Blackstone Academy: The Rogue

9. Jax Flores

Jax (Male P.O.V) 

Date: September 29, 2238

The cool breeze blew, chilling my sweat-dampened bare chest as I jogged around the track. My breath fell heavily from my lips with each step, but I couldn't stop. There was still one more lap to go. Swiping my arm across my brow, I increased my pace, but only slightly, while passing the residential building for the teachers and staff.

"Mind if I join you?" Maverick asked, appearing by my side and effortlessly matching my stride.

"No, I don't mind," I panted, eyeing the three girls jogging from the opposite direction with cheek-splitting smiles on their faces.

"Are you enjoying the attention?" Maverick lightly chuckled as I puffed out my chest and clenched my stomach muscles.

Even though I was still far from having abs, the workouts had increased my stamina and slightly toned my frame.

"Oh, I am loving the attention. It's my reward for all the hell Troy's put me through during training."

"So you're doing this for the girls?"

"Yeah," I instantly replied, grinning from cheek to cheek. "Well... not really, but it's a nice bonus."

"So why are you doing this then?"

"Because I was hoping those assholes," I jerked my head toward the three sophomores hanging out in the open doorway of the greenhouse. "Would notice my improvements and consider me for the annual Training Games."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw them laugh as they watched us pass by. And naturally, I couldn't help but assume they were talking about me. My little incident with the hair pulling was still hot news since nothing had yet to replace it.

Sighing deeply, I focused back on the track.

"I don't think they're impressed," Maverick said, stating the obvious. "Or in charge of picking the team."

My hair flopped forward, covering my furrowed brow as I looked at him. "How do you know?"

"Because I'm one of the assholes in charge of selecting the teams this year."

I stumbled, tripping over my own feet. And fortunately, Maverick took pity on me and grabbed my arm to stop me from falling.

Shit! Me and my big mouth.

I stood there with my mouth hanging open and my chest rapidly falling up and down, racking my brain for what to say next. Nothing, nada, zilch popped into my head to help rescue me from this awkward situation. My brain had officially deserted me in my time of need.

My eyes darted over Maverick's face trying to gauge just how pissed off he was at me. But the neutral expression on his face didn't reveal anything.

Just as I started to speak, two horn beeps came from the front of the school.

"We'll talk about it later. Let's go help unload the trucks." Maverick slapped me on the shoulder before he sprinted across the track.

I nodded, pushed my hair off my face, and followed him.

I slipped on my t-shirt as we approached the front of the main building. In the driveway were two dusty white trucks with dirt caked in their wheels. They lacked any lettering, but everyone knew they belonged to First Foundation.

Maverick and I joined the twenty or so students already unloading the first truck onto the metal carts beside it.

Gritting my teeth, I hoisted one of the crates off the truck and carried it over to one of the carts. "Damn, why did they deliver so much food?"