SIX

June

To avoid being questioned, I don't return to base immediately. I am on edge, and I might crack under pressure.

Under certain circumstances, I would be doing muscle strengthening exercises but I needed rest. Turns out this promotion is more of a blessing than a curse.

It's been a week since I joined the special forces, a huge start in finding my husband. But it's more intense than the trainings in my previous unit. I've learnt to push my limits and break from my mental cage.

The moment I get comfortable, Captain Rhys overthrows it. Not only that he has Viktor as the supervisor in charge and he's nothing short of a stoic, unbendable rock.

The other soldiers are used to him and his ways so I'm the only one who has to adapt and he doesn't seem to like that. Even the new recruits have integrated better than I have.

Absentmindedly, I roam the snowy street for a few hours. The cold freezes my tears but I still walk and walk. My feet come to a halt in front of a beautiful lace dress at the front of a shop. The creamy colour gives it an elegant edge and the lace adds a beautiful feminine touch.

My heart swells. Will there ever be a day I'd go back to how things were?

I internally shake my head. Even if I do get the chance, would I be normal again?

I begrudgingly step away from shop and disappear in the herd of people. Once I'm calmer and have better control of my emotions, I head back to base.

The moment I step foot into the dormitory, large boots appear in front of me. I know who they belong to before looking up and I straighten further before saluting.

“Where were you off to, Lipovsky?” Viktor's gruff voice sounds heightened in the silence.

“I went for a stroll.” I technically did so it wasn't a lie.

“Is a stroll more important than training, soldier?”

“No but it's my day off.”

“What the fuck did you just say?”

My spine stiffens and I realize that I might have fucked up and shouldn't have answered that way judging by his frown and the tic of his jaw. It's not that I'm lying or I should be available for training on my days off but someone as rigid as Viktor wouldn't understand.

He has his own set views and opinions and clearly it revolves around Captain Rhys and the organization.

“Leave the rookie alone, Viktor.” A different voice spoke this time. For someone to address him so chanatly like that must mean he is in the higher ranks as well.

The newcomer looks a few years older than me and has an angular yet welcoming features. He looks like my perfect view of my husband. Strong arms, broad shoulders and an easy smile.

“You,” he points at him. “Stay out of this, Yuri.”

“No can't do, Viktor. You're scaring her.” He grabs me by the shoulder basically leading me out.

I don't resist not with the murderous energy I'm getting from Viktor.

“Are you sure that was a good idea?” I whisper as we go outside. My nose became runny again because of the cold.

I'd rather stay indoors for the warmth than be out here but Yuri seems like someone who would sweep you off your feet for fun.

“Never mind! You don't know this but Viktor is like a mountain you occasionally have to climb for him to respect you so he stops being a pain in the ass especially with the excuse of a day off.” He grabs my shoulders. “You are so smallish.”

I go rigid at his touch but forced myself to relax. “I am June.”

“I am Yuri. I noticed that you are stuff these past few days and we don't do that in this unit.” He tilts his chin forward. “How about some fun?”

We come to a halt in front of a field… for football.

The soldiers were divided into a team of eleven players and on their faces were contempt and such concentration. They look like they were fighting a war instead of playing a favourite sport.

Yuri seems unbothered by the tension between them and steps in the middle taking the ball.

“You and you,” he points at two players. “Out… June and I will be subbing in.”

At the mention of my name, everyone turns to me. I may not have received much from them but they weren't abusive like those goons I left behind but they haven't warmed up to me yet. They addressed me at arm's length and only at meal tables.

In fact, Yuri is the first place to talk to me.

“Don't worry I'll watch from the sidelines.” I flashed a small smile.

“Nonsense.” He comes over and drags me by the arm. I have gotten used to the roughness already since the guys handle each other roughly here.

I played football with my foster brothers before when we were growing up and it's a sport that holds dear to my heart.

“Give back the ball, motherfucker!” Someone shouts from the distance.

“That's Antoly,” Yuri points out. “Don't sleep near him. He snores like a dying pig.”

Some soldiers glance in his direction and laughs and he just glares at everyone.

“Ready bitches,” he calls out then whispers to me. “Not you, you're sweet.”

He throws the ball in our team direction instead of the middle.

There is no formation in this so I don't know whether to play as defense, midfielder or striker.. but it appears everyone was all of them so I didn't mind.

All twenty two players including me are where the ball is.

The fouls aren't counted. And cards? Forget about it. The refree is egging us on and calling us names for not scoring.

To say it's chaos is an understatement.

This should be called combat football instead. But we keep losing the ball to more aggressive players in the other team. They are bulkier making it unnerving to look at them, let alone fight them for the ball.

At one of our aimless attacks, I tell Yuri to stay back and I do the same. “We are missing all the fun.” He whines.

“Trust me,” I mouths, not taking my eyes off the ball. “You take the left, I take right. If any of us have the ball, the other goes forward.”

“Well hope this plan is worth missing out on the fun for.”

“It will be. I'm sure.” I say confidently.

As expected, a player from the other team steals the ball and is coming for our direction.

Naturally everyone is coming like a herd after him. Surprisingly, Yuri steals the ball.

“Lipovsky,” he shouts. I am already running for the goal and he passes it to me.

I don't have to make a perfect shot but I go blind.

A couple of bodies slams into me and I'm not about to be knocked out so I stood my ground. I realize they are my teammates.

Holy fucking shit, I scored.

Yuri pulls me into a hug and kisses my forehead out of excitement. “I knew you'll fit right in.”

I smile for the first time.

“I accept sacrifices for bringing in a scorer in the team.” Yuri yelled, turning me to face the others.

They give him shit about his statement and call him names, then they're all flipping each other out.

Some soldiers welcomed me, gave me a pat on the back and others a thumbs up.

I finally broke the ice. Do I finally belong here?

My smile falter when my gaze clashes with icy one. Sometimes it's like I'm staring at a piece of the Arctic ocean.

Captain Rhys.

I think he's watching the game until his glare fell on me. He deliberately ignored my existence while Viktor oversaw my individual training and he dishes orders.

He crosses his arms and I feel like he's tearing my skin apart.

My heart beats out of my rib chest and after a second too long, he leaves.