Vanessa:

I am surrounded by Omegas. The aura, edgy and dense, constricts my lungs. I can see the sideways glances and the sneers. I am an outsider in their views. An Alpha among her enemies. I know exactly what they think of me. I’ve read the reports, especially on the known associates of Lǎo bǎn.

There are two individuals who are the closest to him. Or, at least the documents show they are the most well-known. The more spoken about one is Hexa. She is the tall, willowy woman sitting in front of me, who changed her name from Ashley when she joined Lǎo bǎn. She has followed him for years, and there are even rumors that they are intimate. Why anyone would want to be that close to him, I have no idea.

Hexa is exceptionally strong for an Omega. She is trusted above others of her ranking. She has the position of a specialist, though I was not able to discern how she was able to climb the ranks so quickly. She is a year older than me but is far more accomplished and powerful. Though I train every day, I will probably never get to her level of experience.

And the realization of that has jealousy and anguish swirling through my chest, tugging on my lungs.

No, I am not here to compare myself to someone else. I have a mission.

The other associate known to the Alphan Society is Chief Jake Peltier, the gentleman currently standing next to Lǎo bǎn. Jake doesn’t seem to want me here, but he isn’t rude either. He helped me find my room last night and came to pick me up this morning in order to get to the meeting. Jake is a known Alpha, but his parents were arrested for harboring Omegas on the run from their owners. This was fifteen years ago, two years before the Alphan Society abolished the slave trading of Omegas.

Our old president wanted to eradicate the whole Omega race from America and treated any Alphas who tried to help the lowest class as terrorists. He began to round up the Omegas and put them in shackles. He treated them like dogs.

My parents ended up being killed by rogue Omegas who were trying to escape. My mother was an officer, a strong Alpha. She was Sergeant Michael’s superior. It was her duty to be loyal to the president, even if that meant harming innocent Omegas. If she were to defy our government, I’d be the one thrown into a cell. That’s how they keep us in line. It’s not that I hate the Alphan Society. Without them, there’d be chaos, but I can’t agree with their methods. They almost have no humanity. Much like Lǎo bǎn, who kills without impunity.

There is no government in this world that is completely free of corruption. Even the Alphan Society. But when President Wendy Rodriguez was elected, she changed the course of our history. She outlawed the keeping slaves and made it illegal to punish an Omega for anything less than the crime that had been committed. Though the Omegas still live on the street, fending for themselves, President Rodriquez is trying to change the Alphas’ mindsets. I only wish she had been elected before my parents died. I don’t have any memory of my family. I was too young when they passed. Michael was the one always by my side. He raised me, and I see him as my adoptive father.

I wish he was here with me now. To guide me in my mission. I’m in too far over my head. Lǎo bǎn is dangerous, and there is no sympathy or mercy in his threatening stare.

No one knows much about him, other than that he is an Omega from China.

It is rumored he escaped the country as a child due to the Anti-Omega law. When an Omega comes of age, about twelve-years-old, they are arrested and thrown into a labor camp, or killed. It all depends on whether the government can use the individual. To be raised for years to only end up dying young; it’s horrendous.

I zone back into Jake’s speech. Lǎo bǎn surveys the room, and my heart jumps into my throat when we make eye contact. No, it’s just my imagination. There’s no way he’d look at me. He hasn’t even spoken to me, even when we were stuck in that cramped car for hours.

I wonder why he doesn’t talk. It wasn’t in his report that he couldn’t, but then again there isn’t much to the document. No one even knows his real name. Lǎo bǎn means ‘boss’ in Mandarin, and that is what he goes by. If his name was public knowledge, the Alphan’s Society would have already hunted his family down. Though I can’t see Lǎo bǎn being worried about anyone other than himself.

There are a lot of horror stories about Lǎo bǎn and how he has murdered entire families of Alphas for simply looking at him, but those are only rumors. Right?

“We have new recruits coming in for the next few days, so please welcome them and help them feel comfortable,” Jake continues. His smile is tense, but there is no anxiety in his features. No one seems to be speaking over him either. They respect him, even as an Alpha.

A few faces turn in my direction directly, but no one whispers.

“We only have two more months of training, so bring out everything you have. We are close to meeting our goal. Soon we will be able to live freely, out of hiding.” With this, Jake bows his head and steps back. It wasn’t that long of a speech, but everyone claps and hollers in support.

Two months? Is this war that close? That must be why Madam President only gave me one month to find the supplier. Without that name, Lǎo bǎn will have all the backing he needs to follow through with this rebellion.

Another man, large with thick biceps and blue eyes, walks up to the podium. “For those of you that do not know me, I am Archranger Second Class Zachary Carter. I am in charge of the training here. Class will start later today for those already in training. Tomorrow we will add the new students. In the meantime, get your rest. We take our education very seriously.”

Once Lǎo bǎn and Jake descend the stage, the trainees begin to file out, speaking over each other. Can I really stay here? My Magik is still dormant. How can I prove myself?

What if I have none? What will Lǎo bǎn do then?

“Vanessa,” Jake’s deep voice booms over the crowd of trainees, and they part like the Red Sea.

It’s hard to get over his height. He towers over me with his bulky presence, and yet I am not intimidated. Jake, unlike Lǎo bǎn, has a gentleness to his appearance. His brow may be perpetually stitched in a scowl, but he lets slip a polite smile every so often.

He’s quite handsome as well. His deep, rich skin tone glints in the lighting.

“Civil Chief Peltier. Thank you again for coming to pick me up this morning.” I am not quite sure if the bowing to show respect encompasses all of the higher ups, but I give him a small head nod just in case.

Jake returns the gesture and stops in front of me. I try to ignore the constant glowers or stares of shock as the Omegas watch us. Is it not normal for Jake to talk to trainees? Or did I not bow low enough? I knew I was going to fuck this up, but did I really do it so quickly?

“Since you do not have any classes until tomorrow, I wanted to show you around a bit more. The compound may not be all that big, but it is still easy to get lost.”

Wow, he really did take me by surprise. Why does Jake, of all people, want to show me around? Maybe Lǎo bǎn ordered him to, but he doesn’t seem the type to be concerned with my comfort or if I am able to find my way around.

I would be a fool to reject Jake, though, especially since this will be my chance to find a way to get closer to accomplishing my mission. He’s also very easy to talk to. His expression is warm, and he gives kind responses. He hasn’t been overtly welcoming, but he hasn’t brushed me off either.

“I would be honored, Civil Chief.”

There is a slight cringe to his brow as I speak. “Oh, please, just call me Jake. I don’t like being called that.”

He ushers me out of the meeting hall once the rest of the Omegas had disappeared. Now that the pressure of the spotlight is off him, Jake’s shoulders relax, and he releases a gruff sigh.

“So I know they showed you where Lǎo bǎn’s main office is. It’s also where we hold any gatherings or celebrations.” Jake points toward the three-story structure a few buildings down.

The paint on the outside is chipped, but otherwise it is standing strong. I wonder why they would want to have gatherings of any sort near Lǎo bǎn’s office. That just sounds like a death wish.

“And you know the trainee dorms. This building between Lǎo bǎn’s office and the dorms are the sleeping quarters for high-ranking officials.”

“So that’s where you can be found at night?”

I’m not sure why I ask it. Maybe it’s because Jake is being so kind, and I am at a loss for what else to say. I should be asking more about Lǎo bǎn’s office and how I can get closer to it. But this question will also be good to know if I have to find him, or to make sure he won’t get in the way later on.

My question catches him off guard as his brow shoots up midway into his forehead before he fights to control his expression. I could’ve sworn a tint of pink blossoms on his rich cheeks, but he hides his face from me before I can be sure.

“Yes, my room is there. Behind the dorms, we have a training field where you can practice.” Jake changes the subject quickly as we walk between the dorm buildings.

There is a handful of Omegas already in the middle of the large field, their violet magic swirling around in the air. Hexa is one of them, her vicious gaze blazing a pale green, almost yellow. Though she is yards away, I swear her pupils are mere slits. Is that green Magik? It slithers around her fingers and snaps out at her surrounding comrades. Hexa bares her teeth in a hiss, and she glances in our direction, her brow furrowing further.

This was not in the reports. No one said she was this powerful.

Scales shimmer around her temples as a wry smirk adds an additional shadow to her appearance.

We don’t have a title for those with green Magik. It’s an additional mutation in the DNA of our ancestors. The Originals. That’s what the Alphas call them, anyway. They are the strongest, and the rarest out of the races. They can be born either an Alpha, an Omega, or a Beta, but their mutated DNA gives them an advantage against all others. Some are terrified of these beings, and some Alphas have petitioned the Alphan Society to hunt them down as they do with Omegas.

“It must be startling, to come face-to-face with a Manitou.” Jake is watching Hexa as well, a small smile on his lips. He glances down and his mouth curves even more. “I’m sorry. Alphas call them Originals if I remember correctly.”

“Why do you call them a Manitou?”

“It is a word from my culture. In Ojibwe, the word Manitou is used to describe a higher being—what other cultures might define as a god. Manitou is the word we use for it.”

“But the Originals were humans, like us. Weren’t they? Back when we were all one race.” That’s what I was taught growing up, anyway. “They argued over land and ended up splitting off into three different clans. As time progressed and clans went to war against one another, their Magik began to shift along with them. The Betas became resentful of all Magik, deciding it was better to live off the land and not rely on any other form of power. That’s why their Magik is dormant today.”

“You are well educated for a street kid.” Jake chuckled.

Shit, I said too much. He makes me calm and comfortable. Maybe because he is also an Alpha, but he is not my friend. He is my boss and also my enemy. I cannot get too close.

“Anyway, there are many different stories from all over the world, from a variety of cultures, that describe these beings and their journey. In my culture, they were higher beings that bestowed upon us the ability of Magik but gave it to only a few, after the separation of the clans had already occurred. By doing this, only a select number of individuals were born with the heightened abilities. And today, it is still unknown how it is determined. If they could determine it before birth, the Alphas would surely round them up. But it doesn’t always show itself until the person has reached their teen years.”

I had no idea there were so many variations of the legends. Which one could be real? The Alphan Society would obviously claim that theirs is the rightful one, but how can we be sure? This was centuries ago.

Jake moves around the edges of the training field. “Let me show you our hospital and the other areas of the compound.”

“What’s that?”

Jake is just about to lead me right past an area in the corner of the training field without indicating what it is. There are several sheds and storage structures scattered around that specific zone, but there is something behind it. A stone structure that has a wrought iron gated doorway. It almost looks like an opening to a crypt in a cemetery, except this is far from being anywhere near one.

Jake doesn’t even look in the direction I indicated before he speaks. “That area isn’t necessarily off limits to trainees. You’re able to walk by those buildings, but only Chief Ranger Specialists and above are allowed anywhere inside.”

“Why is that?”

A cringe twitches in his brow, but he forces his expression into a neutral mask.

“What do they do down there that I can’t know about?”

“That is none of your concern. You are a Ranger Trainee Fourth Class. You have a long way to go before you reach a level capable of learning all that there is to know about this compound and it’s secrets.”

Ah, it’s a secret, huh? Maybe it’s somewhere I should be checking out. I’m not sure what it would have to do with trying to find the supplier’s name, but it’s harmless to try and figure out, right?

“What are all of the hierarchy levels? No one has really told me yet.”

It’s better to feign disinterest than show him my curiosity is trying to yank me toward that particular area of the compound.

This seems to take the stress out of Jake and his shoulders relax once again. He almost smiles.

“Well, you know that I am the Civil Chief. That means I am second-in-command. Lǎo bǎn is simply what we call him, but his real title is Divine Chief.”

That’s odd. Even that wasn’t in the reports. “So what’s his name?” I am sure the Alphan Society would be excited to learn what his real name is. Maybe it would be enough for them to give me an extraction early.

“No one really knows. Lǎo bǎn wishes to keep it that way. The more people who know, the more chances his family back home or anyone close to him can be used against him.”

Lǎo bǎn actually cares about his family? Somehow I do not see that being real. “I understand. You don’t even know it?”

“I never said that.” Jake bestows me with a playful grin before continuing on our way across the field.

I shouldn’t push it too much. I need Jake on my side, without suspecting anything.

“Fuck!”

Shooting pain rockets up my leg, up into my back and my chest, until my head tingles with the agonizing burn of what I have just run into. Heat explodes just above my ankle, my foot catching on the large root sticking out of the ground.

Tumbling off balance, my ankle twists, adding a new layer of agony. One of Jake’s arms wraps around my waist and prevents me from landing hard on the ground. The grunt that escapes my throat rolls through my chest first and I heave against Jake.

“Vanessa, are you alright?”

“Yes.” The pain searing through my leg begs to differ as I try to stand on my own. “Maybe not.” Who the hell put that root there? I swear it wasn’t like that before. I would’ve noticed something that large, right?

“It’s a good thing we were already on our way to the hospital. Come on.” Jake keeps his arm around my side and helps me hobble the rest of the way. His body warms my own, heat tingling at the base of my neck. His face is so close, as he hunches over to keep me standing. Why is he being so kind to me?

Hexa’s nasally voice reaches even my ears from our distance.

“Someone who is that clumsy shouldn’t be here. How weak does someone have to be to lose to a fucking root.” Her cackle grates on every nerve in my body. I will not give her the satisfaction of looking back.

I know that root was not sticking out of the ground earlier. The dirt around it is dug up. I wouldn’t doubt if Hexa pulled it up just to embarrass me. I will not fall for it.

I have a mission to deal with and that does not include worrying about an immature Omega who gets jealous at the slightest inconvenience.

***

There is a burning ache in my legs that crawls up into my stomach. The energy I am trying to use from Mother Earth is sapping my own instead. My body is drained, as though I have run five miles. My lungs scream at me as I inhale sharply. My side pinches. God, will I ever get any stronger?

“Come on, Nessy. You have yet to even move the boulder.” Michael sighs, but there is a smirk curling the edges of his lips.

“It shook, didn’t you see it? I’m getting closer,” I wheeze painfully, wincing as I place my sweating palms on my knees.

This time the sergeant cocks his brow, his arms still folded. “Vanessa, the rest of the recruits your age can already move three boulders this size. They’re being sworn in by this time next week. You, on the other hand, have a long way to go to get on their level.”

I bite back my irritation. I know that. I know I am falling behind. But what can I do? I can’t seem to tap into the Magik of the earth. Why’s it just me?

“Let’s take a break for now.” Michael sighs once more, stepping closer. His broad shoulders are hunched over with disappointment. “Rest.”

I need to try harder. Michael has. Done so much for me. He’s raised me without a single complaint. He deserves someone that is strong, capable, willing to follow his lead and earn an important place by his side.

“No.” I shrug off his hand. “I’ve got this.”

I drown out his protests as I concentrate on the three-foot boulder in front of me. I know I made it tremble before. I saw it. I just have to do it again so that Michael can see it too.

Biting through the pain, I blink to clear the blurriness from my vision. I reach into the ground, feeling the energy of the dirt beneath my toes. I breathe in the dry breeze as it shifts my hair. The pressure in the air caresses my flesh. All I have to do is let it in. I twitch my fingers as there is a twist in my chest. I’ve felt it all before. Now all I need do is hold onto it. Just as I think it though, the energy begins to leave my body, sapping my strength along with it. My legs begin to wobble.

On a last-ditch effort, I contract all of my muscles and release a shriek of pain, pushing all of my Magik toward the boulder, with the image of it rolling to its side in mind. My vision goes black for a moment, but when I can see again, I catch sight of the boulder ever so slightly moving. It almost rolls to its side, but my Magik wasn’t enough. It falls back into place. My body screams at me, my legs giving out.

“Nessy, enough. You need to rest. This is doing more harm than good.” Michael is at my side, holding me up from fainting.

I try to smile, my excitement wracking my entire body, but my muscles refuse to work. “I did it. You saw that, right?” I squint my eyes, trying to see his face more clearly.

Is he proud of me? After so many years my Magik is coming.

He only sighs, “Yes, Nessy, I saw. You did good. Now let’s—”

His words are enough to send relief coursing through my body. It also relaxes my muscles, and I succumb to the exhaustion.

***

Not being able to access my Magik is becoming more of a hassle than it was back when I was trying to be recognized by the Alphan Society. There, it was simply a matter of being respected and earning a title. Here, it’s a matter of survival.

Once we had reached the hospital, or what they refer to as one, I find it’s really a dingy little building with a few leaks in its ceiling. Otherwise, it’s well kept. There are several nurses in scrubs and one individual, Doctor Sharpe, who tells me he trained at John’s Hopkins ten years ago.

Doctor Sharpe examines my ankle and deems it sprained. There is also a large gash from the bark biting into my flesh. They bandage my wound and wrap my ankle for support before sending me on my way. Now I’m trying to make it to lunch before it gets packed, and I’m forced to sit outside on the ground like last night.

The dining area of Lǎo bǎn’s camp—they should really make a name for it—is quite unique. It doesn’t surprise me the majority of the options are Chinese or Asian inspired. I am not that adept in my knowledge of the cuisine, but I do recognize the Lo Mein, pork eggrolls, and dumplings. I place the items on my plate and add a bowl of creamy broth with what looks to be chicken and potatoes floating around in it. The tag at the top of the hot window states that it’s congee. The setup, similar to a buffet, is quite odd. It somehow doesn’t feel like it belongs in this compound.

Luckily, the other trainees and members of the camp are just filing in. I quickly limp around to find a smaller table near the corner of the room, to hide, but before I can sit down, a scratchy voice stops me in my tracks. Not again.

“Hey.” A pair of fingers jabs into my shoulder, and I fight the wince that is about to explode on my face. “Who do you think you are? You think you’re so special because Lǎo bǎn recruited you into our camp? Well, you’re not. Just a disgusting Alpha who thinks they deserve everything. You can’t even walk over a root without tripping.”

Hexa is standing in front of me, her spit splattering against my face. I stand my ground and stare right back at her, the throbbing in my ankle intensifying. This is the time I need to be strong and defiant. I can’t allow myself to be pushed around.

I knew I was going to run into resistance here. Of course I would. Back home, though, I’m not that strong-willed. Here, I am a stranger. No one knows me. I have a clean slate. How rare is that? I’ll be less likely to be bullied if I at least act tough. The only problem is that sort of personality isn’t me. Not anywhere close. I have to pretend if it means to survive.

With a quick breath in, I tilt my head to stretch out the pinch in my neck and I change my thought process.

Is this the cliché moment where girls attack me to show their dominance? Hexa is jealous that Lǎo bǎn is the one who picked me up. I don’t really think they’re together, but she seems very possessive. Her report states she follows him around constantly. I won’t back down to her. I’ll lose any leverage I have if I do.

“I don’t see what the problem is. I came to train, just like everyone else.” I fold my arms and sit back on my heels, ignoring the shoot of pain. “I’m not here to make friends. I came to get stronger. I don’t care if you like me or not. It doesn’t really matter to me.”

I allow a cocky smirk to curl the corner of my lips. This only seems to upset her further. Anger paints her cheeks red, her dark eyes burning. I keep our eye contact. She may be strong, but she won’t attack in front of everyone here. The other trainees who have stopped in line to stare are more curious than anything. Hexa isn’t stupid enough to start something. At least, I hope not, because I can’t really retaliate. She might not know that, so I have to act like I can back up my words.

A boy, maybe a year younger than me, grabs her arm. “Enough, Hexa. Don’t do this here. You know Lǎo bǎn hates fighting within the ranks.” The boy’s dark hair dangles in front of his pale eyes. His sharp jaw clenches as he speaks softly.

Hexa continues to stare at me, her harsh features unwavering.

“Hexa,” the boy speaks again, but this time his voice is harder. His brow tenses as he tightens his grip on her arm.

After what feels like forever, she finally sighs, a growl escaping her throat. “Just watch what you do. I will be keeping tabs.” She warns near my ear before allowing the boy to pull her away.

With a chuckle, I shrug her off. “I look forward to it. Someone so low on the totem pole could never intimidate me.”

I release a shaky breath once the pressure of her presence dissipates. That went well.

As I pivot away, I catch the ominous glower of Lǎo bǎn. My heart jumps, and I swallow the lump in my throat. His brow is cocked, his white hair laying against his forehead, not styled. Why did he do that when it was up just a little while ago? It only makes him look more childlike. Which I know he’s far from. I can see the shine in his eyes. His jaw is tight, but there is a hint of a smirk on his lips. Does he approve of my defiant behavior? Or does he just find me humorous to watch?

I want to know what he’s thinking. Why? It shouldn’t matter to me if he approves or not. The heat rolling through my stomach tells a different story. No. I want to avoid being killed. That’s it. It’s all there can be.