On a positive note, I think the waters helped with some of my side effects because when my magic peters out on me, I don’t get dizzy or have hot or cold chills. My magic just isn’t there for me to pull. It takes me a complete hour to do it, and I’m already tired, but hey, for a sporadic, unstable spaz, I’m taking the win.
Upon reaching the Hub, we check in, tell them our group, get assigned a number, and are told what time to report for the beginning of the Gauntlet. We still have about an hour, so since we have time, Moni, Chester, JP, and Knots decide to go ahead and find a starting spot to begin this madness, while Lynx and I stay behind to meet up with the guys and people watch.
‘Damn, the energy around here is palpable.’
Lynx growls as someone shoulder checks him.‘Tell me about it. If I were in my cat form, I would be having the worst hair day.’
It seems there are more students here than there were at the meet-and-greet, and now it’s finally sinking in that this is a pretty big deal.
I guess it would be if Supes want the chance to travel to Earth.
An awful thought hits me, and I grab for Lynx.
“Lynx!” I pull his arm and spin him to me.
“What? Did you forget something?” he asks, seeing my wide eyes.
“Besides my sleeping bag? I have everything I need.” I shake my head.
“Don’t worry, Rezzi, I have an extra for ya. I noticed you didn’t pack one.’ Lynx winks, but I still have a burning worry in the back of my mind.
“How the fuck will you and Knots cross over to Earth if you don’t participate and get the Fates' blessing or whatever it is?” I’m in full-blown panic now.
Lynx chuckles and grabs my shoulders, trying to anchor me. “I’m pretty sure I have to survive the Gauntlet first, so let’s concentrate on that.”
“What?” I cry out.
‘Relax, Rezzi-bear.’Lynx’s turquoise eyes squint, focusing on me, “We’ll figure that out later. Besides, I’m sure with your connection with the Fates, we’ll have no problem. Let’s just concentrate on making it through the Gauntlet, okay?’
I take a deep breath in and blow it out quickly before nodding, knowing that he’s right, and I need to focus on what’s in front of us. There’s no point in panicking over stuff I can’t control right now.
Anger flows down the link along with a flash of frustration before a calming wave hits me, and Knox comes into view, slinging his arm around my shoulder.
“Are you okay?” I ask, looking him over.
“Beck,” he growls.
His deep frown and his alpha vibes are projecting, forcing people to give us space. On one hand, I’m not mad, on the other, it’s kinda putting us on the spot.
“Oh, did something else happen besides the run-in from last night?” I ask as I squeeze his waist, trying to send comforting waves back down our link.
“No,” is the only reply I get as he squeezes me to him.
“Well, at least you don’t have to see him again.” I give him a peck on the cheek as he grunts his agreement, as we see the others joining us.
“Where’s everyone else?” Zeke asks as he steps up with Levi and Ryker.
“At our spot at the front. We were just waiting for you,” Lynx says, turning to show them the way.
As we make our way to meet the rest, we pass pop-up shops and street vendors lining the edges of the street, allowing students to pick up last-minute items. I can’t help but roll my eyes at the shop peddling the souvenirs for this event.
Who the Hell wants a ‘I portled my way through the Gauntlet’ shirt?
Parents crowd around, hugging their students, hopefully not for the last time. As students check their gear and items, others engage in last-minute trading with vendors and other students. As we walk towards the others, I notice the massive portals standing behind the platform where there are seats for VIP guests and a podium. Off to the sides, behind the bleachers, I spot blank TVs just floating in the sky, and tables and chairs below them.Wow, they weren’t joking about displaying us for everyone.
I pause as Knox finishes a story about his childhood friend, Atticus, and anger flares within me. “Are you serious? Where the fuck is this asshole? Let me at him!” I say, turning around andtrying to march past my Alpha. Knox chuckles as he lifts me and deposits me in my previous spot.
“I love you for this reason. But trust me, Beck will get his one way or another.” Knox’s jaw grinds, but love flows down our link, and I wrap my arms around his waist and squeeze.
