After first period we are all summoned to the gymnasium. The whole school sits on the floor or benches.
“Quiet!” Beta Josiahs voice booms effortlessly. Everyone falls silent. “You are probably wondering why you are gathered here so I will get to the point.” He assess’ the crowd gathered before his eyes land on me. They linger a moment too long and several people turn to look at me.
“This weekend I am meeting with the Alpha to discuss strategies. We are being attacked by two other clans from the south. Our recruit numbers are dwindling too quickly. I will be suggesting we enlist you all at eighteen, so be prepared.” He looks around again as my breath stumbles. Forced to enlist, I cannot fight! “Dismissed.” Everyone starts to move but I stay frozen.
A hand touches my arm and I see Josiah before me, the gymnasium now empty.
“You alright?” He asks and there is no hint of teasing.
I blink, “I cannot fight. Look at me.”
He runs his gaze over my body and back up to my face. “I am looking at you. You are capable of more than you know.” His hand slides from my arm to my waist. But as he applies a little more pressure a hiss leaves my mouth. He instantly removes his hand and looks confused. “Are you hurt?”
He reaches the hem of my shirt but I move his hand swiftly. “No. I am fine. Excuse me, I have to get back to class.”
-
The next two lessons drag on before we break for lunch. I make my way toward the canteen, Ricky beside me.
“Do you have any plans this weekend? We could meet up to study,” Ricky offers as he shoves his glasses back up his nose. Ricky would be quite a cute guy if he were to lose the glasses and the tartan sweaters.
“Oh look,” I hear that high pitched squeal as soon as we enter the room. “Mr and Mrs Geek.” Harmony’s voice rings out followed by a round of fake laughter. The cheerleaders all sit together on the first table in the canteen. They also all hate me, especially the cheer captain Harmony.
Ricky frowns at them but I just take his elbow and lead him toward the line for food. We finally make it to the front and order our food. Today they are serving hot dogs or pasta. I opt for a bottle of water and an apple given they are free. My father does not exactly send me to school with lunch or money.
Ricky and I head out the doors to find a bench outside. We settle on one under the trees. It is not long before Izzy joins us and sits beside Ricky. There is a steady flow of conversation as we talk about classes.
“All of this is pointless anyway. I will be useless if they force me to enlist.” Ricky sighs and pushes his tray away.
It would appear I am not the only one feeling inadequate.
I almost jump out of my skin as Josiah drops into the seat next to me. “You guys just need to train more now you know.” He sits uncomfortably close to me. His thigh presses against mine. He glances at my apple and water with a frown. “Where is the rest of your lunch?”
“Not hungry,” I retort back on reflex.
“It is all she ever has for lunch,” Izzy says and looks at her full tray. “Maybe I should copy your example.”
I smile at my friend, “don’t be ridiculous. You can eat all that and still remain skinny Iz.”
Ricky and Izzy fall into a conversation about carbs. I can feel Josiah looking at the side of my face. A few seconds later he drops his arm over my shoulders and pulls me in closer. His lips find my ear as I wince at the bruise on my side.
“Is everything okay? Is your father not caring for you properly?” Josiah asks softly.
As the beta he is obligated to enforce the rules which state all minors are to be cared for adequately. My father is breaking almost every rule but I have nowhere else to go.
“Of course not. I am fine,” I tell him and glance his way with a small smile.
Josiah assesses my face, looking for a lie. Our faces are so close that I can feel his breaths stroke against my cheek. My whole body feels tense.
“Beta Josiah,” Harmony’s voice sounds from behind us and Josiah sighs when I pull away. Harmony reaches the table and her eyes immediately take in Josiahs arm. It is still draped over my shoulders. “Erm, we wanted to show you our new stunt.”
Josiah smiles kindly and gestures for her to go ahead. “Go on then.”
Harmony looks a little put out that he wants to see it from his current spot. But she soon recovers and has her cheer robots drop into position behind her.