Dominate Read online

  “Damn,” I whisper. “Where did they take him?” I ask with a little hope that they have him stashed here.

  “I don’t know. He was told to disappear into the human world for the three months, but don’t worry about him. He’s strong and knows what he’s doing,” she tells me. “And don’t blame yourself. He declared to the whole court that he would have done it a million times over, so I’m pretty sure the whole council know he’s in love with you, they just don’t know how far that actually goes.”

  “Shit,” I cringe. “God, I miss you all.”

  “We miss you, too,” she sighs. “How is it you’re on the phone?”

  “Ha,” I laugh. “I faked a tummy bug and stole the nurse’s phone. It’s one of those really old ones, so I’m not too sure how long the battery is going to last,” I mention, pulling the phone away and checking the battery life. “It’s at eighty percent, but I want it to last a few days and I should call Mom. I’ll probably turn it off after that, so I’ll message you when I can,” I promise.

  “Ok, get your ass home as soon as you can,” she demands.

  “That’s the plan,” I laugh.

  “Love you,” she says with a sigh.

  “I love you, too. I’ll be home soon,” I tell her with every bit of confidence I possess.

  “Good,” she says and I hear the smile in her voice.

  I reluctantly end the call with a sigh and crawl into the center of the floor and flop down on my back. I go over everything Jacinta’s just told me with a broken heart and I can’t help but feel this is all my fault. It’s irrational, but I can’t help it. If I’d been more prepared that day at the mall when I was taken by the fairy knight, I never would have been in that situation and Rylan would never have had to rush to my rescue with my friends.

  We would all be back at The Academy. I’d be wrapped up in Rylan’s arms planning new and exciting ways to kick his ass during training, while Trey and Jacinta make out on the couch, and Daniel groans and grunts at everyone.

  I sigh as I wonder what the hell is going on with Daniel. Why would he be distancing himself so much? I send Jacinta a quick text asking her for Daniel’s number as I just don’t have the mental capacity to memorize that shit. She replies immediately and I get started on a new text.

  Bianca – Hey loser, it’s Bianca. What’s up with you? I miss you.

  I hear nothing back from him and decide I should check in with Mom. I dial her number and as expected have to leave a message. “Hi Mom, it’s me. I know you’re probably working, but I just wanted to check in. I’m safe and I’m ok. I miss you heaps and I know you worry, so I’m sorry about that. I may or may not have stolen this phone and don’t know what the battery life is like, so I’m going to turn it off. Send me a message if you can’t get through. I love you.” I end the call and put the phone down.

  I go to turn it off when a text comes through from Daniel.

  Daniel – WTF? You disappear for three months and you’re asking what’s up with me? Are you ok?

  Bianca – I’m fine. Don’t change the topic. Spill it, buster. What’s going on?

  Daniel – Nothing. All good here. Just get your ass home.

  Bianca – You’ll spill it sooner or later. I’ll get it out of you even if I have to beat it out when I get back.

  Daniel – I look forward to it ;)

  I turn the phone off and get back to my day. I do my best to clear as much space as I can in my room. I grab the bedside table and shuffle it into the small bathroom and spend at least thirty minutes trying to get my bed to stand up on its edge before dashing out of the way when the mattress begins to fall. I push the bed frame right up against the wall to give myself room to move and then raise the mattress so I can use it as a punching bag.

  I would look like the biggest moron to anybody looking in, but lucky me, I’m all alone in this hell hole. I use my new found space and the mattress to get a decent workout in until it’s time to leave for lunch.

  I head out a few hours later and make my way to the cafeteria to eat the biggest meal I can possibly get my hands on. Being sure to make my appearance at a different time to my usual schedule. I eat what my stomach can manage and head out, deciding to do a little exploring.

  I exit the cafeteria and turn right down a long corridor and push through a few more doors before getting myself well and truly lost. I make a few more turns, taking in all my surroundings when I hear the steady footfalls of someone approaching. I dive into the closest broom closet and keep the door cracked so I can keep watch.

  The footsteps grow louder as the person approaches and I peer out the cracked door. The person passes and I study his tall frame. No, it couldn’t be.

  Holy crap.

  I push the door open. “Brett,” I call out urgently to the current leader of The Guard and the man who just happens to be Rylan’s father.

  His head snaps in my direction, slightly startled to find someone in the previously empty hallway. “Bianca?” he asks, studying my face.

  “What are you doing here?” I ask, realizing afterward what a stupid question that is considering he’s the leader of our people and if anyone was looking for him, here would be the best place to look.

  “I should be asking you the same thing,” he comments. His eyebrows pinch together as he glances up and down my body, then curiously over to the broom closet. “What’s going on, Bianca?”

  “I’m really sorry, I know I should be grateful for this… opportunity,” I start. “But you’ve got to get me out of here,” I beg. “Please, I’m going crazy here. This isn’t me.”

  He quickly looks over his shoulder and then over my head, checking the area is cleared before taking my elbow and leading me into an empty room. “I know, Bianca. Believe it or not, but I have tried, a few times actually, however decisions such as this must be voted on and ultimately decided by the Council.”

  “Damn it,” I snap. “Where the hell does that leave me? I’m going insane here,” I sigh as I look up into his eyes that seem so familiar to me.

  “Hang in there,” he says, putting a hand on my shoulder. “If all else fails, I’m sure Rylan will find a way to break you out.”

  “You realize how bad of a message that is coming from the leader of The Guard,” I laugh.

  “I do realize this, but I also want what’s best for you and from the looks of it, being here is not that.”

  “Yeah,” I agree. “Thanks though, you didn’t need to risk speaking up for me.”

  He gives me a tight smile. “I kind of did,” he laughs. “Rylan reached out to me for the first time and instead of wanting to talk things through, he offered to take the leadership if I could get you out.”

  “What?” I screech. “No, he can’t give up the Front Line for me like that.”

  “I’m afraid he would give up his own life for you given the chance,” he comments. “But don’t worry, I told him no. I don’t want him accepting this position for someone else. In order to be successful here, he needs to want it, to accept it himself. So, until that time comes, no matter how much I want him to take it, I won’t allow it.”

  “Thank you,” I tell him, relieved to know Brett has his best intentions at heart for Rylan.

  He gives me a nod. “Alright, you best get back to your room and work on whatever plan it is that I’m sure you have to get out of here,” he smirks.

  I can’t help but return his grin. For a guy I met only once, he seems to know me better than I know myself.

  Chapter 2

  “Bianca,” Dr. Mandoza greets me a week later as she walks through the door. “What deadly illness are you faking today?” she smirks.

  I can’t help but smile back at her. In the last week, I’ve been here at least three times. It didn’t take her long to realize I just wanted someone to talk to. “Ah, I think it’s Pneumonia,” I grin.

  “Oh, Bianca,” she laughs as she takes a seat beside me. “How are you really doing?” she asks, taking pity on me.

  “Be
tter now that I’ve got someone to talk to,” I tell her honestly. “I’ve converted my room into a gym, so at least I’m not so desperate for a workout.” I want to tell her that I’m happier now that I was able to talk to my friends, but that old phone didn’t last too long. After three days, the battery finally gave out, though considering how old it is, I should be thankful I got any time at all. But I can’t tell her as there are signs all over the infirmary asking if anyone has found a lost phone.

  “That’s excellent dear. You seem in good spirits,” she smiles as she reaches forward and gently places a supportive hand on my leg.

  Dr. Mandoza allows me to stay and chat, but when the infirmary starts getting busier she has no choice but to send me on my way. I hop up off the bed and make my way out of the infirmary, deciding on some lunch before heading back to my room for a workout.

  I reach for the door of the cafeteria, only to have the handle pulled out of my reach as the door is opened from within. I step back out of the way to allow the person to easily pass by me, but can only stare in shock as I look up at an equally shocked Phillip Cooper. What on earth is he doing here? Last I checked, he had absolutely nothing to do with Headquarters.

  “Bianca,” he greets warily with narrowed eyes. “What are you doing here?” he asks, probably thinking everything is about him and I’m here to spill all his awful secrets, which I must say, are pretty damn scandalous and could ruin his reputation within The Guard. Though, after the last time I saw him, I could understand why he would suspect I’d be here to do just that.

  “Wouldn’t you like to know,” I grin, deciding to have a little fun with him. After all, he deserves it after the way he has treated Jacinta over the last few months, not to mention, the way he has treated Daniel who we have recently discovered is also his son and Jacinta’s half-brother.

  I look past him into the cafeteria and notice the room is swarming with men in suits. “Ah, just come from a meeting, have you? They look important, I better go introduce myself,” I smirk as I slip past him into the room, knowing he wouldn’t come after me in fear of making a scene.

  I giggle to myself as I make my way deeper into the cafeteria. I grab a sandwich and fill all my pockets with as many muesli bars and muffins as possible. I grab a bottle of water and make my way back to my room. I strip out of my ridiculous skirt suit and into my workout gear then fix my hair into a pony tail.

  I push the mattress back up against the wall and get started on my workout. My body gives in quickly and I hate how weak it makes me feel. I let the mattress fall back to the ground and slump down on it as sadness takes over me. I sit there for the rest of the afternoon, wishing there was something here for me to do.

  A knock sounds at my door and I drag my feet as I make my way to open it. I peep through the little hole and groan as I see its Mr. Richards waiting on the other side. Just great. I open the door with as much of an attitude as I can possibly manage. “Can I help you?” I ask, wishing he would go away.

  He looks past my shoulder and notices the odd state of my room, but chooses to ignore it as he hands me a slip of paper. “The Guard has decided you have had enough training and will be starting your assignment as of next week,” he explains, then indicates to the paper. “This is a schedule of the Academies you will be visiting in your first week.”

  Yay. I glance down at the paper and notice there must be at least four different academies, all in different countries. How do they expect me to get to all four academies within the five day school week? Do I even get to sleep? This is ridiculous.

  I groan as I close the door on Mr. Richards face. This sucks. Why does it have to be me who does this? As if there isn’t someone out there who would love to have this job.

  Another knock sounds at my door and I huff as I make my way over to it. Seriously? Is this guy that daft, he can’t sense when he isn’t wanted. I rip the door open. “What?” I snap at him, then shut up immediately as I notice it isn’t Mr. Richards but Brett Norrington waiting at my door. “Crap, I’m sorry. I thought you were someone else.”

  Brett smirks at me in fascination. “Wow, I’d hate to be that poor bastard,” he laughs then looks over my shoulder into my room, the same way Mr. Richards had with the same look of confusion. “What’s going on with your room?” he asks.

  “I had to improvise. I don’t get the training time I need,” I explain.

  “Right,” he grins, apparently entertained by my little quirks. “Listen,” he starts, as his face turns to the one I recognize as our leader and not my maybe future father-in-law. “I know you stole Nurse Cathy’s phone, it was on the surveillance footage,” he scolds, with a raised eyebrow.

  Crap. Totally busted.

  “I’m sorry,” I say, turning around and heading back into the room. I dig through my underwear drawer and curl my fingers around the cold metal of the phone. Dreading giving it back, even though the battery is dead, it’s still my only link to my friends and family. I stand before Brett with my hand outstretched towards him.

  He looks down at the phone with his lips pressing into a tight line before looking up at me. “Thank you for your honesty, but I thought you could keep it,” he grins as he brings his hand out from behind his back and produces the charger. “Don’t worry,” he grins before sending me a wink. “I deleted the footage.”

  “Are you serious?” I gasp in shock then launch myself forward into his arms and hold him in a tight hug, completely overwhelmed by his kindness. “Thank you so much,” I nearly cry.

  “Its fine, Bianca,” he says, awkwardly stepping out of my hug. “Just don’t tell anyone and I expect you to give it back when you finally get out of here.”

  “Of course,” I say, stepping back into my room in embarrassment, hoping to avoid giving this man any more spontaneous and awkward displays of affection. But, seriously, his eyes are exactly the same as Rylan’s, though apart from the gold speckles that Rylan has. Every time I lay my eyes on Brett, I’m reminded of how much I miss Rylan.

  “Good,” he smiles. “I best be going. I’ve got a lot of work to tend to,” he says then turns and takes a step down the hallway.

  “Oh, Brett,” I call after him. He stops and turns back to me with a questing eyebrow. “Can I ask you a question?”

  “By all means,” he says as he steps back to my room.

  I look up and down the hallway, making sure there’s no one around to overhear. “I saw Phillip Cooper here today and I was wondering why. I mean, he really doesn’t have any reason to be here, does he?” I ask.

  Brett’s lips pull into a tight line. “It’s all politics, Bianca,” he sighs. “Phillip is hoping to take over leadership once my reign is over. However, as you know, Phillip only has a daughter, so without a male to continue on in his line, I’m afraid he’s not a strong candidate,” he explains.

  Whoa. Interesting. Phillips secret is the one thing that could help him take over leadership, but would also destroy his reputation and keep him from taking the leadership. Sucks to be him. “That’s interesting,” I murmur.

  “Indeed, it is,” Brett says, just as thoughtful, which makes me wonder if he already knows. “But it’s irrelevant. I have all faith that Rylan will come to his senses and claim his rightful position as leader.”

  “Hmm, I don’t know,” I say, hoping to not offend him. “Suits and meetings aren't really his thing. He was born for the front line, just like I was,” I explain.

  “Yes, that’s what I’m afraid of,” he murmurs. “But you’ve seen firsthand what an amazing leader he makes.”

  “I know, he’s a force to be reckoned with,” I sigh, recalling how he lead the front lines into battle just a few months ago. He was utterly amazing and no doubt proved that the leadership is where he belongs, as long as he could continue in the Front Lines at the same time. It would be perfect for him. “I better not keep you any longer,” I say.

  He gives me another friendly smile before heading off down the hallway.

  I don’t waste a sin
gle second before diving back into my room and plugging the charger into the phone. I sit and wait by the phone, watching as the battery slowly begins to fill. 5%, 10%, 30%. Yep, I’ve waiting long enough.

  I dial Jacinta’s number and sulk as the call rings out then glance at the clock and realize she would be in the middle of class. I start dialling Mom’s number when Jacinta calls back. I hit the answer put the phone to my ear.

  “Jacinta,” I say with absolute joy. “Happy Birthday for yesterday. I’m so sorry I missed it. I was hoping I’d have found a way to be back home by now.”

  “That’s ok,” she sighs. “You can make it up to me when you get back. As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters. I’m so happy you called.”

  “Yeah, the battery on the phone died then Brett came around. Scared the crap out of me saying he knew I was the one who stole it, but instead of getting me in trouble, he gave me the charger,” I laugh.

  “Seriously?” she laughs. “That’s awesome. Sorry, I missed your call. I was in class,” she explains. “I had to fake a headache because I used the bathroom pass ten minutes ago.”

  “Sorry,” I laugh. “Tell me everything I’ve missed.”

  Jacinta instantly launches into her run down of the boys and her classes, she tells me how Trey is now ranked first in the Combat Program and how he feels awful about it. Apparently, Daniel is still distancing himself.

  I then tell Jacinta all about running into her father and what Brett had said about it, which apparently is news to her. I explain about my assignment and tell her all the places I’ll be going, though she isn’t sure whether to be excited about the academies I’ll be visiting or upset that I’ll be further away.

  After a good half hour, I let her go then leave Mom another voice mail letting her know I’m still safe and mostly healthy.

  ----------

  I stand at the cafeteria doors after finishing my breakfast with Mr. Richards scowling down at me. “Will you hurry up? Your flight leaves in ten minutes,” he scolds.