| VEXED |

chapter | nine

Alex

Hazel came and jumped on my bed. "Tonight Larce is throwing a ball." she squealed, getting all excited in a very Hazel like manner.

I glanced at her arm and saw she had a skull tattoo with a blade through it. "That's a really cool tattoo." I acknowledged and she smiled. "It's the gang's tattoo. It's our symbol of loyalty. All of us have one." she explained. 

I nodded. "Anyways back to this ball, what is it for?" I asked confused. "Well, we're leaving soon, so I guess it's just like a 'good job' type thing before we all leave. With you here, we've all gotten a lot done. You've helped a whole lot on missions, even if you hadn't noticed." she rubbed my arm. 

I smiled back at her and started thinking. "So what does one wear to this ball?" I asked scanning my closet. "A ball gown, of course. Larce is very old-timey, so it's more like a costume party in my opinion." she laughed. 

"Is it too much if I asked you to pick me out a dress or lent me one?" I asked shyly. "Oh my gosh, of course!" she got up, practically running to her room. 

-

Hazel said she left the dress and shoes and any accessories she picked out on my bed. I swear she's a lifesaver. 

I walked downstairs and saw Larce, he had a tense look on his face. "What's wrong?" I asked nervously. "Someone from the rival gang has infiltrated the house. I'm not sure how long they've been here, but its someone here." he explained quietly. 

"What do they want?" I asked quietly. "Well if I had to guess, you or intel." he whispered and I got anxiety. "What is everyone's deal with me?" I groaned. "You're my daughter, that means something." he responded, resting his hand on my shoulder.

"Are you going to cancel the ball?" I asked him and he laughed. "No, of course not." he shook his head. "I feel that would be a perfect time to try and catch the person. I think I'll put a few of my best agents on the mission." he smiled and glanced at me. 

"No way Larce, find someone more experienced." I rejected shaking my head. "There is no one else. Now go tell Theo, he can help." he said nudging me. It always has to be him, huh?

I walked around looking for Theo and he was in the training room like usual. Before I made it to the door someone bumped into me. I turned and saw Jess. She looked more wrecked than usual. 

"Watch where you're going Parker." she spat, walking away from me. Okay then. I walked into the training room and over to Theo. He was shirtless and beating the crap out of a punching bag. 

"Hey, Theo." I spoke, but he had headphones in so he didn't hear me. I tapped on his shoulder after a moment of him not hearing me. His body whipped around defensively, causing me to take a quick step backward.

"Sorry, what do you want?" he asked ripping his headphones out of his ears. I caught the punching bag and looked over at him. 

"Are you okay?" I asked as I studied his expression. "Yeah, fine, what did you need?" he asked again, growing more impatient. "It can wait." I nodded turning to walk away. 

He caught my arm and turned me around. "I know that look, tell me what's going on." he spoke again, this time softer. 

"Okay, but not here. Somewhere people won't be listening." I responded and he nodded walking towards the stairs.