When They Come

As the bus rolled up to the school, Alex smiled and hopped off the back, her feet planting firmly on the asphalt. She did that a lot because she was sometimes late to board the bus. Alex liked to improvise with options she could reach.

Walking to the door of the bus, she waited around for her friend to hurry his lazy butt up so she could catch up with him. In a matter of minutes, a black-haired boy stepped out of the bus. He had a lazy smile on his face as he swaggered over to her.

“Miss me?” He asked, giving her a wink.

“Maybe if you weren’t so slow,” Alex replied and started to walk towards the doors.

“I can’t help it if I want to make an entrance,” He replied.

“John Lachlan, you are a mess,” Alex sighed.

They neared the entrance of the school and the two watched as they passed under an iridescent metal scanner. Once they made it to the other side, their badges gave a little chime and they kept on walking.

The school was all abuzz with nervous chatter as Alex and John walked through the halls to get to their first period. Any minute the Saimiens would arrive and no one wanted to be in the halls when they stalked down them.

John polished his badge with his shirt and as he did, Alex rolled her eyes. “You don’t have to boast that you’re a Dom, John,” She sighed. “It’s not that big of a deal,”

“Well, it’s your rank, so you should take it seriously,” John replied, lifting his head.

“It’s not that I don’t take it seriously. I just think our rank is not that important. You know, besides being able to provide food and stuff for everyone,” Alex said, flattening her hair to make it look presentable.

“Pity, farm girl thinks she’s special,” A cold voice said behind Alex.

Alex rolled her eyes. Cassandra.

“To what do I owe the pleasure, Ice Queen?” Alex said bitterly.

“Oh, nothing, my dear student,” The red-haired girl said with a toss of her red mane as she walked with the crowd. “I’m just heading to my class. You know, that you’ll attend,”

Alex wanted to slap that girl very much. To yell at her too. Because she deserved that. Even if she was a Scholar.

“Of course,” Alex sighed and gritted her teeth.

“Have anything to say? I’m sure your Saimien would love to hear it when I give the report,” Cassandra said sweetly.

“No,” Alex said, lifting her head indignantly. “I don’t have anything to say at all,” Especially to you.

“Alright then,” Cassandra sighed. “You’re safe…for now,”

Smirking, Alex flashed a smile at John. He nodded to her, trying to hide a laugh.

Alex sat down at her desk and propped her feet up on her desk. She had to get into character for her Saimien. All Saimiens were picky about stereotypes and enforced them often.

As Cassandra started their literature lesson for today, Alex began to drift off into a daydream. She envisioned herself as one of the higher ranks, looking down on Cassandra and her snotty attitude. A wonderful thought to keep her company through the—

The door slammed open and the class fell silent. Large figures ambled into the room. All eyes were at the front of the room. None looked away from their Saimien as their alien pinned their human with a stare.

Alex’s heart escalated as her Saimien stared her down. Cassandra’s Saimien turned to her and Alex could see the color drain from her face. Wimp.

“Report,” He said in a gravelly voice.

Cassandra drew herself up and took a breath. “Yes, Xevon. All’s well. No problems. No complications.” She said stiffly. Her eyes darted to Alex for a split second and Alex mentally scowled.

Xevon turned to Alex and narrowed his keen eyes at her. “You, girl,”

“Yes?” Alex replied in her country accent.

“Have you been causing any trouble?” Xevon snarled.

“Not in my wildest dreams would I think of causin’ any trouble,” Alex said earnestly. “I wanna keep my family outa trouble as much as possible,”

“Addir, take care of your human,” Xevon commanded to Alex’s Saimien.

Addir nodded to him and stepped forward. His black claws clamped down on Alex’s arm and dragged her out of her seat.

“Hey! Now, what in tarnation are you doin’?!” Alex cried, trying to pry off Addir’s talons.

She was pulled out of class and thrown out into the empty hallway without an answer. The door closed behind Addir and his tail slipped away from the doorknob. Alex swallowed heavily.

“N—now lookie here, I didn’t do nothin’ ya hear? Cassandra—”

“I am very well aware of what Cassandra did,” Addir said. “And drop that accent,”

Alex shut her mouth and froze. “Sorry,” She said in her normal voice quietly, not moving her eyes off the alien.

“I did not drag you out here to punish you, I am here to warn you. Cassandra’s power has gone to her head. Typical of humans. She enjoys preying on the ones who show a threat to her rank—you. You mustn’t provoke her. Or I will have to discipline you,”

“You mean, you don’t want to harm me?” Alex said shocked.

“No,” Addir said quietly as if someone might overhear. “Now, when we go back in, you have to act as if I hit you, understand? Xevon is my commander and I can’t disobey him.”

Alex nodded and took a breath. She suddenly slapped her arm as hard she could, and she had to bite back her scream. She looked over to Addir and nodded.

Addir nodded and turned back to the door. He placed his claw on the door, opened it, and held it open for Alex. Holding her arm, Alex walked into the room, head bowed in submission and sat back in her seat.

This was a new side of Addir she had never seen before. Usually, he didn’t say much except order for her to state her report. That was it. Now, he actually showed a bit of care. It was different but she liked it.

Cassandra looked to Alex, a flash of triumph in her eyes before returning to her young-teacher look. Alex flashed her a hurt look, but she was smiling on the inside. It was the game she loved to play with the cat known as Cassandra.

Xevon nodded to Addir and looked to Alex. He seemed pleased that Alex was hurt and that the red mark on her arm was starting to bruise. Weirdo.