Scorched

Chapter Three

The first two things I realized when Asher shook his head was: 1) I was so screwed 2) President Thames wasn't here because I killed one of his men. The grey-eyed man turned to Asher, his eyes sparked in interest as he nodded once "Thank you, Sargent Thompson. You are dismissed." His voice was clipped and official, leaving no room for arguments. Asher clenched his jaw and saluted "Yes, Sir." He casted a look my way but I had no idea what it meant, then turned on his heel and walked out of my cell and then it hit me. That was last time I would see Asher again.

~

Thames turned towards me and watched me for a second too long. I shifted uncomfortably on the thin mattress and pressed my lips together, my hands safely tucked underneath me. Thames smiled tightly and rubbed his hands together slowly "Miss Lockhart, I'm about to offer something that make you an idiot if you turned me down." He paused to let that sink in, I kept my face blank but I narrowed my eyes slightly as he continued "I'm going to check you out of Briarwood and I'm going to take you to Homestead. You will live, eat, and sleep there as long as you cooperate." I parted my lips in disbelief, my heart feels like it had stopped but now it's pounding in my chest heavily "What...?" I heard myself whisper, though I don't remember saying anything. President T. smiled, taking my disbelief for a yes "Follow me, Miss." He turned, just as Asher had, then walked out of the cell and into the hallway. I stared ,dumbfounded, at the door when it didn't swing shut so I took that as a good sign. I slowly stand and bite down on my bottom lip before tip-toeing out of my cell just as I saw the black-suited man take a left down the hallway. I scurry down the hallway and take a left where he had but I stop abruptly as my eyes roamed over the two lines of soldiers going all the way down each wall. All their hair was short, some a little longer than the others. My gaze was drawn towards one of the soldiers with dark blonde hair and bright green eyes... Oh my God.

~

He wasn't that different but he had grown a little more muscle and his jaw had some scruff to it but it wasn't a beard yet. That was my best friend, my old boyfriend, Nick Masons. I snap to attention as someone gently grabs my elbow, heat rushing through my veins instantly but I blew out a slow breath when I realized it was Thames. It didn't make me feel any better that it was him but I'm glad it wasn't some random stranger. "Men," he addresses the soldiers in front of him "This is Blaire Lockhart. She will be staying with us from now on, I want one soldier guarding her at all times." His grey eyes slid over the lines of men before they stopped and I'm too afraid to see which one of these creepy men will be watching me 24/7. "Commander Masons. I trust you will take care of our guest. I have some business to attend to at the moment, take her back to base." Suddenly the hand on my elbow is gone and a chest is suddenly all I can see. I take a step back and look up, my breath catching as I met the green-eyed gaze of the boy I fell in love with all those years ago. Nick blinks then sets a hand on the small of my back and nudges me down the hallway, opposite of where I had come in, and walked behind me silently. He doesn't remember me, is my only thought the entire ride to wherever I was being taken.

I was taken aback at the largeness of the building we had approached. There were no signs or billboards saying the name but I knew instantly. Homestead. Nick turned off the tank and sat there silently. I couldn't take this silence much longer. Just as I turned to say something he was doing the same, his green eyes flashing with recognition before they were emotionless once again. He blocked me out. He nodded once then climbed out of the tank and landed with a soft thud. I climbed out of the tank with difficulty, I was trying not to fall... But failed. I slipped right before I was about to land on the ground and tensed, ready for the impact. Arms encircled me instantly, making me gasp in shock, and gently set me down on the ground. Nick let go of me then cleared his throat "Follow me. I'll show you your room then you can meet the others." Curiosity sparked a flame in me that I couldn't help but notice "The others?" I asked quietly, following him as he walked quietly. The ground was soft and slightly wet. It had rained recently. Nick nodded, working at the strap of his rifle, the first sign of normality I've seen from him, and grabbed his keycard when we neared the doors "The others in your team. SAU." When I didn't answer, I could hear the faint smile in his voice "Special Abilities Unit." He explained before swiping his card on a pad placed on the wall and typing a number in a keypad that I didn't catch. I nodded slowly then rubbed my arm as the door opened, blowing a blast of chilly air at us "There are others like me?" I hesitated before asking, hoping he wouldn't notice. The sudden tension in his shoulders proved he had heard it. "Yes." He walked inside and I quickly followed, afraid to be alone in this place that suddenly seemed so threatening. Excitement burned in my core at his response. There were others that knew my pain, people I could relate to. I couldn't stop the words flowing from my mouth "I want to meet them first... Before I see my room." I faltered, blushing softly as I suddenly remembered something that had happened a long time ago. I quickly pushed it away, I will have time to reminisce later. Nick slowly turned around and raised an eyebrow, a grin slowly tugging at his lips. My heart ached so greatly I had to hold my breath to keep from saying something stupid. "You have no idea what you just asked for, Blaire." He replied gently, warmth emitting from his words as well as... Amusement. Damn.