8

Steve was silently awaiting Alexander's arrival, fingers slowly drumming on the secretary's desk as his eyes were locked on the door. He'd not really slept, and it was making him frustrated.

It wasn't long before the older man walked in, briefcase to hand and cell phone to his ear. Noting the Captain's presence, he knew that he'd have to resume the call later. "I'll call you back..." and hung up. "Captain, good morning." Steve said nothing, "If you're wanting Miss Reed today then she's all yours."

"She's all mine whenever I choose." Steve spoke and got up, rounding the desk and slamming Pierce against the wall, hand to his neck. "She may be your fucking assistant, but I'm the one who gives you the order, and when I ask for her, you will send her." he snarled. "Do not test how much authority you think you have." and let go, Pierce dropping to the floor and rubbing his throat where Steve's hand had been wrapped around.

"She is to your liking then?" He managed to choke out in half a laugh.

Steve's eyes narrowed. "That is none of your concern."

"It is if it is to pave the way for the future of Hydra..." Pierce stated tactfully. "Remember about how I told you that it would be beneficial to have an heir who possesses the same blood, abilities as you – the next Captain..."

"Hydra needs no heir."

"So who is to take over from you should something happen?" Once again he found himself against the wall, "We need to secure the future of the organisation Captain, I'm not suggesting that you're going to die anytime soon, but just think...a pure child of Hydra. The first of its kind to be bred by a super solider..."

Steve's glare was one of pure ice. "That time will come. It isn't now."

"They will see you as weak...is that how you want to be perceived?"

"You're pushing it Pierce..." he warned

Still, Alexander carried on. "Show them that we're moving forward, I'm certain that super solider dick of yours can conceive a child within hours. Sure there is a risk for Miss Reed, but it doesn't matter if she dies in the process. She'll have given you what we need and you? Well, you can easily replace her."

Steve's fist came down onto the desk, the whole thing cracking down the middle upon impact and collapsing into itself, papers and other things including the computer sliding down into the centre and to the floor with a huge crash. "What did you just fucking say!"

"Which part Captain?"

The look that Pierce was giving him now only made him want to knock him through the wall, and he wouldn't hesitate to. "The part about Wren...say it again."

"She is indispensable. Even you know that – we need to play our cards right Captain, up the stakes. After Project Insight we will have power, but to have a child born of a super solider? It will allow future generations to have the same enhancements passed down to them. Our organisation will grow stronger."

Steve's eyes were filled with rage. "This is not a breeding ground! Miss Reed may be currently satisfying my needs but that's as far as it goes."

"And yet you were so quick to defend her..."

"I agree to many ideas of yours Pierce, but this? It's not a priority. You focus on Project Insight, that is your priority – nothing else."

Alexander knew when he'd lost and this was one of those times, but what had he expected? Well for one thing, he did think that perhaps he could convince the Captain when it came down to Hydra's future, but it seemed to have all rained down on him in burning flames. Perhaps over time he would come to change his mind, but that was seriously doubted.

Steve's hands were still balled into fists, but now released them and turned serenely to the secretary. "Know your place Alexander. I won't remind you again, you're just as 'dispensable' as Miss Reed and don't you forget it." His look said enough. Challenge him again and his blood would be painting his shield. With nothing else left to say, Steve turned and walked out – satisfied he'd made his point. "Send her to me when she arrives!" He yelled, then anger rising once more.

The frustration was building, and he needed to release it.

Wren walked into the office to find Pierce sitting at a collapsed desk simply getting on with his work as best as he could. Something had happened and now as he looked up at her, there was something in his eyes that made her feel uneasy. "He wants to see you..."

Shit.

"What happened here?" She now asked, looking around. "Did he do this?"

"This is tame for the Captain, but I hope it will make you realise just how much you need to please him Miss Reed."

Wren looked at the floor. "Have you seen him at his worst?"

"I have."

"And what happened?" She dared to ask.

Silence. That wasn't a good sign.

"Let's just say that there is a lot of blood on his hands." Pierce saw her face as she nodded but said nothing to this. "I am guessing that you know of his identity now?"

"Yes."

"and does it scare you?"

Now there was a question. One that she needed to answer as best as she could.

"I'm not one who is easily scared sir. Nor am I someone who plans on making him angry."

Pierce sat back on his chair. "He will blow hot and cold regardless. There is a lot at stake right now, and he is a man under pressure." Keep him satisfied, ask no questions, and no matter what the order - you follow it through. He's not in a good mood at the moment, so you need to tread carefully."

He waved her away but she stayed. "I'll have someone clear this up and fill in for me while I'm gone..."

"Go." Alexander commanded. "I'll deal with this. It wouldn't be the first time that the Captain has destroyed something out of anger, and it certainly won't be the last."

Wren walked out and made for the elevator, taking it up to Steve's apartments. The sound of music that she recognised as Marvin Gaye was playing as she looked around. He wasn't in the living area, and the only other place he could really be was his office.

"Captain?" She called and Steve emerged from his office looking over something on the pad in his hands. He didn't have his helmet on today so she could see he was busy reading over something. Most likely mission reports if anything.

He didn't look at her, eyes still scanning the report that Rumlow had sent him over earlier, but as his gaze came to rest upon her, she could see the same kind of hunger he'd had when he'd first set eyes on her.

Ravenous.

"On your knees, birdie..."