The Unwanted: Changing Fates (Rewriting)

25.

It had been a few days and Gatlin had avoided everyone pretty successfully. After her display in front of everyone though everyone had said it was okay Gatlin had become very embarrassed about it. It certainly didn't help matters when Billy picked up his pace to catch up to her. The dirty, gangly blonde silently kept running alongside Gatlin quietly but the occasional glances had her wanting to roll her eyes in annoyance till finally, he found his voice “are you okay?" Billy questioned as their feet pounded against the dirt as they ran side by side. Gatlin sighed at his question she certainly didn't want to meet his gaze Gatlin could feel a look of pity "I mean you looked sick... Did you end up finding Onyx? Did you need him to call you family?" his questions seemed endless and they were enough to make her almost physically wince "so did you just come down with something or--"

"I'm fine, Billy I'm fine really" she quickly cut him off before he could ask yet another question "really I just wasn't feeling well that's all" Gatlin explained before pushing herself to run further. It wasn't hard for her to overtake Billy now or most of the guys for that matter. Gatlin pushed hard till she got closer to the group of trainees standing around by the front of the cabin.

"You a--"

"I beg of you not to finish that sentence" Gatlin spoke her voice breathless from the run as she made her way over to Arro.

"Nice morning we are having?" he awkwardly changed topic long slender fingers scratching at the back of his neck. It was a common trait she noticed in his family since Arro did it also she could even remember catching Huntly doing it on occasion.

Gatlin chuckled at his sudden stammering which lightened the mood "I'm fine, Arro" Gatlin found herself glancing around the group when something dawned on her "where is Marks?"

"Beta test is today" Arro answered.

"What? Today? He didn't say anything" she seemed surprised at first but a look of concern lingered which made Arro smirk. That obvious soft spoke Gatlin had was hidden well mostly but on the occasion, it rose its head he couldn't help himself.

“Don't worry, Linz it's a surprise test. He didn't know till five minutes before” Arro explained but the lingering smirk held, it was all too knowing in her obvious reactions.

“I’m not... I'm not” she muttered Gatlin was thankful for her darker complexion feeling almost flustered at his observation.

“Yes you are but it's okay” Arro seemed to try and muster a smile. Arro was all about the mate's idea and he had made it quite adamant so his sudden relaxed demeanour although confused her it was a nice change “I'm sorry, Linz...”

“What for?” his sudden apology to her by surprise as she fully turned to face her taller friend. Arro’s lean figure stood over her as they stood barely a few feet apart a saddened look across his face. Those large blue pools of eyes were just swirling with emotions.

“I'm not saying I was wrong about the mates thing but I'm sorry for being so hard on you about it. You're my friend and though we've only known each other for a short time you’ve become my closest friend...” Gatlin couldn't help but give in to that sad look like a beaten-down puppy.

“Arro” Gatlin’s usually gravely voice fell soft “it's okay” as soon as she said the words he smiled in complete sincerity the bow-shaped lips curved up revealing that deep dimple groove that only formed in his cheek when he smiled wide enough. While the pair settled into the pleasantries of one another's company they didn't even notice Onyx arrive until the third time he called Gatlin’s name.

“Gatlin!” he shouted once more causing both of them to finally turn. That serious look was on Onyx’s face as usual if anyone didn't know any better it was though the man never smiled. His silver eyes were set on Gatlin attempting to hold a stern gaze but it was clear it was a struggle for him so Onyx simply turned away “today is the day. Are you ready for your test?”

“Yes, yes I'm ready” she answered rather all too eagerly.

“Alright... Head out into the woods” he ordered of her.

“And?” she was curious for further instructions.

“And nothing. Go into the woods once you're there either you will figure out what to do or not” he gave a shrug as though it didn't bother him. Gatlin felt it though, deep within her gut she felt the tug of his feelings the sadness and confusion that was settled inside the young warrior but Gatlin didn't spare him a glance nor her time. They had chosen their paths and finally Onyx had given her the next steps to getting closer to her goal.