Fates Must Be Kidding

Ready, steady, and, finally, go!

Over the next few days I concentrate on my studies and training. Because I have to, not because I want to avoid Ryder. Nope, not at all. And when I see him with no one else is around, I don't run away or hide. Fine, maybe I do, but it's only because this whole situation is too confusing for me to get into right now, I have other things to worry about! It's not like he wants to be my boyfriend or anything. He would have found a way to ask me out, right? If he really wanted to! It would be great to be able to talk about this with Rose and Knox. Hopefully, soon, since it's getting more and more difficult to find good hiding spots around here.  I'm also running out of excuses to make myself scarce.

But let's get back to more important matters at hand! I was getting so restless that the Alpha suggested that we leave a couple of days early. That's why I'm packing my bag right now. It's not that I need to take lots of things with me, two pairs of jeans, three pairs of leggings, two pairs of shorts, five T-shirts, maybe two hoodies, 2 pairs of pajamas, some underwear, socks, and probably an extra pair of sneakers. The list might have been shorter, if I knew how long the trip was going to be. And, who knows, maybe my spare clothes will be of use for Rose and Knox. They are a bit smaller than me, height and muscle-wise, but my things will do in case of emergency. I like being prepared! Oh, and naturally I'm taking my favorite thing in the world with me, I would never leave my sword behind. I've actually been practicing with it quite a lot, I want to make sure that I can use this majestic weapon properly. I even gave it a name, it's Azrael, in case you are wondering, the Angel of Death. So ominous! And no, it doesn't make me crazy, I know for a fact that people name their cars and bikes!

I work my ass off to clear everything with my teachers, hand in all essays, home tasks, tests and whatever else they need from me, so that I don't have to wait until the very last day of school year. They don't have a problem with it, I've been consistently scoring at the top of my class in all subjects. I'm a major nerd and I'm not ashamed to admit it. My brain is like a magnet for any new information, so I feed the beast as much as I can!

Finally, the day has come. The Beta and I are leaving after breakfast, I would have left sooner, but there are people who want to see us off. Personally I think it's unnecessary, but by now you are aware that I'm not that emotionally-conscious. But I'm learning! I manage to suppress an eye roll when I see a big group of people gathered at the front door. The Luna looks suspiciously teary-eyed, please don't cry! That will be SO awkward. She gives me a tight hug and says "Please, be careful!"

"I will, you have nothing to worry about," I assure her. I am not scared, neither should she. Even if I were going alone, I wouldn't be too worried, I can take care of myself. The Alpha pats me on the shoulder and wishes me good luck. Then I'm surrounded by my guy squad, most of them don't look too happy. It seems that Damon voices their opinion when he says "I still think you should take some of us with you!"

"For what? So that I decrease my chances of giving someone an ass-whooping of the century?" I try to lighten the mood.

"If you are in trouble and need some help, call me right away!" Leo tells me.

"Sure." He lifts his brow at that. Oops, I guess it sounded more sarcastic than I intended it to be. I sigh and try again, "I promise to call you if I need your help!" He nods satisfied with my answer. And then it's Ryder's turn, I hope he is sane enough not to kiss me in front of everyone. Fortunately, he opts for a hug and whispers "I hope you find whatever you are looking for, and come back to us soon!" I smile and get in the car.

I have no idea how long we have been driving. Well, not really we, but the Beta. He woke me up after pulling up to a diner. Looks like it's lunch time! We place our order and get settled in a booth far from everyone else.

"So how do you want to do this?" the Beta gets straight to the point. 

"Ricky's plan was to get involved in underground fighting. That's why when we get to Las Vegas we need to find a way in. We could be a coach-prospect duo. If necessary, you can sign me up for a couple of fights, to make our cover story more real," I suggest.

"I would rather avoid that, so let it be our Plan B. Maybe we'll be able to track him just by attending a couple of fights. We should pick one of the fancier hotels and flash some money, that will be our ticket in." I nod in agreement. I certainly don't mind getting in the cage, but that might attract unwanted attention. While Ricky has the size and looks of an 18-year old, I'll get 16 tops. So it might be a bit hard to explain why I can fight like that. The fewer questions we are asked, the better it is for our mission, in case there are Facility people lurking around.

In three hours we are getting a key to our room at Bellagio. I look around to see if someone is paying us close attention. So far so good. The Beta motions for me to follow him. I'm a bit surprised when we go all the way up to the penthouse. He notices my reaction and shrugs his shoulders, "The Alpha said to spare no expense." I need to make sure that I pay him back for that, as soon as I have the funds to do it. 

I would probably find the view from our suite breathtaking, if I didn't have other things on my mind. 

"Go take a shower, if you need to. We'll head out to dinner in an hour and a half, and try to get the information we need."

He doesn't have to tell me twice, I'm relieved he doesn't want to just take it easy today and get to work tomorrow. I would quite possibly sneak out on my own if he did.

"I almost forgot, Esme asked me to give you this." I wonder what that is all about, that box is huge! As if reading my mind, he adds, "Don't ask me, I have no idea what is in there and why she had to be sneaky about it!"

I go to my bedroom and set the surprise box on the bed. I take the top off and see a lot of packaging paper and a note on top of it. It reads the following: "I had a feeling you might need this. Love, Esme." She is incredible, and so is the contents of the box! It's a glittery gold cocktail dress with a see-through cape, both made of a weightless fabric. Oh, and there are satin shoes to go with it. Fortunately, they are mid heel, otherwise, I would have to wear a pair of sneakers or go barefoot and hope that people think of me as an eccentric spoilt teenager. After my shower I get dressed, put my blow-dried hair is a bun, apply a little bit of makeup on and spend the rest of the time I have left practicing to walk in heels. I think I get the hang of it when the Beta knocks on my door asking if I'm ready. 

"Coming!" I yell, grab a tiny clutch I found in the wonder box and rush out. When we get to the lobby, the Beta confidently strides to the reception desk and asks for restaurant and entertainment recommendations. In a minute we are joined by the client entertainment manager who leads us to his work station. He gives us a quick overview of our options, and then asks, "Is this what you were looking for? Or maybe you had something else in mind, sir?" How perceptive of him. "Actually, Mark. My daughter and I were hoping to get to watch a couple of cage fights while we are here. She has a thing for violence and is a talented fighter herself." Mark looks surprised, but when he looks closer at me he probably notices my toned muscles. He nods thoughtfully, and responds, "Unfortunately, there aren't any official fights scheduled for the next couple days. But let me make some calls, and I'll get back to you in a bit." "That will be greatly appreciated," the Beta says while handing him what looks like five hundred dollars.

"You really are going all out, aren't you?" I chuckle. "When in Rome...," is his amused answer. I suspect he is enjoying all this way more than he should!

As we are enjoying heavenly steaks in an outrageously luxurious restaurant, the Beta's phone starts buzzing. "Yes? I see. Sounds good, please send me the address. Thank you, Mark." He disconnects the call and flashes me a bright smile, "We're in!" 

Ricky, we are coming! Don't you dare disappear on me now.