Page 24 of Just One Bite
That’s why being in The Donor Program is taught as good for all of society. It’s the safest option because it comes with strict governmental laws and regular doctor check-ins to ensure no one is abusing the system.
There must be a reason they’re not in The Donor Program, but Olivia looks uncomfortable enough, so I don’t ask.
There’s a quick flurry of cameras and chatter as a man is being escorted off the lawn toward the gate. I sigh.
“Who is that?”
“Oh, Finn. He, uh … had a run-in with Cane before orientation. I heard he was talking to a professor about it. This morning, they got a tip about him bringing illegal potions to school. Cane is friends with a lot of the Weres on the council, so I kinda saw that coming.”
“You weren’t kidding. They work fast,” Olivia says.
“How did that investigation report turn out, by the way?”
She shakes her head. “I didn’t get the feeling that I’d be hearing much about it. When I went to check on it, she couldn’t find it. Do you think the dean is in on this?”
“I don’t think there’s any way she doesn’t know about it.”
“If my father knew, he’d flip.”
“Are you going to tell him?”
“No way.”
She’s got daddy issues too.Noted.
“Well, it would be my pleasure to walk you ladies around and show you the ropes. The house round table is designed to get all the houses working together. You’ll each get assigned a partner from a different house and run through all the games with them.”
I usher them out to the lawn where two houses are setting up for tug-of-war.
“Each house has their activity of choice. Stelliea and Noxx House care the most about tradition so we’ve each had the exact same activity since the schoolwas founded. Noxx House hosts the capture the flag tournament at sundown, and Stelliea hosts croquet. Looks like Luxxia decided on tug-of-war this year and Solexxa went all out with a full-on obstacle course.”
“We don’t get to pick our partners?” Evangeline asks.
“No, it’s a random lottery system that pairs you with someone in another house.”
We line up, and I watch the girls get their assignments. The council has set up their booth in front of the castle, and Aster and Barrett stand out against the gray stone. Aster in violet, and Barrett in green. They must smell me as soon as I walk up because they take a break from their conversation to glare at me. I wish Gavin was here, but he’s prepping for capture the flag.
“How’s Operation: Damsel in Distress going?” Zant’s voice steadies me.
I don’t take my eyes off Olivia and her sisters.
“I’m busy right now. If you’re going to make fun of me, go do it behind my back.”
“What? I think it’s nice you care about those three little humans so much. And, surprise, asshole, I am being helpful. I obviously couldn’t get you paired with Olivia because she’s in the same house, but I did put you with one of her sisters. The little one. Name starts with an E.”
“Really?”
“Yep, and because I knew you’d worry, Olivia got paired with Chase in Stelliea, and her other sister is with Ryker in Solexxa.”
My rigid muscles loosen. Ryker and Chase are both familiar faces and new additions to the Rage team this year.
I’m just about to sing his praises when I notice Aster and Barrett bickering. The hairs on my arms stand on end with the heated air between two Weres. The crowd parts for Barrett making his way toward Olivia.
My blood is hot. Council members don’t participate in the games.
“Why is Barrett going over to Olivia?”
My skin burns at the itch of shifting, and her eyes widen at his presence.
