factly and with an errant little rise and fall of his shoulders.