Page 44 of Unmade

“That’s rough. But, so…like, she’s yours now?”

He weighed his response. “I’m her guardian, yeah. I have custody. Which is fucked up. My sister is a wonderful mother to five boys. But Vince thought it was a good idea for the baby Beckett to shoulder the responsibility of an actual child, when I can’t keep a cactus alive.”

I exhaled a laugh. “Baby Beckett. I’mma call you that from now on.”

“I fucking dare you.”

I grinned at him.

His eyes were incredible when they had amusement mingling with the blue and green.

“I’ll watch her,” I said. “What’s her name?”

His gaze softened a little bit. “Alex. And I appreciate it. Your training comes first, so if it becomes too much for you at any time, you gotta tell me right away. That’s an order—and a test.”

“Noted.” Good job adding that last part. He probably knew I wouldn’t push myself as much now. I was here for top scores on whatever test they threw at me, because this wasn’t the Army, where it was better to be average. Here, excelling meant my work would be easier in the field.

“I’ll get you a dorm room adjacent to mine,” he said. “We’re starting to feel bad about moving y’all around so much, so the next bed all recruits get will be theirs for the whole year. On the flip side, the operators’ dorms are nicer. Some of you won’t even have to share.”

Totally worth having moved around a bunch first, in other words.

* * *

I was scarfing down my last slice of pizza when we reached the operators’ dorms. Two doors were open, revealing small units with one or two beds, more closet space, and…almost a kitchenette. Running water, a microwave, mini fridge, and a tiny corner counter space. I liked it. I wouldn’t need more than this. I’d rather have a small-ass room with more amenities than space I didn’t know what to do with.

“Okay, I’ll be in nine, so we’ll make this one yours.” He unlocked the door to number eight, and fuck me sideways, I wasn’t gonna have to share with anyone. I stepped inside the room, noticing the door leading to the next unit. He’d meant adjacent literally, then. “We’ll get your stuff from the Towers tomorrow,” he added. “In the meantime, there should be a toiletry kit in the nightstand.”

I was all set.

I chewed on my last mouthful of pizza—or mostly the crust—and nodded to myself. This room was mine for the next year. Fucking A.

“Where do we shower and go to the bathroom?” I asked.

“Operators’ shower room. It’s at the end of the hall, next to our rec room.” He paused. “Since you’re watching my niece, you can use my bathroom too. As long as I don’t have to see a bunch of hair products lying around or toothpaste in the sink.”

I lifted my brows and grinned a little. “Are you a neat freak?”

“I’m tidy,” he corrected. “There are four operator units with private bathrooms, and I won’t hesitate to move to another one if you abuse the privilege.”

I chuckled. “You can chill. The Army practically made me OCD.”

“Good,” he said. “Now, get some rest. Breakfast with the others in the cafeteria at 09:00. We’ll give you reading material and new instructions.”

“Yes, sir.”

* * *

My sleep schedule was fucked. I dragged myself out of bed at 8:45, wishing I could sleep for at least another four hours, and got dressed in the same clothes I’d been given earlier.

The only issue I had with my new room was that it lacked natural light. All rooms on this side of the hall were windowless, and it was going to mess me up further if I didn’t keep a strict schedule.

On my way into the cafeteria downstairs, I pulled up my hood and made a face. There was way too much commotion. Maybe they’d called in reinforcements. Either way, the cafeteria was almost at capacity. According to the sign when you entered, that number was one hundred people.

Thankfully, it seemed everyone had gotten their breakfast already, because the line was short.

“Leighton! We’re in the back!” Riley hollered.

I waved noncommittally over my shoulder without turning around.

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