I personally didn’t want to form an attachment to someone I’d have to give up when I found my Nexus. Others had tried, but in the end, those relationships never worked out. I couldn’t imagine the jealousy and the heartache involved. In my opinion, it was better to wait.
A person might give up their abilities for love, but it was hard to fight destiny. We were hard-wired to want our Potentials, and that was that.
Jesse was eager to find our Faction and begin building a family, so he’d played around a lot more than I had. I liked my privacy and understood it could sometimes take years to locate a Nexus, if it happened at all.
I stared over at Adalaide in adoration.
Fortunately, we were among the lucky ones who didn’t have to wait.
Jesse narrowed his eyes, “Move along. This Nexus is taken.” When some of the Passives still lingered in shock, he bellowed again. “I know she’s gorgeous, but she’s ours… get your own.”
My idiot brother managed to attract the attention of everyone within fifty yards and made Adelaide's face turn the color of a ripe tomato.
Adalaide paused in her stretching to give him a look, “Really, asshole? There might have been some people over on the back forty that didn’t hear you.”
“What? I said you were gorgeous.” Jesse said, completely clueless.
“He’s a moron, but I promise he’ll grow on you eventually.” I rolled my eyes at my brother. Subtle, he was not.
“He’s not a moron. I did my research after I determined you would be potential candidates for Adelaide's Faction.” Frosty spoke but never paused his warm-up.
“How did you have enough time to do research? You only found out a couple of hours ago.” Jesse stared at him in challenge.
“When you’re as brilliant as I am, it doesn’t take much time,” Frosty said without any arrogance, simply stating it as a fact.
It was becoming apparent that he wasn’t trying to be a dick. This was just who he was, take it or leave it. I could respect that since I also preferred the no bullshit approach.
Instructor Allen blew his whistle, and we all headed in his direction. I didn’t let Adelaide out of my sight. I knew she’d made it this far without my help, but from this day forward, she’d have it whether she needed it or not. We hadn’t even performed the ritual, and already my protective instincts were kicking in.
These last two weeks, I’ve taken it easy on you, as has Emberhold.” The sudden gust of wind that blew in the wake of his words felt like confirmation from the academy. “Now it’s time to step things up. You’re going to be summoned for initiation soon, and I want to make sure more of you succeed than fail. Today we’re going to run a new course. When I arrived early this morning, it was already set up and ready to go. I don’t know what surprises Emberhold has prepared, but I’m sure each one is meant to help you get ready for what’s coming.”
There were sounds of distress coming from several different directions throughout the crowd. I looked toward Adelaide, but her face was impassive, not a flicker of nerves showing. I felt my chest swell in pride.
“Quiet! If this scares you, then chances are you’re not going to make it through initiation. I wish I could say that upsets me,but the weak need to be picked off so our Factions won’t be filled with pussys. Now line up!”
We stood and followed Adelaide as she made her way to the front of the line. I was going to offer to go first when, out of nowhere, Adelaide was pushed roughly from the side by a tall blonde.
“Let someone who actually has a chance of succeeding in this challenge go first. Our fellow Passives don’t need to be discouraged by witnessing failure right out of the gate.”
Another blonde, almost identical to the first, stepped up, “Selene’s being kind, trying to save you from embarrassment.” She sneered, “I’m not that nice, fuck off and let your betters go first.”
I started toward the two bitches, but Frosty grabbed my arm to hold me back. “You have to let her fight her own battles, or she’ll never be respected. Trust in Adelaide.”
Jesse nodded in agreement, and I recognized the wisdom in his statement even though I didn’t like it. I somehow managed to restrain myself from stepping in front of Adelaide and telling the two cunts just what I thought of them.
Adelaide smirked, not the least bit intimidated, “Well, if you’re so sure I’ll fail, why don’t we make this interesting?”
“Hell, yes!” A beautiful, regal-looking woman standing behind us yelled, “Show those two bitches whose boss.”
“That’s Adelaide’s best friend Jasmine,” Frosty informed us.
Why was I not the least bit surprised he knew this? The guy had clearly been stalking Adelaide for some time.
“What did you have in mind, Hawthorne?” Instructor Allen asked.
“I was thinking we could do the course under time. That should make it a little more challenging. These two ladies shouldn’t have a problem with that since they are so obviouslysuperior to the rest of us.” Adelaide smiled evilly, backing the two assholes into a corner.
Damn, this girl was perfect. I was so glad I hadn’t interfered. My tiny Nexus was clearly a badass.
