Chapter 8

Lucas

My assignment surely is a rare sight. It's like she is purposely making this whole operation harder. At school, I don't see her very often, a few glimpses of her coppery hair, to break the dullness of the monochrome hallways. In class, she's always the last to enter, completely ignoring my presence. Then, within minutes before the lecture ends, she keeps glancing towards the exit. Is she looking for new ways to avoid me even more? The only other place where she dares to show her face is the cafeteria, but then she's always with Blondie. What's the deal between them anyway?

Much to my annoyance, our table is getting more crowded. I know I am enjoying my senior days, still, Matt and Elias are having a blast. All these new chicks joining us, are giving me a headache.

We weren't that lucky to have a normal high school experience, and they certainly are making up for it. Military school is not something you "enjoy", but rather get-up-and-getthrough-the-day. Wake Up. Endure. Repeat. That was our secret slogan.

The girls, Cassandra and Sam, have already blended, dressing like them and making new friends nerds, but otherwise, cool. More often than not, they ditch us and join them in the front. Not that I'm complaining, nor does our table lack in female presence.

One day, Matt catches me frowning at the obnoxious clique, where Tammy usually spends her time with. They all look like a bunch of stuck-ups to me, some stiffer than others. What is really pissing me off, now more than ever is seeing her wearing Blondie's uniform jacket. She looks so carefree, laughing and chatting nonstop. The ginger sitting close to them, joins their conversation, luring her into a subject close to her heart. Her lips move fast, yet I manage to pick up a few medical terms. Clearly, she's in her element, her eyes radiant and focused on him. Then, Blondie intervenes only to make them laugh at his expense, giving Tammy a fraction of a second to cast her eyes around. Her face falls instantly, as she meets my gaze, her cheery mood fading away.

Lucas, why are you death staring my mission?' Matt asks, amused or confused. I can't really tell.

Startled, I jerk my head up to him, pulling a muscle. What the hell? Words fill my head, making me dizzy.

Which one?' I ask impatient, rubbing my neck and flinching at the sharp pain. I have a feeling I won't like his reply.

The blonde dude. The one sitting next to that chick, with weird eyes. They are always together.' He blurts nodding towards them, then slurps noisily the last few drops of soda through his straw.

I am slack-jawed, unable to believe my ears. My mission has officially turned from complicated to dangerously complex. As a team, we have one objective, to oversee the experiment and make sure it reaches its final stage.

Our task force is one of a kind, made up of best of the best, perfectly capable to operate parallel, individual commissions. The errands', as we like to call them, involve protecting some important teens, until they turn 18 and take part in the final Selection. For the sake of their safety, we decided to keep their identities a secret, but finding out my target is so close to Matts', makes both our jobs more difficult.

Don't tell me the chick is yours. Man, why does it have to be this way?' He whinges, after reading my face and figuring it all out.

My thoughts exactly. That's what others call it a conflict of interest. Let's not go there. We'll figure something out.' I lie, knowing too well that, if it comes to choose between them, I'll have to choose her. Work comes first, always.

Then, he says something I haven't thought of myself. He leans closer, speaking in a hushed tone.

Lucas, listen to me.' He starts his appeal, the spark in his eyes giving away his excitement.

Why don't we join our forces? I mean, they seem to be friends. Let's both watch over them, instead of working against each other. We all want the same thing, right? Them to be safe until the test.' He adds, gesturing his hands haphazardly in the air.

I can tell he's nervous as hell, clenching his jaw muscles tight while waiting for my answer. My mind is racing, playing all the scenarios that might go wrong. He's right. This might work. It doesn't matter how we do it, as long as we complete our missions. I nod, extending my hand and sealing our pact in the same way we did when we pledged to be a team.

Ok, tell me everything you know' I demand, hungry for any piece of information that might salvage the anaemic connection I've made with her.

And FYI, what you said about them being always together, you were wrong. I've never seen her with him elsewhere than here. She usually spends time with a dark-skinned girl'. I continue, feeding the urge to correcting him for what he had said earlier.

Oh, you mean that girl?' he replies, pointing at the chunk of curls, as she enters the double-doors and walks to her friends.

Sesh!' Matt calls her name, making everyone stare.

She smiles cheerfully, her face beaming with joy. Then, she babbles something to Tammy, who refuses to look in our direction, and marches on our way.

Show off!' I dig him in the ribs before she reaches us.

He grins, full of himself, only to ignore me a second later, as Sesh takes a seat next to him. Her dark complexion contrasts beautifully with her honey-yellow eyes. Long, black lashes caress her upper lids, outlining her ophidian features. He whispers something in her ear and she starts to giggle. Shiny locks jump up and down in tandem with her slender shoulders. I can't believe Matt is flirting with her in front of me. He's not playing fair.

From what our superiors told us, the inhibitor doesn't oppress all their hormones. It paralyzes a small part of their brain activity, however, their sexual chemicals don't seem to be affected. Pure lust, a need shared among all living things, contributes to the perpetuation of their species. My species. It's amazing how their brains work, desiring someone based solely on physical attraction a fine line that can potentially activate the virus and shut down any rational behaviour.

This is Lucas' he clears his throat. Then, smiling deceivingly, he adds. My best friend'.

Your what? I narrow my eyes at him. That's not how you address your captain. As if that is not enough, his next comment makes me choke.

Hey, Sesh, why don't you invite your friend to sit with us next time? My boy here', he pauses, putting his arm around my neck, is eager to meet her'.

I laser him with my stare. Damn you, Matt. Although, the longer I think about his stupid idea, the more it makes sense to me. It would definitely make my job easier if she and I become friends. Sesh studies me, intrigued and agog to see how that would unfold. Her reptilian glare makes me uneasy like she can see right through me.

It won't be easy to persuade her. She's not that into people', she responds, breaking the stare and shifting her focus on Matt.

She doesn't mind Blondie', I give voice to my thoughts, annoyed by her hint. Matt hits me under the table, but she doesn't seem to mind my indiscretion. Nathan. His name is Nathan.' She retorts, grabbing the rest of Matt's sandwich from his plate. Then, before taking a bite, she continues.

They've been friends since they were kids and, yes, their bond is quite strange, if you ask me. Perfect match for the Selection, though.'

Matt raises his eyebrows surprised by her chatter.

Take notes, bro' he brags in a low voice.

I don't pay attention to him. Her last words have pissed me off. I don't even know the guy, and I hate him already.

We both stay quiet, observing her movements. It's part of our training. Usually, the most important clues reveal themselves when you pay attention. After she finishes her loot, she greedily licks her fingers, ready to sail off.

Besides the lab, she doesn't go out much, except for the Navion competitions.' Did I imagine or she just winked at me?

Gotta go. See you guys later', she adds, waving her hand at us and walking towards the

exit.

Halfway there, she comes to a halt, sending Matt an aerial kiss and mouthing a Thanks for the treat'.

You've got to be kidding me.' I spat, disgusted.

Hey man, who said we cannot enjoy our time here?' Shrugging his shoulders, he defends himself, his smirking face on eyebrows raised and smiling creepily.

His allusive remark irks me even more. I'm not used to chase some chick, especially one like Tammy. I hastily get up, smacking my hand on the table.

Let's go, pal! The try-outs start soon.' I command, glad to be back in business. He stares at me puzzled. Mr Smooth Talker has lost his smug face, resuming his inferior

rank.

We have to make it in the Navion team.' I explain, before he could ask anything. I can't let Blondie have all the fun.' It's my time now to pull a conceited smirk.

Oh come on. You can't be serious' Matt complains, rolling his eye. Count me in.' Elias appears out of thin air, consenting blindly, without actually knowing what it's all about. At least, he's eager and pleased, and that what it counts.

The three of us get up at once, determined to make the team. We join the horde of students, squeezing through the swinging doors, and heading to the Sports Hall. The others scatter chaotically as the pitching chime announces the end of the lunch break.