The sounds of my new team waking break me from my crouch. The green glowing numbers of the bedside clock read 3:50 a.m. I slept through the night. I never sleep through the night. I`m surprised the squad didn`t make their move while I was out.

　　The lights start to glow brighter overhead. The exposed silver air ducts running along the open ceiling look like giant twisted tree branches. I sit down and slow my breathing. Being the first to leave and the last to arrive takes skill. And keeps me from being around others outside of scheduled meetings or training. Idle time is dangerous for my well-being. So I wait for their movement to die out.

　　I dress in a fresh, black training uniform and grab the schedule off my desk. All is quiet by the time I`m done and I need to get going. I take a few turns and exit on a gravel path that leads to the steps at the front entrance of Centrum Building.

　　The Elites are gathered at the base of the steps. They make an imposing picture dressed all in black. I`m still a few feet away when they abandon their stretches and warm-up to watch me. They turn in unison and stand in a line. I unclench my jaw and slide on my blank mask before I get closer.

　　A blond ponytail bounds up to me right in my personal space. My steps stutter to a stop as I look down and meet Addy`s wide grin and bright blue eyes. She grabs my arm, pulling me with her oddly powerful grip and drags me to the rest of the squad.

　　"Good morning sunshine." She says with a roll of her eyes putting a finger between my furrowed brows, "Time to meet everyone."

　　Addy gets behind me to push me forward, but once I plant my feet, I`m not moving unless I allow it. It`s hard not to smile when she bounces off me.

　　"Geez, stand down muscles." She mutters and stands by my side holding her nose.

　　I keep my eyes on the warriors in front of me. The captain isn`t among them.

　　"So, as the unofficial welcoming committee for the newbie it`s time for introductions." She swings her arm across my chest dramatically as I squint my eyes down to her in annoyance. Her smile beams back brighter.

　　"Everyone, this is warrior Rain Oren, the newest member of our oh so happy Elite family."

　　She dances from my side over to one of the biggest warriors I`ve ever seen. He`s a massive bulky wall and at least four inches taller than me. Dark hair shaved at the sides, with long pieces falling above his eyes.

　　He looks like a hulking shadow with his deep tanned skin and dark scruff beard. The only sign of life is the hard squint of his deep blue eyes as they study me.

　　"This very scary muscle of a man is our second in command and closet book nerd," Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

　　"Addy." His low voice barks out in warning, stopping her commentary.

　　"Fine." She whispers.

　　The shadow nods to me once. "Kane Speal."

　　His heart rate is slow, slower than I`ve ever heard. His breathing is so slight it`s going to take a focused effort to sense him. My eyes move over to the warrior next to him as a hand raises in a half-wave.

　　"Hey man." Fletcher nods with an easygoing smile. I`m still not buying his act. He`s too carefree for a warrior.

　　I nod in greeting and stand at ease so I can clench my hands behind my back, away from their eyes. Surrounded by these unknown threats has me fighting a sudden surge of energy. Kane`s eyes narrow with my change in posture. He watches too closely. Too much like I do.

　　My eyes slide over to the warrior next to Fletcher. A wavy mop of brown hair looks down at a communication device around his wrist. Suddenly a clump of fresh picked grass and dirt sails from Addy. It stops inches from the warrior`s head, clutched between his firm grip.

　　"Damn." Addy mumbles, placing a hand on her hip. "I almost had you that time, right?"

　　I`m impressed by his reflexes. He looks up, throws a warm smile at her, drops the grass to the ground, and turns towards me.

　　"Hey man, I`m Iva." He nods, giving me the same warmth, he gave Addy.

　　The gold tones of his brown hair match his eyes exactly. They`re unguarded. He`s too open, or he`s really good at making it seem that way. I look at his uniform for the last name he didn`t offer. My eyes shoot back to his face. He gives me a deeper smile and goes back to his communications device. Iva Algar. Algar is one of the four founding families. I`ve never met another founding family member before. Iva is about my height and build. I don`t know why I expected the other founding warriors to be more like Kane.

　　Fletcher walks past Iva to stand behind a female Elite. He raises his hands as if to place them on her shoulders, but stops before making contact.

　　"And this," he says, hovering behind her, outlining an hour glass shape with his hands, "is Luce."

　　He drags out the sound of her name and stops with a gasping cough when she elbow checks him in the gut. I swallow hard at the speed of her jab.

　　"Luce Botond." She stands with her legs shoulder width apart, arms crossed and does nothing to hide the fact that she`s already determined I`m not worthy to be on this squad.

　　Every female warrior at the academy tied their hair back to keep it from obstructing their vision. But just like her unapologetic attitude, Luce lets hers fly. Her fiery red hair is loose and hangs down past her shoulders, blowing across her pale skin. Strands catch in her long dark eyelashes and her emerald eyes pierce into mine. She gives me a death look, so I give no nod in greeting.

　　I look them over again and my stomach clenches. I thought the captain would be the hardest to read. As if just by thinking about her, she appears, and walks past me to join the squad. She`s in the same black training gear we are, her shiny brown hair tied back in a high ponytail like she wore in the tunnel.

　　"Now that the pleasantries are over, let`s add another ten miles to our warm up this morning for starting late." She says.

　　"Awe, captain." Fletcher groans. "We had to welcome new meat, I mean newbie."

　　He smiles over at me and winks. I keep my gaze unmoved, knowing he thrives on reaction.

　　"Kane, set the pace." The captain orders. "Be sure to remind Fletcher how to take an order. And Oren," she turns around to face me, "try to keep up. If you fall behind me, you earn extra run time at the end of your day."

　　"Move it Elites." Kane`s shout is so low and deep I feel its rumble in my bones.