Spider thrives off chaos. He is trigger-happy and insane, but he’s a Multiplier who can split himself into three people, which is helpful when we’re outnumbered in battles. Orion is a Tracker who has inhumanely strong senses, sight, smell, and touch.
On the field, we are seamless, but outside of it, the cracks are visible. I’ll need to rely on Knox to fix them. I’m not one for managing relationships. I doubt any of them would like me if I weren’t their leader. Spider would probably be mouthing off to me, too. Except he’s grinning at me now, probably trying to get on my good side, in the hopes that I start siding with him when he pisses people off.
Spider’s head is shaved in a buzzcut. One-half is dyed white and the other black. He and Knox had another dumb bet, and they couldn’t decide on the loser, so they both suffered the consequence.
One has blue hair, and the other looks like a skunk.
“When are you going to fixthat?” I ask, pointing to his head. “It’s been three weeks.”
Spider runs a hand over his scalp. “I don’t know, it’s kind of grown on me. Do you think it’s hot?”
“No comment.”
Spider chuckles. “You know you’re kind of funny when yo?—”
“Let’s get back to business.” I cut him off. “Show me your choices.”
They spread the files across the table.
“Here’s mine,” Orion says.
I flip through them.
Orion’s picks are methodical. His handwriting is clean, the information clear and detailed. Everything is organized with neat tabs.
“These are solid,” I say slowly. “Predictable.”
I was expecting one recruit who would at the very least surprise me. But Orion is rather formulaic.
Orion stiffens. “You asked for the best.”
“I asked for soldiers,” I reply. “Not academy darlings.”
I snap the file shut.
Spider snorts. “Told you. He hates boring.”
I slide Orion’s stack aside and reach for Spider’s. They’re a mess. Half the pages are bent, one has a burn mark in the corner, and his notes are scrawled like he was writing while running. Or fighting. Or both.
Lied to a Gifted examiner and passed the test.
Hacked the dorm locks at midnight to sneak out.
“Are these criminals expected to show loyalty?” I ask dryly. “And fight for a noble cause?”
Orion snorts, and Spider’s smile drops.
I flip faster.
One file stops me short.
Mercy Warrick.
I tap it with two fingers. “This one. Where did you find her?”
Spider leans forward, pleased that he snagged my interest rather than my ire.
“Block C. Not a Gifted, but man, does she have brass balls. She has a few bullies, all Gifted and stronger than her, but she holds her own. Her father is the High General, and I reckon she learned a thing or two from him. She’s clever, fast, and hungry. Actually, I think she is related to your new bride, but there is nothing tame or wifely about this one.”
