Hero's Revenge (Keepers of Justice, Book 2)

Chapter Two

Kale is sitting on my bed when I enter my room. He stands. “Hey. You okay?”

I nod.

He shifts from one foot to the other. Runs his hand through his blond hair. “Wanna try that new game?”

No. I want to lie in bed. To not have the memories haunt me the way they always do. But seeing the eager expression on Kale’s face causes me to say, “Yeah.”

He smiles a little. “Cool. Meet you in the Game Room?”

“I’ll be there.”

And he’s gone. I head for the bathroom across the hall. There are three on the boys’ floor. The girls have six.

Inside, I splash water onto my face and work my fingers through my black hair. It’s longer than it’s ever been. Touches my shoulders. I guess I’m too lazy to bother with it.

Back in my room, I peel off my uniform and throw on a black T-shirt and jeans. Not sure if they’re clean. The room is a mess, like I had a party here. Food crumbs and spilled drinks are evident on the carpet. The League housekeeper doesn’t clean up after me anymore.

The mess doesn’t bother me. It seems petty to worry about pointless things like a clean room. I know about bacteria and mold and all that, but honestly, I don’t give a damn. If I had a roommate, I’d take better care of my room. Maybe. My old roommate, Speed, couldn’t take it and moved to another room two months ago. A few new recruits spent a night or two in here and fled.

On my way to the Game Room, I pass many kids loitering in the halls and activity rooms. Over the past few months, Samson has been making changes. He recruited more kids, improved the technology, like enhanced security systems. He doesn’t like to take chances, not after what happened in February when the ShadowBlades planned to assassinate him and take down the League. I’m not entirely sure how the security works, but there are invisible beams that detect people and abilities and it’s programed to only allow members of the League on the premises.

Samson also installed cameras and keypads on our doors that require ID. I need to press my finger in order to gain access to my room and the important rooms in the mansion.

I enter the Game Room and sit near Kale on the couch. His girlfriend, Lindsay, is on his right, playing Xbox with him. It used to be the three of us guys, the three badass musketeers, as Kale named us. Not anymore. I can’t stand that Stretch isn’t here. Makes my stomach want to toss up my lunch, not that I had any.

Kale’s fingers pound on the controller. “Check this out. She’s owning me.”

Lindsay giggles. I don’t remember what it feels like to laugh. I haven’t done so in a while. “You’re easy.” She pokes Kale with her elbow. He laughs and shoves her with his shoulder. They push each other while talking smack as their guys fight.

I should have stayed in my room. This really isn’t my scene. When I get to my feet, Kale says, “Don’t leave, X.”

Lindsay holds out the controller. “Here. I was just keeping it warm for you.”

“It’s okay. I’m not really in the mood.”

“You sure?” Kale asks, narrowing his blue eyes, reading me.

I’m sure. But I take the controller because Kale wants to play this game with me. Even though it hurts, even though it reminds me of the fun times, I play because Kale is my friend.

He smiles sadly.

Before Lindsay leaves, she gives Kale a small kiss on his lips. He grins up at her and pulls her closer.