Julian shrugged. "When it comes to Reuben, we never quite know. He's always so busy—especially with the work being done to locate the Maslen and Novak covens, but since it involves you…who knows? His response may come quicker than normal."
I winced at the implication behind what he said. Even he was convinced that I was being given some sort of special treatment. I stood still, fists clenched, as I watched Julian walk away.
Zinnia rubbed a hand over my elbow. "Hey. Don't mind him. I'm sure you'll be able to prove that any favors Reuben's giving you are deserved."
"So you think that Reuben's really giving me favors?" I asked.
"Come on, Ben…you're the only recruit staying in a guest suite. You flew right through training—and yeah… even I have to admit that you're better than all the people you passed by—but still, your time here as a hawk-in-training is, let's say, out of the ordinary."
