The University's Guard Dog

PROLOGUE

JULIE

I know I said that you only live once, but I have this huge feeling where I'll actually die this time. So cool!!

Cue my eyes rolling.

Though, it really is all that exciting. I literally already graduated college, and I'm back here again? My luck truly is an immovable fucking force. I looked outside the limousine I was in, watching as the rich city of.. Whatever state this was, go by in a fast blur.

"What are you sulking about, princess?" The driver, Aaron Warden, questioned. Though, it was leaning more towards taunting because of that hideous nickname. He's a coworker of mine, but he's disguised as my school service driver, for some odd fucking reason.

"I thought you'd be more excited about this mission?" He questioned, lifting his head up a little so his curly hair moved out of the way, his eyes looking at me through the review mirror just for a few seconds. Aaron is a handsome man who knows his worth. I'd date him if he wasn't sucking his own dick all the damn time.

Rolling my eyes, I crossed my arms and looked away from him, grumbling. "I was excited, but then I was told I had to go back to college? What the hell!" They'd laugh and think I was kidding for disliking- loathing the idea of being back to school, but no way in hell am I exaggerating everything. Ugh, who would be excited to be back in a hell-hole?!

Aaron laughed, leaning back against his seat, resting his left elbow against the car door, leaving the maneuvering to his right. He can be hot when he wants to, I guess. "Calm down, Belladonna. 'Ya already graduated, right? Then school shouldn't be that hard for 'ya." He reasoned out, waving his free hand lazily. "Everything should be familiar for 'ya by now."

He's right about that, but it just irritates me that I'm coming back. I'm supposed to be elsewhere risking my life to save my country against some stupid underground organizations and cults, but no! I'm over here risking my sanity instead to solve a college mistery. "Well, yeah, but isn't it weird that I'll be back mingling with eighteen-year-olds when I'm damn near thirty-three?"

Saying my age out loud made me realize how old I truly am, Jesus. Has time really slipped that fast? I couldn't help but to put my hands over my cheeks in disbelief.

"Well, mostly twenty-one." Aaron shrugged, keeping his eyes on the road, yawning softly. "You'll be in senior year of college because the university's guard dog will be in the same level as you." He explained dismissively, and the mention of the enigmatic fiend immediately brought me back to my senses.

I couldn't help but grin, danger, danger, danger. Oh, how I love the thrill that word gives me.
"How about we review what we know about the university and its loyal hound?" I questioned, resting my right keg on top of my left one when Aaron stopped the car.

He nodded, now no longer taking his eyes off of the red light. "Alright, tell me what you know. You're the one who needs the review, I'll barely be involved in the mission."

Oh, right. I forgot it'll mostly just be me. I'm  the only one who they managed to get accepted. Goddamnit. With a soft sigh, I nodded. "Fine," I began to smooth out the fabric of my tight black shirt, juggling the information in my head. "Marcellus Williem Zapanta, a senior college student. There's a rumor going around that the reason why his loyalty towards his university is because he has a familiar relationship with the headmaster."

The driver rose a brow, beginning to drive off once again when the light turned green. "Those are just rumors. We rely on facts and evidence, not gossip."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him, scoffing. "I fucking know that, Aaron. It's good to consider rumors, too. Although they may be lies, but they aren't too far-fetched." Does this man truly think that I'm stupid? "Especially in a professional setting, such as the University of Michigan."

"Just because the setting is professional doesn't mean those who dwell in it are." Aaron argued. He does make a point, which made me shake my head in annoyance.

"Yeah, I'll keep that in mind. Anyway, he's the brightest student in the university; top of his class, always volunteering, but he doesn't play multiple sports, only badminton." I finished, before snickering. "I'm also good at badminton, that means that I can be acquainted with him."

It's not a bad plan, I'll show him my badminton moves, he'll recognize my talent and follow me around to be my friend, then I gain insights from him about the school's secrets, and bam! Mission complete.

"Did you forget the sole purpose of this mission?" Aaron questioned, and I noticed the way he gripped the steering wheel. Oh fuck, is he pissed?

I swallowed thickly, before answering, "No, I have not." It's fucking scary when the driver is angry, what if he just decides to crash the car as a payback ? I mean, hey, at least I'll die young and beautiful. "Multiple attacks happened across the states. The only leads we received were from the suicide bombers. They were all either the missing students of the University of Michigan, or dropouts. Though, what they all had in common are their D-tier grades."

Finally, Aaron seemed to have eased up his grip on the steering wheel, making me release the breath I was holding in. "Very good. Now, do you remember why the university's guard dog is our target?"

"Him, along with the student council, are the ones that the headmaster trusts the most. Even the slightest bit of information from them will be useful." I spoke, inhaling sharply. "Oh yeah, I noticed there was a pattern in the attacks." I began, trying to recall the image that formed in my head when I first saw the map with the attacks on it.

That seemed to have caught Aaron's attention, "The attacks only happens every summer time, for some reason. And after every explosion, the bombers would leave.. Some hints." With a scorf, I spoke again. "Every single award that UM has won, a part of it would be left on the floor." I can't believe they'd do summer dirty like that. Summer is the best season, and Fall is next, of course.

From what I can see in the review mirror, Aaron's shoulders tensed up, his eyes behind his glasses narrowed. "So that Heisman trophy's broken cup, and ripped JT Slater certificate weren't left there by accident."

I laughed when I heard the word 'accident,' "Oh, my dear Aaron, accidents are hardly a thing when it comes to terrorizing the country you were born and raised in. Especially if you despise it."

"You think the guard dog despises this nation?" Aaron confronted, stopping in front of the large gates of the grand university, making me take my shoulder bag from the car floor.

With my unoccupied hand opening the door, I looked back at him one last time, "Perchance." And before Aaron could say anything, I stepped outside of the limousine, closing the door behind me. When I noticed that there were people staring, my lips immediately curled up into a wide smile.

"Bye uncle! Have a safe trip to work." I winked at my companion, who just flipped me off while he drove away.

Chuckling at his childishness, my hand's grip on my bag tightened while I straightened up my posture, turning around to look at the massive university in front of me.

The great University of Michigan, I wonder what secrets you have in store for me to uncover. Because whatever it may be, I will pin each and every one of your guard dog's limbs until he'll give me everything I must know.