Imperfection

Chapter 13

Bang, crack, bang bang, crack,

Sighing, I lower the gun and pull off the protective headphones.

The Alpha stands behind me, clapping slowly. "Nice. Those shots would have been lethal."

I stare at the dummy in front of me, with the several bullet holes piercing through its cardboard body.

"You're better at this than I thought." He smiles down at me.

I look up at him, smiling slightly. "Hey, I'm a natural,"

He laughs a bit and unloads the gun. "Good work today, Jus. You're almost as good as some of the soldiers."

"Ha, really?"

"Well... you're getting there." He squints at me, sighing softly. "You've really progressed this last month."

We both laugh awkwardly and then fall into an uncomfortable silence.

I break the silence by clearing my throat. "Hey, Alpha?"

"Hmm?"

"Why exactly are you doing this for me? All of this, what have I done for you in return?"

"Have you forgotten our deal, Justice?" He crosses his arms, raising a perfectly groomed eyebrow. "Do you not remember who you wanted so desperately to save?"

I narrow my eyes, searching for falsehood in his gesture. "I remember that. But if I'm your dog, why are you doing so much for me?"

He sighs and walks toward the door. "I believe you have potential, Justice. You can do amazing things. But you just need motivation."

He walks out of the shooting rink, leaving me alone to arrange my thoughts.

Potential... Potential for what? What did he mean? But I need motivation?

I put my gun into its holder and hang the protection gear before exiting the room.

I walk out, feeling the usual stares and hearing the sharp whispers of other Dux Ducis.

They still can't believe I've got my own suit.

I notice someone turn the corner and march straight towards me. It's Valor. We make eye contact for a second before he tears his gaze away and stares above me like I'm nothing. In that brief second, we shared a connection that was worth a thousand words.

He walks into me, bumping my shoulder with exaggerated movements. As our shoulders touch, he slips a piece of paper into my fingers.

"Watch where you're going, Imperfection." He barks at me, glaring at the small slip of paper between my fingers.

I wrap the paper in my fist and nod my head meekly, before continuing to walk down the hall.

I get out of the main building and walk down towards the Cabin. I open the squeaky door and curl up in a corner. Everyone else is still out working, so I am alone.

I unwrap the paper in my hand and read it.

Justice,

Conference room- 1:30 am

Urgent.

-Valor

The door swings open. The Alpha stands, staring at me with his eyes wide and gray. "Justice, come. "

I hide the paper swiftly in my boot and stand up to meet him.

We walk back to the main building and take the elevator to the top floor.