(Amaia)
The training ground is almost 1 kilometre in perimeter. At my speed, I know it would take me about 5 minutes to cover this distance.
I have hardly run a few meters when I hear Alnitak's heavy steps behind me. He is catching up, his sonorous laugh echoes as his smooth voice comes.
"Run, Lassie, if I capture you, that won't end well."
A ride of emotions explodes in my belly, but I am not the one to give up. My legs become faster, as I exert myself to push forward and leave some of my badge mates behind who are completing their own laps.
"That's all you got?" Alnitak teases from behind and I turn my head slightly. He is right on my tail wearing that annoyingly sexy smile, the one which makes my mind go crazy. His long legs move with such precision while the muscles of his biceps bounce.
"Says the one who is still behind," I retort, poking the beast on purpose. My heart beats insanely fast, and the adrenaline rushes through my veins as the side of his lips hikes up.
"You asked for it," he speeds up and I turn my head forward, trying to put distance between us.
But he is faster now. Was he holding himself back? I see the starting point up ahead, a few more sprints and I will almost be there.
Everything my body possesses I give. My teeth clench, arms march, legs ache as I try to cover the last few meters.
But, my legs leave the ground. My body is effortlessly pulled into very strong arms. His scent makes me dizzy.
My breath knocks out of me when he bounces me on his shoulder as if I am a feather, not a whole ass woman.
"Alnitakkk! Put me down," I scream, beating his back with my fists. His arms keep me secured over his thick shoulder and he doesn't listen.
Embarrassing, I see Mintaka watching me wearily as he tries to complete his laps.
"Nope, No, Nada." Alnitak sprints forward with me hanging over his shoulder for dear life. He stretches his legs until we arrive at the starting point and finally halts.
"Put me down, you big idiot," I yell at him, making him heartily laugh. He pauses and removes me from his shoulder, steadying me on the ground in front of him.
Shit eating grin covers his handsome face as he bends down to my level and pinches my nose, like one does to a child.
"You see, Lassie. I always win and since you were on my shoulder and my leg reached the finish line first, I won," he declares himself champion.
I roll my eyes at him and swat away his large hand.
"You cheated, by carrying me on your shoulder, you didn't give me the chance to run on my own, or I would have easily won." I place both my hands at my hips and face him angling my head up. My eyes narrowed at him.
Sweat trickles down my spine and temples.
He throws his head back and waves his hand away towards the sky.
"Delusions, delusions. I won and know you will be doing one task I will ask of you, that was the deal."
Before I can speak, both of us are interrupted.
"Detention for both of you. This is my training session, not a circus. Tonight at 8 pm sharp, my office," Alnilam's sharp voice has me jolted as I turn to face him.
Damn! Now that is the real beast we both have poked. With nostrils flared and anger contorting every beautiful feature of his face, he glares at both of us.
When did he arrive?
"Oh! Come on. Detention on the first day. We were only having a race while completing the laps you have given us," Alnitak pleaded, not at all seeming afraid of this silver-haired man who has me frightened to my wits.
There is this dominance which exudes from him that makes my knees buckle.
"Get back on completing those laps without any more drama or I can double it. And both of you will run in opposite directions."
Like a tyrant, he separates us and makes us run laps in opposite directions so we wouldn't repeat what we just did.
I wonder about the detention and what punishment he might give me. I pass beside Kacir and he falls in step beside me.
"You seem to be getting along well with Alnitak. Is it intentional?" He carefully asks.
'No, he is my mate and I feel comfortable around him,' the answer refuses to slip from my tongue so I say instead.
"No. He is just easy to talk to and is also fun. I need some smiles in my life." At least I didn't lie. That is the truth.
"You deserve happiness and peace. I wish your shitty mate was watching and burning with jealousy." Kacir actually smiles at me and I return it.
Together we complete the laps Alnilam has given us.
My uniform is soaked from sweat and I am thankful it's black.
Kacir grabs some water for us in steel containers. One good thing has come out of the apocalypse. Most of the plastic-making factories were destroyed, and now we don't make plastic products anymore. I heard it was one of the major factors in our world's pollution.
Once everyone is done except Rahria, Alnilam halts them. Mintaka and Alnitak appear as fresh as cucumbers. They had hardly broken sweat and I wonder how much they train.
Rahria, on the other hand, is huffing and gasping for breath.
"Complete the rest in the evening," Alnilam says without showing any emotions and she thankfully nods at him, straightening up.
Alnilam then faces us holding a large wooden sword by the hilt. I had never seen such a huge sword before. He effortlessly bounces it in his hand.
His silvery strands flow behind him in the light breeze.
"Today we will have sword practice. Grab wooden swords from the box and pair up," he instructs and then his eyes land on me.
"Amaia, you are with me."
We are 15, so of course, one has to practice with him.
But my heart sinks at his words, he is going to embarrass me in front of the whole class.