Rebel

Delinquent

"Nova! Nova! Nova!" The crowd shouted.

I wrestled one of the newbies to the ground, making sure to make them hurt in all the right places. After I was done, I stood up, and spit on the newcomer.

"That's why you don't disrespect me." I seethed. I smirked and looked at the crowd.

"Anybody else wanna challenge me?" Silence. "That's what I thought."

I stormed to my room before the staff got back. It wasn't much, just a bed and a few items of clothing. I stared at myself in the mirror. Olive skin. Green eyes. Black hair with a few green stripes. Pink, plump lips. I remind myself of a stick. I refused to eat much. The food here sucked.

I'd been chosen before, but given back after they learned how hard I was to handle and settled for another girl. I know my bad behavior will get me killed one day.

Apparently, we had someone coming today to pick out a girl, I wasn't worried. If I was picked they would give her back during the interview and pick another one. I'd be eighteen two months. If I didn't get chosen before then, I would be golden, free, and happy.

I changed into a grey v-neck and light wash jeans so I could be somewhat presentable for the guest. If it weren't for the staff insisting, I wouldn't dress up, I would go in sweatpants and a crop top. I only do it to get them to shut up.

I put on dark eyeliner that I had smuggled in.  It made me look more intimidating and scary. I felt a sudden warmth in my heart, that I haven't felt in so long. For a split second, I had hope I would leave before my two months are up. 

"Nova, sweetie, it's time for the guest to view the girls." My favorite staff member, Priscilla, cooed.

"Thanks, Priscilla. I'm on my way." I responded nicely.

"Thank you, Nova."

Everyone was terrified to call me Callie because they were likely to get attacked. Sadly, if I got chosen, I would probably have to go by her first name.

I turned on my heel and walked back into the living area. Everyone silenced when I walked in and sat in my assigned seat away from everyone else. Then he walked in.

Dark hair. Icy blue eyes. Tall and thin. Light skinned. Then our traces locked.

"Her." He immediately blurted.

My chest tightened and I glared at him. He looked back confused. I stood to my feet and walked over.

"Nova."

"Jacob."

To me, his voice was deep and luxurious and sent tingles down my spine.

"If you follow me, I'll show you to the interview room." Priscilla instructed.

I followed what she said, knowing the consequences if I didn't. I swallowed and forced my feet to move step after step. I don't understand what it is about this guy that has me so messed up. It felt like forever, but we finally got there.

"Whenever you are done, I'll be outside the door so you can finalize your decision or make another one. Here is her file." She explained, speaking to Jacob and handing him a tan folder with my full name in it and with papers on me.

Priscilla ushered us into the room and then shut the door. I sat down in one of the chairs and my stomach did flips.

"Hello. I'm glad we can finally speak alone."

"I'm most definitely not glad about any of this." I snarked.

"Oh, you will be."

I took in a deep breath at his response. His mind was already made up.

"You'll return me, It won't matter anyway." I rolled my eyes, feigning confidence.

"Yeah, you're definitely the challenge I'm looking for." Jacob smirked.

My anxiety level rose. This is exactly what he wants.

"How old are you?" I asked.

"Callie, I'm 22." He responded.

"Don't call me that!" I snapped.

"I'll call you what I want to." He replied calmly.

"Just because you want to know me doesn't mean I have to talk to you." I decided and sat in my seat.

His smirk came back and he stared at me. He opened the door and looked out at Priscilla.

"I'll take her."

"No!" I shouted. "Please no."

My eyes filled with tears and I looked at the ground. This can't be happening. Just two more months. Not anyone. I'm getting out today with the cost of my freedom.

I glared at him angrily and my hands gripped the small wooden table. I didn't realize what I did until it was over. I had thrown the table across the room. Then I broke down. I screamed. I cried. I curled up into a ball. It was all too much.

Priscilla brought a syringe over and poked me with it. I was thankful that I could succumb to darkness.

I woke up in a moving car. I almost screamed, but then I remembered.

"Did you have a nice nap?" Jacob's voice greeted me.

I didn't respond, instead, I just looked at him. Something tight was around my neck and it made my neck feel restricted. I looked in the side mirror and tears came to my eyes. It was a shock collar. A metal heart decorated the front.

"A collar?" My voice croaked.

"They're mandatory for rebels. I personally wouldn't make you wear it but an alarm goes off if it comes off and you get punished, so it'll have to stay on." He explained. "But once you're in private, it can come off, it's just for public places."  Jacob smiled.

My heart clenched. What did he plan to do in private?

"Why did you choose me?" I asked curiously.

"Because you're a rebel. I like challenges."

"What if I'm too bad? Too challenging?" I questioned.

"You won't be, Callie."

I gritted my teeth. I hated being called Callie.

"How do you know that?”

“I’m a patient man, Callie. You won’t be that hard.” He snickered.

“I’m a dangerous girl, Jacob. You shouldn’t be so sure.” Nova smirked.

“You know, you would be getting punished right now if I were any other owner because of your actions at the holding facility and calling me by name.” He stated calmly. “But here I am, not caring what you call me.” 

“I don’t care. I shouldn’t be here. I would’ve been free in two months if it weren’t for you!” I shouted. 

The sound of a slap sounded throughout the car and I immediately regretted it. I slapped him. He’s gonna kill me. He stared at his lap in anger, then turned it slowly towards me. 

“You’ll regret that, Callie Nova Gram, I promise you.” His voice rumbled.

Our eyes met and his expression made me cower in my seat. I took a deep breath and scooted as far as I could away from him. His eyes were dark, his expression emotionless, but it sent a message. He opened his car door and I was so distracted that I didn’t even realize we had made it to his house.

Welcome to the rest of my life.