Our War Zone

14

This story is just a fiction
My appreciation goes to snehalyelve

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“I don’t think I should be introducing myself, since you all formally know me as Commander June,” she stated, her voice sharp and commanding as she addressed the group of female nurses and doctors gathered before her. Her presence alone commanded respect, her words cutting through the air like a blade. The nurses shifted uncomfortably, and even the seasoned doctors stood a little straighter.

Alex was also present, standing slightly apart from the group, his towering frame casting a shadow over the others. His arms were crossed over his broad chest, his military jacket fitting him perfectly, as though tailored to accentuate his intimidating build. His face, however, was unreadable, save for his dark eyes, which were fixated on one person—Eliza.

Even though he was physically present in the meeting, his gaze never wavered from her. Eliza, feeling the intensity of his stare, could hardly keep still. She fidgeted, her fingers brushing against the hem of her nurse’s uniform, betraying her nervousness. It was like a spotlight had been cast solely on her, and she could feel every envious and curious gaze of the other women directed her way.

Jessica, always quick to notice things like this, leaned in close, her voice a low whisper meant only for Eliza. “I think that hot jerk is staring at you.”

“Shhh, Jessica,” Eliza hissed back, her voice tight with unease. “I don’t want to get into any trouble.”

Jessica, however, wasn’t one to be easily silenced. “Since we’ve been here, he hasn’t stopped looking at you,” she continued, her tone more amused than concerned.

Eliza had no choice but to silently agree. Jessica wasn’t wrong. Alex’s piercing gaze hadn’t left her for a second, and it was putting her in an incredibly awkward situation. It wasn’t just that he was watching her—it was the intensity of it, the way his eyes burned into her, as though he could see straight through her. The other women were starting to notice too, some of them glaring daggers at her, their expressions a mixture of jealousy and confusion.

Commander June, completely oblivious to the silent drama unfolding, carried on with her instructions. “Now, ladies, get into position,” she commanded, her voice as sharp as ever.

The women, quick to obey, promptly formed into groups. They positioned their firearms, their movements practiced but filled with an air of tension. Yet, despite the commotion, Alex remained still, his eyes never straying from Eliza.

June, ever observant, noticed this odd behavior. Her brow furrowed in mild curiosity. Why, she wondered, was a skilled fighter like Alex—who was known for his discipline and focus—so fixated on an ordinary nurse? What made her so special in his eyes?

But she wasn’t the only one pondering this question. Tanasha, standing nearby, was equally unsettled. She remembered their heated night together—how their bodies had intertwined in the quiet darkness. Yet, after that, Alex had barely acknowledged her existence. He kept his distance, maintaining a strict professionalism that drove her insane. He wasn’t outright ignoring her, but the coldness in his demeanor was impossible to miss, and it infuriated her to no end.

The training exercise continued, but when it came time for Eliza to step forward, all eyes were on her. It wasn’t because she was anything extraordinary—quite the opposite. The others simply wanted to see how she would perform under the pressure of so much attention. The first batch of women had done well enough, and the second and third followed suit.

Eliza, however, was different. She approached the line timidly, her hands trembling slightly as she set her gun alongside the rest of the women. Her stomach twisted with nerves, and she fought to keep her breathing steady. The weight of Alex’s stare was still on her, heavy and oppressive.