Elite (Eagle Elite #1)(8)

Monroe wrapped her arm around me and whispered for me to calm down. Did I look that angry? I got my answer the minute I felt another hand on my back.

I flipped around and saw Chase smile and touch me briefly on the shoulder, inclining his head in my direction. I seriously almost punched him in the nose. I felt manipulated when they were mean and I felt manipulated when they were nice. It was like I always had to watch my back.

“I’m sure you’ve all noticed we have a new student. The winner of the annual Eagle Elite lottery registered this morning.” Nixon’s dimples widened right along with his smile. “Trace, why don’t you come up here and say a few words?”

No. I shook my head and dug my heels into the ground. But Chase had a hold of my arm and tugged me toward the stage. I looked back at Monroe, but she was currently fighting her own battle with Tex. He had both of her arms firmly behind her back in a tight grip. At least he mouthed sorry to me.

Phoenix was nowhere to be seen, but I’m sure he was around for backup just in case I decided to attempt to break Chase’s nose.

Each step clanged in the large room. I could feel my own heartbeat as I made my way toward the stage.

Nixon held his hand out to me, but I was afraid to take it, afraid that if I did he would jerk back or embarrass me. I couldn’t trust him, and he knew it. Yet if I didn’t grab it, I would be insulting him, which was apparently an unforgiveable sin.

I prayed he’d take my hand.

Shaking, I reached out to grasp his hand.

Shock at his warm touch overwhelmed me. His eyes hooded as he looked down at our joined hands. Briefly, it looked like his face relaxed and I saw a different person. One who wasn’t in league with the devil.

As quickly as it had happened, his face tightened and he dropped my hand. I watched as he rubbed it on his slacks and then flexed it as if I had somehow held it too tight.

He cleared his throat. “Trace Rooks, everyone.”

People clapped because he was clapping. They weren’t actually excited to see me up there, nor did they even care. Most of them had bored expressions on their faces. I nervously scanned the crowd for Monroe, she was beaming. Her expression gave me strength. I immediately got choked up thinking of grandma, how she told me I could do this. That nobody could tell me I wasn’t worthwhile.

“Trace Rooks, if that isn’t a backcountry name, I don’t know what is. “ I joked into the microphone. “I come from a place where cows outnumber people and the local bartender knows everyone by name.” I took a deep breath. “I guess you could say I’m completely out of my element, but I’m thankful nonetheless. I’m thankful for the opportunity to expand my education and even more so, I’m thankful that while I’ve been standing here Nixon hasn’t attempted to trip me or knock me off the stage. Guess there’s hope for me yet. Moo.”

Did I just moo?

I cracked a smile.

And then I noticed more smiling faces around me.

And one clap, followed by more, and then shouting.

I backed away and walked slowly back down the stairs. This time, Chase escorted me like a normal human being. When we reached the crowd of students, he whispered in my ear. “I knew you would be different.”

“Different?”

“It’s a compliment, Farm Girl. Get used to it. Because you’ve just earned half the student body’s respect.”

“And the other half?” I asked slowly making my way back to Monroe.

“…Follow the Elect and will stop at nothing to destroy you.” He stopped me with his hand and turned me to face him.

“And whose side are you on, Chase?”

His eyes examined mine for a brief second before he tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear. “I always side with the pretty girls.”

I waited for him to say, “And that’s not you.” But instead he held up my hand and kissed it, then walked off.

People around me began whispering. My mouth must have dropped open because suddenly my throat felt dry.

Monroe found me within seconds. “Hell, I think my brother almost choked on his tongue. Nice work, Boots.”

“Boots?”

“Yeah, it’s your new nickname.”

“Why?”

“Because you moo’d in front of the entire student body and I can’t very well call you a cow. But when I think of farms I think of cowboy boots. So Boots, yup, Boots.”

Nice logic. “Alright then, Boots it is.” I shrugged.

“He’s going to shit himself.” Monroe looked all too pleased as Nixon finished making his speech. Applause erupted when he finished, and we were dismissed to the party.

“What now?” I asked Monroe.

“Now…” She grabbed my hand. “We dance.”





Chapter Five


I should have known that Elite wouldn’t do anything half ass and that a college dance and welcome party was anything but that in their eyes. It may as well been prom, or a coronation ball, or the Oscars. Seriously.

The auditorium had holograms playing across the ceiling and dancing along the walls. The music played to the shapes on the wall and a music video of some band was playing toward the far wall where the dance floor was located.

Everything was in black light and I half expected someone famous to pop out on stage and start a concert.